NEW RELEASE! The Reckoning by M. Leighton

THE RECKONING

Author: M. Leighton

SUMMARY:

Carson Porter thought she’d had one of her most challenging years to date when she began her transformation into a reaper, but little did she know her battle had only just begun.

Faced with changes in her boyfriend, Derek, the fear of her sister being able to steal her powers through mirrors and having to fight her every step of the way to rescue even one soul, Carson is ready to throw in the towel. Only she can’t. During a visit from an angel, Carson learns that her destiny is far more important than even she realized—and far more deadly. Can she dig deep within herself for the strength and the perseverance that she’ll need to carry out her mission? And will she have to do so without Derek or can she recover the man she’d once loved so desperately? Find out in the exciting conclusion of the Fahllen series, The Reckoning.

JUST CLICK BELOW TO PURCHASE!

150+ Reading Challenge For 2012

 It is my pleasure to present to you the 

150+ Reading Challenge for 2012!

THIS IS THE SIGN UP PAGE FOR THE CHALLENGE ONLY!!!!

Last year was my first year hosting the 100+ Reading Challenge.  I noticed a TON of blogs are hosting it this year, so I thought I would up the challenge.  For me 100 books is not a problem to read for one year.  I know there are a lot of people out there who can read more than the base line of 100.

So....this year I am not only challenging myself, I am going to challenge you to read even more this year!

The goal is to reach 150+ books for this challenge?  Now don't get discouraged!  I know 150 books or more sounds like a lot.  When you read the rules below though, you will find that it is quite easy to reach 150 books.

Don't be shy! Come sign up and spread the word!  The challenge doesn't officially start until January 1rst, 2012 but I wanted to get it set up before the holidays are upon us.  This should give you plenty of time to get yourself geared up for this challenge increase!

DETAILS/RULES:

1. The goal is to read 150 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.

2. Allowed are: Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible and comic books.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st, 2012 thru December 31, 2012. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

6. When you sign up under Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.

READY......SET.....SIGN UP!!!!

IMM: In My Mailbox (57)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Here is what showed up in my mailbox this week!

I received quite a few books this week for review along with one of my contest wins from Contest Craze!  Awesome books for me to add to my review pile is always a good thing. I also received some from PaperBackSwap but I accidentally put them up on my shelves at the beginning of the week without taking a photo. Oops! Sorry about the quality of the photo this week.  My battery was on borrowed time and the flash wouldn't come on. Guess I better charge it huh?!

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE

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 FOR REVIEW

CLOUDBURST by V.C. Andrews

FAMILY STORMS by V.C. Andrews

-Thanks to Simon & Schuster-

WARPED by Maurissa Guibord

-Thanks to Ms. Guibord and Princess Bookie-

BEAUTIFUL CHAOS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

-Thanks to LBYR-

BETWEEN THE SKY AND SEA by Jaclyn Dolamore (ARC)

-Thanks to Bloomsbury-

UNLEASHED by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie (ARC)

-Thanks to Amazon Vine-

THE BOY PROJECT by Kami Kinard (ARC)

-Thanks to Scholastic-

(NOT PICTURED)

SIMMER by T.K. Richardson (Signed)

-Thank you to Ms. Richardson-

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So that is what I got this week.

What did everyone else get?

Simmer: Recipes for the Teen Palate by T.K. Richardson

SIMMER
Recipes for the Teen Palate
Author: T.K. Richardson
Source: Author Submission
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Chamberton Publishing (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 061548834X
ISBN-13: 978-0615488349

SUMMARY:

Everything tastes better when it simmers. If you're hanging out with friends and want a quick snack, or just want to eat something you have cooked, the recipes in this cookbook are simple and easy, but big on taste. A cookbook for teens and beginning cooks SIMMER is easy to follow, easy to use, and offers a variety of great recipes. Fast food is expensive and eats away money few teens have to spend. SIMMER can help! Mixed with step by step easy directions and common ingredients, these recipes will help the beginning cook prepare food that will satisfy and delight. From bacon cheeseburgers to simple spaghetti, or grilled pizza sandwiches to taco pie - these recipes are always a hit. Easy to prepare, even better to eat - the teen cook will have fun making their own meals. From my kitchen, where everything has a splash of olive oil, to your kitchen - I hope you find these dishes tasty. Simmer: Recipes for the Teen Palate contains over 70 recipes, including more than 30 vegetarian recipes.

MY THOUGHTS:

When author T.K. Richardson contacted me about her next book releasing for review, I never expected it to be a cookbook!  She knew I had teens at home, but she had no idea I am a lousy cook.  If the instructions aren't on the box or if I can't order it over the phone, then my family suffers through cereal for dinner.  Yes, I am that bad and I loathe cooking!  So when she explained that it is a recipe book geared towards the teens I was all for it.  I mean, come on! If I could teach my teenager to cook through a cookbook, then I would no longer need to do that cooking chore.  Well, I know I would have to do it, but that sounded good didn't it?


I was so surprised to find that the cookbook is set up nicely.  Not only are the dishes separated by meal time and such, but it also includes what utensils will be needed along with the ingredients.  No more searching for which pot to use or what baking dish.  Each recipe is explained clearly so that even the younger cook could understand them.  Now I picked an easy recipe to see how well a teen could accomplish it -- and lets face it, I needed to start out easy!  So I picked the Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwiches.  They are pretty self explanatory but I forced myself to follow the recipe as if I have never made one before.  I found it easy to follow and it tasted heavenly.  


Another thing that I enjoyed about the cookbook is that all of the recipes are easy and can be great for after school.  Tons of the recipes would be great for snacks or picnics for the weekend. If you are cooking challenged like myself, then this is a great beginner cookbook.  Not only will you learn to cook some fabulous dishes, but they are great for you to prepare with your children as well.  Great for family time and bonding!

MY RATING:

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

MOB is on Facebook now!

Hello readers!

I finally caved and made a Facebook page for the blog.

Now I want to warn you, I have no idea how to navigate or use Facebook!  Thank goodness my wonderful friend Anna helped set it up for me! (Thank you Anna!)

I don't know what 'Like' means, how to get to the author pages, nothing. Nope. Nada. Zilch.  

So please be patient with me as I figure it out.  HOPEFULLY, my blog posts will start appearing regularly on there.  At least, that is the way it is set up.....so we will see. 

Whatever the 'Like' button does, go ahead and go click mine.  Don't ask me why -- I have no clue -- but for some reason or another it is suppose to be good I guess. Just click on the image below or on the little F symbol in the right hand sidebar under 'Find Me Here'.

Happy Reading!

(ARC Review) Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

SHATTER ME
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (November 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062085484
ISBN-13: 978-0062085481

SUMMARY:

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. 

MY THOUGHTS:

I was actually sent this book months ago to read and review.  I don't know what kept me from reading it right away!  Now that I read the book, I wish I had started it that first day I received it in the mail! This book shattered my expectations and blew me away!


The summary on the back of the book didn't really give me much to go on.  Just a couple of lines with part of them crossed out.  Here is what I had to go on:

I have a curse.

I have a gift.

I'm a monster.

I'm more than human.

My touch is lethal.

My touch is power.

I am their weapon.

I will fight back.

At this point I am thinking about someone along the lines of Medusa except her touch instead of her eyes turn them to stone or something.  Yet when you start reading the book,  you start to realize it is better compared to Rogue from X-Men.  Her touch will literally kill you!  Juliette has been shunned by friends and family for a long time.  She has never had anyone to really confide in and has suffered in silence for most of her life.  When she is sent to captivity, she spends 264 days alone in a small cell with no contact of any kind to the outside world.  All she has is a small notebook that she writes in and hides it from anyone who might show up in her cell. 


Then on morning they arrive with a new cellmate.  One that has eyes that seem familiar.  Come to find out, the new cellmate is the boy from her past that showed kindness to her in school.  While he never really got the chance to talk to her back then, he never showed any hatred or repulsion that others had when being near Juliette.  She slowly starts to open up to Adam in the cell and they start to grow close.  Then one day out of the blue, they come for them.  The Reestablishment decides to use Juliette as a weapon to torture people.  If that wasn't bad enough, it is revealed that Adam is in on this and she starts to reevaluate what she knows of him.  But is he really on the wrong side, or is he secretly leading a double life?


This is one of those books that suck you in so fast you don't know what hits you.  A book where you will try to put it down to do something, but then you think to yourself that you just need to read one more chapter.  Then you realize the book has now been finished within a short amount of time and you want more!  I stayed up late reading this book and even tortured my family with me telling them that I wanted to just read a few more pages.  


This is one debut novel you are going to want to add to your wish list and one of the first books you will want to save up your money to buy.  I can't wait for the next book in the series to release so I can read more of Adam, Juliette and the rest of the characters that captured my interest from page one!

MY RATING:

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

(ARC Review) Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

DARK EDEN
Author: Patrick Carman
Source: Amazon Vine
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062009702
ISBN-13: 978-0062009708

SUMMARY:

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden? 

MY THOUGHTS:

When seven patients have been unable to be cured of their phobia's, they are sent to the mysterious place called Fort Eden.  With its promise of a cure, Fort Eden takes the seven patients to the center of their phobia and confronting it head on.  


When Will and the six other patients arrive at the entrance of Fort Eden, Will sneaks off and decides he isn't going to be apart of the therapy.  He doesn't want to be there and he doesn't know what to expect.  When he does sneak into Fort Eden though, he discovers mysterious rooms, cameras and puzzles to solve to find out just how Fort Eden can cure the phobias.  Will watches the other patients on the monitors from the bomb shelter. He tries to figure out how Rainsford is really curing their fears and discovers that it comes with a big cost.


I was pulled into this book from the first page.  If you decide to read the book, be aware that you can venture further into the world of Fort Eden through multimedia enhancements including audio and video as well as the written story.  While I didn't use either of the other options, I still enjoyed the story as the written journey.  Everything you read through the story has some sort of meaning by the time you get to the unexpected ending.  Things that you don't think are too important will come to light as a major clue in the story as well. 


If you are looking for a creepy and great new read this season, then Dark Eden will capture your interests and drop you into the fears of the seven kids. While it wasn't my favorite of the year, it was a fun experience to read and try to figure out!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

Knights & White Satin by Cash Cole

KNIGHTS & WHITE SATIN
Author: Cash Cole
Source: Personal Purchase

Paperback: 184 pages
Publisher: Ellora's Cave (October 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1419961071
ISBN-13: 978-1419961076

SUMMARY:

Mike is a swinging bachelor with a big empty house and plenty of time and money to spend as he likes. But the second he sees Lee in the bar, he knows something's about to change. He brings Lee home for some hot-tub fun-and plunges headfirst into love. And Lee is right there with him. But Lee isn't flying solo. Years ago, he married his best friend Cate so they could please her parents, share a household and have a baby together. Their relationship is strictly platonic, and Cate is thrilled that Lee has found someone. She doesn't want him to give up his love life to care for her, but she's living on borrowed time due to a terminal illness. As Mike discovers passion the likes of which he never knew before Lee, he realizes he needs to step up and think of others for a change. And Lee-and his family-are about to learn what it's like to have a real-life knight in shining armor.

MY THOUGHTS:

I didn't think this was going to be a great book because of the cover.  This was a lesson learned in judging a book by its cover instead of the writing on the pages.  First, the couple on the cover looks nothing like the characters described or the ones I picture in my head.  The tarot cards on the front do represent a certain part of the story, but it was a small part.  The only thing about the cover photo that really represents the book in true nature is the pose that the two men are in.  It is a pose that you will come to know throughout the entire story and has a meaning behind it.


When Mike meets Lee at a charity function, he has no idea how fast he would fall for him.  What he also has no idea about is the secrets that Lee holds as well.  Lee married his best friend Cate after college for a matter of convenience.  Together they had a son so Cate could enjoy the experience of being a mother.  Lee is gay, but he loves his son and his best friend.  Cate is also dying from breast cancer.  After the charity function, Mike and Lee share a passionate night of love.  It is interrupted though by a phone call Lee receives that Cate collapsed and is being rushed to the hospital.  When the doctors tell Lee that Cate's cancer is back, he feels the world crumbling around him.  Mike arrives at the hospital after Lee left his phone at his house and discovers that Lee is married with a child.  He feels like Lee lied to him and calls his friend Kelly/Keith to chew him out for setting him up.  Once Mike figures out that it was a marriage in name only he returns to the hospital and tells Lee and Cate that they can move into his house.  Not only does he do this because he feels bad for Cate, but he selfishly wants Lee to be around him.


I wasn't a really big fan of Lee and Mike.  Their emotions were all over the place and I couldn't really feel a strong romantic connection between the two.  It felt like their relationship was sex based instead of a true romantic story because they jumped into it way too fast.  My favorite characters of the story had to be Kelly/Keith and the rest of the drag queen group.  They were hilarious and kept me laughing throughout the entire book.  Imagine you walk into a room with the following people: Two gay guys in love, one of the gay guys' wife, a priest who happens to be gay and was involved with the other gay guy, girls uptight Catholic parents, a toddler boy who is sweet and trusting and a bunch of drag queens performing a show for everyone!  It was hilarious. Especially the scene when her parents are confronting the priest out in the hot tub and she falls in.  


While I wasn't a big fan of the romance between Mike and Lee, the story itself was pretty good.  I laughed through the antics and witty dialogue.  I cried near the end when things were falling apart but starting anew.  I even liked the side characters that were written in the story.  Overall not a bad book to read if you are wanting to step into the romance world of male/male. 

MY RATING:

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

Eternity by Heather Terrell

ETERNITY
A Fallen Angel Novel
Author: Heather Terrell
Source: Personal Purchase

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (June 28, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061965715
ISBN-13: 978-0061965715

SUMMARY:

The end . . . or a new beginning? 

As Ellie comes to grips with her destiny as the Elect One, her relationship with Michael grows tense. When she meets a mys­terious boy named Rafe, things get even more complicated. 

Yet the time has come for the Elect One to stand against the group of evil fallen angels who are bent on destroying the world. In order to face the immeasurable malevolence heading her way, Ellie tries to put her personal life aside. But she soon learns that whoever holds her heart also holds the key to mankind’s salvation—or destruction. As the end days approach, Ellie is faced with an epic decision. Who does her heart really belong to? And is her love strong enough to save the world?
 

MY THOUGHTS:

I had a really hard time getting into this book for the simple fact that the first book in the series didn't wow me enough to keep the story fresh and memorable.  I struggled to remember what had happened in the first book to make sense of what was going on in this one.  After a few chapters though, the puzzle started coming together better and I started to remember bits and pieces of the previous book.

The book starts out shortly after the previous one ended.  Ellie is back home and needs to keep up the pretense of not knowing everything that she discovered in the previous book.  She isn't sure who remembers and who was forced to forget so she puts up her walls of defense and goes about her day as a normal teenage girl.  When she realizes that Michael remembers everything as well, they agree to keep it quiet so the Fallen are unable to track them.  Enlisting the help of Ellie's best friend Ruth, they try and figure out the seven signs of the end of the world in hopes of figuring out their roles in the coming fight.

Michael has been changing lately and Ellie can't figure out why he isn't acting like the boy she fell in love with.  When Ellie is introduced to Rafe at a school fundraiser, she feels herself attracted to him but not in a romantic way.  Sure he is cute and caring, but she knows her heart lies with Michael.  When Rafe exposes what he really is to Ellie and Michael, they find themselves training and learning about their roles for the final fight.

The book actually moved at a faster pace than the first book in the series.  I found myself reading this book quickly and enjoying the plot of it better this time around.  I felt a better connection between Michael and Ellie as well.  The prologue gives you a great hint at what is to come in the end, but you will still be pleasantly surprised about it all.  The one thing I thought was a little far fetched was how easy it was for Michael and Ellie to defeat some of the Fallen.  If they are suppose to be twice as strong as Ellie and Michael, how were they able to take them down so fast and easy?

Overall a great conclusion to the series-- at least I am assuming this is the final book.  If you haven't read the previous book in the series though, I recommend you reading it first to avoid confusion.  This is one that is definitely not a stand alone novel.

MY RATING:

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

Sleeping With The Devil by Vanessa Marlow

SLEEPING WITH THE DEVIL
Author: Vanessa Marlow (Cheryl Holt)
Source: Personal Purchase

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (April 15, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312364776
ISBN-13: 978-0312364779

SUMMARY:

Meg White leads a comfortable life as a chef in Portland.  Nothing prepared her for a man like Jordan Blair, the rich, magnetic stranger who seduces her and introduces her to a life of luxury--and sin.  Obsessed with Jordan and drawn to his dark sexual kinks, Meg allows him to transform her into a sophisticated beauty with no ties to her past.  But soon she's trapped in a web of lust and sexual depravity.  She doesn't know whether the man who's consumed her life is good or evil, whether her nights are filled with pleasure or pain--or how she'll ever survive.

MY THOUGHTS:

My first impression of this book from reading the summary was that is was going to be an intense and sexual erotica to read.  While the sex at times tended to be kinky and unnerving at times, the overall dominance of Jordan was downright appalling. 


I have never been squeamish about reading an erotica novel.  Heck, the more sexy fun in a romance the better because I am an adult and can handle reading about it.  When you venture into the realm of Jordan Blair though, be prepared to enter a dark and violent life.  Jordan was a horrible but attractive man.  He wanted things done a certain way and you had better listen to him.  He wasn't above punishing the women if they didn't do as he asked.  That's fine when you are reading am erotic book, but the way he went about it was just stomach turning.  He whipped her with a belt for no reason at all except for voicing her feelings to him.  He would drug her and make her do things that she never wanted to do including sex with strangers and having it all videotaped.  When she calls her ex boyfriend to rescue her though, Jordan takes it a step further and kills the man just so Meg will have to stay with him.  The whole time Meg is suffering through all of this, Jordan convinces others that she is losing her mind and needs to be committed. 


I was not a fan of this book.  I almost didn't want to finish this story due to the violence and sexual acts that Jordan puts Meg through.  This book is definitely not for the squeamish readers.  If you want to step into a suspenseful erotica were the relationship is based on sex, violence and women degradation, then this is that book.  I unfortunately will never pick this book up again.

MY RATING:

 
I did not like this book at all! 1 STAR

IMM: In My Mailbox (56)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Here is what showed up in my mailbox this week!

I only received one book this week in the mail but it was an awesome surprise! I may have petted it a few times and drooled at the cover as well. Remember a long time ago when hardback books would have the design on the actual book under the dust jacket? I miss those and this review book made me very happy! I also got my hair cut today! It was down to my bottom and I chopped it to where it falls just below my shoulders.  I would show you a picture but then my secret identity would be known followers would run away scared at seeing me with no makeup! LOL

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE

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 FOR REVIEW 

Well hello! What a nice package that has arrived in my mailbox! I wonder what it could be?

Oh look! It is the new book The Bite Before Christmas by authors Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost! Wait, there is also a small package!  It is suppose to be a glass snowflake ornament, but sadly it didn't make it.  UPS crushed the package, but my publishing rep is going to send me another because she rocks!

And look at that gorgeous cover under the dust jacket! Pure bliss! I may have this next to my bed so I can just drool over it as I fall asleep!

Thank you to Avon books for the great surprise!

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So that is what I got this week.

What did everyone else get?

 

Bullies Within The Schools: My 6 year olds experience

With all of the talk lately of bullies within our school systems, I thought I had dodged a bullet so far with my children.  My oldest was never really bullied and surprisingly, my middle daughter who is mentally disabled has never been bullied either.  It could be because most people in town know not to mess with my children because I am one hot headed mama bear when it comes to my kids.  I have always told my kids that they would not receive any punishment from me for defending themselves against bullies.  If those kids are tough enough to try and hit my children, then by God they better be tough enough to take a beat down from my girls when they are being hit on.

Unfortunately, my SIX YEAR OLD DAUGHTER has not had the same experience as her sisters.  At the beginning of this year a boy had to be moved away from her desk in first grade because he was constantly picking on her and fighting with her.  The teacher moved him to the "trouble maker" corner.  Then today, I get a call from her school saying that this boy hit her and it left a small red mark on her cheek.  I told them that my husband and I would be there in just a moment.  When we arrived, they went and got my daughter from class and imagine my shock when my daughter has a black eye.  NOT a small mark on her cheek.  We. Were. PISSED!

I had to keep bite my freaking tongue because other children were around.  My daughter said that this boy was fighting with another little boy and she got hurt when he fell back.  Did the boy apologize? Hell no.  Did he say it was an accident? Hell no.  He laughed according to my daughter.  Did he get suspended? Hell no.  Did he get in any type of trouble for this? Hell. Freaking. No!

Now, the picture is a little blurry and she has had ice on her face for a bit now.  It is swollen more than what the picture is showing, and the bruising is just now starting to really show.  I know by morning it will be even worse.

Want to know something else? School photos are next week. We will be retaking those.  I am just glad my daughter doesn't have any real damage to the eye itself.  At school, she told me her head hurt but she wanted to stay at school and finish her report card tests.  Now that is courage.  She didn't care what people thought and she just wanted to finish her work.

The next time you hear about bullies at school and think your children are safe, think again.  They are starting younger and younger with schools turning the other cheek.  This Mama and Papa Bear have already decided if my daughter so much as gets one more scratch from this boy, I will be pressing charges against their parents for not doing something.  I will also go on the news sharing how the schools are not doing anything.

The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

THE SWEETEST THING
Lucky Harbor #2
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Personal Purchase

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever; 1 edition (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446571628
ISBN-13: 978-0446571623

SUMMARY:

Two Men Are One Too Many . . . 

Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.

MY THOUGHTS:

The Sweetest Thing is the second book in the Lucky Harbor series by author Jill Shalvis.  After reading the first book, Simply Irresistible, I was anxious to read more about Tara and Ford.  In the end of the first book, we learned what secret Tara had been hiding and it included her past with Ford.  In this book, we get to deal with the emotions and repercussions that have evolved in each of their lives since that fateful event.

I think I might have loved this book in the series even better than the first book.  I loved Ford and his determination when it came to Tara.  I loved their interaction with not only her sisters and friends, but with their teenage daughter Mia.  I have a soft spot for Ford and have enjoyed his character the most.  I also enjoyed his competition with Tara's ex husband throughout the book.  The drunken phone calls from Ford, the town giving her ex husband a run for his money, and the overall reaction between Ford and Tara were at times hilarious.  I also enjoyed the town rallying together and making a Facebook page dedicated to Tara's love life.  It was funny to hear about what was posted and who was winning in the poll to win her heart. 

Chloe was in this installment quite a bit and I can't wait to see how Sawyer is going to win her over in the next book.  She was her usual hilarious and witty self around Tara in this book and I laughed out loud a few times when she was in the scene.  Jax and Maddie are also in this book, but not as much as I would have liked.  I missed their romance, but I also understand that they already had their book.

If you are a fan of Jill Shalvis or if you are just on the lookout for your next fun contemporary romance to read, then I urge you to give The Lucky Harbor series a try.  You will fall in love with the writing, the characters and the whole town.

MY RATING:

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

Adam by Jacquelyn Frank

ADAM
The Nightwalkers #6
Author: Jacquelyn Frank
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 354 pages
Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (October 25, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420109863
ISBN-13: 978-1420109863

SUMMARY:

Hunted by magic, beset by evil, the Nightwalkers face their darkest hour yet. And when the unthinkable happens, only one legendary male has the power, the will, to save them: Adam. . .

For 400 Years He Was Lost To Her, But He Is Hers Tonight. . .

From their first tantalizing touch, Jasmine knows he is different. What other lover could unlock her tight control, flood vampire senses jaded by a lifetime of decadent self indulgence? Centuries ago, when he disappeared without a trace, she had given up hope of ever fulfilling the promise of incomparable passion. But here he is, against the very laws of nature, ready to bring down their most vicious enemy, ready to bring her blood to the boiling point. . .if she will only let him. 

MY THOUGHTS:

Fans of the Nightwalker series pay attention!  Author Jacquelyn Frank has listened to our plea's, bribery and outright groveling of continuing the series with Adam.  Let me tell you that the author did not disappoint the readers with this new book!

While this wasn't my favorite book in the series -- mainly because I am a sucker for Noah -- it still had the magic the readers come to expect from the Nightwalker world.  Adam is the oldest brother to Jacob and Kane.  Long ago, Adam disappeared from not only his home and time, but from his job as Enforcer for the Demon world.  Jacob searched for him but found no trace of him.  When Adam mysteriously shows up centuries later, everyone is surprised to see him including Jacob.

I will tell you that I heard the first chapter of this book had been leaked. (boo to who did that!)  If you somehow read that first chapter -- again boo to all of you -- you were hit with a big surprise.  What you don't know is how it  relates to the rest of the story.  You must have faith in your author readers!  Jacob's daughter has a special talent and it plays a key role in everything.

The one thing I didn't like about this book was the time jumping within the first half of the book.  I started to get a headache from trying to keep track of the different times we were reading about, but eventually everything does come together and make sense.  Before you even attempt to ask me, yes the evil Ruth is back and she is back with a vengeance in this installment.  The way they handle her and wrap up this book was perfect.  I couldn't think of a better revenge towards Ruth than what the author gives us.

If you are a fan of the Nightwalker series and have been waiting not so patiently for this book to arrive, trust me in saying that you shouldn't be too disappointed in this book.  You will see previous characters play major roles in this story and familiar faces from other spin-offs of the story.  I loved how the characters intertwined into one book.  This just goes to show how readers can influence their authors in getting what we want! Thank you Jacquelyn Frank for listening to your readers!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

Sixteen Years Ago

Morgan 16 (left) and Allison 6 (right)

It was sixteen years ago today that I got to hold my first child.  I was suppose to be going in to see if she had finally decided to turn into the correct position and I was already having small contractions.  Needless to say, she was stubborn and still in the wrong position -- she was breech.  The doctor looked at me and asked if I wanted to wait until full blown labor and have a C-Section then, or if I wanted to have one right then.  Tough decision, but I instantly knew I wanted to bypass those labor pains!

So at 1:48pm, Morgan arrived with barely a cry and brought tears to my eyes.  She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and only 18 and half inches long.  Today marks the 16 year mark of her birth and I can't believe it.  She has grown into a wonderful young woman, and she is a great sister to Madison and Allison.  I love you Morgan and I am so proud of you!  Here are to many more birthdays and I am sure many more tears I will shed as you grow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

from your family and friends!

Bound By Blood by Amanda Ashley

BOUND BY BLOOD
(Bound #2)
Author: Amanda Ashley
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Zebra (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420121324
ISBN-13: 978-1420121322

SUMMARY:

A VAMPIRES LOVE IS ETERNAL.

Zack Ravenscroft loves women-all women-and they love him. The irresistibly seductive owner of the hottest casino in Vegas, Zack has tasted every wicked pleasure Sin City can offer. But never in his six hundred years as a vampire has he seen a morsel as delectable as Kaitlyn Sherrad, the mysterious young newcomer in town. Zack knows nothing about her-except that he craves her.

Kaitlyn is half vampire, half human-and all woman. As the cherished daughter of the Carpathian Coven's master, she has been given every luxury a girl could desire. Now her only need is for a prince. But though she's ready to gamble her heart on Zack, a powerful enemy stalks their every move...watches their every kiss...and waits to destroy their undying love...

MY THOUGHTS:

Bound By Blood takes us into the life of Kaitlyn Sherrad. She is the half human/half vampire daughter of Elana and Drake Sherrad from the previous book Bound By Night.  It is set 21 years in the future from the previous book and Kaitlyn is all grown up and on her own in Las Vegas.  Her parents have bought her a cabin and she is ready to start her own life after college.  One night she meets Zack Ravenscroft outside of her cabin.  They are both instantly attracted to each other and enjoy the company they each provide.  While Zack is considered an Other, a made vampire instead of a born vampire, Kaitlyn knows her father would never approve of a relationship between the two.  What Kaitlyn doesn't realize is that her father is not the only thing she should be afraid of.


Nadiya is back as the evil vampire villain and is seeking revenge on the Sherrad family.  Her son was murdered in the previous book by Drake and she wants Drake to suffer as badly as she has.  She sets her sights on Kaitlyn and will stop at nothing to kill her and make Drake feel the agony she has.  


There are a few things I liked better in this book than the last.  I liked how the characters in the book grow and stay relative to the time frame.  In the last book, I felt like I was reading a historical romance at times even though it was suppose to be set in the present time.  It could have been because the last book was set in a different country, but the characters seem to have been better developed in this one. I also liked how the author made Zack out to be witty, charismatic and at times a vengeful vampire.  He could be evil and monstrous at times when needed, but he also had a soft side that he showed around Kaitlyn and his employee's. 


The few things I didn't like were mainly the same things I have experienced in other vampire novels.  The instant attraction to each other and the sudden knowledge of knowing this person is your soul mate is ever present in this novel as well.  I just don't seem to like how the characters can meet in chapter one and know they are meant to be together forever by chapter two.  I like progression in my romance and not instant love.  Yet, even with this detail I felt myself enjoying the story and loving my vampire fantasy within this gorgeous cover.  


I have read every book by Amanda Ashley and the Bound series is quickly becoming my favorite series by this author so far.  I look forward to reading more of her work and can't wait for her next novel to appear on shelves!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

First Day on Earth by Cecil Castellucci

FIRST DAY ON EARTH
Author: Cecil Castellucci
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545060826
ISBN-13: 978-0545060820

SUMMARY:

A startling, wonderful novel about the true meaning of being an alien in an equally alien world.

"We are specks. Pieces of dust in this universe. Big nothings. 

"I know what I am."

Mal lives on the fringes of high school. Angry. Misunderstood. Yet loving the world -- or, at least, an idea of the world. 

Then he meets Hooper. Who says he's from another planet. And may be going home very soon.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

I am not a big fan of alien abductions and such, but I decided to give this book a chance since it was sent to me for review.  I was actually surprised to find that it wasn't too bad of a book.  While I am still not a fan of aliens, the author did a wonderful job in exploring this type of plot line.

Mal lives with his often drunk mother after his father walked out on them years ago.  He tries to take care of his mother the best way he can, but he also has issues that he is dealing with and no one to talk to about them.  Mal believes he was abducted and returned to Earth days later.  The doctors and specialists all agree that he had a seizure or a psychotic break to explain his disappearance in the desert.

When Mal mistakenly finds himself in a Alien Abduction Support group one night, he finally feels like someone might understand and believe what happened to him.  It is there that he finds and befriends Hooper who seems to be different than the rest of them.  Hooper tells him that he wasn't abducted but that he is in fact and alien from a different planet.  He means no harm to humans since his race is based on exploration and adaptation. Hooper though is leaving soon to his home planet and Mal will need to decide if he wants to go with Hooper or stay on Earth.

The book is a fast read and the writing is well done in this story.  I wish it could have been a bit longer though so we could see more of Hooper interacting with people on Earth.  Like I said, I may not be a fan of alien stories, but this one was written well enough to keep me interested until the end.  If you want to step out of your normal reading zone, give this one a try and get a taste of alien life on Earth.

MY RATING:

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