Jasmyn's Reviews

In My Mailbox (15)

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Sorry there haven't been more reviews lately. As you can tell, I have plenty to read. My daughter has a part in The Nutcracker (she's a one of the Mouse kings little mice minions), the holidays, and a new project at work I haven't had the time to sit down and write the reviews for what I've read. You should see a few of them roll out this week though.

Hunger Untamed (Feral Warriors Series #5) by Pamela Palmer (autographed) - contest win from Reading Between the Wines

They are called Feral Warriors - an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release...
For a thousand years she has haunted him - Ariana, Queen of the Ilinas, a beauty of mist and light. His love, his life mate ... Kougar believed her lost to him forever, until the truth of her stunning betrayal left him bitter and hungry for revenge. Now she alone holds the power to save two trapped and desperate Feral Warriors.
Ariana, caught in a deadly battle of her own, is neither the soulless creature Kougar believes her to be nor the savior he seeks.
And when darkness threatens to annihilate both races, the greates danger of all becomes the glorious love Kougar and Ariana once shared. A love that must never rise again. A love that has never died.

A Touch of Crimson (Renegade Angels Series #1) by Sylvia Day - contest win from All Things Urban Fantasy

An angel with immense power and insatiable desire. Adrian Mitchell leads an elite Special Ops unit of the seraphim. His task is to punish the Fallen - angels who have become vampires - and command a restless pack of indentured lycans.
But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals - losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her: Shadoe, her soul once more inhabiting a new body that doesn't remember him. This time he won't let her go.
With no memory of her past as Shadoe, Lidsay Gibson knows only that she can't help being fiercely attracted to the smolding, seductive male who crosses her path. Swept into a dangerous world of tumultuous passion and preternatural conflict, Lindsay is soon caught between her angel lover, her vampire father, and a full-blown lycan revolt. There's more at stake than her love and her life - she could lose her very soul.

Concrete Savior (Dark Redemption Series #2) by Yvonne Navarro

They say no good deed goes unpunished. Brynna Malak is living proof.
A fallen angel in human form, Brynna is trying to earn another chance at heaven.So far, her road to redemption is littered with casualties, especially since Lucifer's minions are intent on dragging her back to hell. And being mortal only got more complicated since Brynna became involved with Detective Eran Redmond.
Still, Brynna's relationship issues - like the fact that one glimpse of her can drive men crazy with desire - may have to wait. A mysterious "hero" is saving Chicago's citizens from certain death, with strange and sinister consequences. Brynna know too much about demonkind to believe in coincidences. Some dark force is at work here, and Brynna may be the only one who can stop it...

Various Positions by Martha Schabas (ARC) - contest win from Black and Gold Girl's Book Spot

Georgia has always toes the line - until adolescence took hold and the lines got blurred.
Trapped between the sex-obsessed world of her friends andt he drama of her dysfunctional family, fourteen-year-old Georgia is most as ease when she's dancing. When she is accepted into Canada's preeminent ballet school, she thinks it is the perfect escape. Artistic director Roderick Allen singles her out as a star and gives her intense personal training, and Georgie obsesses about becoming the perfect disciplined student for him. But as she spends more and more time with Roderick, it's not so clear to her anymore exactly what their relationship means. Is he her teacher and mentor, or is he something more?

Fateful by Claudia Gray (ARC)- contest win from Black and Gold Girl's Book Spot

It's 1912, and Tess Davies has been trapped in the employ of the overbearing Lisle family for years. But now the Lisles are headed to America with Tess in tow. Once the ship they're sailing on - the RMS Titanic - reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out on her own. When Tess meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger, she quickly becomes entangled in his dark secrets. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him - and now her, too. Her growing love for Alex will put Tess in mortal peril and fate will do the same before their journey is over.

Scary School by Derek the Ghost illustrated by Scott M. Fischer - book to review and read with my daughter.

Derek the Ghost is an eleven-year-old ghost who haunts the classroons and hallways of Scary School writing down all the spine-tingling, often hilarious things that go on there. Despite his ghostly state, Derek still enjoys reading comic books and hopes to one day become a master ninja. If that doesn't work out, he will continue to share the fun of this very special, very secret school, so all kids can experience the scariest school on earth.

Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall (autographed) - contest win from Reading Between the Wine

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...
In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible - when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

Black & Orange by Benjamin Kane Ethridge - upcoming book tour

Forget everything you know about Halloween. The stories are distortions. They were created to keep the Curch of Midnight hidden from the world. Every October 31th a gateway opens to a hostile lane of sacrificail magic and chaos. Since the beginning of civilization the Church of Midnight has attempted to open the gateway and unite with its other half, the Church of Morning. Each year they've come closer, waiting for the ideal sacrifice to open the gateway permanently.
This year that sacrifice has come...

A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant - from First Reads

Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate fromher malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russellconceives a darking plan. Or,, Rather, a daring plan to conceive. If she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured Forsaking all propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor Theophilus Mirkwood, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes...for free. Determined she'll get her money's worth. Theo sets out to awaken this neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh - only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can't resist him forever. But could a lady's sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all...love?

Invisible by Jeanne Bannon - upcoming book tour

Lola's not pretty. Lola's not popular. Lola wishes she could disappear - and then one day she does just that...

For seventeen-year-old Lola Savullo, life is a struggle. Born to funky parents who are more in that she could ever be, Lola's dream of becoming a writer makes her an outsider even in her own home. Bullied and despised, Lola still has the support of her best pal Charlie and Grandma Rose.

Not only is she freakishly tall, Lola's a big girl and when forced to wear a bathing suit at her summer job as a camp counselor, Lola's only escape from deep embarrassment seems to be to literally vanish. Soon after, she discovers the roots of her new "ability".

Slowly, with Charlie's help, Lola learns to control the new super power. The possibilities are endless. Yet power can be abused, too...

Then, when tragedy strikes, Lola must summer her inner strength, both at home and at school. She has to stand up for herself, despite the temptations and possibilities of her newfound super power.

In My Mailbox (14)

2011-11-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. The past few weeks have really filled up my TBR pile here. With two more new ones this week, I know I'm going to be set for some really good reads for awhile.

Soul Whisperer (Harlequin Nocturne #126) by Jenna Kernan

When destiny calls...
Her father's death has long haunted shape-shifter Bess Suncatcher, leading her deep into the Northern California forests in search of healing...and peace. But that peace is threatened when she discovers a dead human body - and is detained by a dangerously sexy stranger.
...kindred souls listen.
As a Soul Whisperer, Cesar Garza is fated to use his gifts to track demonic predators. But he can't crack this case alone. He need the talnts of the mysterious woman who peaks his suspicion...and his desire. Cesar is determined to fight his attraction to Bess and focus on the investigation. For theirs is a potentially deadly - aand forbidden - alliance...

Blood Hunt: The Sentinel Wars by Shannon K. Butcher

As a girl, Hope appeared out of nowhere, naked and alone, without a past. The only thing she knows is that she is imbued with a strange power. It's in her blood. Now two men want to possess it.
One is Logan, a Sanguinar demon fighter who needs Hope's essence to survive. As a vampire, he's well equipped to find her a like-blooded mate whose progeny could sustain his race for generations. The other is Krag, a Synestryn lord whose desire is to enslave Hope and drain her life force. With it, he could control humanity forever.
When Hope and Logan both fall prey to Krag, a powerful desire grows between them. But is it enough to overcome their captor's diabolical plan and his demon warriors - and to survive a vampire's destiny written in blood.

Book Review: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

2011-11-19T21:01:00.001-06:00

Descended By Blood by Angeline Kace

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 252
Acquired: 10/14/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it:
Series: The Grym Brothers (1)

Brooke Keller isn't your typical high school student. After a lifetime of moving from place to place, she has finally found a spot where she feels at home and belongs. But when strange things start happening, she's afraid to tell her mother and find out they have to move again. Now by strange things, I mean really strange. She "talks" to a mountain lion that attacks her on a hike and realizes that a man is stalking her - trying to kill her. After the attempt at her life, her mother finds out of course, and then a whole new set of strange things begin. She finds out that she is a vampire, and it turns out that she is a very special one. She teams up with a group that is determined to keep her alive and help her adjust to her new life.

Brooke was a good character. She was sufficiently "freaked out" by the strange turn of events her life had taken. She is at once disgusted at her new way of life, and wanting to embrace her new powerful self. She adjusts quickly, but in a way that makes the story real and involving. She finds herself torn between her old life and her new one - torn between her high school love and the vampire hunk that is trying to help her. The attempts on her life continue and she has the choice to embrace her new life and powers or be killed. A wonderful, quick read that I recommend to fans of urban fantasy.

3.5/5

The Last Waltz - Nurture Your Book Tour and Giveaway

2011-11-17T20:26:00.001-06:00

The Last Waltz by G.G. Vandagriff

A romantic historical epic, the award-winning The Last Waltz: A Novel of Love and War begins with the glittering life of Amalia Faulhaber, socialite, nurse, and finally baroness. Amalia is immersed in four phases of Austrian history: the restless energy that proves to be the last days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1914. She survives its destruction and dissolution. Through her husband she is deeply involved in its attempt at democracy and eventual descent into fascism. A brilliant heroine, Amalia is a light in the lives of the men who love her—a Prussian officer, a Polish doctor and patriot, and the solid, influential Baron von Schoenenburg. Politically inclined herself, her vastly differing romances follow the fate of her suitors and the part they are destined to play in history.

My Review:

I have to start with Amalia Faulhaber (love the name) - she is so perfect. Not perfect in the way that is annoying or as a person that never does wrong, but in the way that makes you want to know more and more about her. She becomes part of your life as you read the book. When she makes a decision you disagree with you start to have an argument with her in your mind. It takes a lot to make a character this life-like and memorable. G.G. Vandagriff was able to this very well in Amalia. He relationships with the three main men shape her life and her future in ways that are not always apparent at first. Each decision they make leads down roads that make the story sit with you long after you are finished.

Before this, I had not read many books that took place during WWI, and even fewer that were written in Europe during WWI. I found the setting and time fascinating. Vienna and Prussia came to life. I really want to go visit to back them and see it for myself. Seeing the war through new eyes was both touching and heart breaking at the same time - knowing the outcome as we all do.

The Last Waltz is so much more than just a historical romance, it is a look into another time and place. A look that draws you in and doesn't want you to leave.

I am lucky and get to give away one print copy of The Last Waltz - open to US only.

Below the Rafflecopter there is a list of tour stops. Please stop by and check them out.

November 1st – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove
November 2nd – Natalie Hi. @ Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of Cankered Roots
November 3rd – Sheila H. @ The Dark Circle - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
November 4th – April R. & Wendy @ My Book Addiction and More - May giveaway one (1) Print copy of The Only Way to Paradise
November 8th – Lena Sl. @ Lena Sledge’s Blog…Books, Reviews and Interviews - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
November 8th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Last Waltz
November 9th - Kendall G. @ Telly Says @ Reading; Reading & Life - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
November 9th – Jennifer S. @ Fictitious Musings - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
November 10th – Bobbie @ NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ Blog
November 11th – Alicia J.@ Ali’s Bookshelf - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
November 14th – Heidi Wa. @ Pages of Gold - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Last Waltz
November 14th – Jennifer Al. @ Mommy’s Reading Too
November 15th – Mandi T.S. @ Mudrock and Pink Nail Polish - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Only Way to Paradise
November 16th – Pamela Bl. @ Life as a Mom & Wife - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Last Waltz
November 17th - Jasmyn No. @ Jasmyn’s Reviews - May giveaway one (1) Print copy of The Last Waltz
November 18th – Natalie Hi. @ Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews
November 18th – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
November 19th – Mandi T.S. @ Mudrock and Pink Nail Polish
November 21st – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
November 22nd - Mason C. @ Thoughts in Progress - May giveaway one (1) Print copy of The Arthurian Omen
November 23rd – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
November 24th – Tammy G. @ News and Reviews from the Heart of the Dragons Den - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of The Arthurian Omen
November 25th – Aislynn Th. @ Stitch – Read – Cook - May giveaway one (1) eBook copy of Cankered Roots
November 28th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
November 29th – Sheila H. @ The Dark Circle
November 30th – Tammy G. @ News and Reviews from the Heart of the Dragons Den

Entrapped by Barbara Kyle - Nurture Virtual Book Tour

2011-11-10T21:38:00.001-06:00

Entrapped by Barbara Kyle

Set in Alberta, Canada, Entrapped is the story of Liv Gardner, an ambitious young oil executive intent on stopping farmer Tom Wainwright who is sabotaging her rigs after a spill of lethal “sour” gas poisoned his wife. Desperate to save the company she built, Liv plants evidence to frame Tom. But when the evidence is used to indict him for a murder he didn’t commit, only Liv can save him.

Entrapped
Author: Barbara Kyle
Genre: Fiction – Thriller/Suspense
Published by: Barbara Kyle (June 15, 2011)
Age Recommendation: 18+ For Mild Sexuality
Format: eBook
ASIN: B0056AEQVI
Number of pages: N/A

Barbara Kyle is the author of the Tudor-era “Thornleigh” novels including The Queen’s Lady, The King’s Daughter, The Queen’s Captive, and The Queen’s Gamble, all published internationally. Barbara previously won acclaim for her contemporary thrillers under pen name ‘Stephen Kyle,’ including Beyond Recall (a Literary Guild Selection), After Shock and The Experiment. Over 400,000 copies of her books have been sold. Her latest thriller, under her own name, is Entrapped. Barbara is passionate about helping emerging writers. She has taught her “Writers Boot Camp” for the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, and is known for her dynamic workshops for many writers organizations. She offers twice-yearly Master Classes that focus on work-shopping each participant’s novel-in-progress. Her popular series of videos “Writing Fiction That Sells” offers ten hours of tips, techniques, and inspiration, and is available online via her website. Before becoming an author Barbara enjoyed a twenty-year acting career in television, film, and stage productions in Canada and the U.S.

List of works by Barbara Kyle:

BEYOND RECALL (pen-name ‘Stephen Kyle’) 2000, Warner Books
THE EXPERIMENT (pen-name ‘Stephen Kyle’) 2003, Warner Books
AFTER SHOCK (pen-name ‘Stephen Kyle’) 2002, Warner Books
THE QUEEN’S LADY 2008, Kensington Books
THE KING’S DAUGHTER 2009, Kensington Books
THE QUEEN’S CAPTIVE 2010, Kensington Books
THE QUEEN’S GAMBLE 2011, Kensington Books
ENTRAPPED 2011

Find and follow Barbara Kyle at:

Author Website
Twitter
Goodreads
Facebook Page

Buy the eBOOK at:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes & Noble

My Review:

Welcome to the world of oil of gas. A place where people would do anything to get ahead and get the job done. A place where one wrong move, one cut corner can cost people their lives. This is world that Liv Gardner finds herself in. She's a corporate attorney for Falcon Oil, an up and coming company that is making headways in the small town in Alberta, Canada. The only thing holding them back from raking in the profits is a Tom Wainright, a local sheep farmer. There has been a lot of sabotage on their rigs and property, and everyone suspects Wainright, but no one can prove it. Liv goes in undercover to see if she can get Wainright to admit to the deeds so Falcoln Oil can continue it's work. But Liv finds that Wainright is a tough nut to crack and in the process starts to have some conflicting feelings. And when things become more violent and the situation escalates out of control, she is put in the toughest position she has ever found herself in.

Liv is a wonderful person willing to do anything for the people she loves, including Micky, her boyfriend and head of Falcon Oil. This is the whole reason she intially goes undercover trying to get Wainright to confess. As she works her way into the heart and soul of the community, she finds that they have worked their way into hers. But then one bad decision can ruin everything - not just her life, but the lives of many of the people she has come to care about. Tom Wainright is a man with an agenda. Armed with the belief that toxic fumes from Falcoln Oil killed his wife, he has set off to sabotage and drive the oil company out of the town forever. But how far will he take it?

An amazing story that seemed well researched and developed, I had a hard time putting it down. Always wondering what was going to happen next and then being surprised at the many twists and turns as the story unfolded. Wainright and Liz were such dynamic characters that they came to life on the pages. The final chapters were the best I've read in a long time. I thought I had the "big twist" figured out, and then I was shocked at what really happened - then wondered how I didn't see it before! This was a well thought out, captivating book that I would recommend to anyone.

Entrapped by Barbara Kyle – NURTURE Book Tour Schedule:

November 1st – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove
Nurture Book Tour post, Author Interview & Special Book Giveaway!

November 2nd – Lena Sl. @ Lena Sledge’s Blog…Books, Reviews and Interviews
Nurture Book Tour Guest post

November 3rd - Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Interviews
Nurture Book Tour post, Author Interview & Book Giveaway!

November 4th – Aubrie Di. @ Flutey Words
Nurture Book Tour Guest post

November 7th – Coreena M. @ Books & Other Creative Adventures
Nurture Book Tour Guest post & Book Giveaway!

November 8th – Bobbie @ NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ Blog
Nurture Book Tour Guest post

November 9th – Evangeline H. @ Sugarpeach
Nurture Book Tour Guest post & 2-Book Giveaway!

November 11th – Jasmyn No. @ Jasmyn’s Reviews
November 14th – Mindy Br. @ The Journey and Musings of a Single Country Gal and her cat!
November 15th – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove
November 16th – April R. & Wendy @ My Book Addiction and More
November 17th – Krystal L. @ Live To Read
November 18th – Heather Ay. @ Not Everyone’s Mama
November 21st – Stephanie Ba. @ Mother Of Insanity: Are we crazy yet?
November 23rd – Mason C. @ Thoughts in Progress
November 24th – Bobbie @ NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ Blog
November 25th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
November 29th – Natalie Hi. @ Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews
November 29th – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure
November 30th – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

A Lasting Impression - Virtual Book Tour

2011-11-09T20:48:00.001-06:00

About the book:

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.
The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.
For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com

My Review:
This was one of the few books I've read that has left me with a feeling of wow. The characters, the setting, the storyline...everything seemed to line up perfectly to create a fantastic novel. Claire was brilliant. The perfect mix of repentant with enough of a real person to really make her come alive. Her life was extreme but still believable, if a bit lucky at times. Her relationships, not just with Sutton, but with the entire cast of the book, come slowly at first and the develope into something very rich and meaningful. I truly enjoyed watching Claire and Sutton get to know one another and discover their lives together.

Now many of you may remember me saying that I wasn't a big fan of Christian novels. Well, this book is one of the reasons I keep giving them a try. Religion was not written in every line, but rather between the lines, with characters trying to live their lives in the way they know they should be. They just picked right back up and tried again.

Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander! While Tamera and her book, A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway (11/4 - 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (11/15) (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspired giveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule:

11/4

Lena at A Christian Writer's World http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Mocha with Linda http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com

Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Books http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com

Alena at Little Bit Of Wonderful http://little-bit-of-wonderful.blogspot.com

Jami's Reviews http://jamisreviews.blogspot.com

Tara at Ramblings of the Blonde Mother Bear http://www.theblondemotherbear.com

Patricia at It's Time To Read Mamaw http://itstimetoreadmamaw.blogspot.com

11/5

Jenny at Book Reviews By Jenny http://bookreviewsbyjenny.blogspot.com

Diana at hanging by a thread http://www.pencildancer.com

Debra at Footprints in the Butter http://debrakb.blogspot.com

Pam at Southern Gal Loves to Read http://southerngallovestoread.blogspot.com

Maggie at Tethered Mommy http://www.tetheredmommy.com

Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com

11/7

Margaret at Creative Madness Mama http://creativemadnessmama.com

Kari at Alas 3 Lads http://www.alas3lads.blogspot.com

Reviews By Jane http://www.reviewsbyjane.blogspot.com

April’s Lifestyle Show http://aprilslifestyleshow.com

Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty http://detweilermom.blogspot.com

Mary Ann at A Mom With A Blog http://www.amomwithablog.com

11/8

Trish at In So Many Words http://trishdoerrler.com

Faith Hope & Cherrytea http://faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com

Misha at On my Bookshelf http://mollystories.wordpress.com

Diane at That's What I'm Here For http://www.dianeestrella.com

Kim at Window To My World http://berlysue.blogspot.com

Amber at Snidbits http://amberfrench.blogspot.com

Crystal at My Reading Room http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com

Tiffany Amber Stockton http://amberstockton.blogspot.com

11/9

Books, Etc...by Bina http://www.booksbybina.blogspot.com

Laurie's School Days http://www.lauriegauger.blogspot.com

Michele at My Blessings From Above http://koreamom.blogspot.com

Caroline at Happy Four http://happyfour.blogspot.com

Stacie at Hobbit Door http://hobbitdoor.blogspot.com

Krista at Welcome to Married Life http://www.welcometomarriedlife.com

Elizabeth at Count It All Joy http://texasjoy.blogspot.com

Casey at Writing for Christ http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com

Annette at Net's Book Notes http://www.annetteirbyreviews.blogspot.com

11/0

Christy at Southern Sassy Things http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com

Mandie at Taking Time for Mommy - Online Magazine for Moms http://takingtimeformommy.com

Celena at The Traveling Sisterhood http://thetravellingsisterhood.blogspot.com

Theresa at Frugal Experiments http://www.frugalexperiments.com

Christen at mom, writer, crafter, coffee drinker http://ChristenKrumm.com

Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com

Debora at A Book and a Cupcake http://abookandacupcake.blogspot.com

Kristen at Read Great Fiction http://readgreatfiction.wordpress.com

Katie at Legacy of a Writer http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com l

Melissa at Bibliophile's Retreat http://www.bibliophilesretreat.com

Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com

Brooke at I blog 4 books http://iblog4books.blogspot.com

Paula at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com

11/11

Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com/

Andi at Radiant Light http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com

Jasmyn's Reviews http://jasmynninestuff.blogspot.com

Jendi's Journal http://jendisjournal.com

Jettie’s Ramblings http://jettiesramblings.blogspot.com

Stephanie at A Cooking Bookworm http://www.acookingbookworm.com

11/12

Vera at Luxury Reading http://www.luxuryreading.com

Linda's Lunacy http://lindaslunacy.com

Amy at My Friend Amy http://www.myfriendamysblog.com

Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com

Angela at All Grown Up? http://pantylesspreacherswife.wordpress.com

Sheila at Showcase Sisters http://showcasesisters.blogspot.com

Suzanne at Clicking Her Heels http://www.clickingherheels.blogspot.com

Melanie at So Many Books.. So Little Time http://www.melanieski.blogspot.com

Kim at Teaberry Cottage http://teaberry-cottage.blogspot.com

Sara at Shoopette's Book Reviews http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot.com

Kathy at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi http://bagsbooksandbonjovi.blogspot.com

11/13

Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com

Renee at Doorkeeper http://reneeannsmith.com

Betsy Ann - Writer at Large http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com

Jen at Happy Little Homemaker http://www.happylittlehomemaker.com

Lauren at 5 Minutes for Books http://5minutesforbooks.com

Michelle at Healing Hearts http://edgyinspiratuionalauthor.blogspot.com

Megan at The joys of life http://www.raunandmegan.blogspot.com

Laurel at Let's Go on a Picnic! http://headant.com

11/14
Megan at Inspired by Fiction http://inspiredbyfiction.blogspot.com

Charity at Austenitis http://austenitis.blogspot.com

Jennifer at Adventures in Unsell Land http://www.theunsells.blogspot.com

Michelle at Life in Review http://lifeinreviewblog.com

Savanah at Ridiculous Reviews http://ridiculousreviewsbysavanah.blogspot.com

Preslaysa at The Literary Mama http://www.preslaysa.com

Patty at Broken Teepee http://brokenteepee.com

Whitney at Rambles of A Stay at Home Mom http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com

Better Off Dead - Pump Up Your Book Tours

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

About the book:

They say dead men tell no tales, but that’s just because they’ve never worked as a Grim Reaper.
Grim Reapers are real. They are governed by the Council of Reapers. Reapers are responsible for the capture and containment of dead souls that refuse to or cannot move on to the afterlife.
Lori Standford’s mother died six months ago. Now she’s back, haunting Lori out of her home. Lori turns to her close friend, Emma Grym, mother of Thane and Mort Grym, for help.
Now Thane and Mort find themselves embroiled in a mystery of dead men that stretches all the way to the top.

Jason Krumbine is the author behind the pulse pounding, wisecracking Alex Cheradon Series, the dead soul hunting Grym Brothers Series (including Two and a Half Dead Men, The Dead Couple and Better Off Dead), and the tongue-in-cheek paranormal romance “A Graveyard Romance.”
You can visit his website at www.jasonkrumbine.com or visit him at Twitter at www.twitter.com/jasonkrumbine and Facebook at www.facebook.com/jmkwriter.
You can also email him at onestrayword@gmail.com.

My Review:

Mort and Thane have a rather unusual case this time. It isn't an official reaping, but rather a favor to a friend of their's mother. Lori's mother died six months ago and for some reason seems to have not moved on. Now, there's no reason for her to not move on, and it should be a fairly easy reaping. But of course nothing goes as planned. It would appear that Lori's mother may have had some very serious unresolved issues...or that perhaps something is not quite right.

The best mystery of the series so far, this one involves family, friends, and poltergiests. As Mort and Thane argue their way through things while still trying to find out what happened to their father. The brothers are starting to make some progress that is quite surprising (I won't give it away). This was my favorite of the series so far.

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

Join Jason Krumbine at the Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat / Book Giveaway Party on Friday, November 18 starting at 8 p.m. eastern!

Jason will be giving away three e-copies of his books in The Grym Brothers Series! You could win a copy of Two and a Half Dead, The Dead Couple and Better Off Dead simply by attending the chat and asking Jason a question. All there is to it!

For details on chat, visit the official chat page for the November authors at Pump Up Your Book Live!

The Grym Brothers Series Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Tuesday, November 1

Guest blogging at The Book Faery Reviews

Wednesday, November 2

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Thursday, November 3

Guest blogging at Bookin’ It Up

Friday, November 4

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Monday, November 7

The Dead Couple Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Tuesday, November 8

Guest blogging at Mad Moose Mama

Wednesday, November 9

Better Off Dead Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Thursday, November 10

The Dead Couple Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Friday, November 11

Guest blogging at Curling Up By the Fire

Monday, November 14

Book reviewed at Curing Up By the Fire

Tuesday, November 15

Interviewed at Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews

Thursday, November 17

Better Off Dead Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Friday, November 18

Chat with Jason at Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat/Book Giveaway Party!

Monday, November 21

Guest blogging at Carol’s Notebook

Tuesday, November 22

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at Carol’s Notebook

Wednesday, November 23

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at From the TBR Pile

IMM (13)

2011-11-08T21:18:00.002-06:00

Im My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. My mailbox was quite busy this week and I'm really excited about all the great books I got.

The Turning (Blood Ties Series #1) Jennifer Armintrout - Public Library

I'm no coward. I want to mmake that perfectly clear. But after my life turned into a horror movie, I take fear a lot more seriously now. I finally became Dr. Carrie Ames just eight months ago. Then I was attacked in the hospital morgue by a vampire. Just my luck.
So now I'm a vampire, and it turns out I have a blood tie to the monster who sired me. The tie works like an invisible leash and I'm bound to him no matter what I do. And of course he's one of the most evil vampires on earth. With my sire hell-bent on turning me into a soulless killer and his sworn enemy set to exterminate me, things couldn't get much worse - except I'm attracted to them both.
Drinking blood, living as an immortal demon and being a pawn between two warring vampire factions isn't exactly how I'd imagined my future. But as my father used to say, the only to conquer fear is to face it. So that's what I'll do. Fangs bared.

Black Purse by Stephanie M Sellers - Contest win from My Devotional Thoughts

While history waits for Exilee Sheffield to rise up strong from twentieth century oppression to grab the reins of her destiny's purse, true love does not.
An eventful trail ride binds Exilee to the man she loves and to another she has reason to hate. With the opportunity for revenge right in from of her pointed boot she makes a choice that will lead to emancipation.
As Exilee calls on all facets of her Lumbee Indian heritage the gravel in her gut and screams from her horses urges her to fight for righteousness and in the end, her life.

The Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott and Colette Freedman - First Read

Ancient artifacts imbued with a primal and deadly power. But are they protectors of this world, or the keys to its destruction?
A gruesome murder in London reveals a sinister plot to uncover a two-thousand-year0old secret.
For decased, the Keepers guarded tehse Hallows, keeping them safe and hidden and apart from each other. But now the Keepers are being brutally murdered, their prizes stolen, the ancient objects bathed in their blood.
Now, only a few remain.
With her dying breath, one of the Keepers convinces Sarah Miller, a practical stranger, to deliver her Hallow - a broken swoard with devastating powers - to her American nephew, Owen.
The duo quickly become suspects in a series of murders as they are chased by both the police and the sadistic Dark Man and his nubile mistress.
As Sarah and Own search for the surviving Keepers, they unravel the deadly secret the Keepers were charged to protect. The mystery leads Sarah and Owen on a cat-and-mouse chase through England and Wales, and history itself, as they discover that the sword may be the only thing standing between the world...and a horror beyond imaging.

Out of the Transylvania Night by Aura Imbarus - Contest win from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

In an epic tale of identity and the indomitable human spirit, OUT OF THE TRANSYLVANIA NIGHT explores tyranny, freedom, love, success, and the price paid for misaligned dreams. An incredibly powerful memoir.
'I'd grown up in the land of TRANSYLVANIA, homeland to Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, and, worse, the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu—who turned Romania into a land of gray-clad zombies who never dared to show their individuality, and where neighbors became informants, and the Securitate made people disappear. Daylight empowered the regime to encircle us like starved wolves, and so night had always been the time to steal a bit of freedom. As if bred into our Transylvanian blood, we were like vampires who came to life after sundown. I buried the family heirloom jewels, tucked the flag into my sweater and left my outpost to join the action . . . tonight Ceausescu would die!'
Known for using stand-ins to pose for him, Aura doubts if it was even Ceausescu himself who was killed that night. Nevertheless, when her countrymen topple one of the most draconian regimes in the Soviet bloc, Aura Imbarus tells herself that life post-revolution will be different. But little in the country changes. With two pieces of luggage and a powerful dream, Aura and her new husband flee to America. Through sacrifice and hard work, the couple acquire a home, cars, and travel—but trying to be Americans is much more complicated than they expect. More difficulties set in: the stock market crash takes their savings, house, and cars; thieves steal three centuries' worth of heirloom jewels; and Aura's beloved mother dies.
Aura's marriage crumbles under the stress. Devastated, she asks herself, 'How much of one's life is owed to others?' Tested even further by the vagaries of fate, Aura discovers a startling truth about striking a balance between one's dreams and the sacrifices and compromises that allow for serenity, selfhood, and lasting love. More resolution comes when in 2010, Ceausescu's body is exhumed to answer questions of a cover-up, and Aura can finally lay to rest the haunting mysteries of her past.

Finding Fiona by Emily Ann Ward - ebook

The victim of a brutal attack, Fiona remembers little about her life until she meets someone who claims to be from her past. He tells her that her parents were killed for a human replication machine. He's shocked to discover she's still alive since her body was found in the wreckage of the fire.
She soon travels to her old home in New York to figure out what happened to her and her family. She needs to find out who she is, but more importantly, confront the men who killed her parents.
This coming-of-age scifi novella is full of mystery, action, and romance. At 45,000 words or about 180 pages, this book is a perfect weekend read.

Children of Paranoia by Trevor Shane - Contest win from So Many Precious Books, So Little Time!

Since the age of eighteen, Joseph has been assassinating people on behalf of a cause that he believes in but doesn't fully understand. The War is ageless, hidden in the shadows, governed by a rigid set of rules, and fought by two distinct sides-one good, one evil. The only unknown is which side is which. Soldiers in the War hide in plain sight, their deeds disguised as accidents or random acts of violence amidst an unsuspecting population ignorant of the brutality that is always inches away.

Killing people is the only life Joseph has ever known, and he's one of the best at it. But when a job goes wrong and he's sent away to complete a punishingly dangerous assignment, Joseph meets a girl named Maria, and for the first time in his life his singleminded, bloody purpose fades away.

Before Maria, Joseph's only responsibility was dealing death to the anonymous targets fingered by his superiors. Now he must run from the people who have fought by his side to save what he loves most in this world. As Children of Paranoia reaches its heart-in-throat climax, Joseph will learn that only one rule remains immutable: the only thing more dangerous than fighting the War...is leaving it.

Under Attack by Hannah Jayne - Contest win from All Things Urban Fantasy along with some really cool Swag. Sophie Lawson is a human immune to magic, which comes in handy for helping paranormal beings transition into everyday life. But fallen angel Alex Grace and his search for the Vessel of Souls is one curse she never saw coming. Suddenly an unexplainable string of killings and destruction has even San Francisco's demons fearing for their immortal lives. And Sophie isn't about to trust Alex's all-too-vulnerable charm or his secret agenda. Now their hunt is revealing dangerous secrets about Sophie's past, and a malevolent power hellishly close to turning one irreverent human into the ultimate supernatural weapon. . .

Sent as Omnibus - ebook

Immoratlis Series by Katie Salidas - Upcoming Book Tour
Carpe Noctem by Katie Salidas:
Explore the emotional upheaval that is the transformation from human to vampire.

Bleeding to death after brutal mugging on the campus of UNLV, Twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by the cold and aloof, vampire, Lysander. Taking pity on her, he shares the gift-and curse-of immortality. She awakens as a vampire and is soon devastated by harsh realities of her new way of life: An unyielding thirst for blood as well as the loss of her friends, her independence, and her humanity.

As if having her humanity stripped away was not enough to make life interesting, Alyssa finds out her "turning", did not go unnoticed by the rest of undead society. Old enemies; an ancient sect of vampire hunters, known as the Acta Sanctorum, as well as a powerful Vampire mistress, each set plans in motion to destroy both Alyssa and Lysander.

Only by accepting her new-found immortality, seizing the night, will Alyssa hope to survive. She and Lysander must fight together against two sets of enemies bent on destroying them both.

Hunters & Prey by Katie Salidas
Becoming a vampire saved Alyssa from death, but the price was high: the loss of everything and everyone attached to her mortal life. She s still learning to cope when a surprise confrontation with Santino Vitale, the Acta Sanctorum s most fearsome hunter, sends her fleeing back to the world she once knew, and Fallon, the friend she s missed more than anything.

Alyssa breaks vampire law by revealing her new, true self to her old friend, a fact which causes strong division in the group that should support her most: her clan. Worse yet, her revelation entangles Fallon in the struggle between vampires and hunters and The Acta Sanctorum is ready to attack again, with a new army of hybrid creations: the Frenzy Soldiers. If Alyssa hopes to survive and keep her mortal friend safe, she ll have to be willing to make a deal with the enemy, and regain her clan s support. It will take everyone working together in a precarious truce to fight against the Acta Sanctorum s new threat.

Pandora's Box by Katie Salidas
After a few months as a vampire, Alyssa thought she'd learned all she needed to know about the supernatural world. But her confidence is shattered by the delivery of a mysterious package - a Pandora's Box.
Seemingly innocuous, the box is in reality an ancient prison, generated by a magic more powerful than anyone in her clan has ever known. But what manner of evil could need such force to contain it?
When the box is opened, the sinister creature within is released, and only supernatural blood will satiate its thirst. The clan soon learns how it feels when the hunter becomes the hunted.
Powerless against the ancient evil, the clan flees Las Vegas for Boston, with only a slim hope for salvation. Could Lysander's old journals hold the key? And what if they don't?
And how welcome will they be in a city run by a whole different kind of supernatural being?
Werewolves...

The Dead Couple by Jason Krumbine - Pump Up Your Book Tour

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Dead Couple by Jason Krumbine

About the book:

Jack and Cindy were a happily married couple. She was an elementary school teacher. He was an aspiring children’s book author. They had the perfect life together, until the day they decided to kill themselves.
Suicides, by their very nature, tend to head directly into the afterlife.
Jack and Cindy’s souls never arrived.
Grim Reapers are real. They are governed by the Council of Reapers. Reapers are responsible for the capture and containment of dead souls that refuse to or cannot move on to the afterlife.
Thane and Mort Grym are two such reapers.

My Review:
Thane and Mort, the Grym brothers and Grim Reapers for souls that did not find their way to the afterlife, have a new assignment. There are two souls that should have crossed easily, but for some reason they didn't. Jack and Cindy are happily married, but something pushed them over the edge and they became suicides. Now usually suicides are the easy one, they wanted to die and move on, but something didn't seem to work that way in this case. Meanwhile, Thane and Mort are still trying to find time to figure out what happened to their father who disappeared two years ago and figure out what the new Grim Reaping company that just moved into time is really up to.

Not quite as entertaining as the first in the seris, The Dead Couple still had my attention throughout the entire story. Mort and Thane are still at the brotherly bickering and both still have their bad habits. Thane is constantly trying to do the good deeds and help the lost souls really find peace, but it only seems to get them into more trouble. And with Mort's love life and gambling debts thrown into the mix there's a lot going on. Somehow, they manage to handle it all and still keep on track trying to find the souls of Jack and Cindy.

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

Join Jason Krumbine at the Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat / Book Giveaway Party on Friday, November 18 starting at 8 p.m. eastern!

For details on chat, visit the official chat page for the November authors at Pump Up Your Book Live!

The Grym Brothers Series Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Tuesday, November 1

Guest blogging at The Book Faery Reviews

Wednesday, November 2

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Thursday, November 3

Guest blogging at Bookin’ It Up

Friday, November 4

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Monday, November 7

The Dead Couple Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Tuesday, November 8

Guest blogging at Mad Moose Mama

Wednesday, November 9

Better Off Dead Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Thursday, November 10

The Dead Couple Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Friday, November 11

Guest blogging at Curling Up By the Fire

Monday, November 14

Book reviewed at Curing Up By the Fire

Tuesday, November 15

Interviewed at Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews

Thursday, November 17

Better Off Dead Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Friday, November 18

Chat with Jason at Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat/Book Giveaway Party!

Monday, November 21

Guest blogging at Carol’s Notebook

Tuesday, November 22

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at Carol’s Notebook

Wednesday, November 23

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at From the TBR Pile

In My Mailbox (12)

2011-11-06T15:33:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. I had a few good ones come in this week.

Two Moons of Sera by Pavarti K Tyler - Received from First Reads

In a world where water and earth teem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother's water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one?

Amaranth by Rachel Wade - Contest win from See It Or Read It (eBook)

Knowledge changes everything…

Hoodoo-influenced Southern Louisiana seems like the perfect place for Camille to escape her abusive past and dysfunctional family. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with the handsome Gavin Devereaux and plummet into the world of Amaranth, a place of exile for reformed vampires.

Wrestling to escape a deadly ex-boyfriend while giving Gavin a chance, Camille is confronted with decisions that threaten not only her life, but the lives of her inhuman friends she has come to love. Entangled in her friends’ quest for freedom, she dives into their realm and faces the threats of Amaranth’s ruler—the mother of all vampires—and her own inner demons.

Now Camille must decide whether she will derail her life and make the ultimate sacrifice for the monsters that interrupted her bumpy path back to sanity—what she still wants so desperately—or escape with Gavin before it’s too late for both of them.

The 58th Keeper by R. G. Bullet - Pump Up Your Book Tours

The 58th Keeper is the story of a boy called Archy Bass, who stumbles upon a mysterious and powerful relic. The moment he touches it, two warring forces race to find his whereabouts. One side thinks he’s simply too young and too inexperienced to keep it, and the other just want him dead. Hold on to your seats! The 58th Keeper is a roaring trip that takes the reader on the most wonderful and hair-raising scenes imaginable. R. G. Bullet pulls out all stops in his debut novel to deliver an incredible journey with unforgettable characters. This book will resonate with you for ages past the last line.

Book Tour and Giveaway: Cloyne Court by Dodie Katague

2011-11-04T08:28:00.001-05:00

About the book:

In 1977, when 18-year-old Berkeley college student, Derek moved into the student residence co-op, Cloyne Court, sight unseen, little did he know he would learn about life, love, sex, drugs, music, alcohol and co-ed showers—all on the first day.

Located one block North of the University of California, Berkeley campus, this real and notorious student-run house has provided an alternative, counter-culture, hedonistic, raucous, and unique living experience for the “Clones”, as the students call themselves, who choose to live here each year, despite the public and parents calling for a permanent shut down of this enduring and historic building.

Based on his journals and memories of his college days at this real-life “Animal House”, author, Dodie Katague weaves true events of life at Cloyne Court co-op into a zany, wild, and nostalgic story about the carefree time of every college student’s life.

About Dodie Katague:

Dodie Katague lived at Cloyne Court from 1977-79, while attending the University of California, Berkeley. He is an attorney and lives with his wife and family in Walnut Creek, California.

Dodie's Website.

My Review:

Let's go back in time to the 1970's to UC Berkely in California. Cloyne Court, a co-ed student housing co-op, is the central location for much of this story. Hour leading man, Derek, moves in half way through his Freshman year. Before living at Cloyne Court, Derek commuted from his parent's house to school every day. The experience would be an eye opener and life changer for Derek as he experienced life in a whole new way. We follow Derek from his Freshman year through graduation. He experiences his first love and first hearbreak. He meets people and participates in events that were new and at times exciting, at times disturbing. Derek goes into the house one person and one outlook on life, and leaves changed and slightly damaged. Who wouldn't come away from a real life "Animal House" a changed man?

It has taken me a long time to figure out what to say about this book. I hope my brief description hasn't scared you away, because it is well worth the read. It's a story that is difficult to describe without telling too much. I was amazed at many of the characters that came and went in Derek's life while he lived at Cloyne Court. Many were such a positive influence, often without anyone realizing it until much later. On the other hand, many were what gave the co-op housing such a bad name. The housing politics were some of the best parts, with elected positions and assignments that were highly sought after at times. There was also a little of the high school drama mixed in, especially when it came to where and who you sat with at dinner.

A very unique type of coming of age story that I wish I could have lived part of. The story was entertaining and enlightening at the same time. Keep in mind that this is definately an adult book, with language, drugs and a sexual theme that runs througout. However, it is not over the top, it's just an important part of the story.

4/5

I have one copy of Cloyne Court up for grabs. If the winner is from the U.S. or Canada,they will have the choice of paper or ebook. If the winner is International, they will receive the ebook. For the ebook, Dodie will be sending the ebook winners a free coupon code for Smashwords.com
Just fill in the form to enter. Contest ends Nov 13.

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Two and a Half Dead men - Pump Up Your Book Tours

2011-11-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

Two and a Half Dead Men by Jason Krumbine

About the book:
People die every day. But not all of the souls can or want to move onto the afterlife.
That’s where the brothers Thane and Mort Grym come in.
Thane and Mort are bounty hunters for dead souls. They inherited the job from their father and they’re two of the best in town.
But when there’s a double homicide at the Kirkland Motel the Grym brothers end up with more than they bargained for. In a world without vampires, zombies or the undead, one of their bounties might not be as dead as he’s supposed to be.

My Review:
First off I have to say that I absolutely loved Thane and Mort. As lead characters and brothers, their interactions steal the show and kept me wanting to see what they were going to find themselves into next. In the first book of this series we are introduced to the Grym brothers and learn a little about their odd occupation, Grim Reapers. They are issued bounties on souls that are lost or have refused to move on to the Afterlife. This time they are given a rather unique request. Not only have two souls not shown up when they should have, but there is another person out there that should be dead, but might not be. Well, I don't want to give too much away so I'll leave you hanging on that one. To throw even more twists into the story, the two souls that were sent to find seem to have disappeared and the brothers won't get paid until they are found.

A very clever mix of humor and supernatural I flew through this book in one day, one sitting, without even realizing how long I had been reading. The story is interesting and involving enough to draw you in, but light and easy to read at the same time. As supporting characters come and go throughout the book, they only make the brothers more interesting. A fantastic start to a series and I'm very glad that I have the chance to review the second book for you next week on Nov 7, as part of this great tour.

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

Join Jason Krumbine at the Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat / Book Giveaway Party on Friday, November 18 starting at 8 p.m. eastern!

For details on chat, visit the official chat page for the November authors at Pump Up Your Book Live!

The Grym Brothers Series Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

Tuesday, November 1

Guest blogging at The Book Faery Reviews

Wednesday, November 2

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Thursday, November 3

Guest blogging at Bookin’ It Up

Friday, November 4

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Monday, November 7

The Dead Couple Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Tuesday, November 8

Guest blogging at Mad Moose Mama

Wednesday, November 9

Better Off Dead Book Reviewed at Jasmyn’s Reviews

Thursday, November 10

The Dead Couple Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Friday, November 11

Guest blogging at Curling Up By the Fire

Monday, November 14

Book reviewed at Curing Up By the Fire

Tuesday, November 15

Interviewed at Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews

Thursday, November 17

Better Off Dead Book Reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews

Friday, November 18

Chat with Jason at Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat/Book Giveaway Party!

Monday, November 21

Guest blogging at Carol’s Notebook

Tuesday, November 22

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at Carol’s Notebook

Wednesday, November 23

Two and a Half Dead Men Book Reviewed at From the TBR Pile

In My Mailbox (11)

2011-10-31T19:55:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Not nearly exciting as lastweek, but I still got a couple good ones!

Shoe Done It by Grace Carroll - giveaway win from Book of Secrets.

Rita Jewel has a dream job selling fabulous clothes and accessories to the socialites of San Francisco at Dolce's Boutique. But when a pair of heels becomes a clue in a murder, Rita finds herself engaged in a high-end crime of fashion...

Society maven MarySue Jensen has old San Francisco money and an eye for style. That's why she must have those handmade silver stilettos special ordered from Dolce's by their top fashionista, Rita Jewel. She'd die before she wore anything less at the biggest charity event of the season. That same night, MarySue Jensen's cold, lifeless body is found in Golden Gate Park...tragically barefoot.

What kind of remorseless, fashion-conscious maniac would swipe a pair of handcrafted stilettos from a corpse? With her boss a prime suspect, Rita Jewel - and unnervingly sexy detective Jack Wall - must track down a killer. But before Rita engages in such a dangerous game, she has one nagging question...What does one wear to solve a crime?

Two Moons of Sera by Pavarti K Tyler - First Reads

In a world where water and earthteem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother's water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one?

Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and will be released in serial format.

Book Review: Impulse by Candace Camp

2011-10-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 401
Acquired: 10/20/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: NetGalley
Series: No

Cam Monroe is a stablehand, Angela Stanhope is nobility. Their love is forbidden and when Angela's father finds out about he threatens to ruin Cam and find a way to send him to jail for the rest of his life. Cam leaves the family's estate and vows to have Angela and his revenge. Meanwhile, Angela marries Lord Dunstan to try and save Cam from her father. Dunstan does not turn out to be the good man everyone thought he was, and several years later they end up divorced after a scandal that rocked the town.

When Cam hears of Angela's divorce he finds a way to return and try to marry her, but Angela sees herself as damaged good after her divorce and is terrified of being under the control of any man. On top of everything, Cam has been the victim of several "accidents." Accidents that seem to be happening all to frequently to be real. Will Angela and Cam learn to trust each other again, or will they forever live with their past doubts.

While this was more of what I consider a "traditional" romance, mistreated woman falls for gentle man but have too many issues to deal with to see that they love each other. However, the little bit of mystery behind Cam's accidents adds just enough to keep the story interesting, although an astute reader will figure it out early in the game.

3/5

Book Review: Bonded by Blood by Laurie London

2011-10-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 384
Acquired: 10/10/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: NetGalley
Series: Sweetblood Series (1)

Sweetbloods are a rare type of human whose blood is delicious...more than delicious, it can be addicting. Few vampires can resist drainging a sweetblood dry. Mackenzie Foster-Shaw is a sweetblood. It's a trait that runs in her family and would explain the mysterious disappearances over the years. Dominic is a wounded vampire. Mackenzie quite literally stumbles across him and he cant resist the lure of her blood to heal him, but somehow he manages not to kill her. But he does come close and to saave her life he must give her a small amount of his own blood. This has unexpected consequences, they become bonded, sharing thought and feelings.

Then the unthinkable happens. The evil vampires, known as Dark Bloods, discover that Mackenzie is a sweet blood and have made her a target in their most recent scheme. As Dominic tries to protect her their bond grows stonger and stronger, as do their feelings for each other. They must find a way to defeat the dark bloods and come to terms with each other.

One of the better vampire romances I have read. I enjoyed the added aspect of the sweet blood humans that can be addictive to vampires, good or bad. I loved Mackenzie. She was so head strong and independent. She didn't just swoon every time something bad or new happened. She tried to take care of it and freaked out later. Dominic is your typical "strong man" and has difficulty accepting Mackenzie's help. But she makes him get over it and they work well together. A great paranormal romance for vampire lovers.

4/5

Book Review: Embellish by RL Sloan

2011-10-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

Embellish by R.L. Sloan
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult??
Pages: 244
Acquired: 05/10/10
Book of Your Shelf? Yes
Why I read it: Contest Win
Series: Maybe

Ancient voodoo curses, magic and vampires....sounds like a great combination. Solis is the victim of harrassment of all levels by the descendants of Priestess Aldicia, who is a very nasty voodoo priestess. Solis's family in one of the ones that stood up to her way back when, and now they want their revenge. Enter Nico, also a victim of Priestess Aldicia, but in a different way. He was turned into a vampire, and Solis is his soul mate, the one he has been searching for forever. Solis and Nico team up to try and put a stop to the curse of Priestess Aldicia.

This seemed to have all the elements of a great story, and the story itself was very good. But I just didn't enjoy it. My problem wasn't with the storyline, plot, or characters. It was with the writing. The style and tone of the story seemed to be aimed toward young adults/early teens, but the language and content (very sexual) were definately more than I would have been comfortable or able to understand at that age.

2/5

Book Review: A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

2011-10-26T10:10:00.000-05:00

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 272
Acquired: 09/29/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: 2011 Book Battle Long List
Series: No

This is the story of two girls and how they changed each other's lives. Charlie Duskin lives in the city, but even though she is surrounded by people she always feels alone. Her savior from this loneliness is her music. She plays guitar and sings, and she's actually quite good at it. It's too bad she's too shy to show anyone else her talent. Rose Butler lives in the country, next door to Charlie's grandfather. She is always with her best friends and never seems to stop having fun. But Rose wants to leave, she feels stuck in the country and want to go to a good school in the city.

The girls never really hung out together until this year. This year everything was beginning to change for both of them. And even though they don't even realize it at first, neither could have gotten through it without the help of the other. Both sets of eyes are opened to new experiences and new ideas.

This was a very touching novel of friendship. heartache, and rolling with the punches that life can throw at us. Told in alternating perspectives, it was fascinating to see the same situations from two points of view. The author wrote this in a way that wasn't jarring or interrupting to the story. This is definitely a must read book.

5/5

The Niteclif Evolutions, Book 1: Legacy by Denise Tompkins Book Tour

2011-10-26T08:15:00.000-05:00

About the book:

When Fate makes you her bitch, accept it and adapt. Or die.

Looking back on the wish she made on Midsummer’s Eve, Maddy Niteclif should have been more specific. She only wanted to escape the shadowy nightmares that plagued her nights, not to be thrust into a completely altered reality.

If a strangely familiar, sexy dragon-shifter named Bahlin, who causes a never-to-be-mentioned-again fainting spell, isn’t enough to make her question her sanity, his insistence she’s the Niteclif ought to do the job. Prophesied super-sleuth of the supernatural world—a world that desperately needs her help—isn’t a job she’s remotely qualified for no matter what her family tree says.

Catapulted into a very different London ruled by dark mythology, mystery and murder, Maddy makes a few startling discoveries. Paranormal creatures exist. Getting shot really sucks. And her body responds remarkably well to dragon magic—in more ways than simple wound healing.

But in this kill-or-be-killed world, reality bites. And Maddy must choose to go back to what she knows…or stay and fight for the man she knows she can’t live without.

Warning: This book contains a shape-shifting dragon with a Scottish accent, modern and archaic weapons, global inter-species politics that make democracy seem mild, some very steamy sex underground, a severed head, murder, and…oh yeah…a woman caught in the middle of it all.

My Review:
Maddy Nitecliff has found herself in a rather strange situation. After making a wish on Midsummer's Eve, she finds herself inundated with the supernatural. Apparently she has triggered an ancient legacy to be the ultimate crime solver for the paranormal realm in and around London. But she isn't alone in this life changing experience. The shape-shifting dragon, Bahlin, has appointed himself her guardian and teacher, doing his best to guide her and ease her way into her new life.

But Bahlin has more than just a little crush on Maddy, which only complicates their professional relationship. As he tries to show her his true feelings, he only seems to be making things worse when a spree of murders strikes the paranormal realm. Maddy finds herself on the case, with Bahlin at her side. She needs to find the murderer, stay alive, and figure out who she can really trust, because this time the entire world could be at stake.

As one of the books with a mystery aspect that I didn't guess the answer to within a couple chapters, this book scored major points. The story was so involving that I found myself following the characters instead of trying to predict what they would do or find solutions to their problems. Much like real people, they were a bit unpredictable. The way the paranomal world overlapped and meshed with then normal world as we know it was fantastic. The variety of creatures encountered kept me constantly wondering what I would get to see next.

There was a good chunk of romance, and it was done very well. Maddy was not the kind of person to let just anyone take her to bed. It was refreshing to see such a strong female role played out in a romance.

4/5

For more stops on the tour see the list below. Take a few minutes and check out what others have to say about this great book.

October 18th – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove

October 19th – Florence P. @ Romance Me

October 19th – Kristen T. @ Seeing Night Book Reviews

October 20th – Tammy G. @ News and Reviews from the Heart of the Dragons Den

October 21st – Paula P. @ The Phantom Paragrapher

October 24th – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

October 25th – Sheila H. @ The Dark Circle

October 26th – S.J.W. @ Fantasy Cookie

October 26th – Jasmyn No. @ Jasmyn’s Reviews

October 27th – Lea. R. @ Journey Reader

October 28th – Aparajita B. @ Le’ Grande Codex

October 31st – Beverly G. @ Everyone Loves A SiNner

November 1st – Aubrie Di. @ Flutey Words

November 2nd – Lindsay H @ Everyday Is An Adventure

November 3rd – Krystal L. @ Live To Read

November 4th – Shandy S. @ Mama Knows Books

November 7th – Wendy Mi. @ Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears

November 9th – Lena Sl. @ Lena Sledge’s Blog…Books, Reviews and Interviews

November 10th – Krishna A. @ Journey with Books

November 11th – Farrah K. @ The Book Faery Reviews

November 14th – Hywela L. @ Hywela Lyn: Romance That’s ‘Out Of This World’

November 15th – Lisa Ma. @ A Casual Reader’s Blog

Find Denise Tompkins:

Author Website | Author Blog | Twitter

Goodreads | Facebook Page

Book Review: Kiss Me Deadly by Michelle Hauf

2011-10-23T13:04:00.000-05:00

Kiss Me Deadly by Michelle HaufGenre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 288
Acquired: 10/11/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: B&N Free Fridays
Series: Bewitching the Dark (2)

Ravin is a witch. Her sole purpose in life is the kill as many vampires as she can. Since witch's blood is poisonous to vampires, she has been rather successful. Her most recent hunt has eliminated several of the foul creatures, including their leader....or so she thinks. The vampire tribe leader, Nikolaus, was somehow able to survive and is now stronger than ever. Nikolaus is now out for revenge. He will stop at nothing to kill the witch that almost killed him.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately in the long run, the Devil himself has his hands in the mix. He has set Ravin the task of mixing a love potion for him, only when Nikolaus breaks in while she is brewing, he finds himself strangely and suddenly in love with the woman he has sworn to kill.

I'm very glad that I had started reading Seducing the Vampire by the same author when I started this book. I just couldn't get into much at all. I think the whole love potion thing was just a little too over the top for me. If this one piece hadn't played such a huge role, and mentioned and argued about so much, I think I would have really enjoyed the story.

2/5

In My Mailbox (10)

2011-10-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. I was very sick last weekend and missed getting this up, so I have a double edition this week. I also had some ebooks come in, but I did not write down which ones came this week, so I'm going to skip over them to avoid accidental duplicates. Next week you'll be seeing my first ever post for a blog tour. I'm so very excited!

Hustle by Jason Skipper - won on So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
In this powerful, debut novel, an alcoholic ex-con man grandfather, his restless, philandering seafood salesman son, and his hopeful musician grandson struggle to make up for their past and somehow set course for the future. In the past, the grandfather has hustled for money; now he's hustling for redemption. The son has hustled for women; now he's hustling for love of a different sort. His son, Chris, is hustling to be a famous musician with enough money to solve his family's unsolvable problems. Chris's coming-of-age story explores the ways people struggle to fulfill their wants and desires - and what they are willing to sacrifice to feel free.

Crossed by Ally Condie - won on Diana's Amazing Book Adventures

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.
Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's point of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander - Litfuse Publicity Group upcoming tour

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her to acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee her home, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe, who shows her kindness by not turning her in to authorities. But when he later refuses to come to her aid, Clair fears she's sorely misjudged him. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville society, Claire believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach - but only if her past remains hidden.
The Federal Army destroyed Sutton's home, confiscated his lands, and now threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him reveals a truth that may costhim more than he ever imagined - as well as the woman he loves.
Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and a woman to see themselves - and each other - for who they truly are.

Escape Velocity by Robin Stevenson - LibraryThing Early Review Copy

It's the end of a long hot summer in Alberta's Badlands, and fifteen-year-old Lou is restless and dreaming of escape. Then an unexpected crisis turns her dream into reality and Lou is forced to leave Alberta and stay with the mother she has never known. Lou is overflowing with questions. Why did her mother never want her? She is convinced that the answers lie hidden in her mother's novels, and is determined to find the truth...no matter what the cost.

The Arranger by L.J. Sellers

The year is 2023 and ex-detective Lara Evans is working as a freelance paramedic in a new bleak world. She responds to an emergency call and is nearly killed when a shooter flees the home. Inside she finds the federal employment commissioner wounded, but she's able to save his life.
The next day Lara leaves for the Gauntlet - a national competition of intense physical and mental challenges with high stakes for her home state. She spots the assailant lurking at the arena and soon after, she lands in deep trouble. Who is the mysterious killer and what is motivating him? Can Lara stop, stay alive, and win the Gauntlet?

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

From the author of the critically acclaimed Elsewhere comes this brilliant novel about an impossible romance, a family living outside the law, and the ties that bind us forever.
Chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is increasingly scarce, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine - going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new DA's son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until someone in her inner circle ends up poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight - at school, in the news, and, most important, within her mafiya family.

Escape by Barbara Delinsky

Have you ever woken up in a cold sweat thinking you're stuck in a life you don't want? Did you ever consider disappearing - leaving family, friends, even a spouse - ditching everything you've known and starting over again? ... Maybe even returning to an old lover?
Emily Aulenbach is thirty-two, a lawyer married to a lawyer, living and working in Manhattan. An idealist, she had once dreamed of representing victims of corporate abuse. Now she spends her days in a cubicle talking on the phone with victims of tainted bottle water - and she is on the bottler's side.
But it isn't only work. It's her sister, her friends, even her husband, James, with whom she doesn't connect in the way she once did. She doesn't connect to much in her life, period, with the exception of three things: her computer, her BlackBerry, and her watch.
Acting on impulse, Emily leaves work early one day, goes home, packs her bag, and takes off. Groping toward the future and uncharacteriscally following her gut rather than her mind, she heads north toward a New Hampshire town nestled in the mountains. She knows this town. During her college years she spent a watershed summer here. If she were to map out the turns she's taken in life, this would be the spot where she had first gone wrong. Painful as returning feels, she knos that if she is to right her life, she has to start here.

Book Review: Close Kin by Clare B. Dunkle

2011-10-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

Close Kin (The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy #2) by Clare B. Dunkle
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 224
Acquired: 08/09/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: Series
Series: The Hollow Kingdom (2)

We met the sisters Kate and Emily in the first book, Hollow Kingdom. Their life since the joining Goblin society has been "uneventful." They both have their jobs to do, although those jobs would seem strange to most humans, and have made a place for themselves in the underground kingdom. However, Emily is getting older, and as a human woman, the Goblin King is not so patiently waiting to see which of his subjects she will choose to marry. Everything goes a little crazy when Seylin, a friend Emily made in the first book, proposes and Emily doesn't even realize it! Completely offended and heartbroken, Seylin leaves the kingdom to try and find his ancestors, the elves. Once Emily realizes that Seylin has left and what she did to him, she sets off to find him and bring him back.

I still love Emily's character and I really wish we had seen more of her in this book. From the description, I thought it would be about half about her and half about Seylin. While Seylin was very heavily featured, Emily really lagged behind in coverage. Seylin is a very interesting character, but I didn't see him really grow or develop much here. I'm afraid that the second book in The Hollow Kingdom just isn't quite as good as the first, which is a trait I find quite often in series. I'm still going to try and read the third, but it will have to wait until I get some extra spending money.

3/5

Book Review: Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hauf

2011-10-20T12:15:00.000-05:00

Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hauf
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Acquired: 09/30/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: NetGalley
Series: No

Think Snow White meets vampires, werewolves, and France. Three of my favorite things and one of my favorite fairy tales growing up (I went through 3 copies of the Disney movie). Our fair princess is played by the blood born vampiress, Viviane LaMourette. Now blood born vampires are rare, and females even more so. So enter the evil queen (errr king in this case), Constantine de Salignac, the local vampire tribe leader who will have Viviane or else no one will! Prince Charming is played by quite an unusual character, a half werewolf half vampire named Rhys Hawkes, who just happens to be half-brother to Constantine. Now remove the 7 dwarfs, unless I totally missed something, and we have our main characters.

The story itself takes us back and forth between present time and the time of Marie Antoinette's court in France. We first meet Viviane on her way to visit her patron in France where she meets Rhys for the first time and Constantine presses her to become his. Fearing for her independence should she choose to be with Constantine, Viviane tries to delay giving him a decision and ends up falling for Rhys. When Constantine finds out, saying he is mad would be the understatement of the century. He sets out for revenge.

In the present time, Rhys hears a myth of a "Vampire Snow White" in the sewers of France. The timing and description of the fair vampire maiden reminds him of Viviane, thought lost to him for all this time. He immediately takes off to France to try and find her (Prince Charming to the rescue).

The story's jump between time periods was well written. There was never any confusion when you started a section as to which time you were in now. There was a lot of action, but it never got too overwhelming or confusing with too much going on all at once. This was a great read.

4/5

Book Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

2011-10-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 368
Acquired: Library Book
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: 2011 Book Battle
Series: Blue Envelopes (1)

Ginny has a mission....a mission enclosed in 13 blue envelopes given to her by her Aunt with specific instructions on when and where she is to open each one. After much internal and parental debate, Ginny sets of on a grand adventure that begins in London. As Ginny works her way through the letters, Europe, and a steady stream of extremely helpful strangers, she begins to see her Aunt through different eyes and gains a better understanding of herself.

I really liked Ginny. She was shy with strangers but outgoing once she let you into her world. As she traveled and interacted with new, and sometimes very strange, people Ginny discovered that she was capable of doing so much more than she originally thought. A journey that Ginny first thought was all about "discovering" who her Aunt was, turns into so much more.

I enjoyed this book up until almost the very end. The places and people were engaging and lifelike. Even in what would normally be a mundane scene, the author managed to write in a way to bring out the excitement and anticipation that Ginny must have been feeling throughout the whole story. Now, the very end was a little different. I was all set to have things wrap up nicely and, well, end. But the story is set up for a sequel, which I didn't realize when I started. The ending wasn't cliffhanger enough to make me jump out of my seat and rush off to the library, but it was enough to leave me feeling frustrated that I couldn't just move on. Perhaps that was the point, and it's quite possible I would feel differently if I had known there was a book 2 going in.

3.5/5

Fall Into Bed With a Good Romance Challenge

2011-10-14T11:01:00.004-05:00

I almost forgot to sign up for this! It's a great challenge going on at Royal Reviews.

Now I used to think I hated romance, and then I realized how many of my books had very strong romance elements in them. I picked up a few of the more modern romances (especially historical fiction and paranomal) and found that I loved them. I will be listing links to my reviews below!

Night of the Vampires by Heather Graham posted 10/3/11
Seducint the Vampire by Michele Hauf posted 10/20/11
Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf posted 10/23/11
Bonded by Blood by Laurie London posted 10/30/11
Impulse by Candace Camp posted 10/30/11

Book Review: Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

2011-10-14T10:46:00.000-05:00

Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

Genre: SteamPunk
Pages: 640
Acquired: 08/24/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: ???
Series: None

Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin is a scientist that lives on the fringes of society. He is known for his research in things that aren't quite accepted by the rest of the scientific community. His most recent project is for a garuda, a bird-like creature, that has lost his wings. His job is to find a way for him to fly again. Isaac's girlfriend, Lin, is a bug person that has been recently hired by a notorious underworld drug lord to create a sculpture. Now, these two incidents have in common. Well, not too much as first, but as we read further into the story strange and unrelated events turn into a nightmare. Nearly invincible creatures are released into the city and are killing in ways no one can quite figure out and Isaac, Lin, and their friends find themselves the center of it all.

I really enjoyed reading this. There was sooooooo much going on that I was a bit overwhelmed when I first finished, but after sitting on my thoughts for a few days I realized how detailed the whole story was. Everything that was mentioned had a purpose. That purpose may not come into play for hundreds of pages, but the set up was perfect. The characters bothered me at first because they were very extreme in their personalities. But, again, as the story went along their quirks and extreme behavior all played a part. They also grew into completely new people as the events around them forced them to change their opinions and beliefs.

This is a great book for any fan of SteamPunk, science fiction, or fantasy. I wish I could remember how it got on my wishlist so I could thank the person who recommended it.

5/5

Jasmyn's Reviews

In My Mailbox (15)

In My Mailbox (14)

Book Review: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

The Last Waltz - Nurture Your Book Tour and Giveaway

Entrapped by Barbara Kyle - Nurture Virtual Book Tour

List of works by Barbara Kyle:

A Lasting Impression - Virtual Book Tour

﻿

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Better Off Dead - Pump Up Your Book Tours

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

The Grym Brothers Series Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

IMM (13)

The Dead Couple by Jason Krumbine - Pump Up Your Book Tour

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

The Grym Brothers Series Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

In My Mailbox (12)

Book Tour and Giveaway: Cloyne Court by Dodie Katague

Two and a Half Dead men - Pump Up Your Book Tours

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

The Grym Brothers Series Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

In My Mailbox (11)

Book Review: Impulse by Candace Camp

Book Review: Bonded by Blood by Laurie London

Book Review: Embellish by RL Sloan

Book Review: A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

The Niteclif Evolutions, Book 1: Legacy by Denise Tompkins Book Tour

Book Review: Kiss Me Deadly by Michelle Hauf

In My Mailbox (10)

Book Review: Close Kin by Clare B. Dunkle

Book Review: Seducing the Vampire by Michele Hauf

Book Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Fall Into Bed With a Good Romance Challenge

Book Review: Perdido Street Station by China Mieville