Friday, August 3, 2012

"Your gallantry at attempting to save me from the big bad mean cows was noble in a moronic sort of way."

While It Lasts (Sea Breeze, #3)

I'm going to admit that I may be a little bias when it comes to Abbi Glines' books. She happens to be one of my favourite authors as of right now.

So obviously I liked this book. Cage York . It was perfectly paced but I would have liked a little more character development on Cage. Cage York is my type of guy :pierced, slightly possessive, and likes to think and talk dirty. (No Tattoos but I'll let that slide this time Abbi). He captured my heart in Because of Low I would have pictured him with a girl that he could banter a little more with but some how Eva seemed to work. Eva's POV Prologue had me balling (BEWARE). While It Lasts, was everything I had hoped for. There were tears and laughter and tons of swooning. If you have enjoyed the first two books in the series, you'll LOVE While It Lasts.

CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Lengths by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell - Cover and Blurb Reveal!


Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlor, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.

Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it.

When Deo meets Whit, she’s all sexy makeup and fierce, smart-ass fun. It doesn’t take him long to see past her tough shell. And when he gets a good look at what's under all the superficial stuff that usually gets his attention, it leaves Deo wondering if there might be more to life than living fast and free.

Too bad Whit has a past she doesn't plan on sharing—no matter how hot Deo is. She might want him, but she knows better than to let her guard down.

Deo falls for Whit, and falls hard. But everything about her, down to that mysterious tattoo and the way she thrashes in her sleep, tells him that the girl he loves is hiding something. And the more he pushes for answers, the more Whit pulls away.

Having your guard up is one thing, but are the lengths Whit goes to to protect her secret worth throwing away the second chance she has at happiness with Deo?



LENGTHS is a Contemporary New Adult Romance by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell, to be released August 2012.

Cover by Todd Maloy, http://toddmaloydesign.com.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I don’t understand, But I will hold my tongue.

Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale

Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale

I picked up this book based on a whim considering I used to LOVE historical fiction.

 Melkorka is the oldest daughter of an Irish king. Her and her brother, Nuada, and sister, Brigid, enjoy life of royalty and privilege. On her birthday Melkorka asks to visit Dublin which is teeming with "heathen" Vikings. After a series of events,Melkorka and her younger sister, Brigid, are sent away under the dark of night to assure their safety.

Before they can reach their safe house, Melkorka and Brigid are abducted and taken aboard a slave ship. Melkorka, taking cues from her sister, doesn't announce her status but instead remains silent. Slowly this becomes her only form of control over what's happening to her. She makes a silent vow (see what i did there) to herself to "hush" causing some intrigue among her captures. From her actions they are able to see that she is not mute because of a disability but because of her own free will.

No matter what you always have free will (despite how small it maybe).

The author does a great job of developing the character of Melkorka and she is visible stronger and more confident of herself by the end of the book. Brownie points are also given for the accuracy of the historical information in the book and for adding one character that is able to educate Mel and the reader about this time in history.

Although the book was a downer (Apparently that's the author's forte), I enjoyed reading about a little known character from an Icelandic tale.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

"I have your back. I didn't mean only when it's easy. All the time."

Enclave (Razorland, #1)

Enclave (Razorland #1)
By Ann Aguirre

For the first few chapters I thought that this book was the love child between The Hunger Games and Divergence. I was happy to see that this dystopian novel evolved into something else giving it a nice twist of the setting.

The world is now made of enclaves underground that people now live in. And by people I mean teenagers. It seems that no one really lives to see their 20's. As a "brat" you can  choose on of the three fabulous job occupations; Breeders, Builders, or Hunters. Deuce has chosen to be a huntress. On her naming day she  is given her new name, Deuce (no longer just "Girl 15" followed by a number) and the scars to show her new found career. Deuce is paired with a seemingly mysterious partner Fade. Fade is different than the others in the enclave as he was not born there. In fact, he was found in the pathways between enclaves where the Freaks live. Even more shocking Fade says he's not from an enclave but from Topside, a place which is thought to be desolated and destroyed. Fade is ostracized by the others in the enclave because of his aloofness. Deuce soon find out that this aloofness is the outer layer covering a much different true nature.

Deuce's character traits of being a huntress with feelings, paired with her growing wariness that the things she was told may not be true builds to her complexity. Fade's character is portrayed as dark and dangerous but slowly we learn (along with Deuce) the true nature of Fade. The character development was strong in the first part of the book but began to lack in effectiveness at the end. The new characters added seemed to be weakly built secondary characters but that could be because we haven't had enough time to get to know them and we're left with a torturous cliff hanger.

As of now their seems to be no love triangle. That may change when it comes to the second book but I found it refreshing that the romance aspect was so subtle. Negatively, I felt not real climax point. Sure, there were ups and downs but it seemed as if some editor said "Hey this is a good story. Let's cut it in half and we can make everyone by TWO books."

Now for my favorite part- the research. I'm a huge stickler for making things accurate. I know that seems odd because this book contains the aftermath of an apocalypse but I am also the reader who becomes angry with books about werewolves because they don't follow the general mythology.
Ms. Aguirre DID her research. She even cites articles in her notes. Because of this I believe she created the most BELIEVABLE setting of a post-apocalyptic world. From the imagery given of the "topside" to the products found, everything makes perfect sense. Even Deuce's weapon's are post-apocalyptic. She carries a wooden CLUB for half of the book.

Although no climax  was reached and some characters remained under developed, their was a steady sense of building up to something good. Enclave was a good quick read and I will be awaiting the second book.

Monday, June 11, 2012

"He's the bad one, you know. The dangerous one. Girls like bad boys."

The Vincent Brothers (The Vincent Boys, #2)
 Abbi Glines writes a book = Nerd girl must review it.

I was happy to see that Ms. Glines gave us a second part to the story. It was clear what happened between Ashton and Beau was going to stick. No more love triangle. No more hiding it. But what happens to Sawyer? And that's were this book picks up.

First up the cover. Delicious! Makes me want candy. I'm not much of candy eatter. The last book's cover had one of those dinky heart lollipops that come in a bazillion pound bag so you can give it to everyone in your class, your brothers class and most of the neighborhood. But this one is the gourmet lollipop from that wooden stand that you almost never got to get because it was "too much money for a lollipop" but now you're an adult and you can get whatever lollipops you want... I really want candy.....

Lana and Sawyer's story was an enjoyable, easy read. Turns out Ashton's cousin Lana has been nursing a crush on Sawyer all these years   Now that things are over between Ash and Sawyer, Lana visits, hoping to snag herself the "boy next door" Vincent Brother. (You know-- the unbad one.)

Now what I liked about the book is that prim and proper Sawyer Vincent manned up and took what he wanted. It was clearer in this book that Sawyer never really loved Ashton because the way he is with Lana and the way he was with Ashton were totally different.

Lana was a little too trusting for my taste. She is so sweet, understanding, and innocent.There were a few time where she need to be angry with Ashton.

Overall it was a nice ending to a good story. And I have decided that I need a boy with a truck....

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Premonition Series


Indebted (The Premonition, #3)Inescapable (The Premonition, #1)Intuition (The Premonition, #2)
            



The Premonition Series Books 1-3
I liked this series. Even though my rant may seem like I hated it I didn't. I liked this story line and I'm sticking to it.
Evie  is immediately drawn to Reed when she meets him. Unfortunately, he doesn't feel the same way... at first. He's torn between killing her or just stay quiet about her existence as an Angel with a soul. However, Evie has no idea she is a half-breed between human and Seraphim angel or a fallen angel (Which we don't know). Reed is torn about what to do since as a warrior angel his is committed to fighting evil and Evie may be part fallen. After Evie's existence has been exposed to others, she's in a constant danger because of what she is.

 Through a series of events we find Evie stuck between a warrior angel, Reed, and her soul mate, Russell. Oh yeah and then there's the king of Gancanagh who she goes all Stockholm on but really this book has no love triangle because in Evie's eyes no one beats her angel, Reed.

Let me first address Russell. Many reviewers either hate him or love him.  I am a member of the latter and don't approve with Evie's puppetry of him. He's sweet, funny and totally devoted to Evie. Can't knock a guy like that. However, let me address the "whole southern people don't have that accent" topic. I am a northerner and, while some southerners have a cute little twang, there are most definitely those southerns who speak like Russell. In fact, my husband is from Georgia (He often needs to translate when we go there.) and has a friend who's speech is VERY similar to Russell ( I picture him as Russell, too).

Now for research part. I'm a stickler of finding parts in the story that align with fact or common mythology. Although I am not one of those people who believe in many grim reapers there is some angelology that states there are more than one. However, I have not found anywhere in religion, mythology and angelology where angels have wings such as Evie's red one's or Bunn's and Brownie's insect like one's. That irked me to no end.

Over all the book was well written and the characters were thought out and developed. Therefore, I'll be awaiting the last book.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

And the Angelfucker makes his move...

Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno, #1)

Gabriel's Inferno By Sylvain Reynard

I'm over whelmed with the feelings I have for this book It was recommended to me from a friend because I had read Fifty Shades of Gray (who hasn't) and Trust in Advertising (nothing to scream about). After reading the summary I was determine to read it. Romance and Dante? That's a nerd girl's DREAM and it didn't disappoint.

From a passing moment between her and a friend's brother Julia fell in love with the work Dante. Now as a graduate student studying the work of Dante she is given to opportunity to study with Gabriel Emerson a renowned Dante specialist. It would be a dream come true. If only he could remember their one beautiful  fleeting moment from years ago. All he can remember is that "Emerson's an ass" note that he caught Julia passing in his class.

This is not just a romance novel but a story of personal strength, redemption, and forgiveness. If you're looking for another Fifty Shades, THIS IS NO IT. The writing is beautiful, intellectual and creates such an appropriate ambiance for the story. Julia is a  REAL girl. She's relatable and intelligent. Her hold life doesn't just revolve around the love she has for Gabriel. She has other plans and, while she would be utterly upset if things don't go her way in the love department, it doesn't seem to end her entire being (Someone has to know what book I'm hinting at). Gabriel is my new favorite contemporary romance character. He's dark without brooding. He's intelligent and although obnoxious at first, doesn't fit the normal bad boy persona by the end of the book.

Kudos to Ms. Reynard for creating an engaging, though provoking, and deep romance.

eek!

I'm so excited I may just BUST!

No along have a found a new Series - Premonition Series by Amy Bartol

Inescapable (The Premonition, #1)

BUT ALSO the sequel to  Sylvain Reynard's Gabriel's Inferno is out

Gabriel's Rapture (Gabriel's Inferno, #2 )

I'm planning on reviewing both eventually......

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

It's ALIVE

Gio (5th Street)

One of my fave authors just had her new book go LIVE on Nook!

Check it out!

Gio By Elizabeth Reyes


Hurry up Amazon!!!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sookie Stackhouse: Team Just end this series

Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12)
By Charlaine Harris
Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12)

And all together now... exasperated sigh. This series has peeked (for me it was in the third and forth books) and just won't DIE. Hey, much like a vampire...

First, let me start, by saying if I was ever given the choice to read this series or another Vampire series (Twilight anyone?) Sookie Stackhouse would win. Hands down. Charlaine Harris is one of the godmothers "makers" of vampire pop culture and literature. (See what I did there?) No matter how many books are in this series I will continue to faithfully read each one.

Mostly this book dragged for me. It's all about the girl found on Eric's lawn and does he really love her and when to use the magical Fae token her gram left her.  The dialogue was lackluster. The inner dialogue was annoying. The plot was slow. However, let me give props where they are do. The last few pages of the book- well, not expecting that.

What this all boils down to, and what everyone is really reading this for is to see who Sookie is going to end up with. Eric? Bill? Sam? Alcide? She even brought Quinn back for this one! (Quinn= the most pointless character in literature EVER). Ms. Harris adds bits and pieces with each male to throw you off but quite honestly I think she is going to surprise us all in the end. Personally, I love Alcide but he shouldn't be with Sookie. He needs to be with a certain red headed book reviewer but I digress. I think she may pull this thing full circle and end with Bill. She certainly left an opening for it. However slight it may be. Yes, we all were mad at Bill for lying and being a jerk. Yes, he is no longer mysterious, dark and brooding but nerdy and sad. BUT I can't let go of the magic in the first two books.

Bottom line, FINISH THIS THING! Tell them no more books, Ms. Harris. Tell them you're done. This story is done and put a stake in it. Even vampires know when it's the end.