My Overstuffed Bookshelf

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

2012-01-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades #2
Author: E.L. James
Genre: Adult Erotic Romance
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1775 KB
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
(September 13, 2011)
ASIN: B005N0PJJO

SUMMARY:

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

MY THOUGHTS:

**Possible Spoilers if you haven't read the first book in the series**

After being sucked into the dark world of Christian Grey in the first book, I wasn't sure if my emotions and heart could survive another part of his story. Seriously, after the first book I was just drained of emotion and my head was spinning from the enigma of Christian Grey. Sexual power, control, and wealth is the bubble of Christian. He knows what satisfies him and he doesn't like the word no being in the script. Or does he?

This part of the story picks up a few days after Ana has left him. She is falling apart and going through some deep emotions after losing what she thought was love. Christian is also going through hell without his shining light in his dark world. I personally felt crushed for Christian because he is struggling with so much and change is not an easy thing for him. He loves his control and now that Ana has left, he feels all his control slipping away.

We also get to see a more playful and romantic side of Christian than what was presented in the first part of this series. I agree with Ana and enjoy this side of Fifty so much more. He has so much love to give, but he is not sure how to do it. When they finally reunite, we get to see them both struggle with trying to make their relationship work without all of the kinky involved. Christian starts to realize that real love doesn't have to involve all of his previous quirks, but he does realize that he will always have it in the back of his mind scratching at the surface. Ana wants to show him what love can be without the darkness and show him love with touch and support.

I must say that the tamed down kinky in this book is just as hot as the previous book. I will never look at an elevator, piano, pool table, wall or boathouse the same way again! Oh and the things he could do with that pinkie finger of his was just moan worthy. Although I must say, I am curious to know more about what he can do with a cat like he hinted at. *hmmm* Then my heart bled for Christian in the scene where he thinks Ana is going to leave him again due to his dark past. Christian on his knees in that state of distress will haunt my dreams from now on. I cried at the breakdown of his personality and felt all the control that is so him slip away.

Then when Elena -- the woman who is a sore spot for Ana -- gets her just desserts from not only Ana and Christian, but also gets an ear full from Christian's Mother, I was secretly cheering "Go Grace!" I was waiting for Grace to turn her over her knee and give her a true spanking that she deserved.

While the ending will be one readers will enjoy and swoon with, it does have a small section to reveal what is to come. We still need to see the aftermath from Christian's change of course in life and who is planning the destruction of his world. I think I know who it is and I just know that the next and final book is going to put me over the edge! Dark, sensual, and oh so Fifty Shades of fucked up!

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Let me ask you something first. Do you want a regular vanilla relationship with no kinky fuckery at all?"
My mouth drops open. "Kinky fuckery?" I squeak.
"Kinky fuckery."
"I can't believe you said that."
"Well, I did. Answer me," he says calmly.
I flush. My inner goddess is down on bended knee with her hands clasped in supplication begging me.
"I like your kinky fuckery," I whisper.”
--Ana and Christian

“I don't know whether to worship at your feet or spank the living shit out of you.”
--Christian to Ana

MY PERSONAL ODE TO CHRISTIAN:

Ode to Fifty
Darkened soul
That needs to take flight
Ana Steele enters
And now there is light
I introduced you
to my pain
in the red room
insight you will gain
Spank you and bind you
this I enjoy
red bottom from rulers
you are now my toy
On a pool table or a car
on a boat under the stars
In an elevator or shower
or bench with ropes and bars

the piano as well
wherever I choose
our control will slip
our sanity we will lose
Fifty shades of fucked up
this you will learn
a smack to the bottom
so sweet and so firm
so step into my world
what do you say
My name is Christian
Fifty Shades of Grey

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

COVER DISCOVERY!

2012-01-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Oh my pretties! Look what I just found! Some of you have already seen this I am sure, but this was a surprise for me when looking through the authors list on GoodReads. *sigh* VLAD!!!! Finally the author is giving us Vlad in all of his glory! I am drooling just looking at this cover and seriously thinking about ordering several of them so I can look at Vlad in any room.

Once Burned (Night Prince #1)

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Expected publication: June 26th 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers

SUMMARY:

She’s a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude... until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire...

He’s the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all — but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

2012-01-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Fifty Shades of Grey
Author: E.L. James
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Erotic Romance
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1290 KB
Print Length: 372 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1612130283
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
(May 25, 2011)

SUMMARY:

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

MY THOUGHTS:

If you have been around the blogs lately, then you know about Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. What you don't know is how correct everyone is when they say you will be addicted to the story. I desperately wanted to read this series after reading so many reviews on it but I never thought I would find the time to read it. So this weekend I decided to dive into the world of Christian Grey and enjoy the ride. Talk about an addictive book! I was hooked after the first few chapters and could not put it down! I had to keep reading and it became my new form of book crack in the form of Christian. He will pull you in and keep you there with no safety net for when you fall over from the shock of his life style.

Now, first off everyone should realize that this story came about in a weird way. It is based on fanfiction from the Twilight series. That being said, you understand the addiction to the book if you were addicted to the Twilight books. I will also tell you that this series is not at all tame like the Twilight books. This is for the adult readers and should not be read by anyone under eighteen. While there were a few things that reminded me of the Twilight series, I personally didn't try to compare it to them and in fact found myself not even realizing this until after I read the story. In Christians world, you will find darkness, BDSM, controlling behavior, wealth, and sexiness. This is a man who will blow any other man you have read about out of the water. Christian is an enigma that appears on the pages and you can't help but want to dive into his life style and read about his fifty shades of 'messed' up.

Anastasia on the other hand, was not a character I really enjoyed. While she did balance out with Christian considering she is the complete opposite of him, she was weak and at times whiny. She needed to learn how to sit back for a bit and just let Christian be who he is and build up to peeling the layers back. Ana liked to hurry things along, and in turn she came across as pushy sometimes towards Christian. Personally this could just be because I found myself protective of Christian as I was reading the story.

Be prepared to read about the BDSM life style as well in this book. If you are not a fan of that, then tread carefully into reading this book. This is a huge plot point in the story and a dark layer of Christian that needs to be remembered. If you are willing to dive into his world though and read the story, you will be entranced by him just like Ana was.

The ending just about did me in as well. I cried and instantly had to buy the next book in the series. I couldn't believe it would end like that and made me want to scream in frustration and pain. I just can't believe Ana did what she did at the end and wanted her inner goddess to come through and slap the crap out of her! I also wish that the author would have taken the time to edit and fix the many typos that were throughout the book. I don't usually mention this flaw in a review, but it was a pretty big flaw in the book because it happened so much. That is the main reason this book didn't get the full five star rating from me.

Be prepared for sexual tension and satisfaction, dark secrets and personalities, and emotionally draining to the reader when reading this book. It is one ride that will keep shocking you and keeping you up late at night to finish it.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE:

"Why don't you like to be touched?"
"Because I'm fifty shades of fucked-up, Anastasia.”
--Christian and Anastasia

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

(ARC Review) Dead To You by Lisa McMann

2012-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Dead To You
Author: Lisa McMann
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon Pulse
(February 7, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1442403888

SUMMARY:

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

MY THOUGHTS:

I am a huge fan of author Lisa McMann after reading her Wake trilogy last year. So when I heard about this book through other readers and noticed it was available through the Amazon Vine program, I jumped on the chance to read and review it early. I did the fan girl squee and clicked accept on my Amazon page. When it arrived, I dropped everything to read this book and even stayed up late just to finish it.

When we start with the first chapter, we are reading about Ethan being reunited with his family after being abducted nine years ago. To say that it is an emotional reunion is an understatement. You can feel the pain that the parents have gone through and have dealt with over the years. They are so excited to have him home that they even accept him on looks alone without agreeing to do the DNA test that the social worker offers to them. When you are reading the book, we are reading from Ethan's point of view and the emotions that he is struggling with. He doesn't remember anything from his time before the abduction and he is desperate to remember anything. He studies the family photos and tries to make something click in his brain so he has something real to remember instead of shared memories from family and friends.

When his younger brother Blake starts studying genetic traits in his science class at school, he starts to piece together some disturbing facts about Ethan. Blake never truly believed that Ethan is the real Ethan. Reading the story, you don't really know what to think about this. At some points you are like Blake and questioning Ethan's true identity, but other times you are believing that it truly is Ethan. When it is revealed at the end of the book, you are shocked and frustrated with the close of the story. It is left in a cliffhanger-like ending that makes you wish there were at least a few more chapters of closure. At this time, I do not know if the author is going to write a sequel to this book, but after the ending she has left the reader with, I hope she seriously thinks about writing it! I would love to learn more about Ethan and his story that follows after the reveal at the end of the book.

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

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

Sin Undone by Larissa Ione

2012-01-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Sin Undone
A Demonica Novel #5
Author: Larissa Ione
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
(August 24, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0446556811

SUMMARY:

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY

As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin's innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence.

HIS HUNGER CAN'T BE DENIED

Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her...and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh my goodness! This author sure knows how to keep a reader engaged in a story! After finishing the last book in the series, I was anxious to find out how Sin was going to adjust to not only having more siblings, but she was going to have to deal with being the only girl as well. On top of that, she is also the new leader of an assassination team. Talk about having too many things on your plate at once. Add in a very sexy dhampire, and a horrendous disease, stir until boiling over and you have Sin Fever that can be taken several ways!

When Sin unknowingly unleashes a disease that is threatening the werewolf community and it is wreaking havoc on the whole demon world. Con, who is half werewolf / halfvampire, must try and figure out a way of stopping the virus while trying to keep Sin from being killed.

After Con has sex with Sin after a bet, they both try to put on the front that they despise each other. They loathe working together but they both feel the sexual tension that is building between the two. Con also has to fight the fact that he is getting addicted to Sin's blood which could send him over the edge as well.

I so enjoyed this book. I might have to say that it is possibly my second favorite of the series only because Wraith's book is still my favorite. He will always hold that number one spot I think. This book though, I found myself laughing, cheering, and crying right along with the characters. There were so many emotions that I went through due to this story that just proves the wonderful skill that the author has with her writing. This was the last book in the series, as far as I know, but I do understand that she has a spin off series that intertwines with the Demonica Series. We are even introduced to a few characters that are going to be portrayed in the spin off in Sin Undone. I personally can't wait to dive into those stories as well. What a ride these books have been and one I don't want to stop!

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Sort of. I can feel the arrangement of the virus or bacteria or whatever. And once I learn it, I can replicate that specific disease." She shot Conall a smirk. "Khileshi cockfire is a favorite."
Wraith laughed. Conall paled. Eidolon looked at her like she was responsible for every case of the excruciating, dick-shriveling venereal disease he'd ever treated. The guy was so freaking uptight he probably starched his freaking underwear.

“Yeah, I need sex or I die. So stop with the obnoxious chaperone shit, because I really don't want you anywhere nearby while I'm doing it, and I don't think you want that either."
She gave them the sweetest smile.
"And know that the second you're gone, I'm going to ride Con until he begs for mercy."
Eidolon sighed. Shade swore. And Con muttered something that sounded strangely like "Mercy".

“Kiss me again without my permission, " she whispered against his lips, "and I'll geld you and sell your balls to a Ruthanian specialty meats shop. Understood?"
"You won't do that," he whispered back. "You'd miss them too much."
Sin snorted and made the blade disappear into her pocket as she stepped back.
"Men are always overestimating the worth of their genitals."
~Sin to Con

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Advertise at My Overstuffed Bookshelf

2012-01-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

After several inquiries to whether I allow advertising space on my blog, I have decided to put together a media package for you. Advertising on My Overstuffed Bookshelf is a great way to get the word out about your upcoming book release or currently released book! It is simple and easy to get started as well!

For pricing, size, availability and additional information such as a media kit, please contact me at djsfoxylady@gmail.com or through my contact page at the top of the blog! I would love to help in the promotion of your book and help spread the word!

Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione

2012-01-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Ecstasy Unveiled
A Demonica Novel #4
Author: Larissa Ione
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Forever
(February 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0446556828

SUMMARY:

A DEMON ENSLAVED

Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his dark master's assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister's life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he'll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission.

AN ANGEL TEMPTED

Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side, sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She's determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary-even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender.

Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again-one hellbent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.

MY THOUGHTS:

In novel number four of the Demonica series by Larissa Ione, we are introduced to the newest brother of the group. After not knowing about Lore and vice-versa, the brothers are still coming to terms with the new family addition. While in the process of this, Lore is also having to deal with the fact that his new assignment is to kill their good friend Kynan. Lore has no choice but to follow these orders since his boss that holds the contract for his life also holds the contract on his twin sisters life.

Enter an angel named Idess. She is basically a guardian angel and has been assigned Kynan as her human to protect. Even though Kynan is charmed and untouchable, he still is in danger and Idess needs to keep guard on him. If she succeeds, she earns her wings and can be with her family in the Heavens. While protecting Kynan, she meets Lore and they both feel the attraction. As they decide to work together in finding a loophole, Idess is shocked to discover that she now must protect Lore as well.

While I enjoyed the story of this book, I wasn't a big fan of Idess. I just couldn't connect with her like I have with the previous females in the series. Lore was sexy and charming, but Idess just didn't seem to be a good fit for him in my opinion. I could see him more with a character like Gem. He needed someone rough, tough and less angelic.

Out of all the books so far in the series, this is my least favorite. I still enjoyed it, but it just wasvnot as wonderful as the previous books. I am still excited though for the next book that features Sin who just happens to be a rare Seminus demon because she is female.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Tayla cursed under her breath. "I was just explaining to Eidolon that Sin is a Smurfette."
Wraith swung his big body around to study Sin with blue eyes that were very different from Shade's, E's. and Lore's. Sin's, too. "Nah. Smurfette is way hotter."
"What the fuck is a Smurfette?" Eidolon was seriously getting annoyed now.
"There's this cartoon called The Smurfs," Tayla explained, slowly, as though Eidolon were the child here.
"They're these little blue people, and they're all male. But one day a female shows up. She shouldn't exist, but she does."
Eidolon considered that for a second. "How did she get there?"
"An evil wizard named Gargamel made her," Tayla said. "In a lab or something."
"So you're suggesting that an evil wizard made Sin?"
"Of course not, silly. I'm just saying she's a Smurfette. A lone female amongst males."
Eidolon frowned. "Did the Smurfette mate with the males?"
"Dude." Wraith grimaced. "It's a cartoon.”

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione

2012-01-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Passion Unleashed
A Demonica Novel #3
Author: Larissa Ione
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Forever
(March 31, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0446401050

SUMMARY:

FORBIDDEN TEMPTATIONS

Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter-and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she's been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin. But Serena isn't all that innocent. And when a dangerously handsome stranger brings her to the brink of ecstasy, she wonders if she's finally met the one man she cannot resist.

FATAL DESIRES

Wraith is a Seminus demon with a death wish. But when an old enemy poisons him, he must find Serena and persuade her to give him the only known antidote in the universe-her charm. Yet, as she begins to surrender to his seductions and Wraith senses the cure is within his grasp, he realizes a horrible truth: He's falling for the woman whose life he must take in order to save his own.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have been waiting for Wraith's book since the beginning and I had a hard time not skipping to his book! When a bad boy hero can get under your skin within the first few chapters of the first book in a series, it is hard not to want to read about his story right away. This was definitely worth the wait!

When Wraith becomes infected with a demon virus with no cure, he doesn't have much time to seek out the only option he has left. He must find a charm that will protect him from the disease. One problem he doesn't expect is finding it securely around the neck of an irresistible female who happens to be human as well. Wraith has never craved human women for sexual pleasure or food. Now that he has met Serena, he has fallen under her charm though. He craves her and doesn't want anyone else to come near her. As his feelings grow for Serena, he must decide to if he really wants to take the charm -- and doom her to death -- or if he will sacrifice himself for the love of a human female.

Up until this book, Wraith has always been the bad boy vamp/demon that you grow to love. He is irresponsible, deadly at fighting, and all around bad as they get. He instantly captures your interest and demands your attention when he appears on the pages. I loved Wraith in this book because not only did we get his usual personality, but we also got to see a tender and protective side of him as well. He has to fight his natural instincts and decide who is of greater importance -- Serena or himself. This book again takes your heart on an emotional roller coaster not knowing what exactly is going to happen. The author likes to tug at your heart strings until the very last possible moment. Again another great book in the Demonica Series that is quickly becoming one of my favorite series ever!

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“You're been out a few hours. E and I have been taking turns staying with you. Tayla's here. And Gem. Luc. Kynan. Reaver. Our other brother, but he's in chains. He's also a total dick. You'll like him."
---(Shade telling Wraith)

“No. It was because it was the first time I made love to anyone. You can call me a liar or anything else, but do not doubt me on this. And I swear to you that you were the first, and you will be the last."
---Wraith

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey

2012-01-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

A Devil Named Desire
The Devil's Bargain #2
Author: Terri Garey
Source: Publisher
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Avon
(January 31, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0061986406

SUMMARY:

Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest...

...and no one knows that better than Sammy Divine, High Prince of Darkness. Once an angel, now cast down, Sammy's out to prove he's not the only angel who can be led into temptation...

Hope Henderson's sister has disappeared without a trace, and Hope will do anything to find her--even make a deal with the Devil. An ancient text holds the key to unspeakable power, and it's the Archangel Gabriel's job to make sure it stays hidden, even if he has to become human to do it. Lives, love and the fate of the world hang in the balance, as Hope and Gabriel learn that when passion's involved, it may be impossible to withstand a devil named desire.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh Sammy Divine, finally we meet again. First of all can we all take a look at that fine looking man on that cover? Okay, now that we have drooled and hoped that those pants would slip a little further down, lets get down to the details of the book.

It seems like I have waited forever to read more about Sammy Divine -- or The Devil -- and the bargains he would be making with the next unfortunate soul on Earth. This time not only is he going to be tormenting a human soul on Earth, but he is going to throw in his 'brother' Gabriel as well. Gabriel is always trying to convince Sammy that there is hope for him at redemption. Sammy doesn't believe it and decides to teach Gabe a lesson. So Sammy convinces Hope to become a pawn in his game by striking a 'bargain' with her. He blackmails her at her lowest point in life -- at the suicidal point -- and tells her he will give her what she wants in the form of her missing sister if she will translate a book of spells to open the doors to Hell on Earth. She agrees to the bargain and Gabe is thrown into the mix when he realizes she is being followed by evil. As an angel of the Heavens, he becomes her Guardian and swears to protect her. Together they try to find her sister and find a way out of the deal with Sammy.

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the series. The only problem I had with it was the fact that it was suppose to be about Gabriel and Hope but instead it seemed that Sammy had more page time than them. Don't get me wrong, I loved what little time we got to read about Gabe and Hope, but Sammy seemed to be the bigger focus this time around. As you get closer to the end though, you start to realize why Sammy was such the dominant character in this book. Instead of Sammy teaching Gabe a lesson, it seems the the Higher One is actually teaching Sammy a lesson and pointing him on the true path of redemption.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I hope we get to read even more of Sammy and his bargains. I do hope that when the series continues to progress, Sammy will get his own book and hopefully love with a happily ever after. You never know, maybe the Devil can even have the coveted true love and happy life.

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

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

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

2012-01-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Alchemy of Forever
Author: Avery Williams
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books
(January 3, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1442443167

SUMMARY:

After spending six hundred years on Earth, Seraphina Ames has seen it all. Eternal life provides her with the world's riches but at a very high price: innocent lives. Centuries ago, her boyfriend, Cyrus, discovered a method of alchemy that allows them to take the bodies of other humans from jumping from one vessel to the next, ending the human's life in the process. No longer able to bear the guilt of what she's done, Sera escapes from Cyrus and vows to never kill again.

Then sixteen-year old Kailey Morgan gets into a horrific car accident right in front of her, and Sera accidentally takes over her body while trying to save her. For the first time, Sera finds herself enjoying the life of the person she's inhabiting--and falling in love with the boy who lives next door. But Cyrus will stop at nothing until she's his again, and every moment she stays, she's putting herself and the people she's grown to care about in danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that's eluded her for centuries: true love?

MY THOUGHTS:

Whew! Talk about a book that can force you to forget about daily chores! Seriously, when I first received this book, I just thought it was going to be another young adult paranormal to add to my list of reads without any more thought. However, once you start reading about Sera and Cyrus you forget everything else just to find out what is going to happen.

The first part of the book features Sera and Cyrus. It goes into detail on how the two met and how they have come to be immortal. Cyrus learned of a way to become Incarnate through the study of Alchemy. Science is his passion and belief with no interest in anything spiritual. What started out as love between the two, has now evolved into ownership and control. Sera is desperate to escape the clutches of Cyrus and their fellow Incarnates and has even been hoping for a chance to come along. When the body starts to die out after 10 years or so, they are forced to find another lonely soul to claim. They take a life to save their own and Sera has grown tired of it. She is feeling remorse and just wants to finally move on to the next step of Heaven or Hell. When she gets her chance to escape she takes it. While on the run from Cyrus and the group, she decides she is going to do one last redeeming thing in the hopes to at least show how sorry she has been for taking souls. She tries to save a girl who is near death, but ends up taking her body and soul in mistake. Now she is forced to live as Kailey and pray that Cyrus cannot find her.

I really enjoyed this story of Immortality. It is based on something scientific but it also has some paranormal touches to it as well. I did feel sorry for Sera in this book as she comes to terms of what she has done. She is also trying to figure out how Kailey lived as well. She finds herself enjoying the life Kailey had at home and finds out that she wasn't always the best person to some people. She tries to change Kailey into a person that everyone could like and in turn falls for her childhood friend.

If you are looking for a new read in this genre and topic, then this is a fresh new read that will keep you in suspense. Be prepared for an ending that will frustrate you, but also leave you anxious for more. I personally can't wait for the next book in the Incarnation series by this author. I still can't believe the ending was left the way it is, but it definitely leaves you craving more!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

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

Tales From the Crib by Jennifer Coburn

2012-01-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

Tales From the Crib
Author: Jennifer Coburn
Source: Author Submission
Genre: Adult Fiction
Publisher: Kensington
(February 1, 2008)
ISBN-13: 978-0758209832

SUMMARY:

Lucy and Jack are about to become parents.

Lucy is pregnant-and she can't wait to surprise her husband with the good news. But she's the one in for a shock when she discovers that Jack has some surprising news of his own. It seems he wants a divorce. At least he did, until he found out they were having a baby. Now he's convinced they should stay married and raise the baby together...as friends.

But will they stay husband and wife?

Only Lucy doesn't want to be just friends. Sure, their marriage has hit a rocky patch, but she still believes in happily ever after. Besides, she wants them to be a family. But she's agreed to give this kooky arrangement one year which means she has exactly twelve months to win back the heart of the man she married. Unless, of course, someone else shows up to sweep her off her swollen feet first.

MY THOUGHTS:

I really wanted to enjoy this book especially after reading the prologue and the opening chapter. I laughed at the envisioned dinner Lucy was going to share with her husband and tell him the exciting new of her pregnancy. Then the bubble burst and her reality dinner was much worse than she hoped. The first chapter even had me laughing out loud at her therapist who decides to go into hiding and not return the couples calls because he just doesn't want to deal with their problems. Seriously? Any time a therapist fires the patient, you know there is good reason and usually a good story behind it.

After the first few chapters though, the fun kind of wore off for me. The book started to decline and hit bottom with no ladder of hope in returning to the top. I really wanted it to, but it just didn't have the steam to keep going. This book is definitely a chick lit book with witty dialogue, funny characters and no paranormal in sight, but it did lack something even if I can't put my finger on it. It just seemed to stall for me. It does have a good ending and it leaves the reader with the feeling of everything being wrapped up nicely.

If you are just looking for a quick chick lit read with lots of laughter and eccentric characters, then give this book a chance. This might just be what the therapist ordered to get your funny bone laughing again.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

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

Shot Through the Heart by Niki Burnham

2012-01-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

Shot Through the Heart
Author: Niki Burnham
Source: Author Submission
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Summer Road Press
(December 1, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0984706914

SUMMARY:

At Eastwood High, love is a battlefield. * * * From the RITA-Award winning author of ROYALLY CRUSHED and SCARY BEAUTIFUL, an all-new romantic comedy!

Two guys, two girls, two thousand dollars, and one epic water gun battle.

Senior year? It's all about Senior Assassin, a yearly water gun tournament where the last team standing receives a cool two grand. Connor wants nothing more than to split that prize with his best friend, Josh. When their mission is put in jeopardy by Molly--thanks to her crush on Connor--Josh comes up with a plan to thwart her, one that involves his sister, Peyton...

Peyton's deepest desire is to score entry to MIT. She's working her tail off to achieve her goal, but when she's dragged into Connor and Josh's water gun tournament, their antics threaten to leave her high and dry. As Peyton's forced to choose between chemistry class and chemistry with Connor, will the super student and the super athlete discover they have more in common than they imagined?

One thing's for certain: When Connor, Peyton, Josh, and Molly load their weapons, someone's bound to get shot through the heart.

MY THOUGHTS:

Every once in awhile, I love a quick and uplifting read to get me through reading slumps. When the author sent me this book for review, I knew it would help out in the laughter department and give me that feel good feeling I enjoy with contemporary books. What made it even better was that it was young adult and the cover put a smile on my face before I even started reading it.

The book is told from several points of view. That in itself was fun because we got to read what each character was thinking and feeling. With winning the prize of $2000 being one of the main plots of the story, you shouldn't expect anything else except fun, sweet romance and lots of snickering at the characters personalities.

While the book was fun and kept me reading straight through until the end, I couldn't help but wonder at how much a reader will expect from the book. Fun and laughter? Yes. A compelling plot point that has mystery? No. What I can say is that it will lift your mood while reading about the characters and you too might find yourself smiling by the last page!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

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

Empty by Suzanne Weyn

2012-01-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

Empty
Author: Suzanne Weyn
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
(February 1, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0545172790

SUMMARY:

A dystopic look at what happens to one American town when all the fossil fuels run out...

Civilization has just run out.

It's the future - the very near future - and the fossil fuels are running out. No gas. No oil. Which means no driving. No heat. Supermarkets are empty. Malls have shut down. Life has just become more local than we ever knew it could be.

Nobody expected the end to come this fast. And in the small town of Sage Valley, decisions that once seemed easy are quickly becoming matters of life and death. There is hope - there has to be hope - but there are also sacrifices that need to be made, and a society that needs to be rethought. Niki, Tom, and Gwen may find what they need to survive. But their lives are never going to be the same again.

MY THOUGHTS:

For such a short read, this book pulls out all the punches! When it first arrived in my mailbox, I wasn't too sure I wanted to start reading another Dystopia right now. I seemed to be leaning toward dystopia lately and I didn't want to get burnt out on them just yet. When I saw that it was a short read though I went ahead and gave it a go!

Imagine ten years from now the price of gasoline being $20 a gallon. Not hard to imagine with the way gas prices have been climbing the last few years. Now imagine the price of oil being in the $500 a barrel range. Are you starting to form a picture in your mind yet? Without oil, our country would be in a world of hurt and that is what this book presents to the reader. What would our country be like with low amounts of oil available and gas prices so high that only the super rich could afford to drive anywhere. In turn, this causes electricity to sky rocket to where heat and cooling becomes something of the past.

This book is told from three different point of views involving Gwen, Tom and Niki. While the characters were okay, they weren't outstanding. They were pretty plain and basic within the realm of characterization. They were the typical teens thrown into the element of survival.

If you are looking for a quick read in the dystopia world of young adult reads, then give this one a chance. It may not be as amazing as some of the other books out right now, but it does give you a real look into what our world could be like in the future if things don't change now in the real world.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

2012-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

Desire Unchained
A Demonica Novel #2
Author: Larissa Ione
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Forever
(March 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0446400985

SUMMARY:

Pleasure is their ultimate weapon . . .

Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn't resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy.

A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he'd seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever.

As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts-or succumb to a madman's evil plans.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am enjoying this series so much that I haven't taken a break from it since starting them! I was looking forward to seeing how the author was going to work the curse that Shade carries and how she was going to be able to give him happiness in the end. What I wasn't looking forward to though was the torture of having to scramble to find the time to be able to read the book with no interruptions!

When I finally started to read Desire Unchained, I was instantly swept back into the demon world that proved to be full of excitement, sexiness, suspense and drama. Shade was not one of my favorites from the previous book, but he did capture my interest with the curse that he has and how the author was going to develop a book around it. I loved how Shade and Runa were thrown together and tortured into submission and bonding. Roag is truly showing his true side in being the evil brother that you love to hate. He is ruthless and evil to the core with no regard to the consequences.

Runa was the perfect match to the cockiness of Shade. I loved how she didn't put up with his crap and shoved it back at him every chance she got. It showed me that the author truly wanted Shade to meet his match in a mate. Runa also brought out the softer side of Shade and made me realize that he does have feelings that he chooses not to show on the outside.

Again in this book, we are treated to side stories involving Gem and Kynan. While I am truly enjoying their chemistry and build up, I do with the author would have made their connection a separate book so the reader could fully enjoy their characters.

While Shade and Runa were a great couple and this book was much better in the character development, I am still not a huge fan of this one as I was the first one. It could be that I am just not willing to accept Shade as a good guy because of his lack of emotions from the previous book, but it was still one I enjoyed and would read again. I am looking forward to the next book that involves Wraith and the torment he is going to have to suffer to find his happily ever after. I also enjoyed the 'surprise' that is revealed at the end of this book for Shade and Runa! That should be entertaining to read about in the future books!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

2012-01-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

Pleasure Unbound
A Demonica Novel #1
Author: Larissa Ione
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Forever
(June 20, 2008)
ISBN-13: 978-0446401036

SUMMARY:

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life . . .

She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh my gosh! What rock have I been under? I have heard so many great reviews on this series but for some reason or another I kept putting it off. Now I am smacking myself every single time I finish one of these books in the series and wondering why I haven't read them sooner!

I am in love with these Demons! Not only are they sexy, smart, gifted and fighters, but did I mention how hot they are?! When Tayla is first brought into the Demon Hospital where Eidolon works and owns, there initial exchange was funny, sexy and sucked me into the story right off the bat. The relationship between the two was hot and tension filled with them being on the opposite sides of good and evil -- or so you think. When you realize that they are both wanting the same thing, whether from different species or not, they both have a lot of issues to work through to figure out their future.

I also enjoyed the side stories from the secondary characters. Kynan and Gem are going to be fun to read about and I can't wait to see where that story is going to go. I wasn't a big fan of Shade yet, but hopefully he will grow on me since he is Eidolons brother. Then there is Wraith. Insert a dreamy swoon for this bad boy! His history is going to be just as exciting to read about as this one was!

I loved the Demon lore and the abundance of characters that the author included. They all have a reason for being in the story and made it even richer with excitement and suspense. The Demon world is set up and ready to go for me to continue on in this world and I can't wait to see what is going to happen in future novels in the series. Who knew Demons could be so hot?!

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“So,uh, where am I, exactly ? And what do you plan on doing with me ?"
"You're at Underworld General Hospital. As you can probably guess, we specialize in nonhuman medical care. Our location is secret, so don't ask."
"UGH ? Your hospital is called 'ugh' ? Oh, that's precious.”
--Tayla and Eidolon

“The pretty nurse had just injected her with something that totally rocked, and if she wanted to think about boinking a bronzed, tattooed, impossibly handsome doctor who was so far out of her league she need a telescope to see him, then screw it. Screw him. Over and over.”
--Tayla

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

2012-01-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

Magic Slays
Kate Daniels #5
Author: Ilona Andrews
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Ace (May 31, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0441020423

SUMMARY:

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

After being blown away by the first four books in this series, I was anxious for my purchase of Magic Slays to arrive so I could step back into the urban fantasy world created by author Ilona Andrews. I needed more of Curran and Kate along with the other characters involved in the Kate Daniels series.

I had heard so many great reviews on this book that I think I set my expectations a little too high. For me this book didn't wow me as much as the others. Yes, the relationship between Curran and Kate has matured and has become one of those super couples I love to read about, but for me this book was more of a filler and fluff book. It did have a bunch of action and some great scenes that leaves the reader blown away, but it also has spots in the book that became repetitive and not necessarily needed to keep the story moving. I also felt the ending was a little too abrupt and easy. It felt like the author(s) gave up for the last few chapters of the book and just wanted to hurry and finish it to get it out to the readers.

With that being said above, I still enjoyed the book. Anyone who has invested in the journey that Kate has been on will love the dialogue, plot and sexy scenes between Kate and Curran. I was also disappointed in the small amount of page time that Curran had. If the two were going to be a mated couple, you would think we would get to see them work together a little bit more than what was offered. Again, the writing was great and the witty writing that the author(s) come up with left me laughing out loud several times. It is one of the main reasons I love this series. I can't wait to see what comes next for Kate and Curran!

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Andrea raised her hand. “This is the hand that slapped Aunt B.”
“Maybe you should have it gold-plated.”
“Here, you can touch it, since you’re my best friend.”
--Kate and Andrea

“Yes I can,” Curran snarled. “Listen: this is me telling you what you will not do.”
I raised the cookbook and tapped him on the nose. Bad cat.
--Kate and Curran

“Say 'pop.'"
"Pop?"
"That was the sound of me pulling your head out of your ass.”
--Kate and Ascanio

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

2012-01-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

Under the Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
Publisher: HarperCollins
(January 3, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0062072030

SUMMARY:

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

MY THOUGHTS:

What first captured my attention with this book was the title. I wanted to know what the Never Sky was. What did the author mean by it? Then as I started to read this book and grasp what the title meant, I fell in love with the world and characters that author Veronica Rossi created within the covers of Under The Never Sky.

When Aria is forced into the outside world called The Death Shop, she is certain she is going to die. She is use to her perfect life in the Pod being a Dweller among her friends and family. Within the Pod, Aria can explore life through the Realms which is basically like a Virtual World system. She is a part of what the Realms are showing, but she never really realizes the difference that the real world has. She has grown up basically sheltered and forced to believe that this is how life should be for the better.

When she realizes she has been betrayed by her Pod and forced into the outside world, she thinks with each breath she takes she is going to die a slow and agonizing death. When she decides to journey back to the Pod and try and find her missing Mother, she encounters a Savage -- or outsider -- and realizes he was there when things went bad for her in the Pod. At first she is scared of him and wary to be around him, but she can't forget how he saved her life in the Pod and how he is helping her now. Granted, Perry the Savage has ulterior motives for helping her back to the Pod, but you can see the gentle side of Perry as well.

Perry is trying to rescue his sick nephew from the Dwellers. The Dwellers came and captured his nephew while he was out hunting with Perry. Perry feels guilty for not being able to stop them and wants to find him not only to bring him back to his family and tribe, but because of the bond the two have formed. He truly loves the boy and wants what is best for him unlike his real Father who happens to be the leader of their tribe. Perry has always wanted to challenge his brother for the rank of Blood Lord. With secrets that are revealed in the journey with Aria, Perry has to decide on some pretty serious things along the way.

I fell in love with Perry. While he was fierce, deadly, and loyal, he was also sweet, tender, and showed his determination with each small thing he did. Unlike other books, the romance was slow building starting from dislike of each other, to friendship and eventually love. This is one of those books that keeps you interested with so many different things that it is very hard to put down to get daily chores done in real life. It has suspense, love, family and friendship along with action falling between all of those. The ending to this book left me feeling sad because I didn't want it to end. It is left in a small sort of open ending, but it also leaves you excited for the next book! A wonderful story of sacrifice and survival.

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

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

Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Linda Wisdom

2012-01-09T01:14:00.000-08:00

Writing Resolutions. Good and Bad?

Long ago I spent the first of every year writing out my New Year resolutions. The list was pretty much the usual along with whatever had to do with me personally, get back to my workouts on a regular basis, be nicer in the grocery store (don’t ask), polish the furniture before I can write my name in the dust, do more cooking than just throw something in the crock pot,

Then there are the writing resolutions. Make all my deadlines, don’t play paper toss game when I should be writing (I should take the app from my Nook, but it’s so fun!), write a certain number of pages per day.

There is an excellent reason why I don’t make resolutions. They’re too easy to break.

What I’ve done instead is make out a wish list. I don’t do this just at the first of the year, but add to it throughout the year. There is no reason why it should just have to do with January. I have a variety of wish lists. What I’d like to do with my writing. Personal wishes and anything else that comes to mind. The fun part is crossing out something once it’s accomplished.

How I do this is thinking what’s lurking in my imagination. What book I hope to write and finish. List the books I hope to see go to contract. Are there conferences I hope to attend.

Putting them down in print makes it real. A promise that I need to do what I’ve said.

Some would say it’s the same with resolutions, but calling it a wish list makes it easier for me.

And don’t we all like to see wishes come true?

Do you make resolutions? And if you do, how many do you find you keep or do you close your eyes and toss the list?

How would you feel if you made a wish list? Would it be easier to keep or accomplish?

Linda

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Wisdom has published more than 80 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for RT Book Reviews awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California. For more information, please visit www.LindaWisdom.com.

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A DEMON DOES IT BETTER BY LINDA WISDOM – IN STORES JANUARY 2012

A madhouse is not place for a curious witch…

After more than a century, Doctor Lili Carter, witch healer extraordinaire, has returned to San Francisco and taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, where something peculiar and wicked I shappening. Patients are disappearing, and Lili wants to know why.

And double dangerous for a demon…

Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all—a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared.

What’s behind the gorgeous chameleon demon’s late-night escapades?

Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other—and creating a whole new kind of magic.

***************

Thanks to Sourcebooks, I have two copies of A Demon Does It Better by Linda Wisdom to giveaway in a contest! That means two winners!!

RULES:

--to enter, please fill out the form below.

--entrants must be 13 years of age or older.

--contest deadline is Jan. 15th , 2012.

--contest open for the USA and Canada only!

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!

*********
CONTEST CLOSED!
Winners have been contacted!

JAN 2012 Series Spotlight!

2012-01-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! Not only is it a new month already, but its a new year as well! Since it is a new month, I have chosen the Demonica Series by Larissa Ione for my Series Spotlight of the Month for January 2012.

I have heard so many great things about this series and have been dying to read all about the sexy demons. I scrambled to try and get all of them so I could read them straight through, but somehow I missed purchasing number three. So I might have to wait a week or so between book two and book four as my library has me on the wait list for it. I went to purchase it locally but they didn't have it either. I might just have to break into my daughters piggy bank and buy it through Amazon if I can get away with it! LOL

Here are the books in order for this months series feature:

Anew: The Archers of Avalon #1 by Chelsea Fine

2012-01-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

ANEW
The Archers of Avalon #1
Author: Chelsea Fine
Source: Publisher
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Publisher: Acacia Publishing, Inc.
(December 7, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1935089490

SUMMARY:

Two years ago, Scarlet awoke in the forest alone, afraid, and unable to remember anything. Lost and confused, her life was a mystery...until she met a boy with a familiar voice.

Gabriel Archer has a voice from her past, and Scarlet's determined to remember why. She immerses herself in his life only to discover he has a brother he's kept hidden from her: Tristan Archer.

Upon meeting Tristan, Scarlet's world becomes even more muddled. While she's instinctively drawn to Gabriel, she's impossibly drawn to Tristan--and confused out of her mind. As she tries to piece together her history Scarlet realizes her past...might just be the death of her.

MY THOUGHTS:

After author Chelsea Fine introduced me to her first novel titled Sophie & Carter, I was so excited when I was asked to review her first book in The Archers of Avalon series. This time instead of a contemporary young adult book, the author went in the direction of paranormal romance for the teen scene. Since I already knew she could write an amazing story in the contemporary scene, reading a paranormal book by her was going to be even better. I couldn't wait to start reading it!

Not only is that cover gorgeous, but the story inside is just as amazing. When Scarlet wakes up in the middle of a forest two years ago with absolutely no memory of her past, she is forced to accept it and try to move on with her life after being taken in by a women named Laura. She has tried to live as normal as possible for the last two years and even has made a best friend at school named Heather. Heather is a social butterfly who loves her clothes and makeup expertise. She is not ashamed in calling Scarlet out on her lack of style sense. Together they made a perfect pair of friends and I found myself laughing several times at their interaction.

When they both attend the Kissing Festival in their town of Avalon, Georgia. Heather is thrilled about the festival, but Scarlet can barely stand to be around so many people kissing and making a spectacle of themselves. Then when she is walking around the fair area, she sees a mysterious boy in the distance that seems to try and spark a bit of her lost memory. When she is approached by another boy named Gabriel, she is sure she has heard his voice somewhere before but can't seem to place it. Gabriel and Scarlet start dating and they seem to have the perfect relationship even if Heather seems to think he is hiding something. When Scarlet starts having doubts about his honesty as well, she decides to follow him home. Inside Gabriel's house though, she runs into his twin brother Tristan. She is instantly drawn to him and she doesn't understand as to why she feels safe with him. As the brothers admit to knowing her from the past, she doesn't expect them to mean a past life. She also doesn't expect to have been engaged to Gabriel in that past life and connected to Tristan in a way more than brother-in-law to be.

I was entranced by this story and the revelations that are revealed throughout the pages. I fell in love with Gabriel and sweetness from the first moment Scarlet meets him. I then fell hard for Tristan and his bad boy attitude as well when he was introduced. You can't help but feel torn with your feelings just like Scarlet was when the triangle develops between the three. The curse and the past lives made this book a paranormal, but this writer made you live in the now for this adventure. I finished this book in one day and could not put it down. The ending is left in a cliffhanger ending and makes you want to scream in frustration at how you are left in limbo. I even had to tell the author that was very cruel of her to do that to the reader! If this second novel by Chelsea Fine doesn't show how amazing her writing is growing, then you aren't reading the same book as I am. The authors writing has branched out into another part of the young adult genre and has swept me away into another life of romance, mystery, suspense and intrigue. I can't wait for more of the Archer brothers and Scarlet!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

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

150+ Reading Challenge JAN Reviews

2012-01-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2012 LINK UP PAGE

Hi all! This is the post that you can link up your reviews for the 150+ Challenge for January 2012. Each month there will be a new link up page and I will be listing each months main link below the challenge button on my bottom right sidebar. I look forward to reading everyone's reviews and the books you choose!

* This is for your REVIEWS posted in JAN 2012 only! To sign up for the challenge please go to the page located HERE *

The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

2012-01-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Poppy
(January 2, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0316122382

SUMMARY:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

MY THOUGHTS:

There has been a lot of buzz about this book around the blogs. When the publisher sent me this book for review, I was looking forward to sitting down and starting a contemporary romance in the young adult genre. There isn't any paranormal creatures to read about in this book. What you do read about is a pair of young adults meeting for the first time on a plane and their relationship progressing over a 24 hour period.

What made this book so enjoyable to me was the fact that even though the two spend only 24 hours together at first, the love that starts to bud between them felt like it progressed at a natural and believable speed. It didn't feel rushed and their dialogue was written perfectly. Even when we get flashbacks and glimpses of their lives between their present day dialogue, you feel the satisfaction in knowing that the author has created a connection to each character.

I loved the ending of this book and it fit the story perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing and the characters in this book so much that I can't wait to read more by this author. If you are looking for a contemporary and sweet young adult read, then be sure to check out this book by Jennifer E. Smith!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

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

New Years Day Book Deals

2012-01-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

Here are some great deals on books that have been found on Amazon! All are in the price range of $0.99 to $5.00 at the time of this post.

*Please note: Prices listed below are subject to change. The price shown is the price offered at the time of this post.*

The End of 2011

2011-12-31T16:39:00.000-08:00

While it is sad that another year has come and gone, I can honestly say that 2011 was a great year in the literature world. So many new books came out that blew me away, while seasoned authors continued to rock the book world with their amazing writing.

As for challenges went, this was my first year hosting the 100+ Reading Challenge and there was a HUGE turn out. THANK YOU for joining and being a part of it with me. I did change it up this year and boosted it to a 150+ Reading Challenge because many of you said you surpassed the 100 quota. So what a great way to try and beat last years record and push for 150! You can still sign up HERE.

This brings me to my Challenge round up for the year. I only signed up for a few in 2011 and again I only finished a few. Major Fail on my part. With everything that happened personally this year with family members passing away and my daughter struggling with bullies at school, I was sure I wouldn't be able to finish them off. So here are my standings and you can check out the links to each review in the challenges HERE.

150+ Reading Challenge: I finished this one on 5/17/2011. In total my grand finale of books read and reviewed in 2011 was actually 235. This could have been more, but the rest of my reviews won't post until the New Year.

2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge: I finished this one on 5/9/2011 with the goal of 50 young adult books. In total my grand finale of young adult books read and reviewed in 2011 was actually 140. It is safe to say that this was the year of Young Adult books for me. Such amazing stuff came out in this genre that it was easy to surpass my goal of only 50.

2011 Erotica Reading Challenge: FAILED My goal was set at 15 in this genre, but I couldn't really get into this genre for some reason. I mean who doesn't love smut? I love it, but it took a back burner for me this year. Maybe next year will hold better results in this category.

2011 M/M Reading Challenge: FAILED My goal was set at 5 or more, but again I failed. Maybe because I am still a little hesitant on reading this genre because other readers find it so taboo. I have made a list of books though in this genre that I plan on reading this coming year.

As for stats for My Overstuffed Bookshelf, I am in awe at the sheer growth my blog has achieved. Seriously? I can't thank you enough for following my blog and for you taking the time in commenting.

As of the date and time of this post:
Followers GFC: 1746 (1214 at the beginning of 2011)
Followers through email: 254 (162 at the beginning of 2011)
**Networked blogs is new this year so there is no comparison for last year.

TOTAL BOOKS READ: 235

TOTAL PAGES READ: 75,454

Again, thank you for making this an amazing year. Thank you to my friends, followers, authors and publishers. Most of all, thank you to my family who not only have accepted my obsession with books but have endured the many late nights of me reading, missed meals and just one more chapter.

CONTEST: Unbreakable Love by Angela Carling

2011-12-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

SUMMARY:
Jennie Townsend is unlucky in love, so she is immediately suspicious when a mysterious new student named Nate tries to gain her friendship. But there is something special about Nate, and in spite of her best efforts Jennie finds her feelings for the boy growing deeper every day.
In fact, Nate is more special than Jennie can even imagine. He is a guardian angel, sent to protect Jennie during a most dangerous time in her life. To do so, he must first become close to her – but not too close. The rules for Protectors warn against physical contact and strictly forbid falling in love. But the more time Nate spends with Jennie, the harder the rules are to follow. Will Nate be able to save Jennie from a premature end, or will his own emotions – and Jennie's – get in the way of completing the task for which he was specifically chosen?

Thanks to Acacia Publishing, I have ONE SIGNED COPY of Unbreakable Love by Angela Carling for giveaway!

RULES:

--to enter, please fill out the form below.

--entrants must be 13 years of age or older.

--contest deadline is Jan. 4, 2012.

--contest open for the USA only!

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!

CONTEST CLOSED!!!!!

(ARC Review) Awkward by Marni Bates

2011-12-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

Awkard
Author: Marni Bates
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: K-Teen
ISBN-13: 978-0758269379

SUMMARY:

Mackenzie Wellesley has spent her life avoiding the spotlight. At Smith High, she's the awkward junior people only notice when they need help with homework. Until she sends a burly football player flying with her massive backpack and makes a disastrous - not to mention unwelcome - attempt at CPR. Before the day is out, the whole fiasco explodes on YouTube. And then the strangest thing happens. Suddenly, Mackenzie is an Internet sensation, with four million hits and counting. Sucked into a whirlwind of rock stars, paparazzi, and free designer clothes, she even catches the eye of the most popular guy at school. And that's when life gets really interesting...

MY THOUGHTS:

I didn't have high expectations for this book when I first received it. To me the cover was a little cheesy and childish. Yet after you start reading this book, you find yourself sucked into the teen drama and at times find yourself laughing out loud at the scenario that is unfolding on the pages.

Mackenzie has always considered herself an invisible among her high school population. She isn't a part of the Notables who happen to be the rich and popular kids. Then everything changes once something is posted to YouTube and shared among the class. All of a sudden she is popular in her own way with reporters knocking on her door for interviews, people are starting to talk to her, and talk shows are even trying to get her to make an appearance on their shows.

The author does a wonderful job of portraying the characters in the book as true teenagers. They have the witty dialogue that teens can be obnoxious for and she has the cliques down as well. Even though there are many things going on -- including a love triangle -- the author kept it on track and didn't waver from the original plot of the story. I liked how Mackenzie came across as a person you either knew in school, or actually be the person you were in school. It is very easy to relate to her and her struggles.

A fresh and fun new read that keeps it clean for the young adults but has the parents laughing as well. I am glad to have given this book a chance in a genre that is full of paranormal at the moment.

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

The Best of 2011

2011-12-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

I kept seeing everyone posting their Top Picks for 2011 and I knew I needed to get my post ready for this. I kept putting it off because I wanted to read as many books as I could before the deadline. There were so many awesome books this year that there is no way I could have made a short list of books for this. So I decided to do my list a little differently. I couldn't just group it as Top 5 or 10 for the year. I tried and failed miserably. So I decided to give each selection below a certain title as to why I am including it in this post. Not all books were released in 2011, these are just books that I have read personally in 2011. They are also in no particular order.

**********

BEST EROTICA OF 2011

By The Book by Scarlett Parrish
Daniel Fucking Cross. Any man who can have a tattooed back, wear guy liner, knows how to write AND can be so freaking sexy in bed is enough of a reason to be on this list. Thank you to Fiction Vixen and Smexybooks for the new addiction of Scarlett Parrish.

BEST STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE OF 2011

Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith
The Escape From Furnace Series
This book blew me out of the water! The follow up books had me drowning in scary. I never would have picked this series up in a store if I hadn't been asked to review them. I had just started off with my Spotlight Series books and I chose to accept this series for a month long feature. I certainly did not expect to be chilled to the bone with the horror that this author could bring to his characters. One of the best page gripping series in the young adult genre this year.

BEST YOUNG ADULT HORROR/THRILLER OF 2011

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
This is one that I read closer to Halloween and boy did it give me the scare factor for the holiday. This author could send chills down your spine with a petite girl ghost and make you turn on every light in your house at night just so you can sleep. I was captivated by the cover, but the story is what kept me up at night!

BEST INDIE BOOK OF THE YEAR OF 2011

Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I am not a big reader of contemporary young adult but I found myself speeding through this short read. I loved the characters and the story was written beautifully. It was a short read, but it packed a punch to this reader. I was so glad to have read this and I admit to reading it at least three times already this year. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will get another story featuring these characters!

The Reaping by M. Leighton
I just couldn't decide between this book and the previously mentioned one. These two were such a close tie that I decided to use them both. Author M. Leighton was one of the best authors to talk to and her writing proves the dedication she has in her work. I loved Carson and was thrilled to read the conclusion of the story The Reckoning. This story just progressed so well and left the reader with anticipation to find other books she has written. She just so happens to be a fellow Supernatural TV freak like me as well. We love our Winchester boys!

BEST URBAN FANTASY OF 2011

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
Again, thank you Fiction Vixen and Smexybooks for my new addiction named Barrons. Hot damn that man can make you quiver in anticipation with just one word. I stepped into the Fever series with hesitation because I had never read an urban fantasy series before. What more can you say besides Barrons being the ultimate Alpha man you would want to have in your bed and defending you. He may claim not to be the hero, but he can tattoo me anywhere, anytime and any place. If you haven't read this series, you are crazy. Get to it and know that you will be fighting many fans over who gets to claim him as their book boyfriend.

BEST SERIES OF 2011

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I was a little late to the party with this series. I felt like I was the only person on the planet who hadn't read this series when Mockingjay came out. It just didn't sound like the type of book that would interest me. Boy was I wrong! Katniss, Gale, Peeta, Finnick, Rue, and all of the other characters hold special places in my heart in this series. Strength, determination, survival, love and childhood innocence stolen away threw me into a tailspin of emotions. I cried when the story came to an end and immediately fell into a depression for the rest of the day. Yes it was that awesome. I convinced my parents, my daughter and my stepson to read them. They cursed me for making them cry and they thanked me for recommending them to read as well. Books that can mess with you emotionally for days - or a year - afterward are what readers crave. I still get emotional just thinking about reading them again and I honestly don't think my heart could handle reading them again anytime soon.

BEST YOUNG ADULT DEBUT OF 2011

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Is it any wonder or surprise that this book is my top pick? If you follow me on twitter or even ask me what book to read by a debut author you will know Divergent is my recommendation. I was intimidated at first by the sheer size of this book, but I dived into the world that Veronica Roth created and didn't come up for air until the last page. I fell in love with Tris and her strength and found a soft spot in my heart for Four. I am already excited to read the next book just remembering it. If you haven't read this yet, you are missing out on an amazing read.

**********

I also have favorites in the Romance and Paranormal genre, but there is no way to really narrow them down to just a few. Personally, I don't see how anyone can narrow it down to what they have on their blogs. 2011 was such an amazing year for books and I am anxious to see how 2012 books are going to top my experience. Bring it on and may you all enjoy the literature that is coming our way in the new year!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T18:41:00.001-08:00

From my home to yours, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

By The Book by Scarlett Parrish

2011-12-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices, menage (m/f/m, f/m/f with female interaction).

By The Book
Author: Scarlett Parrish
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Erotica
Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
(January 4, 2011)
ASIN: B004QGYAJQ

SUMMARY:

Two's company; three's allowed.

Reece Hutton conducts his life between the covers -- of books and beds. A librarian by day, in the evenings he's a man whose tastes are anything but vanilla. So when local writer Daniel Cross appears in the library one afternoon with the aim of doing some research, Reece has a hard time not noticing how attractive he is, or what feels like chemistry between them. They exchange a few words and Daniel's business card, an interlude which Reece puts down to networking rather than flirtation.

After all, he has his girlfriend Georgia to go home to and her best friend: a threesome to help his birthday go literally with a bang. Reece, being a gentleman (most of the time), has no objection to returning the favor, especially as his new friend Daniel seems all too willing to be their third for an evening. Georgia sees their triangle as nothing more than a temporary bit of fun but Reece...? He’ll eventually have to own up to breaking the unwritten rules of their relationship or close the book on a growing attraction to Daniel.

MY THOUGHTS:

After seeing this book on a huge amount of blogs I follow, I was intrigued and excited about ordering it. It wasn't until it made some of my blogging buddies favorites list for the year that I finally purchased it and gave in to the enigma of Daniel Cross. I have three words -- OH MY GOD! If you are looking for an erotic themed romance to keep you up all night reading, then you have to read this book!

I literally had my heart beating in anticipation when Daniel enters the library that Reece works at. When a character can walk into a public place and cause a straight man want to change teams, you know you are in for a sexy ride. Not only was Daniel sexy with eyeliner, leather and a writer to boot, but he was fun, outgoing and easy to read about. I wish I could find a Daniel Cross in my local library to check out.

What I loved the most about this story -- besides Daniel Fucking Cross -- was the internal emotional struggle that Reece was forced to come to terms with. He always thought he was a straight guy with a women he was happy with. When Daniel enters the picture though, it leaves him questioning his sexual orientation and wondering if being a part of both worlds could be acceptable. The author created a sex filled erotic read, but she also chose to focus on the struggles that people have in figuring out their sexual identity. I felt she handled it very well and balanced the drama with the sexual encounters perfectly which made the read enjoyable. Also, in my opinion, the book became even hotter once Reece's girlfriend Georgia left the picture for a bit!

I stayed up late just to finish this book and read about which decision Reece was going to make. Was he going to stay a straight man and fight the attraction to Daniel, or was he going to step over that taboo line and admit that being bisexual is not a bad thing. You can't help who you love, but you also can't help loving Daniel Cross either.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE:

“I don't feel awkward at all.”
“Don't you?”
“No. I'm Daniel Fucking Cross.”
I stopped and leaned against a shop front. “Oh. Well.” I drew in a deep breath. “Good. Good.”
--Daniel and Reece

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

(ARC Review) Blood and Bullets by James R. Tuck

2011-12-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

Blood and Bullets
Deacan Chalk: Occult Bounty-Hunter #1
Author: James R. Tuck
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Kensington
(February 7, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0758271471

SUMMARY:

He lives to kill monsters. He keeps his city safe. And his silver hollow-points and back-from-the-dead abilities help him take out any kind of supernatural threat. But now an immortal evil has this bad-ass bounty hunter dead in its sights…

Ever since a monster murdered his family, Deacon Chalk hunts any creature that preys on the innocent. So when a pretty vampire girl “hires” him to eliminate a fellow slayer, Deacon goes to warn him—and barely escapes a vampire ambush. Now he’s got a way-inexperienced newbie hunter to protect and everything from bloodsuckers to cursed immortals on his trail. There’s also a malevolent force controlling the living and the undead, hellbent on turning Deacon’s greatest loss into the one weapon that could destroy him…

MY THOUGHTS:

This is going to be a hard review to write. Bad ass monsters? Check. Down and dirty hero? Check. Lots of action? Check. Great story? Kind of.

I had a really hard time enjoying this book. While the character of Deacon Chalk was sexy and bad ass, he wasn't one that attracted my interest. He wasn't so much an alpha hero you would come to expect in the sense of good guy will prevail, simply because he is at times so rugged and dirty as the bad guys. He can kick butt and take names when he feels like it, but if you are looking for a romantic side of his character, don't get your hopes up. Yes he has the bad boy sex appeal, but that is as far as it goes for me.

The story in itself wasn't that bad. It had plenty of action and evil things to hunt. I feel that this book would be a better match for the male readers than the females. This is just my opinion, but I think the men will gravitate more to this book because of the action, violence and all around male cast of characters.

Again, the story in itself was pretty good, but it isn't a series that will keep me up at night waiting for release day.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

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

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

2011-12-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

Still stumped on what to give someone for Christmas?

If you know someone who owns a Kindle, there are some great deals going on right now. If you don't know anyone else with a Kindle or if you are just looking to treat yourself, be sure to check these amazing deals out and give the gift of literature!

*Please note: Prices listed below are subject to change. The price shown is the price offered at the time of this post.*

YOUNG ADULT:

Vesper by Jeff Sampson for $0.99
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand for $0.99
The Ascended by Tiffany King for $2.99
Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale by Ramona Wray for $0.99
Entwined by Heather Dixon for $0.99
Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine for $2.99
My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking for $0.99
Hereafter by Tara Hudson for $0.99
Bitter Frost by Kailin Gow for $0.99
A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler for $0.99
Delirium: The Special Edition by Lauren Oliver for $2.99
Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia for $1.99
The Reaping by M. Leighton for $0.99
Insatiable by Meg Cabot for $2.99
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey for FREE

ADULT:

Summons: A Goblin King Prequel by Shona Husk for FREE
Hunter's Choice by Shiloh Walker for FREE
Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday by Susan Mallery for FREE
Winning the Wallflower by Eloisa James for FREE
Snaring the Huntress by Sylvia Day for FREE
Christmas Wishes by Debbie Macomber for $1.99
Broken by Megan Hart for $2.99
Sins of A Wicked Duke by Sophie Jordan for $1.99
Mad About the Duke by Elizabeth Boyle for $1.99
Nightwalker by Jocelyn Drake for $0.99
The Trouble With Harry by Katie MacAlistar for $0.99
Noble Destiny by Katie MacAlistar for $0.99
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear for $0.99
I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell for $0.99

(ARC Review) Fracture by Megan Miranda

2011-12-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Fracture
Author: Megan Miranda
Source: Contest Win
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Publisher: Walker Childrens
(January 17, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0802723093

SUMMARY:

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine
-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

MY THOUGHTS:

I have been eyeing this book for a while now and was excited to win an ARC copy of it for review. I love books about after death experiences and what a person goes through after the miracle of coming back from the dead without the zombie angle added in. So when I started reading this book it was no surprise that I ended up putting everything else on hold just to finish it in one sitting.

When Delaney and her best friend/neighbor Decker cross the frozen lake to meet up with friends, Delaney slips and falls through the ice. She struggles to find the surface as Decker tries to get to her, only to drown in the freezing Maine waters. She was under the water for a total of eleven minutes. Death is definite at ten minutes, but somehow after being pulled out of the waters at eleven minutes, Delaney is brought back to life. She is confused at first, but as the events of that day are filled in, she starts to realize she is not quite the same as before. She is a walking miracle in the fact that she survived, but she also did it without any brain damage. She does have an abnormal brain scan now, but she is walking and talking just as before.

When Delaney starts to get a terrible itch and trembling fingers, she starts to feel a pull that she can't resist following. What she ends up realizing is that she is being pulled to people who are facing death and they are facing it soon. When she is approached by Troy though, she realizes she is not the only person who is like this. Troy has been through his own near death experience but he has a different outlook on the situation. He tries to convince Delaney to do things his way, but Delaney believes she could do good with this new ability. During all of this, Decker is there for her and is secretly hiding the fact that he is in love with her. Delaney needs to sort out her feelings between the two boys she has in her life and also deal with the fact that she is now a walking death sensor.

I absolutely loved this book. I fell in love with Decker from the first few chapters and could already sense his feelings for Delaney. While Delaney did seem to have some snobbish feelings towards the people who visit her afterwards, I feel that the author did a wonderful job in explaining why she was this way towards them. I liked Troy at first in the book, but as the story progressed, I realized he wasn't what he seemed. I could also see his point in his reasoning of why they were given this gift, but I didn't like how he was using it either.

I personally can't wait to see what other stories this author will come up with. I love the fact that she can take a great subject and turn it into a wonderful story that keeps the reader engaged from page one up until the end. A great new paranormal book to add to the genre from a debut author that can write beautifully!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

WOW: Waiting on Wednesday

2011-12-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

INSURGENT by Veronica Roth

Divergent #2

Estimated Release Date: May 1, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

SUMMARY:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:
It is the sequel to Divergent which happens to be my favorite book of 2011 in the Young Adult Genre. This book was amazing and I miss reading about Tris and Four so much! EPIC!

WINNER!

2011-12-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

Time to announce the winner for the 2 Historical Romances from HarperCollins/Avon!

Using Random.org, the lucky winner is:

Victoria

Congrats! I will be emailing you shortly for your mailing address. ~~You will have 48 hours to respond to my email or you forfeit the prize and a new winner will be chosen.~~

CLAIMED!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Keeping up to date with My Overstuffed Bookshelf

2011-12-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

With all of the changes that are coming up with Blogger, My Overstuffed Bookshelf has many options available for readers to keep up to date with my reviews.

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(ARC Review) Everneath by Brodi Ashton

2011-12-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

Everneath
Everneath #1
Author: Brodi Ashton
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
(January 24, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0062071132

SUMMARY:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

MY THOUGHTS:

This was one of those books that you are dying to read and you know you won't be doing anything else until you read that last sentence on that last page. I first fell in love with this book upon seeing a preview of the cover on another blog. Then I continued on and read the summary. It sounded so captivating that I just knew I wanted to read it!

After reading the first chapter I thought Cole was going to be the good guy. What I came to find out was that Cole was the tempting bad boy that you want to love, but nothing good can come out of a relationship with him. Jack was the true hero and good guy of the book. I fell in love with him the moment he entered the story and hoped he would be Nikki's salvation and white knight. What I didn't expect was the way the story ended and had me craving for more!

Be prepared to have tissues on hand for an ending that will rip your heart out and wishing we wouldn't have to wait so long for then next book in the series. With Greek myth, characters that hold on and don't let go, and a plot that flows wonderfully, you will be captured from page one and not wanting the ride to end.

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

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

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

2011-12-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

Magic Bleeds
Kate Daniels #4
Author: Ilona Andrews
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Ace (May 25, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0441018529

SUMMARY:

Kate Daniels cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to deal with-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community.

And now there's a new player in town-a foe that may be too much for even Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.

MY THOUGHTS:

AMAZING!
OUTSTANDING!
FANTASTIC!
This book has me on adjective overload! There are so many more words I could use to describe my thoughts on this book, but honestly, none of them come close to the awesome that this book is.

I have decided that Curran is now to be called the Sexiest Beast Lord or His Furriness instead of plain Beast Lord. His Majesty was one of the best parts of this book. I literally jumped for joy whenever he appeared on the pages and swooned at his sexy form. I wanted to crawl into the pages and pet his fur and distract him away from Kate. Seriously, how can Kate even attempt to deny him? I would have crawled all over him in book one, but the authors wait until book four to give us Chapter 17! I read that chapter three times before moving on to the rest of the book.

In this installment of the series, Kate is up against not only the most powerful enemy yet, but she is also up against her Aunt Erra. That's right readers -- we get to see her go up against her Father Roland's sister. Erra also happens to bring disease wherever she goes at thinks she can defeat Kate. Be prepared for a blood bath when these two collide several times in the book.

Not only can Ilona Andrews deliver the perfect story of suspense, fantasy, fighting and honor, but the author can also deliver some of the best witty and humorous dialogue throughout the chaos. I found so many quotes in this book that I would love to share, but then I would have to quote the whole book!

I have found this series to be a new favorite of mine and has made me discover that Urban Fantasy can be just as great as other genres. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book and pick up where Magic Bleeds ends.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

The phone rang. I picked it up.
“Are you sitting down?” Curran's voice asked.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Click.
I listened to the disconnect signal. If he wanted me to sit, then I'd stand. I got up. The chair got up with me and I ended up bent over my desk, with the chair stuck to my butt. I grabbed the edge of the chair and tried to pull it off. It remained stuck.
I would murder him. Slowly. And I'd enjoy every second of it.
-- page 142 Kate and Curran

"I don't know your wolves." I looked at Jim. "Why can't you go if you're so concerned?"
He sighed. "Because certain people aren't altogether rational at the moment. If I came with you, I'd have to answer uncomfortable questions. I ask questions, I don't answer them."
"What kind of questions?"
"Why were you in a vehicle with Kate, alone? What were you wearing? What was she wearing? How long were you there? Did you do something or did you talk? What was the nature of your discussion? Could this trip have been avoided?"
I rubbed my face. "So basically you're scared that His Lordship might get his panties in a bunch?"
-- page 255 Jim and Kate

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

2011-12-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Magic Strikes
Kate Daniels #3
Author: Ilona Andrews
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Ace;
(March 31, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0441017027

SUMMARY:

Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot.

But when Kate’s werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet.

MY THOUGHTS:

This series has been such a great find to read. Each one keeps getting better and better. Seriously, it has been a hard choice on which one is my favorite so far, but I think this one surpassed the first two and became my new favorite of the series.

Derek was always one of my favorite secondary characters and when he is attacked in this book, I literally wanted to rip someone to pieces. The horrific things the enemy does to Derek was just heart wrenching and I nearly collapsed just like Kate when she went to see him after the attack. I wanted justice and I wanted it to be just as painful as what Derek had went through. The way Jim explained his reasoning on disobeying the Beast Lord made me see Jim in a new light as well. It showed his compassion and loyalty to his friends that I hadn't really seen in the previous books.

This brings me to the dynamics that are evolving around Kate and Curran. *swoon* Can this Beast Lord get any sexier? I fell harder for this character this time around and I am sure other readers will agree that this book was the one that opened our eyes to the sexiness that is called Curran. His compassion surfaced and showed that he does have a softer side and understands the reasoning in the way members of his Pack did what they did. Instead of destroying them for what they had done, he surprised me and decided to fight right beside them. He showed his loyalty back to the Pack and stood ground with them in a bloody battle that could have killed them all.

The sexual tension is stepped up a notch in this book as well. The bet had to be the most stupid thing out of Kate's mouth if she truly didn't have chemistry with Curran, but I think it was one decision her subconscious really wants to happen. That is one bet that I wouldn't mind losing if I was betting with Curran myself! *sigh*

The scenes near the end were almost my undoing. I was swooning with the words and actions from Curran. I wanted a furry Beast Lord of my own. I seriously cannot wait to start the next book and see what happens next. This series has become a serious addiction to me and I can't break the hold it has on me.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“His Majesty needs a can-I girl anyway. And I'm not it."
"A can-I girl?" Andrea frowned.
I leaned back. "'Can I fetch your food, Your Majesty? Can I tell you how strong and mighty you are, Your Majesty? Can I pick your fleas, Your Majesty? Can I kiss your ass, Your Majesty? Can I..."
It dawned on me that Raphael was sitting very still. Frozen, like a statue, his gaze fixed on the point above my head.
"He's standing behind me, isn't he?"
Andrea nodded slowly.
"Technically it should be 'may I'," Curran said, his voice deeper than I remembered. "Since you're asking for permission."
--page 42

“I flexed my wrist, popped a silver needle into my palm, and offered it to him.
'What's this?'
'A needle.'
'What should I do with it?'
He'd walked right into it. Too easy. 'Please use it to pop your head. It's obscuring my view of the room.'
- Kate & Saiman page 63

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Giveaway!!!

2011-12-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

The Duke is Mine
Author: Eloisa James
SUMMARY:He is a duke in search of a perfect bride. She is a lady—but a long way from perfect.
Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.
Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.
To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul…
Unless it’s already too late
This sexy, witty version of The Princess and the Pea turns the classic fairy tale into an enticing, funny, and moving romance.

Trouble at the Wedding
Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
SUMMARY:What happens when a woman is determined to marry the wrong man? When she just won’t listen to reason and rushes forward with wedding plans? When she just doesn’t care that she’s marrying a fortune hunting scoundrel who doesn’t love her? What’s her exasperated family supposed to do about it? Hire a different scoundrel to talk her out of it, of course.
American heiress Annabel Wheaton knows what she wants and love isn’t it. Born in a Mississippi backwater, with a twang as wide as the Delta, she wants respect to go with the millions her daddy found in a Klondike gold mine. But respect isn’t easy to come by in the closed Knickerbocker society of New York, and when the fortune-hunting Earl of Rumsford shows up, it seems like he’s just the ticket to make all Annabel’s dreams come true. When he proposes marriage, she happily agrees. That’s when the trouble starts.
Christian Du Quesne has always been trouble—a rake, a gambler, and when he was younger, a fortune hunter. He married once for the sake of the decaying family coffers, but he won’t do it again. When his older brother, the Duke of Scarborough, dies without issue, Christian become the duke and inherits a whole new pile of family debt with no way to pay it. When Annabel’s family hires him to show Annabel just what she’d be getting by marrying into Britain’s aristocratic class, he knows he’s the perfect person to talk her out of matrimony. Problem is, he only has four days to do it. Can he cause enough trouble in those four days to get her to call off the wedding?

CONTEST:

Thanks to HarperCollins/AVON I have a set of 2 Historical Romances to giveaway! One winner will receive both books.

RULES:

-To enter, please leave a comment with your email address.

-Entrants must be 13 years of age or older.

-Contest deadline is December 18th, 2011.

-Contest open for the USA only!

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

2011-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Last Breath
Morganville Vampires #11
Author: Rachel Caine
Source: Library Loan
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: NAL Hardcover
November 1, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0451234872

SUMMARY:

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town—a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville’s latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn’t merely human. But is he a vampire—or something else entirely?

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh Morganville, I have missed you! This is one of those series that just keeps pulling you in with each story the author creates. I just love revisiting Morganville and the town to get my vampire fix!

The book starts out with the planning of Eve and Michael's wedding. They are trying to get the permission needed in a vampire/human marriage from Amelie while also trying to get the humans to agree to it as well. During the process of the planning, vampires start to disappear when a new face shows up in town named Magnus. Magnus is not human, but he is not quite vampire either. When Claire starts to piece together who he really is, the town is already in battle and beloved characters will be lost to the fight. While Amelie wants the vampires to run and find a new home, Claire and her friends are determined to save their town.

I have to say that this book in the series I think is my favorite so far. Not only did so many things happen that the reader will not expect, but the way the author changes the Point of View around was greatly satisfying. The series has been focused mainly on Claire's Point of View (POV), but in Last Breath we get to read from Shane, Eve, Michael and Amelie as well. We got to see glimpses of what each character was feeling and thinking throughout the story. The only character that I hoped she would include was Myrnin, but we never get to see inside his crazy head. Hopefully in the next book she will explore his mind as well.

If you plan on reading this book from the series, have some tissues on hand and be prepared for your emotions to be thrown all over the place. You will cry, gasp in suspense, cringe in fear and be yelling for your favorites to win! One of the best in the series of eleven so far!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

2011-12-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

Magic Burns
Kate Daniels #2
Author: Ilona Andrews
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Ace (April 1, 2008)
ISBN-13: 978-0441015832

SUMMARY:

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels knows how waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shape shifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug of war between two gods hoping for rebirth, and if Kate can't stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive.

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow! After reading the first book in the series Magic Bites, I was still a little wary about getting to excited for the next books. I was unsure since I have said before that I prefer Paranormal Romance because I want a little romantic tension with my characters. Urban Fantasy doesn't focus on the romance usually, but with Magic Burns the author definitely kicked in the romantic tension along the journey.

Kate proved to be more than just an ordinary mercenary in this one. She showed compassion, strength, determination and weakness of emotions. I was cheering for her all the way until the last word in the last chapter. Kate definitely was a better character in this installment than the last. I also enjoyed previous characters making an encore appearance as well. Derek was involved more in this story which was definitely a plus! I also thought the interaction between Derek and Ghastek was at times hilarious and I look forward to them being left alone together in a room with no holds barred.

The revelation of Andrea's personal secret was interesting and the author handled Kate's discovery of it great. I loved how Kate stood by her and told her that it didn't matter to her what that secret involved. Aunt B even showed a little compassion and made me like her a little bit when helping Andrea when needed. Julie was a great compliment in the character of Kate. I liked how Julie brought out the mothering instinct in Kate, but she also had secrets of her own. When Kate takes her under her wing, you just know that Kate would die for her if needed.

While Curran is starting to grow on me even more, I only had one problem with him in this book. Where the heck was he for most of it? I was disappointed in the fact that he didn't really get any story time until the last half of the book. I needed my furry Curran fix! And that ending featuring Kate and Curran at her house was perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better ending for this book. It made me jump up and grab the next book so I could dive back in and see what happens.

Overall I think this book was much better than the first. Now that the world the author has created is set up and all the players have been in place, I find myself swept up in the magic and story. I can't wait to see what the author brings next!

FAVORITE QUOTES:

"You shouldn't provoke me." His voice dropped low. He suddenly looked slightly hungry. "You never know what I might do if I'm not fully in control of myself."
Mayday. Mayday. "I shudder at the thought."
"I usually have that effect on women."
Ha! "Is that before or after they pee on themselves and show you their furry bellies?"
--Kate and Curran, page 94

The vampire stared at me, his mouth slack as Ghastek assessed his options. I took a couple of forms from my desk, put them into the vamp's mouth, and pulled them up by their edges.
"What are you doing?"
"My hole puncher broke."
"You have no respect for the undead."
--Kate and Ghastek, page 117

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

2011-12-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

Magic Bites
Kate Daniels #1
Author: Ilona Andrews
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Ace (March 27, 2007)
ISBN-13: 978-0441014897

SUMMARY:

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic . . .

One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds. In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

After hearing a few other bloggers I know rave about this series, I finally decided to cave and give it a try. The main reason I was so hesitant in reading this series is because I am not a huge reader of urban fantasy. I prefer Paranormal Romance over Urban Fantasy because I enjoy the romance over the blood. With everyone talking about Curran and Kate though, I figured there must be some sort of romance in the story that would make it pleasant for me to read.

What I completely forgot about in Urban Fantasy though is the roughness of the characters for lack of better word. Kate is strong, but she isn't living a perfect life you find in most stories. She is a mercenary -- paid to kill things -- and has a serious magical boost in her veins. This world that you venture into is filled with magic, necromancers, shapechangers and vampires that are completely different than my usual norm of reading. They are meaner, stronger, and at times grotesque with no hint of sparkle anywhere.

There was a lot of information packed into this book and made it a little too much for a casual reader of this genre. I enjoyed the character of Kate and her strong will. She was determined to find the person responsible for the death of her guardian. Curran was a strong leader and was a great opposite for Kate. They both kept each other in check and didn't put up with the others snippy attitude at times. Derek was fun, but I wish we could have read about him a little more.

The person I suspected of being the killer was not the correct guess on my part. I could have sworn it was a possible love interest of Kate's, but the author threw me for a loop and took off in another direction that I wasn't really expecting. I love how an author can lead you down one path with bread crumbs and then push your theories back in your face with a new path.

While it was not my favorite book, I will say that this book captured my interest enough to keep me going with the future books. I am curious to see if Curran and Kate will develop a bigger relationship than just friends. I am also curious to see what the author can come up with in the next book. A new Urban Fantasy series to add to my list!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

The Reckoning by M. Leighton

2011-12-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

The Reckoning
The Fahllen #2
Author: M. Leighton
Source: Author Submission
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: CreateSpace (November 17, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1467956598

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 was nearly 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?

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading the first book in this series, I became an instant fan of author M. Leighton. I fell in love with her writing and the characters that were presented to us within the pages of her work. While this is classified as a Young Adult story, adults will find themselves swept into the mystical world involving Carson and the power of reaping.

Carson is back and facing even more problems than before. She is now gifted with the job of reaping souls for Heaven. Add in the fact that she is also struggling to beat her sister Grey in reaping souls for evil, but she is also out to steal Carson's powers of earth and fire by killing her. Derek is also back in this book but Carson is having problems with that relationship as well. Derek is acting strange towards Carson and she is not sure why. In the midst of high school graduation, old prophecies, an evil twin sisters, and an aloof boyfriend and you can imagine the struggles Carson is having to deal with.

I can honestly say that this book surpassed my expectations of amazing. The authors writing captures you from the first page with her imaginative scenes and descriptions and doesn't let you pull out of the fantasy world. Carson is strong and determined which is hard to find in some young adult heroine's. Redemption, love, and the fight over good and evil is what made this book overcome the greatness of the previous book. I am sad the story has ended, but the author didn't hold back in giving the readers a conclusion worth the wild ride!

MY RATING:

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey

2011-12-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Bleeding Hearts
Drake Chronicles #4
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Source: Gifted
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books (October 3, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1408814970

SUMMARY:

Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult enough. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is the worst part. Something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel has noticed some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand - one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. But after Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.

MY THOUGHTS:

In this novel we get to read about Conner Drake. He is the computer and all around tech brother of the group. I will admit that I wasn't too thrilled to step back into the Drake Chronicles since my favorite brother is now taken. I was a huge Logan fan and wasn't really into Conner in the other books. Even though it isn't the sexy Logan this time, I still sat down and finished this book in one day.

We also get to me Lucy's cousin, Christabel. She is opposite to Lucy in the fact that she would rather be sitting down reading instead of out socializing with friends. Give her a copy of Pride and Prejudice and she is a happy camper. When a different breed of Hel-Blar kidnap Christabel instead of Lucy by mistake, the Drake's set out in search of her and have choices to make with the Na-Foir.

While I love the writing style of Alyxandra Harvey and her world revolving around the Drake family, I just couldn't get into this book as much as I did with the previous ones. I never could feel the spark between Conner and Christabel. The writer doesn't disappoint though on action considering the first few pages of the book jump directly into it!

While this wasn't my favorite of the series, this series still has plenty of potential. The writing is still great and getting better with each one along with the fact that she is including many of the characters from previous books. The author also does a wonderful job of explaining things without going overboard in case a reader happens to read them out of order.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

Organizing Your Home Library: SHOW OFF TIME!

2011-12-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

PART FOUR:

The Reveal!

Hello my lovelies! I hope everyone had a nice break for the holidays! Did everyone have a chance to finish up your bookshelves and spreadsheets? I hope so! Today is the reveal portion of the bookshelf organization feature.

Now that you have the shelves organized, spreadsheets updated and complete, and room to grow with new books for Christmas, it is time to let all of the readers drool at your pictures of your hard work!

Now, I have a confession. Not only is my camera battery depleted, but my shelves are not ready for photos. I know, I should have had it done, but things were so hectic on my end that my photos will have to wait until next week. I will dedicate the entire post to my finished project.

I do hope that you will share what you have done with us though and link up!

Share photos of your shelves, the creative ways you came up for organizing, and tips on how you did your spreadsheets! So write up a post and share those photos!

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-12-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

Silence
Hush,Hush #3
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Source: Gifted
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (October 4, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1442426641

SUMMARY:

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

MY THOUGHTS:

I waited ~~not so~~ patiently for author Becca Fitzpatrick to finally release this book in the series. She left the readers with such a cliffhanger in the second novel that it was torture having to wait for this one. I think authors love to torture the readers by making us wait!

I will start off by saying that Hush, Hush was my absolute favorite in this series. This one titled Silence, was just that. It left me silent for a few days and afraid to post my review. While I gobbled up every scene there was with Patch in it, there weren't many to enjoy. Patch was very much in the background for this book. Nora has fallen from such a strong heroine in the first book to such a whiny and at times obsessive character that I want to just stop reading the series. It has been such a downfall for this character.

The ending was left open for another book in the series, but it didn't end as well as the others had. It wasn't a 'wow' ending but it does leave you curious for what is to come with Nora and Patch. I just couldn't get into this one as much as I did the first two. This series seems to be falling apart and crumbling. I want to see Nora get her kick butt personality back and Patch be the Patch I loved in the first book!

If you are already a huge fan of the series, then this book might appeal to you as a continuation of the story, but probably won't satisfy your hunger of Patch and Nora of before.

MY RATING:

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

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

2011-12-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Some Girls Bite
Chicagoland Vampires #1
Author: Chloe Neill
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: NAL Trade (April 7, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0451226259

SUMMARY:

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker-and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude- and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood.

MY THOUGHTS:

I had heard so many mixed reviews on this series that it took a long time to convince myself to read it. When I finally decided to commit to the series, I dove into the Chicagoland Vampires with excitement. I wanted to read them and come to my own conclusions about this story. Now that I have finally read the first book, I can see the appeal that other readers have had for the series.

Merit is attacked by a vampire while walking home from her job at the local University. The vampire gets distracted during the middle of the attack and Merit is left half dead with her throat torn apart. Ethan, who happens to be the Master vampire of Cadogan House, appears and changes her into a vampire without her consent. While they always try to have a human consent to the transformation, Merit is unable to voice her opinion on it because she is too close to death. After days of transforming, she is returned home that she shares with her best friend Mallory and told to read the handbook in becoming an Initiate of Cadogan House. Merit is not pleased to have become a vampire, but she also realizes she will need to come to terms with it. Once she has, she also needs to make a choice in joining Ethan and his House, or risk striking it out on her own by becoming a Rogue.

This novel was slow going for me. In my opinion, Merit took too long to come to terms with her new found life of vampire. She is suppose to be strong and such, but to me she came across a little too weak. I wanted her to just accept it and move on. Another thing I didn't really like about Merit was her hatred for Ethan in the first place. She hated him from the get go and never really gave him a chance considering he saved her life. Agreed, he might have had ulterior motives, but she didn't give an inch in her hate for him. Yet, later in the story we are suppose to believe she is attracted to him but never attempts to let go of the anger.

The side characters in this story were the best part of this series. I would rather read more about them than read about Merit. I loved Carter, Mallory, Jeff and Morgan. I am curious to learn more about Carter's secrets, Mallory's growing magic, Jeff's flirting and shifting world, and of course I would love to have more sexy times with Morgan who is in a separate House that is courting Merit now due to a debt being owed.

Overall it was an okay start to a series that has potential to be great. I am looking forward to how everything that is revealed in this book is going to be played out in the future books of the series.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

ARC Review: Bewitching by Alex Flinn

2011-12-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Bewitching
Author: Alex Flinn
Source: ATWT
Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Publisher: HarperTeen (February 14, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0062024145

SUMMARY:

Kendra Hilferty, the witch who curses Kyle Kingsbury in Beastly, tells about her immortal existence-how she discovered she was a witch and the various ways she has used her powers to help people throughout the centuries. (Unfortunately her attempts have often backfired.) As it turns out, Kendra has actually had a hand in "Hansel and Gretel," "The Princess and the Pea," and "The Little Mermaid"-but these are not the fairy tales you think you know! Kendra's reminiscences are wrapped around a real-time version of "Cinderella," except the "ugly" stepsister is the good guy. With dark twists, hilarious turns, and unexpected endings, Bewitching is a contemporary read for fairy-tale lovers, fantasy fans, and anyone looking for more Alex Flinn.

MY THOUGHTS:

If you remember Beastly that was written by this author, then you also remember the witch that was involved in that book named Kendra. In Bewitching, we get to read about how Kendra became a witch and her life before Beastly.

What I loved about this book was the new twist on the fairy-tales that author Alex Flinn does so well. With the new take on some well known stories, the author takes you on an adventure of survival, love, magic and so much more. I absolutely loved Kendra in this book. I loved how she was protective and willing to do what was needed of her. With new adventures of Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel, you will be rethinking everything you have heard about those fairy-tales of youth.

If you were a fan of Beastly then I think you will enjoy this one just as much. Enjoy the whimsical ride of Kendra and her life story.

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

ARC Review: Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith

2011-12-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

Kiss Crush Collide
Author: Christina Meredith
Source: Amazon Vine
Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (December 27, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0062062246

SUMMARY:

Leah has the life most high school girls would kill for—popularity, glowing grades, a rich, athletic boyfriend. So why does she feel like she can’t breathe? And why can’t she stop thinking about the boy from the country club? The one who isn’t her boyfriend, the one that her mother would never, ever approve of, the one that her perfect older sisters would never, ever look at twice. The one who is always looking back at her. Irresistible attraction, smoldering glances, the bad boy and the good girl—Kiss Crush Collide has everything that a steamy forbidden romance should, and then some.

MY THOUGHTS:

Since this book was compared with Perfect Chemistry, I knew it had big shoes to fill. I absolutely loved Perfect Chemistry and if it is being compared to it, it better be able to deliver. Add on the fact that this book hasn't gotten so much hype revolving around -- plus a great cover-- and you would think it would be a winner. Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me.

I had a really hard time getting into this story. Leah was not a favorite character for me from the first chapter. I just couldn't connect with her. She didn't really feel bad about making out with another boy even though her boyfriend was still in her life. She had annoying family that was at times a little too much. Within the first few chapters we are introduced to so many characters that it left me confused and wishing I was taking notes. The book is also off balance with most of the story revolving around Leah and lacking story from Duffy. The romance was instant -- making out the first time they meet -- and forced for the reader to accept it.

Overall, it is definitely not a book I would reread again. This was a big miss in the young adult genre, but others might enjoy it as it is.

MY RATING:

I did not like this book at all!

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

ARC Review: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2011-12-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Every Other Day
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Source: Amazon Vine
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Publisher: EgmontUSA (December 27, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1606841693

SUMMARY:

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . . She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends.

MY THOUGHTS:

I was a big fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and her Raised By Wolves series. When I saw that she had a new book releasing that wasn't part of that series, I just knew I was going to have to read it. I was curious to see what else the author could bring to the table with a completely different world.

With Every Other Day, we step away from the werewolf way of life and step into a world where demon hunting is the every other day norm for Kali. One day she is a normal teenager and the next she is a kick butt demon hunting girl with severe predatory instincts kicking in. While I enjoyed her character on the kick butt days, when she was just human Kali I found her to be a little annoying. She was depressing and at times I wanted to slap her out of her pity parties. I also didn't like the repetitive dialogue over and over again whenever she fought the bad guys of the book. I read it once, so I don't need to read it again. I will say that the author has grown with her writing though. She has definitely stepped up her game in the story telling but just needs to reign in the narrative parts a little more.

While I enjoyed the book and the story the author was telling, it didn't give me the wow factor that I was expecting like I had with the Raised By Wolves series. Still, I wouldn't mind reading future books in this paranormal world especially with the way this one ended.

MY RATING:

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

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

December 100+ Books Challenge Reviews

2011-12-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER LINK UP PAGE

Hi all! This is the post that you can link up your reviews for the 100+ Challenge for December. Each month there will be a new link up page and I will be listing each months main link below the challenge button on my sidebar. I look forward to reading everyone's reviews and the books you choose!

* This is for your reviews posted in DECEMBER only! To sign up for the challenge please go to the page located HERE *

ARC Review: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

2011-11-30T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Demon Lover
Author: Juliet Dark
Source: Amazon Vine
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Releases: 12/27/2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance

SUMMARY:

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.

MY THOUGHTS:

This book had such promise for me after reading the summary. I thought it was going to be a paranormal romance with modern and gothic elements woven into the story, but this book was nothing like I expected.

The book starts out slow for me and doesn't pick up much after that. The character of Callie was hard to get attached to in the fact that I couldn't find myself really liking her. I am not sure if it was her personality or the overall writing of this character but Callie never evolved into a true character in my mind. I also felt the cover to be misleading as well. When you look at the cover before reading the summary, you expect it to be young adult. That cover just screams that genre to me. Then when you read the summary, you realize this is in no way a young adult book. The sex scenes involved in this book were poorly executed and just creepy at times. Also, unless you are a fan of heavy narrating, be prepared for quite a bit of story with very little dialogue. Predictability is very prominent in the story as you will have figured out the plot line very early on. So if you are looking for suspense and drama in that aspect, be prepared to be disappointed.

This was one of those books that I had to force myself to finish and it felt like a chore reading it instead of enjoyment. This is book is proof that you can't judge a book by its cover, but also by its summary.

MY RATING:

I did not like this book at all!

WOW: Waiting on Wednesday

2011-11-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

DARK KISS by Michelle Rowen

Estimated Release Date: May 22, 2010

Publisher: Harlequin

SUMMARY:

After her soul is stolen in a kiss, a 16-year-old must join a force of demons and angels to protect humanity from an immortal threat.

REASON I CAN'T WAIT:
Um, hello? Did you see who the author is? Michelle Rowen is an awesome writer! I love every story she comes out with and this will probably be just as great as her previous works. Plus, look at that cover! HOT! Need I say more?

Please excuse the mess!

2011-11-30T07:59:00.001-08:00

Updating the site, so please excuse the mess for the day!

Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

2011-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

SPELL OF THE HIGHLANDER
Highlander #7
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Source: Personal Purchase

Publisher:
Dell (May 30, 2006)

ISBN-13:
978-0440240976

SUMMARY:

Powerful. Sensual. Seductive. He is all that is shamelessly erotic in a man. In her sexiest Highlander novel yet, New York Times bestselling author Karen Moning stirs up a sizzling brew of ancient mystery and modern passion as she brings together a devilishly handsome Celtic warrior trapped in time . . . and the woman who’s about to pay the ultimate price for freeing him. Age-old secrets haunt them. Deadly danger and irresistible desire shadow their every move. It’s a relationship for the ages. And all that separates them is a mere thirteen hundred years. . . .

Jessi St. James has got to get a life. Too many hours studying ancient artifacts has given the hardworking archaeology student a bad case of sex on the brain. So she figures she must be dreaming when she spies a gorgeous half-naked man staring out at her from inside the silvery glass of an ancient mirror. But when a split-second decision saves her from a terrifying attempt on her life, Jessi suddenly finds herself confronting six and a half feet of smoldering, insatiable alpha male.

Heir to the arcane magic of his Druid ancestors, eleven centuries ago Cian MacKeltar was trapped inside the Dark Glass, one of four coveted Unseelie Hallows, objects of unspeakable power. When the Dark Glass is stolen, an ancient enemy will stop at nothing to reclaim it, destroying everything in his path–including the one woman who may just hold the key to breaking the ninth-century Highlander’s dark spell. For Jessi, the muscle-bound sex god in the mirror is not only tantalizingly real, he’s offering his protection–from exactly what, Jessi doesn’t know. And all he wants in exchange is the exquisite pleasure of sharing her bed.

Yet even as Cian’s insatiable hunger begins to work its dark magic on Jessi, his ancient enemy is about to obtain the final and most dangerous of the Unseelie Hallows–and the ninth-century Highlander must stop him from getting it. Nothing less than the very fabric of the universe and two passionately entwined lives are at stake–as Cian and Jessi fight to claim the kind of love that comes along but once in an ice age. . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading the Fever series by this author, I just knew I was going to have to read her other books. The only thing though is that I had never really read a book involving Highlanders. I didn't know what to expect because I thought a Highlander would be set in the past. I certainly didn't expect a Highlander to be so sexy and drool worthy!

When Jessi -- who is swamped with school work and such -- is asked by her professor to go sign for a package at his office while he is in the hospital, she never expects to fall into a world full of supernatural beings and a gorgeous man to protect her. She unknowingly uncovers a mirror that is a relic of the Unseelie. Inside this mirror is a tall and certainly sexy man. Jessi thinks it is her overtired mind causing hallucinations and a man in the mirror is a figment of her imagination. When she finally accepts that Cian MacKeltar is real, she has to make a choice in helping him or running for her life.

Karen Marie Moning gives us her witty humor, sexual tension and dark suspense that she has never failed to give us. Her writing is exceptional and definitely has me craving the other books in this series. While this was the seventh book in the series -- before spinning off into the Fever series -- it can be read as a stand alone novel. With that being said, when you meet the side characters of the book, you will be scrambling for the others like I am.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading! 5 STARS

Calling all Twi-Hards! You are needed!

2011-11-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

It just so happens that I am the advocate for Bella Swan from the Twilight Series in the YA Sisterhood Tournament of Heroines!!

Not only is Bella going to suck the life out of the other competitors, but she is calling on all of the Twi-Hard fans for her support!

This is my first time participating as an advocate and Bella needs all the support she can get! Your mission is this my fellow vampire wannabe's:

Leave me some comments with your opinion on why Bella is the strongest of the bunch! What makes her such a strong heroine and what makes her the role model for Young Adult awesomeness?

You see, she is going up against Janie from Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning. The voting for Bella's first match will begin on Dec. 7th! We need to start our planning now!

Don't be shy and tell me in the comments why Bella deserves to win!
Snag the button below to add to your blog as well or use as an avi for your Twitter!

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

2011-11-26T13:49:00.001-08:00

DEARLY, DEPARTED
Author: Lia Habel
Source: Amazon Vine
Publisher: Del Rey
(October 18, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0345523310

SUMMARY:

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

MY THOUGHTS:

Many people have been reading and reviewing this book. I was hesitant on reading it for a couple of reasons. One reason is that I am not a huge fan of Steampunk and Victorian era books. I am not really sure why, but for some reason they just aren't usually a big hit for me. Another reason is that it involves zombies and I have also never been a huge zombie creature fan. Lastly, there was so much hype and amazing reviews of this book that it made my expectations for the story unbelievably high for a new series.

I will say that the prologue of this book instantly captured my interest. It gave us the feel of creepiness that was going to be the tone of this book. The book is set in the year 2195 and the world is now living as a Victorian era. The days of proper women, manners and society standards and classification is now the world that Nora is living in. Not only is she living in this new world, but she is also hearing about the rise of people called "Punks" trying to convince everyone that we are repeating past mistakes.

I was turned off by the overabundant amount of story set up that the first few chapters offer. I felt I was reading a history textbook and just wanted it to end. If the author could have woven some dialogue into the history it would have been much better. I did like how the author gave the zombies a different name though calling them The Laz. I was able to digest them being called The Laz better than zombies because it didn't creep me out as much. Just a personal opinion on that and not a dig at zombies books in particular. It just sits better in my mind. After the book started to take off though, I found myself caught up in the new world from this authors imagination and the romance that was weaved within the mystery.

If you are a fan of the Victorian era with Steampunk thrown into the mix, then I have no doubt that this will be a book you will enjoy. Throw in romance, mystery, conspiracy and zombies and you have one thrilling ride of a book!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

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

Winners!!!!

2011-11-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Black Friday!!!

I have a few winners to announce.

First the winner of The Black Sun's Daughter Series (4 books) is:

JenM

Second, the TWO winners of Genie Knows Best is:

Patti Williams

and

RobinK

Congrats to all of you!

I will be forwarding your info to the publishers and your books will be coming directly from them. I will be contacting you through email as well to confirm your win!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Stray by Rachel Vincent

2011-11-24T09:41:00.001-08:00

STRAY
Shifters #1
Author: Rachel Vincent
Source: Personal Purchase

Mass Market Paperback: 624 pages
Publisher: Mira (June 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778324214
ISBN-13: 978-0778324218

SUMMARY:

There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . .

And I'm one of them.

I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.
Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading the young adult Soul Screamers series by the same author, it was recommended that I read the adult Shifter Series. Since I really enjoyed her young adult series, I was thrilled to start a series focused in the adult genre of books by Ms. Vincent.

I will say that this book gave me a feeling of love/hate for the series. While Faythe was a strong heroine in the series that doesn't take any crap off of anyone, she did tend to get on my last raw nerve with her antics and personality. There were times I rolled my eyes at her and wanted to shake some sense into her spoiled and bratty mind. Everything revolved around what she wanted and she didn't really think about what her actions would bring to the Pride. She couldn't decide which guy she wanted to be with considering she was dating a human boy from school -- which is a big no-no in her world -- and then she had to string Marc and Jace both along.

Marc was a very possessive and strong leading hero. I loved him but at times I wanted him to curb his jealousy a little bit. He came off a little too strong at times and he needed to step back and take a good look at Faythe and her actions. I wanted him to actually grow a pair and tell her off several times! I think he makes a good match for her, but he desperately needs to see through her attitude and bring her down a notch.

Jace was just as appealing as Marc, but I ended up feeling more than sorry for him for even attempting to start something with Faythe. Not only did he not deserve her attention, but he really didn't deserve to have Marc at odds with him. Frankly, I think they both needed to lose interest in Faythe long enough for her personality to grow up with her age.

The side characters of the family was quite enjoyable as well. I loved Ethan the best, but the rest of the family was just as interesting as the main characters. I look forward to reading more about them in the future books.

While the actual plot was not one that I found completely enjoyable, the characters involved did make the story a pleasant and fun read. The book did start out a slower pace than I normally like, but about half way through it really starts to pick up and take off. The big surprise was the reveal of who was helping the bad guys and how it was going to be dealt with. I am curious to see how the author is going to redeem this person if she does decide to take that path.

While I did have some problems with the main heroine, the book itself was a great read. I look forward to reading more of the series and will keep my fingers crossed in hoping that Faythe will grow up a little more in the books to come.

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T20:23:00.001-08:00

From my family to yours…

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

WOW: A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey

2011-11-23T12:21:00.001-08:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey

(The Devil’s Bargain #2)

Expected Release Date: January 24th 2012

Publisher: Avon

***********

SUMMARY:

Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest...

...and no one knows that better than Sammy Divine, High Prince of Darkness. Once an angel, now cast down, Sammy's out to prove he's not the only angel who can be led into temptation...

Hope Henderson's sister has disappeared without a trace, and Hope will do anything to find her--even make a deal with the Devil. An ancient text holds the key to unspeakable power, and it's the Archangel Gabriel's job to make sure it stays hidden, even if he has to become human to do it. Lives, love and the fate of the world hang in the balance, as Hope and Gabriel learn that when passion's involved, it may be impossible to withstand a devil named desire.

**********

Why I am waiting for this one:

Hello?! Look at that hot cover! Those abs! Plus it is from a great author who can write the best stories.

Organization in Your Home Library: PART THREE

2011-11-22T08:02:00.001-08:00

PART THREE: The big sort!

Last week we discussed the sorting process involving the books. This week we are discussing the process of creating a master list of your books.

When it comes to purchasing books, no one wants to be in the predicament of either wondering if you own a title already or if you bring it home and realize you now have two copies of the same book. Believe me, I have done this many times in the past and kicking myself for it. The solution I have come up with – and the one I will be sharing with you today – is one that has fixed this problem for me and has made organization a big help.

At this point in the process all of your books should already be sorted into some sort of system that works for you and on the shelves already. I know it is hard to stop looking at your hard work, but there will be time to admire it when we are all finished. Take one last look and then have a seat.

There are two ways you can do this – by hand with paper and pencil, or with a computer that is hopefully nearby. I am going to say that some people choose to use Goodreads as their main database, but I have found the way I use to be better for me. If you would like to use Goodreads instead, then try it out and see if it works or use this way as a backup system.

We are going to do this shelf by shelf to start with. Go to your first shelf and lets get started. At the top of your page, write down the books on that shelf. If it is several series, write a heading of the authors name for each one.

For example:

AUTHOR

SERIES NAME

BOOKS YOU OWN

(REPEAT)

After you have done this to each shelf in your library, and your fingers are sore from typing or writing, we are going make another decision. You can either keep your master sheet in accordance with your shelves or you can alphabetize it. Personally, I move my books around so much I have found it easier just to alphabetize my list by author. When you have all of them alphabetized, you are going to print these if you are on a computer. When you go to print these out, make sure you leave some space between each series and each author in case you need to add later on.

Now make sure you have paper in your printer and print those pages out. While you are waiting to for them to print out, get a binder, dividers, and a hole punch. On the side of the binder I wrote “Master List” because I have a little bit of OCD inherited from my parents. LOL

Once all of the pages are done you need to punch holes in them and add them to the binder. Don’t forget to put the page dividers between each different letter of the alphabet!

Now you have a master list that includes every book you own. But wait, we are not done!

Behind the last set of pages, you are going to put two more sections! One you are going to label “WISHLIST” and the other you are going to label “READ/BORROWED”.

In the Wishlist section you will keep a running tab of books you would like to buy. Once you buy them, cross them out and add them to the appropriate section in your binder. (Remember we left space between each author)

On your Read/Borrowed pages you are going to list the books you borrowed from the library or friends and have read already. Try to keep it in alphabetical order as well with a page for each letter of the alphabet.

Once this is done, it should be pretty easy to maintain. I go into my computer file that I saved and update it every 4 months or so. I also only reprint the pages that have changed so I am not wasting too much paper.

Now I have a main binder full of my collection. Whenever I go out on a shopping trip, I take this with me. Yes, it can be bulky, but so can those huge coupon binders that everyone is carrying now. Plus it has saved me a ton of money in buying duplicates.

Next week we are going to take a break due to the holidays, but be prepared! When we return with the feature we are going to take a peek into each of our libraries! I am going to show you mine and I hope you will link up with photos of yours!

Contest & Guest Post with Judi Fennell

2011-11-21T07:02:00.001-08:00

Welcome to My Overstuffed Bookshelf today! It is my great pleasure to introduce you to author Judi Fennell. She has a new release titled Genie Knows Best and there is a contest for this great new book at the end of the post. Ms. Fennell is here to today to discuss a Genie Thanksgiving!!

*****

Good morning, and thanks for inviting me to blog on My Overstuffed Bookshelf today! With Thanksgiving this week, I thought it would be fun to explore what a Genie Thanksgiving would be like, and I thought it would be even more fun to have one of my favorite side characters from Genie Knows Best, Dirham, tell you all about it!

The Very First Genie Thanksgiving

As told by Dirham, Magical Assistance Assistant to Kal, genie of the lantern
(Magical Assistance Assistants are assigned to djinn who are not permitted to use their magic when confined to their bottles/lanterns for long periods of time to help with daily life. Dirham is a fennec fox, a small, large-eared fox whose family members live in the Sahara desert.)
Hello everyone. My name is Dirham, and I volunteered to fill in for Kal and Samantha for this blog post because they’re busy arranging things in Izaaz, the magical city beneath the desert, for the first ever Magical Thanksgiving.
We can’t really call it a djinn thanksgiving—djinn being the official terminology for what you all call genies—because, well, no spoilers here, but when you read their story, you’ll understand why this is going to be quite the undertaking in bringing all these magical and so-called mythological beings together in one place. The island of Hufaidh will never be the same…
But I digress. There are reasons to celebrate in Izaaz, and with the release of the book this month plus Kal and Samantha having their own happily ever after (and that’s not a spoiler because the story is, after all, a romance), they figured it’d be the perfect time to introduce the citizens of Izaaz to the concept of a celebratory feast.
Oh, trust me, these folks know all about feasting, but usually it’s at each other’s expense (and throats), and then the leprechauns insult the gnomes, and the centaurs show up, and gods-forbid the dragon and wyvern go at it, and, well…
Let’s just say that, this year, we’re looking forward to a happy communal celebration. We’ve covered the fountain that runs down the length of the median on the main drag with a whole bunch of tables so everyone can sit at the table. Well, except for the peris; they have their own table floating above the one on the ground since fairies rarely like to go terrestrial.
And in the spirit of community, no two members of the same species will be sitting next to each other. I’ve suggested to Kal that maybe butter knives would be better than the traditional serrated ones, given that ogres and centaurs aren’t the best of friends, or that the dwarves are known to swipe cutlery and pull them out at inopportune moments, so I’m hopeful that the only skewering will be of the dinner.
As to that dinner, well, it’s a bit of a tricky wiggle when you’ve got fowl sitting down to the table. I mean, Kismet, a Simurgh, is the bearer of all knowledge and it’d be quite insulting to roast one of her cousins. And though the phoenixes burn themselves to a crisp at any given moment, I’m sure none of them expect to be eaten after doing so, so Samantha had to come up with a creative substitute. She swears the tofu in the shape of a turkey will work, but I’m going to hold off judgment until after she serves it to the trolls.
There will be bread stuffing and cranberry sauce and some vegetable casseroles, but the big event will be dessert. I don’t care what species you are, everyone likes sweet things. The peris are already atwitter over the possibility of blueberry pie. The unicorns cannot WAIT for the apple pie. The gnomes are looking for raspberry, the dwarves lemon (sour little folk that they are), the brownies, of course, are looking forward to gingersnaps (you didn’t think I was going to say “brownies,” did you? That would be cannibalism!), and the leprechauns are still arguing over whether trifle is Irish enough or should they just go with whiskey.
I, myself, am pushing for the trifle. Leprechauns and whiskey can ruin any gathering in under ten minutes. Of course, leprechauns without whiskey can ruin it in under twenty.
Well, here. See what I mean. This is what happened when Samantha first met the inhabitants of Izaaz.
Something dropped out of the sky and landed on the road in front of Samantha.
Something that looked a lot like a dragon.
An iridescent, purple-scaled, ridge-backed, frilled-neck dragon.
With lime-green fingernails. Claws. Talons. Whatever.
Samantha shook her head. There was a dragon in front of her.
“What’s your hurry, hon?” The dragon was chewing gum—at least, Samantha was hoping it was gum and not a leprechaun.
She stumbled back to the chair. The event planner couldn’t have had anything to do with this.
The dragon ambled closer, its long, pointed nose inches from Samantha’s face.
Samantha held her breath.
“Kal?” asked the dragon—which was so much more wrong than a talking fox or people congratulating her for throwing a good funeral. “What’d you do to this one? She’s looking a little green.”
The leprechauns chuckled.
“I didn’t do anything to her, Maille. She’s still adjusting to the magic, and now you all come along and upset her. I haven’t even had a chance to explain.”
Upset… The word didn’t quite convey what she was feeling, but Samantha had a feeling nothing would, so it was as good a word as any.
She licked her lips and then wished she hadn’t when the dragon’s eyes narrowed on her mouth. No need to give the giant lizard any ideas.
“You guys really don’t have anything to do with The Main Event, do you?” Samantha was amazed she had enough air in her body to utter that question.
“The Mane Event?” the mayor asked. “Heinz’s place? Faith, lass. Do ye think Orkney looks as if he’s had a haircut lately?”
Cousin Itt—make that, Orkney—shook his head with a weird snuffling sound that Samantha was going to assume was laughter just for her own peace of mind.
“Oh, I don’t know,” said the centaur—Wayne. “I’ve seen Heinz’s cuts, and I have to say, that’s one of his better ones.”
A garden gnome ran out from between the dragon’s front legs and poked Wayne’s fetlock with a pitchfork. “Watch it, Hoof-and-Mouth. That’s my cousin you’re talking about.”
The centaur pawed the ground. “Who are you calling Hoof-and-Mouth, you worm weasel?”
A colorful bird dove from the crooked spire of the highest building, its long purple-and-gold tail feathers skimming inches above the centaur’s head. “Worm weasel! I love it!”
And then the bird burst into flame.
“Show-off,” the dragon muttered, blasting the same spot with her own fire.
So, you see what I mean? This first Magical Thanksgiving is going to be quite the challenge. I sure hope Kal and Samantha are up for managing the chaos, but they sear this is something they must do because they’re both thankful to everyone in the town who came together to help rescue little baby dragon, Laszlo.
Who, along with his fourteen siblings, just learned how to breath fire.
Which could make this gathering a whole lot more interesting…

*****

Genie Knows Best by Judi Fennell

In Stores November 2011

Be careful what you wish for…
Samantha Blaine is about to make a fateful discovery. A tall, dark, handsome, ohmygosh kind of fateful discovery…
Kal is very pleased to meet his attractive new master—especially since he intends to seduce her into granting him freedom. But when seriously dark magic spells trouble for both of them, Kal can’t help himself from falling for the woman who holds his fate in her hands…
Warmly acclaimed by readers and critics alike, Judi Fennell brings to life a fabulous world of magic and mayhem where wishes come true in the most unexpected ways!

About the Author

Judi Fennell is an award-winning author and writes what she calls “fairy tales with a twist.” Her romance novels have been finalists in Gather.com's First Chapters and First Chapters Romance contests, and have won numerous RWA Chapter Awards, including the FF&P Prism Award, and the New Jersey Golden Leaf Award. Judi lives with her family in suburban Philadelphia, PA, where she is working on the next book in the Genie Trilogy, Magic Gone Wild, set for release in August 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.judifennell.com/.

CONTEST:

Thanks to the publisher, Sourcebooks, I have two copies to offer for a giveaway! That means two winners!

RULES:

to enter, please fill out the form below.
entrants must be 13 years of age or older.
contest deadline is November 24th, 2011.
contest open for the USA only!
ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!

CLOSED

CONTEST: The Black Sun's Daughter Series by M.L.N. Hanover

2011-11-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Is everyone ready for their Black Friday shopping? Have you got your lists and charge cards ready?

As a special Black Friday surprise from Simon and Schuster, I have 4 books up for grabs to make that day even more spectacular! One winner will receive The Black Sun's Daughter Series --consisting of 4 books-- by author M.L.N. Hanover.

CONTEST:

Thanks to the publisher, Acacia Publishing, I have one set of books to send out to one winner! This means one winner will receive the first 4 books of the series!

RULES:

to enter, please fill out the form below.
entrants must be 13 years of age or older.
contest deadline is November 24th, 2011.
contest open for the USA only!
ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!

CLOSED

Random Friday: Trailers, Teacher Bullies and Dancing Vikings!

2011-11-18T13:29:00.001-08:00

It is Friday my lovelies! Today I am snagging the idea from the superior Fiction Vixen and doing a Random Friday Post! So I give the credit to her for the Random Friday post idea!

*****

This week on My Overstuffed Bookshelf, we reviewed the following books:
SOME LIKE IT HOT by Louisa Edwards
ZACK by Cheyenne McCray
UNLEASHED by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Also on Tuesday I featured Part Two of the Home Library Organization feature. Now I must say that people have been emailing me asking if I will be posting before and after photos of my library. Yes I will but not until the end of the feature.

*****

Now not only did Fiction Vixen inspire me to start a Random Friday post, but she also mentioned Pinterest. Oh.My.Gawd! Have any of you joined that site yet? Let me warn you that it is very addicting. I can’t stop pinning! They need a support group for sites like that! Anyway, I was cruising the recipes on the boards – EASY recipes because I am a lazy cook – and I found this recipe.

Well, I actually made that scrumptious treat and it is to die for people! So easy and now my Mother is begging for me to make it on Thanksgiving. Jeez! As if the turkey, deviled eggs and hosting the dinner isn’t enough! That’s okay. I will suffer through the cooking just to have that delicious treat in my belly.

*****

Speaking of Pinterest, I found another cool blog to stalk – I mean follow for my daily dose of laughter. I swear The Bloggess has some funny stuff on her blog. I might have had to clean my computer screen several times. Don’t be drinking your early morning coffee when reading her posts! My favorite one so far though is when a man should learn how to pick his battles featuring a giant 5 foot chicken. Yes, you read that right. Go read it and be prepared to laugh for hours. KNOCK-KNOCK!

*****

How many times have you watched the trailer for The Hunger Games? Don’t be shy. You know you have watched it every day huh? Well, I have. Don’t judge me. I am a trailer junkie, so deal. AH-MAZ-ING! I am so excited for this movie. It even has my husband a tad interested in going to see it. WOOT! Now if I can get my butt in gear and go watch Breaking Dawn this weekend!

*****

My mom called me the other day to inform me that on the Today Show there was a few teachers that are in some hot water for the treatment of a disabled child. Having a child who is disabled – this made me furious! I urge you to watch the video and make sure your children are safe!http://on.today.com/u2iK8h
*****
And I am leaving you with this youtube video that I found. I don’t understand what these people were thinking. It is ADULT THEME!! Seriously, I have no words for this. Nada.

HAPPY READING!

Unleashed by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

2011-11-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

UNLEASHED
Wolf Spring Chronicles #1
Author(s): Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal
Source: Amazon Vine
*I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (November 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385740980
ISBN-13: 978-0385740982

SUMMARY:

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

MY THOUGHTS:

When I first saw this books cover, I thought it was beautiful! I loved the head tilt on the girl with the guys hand supporting her, the moon in the background and the dark and eerie feeling the rest of the cover gives. It screams paranormal romance to me.

When Katelyn moves into her Grandfathers home after the death of her mother, she feels out of place and depressed from having to leave her happy life behind. She doesn't want to live in the woods with a Grandfather she never really knew. We are introduced to not only her Grandfather but to Trick as well. Now let me tell you that Trick is a hottie with secrets! I fell in love with his words and his description. As if one hottie wasn't enough, we are also introduced to Justin who has secrets of his own. This creates a love triangle for Katelyn but also "unleashes" secrets that she needs to figure out.

There was plenty of mystery and suspense to keep this book going with two hot guys to keep you interested enough to figure out which guy Katelyn would choose. I will say for me though, by halfway through the book it seems to slow down in plot progression. Then when you are nearing the end, it picks back up and throws you for some loops. This could have been just my experience with it and could be completely different for you though.

Another great series to add to your wishlist and devour in one sitting, but not one that was constant thrilling. I will continue the series to find out more. Just an okay book for me, but for you it could be magical.

MY RATING:

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

WOW: Waiting on Wednesday

2011-11-16T07:02:00.001-08:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.

THE SAVAGE GRACE

The Dark Divine #3

Expected Release Date: March 13th, 2012

Publisher: EgmontUSA

SUMMARY:

A troubled soul. An impossible choice. A final battle.
Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.

With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.

The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion.

Organization in Your Home Library: PART TWO

2011-11-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

PART TWO: The big sort!

Last week we discussed the bones of the structure that will be your Home Library. By this part of the process you should have the layout and the building of your shelves completed. As you sit there staring at your hard work, you realize the shelves seem to be missing something. The Books! Yes my dears, we need to add those lovely books to those shelves now!

But first we need to get some basic stuff done first. We have to decide what books go on those shelves and how we will organize them. Are you strictly a young adult book reader? Are you into the romance books? Or are you like me and have an eclectic taste and read from many genre's of books? Since I read from many different genre's, we are going to use that as our example. Make sure you have an open area of floor space to work in because if you are like me, you have a ton of books to sort through!

When you have all of your books piled high around you we will start the sorting process. First we are going to sort the books by genre. Start piles for the different genres that you have. For example -- romance, young adult, erotica, urban fantasy, non-fiction, etc. Don't forget to make separate piles for your signed books, review books, and ARC copies if you have kept any! Then lets get up and stretch our legs for a bit.

Now that you are staring down at your beautiful stacks of books you are probably thinking what the heck have I gotten myself into? Don't worry lovelies! You are on your way to bliss. Trust me.

Now comes the more difficult decision of the process. No I am not talking about purging and getting rid of any of those beauties -- even though you will have to do that at some point. I am talking about how you are going to actually arrange them on those shelves now that they are sorted by genre. I use to arrange mine by author but this was a hard way to keep up with. I found myself constantly adding new authors, adding more books by the same author and eventually I had to keep moving my books around when a shelf filled up with too many from one author. However the plus side of doing it by author is the ease in finding a book when you know who the author is. You just look for the author and then find the book. You could even take this a step further and copy the libraries and do each author alphabetically. Another way to do it is by series. If you have a lot of books that are series, you can go by the series and then at the end add your single novels.

The way or organization that has worked for me and is the way that my library is done is like this including a few extra steps:

1. Sorted by books read and not read. ( with the ARCs and signed copies in a different pile)
2. Sorted by genre.
3. Sorted by author.
4. Sorted by series.
5. Single novels sorted alphabetically.

So far this has been a pretty easy system for me. Let me take you a step further and explain a visual.
I have one bookcase dedicated to just signed books and ARCs that I have kept. Then I have a few bookshelves dedicated to just books I have read and will reread again and again. Finally, the rest of the bookshelves are dedicated to books I have not read. Again, each section of books is sorted by the list above.

Whew! Are you needing a break yet? Go on. Go get your caffeine fix, smoke break or potty break out of the way. I'll wait.

Now that they all are sorted, we need to start putting them on the shelves. If you have a mix of hardbacks and paperbacks you might run into a problem of height. Personally, this does not bother me but if it is a bother to you then you will have to adjust your system to adapt to this quirk. Some people also choose to sort by color -- which I forgot to mention above -- but again you will have to adapt that to your system as well.

Now that they are all up on the shelves, step back and admire your hard days work. If you are like me, you will probably either need more shelves or have to purge some of your books depending on your obsession with books. My obsession is pretty bad so I just convince my husband that I need one more bookshelf each month! ;)

Now we need to sit and admire the look of our library. Don't get to comfortable though! Next week we are going to work on creating a hard copy of your library. The lists will begin and the monotonous work of creating a list to keep track of what books you own and what books will eventually make it into your home library!

Zack: Armed and Dangerous by Cheyenne McCray

2011-11-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

ZACK
Armed and Dangerous
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Source: Personal Purchase

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (November 25, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312386710
ISBN-13: 978-0312386719

SUMMARY:

Ever since bad boy Zack Hunter left her ten years ago, breaking her heart, Sky MacKenna hasn't been able to find a man who sets her on fire the way he did. Then he comes striding back into her life--bigger, badder, and sexier than before.... Zack Hunter never thought his job as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent would lead him back to his small hometown, and he never thought he'd set eyes on Sky again. Leaving her behind had been the stupidest thing he had ever done, but this time he isn't going to let her go. And as soon as Zack lays eyes on Sky, he makes it clear that he intends to make her his all over again. When Sky becomes entangled in the case he's investigating, Zack can't help but take the threat personally. As the danger mounts, their passion burns even hotter.

MY THOUGHTS:

After hearing good things about this series, I admit that my expectations were pretty high. Unfortunately, after reading this book my expectations were shot down.

As soon as Zack walks back into Sky's life, I felt like I was reading about a possessive and overbearing man who thinks he can have whatever he wants. I got tired of his constant "mine" mentality and the caveman-like attitude Zack had towards Sky. He walked away from Sky long ago, and then he has the nerve to come back for a job and claim her as his. I wanted Sky to stand up to him and kick him in his man parts to bring him down a notch. Yes, he was sexy and built like a dream, but his attitude was possessive. I can see his point of view on leaving Sky those many years ago, but the fallout from it should have been harder. He should have had to work harder to get Sky in bed and in back into her heart.

If you are already a fan of this author, then you would more than likely like this book. The sex was steamy and hot, but the story lacked the emotions and heart that would have balanced it out better. Not a series I will be continuing right now, but I would give it a try later on.

MY RATING:

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