Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme created by Breaking The Spine to highlight upcoming books that readers are dying to get their hands on! And just like last weeks WOW, this book I'm waiting on is serious.

(A small tidbit of information from Charlaine's blog)

Sookie gets kidnapped and a character (a man) that Charlaine thought was dead, isn't. 

Are you kidding me?? That little teaser is enough to drive me crazy with curiosity! I've been reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels for a few years now and I love them. Sometimes I can be turned off from a series that has a lot of books like this one (this is the 12th book) but for some reason, I can't get enough; I never want them to end. Okay, it's not just for some reason, it's lots of reasons! Abundance of vampires, werewolves and every other kind of supernatural; tons of Eric - which if you read yesterday's review, you'd know I'm Team Eric; and action action action! These books are non-stop, never a dull moment, amazing! I can't wait!!

 

Tuesday Review Day and Giveaway Winners!!

The winners of the Sci-Fi and Steampunk Giveaway are:

 Christie the Teen Librarian

Cassandra Cruz

Teressa Oliver

and

Allyson Nobles

!!!!!!

Congratulations guys!

This is the order the winners will pick their books as well. The first winner has already been contacted and chosen her books. The rest will also be emailed in order. Thanks for entering!

Now for my SPOLIER-FREE review of...

FOREVER (THE WOLVES OF MERCY FALLS, #3)

Written by Maggie Stiefvater

Publication date: July 12, 2011

Released in Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, Audio CD and ebook

390 pages

4 1/2 stars

Synopsis: In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

My Review: First, let me say that this book is very appropriately titled, because it literally takes forever to read! The book has 78 chapters!! Seventy-eight chapters is a lot and no matter how much I read in a night, I still didn't make any progress. I would be on chapter 14 and only a centimeter through the book! That's crazy!

The book starts off with a bang! A short intro with a cliffhanger right in the beginning. Maggie Stiefvater knows how to suck you in with great descriptions and analogies, then she hits you with the unexpected and your mouth is left hanging open.

As you know from the end of Linger, Grace has finally shifted into a wolf. She's just off...in the woods...doing wolf things. It's unbelievable! It's Spring in Minnesota - which sounds like an oxymoron to me! Still, Spring is Spring and the season can be fickle; sometimes warm, sometimes cold. Not good for the skin...or the pelt, for that matter!

So in this story, Sam and Cole are in some pretty dark places, for very different reasons and to different degrees. They both have their own unique ways of expressing themselves. Especially Cole! Sam is trying to cope with the comings and goings of Grace while fending off the police and their questions regarding Grace's mysterious escape from the hospital. Sam finds an ally in an unexpected person. With the whole town believing Sam is guilty of such terrible things, it's really sad. Sam is so innocent, fragile, docile, and seeing these people treat him like a psychopath is painful to watch. Cole on the other hand is struggling with some inner demons and a major turning point in his life. Isabel is indeed a factor in this change, so you definitely have that to look forward to!

Back to poor wolf-Grace. I couldn't help but think that now she was able to experience what Sam was going through all those years. Struggling to keep the two halves of his life together yet apart - Sam the boy and Sam the wolf. With the wolves of Mercy Falls in the danger of being wiped out, Sam, Cole and Isabel must figure out a way to get Grace and all their other wolf friends out of the woods before it's too late.

There is a tear-jerking moment near the end and I wish I could say more about it but I promised no spoilers! I won't say much about the ending either except that it wasn't what I expected.

Maggie Stiefvater makes a Jungle Book reference!! I love it!!

One consistent piece of this series that I enjoyed throughout were the woods. It often reminded me of times when I was young. I loved playing in the woods behind my house. If I went back deep enough there was a small stream and I would sit and just listen to the noises around me. There wasn't anything cool in those woods, like wolves that were really cute boys, but I still enjoyed it!

Overall: I have to say, an unfortunate thing about this series is that the sequels don't hold a candle to the first. Shiver was so good, so beautiful, magical and romantic that I think readers thereafter expected the same out of Linger and Forever. I know I did. Where Shiver was full of mystery and excitement and suspense, it's followers were more full of story and banter. I just wanted exciting stuff to happen! I think the only reason I was able to push through Linger to get to Forever is because I'd already become invested in the story, I had to see it through. I'm pretty sure the huge cliffhangers at the end of each book had a lot to do with, too.

Tuesday Review Day!

FINALLY!! I have finally finished this book and I have to explain that I honestly do not believe it was because of the story that it took me so long to finish (about two months). I've been so busy and preoccupied that I haven't been dedicating much time to my reading, which I hope to change soon. Anyway, I finished it, so here it is:

The Misfit of Supernatural High (Supernatural High Series)

Written by: Shawn C. Sproatt

Publication date: March 11, 2011

Released in Kindle and ebook

248 pages

3 stars 

Synopsis: 15-year-old Wanda Windsor is not the most popular student at Hecate High. In fact, amongst her fellow witches, the fairies, the shifters, the vampires, and the werewolves, she's one of the least popular students. However, she never thought anyone hated her enough to try attack her. During her sophomore year someone uses mind control on other students to force them to hurt Wanda, and she manages to just barely escape each attack. Wanda isn't sure who would want to hurt her, but she's fairly certain it has to do with the introverted new student who has visions of the future.

When she isn't dodging death, Wanda spends her time trying to pass Geometry, avoiding (unsuccessfully) the subject of boys, and getting into mischief with her friends.

My Review: Right from the start, things take off which I loved because that means no drawn out intro about scenery and character or history. Not that a background story isn't good, however in this case it wasn't particularly necessary.

Wanda (hate the name) is being attacked by unknown assailants and the suspense is held out until the very end. The first attack is right in the first chapter and it immediately gets your mind reeling with "whoddunit". The supernatural community created in this story is so detailed as they had a supernatural version of everything for everything; yet I had a hard time remembering who was who, who was what, and what was what. There were witches, vampires, fairies, werewolves, shifters and more. Equally difficult to remember were the different rules and taboos between all the different races. Not everyone felt that dating outside of your race was acceptable. Wanda and her small group of friends consisted of a witch, Wanda, a fairy, Ari, Dean was the group vampire, Lu is a shifter and Alec a werewolf. They are all fiercely loyal to each other. Although they are in high school, you can tell that Wanda is the last of her friends to mature. As far as characters go, some stuck out more than others, even though the characters were all consistent, as in frequently changing or new ones being introduced. One character in particular, Lu, I kept forgetting if she was a guy or a girl and if she was related to Alec (another main character) or if she was romantically interested in him.

For the story to take place in a supernatural high school and town, there really was not a lot of magic going on. There was a lot of description about places and things but not enough about events. At one point Wanda is teaching herself defensive spells and practicing them on her friends but we don't get to see what she's doing or even hear the spells she's casting. I think the mystery part of this story was well written but the paranormal part was lacking. The author mentions witches having 'familiars' as though it were everyday knowledge and I was already supposed to know what that meant. I didn't. Their purpose, their powers and the advantages of having one were still a mystery until very close to the end of the book where they came into play more, because Wanda had two familiars, which is rare and reserved for especially powerful witches.

What I didn't like was how clueless Wanda was at a lot of critical times in the story. I understand that when you are in the eye of the storm, it is easy to miss things but I still felt that she should have been able to figure some of these things out. She would blindly walk into traps without even considering the possibility that it was a trap in the first place. I found myself getting frustrated and yelling at Wanda, "Oh come on!"

The end result, the big secret, the big reveal or whatever you want to call it can only be described with one word: flat. I was all excited to find out who was behind this whole grand scheme (and what the grand scheme was since it was such a well guarded secret), but when everything was laid out before me, I was just left feeling like "That's it? That's what I waited for all this time?" The person behind it all was no surprise either. Introduced early in the story as a potential villain so you are already given the feeling that this person was going to be guilty in the end. There was a whole lot of misdirection to make the reader believe it really could be anyone else, but it wasn't, and I think it would have been better if it was a completely different character. It would have made all my detective work feel worth it.

The writing was riddled with typos and spelling errors. I don't necessarily blame it on the author but I'm pretty sure the editor missed a few things.

Overall: Even though I wasn't in love with this book I did like it a lot and I'm glad I finally finished it and I look forward to the sequel. There were a lot of unresolved issues like inter-racial/species couples being seriously frowned upon. Racism is intolerable, period, and I would like to see that aspect of the story changed in the next book. And what about Wanda and Patrick (potential love interest and vampire)? Are they going to finally admit their feelings for each other and be together? If Wanda really is strong enough to require two familiars than are we going to get to see her powers develop? Let's not forget about Rose and Stephanie, (school jerks) I'd really like to see Wanda put them in their place for good!

Witches in the Holy City is the beginning of a new series set to debut in ebook on June 28, 2011 with the hopes of a Mistfit sequel in July!

Click here to visit Shawn C. Sproatt's blog.

Happy Reading!

Tuesday Review Day!

I know this review is a day late, but yesterday was just that kind of day.

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, #11)

Written by: Charlaine Harris

Publication date: May 3, 2011

Released in Hardcover, Kindle, ebook

325 pages

5 stars

Synopsis: With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...

My Review: First let me say how excited I was reading this book, anxious to read the story but also anticipating season 4 of the HBO series, True Blood next month! The release of this book was just perfect timing! As much as I love the show, the book is where it's at!

Sookie is an amazing character. She is the strongest of any I've ever read (male or female) and equally determined. She sets her mind to something and it gets done. It might get a little sloppy at times and always a lot bloody, but that's just the Sookie Stackhouse way! This time around isn't much different than previous books, because she's always got a lot on her plate. Her fairy cousins, Claude and Dermot, are staying with her and she suspects their motives for doing so. Even though Charlaine Harris is great with recaps in each book, I still had a hard time remembering Dermot's background story. I remember that he was enchanted by Niall, but what he did while he was, I can't recall. Having these two around, she begins to learn more about her fairy-side and starts to finally get some answers to her questions; like where her telepathy came from!

Just as strong as Sookie is, she makes Eric soft, not a teddy bear by any means, but you can tell he melts just being around his beloved. There was not enough of these two in this book, they spent a lot of the time at odds with each other, especially after Sookie finds a way to break their blood bond! Victor, the Regent of Louisiana under the ruling of King Felipe, is determined to make Eric and Pam's life a living hell.

And what would a Sookie Stackhouse novel be if somebody wasn't trying to kill her? First, a firebomb through a Merlotte's window, then a kidnap attempt, then a full on attack!! She can hardly catch her breath before there's another fire to put out. I find it difficult to review these books because there is so much going on and I try not to spoil it for anyone.

Overall: I always enjoy these books. They're always action-packed; never a dull moment or a lull in the story and if it does slow down, it's only to build up momentum for the next event!

Weekend Wind-Up

Hello Everyone!

I hope all of you had a great weekend! I had a great start to mine. It started Thursday with two beautiful bouquets of flowers for me and my daughter, a new IPod Nano on Friday, and six new books from Borders on Saturday - all because someone loves me *blushes*!

 Allow me to share with you these six amazing titles!

 

Click the titles to go to each books Goodreads page: Blessed, My Soul To Steal, Slice of Cherry, Shadowspell, Entice and Once in a Full Moon.

It's not over yet! On top of all that gooey goodness, today while I was at my local dollar store, my bestie and I were digging through the paperback bin and she reads a title aloud thinking it would get a laugh out of me. Little did she know, she had just plucked a small paperback I'd been looking for! Wicked Nights by Nina Bangs is the first part of the Castle of Dark Dreams set. The first one I read was My Wicked Vampire, number four of the set (they don't seem to run in order). You can find my review of it here. Well, anyway, they are chock-full of paranormal romance! There wasn't anything overly sexual about it, but I would recommend it for mature audiences only!

Mini-Post

Hey Everyone!

So here is a Mini-Post, which for me means telling you about random things that don't really fit together!

First, I'd like to share with you that I just painted my living room and I am in love with it! I went to Home Depot and picked out a can of paint that the more I looked at it, was too lilac-y. I was going for a soft blue. So I went back and the girl mixed it until I was happier with the color. With my chocolate, black and tan furniture, the blue is the perfect addition! Ok, so now that I've got that off my chest, some book news!

A great bloog I like to follow, That Bookish Girl, tells you "How to Build Your Library on a Budget". Different ways to the books you want to read, for a price you can afford!

I was on goodreads.com, my favorite site for all my book info, and came the title of the sequel to Matched by Ally Condie, Crossed. It did not have a cover or synopsis but the expected publish date is November 1, 2011! I also saw the cover for Thirst  No. 4 by Christopher Pike. Again, no synopsis but set to release August 9, 2011. And this time there's a guy sexy guy on the cover! He's most likely Matt from the previous book, whom I hope will be in the spotlight more this time around! Look:

Now, I think I might be little behind with this one but sometimes I have so many books and series that I'm into and want to get into, that I have to intentionally overlook things lest my dosage be increased because I'm so stressed out about how many books I still have to read!! Whew! Anywho.

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, the first of its sequel, due to release August 23, 2011. For those of you not in know, like me, Bloodlines takes place in the same world as Vampire Academy. Sydney, the Alchemist, is the narrator and Jill, Moroi, plays a big role in the story as well. However, the male role in this book is a surprise but hint that it is a love interest from Vampire Academy! My guess? Adrian. If not, some other love interest I've long forgotten. Oh well, it'll be that much more of a surprise!

Last but not least, of this not-so-mini Mini-Post:

I watched the series premiere of Being Human on the SyFy Channel, Monday @ 9:00EST. It's about a vampire - trying to be on his best behavior, it seems, a werewolf - still coming to turns with his wolfy-ness and a ghost girl - trying to get over being dead. They all live together and as the title implies, I guess they're going to act as though things are as normal as possible. But I get the very strong feeling that there will be nothing normal about what happens to them! I laughed, I cried...I didn't cry. I did enjoy it though. Despite all the conflicts I had trying to record a new show on a Monday night, I will still try to keep up with show weekly.

Got a random piece of news you'd like to share? Comment below!

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme created by Breaking The Spine to highlight upcoming books that readers are dying to get their hands on!

Here's one I'm really looking forward to...

Blessed (Tantalize #3) by Cynthia Leitich Smith will bring together characters from the first  and second books, Tantalize and Eternal. Quincie, Kieren, Miranda and Zachary. I can't wait to see all of them again. For some I hope for change, for others, I hope they've stayed the same! Either way, things are bound to be interesting!

Better still? A FOURTH installment!! All about ZACHARY!! Just what this series needed - more Zachary!

Graphic Novels are also in the works! Visuals!

Go to Cynthia Leitich Smith's Website for more info on the whole series and some great Qs and As!

Tuesday Review Day!

In the spirit of my pending makeover, Tuesday will be Review Day! I wish I could promise a post every day but I'll be posting as regularly as possible. I've got a few things coming up this week but first...

NIGHTSHADE (Nightshade #1) 

Written by: Andrea Cremer

Publication date: October 19, 2010

Released in Hardcover

5 STARS

Synopsis: Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My Review: This book is even more beautiful in real life than it was online! The edges of the pages have that worn effect that makes it appear old and tattered. I love it! There were so many words on one page I actually had to put my reading glasses on for this one!  I love the page breaks between chapters. Each one a different phase of the moon. It just the book even more of a wolf feel.

Straight to the point. We meet Calla Tor already in mid-fight. Sometimes getting a little background story is nice but other times, getting right down to brass tax is just what the doctor ordered to break a reading slump!

The way Andrea Cremer writes is poetic. Beautiful metaphors that really bring the scenes to life. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the characters of the story are more wolf than human. They don't consider themselves humans that turn into wolves, more like wolves that take human form. The world in which these wolves are a part of is so much more intricate than I've read in any other story.

Andrea Cremer created a wide variety of colorful characters. She reveals bits and pieces of them like a slow leak and it just makes you even more curious. You can tell they all have interesting background stories and because you don't get it all, it adds to the mystery of the characters. Like Cosette! What's the deal with this sad little puppy?! I don't think she says two words in the whole book! I'm dying to know more about her!

Poor Calla. Torn between two gorgeous men that are both head over heels for her, would and have risked their lives for her and can barely keep their hands (and lips) off of her. Did I say "Poor Calla"?  I meant Lucky B*tch! 

Renier Laroche, hot alpha wolf. Unlike Calla, this guys been around the block and is rumored to be a great lover. But now that their union draws near, he's into Calla and their pack 100%. This is who Calla was born to be with, this is where she belongs.

Shay Doran, hot mysterious human. He caught her attention immediately and stirred up feelings within her she didn't know she could feel, and all she wants to do is explore them - with him!

Tough decision.

The whole time I'm reading this book, with everything that was happening and all the foreshadowing, there was so much build up, so much suspense, I was all anxious and twitchy! So much action! So many paranormal creatures! I couldn't wait to get to the end! And whoa! Talk about cliffhanger! But that's okay because Wolfsbane (Nighshade #2) will be released July 26, 2010! Take a look at yet another gorgeous cover!

Can they get any better?

Who Should Read This Book: If you love wolf stories, this a book you absolutely cannot miss. Great love story, great action and great suspense! This book is by far at the top of my waiting list!

You can find more info about the Nightshade Novels on Cremer's site andreacremer.com

Review of Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

LINGER (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #2)

Written by: Maggie Stiefvater

Publication date: July 13, 2010

Released in Hardcover and Paperback

4 stars

Synopsis: In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves. . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

***CONTAINS SPOILERS***

My Review: I wish I had more to say about this book. Shiver is one of my favorite books and I anticipated this sequel from the moment Sam came out of the woods a human (at the end of Shiver). There was so much story, so much build up in this book that when something finally happened, it was barely worth the wait. All along I knew what was going to happen, I just expected it to happen sooner. I think halfway through the book, we all guessed that Grace was going to shift into a wolf. The whole time I was just waiting for it to happen, so I was disappointed that it didn't until the very end. Now we have to wait for Forever to be released. Gee, can anyone guess how that one is going to turn out? Don't get me wrong - I love a happy ending and I love Sam and Grace but already the story is a little predictable. Doesn't mean I won't still read it!

There is one thing that I did really enjoy about this book: Maggie Stiefvater's writing. The whole time I was reading Linger, I kept trying to describe how I read her writing. To me, it's like she makes novels out of poetry. Her writing is soft and musical.

Who Should Read This: Of course, if you read Shiver, I don't suggest you stop there. I believe (for the most part) in completing a series once you've started (House of Night is one series I started but just couldn't get into - so I stopped). The Wolves of Mercy Falls is a beautiful series that I would recommend to everyone.

A BDay Wish

So, today is my birthday and let's just say I'm closer to 30 than I'd like to be. The wrong side of 20! So, to lift my spirits, I decided I wanted to talk about some of my favorite books and books I can't wait to read! Now, I'm not providing any links or pictures in this post for the simple fact that, well, it's my birthday and I don't wanna work that hard! Hmph.

The first book I need to mention (because I'm afraid people won't read the whole thing and I'd at least like people to hear about this book) is BLEEDING VIOLET by Dia Reeves! She created my most favorite character ever - Hannah! There are many names for people like Hannah: crazy, psycho, out of her flippin mind. Just to name a few. But to me? She's just funny as hell! She whacks her aunt on the head with a rolling pin and runs away to find her estranged mom. Well, mommy dearest lives in the craziest town - even Hannah's crazy mind couldn't imagine! I heart this book A LOT!

I just read HEARTS AT STAKE by Alyxandra Harvey and JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE by Beth Fantaskey - both were REALLY awesome. Two really romantic, funny, vampire books; they're a quick-read so they were perfect for reading back to back. Now I can't wait to read their sequels BLOOD FEUD and THE WEDDING OF ANTANASIA JESSICA PACKWOOD AND LUCIUS VALERIU VLADESCU (that's a mouthful)!

 I started reading THE FALLEN by Thomas E. Sniegoski and it was good, really good. But then I went to Borders and quite unexpectedly saw LINGER (by Maggie Stiefvater) on the shelf! I thought the release date was July 20th? Not that I'm upset about it finally being in my hands - just upset that I keep getting incorrect dates from Goodreads. Does anyone else have that problem? Anyway, I had to put the first book down to read LINGER - we've waited long enough.

I really can't wait for AFTERLIFE, the 4th book in the EVERNIGHT SERIES by Claudia Gray. These books are amazing! Young vampire-human love, fighting and beheading, surviving and sacrificing. The ultimate struggle to be with the one you love. Oh, and a spin-off series - BALTHAZAR - a great character from the all the other books. LAST SACRIFICE by Richelle Mead. Seriously, who isn't waiting for this book? CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS, the Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare. I fell so hard in love with the first 3 books, I talked about them for weeks to anyone who would listen. Unfortunately, I wasn't blogging then.

I really want to read this book WHAT WAS I THINKING? 58 BAD BOYFRIEND STORIES by Barbara Davilman. It's not YA, I know, but it looks like it might give me a few laugh-out-loud moments! I've got my own bad boyfriend stories, might be nice to laugh at someone elses!

ONCE DEAD, TWICE SHY and its sequel by Kim Harrison look good GLIMMERGLASS by Jenna Black. I'm really curious to read BLESSED by Cynthia Leitich Smith because I honestly don't care for TANTALIZE ( the 1st in the so-far trilogy) but I loved sequel ETERNAL! They were two totally different books so I wonder where BLESSED goes from there.

I'm gonna wrap this up with 99 COFFINS (David Wellington), WHISPER (Pheobe Kitanidis, BLOOD OATH by Christopher Farnsworth was awesome, THIRST 1&2 by Christopher Pike were beautifully written, great books and I'm anxiously waiting No. 3. I love the Sookie Stackhouse Series and the written TWILIGHT SAGA is flawless in my eyes! By the way, last time I counted, there are 60 books on my bookcase that I haven't read yet! I can't stop buying them! I'm addicted. And I'm pretty sure that after my birthday, I'll add a few more to that number!  Happy Birthday to ME!

Sharing is Caring!

So I was browsing around Goodreads.com and found a couple of books that sounded pretty interesting and I thought I'd share them with you!

First I found Nightshade by Andrea Cremer, to-be-released October 19, 2010. Now I know that this isn't a new find for a lot of you. I've come across this book a few times but never really gave it a close look. The cover is really pretty. I love the shades of blue and purple and calla lilies are my favorite flower and the blood drops on them send promises of butt-kicking action! Calla Tor is destined to be a great warrior for her kind once she reaches her 18th bday. BUT...she meets a boy who changes everything. Sounds a wee bit predictable but sometimes I like a story that goes exactly where I want it to...and sometimes I like to be surprised!

My second find is The Vampiric Housewife by Kristin Marquette, to-be-released October 22, 2010. This is about a town of vampires living day to day lives as any one of us would, except they live in the 1950's. Until one day a vampiric housewife, discovers a secret that forces them to run from the comforts of their home, to the unknown world outside. I could kind of see this story as a tv show so I thought it might be a fun, quick read.

LIAR by Justine Larbalestier

LIAR

Written by: Justine Larbalestier

Publication date: September 29, 2009

Released in Hardcover

4 stars

Synopsis: Micah will freely admit that she's a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she'll ever tell you. Over the years she's fooled everyone: her classmates, her teachers, even her parents. And she's always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as easily as breathing?

How I Came to Read This: It sounded unique. What else can I say?

My Review: This book is like nothing else I've ever read. The title embodies the entire concept of the book, the way the story is told. I have no idea if what I've read is really what happened, if that was the actual story. Fictionally speaking, of course.

The main character and narrator, Micah, is a liar. A good one, too. She lies about everything, even about things there really isn't a reason to lie about. She's pretty much lied to everyone about everything to the point where she's out-casted herself and nobody believes a single word she says - even when it is the truth.

Micah has a boyfriend. When he is brutally murdered, nobody knows why, how or who would've killed the most liked and most popular boy in school. After a strange turn of events, it becomes Micah's job to find what happened and who is responsible.

It's a lot of back and forth, between past and present; truth and lies. Or maybe it's all a lie - I have no idea!! Once you start this book, there is no turning back. It's so all-over-the-place, in a surprisingly organized way, that you just have to find out where it ends. Speaking of ending, I think I would have preferred a different one, a stronger one. It didn't go where I thought it would, and I was slightly disappointed after all that. However, kudos to Justine Larbalestier for writing such a clever book!

My favorite parts of this book are when Micah tells the reader she has been telling the truth, and then she confesses to a lie she already swore was the truth! Then she says she won't do it again. I love it!

Who Should Read This: If you enjoy a tale with lots of twists and turns and you're able to keep up, this was a really fun read!

Review of Midnight Cravings

MIDNIGHT CRAVINGS

Writers: Michele Hauf, Karen Whiddon, Lori Devoti, Anna Leonard and Bonnie Vanak
Publication date: April 1, 2009
Released in Paperback

4 1/2 stars

Synopsis: A COLLECTION OF SIX SEXY BITES

Under the cover of night exists the dark and sensuous world of Midnight Cravings - a world conjured up in six seductive tales of paranormal passion. Follow some of the genre's best writers, including Michele Hauf, Karen Whiddon and Lori Devoti, on a mesmerizing journey where the extraordinary comes breathtakingly close with every turn of the page.

So, please, come on in. The first bite won't hurt, and its likely that you will crave another...and another...and...

How I Came to Read This: It was just something on the shelf I saw, picked up and took home because it looked like a good read.

My Review: I was half right. The first 3-4 stories were really good where the last three seemed to get too involved to just be short stories. To review this book, I actually ended up reading it all over again!

WARNING: This book is seriously sexy!! So yeah, adults only!!

Racing the Moon by Michele Hauf: This was my favorite of all the short stories. I loved this cheeky little tale about two shapeshifters; the female, a cat and the male, a wolf. Come on, really, what's sexier than a wolf?? They try to fight the strong attraction to each other because a cat and wolf aren't exactly buddy buddy. But a rainstorm and a full moon only means trouble, and by trouble I mean the hot, sexy kind!

Both characters have a great sense of humor but they also have their own little background stories of troubled pasts and loneliness. Dean is so hot! He's such a man's man who goes after what he wants - and needs - with a bad boy kick to him. Sunday has her own "demons" to deal with, making it harder for her to give into the temptation that is, Dean Maverick!

Mate of the Wolf Karen Whiddon: This was a very sweet story with a happy ending. I liked the switch of narrators, getting both views of the same story.

Kane Webster. A sexy vampire with a british accent? Sounds like Edward Pattinson or Robert Cullen! Either way sounds pretty yummy to me!! He's kind, thoughtful, patient and giving.

I didn't care for Allie's use of dog phrases, like, "Hellhounds" and "Oh my Dog". It made me think of her living in an actual dog world; where everything is made for and all about dogs.

I enjoyed reading this story a second time so much, I forgot to stop and take notes! I wish I could have more of Kane and Allie. A whole novel - a whole series!

Captured by Lori Devoti: This is a tragic story. Trapped in a breeding mill against your will. It's an interesting concept; a way we don't often see shapeshifters.

Leve is not your usual damsel in distress. She's determined to protect herself, even if it means fighting to the death. She won't let it happen again. Both she and Gray are strong characters. They both want their freedom, no matter the cost. I sympathize for Leve; she's had it pretty rough. But her determination and strength are what define her, not the tragedies that scar her. Gray is an alpha male - no way he's going to let a few punk elves keep him prisoner.

I think this connection between Gray and Leve is the kind of bond you feel after you've been through a traumatic experience with someone. It probably didn't last for too long!

Dreamcatcher by Anna Leonard: When I first read this story, I really didn't care for Emma. I felt she was overly stubborn, pig-headed. However, the second time around I took notice to details I didn't see before. In her life, everyone wants and expects her to be able to handle anything thrown her way. When people have expectations of you, you try to live up to them. But sometimes, the weight of the world becomes too much for just one person's shoulders. You get to see Emma's vulnerable side and it becomes easier to relate to her.

Matthew struggles with his inner demon. His profession is caring for people, in a way to compensate for putting them in need in the first place.

I really liked the beginning ad middle of this story, but I felt the ending became too difficult to visualize ad that's where I got lost. Even the second time around! I did appreciate the fact that Emma and Matthew got to know each for a little while before deciding that they had to spend forever, together. They actually had conversations and learned things about each other. But hey, sometimes a fly-by fling or love-at-first-sight can be fun too, right?

Mahina's Storm by Vivi Anna: This is a story of two colleagues, knowing each other and working together several times, through the years.

Mahina, police captain and lycanm is strong-minded and independent. She doesn't get involved with men for too long and feels the need to have control over everything in her life.

Ren has been harboring feelings for Mahina for years asher fellow officer and lycan. This is red hot! He's strong, gorgeous (in my head, anyway) and dominating, in the sexy way. Mahina won't admit to their mutual attraction to each other but he won't take no for an answer.

This story has a touch of danger and excitement, suspense and more than one steamy moment. This was one of my favorites stories in the book. It was a little too short. I would have enjoyed another chapter or two.

It was a fun game of cat and mouse.

Broken Storm by Bonnie Vanak: Didn't read.

Who Should Read This: Mature audience! Sexual content and all that good stuff...*ahem*, that is, of course, if you're into that *ahem* kind of stuff... The whole book is about finding The One in someone - or something - you never thought to look.

Great read!

SHIVER REVIEW

SHIVER (Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

Written by: Maggie Stiefvater
Titles in Series: Shiver, Linger released July 20, 2010 and Forever released July, 2011
Publication date: August 1, 2009
Released in Hardcover

5 stars

Synopsis: The cold. Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf - watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

The heat. Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

The shiver. For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human - and Grace must fight to keep him - even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

How I Came to Read This: The cover is beautiful. There's a little something hidden in it and it immediately caught my attention on the shelf. Besides, I can't resist a girl-meets-wolf love story!

My Review: I never expected to fall in love with this book as much as I did. I liked the way each chapter switched narrators. You were able to get both sides of the story without a third-party narrator. There were moments of sadness, excitement and laughter. It was not your typical werewolf/shapeshifter tale, changing at will or at the full moon. Maggie Stiefvater switched it up and made this story completely unique. I've read plenty of wolf stories, but never anything like this and I think the twist that she put on it had a lot to do with my enjoyment of this book.

By the time I reached the end, I had already experienced a multitude of emotions, I'd practically bitten my bottom lip to shreds! I can't tell you how elated I was to find out that Linger was going to be released as well as a third one, Forever. I was happy with just the one book and now with two more? I just feel plain ol' spoiled!

Who Should Read This: Everyone. Why not? It was an amazing story. I loved it. Aside from my own opinion; this is it. This is what's hot right now and Maggie Stiefvater is everywhere! I think she's an amazing author and she has great insight.

Reviews of Tantalize and Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith

TANTALIZE (Tantalize #1)Written by: Cynthia Leitich Smith

Title in Series: Tantalize, Eternal, and Blessed to be released in 2011
Publication Date: February 13, 2007
Released in Paperback and Hardcover

2 stars
Synopsis: Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to leave her forever. And just as she and her uncle are about to unveil Austin's first vampire-themed restaurant, their chef's brutal murder leaves Quincie scrambling to transform fresh-faced Henry Johnson into a culinary Dark Lord in time for opening night. But there's more than meets the eye to this new hire, and Quincie is about to learn a whole lot about love...and blood.

How I Came to Read This: I remember seeing this on the shelf, reading the back and thinking that it didn't sound like that great of a story. However, when I read that the characters would be making "appearances" in the sequel Eternal, which did sound good, I decided I would read this one first if I had to.

My Review: Well, I can't exactly say I enjoyed this book. I honestly didn't. It focused a lot on the restaurant business that Quincie has and it bored me to tears! There wasn't enough paranormal in it for me either. It was kind of like the main course was the restaurant and the vampires were the side dish. I feel bad because I almost always enjoy every book I read and this one just didn't do anything for me. And the love story aspect was definitely lacking. I hardly felt a deep enough connection between Quincie and...and the wolf. What was his name again?

[Quickie:] I wouldn't want anyone else to fall into the same trap I did; thinking that in order to read Eternal, you have to read Tantalize first. Well, you don't. There is no connection to each other. It's not a continuation of the same story or of the same characters. There is a third installment to this series titled Blessed (2011) and unless the characters all come together here, I don't see any reason to read them in order.

Who Should Read This: Unfortunately, this is not a book I would really recommend. There wasn't anything special about it. Too light on the vamps for my taste!

ETERNAL (Tantalize #2)
Written by: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Publication date: February 10, 2009
Released in Paperback and Hardcover

5 stars

Synopsis: Classified Ads: WANTED: Personal assistant to her Royal Highness. Duties: Whatever asked without hesitation, including but not limited to secretarial/administrative, household, defense, blood donation, driving, companionship, prey disposal, and love slavery.

At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight. Her reckless and adoring guardian angel, meanwhile - fighting in human guise as the princess's personal assistant - has his work cut out for him with the Master's Death Day gala fast approaching. Can Zachary save his girl's soul and redeem himself before all hell arrives, quite literally, on their doorstep?

How I Came to Read This: I saw the cover, which right away said to me - angels! It's not often you get a story about them, let alone a guardian angel! The whole vampire/guardian angel thing could have only turned out one of two ways: disastrous or awesomeness!

My Review: The result, you ask? AWESOMENESS!!! This book was different, funny and exciting. Having just been turned into a vampire - a royal one, at that - Miranda fumbles with etiquette and the way things are done in her new life. She does so in a very comical way that makes it easy to imagine yourself in that situation. Trying hard to fit in while trying to make it look natural at the same time. Zachary is truly the comic relief in this story, though. He is quick-witted and for an angel, he doesn't take any crap! Although I really enjoyed everything about this book, he was the highlight for me.

If you read my previous review of Tantalize, it wasn't very pretty. When I read Eternal, I felt like I was reading an entirely different author. You just have to read it for yourself! You won't be sorry.

Who Should Read This: Eternal was different than your average vampire story. It was a love story, yes. But not mushy or heartbreaking either. It was just fun to read.