Tuesday 30 April 2013

TBR Orphans Challenge Update 4


I failed this month in reading at least one book that's been on my shelves for longer than three months.
I picked up Real Vampires Have Curves and got about halfway through before I got distracted by other, newer books in my tbr-pile. I will try to finish this book in May and also read another book that's on my shelves for longer than 3 months.

How did you do? Read any books this month that have been on your shelves a long time?

April RAK Round Up


I can't show you yet what RAK I got in April, because Ems send me a surprise RAK. This means she send me a book from my wishlist without telling me which one, so it will be a surprise for me.
I hope it arrives soon, because I'm very curious.

Thanks Ems!


I send out a RAK myself too and am joining up again for May

===================
RAK:

The RAK movement (=Random Acts of Kindness): it is an initiative organized by the Ladies at the Book Soulmates where everyone posts their whislists and then other people realize one (or more) wishes of a person. Meaning that they send some books to the lucky person they picked! Doesn't it sound fabulous?

Rules:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.

• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)

• Create a wish list and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}

• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.

• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!

• Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!


Monday 29 April 2013

Naturals - Book Rant


Naturals (The Lost Souls #2)
by Tiffany Truitt


What is it about:
Tess is finally safe from the reach of the Council, now that she is living in the Middlelands with the rebel Isolationists. With James having returned to Templeton, she easily falls back into her friendship with Henry, though her newfound knowledge of Robert’s chosen one status still stings. Even surrounded by people, Tess has never felt more alone. So she’s thrilled when James returns to the settlement, demanding to see Tess — until she finds out that it’s because her sister, Louisa, has been recruited into Tess’s old position at Templeton, and that the dangerously sadistic chosen one George has taken an interest in her.

What did I think of it:
Beware: this is not a review, but a rant and contains spoilers!

I thought the first book in this trilogy was a nice read, but I did wonder if Truitt would take the story to a darker place in this book.

Let me give you the situation at the end of book one:
Tess is one of the few women who are still capable of having children without dying in the process. The Council doesn't want women to have children because they're creating a race of artificially made soldiers they can control. Tess escapes the compound where she lives because certain death waits for her there and she gets taken in by the Isolationists, who oppose the Council and who want Tess because of her virtility.

Got that?

I expected Tess' virtility to be a major plot point in Naturals. I expected the Isolationist trying to force Tess to have children. I feared rape, forced pregnancy and things like that. I expected Tess to understand her importance and either be scared to death of the consequences or to want to use her virtility to help the Isolationists.

None of that all!

Tess thinks the Isolationists want her because she's a symbol of hope, not because she's a baby-making machine. She's actually surprised and offended when she discovers the Isolationists expect her to eventually have children. The Isolationists don't even force the issue in any way and just hope that Tess might change her mind in the future.

Seriously?!

If the overall story would give me the impression that the author just didn't want the story to get too dark I might not have minded so much, but it turns out Tess is another one of those 'special' heroines. There are bad things happening in this world, but somehow really bad things don't happen to Tess, they only happen to other women.

I can only guess that authors who make terrible things happen to others, but not to their heroine think that I as a reader would be upset if those horrible things happened to the heroine.

They are wrong!

I have to confess I feel no sympathy with these 'special' heroines. Especially when while other people are suffering they actually feel sorry for themselves because they have two boys liking them. I'd feel more connected with them if they truly got to share in the horrors that others face and I'd rejoice all the more when they managed to survive and cope with the terrible things inflicted upon them.

So as you might have guessed, this book was a disappointment for me and I don't think I will read the last book in this trilogy.

Why should you read it:
The world building is quite interesting.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Friday 26 April 2013

Hemlock - Book Review


Hemlock (Hemlock #1)
by Kathleen Peacock


What is it about:
Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac's life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac's hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy's killer:

A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome--also known as the werewolf virus--is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy's murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy's boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock's thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.


What did I think of it:
So, you might notice I'm reviewing a book named Hemlock, while the cover says Deadly Hemlock. That's because for some reason the US version is called Hemlock, but the UK version is called Deadly Hemlock for some reason. I guess the UK publisher thought Hemlock didn't sound suspenseful enough.

Anyway:

I picked this book up on the recommendation of a friend and I am very glad I did, because this is a really great read.

Mac is a likeable character and I rooted for her from the start, even though there were moments I wanted to slap some sense into her. I really liked how Peacock showed how the death of Amy changed Mac and her friends and how each of them copes in another way.

The world building was interesting and the way people treat werewolves was disturbing, especially as it felt really believable. This story sure makes you think about how you would react to having werewolves living among us.

The story was intense and once I started reading it was difficult to put the book down. I wanted to know what would happen next. Some things were pretty easy to figure out, other events took me completely by surprise. The ending is satisfying while at the same time leaving more than enough things open to make me eager for the next book.

All in all this is a gripping read that lingers after you finished it and I will make sure to get my trotters on the next book when it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's an intense Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 25 April 2013

A Cup of Joe - Book Review


A Cup of Joe
by Anita Ensal

ebook, novella

What is it about:
When Emily smiles at David, the Chosen One, as if he’s a normal person, his sheltered existence plunges into terror and deception, forcing him to see that the world might not be as perfect as he’s always believed. If the choice is between love or perfection, which would you choose?

What did I think of it:
This is a sweet story with a bite to it.

David has long ago forgotten to think for himself and lets himself be guided by the Mother Board who decides how he should live his life. Then he meets Emily who shakes up his world and makes him think for himself again.

This story is both sweet and disturbing. It paints a future where people trust in machines completely and stop thinking for themselves. I liked seeing how Emily made David examine his life and how David began to see things differently.

The world building was very well doen. I could easily picture the (in my eyes) depressing future world where this story is set and I really hoped Emily and David would find a way to make a better future for themselves.

All in all this is a very nice read and I'll keep an eye out for more stories Gini Koch writes under this pen-name.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable Futuristic novella.


Buy it here

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Seven Kinds of Hell - Book Review


Seven Kinds of Hell (Fangborn #1)
by Dana Cameron


What is it about:
When archaeologist Zoe Miller's cousin is abducted by a vicious Russian kidnapper, she must come to grips with a haunting secret. Unknown to even her closest friends, Zoe is not entirely human. She's a werewolf and a daughter of the "Fangborn," a hidden race of werewolves, vampires, and oracles.

Zoe's attempt to rescue her cousin leads her on a quest for artifacts—including Pandora's Box, an object of world-ending power. With the fate of humanity in the balance, Zoe will be forced to renew family ties and pit her own supernatural abilities against a dark and nefarious foe.

At once captivation, deftly worded, and character-rich Seven Kinds of Hell expands vampire legend and werewolf noir in both intensity and charismatic bite.


What did I think of it:
I will confess I totally bought this book for the gorgeous cover, but luckily it turned out to be a pretty cool read as well.

From the first chapter I was intrigued by Zoe and her life. She grew up outside of the Fangborn community and has lots to learn about herself and others like her. Even though this trope has been used lots of times before, Cameron manages to make it work and she had me hooked from the start.

The story is action-packed and leads from America to London, Berlin and even further. I really liked the mythology that was used and loved how Cameron weaved this mythology into the story in a natural way.

I didn't really get into the romance storyline, I will admit. I think it's because the love interest is introduced after I already started to like another male character and I was disappointed I once again rooted for the wrong guy. But that's very personal, so I think other readers won't have the same problem.

Romance aside I loved this story and I am more than curious to see what happens next for Zoe. I will certainly keep an eye out for the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Urban Fantasy read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Mortality - Book Review


Mortality (The Hitchhiker Strain #1)
by Kellie Sheridan


What is it about:
After surviving a deadly plague outbreak, sixteen-year-old Savannah thought she had lived through the very worst of human history. There was no way to know that the miracle vaccine would put everyone at risk for a fate worse than un-death.

Now, two very different kinds of infected walk the Earth, intent on nothing but feeding and destroying what little remains of civilization. When the inoculated are bitten, infection means watching on in silent horror as self-control disappears and the idea of feasting on loved ones becomes increasingly hard to ignore.

Starving and forced to live inside of the abandoned high school, all Savannah wants is the chance to fight back. When a strange boy arrives with a plan to set everything right, she gets her chance. Meeting Cole changes everything. Mere survival will never be enough.


What did I think of it:
This is a really great read.

It alternates bwtween telling the story of Savannah and that of Zarah, both teenagers who see their whole world change by the plague.

Savannah's story is told in past tense, but Zarah's story is in present tense. Usually I don't like present tense, but Sheridan writes so engaging that in this case I didn't mind. Once I got into the story I barely noticed the present tense and I couldn't put this book down until I finished it.

Both girls get caught up in events that lead them into danger. There's plenty of action: zombie attacks, encounters with people who have evil intentions and much more. I really like how Sheridan made two kinds of zombies and has a solid background story to make them believable.

I liked both Savannah and Zarah, although I have to confess I wanted to kick Zarah a couple of times, she really didn't think at times. Savannah frustrated me on ocassion as well. She really needed to learn how to stand up for herself in my opinion. But overall I could really relate to both girls and I cheered them on from the start.

The ending was really something and left me wondering what will happen next. I can tell you I will most certainly read the next book in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool YA with zombies


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Monday 22 April 2013

The Accidental Werewolf - Book Review


The Accidental Werewolf (Accidentally Friends #1)
by Dakota Cassidy


What is it about:
When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing at an alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy.

Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he's a werewolf, she is now, too. Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there's more at stake than just her highlights. And she must put her out-of-control life in the hands of the man who makes her blood run wild in more ways than one...


What did I think of it:
This is a nice read.

I did have some trouble with Marty at first. She can be quite irritating and it took me some time to get used to her. But once I got used to Marty and the way she narrates I actually started to enjoy her way of looking at things.

Both romance and story were nice, there were some surprises, but mostly it was easy to guess what was going on. It was the humor and snark that kept the story interesting.

So overall this was a nice and entertaining read. I might pick up other books by Cassidy when next I'm looking for something light and funny.

Why should you read it:
It's a snarky and funny Paranormal Romance.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Friday 19 April 2013

The Immortal Rules - Book Review


The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1)
by Julie Kagawa


What is it about:
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for… again.


What did I think of it:
After I read Kagawa's Novella (which is a prequel to this series) in Til The World Ends I was intrigued enough to want to give the Blood of Eden series a try, so I picked up The Immortal Rules.

And it doesn't disappoint.

This is a very cool read. I loved the world building. The vampire city where Allie grew up is a dark and dangerous place, but the world outside of the cities is even more dangerous.

I loved getting to know Allie and her world and I could really understand why Allie hates the vampires. Then the unthinkable happens: Allie becomes a vampire herself!

I really liked to see Allie adapt to her new life and to see her struggle with her conscience. And when she meets up with the pilgrims things gets even more tense.

The story is really cool and full of action. Once I started reading I was hooked and couldn't put the book down. There's intrigue, feuds and secrets that people are killing for and Allie gets caught up in it all.

All in all this is a really cool read that I finished in almost one sitting and you can be sure I will get my trotters on the next book soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Dystopian read with vampires.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 18 April 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - Omens

Not only do I love this cover, the story sounds really cool as well.


Omens
by Kelley Armstrong


Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

Aided by her mother’s former lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, Olivia focuses on the Larsens’ last crime, the one her birth mother swears will prove their innocence. But as she and Gabriel start investigating the case, Olivia finds herself drawing on abilities that have remained hidden since her childhood, gifts that make her both a valuable addition to Cainsville and deeply vulnerable to unknown enemies. Because there are darker secrets behind her new home, and powers lurking in the shadows that have their own plans for her.


Expected publication: August 20th 2013 by Sphere

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Queene of Light - Book Review


Queene of Light (Lightworld/Darkworld #1)
by Jennifer Armintrout


What is it about:
In a time not long from now, the veil between fantasy and reality is ripped asunder--creatures of myth and fairy tale spill into the mortal world. Enchanted yet horrified, humans force the magical beings Underground, to colonize the sewers and abandoned subway tunnels beneath their glittering cities. But even magic folk cannot dwell in harmony, and soon two Worlds emerge: the Lightworld, home to faeries, dragons and dwarves; and the Darkworld, where vampires, werewolves, angels and demons lurk.

Now, in the dank and shadowy place between Lightworld and Darkworld, a transformation is about to begin....

Ayla, a half faery, half human assassin, is stalked by Malachi, a Death Angel tasked with harvesting mortal souls. They clash. Immortality evaporates, forging a bond neither may survive. And in the face of unbridled ambitions and untested loyalties, an ominous prophecy is revealed that will shake the Worlds.


What did I think of it:
This was a nice read.

I really liked the word building, it was intriguing and with some interesting views on good and bad. The descriptions were all very vivid and I could picture the world easily.

The story was pretty decent as well and had me curious where everything would lead.

What this story lacked for me however was true emotion.

I never connected with Ayla or her love interest. And to me their love/attraction felt forced and just on the surface. I couldn't believe they really needed each other. Their emotions, and those of most other characters, felt artificial and shallow. In fact I felt more connection with the bad guy and how he felt than with any other character in this book.

So in the end this was a nice read that could have been more. I don't think I'll continue to read this series, but I might try something else by Armintrout.

Why should you read it:
It's a nicely written Fantasy read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - The Moonstone and Miss Jones

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


There were few passersby on the sidewalk - just one man, standing under a shop awning. America eased back from the window just as a bolt of lightning flashed past the carriage and struck the lone man full force, knocking him back against the building.
(page 77, The Moonstone and Miss Jones by Jillian Stone)

Monday 15 April 2013

Alien in the House - Early Book Review


Alien in the House (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #7)
by Gini Koch


What is it about:
Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini have learned the ins and outs of Washington politics, not to mention how to prevail in intergalactic war and foil dangerous plots. But, in the aftermath of Operation Destruction, the Gower girls’ powers are burned out, the entire A-C population has been “outed” as the aliens living on Earth that they are, and, worst of all, ACE is nowhere to be found.

Then murder and mayhem are served up at an important dinner party at the American Centaurion Embassy, and when the dust settles Alpha Team and the Diplomatic Corps have more problems than just a dead Congressman.

Is there a single criminal mastermind—or multiple enemies—behind all the conspiracies that want Kitty dead and the A-Cs gone or co-opted to become the War Division?

The return of the best assassins in the business, the reappearance of two individuals long-presumed dead, Agent Malcolm Buchanan felled by something no one can identify or cure, and new technology that can block even the most powerful empath on Earth … all of this means the game’s officially afoot.

Then Vance Beaumont comes to Kitty with a wild theory that someone is systematically killing off the House of Representatives…

It’s up to Kitty and the rest of the gang to find out what’s really going on and why. But will they be able to stop the killer or killers before the rest of the U.S. House of Representatives become casualties? And will the replacement Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd District, who happens to be Jeff Martini, be the next to die?


What did Voodoo Bride and I think of it:
This is a cool and funny read.

You might know by now that we've been fans of this series from the start and we're glad to be able to tell you Alien in the House is certainly worth its salt compared to the other books in this series.

There's a lot going on this time: conspiracies, murder, surprise visits, birthday parties and lots more. This book is packed with action, humor and wit and we were hooked from the start.

We had to keep paying close attention to the story, because so many things are happening and at times we got a little confused about what was going on. But we weren't the only ones: Kitty and her friends were just as confused occasionally. Luckily we could always count on Kitty to clear up confusion and set us on the right track again.

Long time favorite characters made their appearance as well as new characters and we enjoyed seeing some characters get more screen time. There were some hints of what still might come in future books as well.

All in all we got another book to add to our shelf of reread favorites and we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for the next installment in this fun, enjoyable series.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and cool SciFi read.


pre-order it here:
Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Saturday 13 April 2013

Find Your Paranormal Pet - Guest Post and Giveaway by Sherry Soule


Today’s guest post is provided by author Sherry Soule, who is celebrating the release of her first new adult novel, IMMORTAL ECLIPSE—due to be published April 30, 2013. If you like supernatural suspense mingled with a dash of chick-lit and a healthy dose of paranormal romance, then this is the book for you!
Take this super fun quiz to discover which paranormal pet you’re fated to own, and score an eBook version of IMMORTAL ECLIPSE.
This giveaway is open internationally! So let’s tell the blogging world!

Must heroes need a sidekick, and if fate smiles upon you, then you’ll have a paranormal pet watching your back. But which one best suits YOU?

Take this quiz and be sure to check the bottom of the post for the details regarding this random giveaway.

What size pet would you prefer?
a) Small
b) Medium
c) Large
d) Gigantic

Do you mind a pet that might shed?
a) Loose fur? I’m cool with that
b) Rough scales are acceptable
c) Transparent coat? No biggie
d) Shedding pelt—ain’t a problem

How would you like your pet to greet people at the door?
a) Rub their ankles and purr
b) Spitting and growling
c) Bark and sniff hand
d) Snarling and howling

How much protection would you like to have?
a) Minimum – docile and fluffy
b) Moderate – Vicious yet cuddly
c) Extreme - Invisible but deadly
d) Tremendous - Bite anyone who messes with me

What would you like to feed your new pet?
a) Tuna and bowl of milk
b) Human emotions—fear, anger, lust, vengeance
c) Nothing
d) Chew on skeleton bones—they make a tasty snack

Where will your pet sleep?
a) On my lap
b) Hiding in the shadows
c) Never sleeps
d) Curled up in a cozy cave

What type of toys would your pet like most?
a) Mice and squeaky toys
b) Stuffed dinosaurs or dragons
c) Chase balls and fetch newspapers
d) None. Does not play well with others

If you answered...

Mostly a's: Your pet is a cat! Witch’s has used familiars for years to help increase the power of their spells. Cute and helpful!
Mostly b's: Your pet would be a Shade! These affectionate creatures are a cross between a puppy and a dragon. Small but fierce!
Mostly c's: Your supernatural pet is a ghost dog! These creatures are often dubbed hellhounds, too, and they are vicious animals. Muscular and opaque!
Mostly d's: Your pet is a ferocious lycan! These were-creatures make impressive guard dogs. Clever and scary!

Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:
Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com
Twitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherry
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/tdro6f
goodreads: http://bit.ly/uzohif
 photo Immortal_Eclipse200.jpg
BUY IMMORTAL ECLIPSE:
http://amzn.to/1074dUY
Hope you enjoyed this post. If you haven’t seized your copy of IMMORTAL ECLIPSE yet, please do so. Chilling and steamy escapades await you!
IE eBook Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Friday 12 April 2013

The Peculiar Pets of Miss Pleasance - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


The Peculiar Pets of Miss Pleasance (Blud #1.6)
by Delilah S. Dawson

ebook, novella

What is it about:
A lady with a penchant for pets meets a sexy fireman in this magical and saucy steampunk eNovella from the author of Wicked as They Come.

In a world ruled by blood, live pets are rare and kindness rarer still. London pet shop owner Frannie Pleasance has a mysterious way with animals and keeps her charges (and heart) locked in a veritable Eden. She thinks Casper Sterling is just another stray…until she takes in the troublesome lodger (and unwelcome suitor) and becomes the victim of a series of strange and dangerous occurrences.

When an unexplained fire threatens to destroy Frannie's carefully guarded world, firefighter Thom Maccallan is there to extinguish the blaze and help gather the lost creatures. The heat between Frannie and Thom begins to burn, but someone's still after the lady. Could it be Casper himself, or is Frannie’s new lodger just another victim of fate? Will they be able to figure out who's pursuing Frannie—and stop them—before she loses everything?


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a delightful read.

I was a bit worried when the story started with Frannie meeting Casper, but luckily soon Thom enters the stage and things started to heat up. Frannie and Thom really fit as a couple and it was lovely to read how Thom tried to win Frannie's heart.

Although there's the threat of someone being after Frannie and this does lead to some suspenseful moments, this was a light story, leaning more to sweet romance than to mystery and suspense.

For those unfamiliar with Dawson's world, this book might be a bit confusing at times when it comes to the setting, but I enjoyed reading more about Sang. And Frannie's shop was just so cool. I really wished I could visit it.

I do confess this story made me all the more eager to read Dawson's next book: Wicked As She Wants, which is about Casper. I still have my doubts about Casper, but Dawson really managed to make me curious about what will happen next for him.

Anyone who loved Wicked As They Come will enjoy this novella I think and I pre-ordered Wicked As She Wants because I can't get enough of Dawson's dark, Victorian fairytale world.

Why should you read it:
It's a sweet and enjoyable Steampunk romance


Buy it here

Thursday 11 April 2013

On Voodoo Bride's Wishlist - Time Thief

Voodoo Bride is a big fan of MacAlister's Dark Ones series and really wants to try some other books by MacAlister. This one is high on her wishlist.


Time Thief
by Katie MacAlister


Outcast due to their ability to manipulate time, shunned by the mortal and immortal worlds alike, a Traveller’s life is anything but easy.
Traveller Peter Faa is a member of the Otherworld’s Watch tracking down a murderer, and unfortunately, the clues all seem to point toward his own estranged family. Any of his cousins could be guilty, but finding which one is tricky when they’re all experts in the art of stealing time.
After surviving a lightning strike, Kiya Mortenson is determined to get just one thing in her life right. And if that means taking a job as nanny to five pugs who live in a campsite in the Oregon wilderness, then so be it. It doesn’t hurt that the job comes with some pretty spectacular male eye candy, including her new boss’s gorgeous black sheep grandson. If only she didn’t keep having this strange sense of deja vu…
When Peter discovers that his own family is stealing time from Kiya, all bets are off. While she may drive him crazy at times, it’s clear to him that it’s not just lightning that’s creating some serious sparks between them. And he’s not going to let secrets, lies, or a devious murderer keep Kiya from where she belongs: at his side.



Wednesday 10 April 2013

Rising Darkness - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Rising Darkness (Game of Shadows #1)
by Thea Harrison


What is it about:
In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. She’s feeling disconnected from herself. Voices appear in her head. And the vivid, disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s handsome, enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself…

Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on—and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. And the more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver.

Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago…Michael.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I adore Harrison's Elder Races series, so this book was a must read for me. And then I won a signed copy! I can tell you I was over the moon.

So is Rising Darkness anywhere near as good as the Elder Races books?

In my opinion it's even better.

It's a very different book than the other books from Harrison that I've read. It's darker and more intense. The story gripped me from the start and had me on the edge of my seat. I worried about the characters and had to keep reading until I finished the book. Where The Elder Races books are enjoyable paranormal romances, this book is a paranormal romance with a bite.

Mary is a likeable character with whom I could relate. Michael is a much more darker person and very complex. He's mysterious and I was intrigued by him from the start. Both of them are changed by the events in which they get caught up and even though they might have known each other in other lives they have to get to know each other all over again and find out if they can trust each other.

The story is really suspenseful and emotional and I finished it much too soon in my opinion. I will keep my eyes out for the next book and you can count on it I'll pre-order it as soon as possible, because I want to know how this story continues.

Why should you read it:
It's an intense Paranormal Romance


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - Seven Kinds Of Hell

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Ok, this is more than two sentences, but this couldn't be cut up shorter in my opinion.


As I got out the plates, somehow I knew Ma wasn't evading me. She believed everything she was telling me, even if she wasn't telling me everything she knew. I could tell, in her mind, our life was about keeping on the straight and narrow, about family dysfunction and crime. Not about monsters.
(page 19, Seven Kinds Of Hell by Dana Cameron)

Monday 8 April 2013

Little David Lost - Book Review


Little David Lost
by E.S. Moore

ebook

What is it about:
Marybelle Lane would never say she’d had a perfect life. Nightmares haunted her nearly every night. Things she couldn’t explain kept happening. And just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, her dad died right in front of her, seemingly murdered by a nightmare turned real. But mercifully, the nightmares ceased.

Or did they?

Only a year after her torments ended, the nightmares have returned. Marybelle knows they are real, though no one believes her. She fears the night, knowing that if she falls asleep, she’ll be haunted by a world of dust where a trio of girls sing a rhyme she can’t decipher, by shadows that move...

...and by the decayed voice of a little boy she is beginning to know all too well...


What did I think of it:
This is a creepy and disturbing read.

Moore manages to set a really great mood for this story. It's unsettling and dark.

Not only are Marybelle's dreams more than disturbing, her waking life is no picnic either. I liked how Moore showed how Marybelle's nightmares had their impact on not only her, but also on those around her.

I was once again left wondering if real teenagers act like those in fiction though. There were some scenes that felt a bit too out there, but maybe I was lucky and went to a very 'boring' school myself as a teen.

Otherwise this was a really suspenseful and creepy story. I kept guessing what was going on, what was real and what was dream. Marybelle's attempts to escape her nightmares and put her life back to order are heartbreaking at times and gave emotion to this scary tale.

All in all this is a story that gets under your skin and makes you nervous to put the lights out after having read it. I will most certainly check out other books by Moore.

Why should you read it:
It's a really creepy YA read


Buy it from:
Amazon
Smashwords

Saturday 6 April 2013

Bass Instinct - Cover Reveal

Today I have a cover reveal for you as part of the blog tour for Will Macmillan Jones' Bass Instinct, book 4 of the Banned Underground series:



About Bass Instinct:
Dai the Drinking Dragon has been kidnapped by the Dark Lord for nefarious purposes, and by his Receptionist for even less reputable reasons. Without their bass player, The Banned Underground are in deep trouble with their record label. They have to produce the recordings for an album, and someone has stolen the tapes from the last gig. Can they make some more recordings, or will Freya, the renegade dwarf bass player, distract the boys while the Dark Lord’s evil schemes come to fruition?

The Dark Lord has found some thugs to help him in his latest plan to invade the Dwarf Mansion, but they have other things on their
minds—like looting and pillaging—and it’s all going wrong again.

Will record-producing Adam set his Ants on The Banned? Or will it all come good in the end? Time is Tight on this one for The
Banned Underground...



About Will Macmillan Jones:
Will Macmillan Jones lives in Wales, a lovely green verdant land with a rich cultural heritage. He does his best to support this heritage by yelling loud encouragement at the TV when Wales plays international rugby. Having been an accountant for much of his working life, he now writes in a desperate attempt to avoid terminal atrophy of his brain. A fifty something lover of blues, rock and jazz, he has achieved a lifetime ambition by extending his bookcases to fill an entire wall of his home office.


Visit Safkhet to buy Bass Instinct



Friday 5 April 2013

TimeWarp, Inc. - Book Review


TimeWarp, Inc.
by Cotton E. Davis


What is it about:
When historian Gwen Hoffman first meets time traveler Mike Garvin, an ex-Special Forces weapons sergeant back from ancient Gaul where he was embedded as a centurion in Julius Caesar's elite 10th Legion, she is more than a little put off. Scarred and dangerous-looking, the man appears more thug than time traveler. Yet he is the person TimeWarp, Inc. is sending back in time to protect Jeshua bar Yosef (Christ) from twenty-first century assassins; the man Gwen was assigned to prepare for life in first-century Galilee. Gwen, of course, has no idea she and Garvin will become lovers. Nor does she realize she herself will end up in Roman Palestine, where she will not only meet Jesus but face danger alongside Mike in the adventure of a lifetime...

What did I think of it:
This was a nice read with some things that bugged me.

The time travelling was done really well I must say. Davis really thought about how it should work and made a believable time travel system. I liked Mike and the scenes with Mike in Gaul were really cool and intriguing.

Gwen however...
I really get tired of the trope where a woman isn't sexy because she's wearing glasses and no make-up, but as soon as she loses the glasses and puts on some lipstick she turns into a babe. And yes: that's what happens with Gwen. I will confess I contemplated putting the book down when for the third time it was mentioned how unsexy glasses-wearing Gwen was.

But I decided to read on and when Mike and Gwen meet the story gets back on track.

From there on out it's an interesting and suspenseful story. I must confess I had expected the story would focus more on Jesus, but instead it keeps its focus on Gwen and Mike and I think that's actually a good thing. I had feared it would become too religious, but (apart from some minor lecturing) that isn't the case luckily enough. Instead it's an enjoyable time travel adventure that is mostly straight forwards, but has a nice twist at the end.

All in all I liked this story and might pick up something else by Davis if the premise of the story sounds intriguing.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice Time Travel adventure.


Buy it here

Thursday 4 April 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - 17 and Gone

This sounds like it's a really suspenseful YA read.


17 & Gone
by Nova Ren Suma


Seventeen-year-old Lauren is having visions of girls who have gone missing. And all these girls have just one thing in common—they are 17 and gone without a trace. As Lauren struggles to shake these waking nightmares, impossible questions demand urgent answers: Why are the girls speaking to Lauren? How can she help them? And… is she next? As Lauren searches for clues, everything begins to unravel, and when a brush with death lands her in the hospital, a shocking truth emerges, changing everything.

With complexity and richness, Nova Ren Suma serves up a beautiful, visual, fresh interpretation of what it means to be lost.



The Leprechaun Literary Haiku Throwdown - Winners


The Leprechaun Literary Haiku Throwdown has ended and winners have been chosen.

Curious who won?

Run over to Bibliognome to find out.

The winners have been notified by email.

Congrats to the winners and a big thank you to all who entered!


Wednesday 3 April 2013

Ruby - Early Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Ruby (Facets of Passion #3)
by Jeffe Kennedy

ebook, novella

What is it about:
Danielle Sosna has no problem denying herself in order to achieve her goals—after all, that attitude landed her a dream job at Vogue Paris. But in New Orleans for one last assignment before heading overseas, she’s faced with the most decadent of temptations. Seductive Cajun chef Bobby Prejean takes Dani’s strength of will as a challenge, and offers her a night of wild indulgence—if she will agree to obey his every command.

Dani can’t resist Prejean’s invitation to join him in a world of carnal desire, complete with fetish costumes and masks. Determined to keep her emotional distance, she gives Prejean everything but her name. A night becomes a week, as she spends Mardi Gras suspended in the delicious space where pleasure meets pain.

Too late, she realizes the cloak of anonymity has not protected her—and that chasing her dream might come at the expense of her heart.


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I'm totally drooling over this book, it's that good!

First of all it has a deliciously hot, bearded hero and I didn't need my beard shaving advisory warning! Prejean has the most awesome, silky beard you can imagine and it stays right where it belongs.

And his beard isn't the only delicious thing about Prejean. I loved how Prejean doesn't try to bend Dani to his will, but accepts her strength and her temper. He's mindful of her feelings, but also challenges her to see things from a different angle.

I also loved Dani. She's a complex person with fears and rules for herself that I could relate to. I could really understand where she was coming from and why she has become the woman she is. I loved to see her re-evaluate her rules and letting go of those that keep her back.

The BDSM scenes were hot, steamy and full of both sexual and emotional tension. There were some scenes set at a BDSM party and although I'm usually not fond of those as I like my erotic romances one on one, Kennedy doesn't cross any lines and made the scenes work for me.

And the ending!
Kennedy sure knows how to make me feel for her characters and the ending had me sniffling in a good way. It's emotional and very touching.

I will most definitely reread Ruby and I can only hope Kennedy will write more books in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a seriously hot BDSM romance with a gorgeous bearded hero.


Ruby will release on 15 May 2013 from Carina Press



Tuesday 2 April 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - The Scorpio Races

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Beech Gratton, the butcher's son, has just slaughtered a cow and is draining the blood into a bucket for me when I hear the news. We are standing in the yard behind the butcher's, the sound of our lack of conversation amplified by the echo of our footsteps on the stone around us.
(page 16, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater)


Monday 1 April 2013

Wake - Book Review


Wake (Watersong #1)
by Amanda Hocking


What is it about:
Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.


What did I think of it:
I will confess I thought this would be a nice read.

I read another book by Hocking which was nice, so I expected about the same from Wake.

Luckily I was proven wrong in my assumptions: Wake is a really great book.

The story is as much about Gemma's older sister Harper as it is about Gemma. The way both girls deal with the blows life has dealt them is a large part of the story and I found it very intriguing to see how both handle their problems in different ways.

I must say my concern switched back and forth between Gemma and Harper. One moment I was cheering on Gemma, the next I could understand Harper so much better. The dynamics between the two sisters is very well written.

Otherwise the story is very cool and even creepy at times. Even though I could pretty much guess what the deal was with Penn, Lexi and Thea, Hocking managed to put enough suspense and creepiness into the story I was hooked from start to finish. Overall the story was solid and engaging.

The ending surprised me and left me yearning to read more, so you can bet I will get my trotters on the next book in this series soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and suspenseful Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide