Review: Rush by Maya Banks

Rush
Series: Breathless #1
Author: Maya Banks

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

MY THOUGHTS

Rush by Maya Banks is the first book the Breathless series.  The main characters in this book are Gabe Hamilton and Mia Crestwell.

As I sit here contemplating with how to put my feelings of this book into words, I also have the urge to build a fence around myself because of all the mixed reactions that are being said about it.  I just know people with torches are going to come light a fire and throw me to the flames.  On the other hand, there might be enough supporters out there that would put the fire out and rescue me like a damsel in distress.  Either way, I am going to share my thoughts and maybe I can make my escape before you grab the matches.

I will say that Gabe is one cold man for the first half of this book. He is demanding, emotionally closed off, and has the power to bring his enemies to the floor groveling with just one look.  We do get little insights and the 'why' of his personality and the reasons behind the famous contract's he uses.  I can understand his intense need to protect not only himself, but others that could be involved, even if it does seem a bit extreme.

Gabe is also a billionaire who is in business with two of his best friends.  Ash has to be my favorite so far of the three even though this book focused on Gabe.  Ash is the charmer and the man that explores the threesome's with Jace.  Jace is the smooth talker and the one that will close a deal while having a little fun on the side with Ash.

Enter Mia Crestwell.  She is Jace's little sister that he has spoiled and taken care of since the death of their parents years ago.  He provides everything for her including an apartment, money and even paying for her college.  While she appreciates everything Jace has done for her, she still doesn't know what to do with her degrees from college and is working in a bakery to try and stand on her own feet.

While there were plenty of naughty and intense scenes in this book, I loved the tender moments between Mia and Gabe the most.  When Gabe would open up to Mia and share things that he hadn't shared with many others, you could feel his emotions and the struggle this Alpha-man was going through.  While he is clearly a Dominant man in the all aspects of his life, you could tell that Mia was his soft spot and was going to be the one who would bring him to his knees.  I especially loved her backbone when it came to the climax of her brother finding out.  Of course, I was also appalled at the way her brother finds out -- and the scene was the only reason I lowered the rating from a 5 to a 4 rating. Only because of the abrupt way it happens when we are finally getting an emotional sexy scene from Gabe and Mia.

Now many people have mentioned a scene that happens around the 70% mark in this book.  It is something that many didn't agree with and wanted to stop with the journey when they read it.  While I won't spoil this scene in sharing the details of it, I will say that I am glad the author turned it around bringing Gabe back to his senses.  If he wouldn't have changed halfway through that scene, I probably would have stopped as well.

While the ending had enough sappiness that I was looking for maple trees around me, I still enjoyed it. It was sweet and over the top, but it wasn't so bad that it made me want to dance around in a field of flowers.  Personally, this a series I am already in love with and can't wait for the next book in the series.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Vacant by Evelyn R. Baldwin

Vacant
(Adult Version reviewed)
Author: Evelyn R. Baldwin

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Ethan Parker gets up every day, surviving the only way he knows how—alone. Orphaned as a child and forced into the child welfare system, he knows better than to depend on anyone but himself. He’s learned trust is a word used all too often, but rarely earned. Ethan believes that his best chance for maintaining a simple and solitary existence is to live by a simple mantra: Don’t get involved. Keep things simple. Take care of yourself! 

When a young woman moves in next door, Ethan is forced to reevaluate his beliefs. He tries to keep his distance, but his new neighbor’s infectious smile and outlook on life leave him struggling with the decision of living the life he knows, or taking a chance on the unexpected. As Ethan develops a relationship with his new neighbor, Emily, he realizes nothing is simple and learns that life is about more than just surviving... it’s about living.

**This version contains sexual content only suitable for adult audiences.

MY THOUGHTS

I am reviewing the Adult Version of this book but there is also a clean version for the young adult crowd.  Vacant by author Evelyn R. Baldwin was a book I heard about on another blog and it sounded interesting to me.  When I purchased it at $3.99, I forgot to check out the page numbers like I usually do when purchasing e-books.  I am a firm believer that if your book is a short story/novella that is coming in under 100 pages, then the price should be no more than $1.99.  This is a personal decision, but I was a little bit disappointed in myself for not realizing that I paid $3.99 for a book that only came in at 85 pages according to Amazon.

**personal rant over...on with the review**

I have to say that I really enjoyed this short story.  I loved how Ethan came from a hard life but still had the compassion and love in his heart still to take in Emily when she was needing it.  I liked the slow build-up of their romance and the way the pace was in it.  Even though it was short, and the characters grow from months to years even, I think if the author had made this longer it would have been just words to fill the pages to make a word count.  The only part that felt rushed was the last two or so chapters.  I know that short stories need to wrap up fairly quickly, but the rushed ending was like a sprint for the finish line to make the reader happy after all the good we just read earlier.  Again, this was the adult version with their being adult like scenes of sex.  I am assuming that in the clean version, the author might have reworked those scenes or possibly cut them out.  I am not sure which so be prepared when you purchase to get the one that you prefer.

Even though the ending wasn't what I would have wanted lengthwise, I still thought this book was written wonderfully.  The author has a great voice, one that kept me interested and wanting more.  I am currently eyeing a few of her previous works for future reads, but I am hoping they will be longer so I can enjoy it for a longer amount of reading time.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

GOODREADS / AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON-adult version / AMAZON-clean version

Review: Sticks & Stones by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Sticks & Stones
Series: Cut & Run #2
Author(s): Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. 

When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. 

Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream. 

They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. 

Each other.

MY THOUGHTS

Sticks & Stones is the second book in the Cut & Run series by authors Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban.

You hear that? That thump-thump-thump like Bambi's heartbeat when running from the hunter? That would be my heart after finishing this book.

Is it from the suspense? Yes.
Is it from the sexy times? Yes.
Is it from the ending that wreaked havoc on my emotions? Yes.

Instead of going through the details of book -- especially since it has been out and reviewed like crazy already -- I am just going to touch base on the characters and small parts of the story.

Ty -- My heart aches for this man.  At the beginning of this series, I was unsure about him.  I thought he was going to be this big jackass that would never show any type of emotion except smart ass and douche. Boy was I wrong.  The first book had me pining for him but this second book had my heart breaking for this man.  At the end of the mountain journey, I almost cried at the moment he realized he loved Zane.  Then when he tried to tell him, the tears kept on coming.  Emotions like this is why I am totally Team Ty!

Zane -- For some reason, I wasn't feeling much good about Zane in this one.  He was sexy and brought his A-game with the witty banter, but I couldn't make the connection with him.  I think it is because of his wavering decisions and at times his misplaced anger.  Zane has problems and inner demons, but Ty's brother summed it up perfectly.

“See, some people, they’re sticky like Velcro. You’re sticky. Your problems stick to you like fuzzballs from the laundry; you take them everywhere with you and people can see them plain as day. Ty, he’s like spandex. Nothing sticks to him, and he’s shiny on the outside” 

Deacon, AKA Deuce -- *wags finger* You naughty boy.  I loved Deuce probably so much because he is so much like his brother Ty.  While he can give as good as he gets, he also has a great relationship with his brother.  Then the ending scene where he is on the phone with a pivotal player in the series left me with my jaw open and wanting to slap him for it.  I am curious to see how that is going to go down if it ever comes to be known by Ty and Zane.

Mara, Chester and Earl -- Ty's mother, grandfather and father were great.  Mara was the tender but feisty mama bear that watched out for her family.  Chester was a laugh-out-loud a minute.  I don't think I laughed that hard in a long time when he chopped up the water hose because he thought it was a snake.  He was grouchy and I wished he would have been in more scenes.  Earl was a great character and I am curious to see his reaction in the future when his son Ty shares his feelings about Zane.

Overall, I am anxious to read book three in this series.  I can't wait to devour it and get deeper into the story of Ty and Zane.  I just need to hope that my heart can take it!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

GOODREADS / AMAZON

E-Book Deals of the Week

Below are this weeks E-Book Deals on Amazon!

Prices are subject to change at any time so grab them while you can!

FREE
Against the Wall by Julie Prestsater
Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot
Offside by Juliana Stone

$0.99 or less
Hard to Resist by Shanora Williams
Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines
The Truth About Faking by Leigh Talbert Moore
Sins and Needles by Karina Halle
A Secret in Her Kiss by Anna Randol
Tempt Me With Kisses by Margaret Moore
Kiss of Surrender by Sandra Hill
It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
The Cowboy Takes A Bride by Lori Wilde
One Touch of Scandal by Liz Carlyle

$1.99 or less
Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas
Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

$2.99 or less
Wreck Me by J.L. Mac
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Heartsong by Debbie Macomber
Misguided Heart by Amanda Bennett
Vain by Fisher Amelie
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Gone by Michael Grant
Touched by Corrine Jackson

The Weekly Wrap Up (4)

It's time for the Weekly Wrap Up!

What did you miss this week on My Overstuffed Bookshelf?  Find out below!

(inspired by Smexy Books)

*****

Another week of madness and school functions for the kids has made this mom in need of some serious reading time!  I told my family that this week, I plan on reading to my hearts content and they will have to keep up with their chores because I am not doing them.  It is time for mommy time which involves a bunch of books!

REVIEWS
My Adventures As A Filmmaker by Andrew Jenks (1 Martini)
A Man For The Summer by Ruby Laska (2 Martini)
The Gamble by Kristen Ashley (4 Martini)
Against the Wall by Julie Prestsater (3 Martini)

COMING THIS WEEK
This week I will be featuring reviews of Falling For Finn and Sticks & Stones.  After those two reviews, I have a few discussion posts to decide on to get some feedback from all of you.  I have three other books I am needing to write reviews on as well, so they will be snuck in through out the week.

Any books you recommend for me to add to my "Buy" list for the week? What are you reading and is it one I should put on that list? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Against the Wall by Julie Prestsater

Against the Wall
Series: Against the Wall #1
Author: Julie Prestsater

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Shelly Gelson had it all...a job teaching English at Carver High, her best friend, Mel, working by her side and engaged to her high school sweetheart, Chase Marino. That is until Chase breaks her heart and leaves her for another teacher at the school. Now Shel is left broken hearted and trying to figure out what she wants while watching Chase and the home wrecker make moon eyes at each other. 

Enter Matt Fuller, Shel's friend for the past 5 years and the perfect rebound. He's gorgeous, smart, funny and fits into Shel's idea of the right guy. Only problem is there may be more there then just a simple rebound. Is it a way to fill a void left by Chase, or is there more smoldering between these two friends? 

Find out what happens when the bell rings and the teenage drama ends and the adult drama begins. Who says being a teacher is boring? They obviously haven't met the teachers at Carver High.

MY THOUGHTS

Against the Wall by Julie Prestsater is the first book in the Against the Wall series.

This was offered as a Kindle freebie and I had high hopes for it.  Most of the reviews I have read were fairly good ratings for this book.  The first half of this book had me laughing so hard my sides hurt.  I think I shared and highlighted so many passages in this book before the fifty percent mark that my Kindle is probably overloaded from hitting the share button.  Unfortunately, I am the small number of people to say that the humor was the only thing going for this read.

Shelly has broken up with her fiance after he dumps her for another teacher at Carver High.  They are both teachers at the school, so they will still see each other on a daily basis.  Summer, the girl Chase dumps Shelly for, is also a teacher at Carver High.  When her best friend Melissa -- or aka Mel -- pushes her to start dating again, she finally starts falling for fellow teacher Matt Fuller.

This book had a great potential with the plot.  It could have been wonderful due to the witty dialogue and quick wit that the author writes.  When it came to Shelly, she wasn't too bad of a character.  She was funny, acted like she could be a person the reader could sympathize with, but she had no spark.  She was kind of dull at times and needed to move on already.  She explains that she had a on-again-off-again relationship with Chase until they became engaged.  They didn't act like an actual couple though through Shelly's memories.  We don't even get to read much about their previous relationship - just bits and pieces.

Matt was a confusing character.  One minute I like him, the next I was wondering what the heck is this man thinking. All of a sudden we are suppose to believe that he is in love with Shelly but he also sets her up on dates with other men and says that it doesn't bother him.  This is just one example of his confusing behavior.

When it came to Mel, she was a riot.  I really enjoyed her little side story and drama with her relationship and best friend support.  The only thing I didn't like was how she kept reminding us she was married, then would go out to the bar with Shelly and then complain about her husband never being home. Oh, and be prepared to get an education on beer in this book.  That was another downfall. I think I know more about the different types of beer now than ever.

While there were plenty of humorous moments in this book, the pacing and characters were dull and flat at times.  I am curious though to read the next book in the series though just to see more of the side characters of this book.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: The Gamble by Kristen Ashley

The Gamble
Series: Colorado Mountain #1
Author: Kristen Ashley

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Nina Sheridan’s on a timeout adventure in the Colorado Mountains. She needs distance from her clueless fiancé, distance to decide whether she wants to spend the rest of her life with a man who doesn’t care enough to learn how she takes her coffee.

Arriving in a blinding snowstorm at the A-Frame she rented, she comes face to face with the most amazing man she’s ever seen. Minutes later, when he kicks her out of his house, she goes head to head with him.

Beyond angry because she’s flown half a world away to start her timeout adventure, not to mention her sinuses hurt, she heads back down the mountain and ends up in a ditch. Unable to extricate herself, she gives up, hopes for rescue and falls asleep in the backseat.

The next morning she wakes up in the amazing man’s bed and she’s sick as a dog.

Holden Maxwell spends days nursing her back to health and then he spends the next two weeks trying to convince her to take her Colorado adventure further, in other words, make it permanent and take a gamble on him.

Nina has a tough time fighting her attraction to Max, especially when it seems all Max’s friends, her mother and stepdad and the whole town want them together and both she and Max get embroiled in the murder of Max’s ex-friend and the town of Gnaw Bone’s most detested resident – a man everyone has motive to kill, especially Max.

MY THOUGHTS

The Gamble is the first book in the Colorado Mountain series by Kristen Ashley.

First of all, if you have never read anything by author Kristen Ashley, you won't understand the addiction of her books.  For those of you who have, I am sure you know what I mean when I say that her books are like crack for book addicts.  Sometimes you are rolling your eyes and shaking your head at the story, but you just can't put the book down.  The Gamble was an addictive indulgence that helped ease my Kristen Ashley addiction.

Max is not a happy camper when he realizes that Nina is suppose to be renting his cabin for a few weeks.  When he is out of town for months on a construction job, he usually rents his cabin out for extra income.  When Nina refuses Max's offer of a refund and a gruff apology, she is mad and according to Max -- cute.  What follows is both of them sharing his cabin, many disagreements, sexy times that were hot, a murder in town, a fast relationship, mystery, and tons of characters. (Wow look at the length of that sentence! I must have KA fever!)

As you can see by the above sentence, Kristen Ashley books always have certain characteristics that set them apart from other books.  With run-on sentences, weird dialect (usually with the male characters), repeated 'Yeah's' on almost every page, and hot male leads with the female leads giving as good as they get, you can't help but keep reading and needing to know what is going to happen. I think my only real complaint is the length of the book.  I think it could have been cut in half -- with the murderer revealed sooner -- and it still would have been just as great.

The Gamble was a great way to get my fix for her writing and I can't wait to continue in the Colorado Mountain series!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

REVIEW: A Man For The Summer by Ruby Laska

A Man For The Summer
Author: Ruby Laska

SUMMARY
(From Godreads)


Dentist Junior Atkinson left her tiny home town to see if she would fit in better in the big city.

She definitely didn’t.

Now she’s back, living in the house she grew up in, friendly with every citizen of the two-stoplight town. Things couldn’t be more wonderful. Well, maybe if her patients paid her regularly.

If there was an eligible man in a fifty-mile radius.

If she hadn’t just been told that a medical condition meant she had only a few more fertile months despite her tender age of twenty-eight.

Junior barely has time to digest this news when she finds hunky travel writer Griff Ross in her chair with a hell of a toothache.

MY THOUGHTS

A Man For The Summer was offered as a free read on Amazon and I am a sucker for free reads.  Sometimes the free reads are like little gems and sometimes they can be not so pretty.

The first two or so chapters had real potential.  We have Griff Ross who ends up in Junior Atkinson's office for a toothache.  The banter between the main and side characters was amusing, engaging and flickered with sparks.  After those few chapters though, the book fizzled and never took off.  I was bored and shaking my head at Junior's behavior.  Not only that, but Griff comes across as gruff and stand offish at first then does a complete turnaround the next day.

The pace of the story was also an issue for me.  It would move fast - like how they meet one day and sleep together the next - then it would drag out and make my finger twitch wanting to hit the button for the next page.

While this book wasn't a complete loss -- even if it was a free read -- it wasn't one I would consider memorable or wanting to read more of.  One to take it as is being a book to pass some time without having high expectations.

MY RATING

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

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Andrew Jenks - My Adventures As A Filmmaker

Andrew Jenks: My Adventure As A Filmmaker
Author: Andrew Jenks

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Meet the filmmaker who is the voice of his generation!

Behind the camera, Andrew Jenks has captured the attention of young adults everywhere with his innovative MTV documentary series, World of Jenks. When asked about his inspiration for the show, Jenks said, "I want to tell the stories of my generation. I want to be a filmmaker that is able to capture what my generation thinks, how they act, and what they ultimately stand for."

Now fans of all ages will be able to discover everything they’ve ever wanted to know about Jenks, from growing up to becoming a renowned documentary filmmaker in this comprehensive photo-biography. How did he do it? By following his own rules for success-always be flexible, fake it till you make it, and never accept no.

MY THOUGHTS

As most of you know, I am not a big fan of memoirs or biography.  Non-Fiction is usually not my cup of tea.  On a rare occasion,  I will read one if it is about someone that I have heard of or want to know more about. So when Scholastic sent me this book,  I was really hesitant on dedicating my time to it.  I have never heard of Andrew Jenks.

Now that I have read this book,  I am still on the fence about it.  The author came across as stuck-on-himself and it didn't really interest me much.  Maybe it is because I never have heard of him before reading this, or maybe it is my usual aversion of these books that turned me off to truly enjoying it.  I also want to state that with this being an ARC copy, most of the photos that go along with the story were still missing and it left some holes in the story that a photo could have helped to tell it.

With that being said, if you are a budding filmmaker -- or one who is planning to be in this field -- then you might have a better time with this book.  Others might recognize Andrew Jenks and be fascinate with learning his journey.  I was not a big fan, but this might be a perfect fit for someone studying the making of film.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

GOODREADS / AMAZON

The Weekly Wrap Up (3)

It's time for the Weekly Wrap Up!

What did you miss this week on My Overstuffed Bookshelf?  Find out below!

(inspired by Smexy Books)

*****

Hello readers! Another week has passed and can I say that I am glad it is in the past now! It was a crazy week on my home front and I am looking forward to this coming week.  I have been trying to get my kindle books under control this weekend by reading and marking them read.  I have several of them I need to write reviews on and get them posted this week.  What is everyone else reading this week? Any recommendations on some that need to be added to my To Buy list?  Share them with me in the comments!

Who Is Marcus Finch? 

Clue #15 - The Final Clue

(this was the final clue in the Indigo Spell campaign that ran)

REVIEWS

Body Heat by Susan Fox (1 Martini)

Hush, Hush : Graphic Novel by Becca Fitzpatrick (1 Martini)

His Undoing by Aria Grace (2 Martini)

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost (5 Martini)

--The week started with some books that barely made it to the finished category, but Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost blew the rest out of the water.  So glad to have had the chance to read and review that one early.  It is book two in the Night Prince series featuring Vlad and Leila. HOT!

CONTEST

One Hardback Copy of Indigo Spells by Richelle Mead

-- Contest closed. Winner was Martha L. and she has already claimed the prize.

Congrats to Martha for her great win!

COMING THIS WEEK

I am on a bit of a Kristen Ashley kick this week.  I am currently reading The Gamble in her Colorado series. While I can't say this book is a favorite, I can say it is definitely crack.  Why are her books so addictive? I have to keep forcing myself to put it on hold so I can do household chores and write reviews! Why does life have to get in the way of crack-tastic books?!

Review: Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

Twice Tempted
Series: Night Prince #2
Author: Jeaniene Frost
*Review based on ARC copy*

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges...

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

MY THOUGHTS

Twice Tempted in the second book in the Night Prince series by Jeaniene Frost.

When this ARC copy arrived in my mailbox I screamed like a little girl.  My neighbors looked at me funny.  My dogs took cover thinking I was finally losing it.  My family even wondered if I had finally lost it.  Vlad, oh-sweet-lord-above-Vlad, how you love to mess with my heart.

Leila has finally had it with Vlad when we pick up shortly after the last book ended.  She decides that if Vlad can't admit his feelings for her and express them with three little words, then obviously she isn't worth enough to keep.  When he can't give them to her, he lets her walk away from him. There is actually quite a bit that happens between the beginning and when she leaves, but I am not going to reveal too much so that it won't spoil the book for you.  I will say that someone close to Vlad -- and a previous character in the series -- does stick around her and tries to keep her safe.  This person also tries to make her see that Vlad is not the one she should love.

When Leila returns home to the carnival, she doesn't get to resume her previous life though.  Someone is hunting her and keeping one step ahead in the plot to kill her.  When the carnival is rigged with a bomb, Vlad is led to believe that Leila is dead at first.  A grieving Vlad is not a Vlad to mess with.  Although as scary as Vlad can be, Leila has a backbone that is just as strong. When she falls asleep, she is somehow connecting with Vlad.  At first she thinks it is a dream, but later on we find out it was real.  So thinking Vlad is just a dream, she lets her backbone stand at full attention with him.

His brows drew together like thunderclouds.  "Enough of this.  Tell me where you are."
I almost said, "South Bend, Indiana" because what was the harm in telling Dream Vlad?  Then I paused. Why would I gratify Dream Vlad, either?
"I'm at the corner of None of Your Business and Screw You."
--Leila with Vlad, page 95 in ARC copy

Needless to say, Vlad does finally catch up to Leila and he is not a happy camper folks.  He is 'fuming' -- pun intended.  Even with Vlad angry though, Leila insists on pushing the subject of him not returning her love.
Vlad tries in his own words to explain his hesitation though.

"You see, you don't want me to love you.  You want the version you've made up.  The knight, even though I'm the dragon and I always will be."
--Vlad to Leila, page 169 in ARC copy

With Vlad walking away from her, Leila is determined to know everything about him so she can prove to love the real Vlad just as much.  Using her powers, she enters the Weapon's Room that holds pieces of his past on display.  With each touch, she sees horrors of Vlad's past.  With her powers being on the fritz though, she overloads her body and Vlad finds her just as she collapse's. Before she passes out and goes into full arrest, she tells Vlad that she loves the real Vlad.

After she recovers, we are treated with Chapter 29.  Now let me point out that something MAJOR happens between Vlad and Leila, between her power surge collapse and this chapter.  After that major event, author Jeaniene Frost gives the readers something that is so gloriously good, that it will be rated up there with Chapter 32 in her Night Huntress series.  Loyal fans will know what I am referencing when I say Chapter 32.  While it may not out rank Chapter 32, Vlad and Leila's Chapter 29 will tie pretty close with it.  All I can say is be prepared for scorching, sexy, and combustible!  Whew!

Again, after this hot chapter, many things happen.  The author doesn't hold out when she comes out swinging with surprises and plot twists.  Some readers will cheer for some things, other things the readers will be shocked about.  All I can say is that Vlad will always be Vlad even in tender and quiet moments.  Just remember that he is feared for a reason, and the author makes sure to give very detailed imagery for you.  This book has a darker and bloody side, so be prepared.  While some things are resolved at the end of this book, there are still loose ends that will need to be addressed in the next book.  All I can say is bring it on Ms. Frost!

MY FAVORITE QUOTE

"This place stinks."
"Did the guards forget to spray Febreze?"  Vlad asked in mock indignation.  Then he gave me a jaded look.  "It's a dungeon, Leila.  They're supposed to smell."
Mission accomplished.  The stench might have actually killed my new appetite.  If Hell could fart, it would smell like this.
--Leila and Vlad, page 287 in ARC copy

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: His Undoing by Aria Grace

His Undoing
Author: Aria Grace
Genre: M/M Romance Short Story

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

When Mike found out he would be sharing a dorm with a former football star, he was terrified. He'd been bullied by jocks all his life for being scrawny and weak and didn't have high expectations of how it would go. To his surprise, Brett was a great guy that was easy to get along with and seemed to enjoy his company. When Mike learned that Brett was gay, it was a shock but it also explained the threatening letters that Mike had been receiving. Was Mike really at risk because of a jealous ex? Was there even anything to be jealous of? 

MY THOUGHTS

His Undoing by Aria Grace is a short story in the M/M Romance genre.  It is told from Mike's point of view.

Like other reviewers of this story,  I feel that only having the one point of view is what made this story not as great as it could have been.  I enjoyed reading from Mike's POV but I this story would have made better sense and would have been better at the execution if we could have peeked into what Brett was feeling as well.

Mike is a guy who has always had a hard time talking to girls.  He is still a virgin, scrawny and tall, and not very muscular.  He is starting college and is dreading wondering who his roommate will be.  When he enters his new room, he meets Brett who happens to be a muscular jock.  He thinks he is going to be picked on by Brett and his friends, but they both become good friends.  Brett even introduces him to his game buddies, the cheerleaders and eventually fills Mike in that he is gay.

While Mike is trying to figure out who he really is -- gay or straight like he has always though he was -- he is attacked in the dorm.  This is the part that would have made having Brett's point of view to give us a little more.  When it is revealed who the attacker was, it is a character pulled into the story from no where.  This is someone who is not mentioned throughout the story and we never even get a glimpse at this person. It made the suspense and buildup of the "who-done-it" quite a let down.

While the tender and sexy moments were written pretty well, this story really need to have Brett's story told as well.

MY RATING

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

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Contest: Win A Copy of Indigo Spells by Richelle Mead

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch–a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood–or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Thanks to Penguin books, I have ONE copy of 

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead 

to giveaway!

-You must live in the USA

-No P.O. Boxes allowed

-You must be 13 or older to enter

-Fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Hush, Hush - Graphic Novel

Hush, Hush : A Graphic Novel
Series: Hush, Hush Graphic Novel #1
Author(s): Becca Fitzpatrick, Jennyson Rosero

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She''s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora''s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can''t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life! This title also contains an exclusive, original story written especially for this book by the author. This bonus story tells what happens to the characters between Book 1 and Book 2 of this series and will only be available in this book.

MY THOUGHTS

Graphic Novels can be either an introductory to a series or a refresher on a series.  At least, that is my thoughts on them when they are based on a novel in the Fiction world.  I am a casual reader of these novels and usually only read them after I have read the regular series first.

This graphic novel was honestly the worst ones I have read.  The artwork isn't horrible as a whole, but it is such a contradiction to the original series and characters that obvious flaws are on every single page.  Where one person is suppose to be dark haired, in the graphic novel this person is blonde.  Where one person is suppose to be conservative, the graphic novel reveals seduction and tramp.  I am a firm believer that if you are going to base a graphic novel on a series, keep the descriptions and details the same.  It felt like the illustrator took what the characters are suppose to be and drew the complete opposite.

The only saving grace of this book was the cover.  It had the dark and gritty feel of the original cover, but that is where it ended.  This is definitely not a Graphic Novel that you want to use to form an opinion on the original work.  This is one that you need to take it for what it is, but realize that it doesn't stand up to the original work of fiction.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Body Heat by Susan Fox

Body Heat
Author: Susan Fox

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

On the cusp of her thirtieth birthday, Maura Mahoney has yet to date a man who really excites her. Her quiet routine as a director at the retirement community Cherry Lane is disrupted by the arrival of Jesse Blue, a bad boy on a motorcycle who roars into her life. Jesse has agreed to avoid jail time by serving community service at Cherry Lane. Instantly attracted but wary of Jesse's chickened past and youth, Maura puts him to work in the garden. Despite the growing sexual tension between them, there are many things keeping Maura and Jesse apart, chiefly their own assumptions about one another. But appearances can be deceiving and Maura and Jesse must overcome the expectations of those around them to find their happy ending...

MY THOUGHTS

Body Heat by Susan Fox was thisclose to being a Did Not Finish for me.  From chapter one, I couldn't stand Maura.  She was stuck-up and had a holier-than-thou attitude. Every person she met, she formed an opinion of before even speaking to them.  Jesse was a little more tolerable, but I didn't think there was much spark between the two characters.  Yes, there were sexy times, but the real connection between the two never clicked in my mind.

I also didn't like how the author constantly had describe each person in so much detail that it was taken to the point of Maura comparing everyone to a celebrity name.  First there was the secretary who could be a Lucille Ball clone.  Then there was the lawyer who was a Richie Cunningham look-alike.  Then Jesse is described as a mix of Marlon Brando, James Dean and Russell Crowe. It got to the point where I would skim the descriptions and just find the celebrity name just to get to the next paragraph.

With too much dialogue, not much spark, and characters that graded on my nerves, I finally made it to the last page.  While I am not going to write this author completely off my list for future reads,  I can say that this one won't be one I would read again.

MY RATING

       

I did not like this book at all!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Who Is Marcus Finch? - Clue #15

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #15

Stay tuned tomorrow for a contest to win 

a Hardback copy of Indigo Blues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

The Weekly Wrap Up (2)

It's time for the Weekly Wrap Up!

What did you miss this week on My Overstuffed Bookshelf?  Find out below!

(inspired by Smexy Books)

*****

Busy, busy, busy week last week!  I read a bunch of books the last few days and can't wait for the posts to go live this week.  I also celebrated over at Smexy Books with a contest in celebration of her beloved Ravens winning the Superbowl.  You might have heard the thud that sounded around the world when Mandi hit the floor at the end.  On with the Wrap Up!

Marcus Finch Clues Posted
Clue #10
Clue #11
Clue #12
Clue #13
Clue #14
*one more clue to go! Have we figured it out yet?

Reviews
How To Misbehave by Ruthie Knox
Under His Roof by Sadey Quinn
Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway
Illicit by Opal Carew
*I think my favorite book reviewed last week --and so far this year-- is Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway.  I said it on Twitter and I will say it here -- PUBLISHERS take notice: Sign this author before someone else snatches her up. That is how much I enjoyed that read!

Challenge Posts
Feb 2013 - Young Adult Reading Challenge Link-Up
Feb 2013 - 150+ Reading Challenge Link-Up
*as always, you can also find the links for each month in my lower right sidebar. Updated monthly!

COMING THIS WEEK:
Remember the famous Chapter 32 from the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost?  Well, I can say that Chapter 29 in Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost might just tie with it.  Let's just say that Vlad can be sexy as hell when he is angry. Or tender when being romantic. Or devoted when admitting his feelings. I leave you with that to roll around in your mind until my review goes up this week.

Review: Illicit by Opal Carew

Illicit
Author: Opal Carew
Genre: Romance / Erotica / (M/M/M/F)

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


What began as a steamy weekend fling is about to change their lives forever.

When Lindsay receives a mysterious invitation to live out her most illicit fantasies, she thinks it’s her best friend playing a joke.  Little does she know, the invitation is from someone else.  Someone who knows her deepest desires…and intends to fulfill them.

Erik is a man of many secrets, and he intends to keep it that way.  When he invites Lindsay to his mansion, he thinks it’s just for a steamy weekend fling.  But from their first night together, there’s an inexplicably deep connection that shakes him to his core.  And with Lindsay in his arms, he feels both thrilled and unnerved.  As Lindsay brings his fantasies to life, he’s unwilling to let her go. But can he tell her how he knows her deepest desires, and will she stay with him if she learns the truth?

MY THOUGHTS

Usually author Opal Carew is a must read for me.  I love her writing and the fantasy worlds she can create within the covers of a book (and between the sheets for her characters).  With Illicit though, I was less than pleased with the story unfortunately.

The summary of this book sounded really good.  I was excited to start another book by this author and dying to see what she would bring for Lindsay and Erik.  The first few pages I was interested.  The few pages after that were okay. Then it went downhill and I just couldn't finish it.  So needless to say, this review is a DNF but I will explain why I couldn't read the rest.

Lindsay literally falls into Erik when entering the elevator.  She notices right off the bat how sexy Erik and his two friends are.  She has an entire fantasy about all three of them on this short elevator ride.  Okay, I will go with that. Who doesn't have little fantasies in their heads when they are attracted to someone? They don't interact and she quickly exits the elevator when she arrives to her floor.  She catches up with her friend Jill and she tells her all about the three sexy men she met in the elevator.  Jill states that she know who Conner and Travis are, but she doesn't know who Erik is based on the descriptions Lindsay gives her. Jill tells Lindsay how she would love to set her up with them and she could have a quickie with them and fulfill a sexual fantasy.  Fine, I can handle this situation of girl gossip and bonding.

This is where the book started going downhill for me.  Days later, Lindsay receives an anonymous letter in the mail with just her name written on it.  It is an invitation for her to meet at a certain place so she can live out her sexual fantasies.  She assumes it is a joke from Jill wanting a girls night out and decides to go to this place without even asking if it came from her.  That right there didn't make sense to me. We later find out that Erik is the one who sent her the invitation.  Moving on though.

Remember that they didn't have much interaction in the elevator, but I also want to point out that Erik is already assuming things about Lindsay.  This is what Erik thinks just as Lindsay stepped out of the elevator:

"Damn, she was sexy as hell," Conner said.
"True that, " said Travis.
Erik nodded absently.  She was also sweet and a little shy.  Had low self-esteem.  And had a burning inferno of passion hidden deep inside.  And he would love to be the one to let it loose.  Along with Conner and Travis. --Erik, page 5

When she arrives at the hotel -- and so do Conner and Travis shortly after -- instead of hightailing it out of there when two strangers she doesn't remember arrive, she decides to watch the two men go at it on the patio near the pool area.  If I had two strangers come into the suite, I would have hid until the coast was clear and ran like hell right away. When she does come to her senses, she runs out of the room straight to the elevator.  When the elevator doors open, she runs right into Erik -- again!  Oh and he is still in his work uniform for work as a police officer.  This is where Erik really gave me the impression of being stuck up and "cocky". (no pun intended)

Why would she come all the way here, then leave?
Then again, women weren't always rational.  He'd learned that the hard way.  In the half dozen or so serious relationships he'd had, they'd all ended with the woman walking out.  Why? Because he knew them too well.  He satisfied them too well. --Erik, page 21

This is where I stopped and decided I wasn't going to be able to finish the story.  I just wasn't feeling the characters and any chemistry.  Granted, this was only 25 pages in, but by this time I already know if I am going to be able to get into a book and the characters.

MY RATING

DNF

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON