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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Instant Gratification by Jill Shalvis

INSTANT GRATIFICATION
Wilder #2
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Library Loan

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Brava; Original edition (July 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758231253
ISBN-13: 978-0758231253





SUMMARY:

In Instant Attraction, Jill Shalvis introduced Cameron, Stone, and T.J.—the sexy, daredevil brothers who run Wilder Adventures. And for Stone Wilder, the thrill of a lifetime is about to arrive in a surprising package. . .

The Doctor Is In Deep

Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair's last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father's clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. . .

When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma's sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here—in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist. . .
MY THOUGHTS:

After laughing out loud plenty of times in the first book, Instant Attraction, I knew Stone's book was going to be a fun and sexy read.  Stone Wilder is the middle brother and I found that he had similar qualities from his two other brothers. 

Stone has been secretly attracted to the new Doctor in town for a bit now.  He has watched her from afar and is ready to start with the flirting.  Emma on the other hand, would rather ignore Stone.  She knows he is attractive and can't stop thinking about him, but she is only here for a short time.  Her father had a stroke and she took over his office while he recovers.  She still plans on going back to her busy city life once her Father is well enough to return to work.  When Stone just happens to keep getting hurt and needing the assistance of her Doctor expertise, things start to heat up between the two. 

I just loved Stone.  He kept me laughing through out the entire story and his efforts to break down Emma's wall were great.  Emma on the other hand is the complete opposite of Stone.  Where Stone is laid back and easy going, Emma is uptight and orderly.  How these two are attracted to one another is a miracle in itself.  Yet as you read the story, you can't help but notice they are perfect for each other.  I loved how they supported each other on certain things and they both wanted something more in life. 

While I am not a big fan of the cover, as many others have agreed to, the story within is well worth the read.  Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.  But if you want the full swoon worthy effect of the Wilder brothers, I recommend starting with the first one and reading them in order.

MY RATING:



Very Good! I would recommend this book!
4 STARS


Labels:

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Where Demons Fear To Tread by Stephanie Chong

WHERE DEMONS FEAR TO TREAD
The Company of Angels #1
Author: Stephanie Chong
Source: Planned TV Arts
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Mira (August 23, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 077831247X
ISBN-13: 978-0778312475



SUMMARY:


Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure–seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager…


After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy–sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries–old feelings. Now, their high–stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell.or a deliciously hot heaven.


MY THOUGHTS:


Humans, Angels and Demons...OH MY!  Ever wonder what Guardian Angels are and who they might be?  In Where Demons Fear to Tread by author Stephanie Chong, we get these questions answered and more.  We learn about the Demons and their way of capturing souls while the Guardian Angels are trying their best to keep the humans on the right track.  When Archdemon Julian Ascher notices Guardian Angel Serena St. Clair in his club, he immediately wants to know more about her.  Not only is she innocent and sexy, she happens to be an Angel who is on his turf.  When the two meet and strike a bargain, it is a fight for the soul of an innocent man named Nick Ramirez.

Usually, I don't have much luck with books involving Angels.  They either work or they don't.  In the case of this book, putting an Angel and an Archdemon together made this story sexy, intriguing and climatic. As Serena starts to piece together the puzzle her boss has handed down to her involving Julian, she also starts to fall in love for the bad guy.  Falling for a demon is not allowed, but she can't help the feelings she is experiencing for Julian.  Of course, Julian is feeling the same and they both put up a good fight in not succumbing to their passion.  What they both don't know is that a Demon can be rehabilitated and can have his soul returned to good.  Can Serena help him discover and accept this?

I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the dynamics between the two characters and the ease of writing the author used for the reader.  It flowed wonderfully and you could feel the chemistry between the two on each page.  While I wasn't a big fan of Nick in the book, mainly because he was spoiled and pushy, I liked how his character was the basis in the relationship of Serena and Julian.  Without Nick, they never would have met.

If you are looking for a new author to read, and love the supernatural of Angels and Demons with romance thrown in, then Stephanie Chong is the author for you.  You will be swept away in adventure, passion and redemption.  A new author for me to keep an eye on.


MY RATING:



Very Good! I would recommend this book!
4 STARS

Labels:

Monday, August 29, 2011

Avon K.I.S.S. and Teal Giveaway!


September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.  Avon Books has made an initial donation of $25,000 to the Alliance. And—with your help—Avon Books has also committed to donating 25¢ from the sale of each book, physical and eBook, in the "K.I.S.S. and Teal" promotion between 8/30/2011 and 2/28/2012, up to an additional $25,000 toward programs that support ovarian cancer patients and their families.


Each year in the United States, more than 21,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 15,000 women die of the disease.  This is a serious disease that needs to become a front runner in the search for a cure.

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

I have personally purchased 3 copies of the Avon/HarperCollins books that are in the line up for the campaign to share with my readers.  It is my hope that my small donation to this cause will help with the research in discovering a cure for this horrible disease.  

For this contest, the following books are up for grabs:


The Seduction of Scandal
by Cathy Maxwell

In the Arms of a Marquess
by Katharine Ashe

PLEASE, be sure to check out the KISS and Teal site and learn more about the signs and symptoms of this cancer!
http://www.ovariancancer.org/
http://www.avonromance.com/kissandteal/


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CONTEST RULES:
  1. to enter, please leave a comment on this post with an email address.
  2. entrants must be 13 years of age or older
  3. contest deadline is September 3, 2011
  4. contest open to USA only!
  5. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON!





Saturday, August 27, 2011

Guest Interview with The Story Siren!!

GUEST INTERVIEW!!!


The Story Siren

It is my great pleasure to introduce to you Kristi from the Story Siren!  Almost every book blogger knows who Kristi is and if you are a new blogger, this is one blogger that you will hear about a lot! Not only is she one of the great book bloggers in the blog-o-sphere, but she is also one of the nicest out there.  Instead of the regular interviews of normal questions, I decided to delve a little deeper into fun things with Kristi instead.  So lets get started with the fun!



    1. Everyone in the book blogging world knows who you are!
How does it feel to be one of the most popular book bloggers around?

I don't know...? That's sort of a hard question to answer because I don't feel like it's that way. Granted, when I go to a signing and someone says.. "hey you're Kristi from The Story Siren." it's unbelievably awesome... but I guess I've never been easily impressed by myself.

    2. How is Kaylea doing?

She's doing good! She just had her last in patient treatment at the end of July... just has the out patient ones now. She's been a real trooper through the whole process. She's just trying to be a "normal" girl.


    3. Is there currently a place where we can read reviews of yours that are not in the young adult genre?

Not currently, well I have a few on goodreads, but I'll be blogging about romance books with some other book bloggers at Books 'n' Bodices... hopefully it will be up soon!


    4. Besides reading, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I like to cook and bake, although I'm not all that great at either. I love going to the movies! I'm not a big shopper unless it's for books. :)

I love to travel and wish I had the time and money to do more of that.



    5. How do you feel about ebooks and the impact they are having in the literary world?

I think they're great! Do I still prefer a hard copy.... yes, but our society is all about the "right now" and if they means that more people are reading, I'm for it. I don't think we'll ever see a complete extinction of a physical book, well at least in my lifetime, but I think it's cool that people are excited to read again!


    6. Time for a test! Take a quick glance at your bookshelves.
Now without cheating, how many books do you think you own? 
Wild guess.

700? Although, I'm sure it's more than that.


    7. How is the Debut Author Challenge coming along for this coming year?

Fabulously! I've been slacking a little on my end... I'm so horrible at designating help. I'm one of those "no one will do it as good as I can do it." people and then I just get over my head and suck it up. It should be better next year, I've got several people helping already, so I'm hoping!

I just love promoting books and especially debuts.... some of my favorite authors are ones that I've discovered through their debut novels. I want everyone to have that!



    8. You can only choose three books to carry during an emergency evacuation to pass the time with at the shelter! What three books do you value the most in your collection to take with you?

Seriously... you are asking me this! Ugh... probably my signed copy of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. An old worn out copy of Disney's Sleeping Beauty that my grandma used to read to me, and my kindle with all the books from my bookshelf on there! That wasn't cheating was it? Well at least the first two were legit... the third is a toss up.


    9. If you were to cast your husband and yourself in a book you have read, 
which book and characters would you like to be?

Hmm... I don't necessarily think there are characters that I'd say I would like us to be. There are no boys in YA that hold a candle to my honey. There are too many story lines where they hate each other initially... and we weren't like that, or where the guy is generally a jack-ass and J definitely is not like that. We were never best friends who grew into something more... we are our own original story. (How corny is that!)

    10. Last question and you knew it was coming. Where the heck is that secret contact list of yours so the rest of us can get the goodies and ARCs too? I promise not to tell anyone!

You know I get asked about this secret list all the time, and it's doesn't exists people! It's a conspiracy! I don't know where you crazy book bloggers come up with this stuff!

Thank you so much Kristi for joining me on my blog today!  Personally, I am so jealous of those bookshelves you have now!  It is stunning!  Stop by anytime!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

(ARC Review) Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

SWEET VENOM
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062001817
ISBN-13: 978-0062001818



SUMMARY:


Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.


MY THOUGHTS:

Sweet Venom is the first book in a new series by author Tera Lynn Childs.  After reading the author's Mermaid series, I was anxious to find out how her new series would incorporate children of Greek Mythology.  As many of you know, I wasn't a good student who stayed awake during school.  So I missed out on the legends and myths of Greek mythology in school.  Thank goodness authors are starting to introduce it into their stories more! 


With Sweet Venom, we get to read from alternating points of views between Grace, Gretchen and Greer who also happen to be descendents of the famous Medusa.  While the three never knew about the others existence until now, they all agree that something weird is going on in the world and mainly San Francisco.  Together they need to figure out what is going on and try to find Gretchen's mentor Ursala, so they can stop the evil monsters from entering our world. 


Each character had their own personality that brought something great to the story.  Gretchen was the black clothed combat girl who has been training with Ursala for a while now.  She knows about the mythological monsters that are terrorizing our world.  She fights them on a daily basis and has given up relationships and friends to make it a better place to live.  Grace bumps into Gretchen and can't believe she has a sister.  She has recently started seeing the monsters and thinks she might be losing her mind.  When Gretchen explains things to her she definitely wants to learn how to protect herself and become closer to her sister.  Grace was the peacemaker of the bunch and always optimistic in having a sisterly relationship.  She is learning to stand up for herself more now and she looks to Gretchen as a mentor for herself.  Greer was introduced later in the book and I found myself not liking her that much.  She is the typical spoiled teen girl who always gets her way.  She has no desire to have sisters and doesn't want anything to do with them.  She wants her perfect life with no interruptions.  I loved how Grace had to play the go between with Greer and Gretchen.  They both butted heads and Grace was constantly trying to keep the peace. 


While the girls struggle to find their footing in a new destiny, they each discover that each is what the other needs.  Together they need to find and rescue Ursala while fighting evil and trying to have some sort of normal life as well.  While this is a great start to a new trilogy, I was a little disappointed in the ending.  It ended with some questions unanswered, but since this is a trilogy I assume that secrets will be revealed as we go.  Be prepared to be left hanging at the end of the story and you will be anxious to get your hands on the next installment in the series!


MY RATING:



Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

Labels:

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

SAVOR THE DANGER
Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor #3
Author: Lori Foster
Source: Personal Purchase

Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (June 28, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373775822
ISBN-13: 978-0373775828




SUMMARY:


She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can't forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened— he knows he's been drugged…even if Alani doesn't.


After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm's way again?


MY THOUGHTS:


This series is like a drug for readers.  Once you start with the first book in the series, you can't help the addiction you get for the characters and story.  After reading the first two books, I was craving this story involving my favorite mercenary Jackson Savor. He has the whole package ladies!  He has the sex appeal, the witty mouth, and the confidence an Alpha male needs!  When he wakes up one morning, he finds himself naked in bed with Trace Rivers sister.  While Alani is in blissful heaven with what happened the night before, Jackson can't seem to remember any of it.  While this hurts Alani at first, the two quickly realize that Jackson was drugged and they need to figure out the how and why of it all.  With the help of Trace and Dare, Jackson and Alani start putting the puzzle pieces together and find true romance for each other along the way. 

I absolutely loved this book the best out the whole series.  Jackson is by far my favorite and everything that came out of his mouth was sexy and at times hilarious.  Honestly, he has so many great lines in this book that I can't even pick out my favorite quote!  There is action, sex appeal, romance and danger with every chapter in the book.  I am amazed how easily the story flows and how the author can create such a great story full of engaging characters.

If you haven't read this series yet, you need to start ASAP.  If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you will easily find yourself addicted to this series as well!


MY RATING:




Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading!

Trace of Fever by Lori Foster

TRACE OF FEVER
Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor #2
Author: Lori Foster
Source: Personal Purchase

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (May 31, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 037377575X
ISBN-13: 978-0373775750




SUMMARY:


CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE OF VENGEANCE AND DESIRE

Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man's dirty smuggling operation. It's a perfect scheme - until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn't who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn's downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent...


MY THOUGHTS:

I have so enjoyed my experience so far with author Lori Foster and her Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series.  They are truly what you call Alpha males in the contemporary romance genre.  They are hard, sexy, protective, loyal and bodies that can make you want to turn into a puddle of goo by just looking at them.  What more could you ask for in a Alpha male?


When Priscilla Patterson shows up at Murray Coburn's office hellbent on exposing his dirty work, Trace Rivers is in for a handful of spitfire.  Trace is working undercover as a bodyguard for Coburn.  When Priss walks into the building you can feel the instant attraction between the two.  My favorite part of this couple was the witty banter between the two.  I almost died laughing when Trace takes a photo of her at the salon when she is trying on clothes that Coburn is purchasing for her.  I loved their interaction and the determination they both had for bringing down a man of Coburn's nastiness.  


After reading the first book in this series, I feel that the author is picking up the momentum with all of the characters involved.  They are growing and each one is bringing something new to the table in this mission.  After reading a little bit about the next books character in Trace of Fever, I can't wait to see what will happen next! Definitely a series you need to look into adding to your romantic suspense library at home!


MY RATING:
 

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

Monday, August 22, 2011

(ARC Review) Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

ANIMAL ATTRACTION
Animal #2
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Author
*I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*


Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425244008
ISBN-13: 978-0425244005



SUMMARY:


She’s tempting his basic instincts…

Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge…or to find one. And veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There’s nothing like working with injured animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk…or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.

Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s understanding has sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist…


MY THOUGHTS:

Why have I not read this series before? What rock have I been under to have missed such a great story and author?  Since this is the second book in the Animal series, I wasn't sure if I was going to understand what is going on.  Yet as I started reading it, the book definitely can be read as a stand alone novel.  With that being said though, now I want to pick up the first book in the series to read about the other characters!


Jade ran away from her life in the big city after a tragic event at her previous place of employment.  She ran to Sunshine, Idaho to rediscover and reinvent herself.  She always knew it would be temporary and even told her boss Dell Connelly that the job he gives her would only be temporary.  They have both found each other attractive, but never made any attempt at a relationship since Jade would be leaving.  Of course, now that Jade is getting ready to leave, the two find themselves fighting the attraction even more.  While Dell tries to get Jade to open up about what happened in the past and work through it, the two start to express their feelings towards each other and give up the fight.  Everyone can see that they like each other, but is love enough to keep Jade from leaving?


I loved this story!  Dell was a great vet, friend, brother and romantic lead.  He was charming and loved his work without letting it get to him.  Jade was okay in my opinion.  I wanted her to just explain the situation sooner to Dell than keeping it a secret.  I think if she would have opened up sooner to him, they could have had a better chance at a relationship.  Of course then there would be no drama for the romance novel if it went the way a reader wants it to.  So I trusted the author and went with it.   I also loved the witty banter between the two and had a smile on my face for most of the book.  The writing flowed easily and kept you not only interested in the main characters, but in the side characters as well. 


I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series and have already read a few more by this author! 


MY RATING:



Very Good! I would recommend this book!

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Saturday, August 20, 2011

IMM: In My Mailbox (49)



In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Here is what showed up in my mailbox this week!

What an awesome week for books! I received a great package from Little Brown Books that included two ARC copies and a beach towel! I couldn't get the towel in the photo though as my 6 yr old daughter already claimed it for swimming! (so not fair!)

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE

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 FOR REVIEW


 Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong (ARC)
-Thanks to the author-

In the Arms of A Marquess by Katharine Ashe
-Thanks to Avon Books/ HarperCollins-

The Seduction of Scandal by Cathy Maxwell
-Thanks to Avon Books/ HarperCollins-

Sex, Lies, and Vampires by Katie MacAlister
-Thanks to Avon Books/ HarperCollins-

Truly, Madly Viking by Sandra Hill
-Thanks to Avon Books/ HarperCollins-

A Taste of Crimson by Marjorie M. Liu
-Thanks to Avon Books/ HarperCollins-

Bronxwood by Coe Booth
-Thanks to Scholastic-

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (ARC)
The Shattering by Karen Healey (ARC)
Sergio Beach Towel
THANK YOU prize pack from the publisher
-Thank you to Little, Brown and Company-

Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
-Thanks to William Morrow/ HarperCollins-

Under Dogs by Markus Zusak
-Thanks to Scholastic-

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So that is what I got this week.

What did everyone else get?

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The Icing on the Cake by Alison Kent

THE ICING ON THE CAKE
Author: Alison Kent
Source: Gifted

Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: HCI; 1 edition (August 9, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0757315356
ISBN-13: 978-0757315350






SUMMARY:


Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match . . . dot com!  An on-line dating service is not Michelle Snow's idea of how to find love but when the Big 3-0 hits, Michelle decides she has nothing to lose since she hasn't brought a date home in ten years, she's professionally burned out, and her climb up the corporate ladder has come at the expense of abandoning her sweet dream: to own a boutique cupcakery.

Todd Bracken, early 30s and a successful technology consultant, isn't exactly a player after being off the market for ten years, and pours himself into his dual passions of martial arts and home-sweet-home renovations. Only there's no one to come home to so he decides to give Match.com a try. Todd isn't so sure the Internet dating scene is his thing—until a message pops up in the wee hours on a weekend night: "I like your smile." Todd likes—a lot—the whole package that glides into a French bistro in Washington, D.C.

It's serious mojo-at-first-sight but there's a glitch: Todd and Michelle live in different cities. Will love find its way in the digital age with a You've Got Mail courtship when video cam kisses just aren't enough? And when Todd challenges Michelle to not only go for her dream but let him share it, will they be able to make it happen together despite obstacles more plentiful than a shower of rainbow sprinkles? 



MY THOUGHTS:


When I first ventured into reading this book,  I didn't realize it was based on a true story.  Yes, the book is part of the True Vows series that is reality based romance, but it never really clicked with me until I looked up the publisher site.  Imagine having your love story written into a book? How amazing is that?


What I loved about Michelle and Todd was the fact that they both were hesitant on starting a full fledged relationship.  Michelle had been hurt in the past, and Todd had never found that special someone to make it click as a true relationship.  When the two meet online under the site Match.com, they are both surprised at the ease of the first date.  They both can't believe how connected they are after only a few dates.  I also loved Todd and his sense of humor.  It was refreshing and much needed after reading sob filled romances lately.  I loved how he could easily bring a smile to Michelle's face when she needed it.  I also loved how Michelle never gave up her dream of opening her own bakery.  For someone who clearly loved to bake, it was the perfect life choice for her.  When she gets laid off by her real estate company, I cheered at the fact that now she would be able to continue her dreams of opening a bakery.  


One of the other great points of the book that I fell in love with was the relationship between Michelle's parents.  They were fun and carefree with a twinkle of love that has made it through the years.  I loved her mother's support and love of baking she passed on to her daughter and her fathers sense of humor filled the pages with a supportive touch.  Plus the descriptive words of the recipes had my mouth watering and craving sweets the whole time I read this book.


If there was any bad parts of the book that needs to be addressed, it would be the lack of story arc.  While I enjoyed the build of the quick and sweet romance,  I felt there was no real story arc or hurdle for the romance to have.  No secret affairs or secrets that would be found in a regular romance book.  Yet, since this is based on a reality based romance, I was pleased to know that there are still hopes and dreams at a perfect relationship for the singles out there.  


I think the one reason this book was such a great read for me though was because in a round-about sort of way, this is how my husband and I met.  We didn't sign up through a dating site, but we were friends that flirted online first and blossomed into the relationship that we have now.  Yes, online romances can happen and Todd, Michelle, my husband and I are all proof of that.

To check out their real bakery, check out Michelle and Todd's site here: Frosting A Cupcakery


MY RATING:



Very Good! I would recommend this book!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Guest Post Featuring Parajunkee!!

Today on My Overstuffed Bookshelf, I have the great pleasure of handing over the blog post to Parajunkee!  She was kind enough to give us her opinion on the thrilling genre of Urban Fantasy.  If you are a regular blog reader in the book review world, you know who Parajunkee is. Not only is she a great book review blogger, friend and person, but she also does blog design which is featured on many blogs out there! So be sure to stop by her blog as well!  So without further blubbering from me, I give you Parajunkee!



The Lure of Urban Fantasy

Now in the realm of genres I love, Urban Fantasy tends to take top rung. There is just something about the genre that gets my blood pumping. I tend to like anything that is a little off-the-wall, I say “toss it” to anything labeled contemporary or *gasp* non-fiction.  If it doesn't have fangs, fur, or maybe scales, I'm not reading it. Set in the future? Some apocalypse action? Even better! There is a reason I read – and that is to step away from the ridiculous reality of the world around me. While my husband reads budgeting for dummies and my mom read WWII memoirs I look at them like they are insane. “Don't you just every want to get away?” 

In steps the Urban Fantasy. It is not mucked up with any particular romance that will get me thinking about how my husband doesn't hold a candle to the hero (no guy on Earth usually does) and there is usually hardly any political statements or blustering by the author (really, I don't care that you think the world will end because of subsea bacteria dying off from the oil drilling!). Urban Fantasy tales are just usually a gritty story about a world gone amuck with paranormals galore. Then the icing on the cake is usually the hero or heroine. Usually a heroine, because let's face it, 90% of Urban Fantasy writers are female and you write what you know – female protagonist. Then these particular major players usually are the most kick-ass group of people you've ever met and if they don't start that way they usually end up that way. I'm sold. 

These main characters are usually the bread & butter of the novel. In one word they are EPIC. Who can deny the awesomeness that is Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress from a little nothing town in Northern Louisiana that can read minds? She sets out to meet a vampire and ends up saving one from two humans. Everyone thinks she's crazy in the town – everyone except her new friends the vampires. Great series, great characters. Or characters like Mercedes Thompson, a female mechanic who can shape-shift into a coyote, she's not as tough as the werewolves that she lives next door too but she sure keeps them in line. Then there is the crème de la crème. MacKayla Lane, whom I literally didn't like in the beginning of the first book – but with her transition into kick-ass heroine she turned into one of the BEST Urban Fantasy characters of all time. Mac's series, the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning suck me in hook, line and sinker, much like the majority of Urban Fantasy series tend to do, if they are done right. 

The great characters, paired with rich imaginative worlds and a boat load of otherworldly creatures takes me on a fun adventure that I just can't pass up. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading a good Urban Fantasy series, would you like some suggestions? I've got a bunch of them! 

Topping my list would be the aforementioned, Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. There are five in the series and they put me through an emotional roller-coaster in which I would throw books across the room. I might make the suggestion of purchasing all books in the series though, because she leaves you with some crazy cliff-hangers and you'll want to pick up the next book the moment you finish one. 

Another lovely series is the Rachel Morgan (The Hollows)  series by Kim Harrison. There are a ton of paranormals in this series that is still going strong after nine books (10th expected 2012). Want to go straight for the jugular with some vampire action? The Sookie Stackhouse series is overplayed by the HBO series but really one you don't want to pass up. Funny, a little sick at times, with a good bit of romantic drama (but nothing that could be construed as a romance) and entanglements, the Sookie Stackhouse series should not be discounted. 

Werewolves I mentioned the Mercy Thompson series earlier and it shouldn't be forgotten. This is a great series that I don't think get's enough hype. Something you should definitely check-out. If you are not feeling the werewolves and want to get a bit winged, another of my ALL-TIME favorites, throw against the wall and send threatening tweets to the author is, the DARK SWAN series by Richelle Mead (you might know her from her Vampire Academy Young Adult series), it really must be something about faerie books. Drives me crazy sometimes. 

Any of these series are a great place to start if you are thinking to expanding your horizons and Urban Fantasy is on that checklist. You can't go wrong with this genre. It does tend to get a bit bloody, but if you are anything like me, you're not having fun unless you get a little dirty. 

XO Amy for letting me hijack your blog for a day! I hope I didn't scare away any of your readers! If you are looking for even more suggestions I have a ton...

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Between by Jessica Warman

BETWEEN
Author: Jessica Warman
Source: Publisher
*I received this ARC copy free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Ages 12-17
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Walker Childrens (August 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802721826
ISBN-13: 978-0802721822



SUMMARY:


Elizabeth Valchar--pretty, popular, and rich--wakes up the morning after her eighteenth birthday on the yacht where she'd been celebrating with her closest friends. A persistent thumping noise has roused her. When she goes to investigate, she finds her own drowned body is hitting the side of the boat. Liz is dead.

She has no memory of what happened to her, and can only observe in horror the fallout of her death. She's also soon joined by Alex Berg, a quiet boy from her high school who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The two keep each other company, floating in and out of memories and trying to piece together the details of what happened to each of them.

In her regular life, Liz was a runner. It wasn't abnormal for her to run 8-10 miles per day. But as memories from closer to her death begin to surface, Liz finds that she'd been running much more than normal, and that she'd all but stopped eating. Liz's mother, who died when Liz was nine, had battled with anorexia as well, and those around her worried Liz was following in her mother's footsteps. But something more sinister was consuming Liz from the inside out. . . . 


MY THOUGHTS:

Death. Ghosts. Popularity. Intrigue and Mystery. 


These are just a few words to sum up this new book by author Jessica Warman.  When I saw the cover, I was instantly intrigued to find out more.  When I read the summary, I was interested in the story.  I wanted to know more about the characters and the experience the book was going to tell within the pages.


Liz has always been popular and pretty.  She has a great boyfriend and people who love her.  When she discovers a body in the water next to her Father's boat, she realizes she is looking at herself dead in the water.  She doesn't remember what has happened and can't remember much about her life.  Then Alex appears on the scene with her.  He tells her what he knows in small portions at a time.  He tells her that she is on a journey that she needs to complete.  Liz knows she remembers Alex, but she doesn't remember everything about him until she ventures further into the investigation of her death. Secrets will be revealed, along with self discovery of herself. 


I absolutely loved the writing of this book.  I felt like I was on the journey with Alex and Liz throughout each chapter.  I cried and I cheered for Liz as she tried to figure out the puzzle that has no picture to help her complete it. I wanted to hug Alex and comfort him as well when we were shown glimpse's of his past and family. 


The ending was beautifully written as well and I couldn't have asked for a better one.  Now that I have discovered the great writing of this new to me author, I can't wait to see what else she has to offer to her readers!


MY RATING:
 

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

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(ARC Review) One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost

ONE GRAVE AT A TIME
Night Huntress #6
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Source: Amazon Vine
*I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (August 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061783196
ISBN-13: 978-0061783197



SUMMARY:

The grave is one wrong step away.

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving--leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity--forever. But how do you kill a killer who's already long dead?


MY THOUGHTS:

I am a little upset about the cover for this book.  I can understand that the original cover model had to change because the previous one was no longer doing it anymore.  What I can't understand is the reasoning in using a model that looks to fragile and puny to be our beloved Red Reaper.  She is pretty and such, but she is not fierce looking like the original one used.  Aside from the cover being what it is, the story was still a great read.  So the cover will be overlooked on my part since the story proved to be better than the artwork.


While I loved the action filled story, I felt that this book was more of a filler book.  Something to appease the fans until the next big book.  Yes, there is a plot and story filled with action, but at times it did get to be a little repetitive.  Find the ghost, chase the ghost, ghost gets away, then repeat.  It got a little frustrating for this reader.  Add on top of that only one great sex scene between the two great characters of Bones and Cat.  I needed some more sexiness that I have grown to love between the two.  Yes, I understand they have grown in their relationship and true love is more present between the two in this book, but only Bones can bring out the fierceness of bedroom sexy we crave! Bring it to us Bones!


While some characters from previous books are present in the story, I was a little heartbroken for their brief page time.  Vlad was mentioned once, but never seen and Tate was only shown for a small few pages.  I wanted the author to bring back the witty fierceness and romantic sexiness that we crave when reading a Night Huntress series.


Overall, it was a good book to build the next storyline that the author will reveal.  I am just disappointed that we have to wait yet again for the Cat and Bones we have grown to love.


MY RATING:


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

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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

KINDLE WINNER!!

Before I get to posting the reviews for the day, I needed to announce a few things in one post.

First of all, the poll for the blog design ended this morning.  Can you believe that the votes were tied??? This makes it even more difficult for me to decide since there was no winner on the poll.  So I believe I am going to leave the design as it is for now.  I might do some minor changes here and there, but otherwise it will be nothing drastic.  As one of you mentioned in the comments, if it isn't broke why fix it? Well true enough!

Now for the real reason everyone is reading this post! LOL

THE WINNER OF THE KINDLE CONTEST!!

I had a TON of entries for this and I want to thank each and every one of you for joining in the celebration and spreading the word.  Without all of you, this blog wouldn't be here. So thank you again!

After getting up early this morning and checking the entries and such, the winner is:


Hivequeen53


Congrats on winning your kindle!!! I have your mailing info and I need you to email me at djsfoxylady @ gmail.com so I can forward you the shipping receipt.

Thanks again for sticking with me for 2 years and I can't wait to share the love of reading for another year!  Now I need to think of what I am going to offer at a 3 year blogoversary! Any ideas? LOL

Monday, August 15, 2011

New Story and Interview with Author Michael Grant!

The missing son of a U.N. diplomat... the reemergence of a strange organization... a pair of society twins caught in the middle... this is just the beginning of "Go BZRK," a new transmedia experience from author Michael Grant.

If you're ready to take the plunge in an interactive story like you've never experienced before, visit societytwins.com and register with nexushumanus.com to take your first steps in a strange and compelling universe.

Filled with video, puzzles, community collaboration, and more, "Go BZRK" put YOU the player right in the middle of the action as you join Nexus Humanus and unravel a mystery that may hold the key to the fate of all mankind.



I have already registered with this exciting new game and can't wait to see what author Michael Grant will bring to the readers in BZRK! 

Author Michale Grant also supplied us with some insight into his new book BZRK!  What do you think of the new world he is creating?


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A Q&A with author Michael Grant:
 

What is “Go BZRK”? Is this a book or some kind of interactive story? 


Both. The book comes out this winter, but the interactive part starts now.  One leads up to the other, but they're part of a complete package. 


Why “transmedia”? 


There are different approaches to transmedia.  Most people take a single story and reproduce it on various platforms.  My philosophy has been to make each element - ARG, app, web, book - a thing unto itself, each revealing some aspect of the world of BZRK.  I've been fascinated with this is as a new way to tell stories.  The book remains central, but now I can reach beyond the book and create a much more complete world.  I can tell stories that enhance the book, and stories that parallel the book, and stories that are offshoots of backstory.  I guess the answer to "why" is "because it's fun." 


Is this the future of publishing? 


I began a few years ago reaching out to publishers and saying we collectively needed to understand that the old models were dead or dying.  I want publishing to survive, and of course I'd like my own career to thrive.  So Egmont Publishing and my partners and I certainly hope this is a part of the future of publishing.   


How long is this running? Is this part of a larger picture? 


We'll be running this in several chunks between now and the book release this winter. Because these things have a hard start/stop point, August is a ramp-up phase. There'll be a lot of content coming out, but the experience really gets underway at the end of the month… just in time to distract the kids from their schoolwork. 


What if someone wants to follow the story but doesn’t want to participate? 


You don't have to do anything.  You can do one thing and not another.  But the deeper you plunge the wetter you get.  I think every part of this is fun, I think people will enjoy the ARG, the app, the site and the books.   


App? You've mentioned that a couple times now. 


Just wait and see.  
What can you tell us about the story? What is “BZRK”? 
It's a battle for the soul and freedom of the human race carried out simultaneously in the world we know, and in a world that you're not going to expect. It's a world where if you make a false move, you're going to lose your mind. 
Insanity… is this something you have a personal familiarity with? 
The line between writer and crazy person is very thin.  Both go around holding long, involved conversations with people who aren't there. 


What’s this other world thing all about? 


Do you really want spoilers? I'll tell you this. We'll be going "down in the meat." It's going to be vast, bloody, and beautiful.  


Wait… isn’t this supposed to be for kids? 


Adults like to flatter themselves that kids won't get, won't understand, won't be able to handle, more intense, more complex stories. That's nonsense.  It's the adults who are easy to creep out or scare.  Say the word "biopsy" in a room full of adults. Or "audit."  See?  Easy to scare.  Kids are a tougher audience because kids think they're immortal. 

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What are you waiting for?? Go join and let me know what you think!