Book Lovers Delight

Book Review: Awakened by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

2012-07-23T12:02:00.001-07:00

Synopsis: Neferet is in the midst of becoming the biggest and badest High priestess of the dark. She has now entangled Kalona as her consort and will do anything to destroy Zoey now that Zoey is back from the other realm.

Book Review: While I like the series in general, I did not like the Zoey vs Kalona vs Neferet angle. I think it is because I am bored of Zoey taking her sweet ass time to take control of the situation and kick Kalona and Neferet's butt. I understand Zoey lost her consort but she's got real big problems to solve, like save the world from darkness!

Okay I feel better now. I just needed to vent because Zoey's storyline with Stark is a bit slow for me. On the other hand, I really like Steve Rae and Raphaim angle. I enjoyed how they were now given access to be together but only if Raphaim is serious about leaving his father behind.

I can always count on Aphrodite. She's still mean, clean and with her man, Darius even if she appeared so many times in the book.

Bottom Line: Neferet is still laying low and acting really nice so don't be expecting much action from her. As for Zoey, same deal.

Nothing Special

Book Review: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

2012-07-23T11:38:00.005-07:00

Hi everyone. I made some time to finish a few books and I'm very excited to share my thoughts with all of you.

Synopsis: The Lovely Bones is about a fourteen year old girl who decides to follow a elderly neighbor to a "secret hideout" to only be brutally raped and murdered. The family is torn apart from the crime and not sure if they will ever be the family they once were.

Review: The book follows the girl's soul through the tragic scene and the aftermath that is her family. You are given a front row seat into the moments where the mom and dad begin to show signs of "I'm lost and don't know what to do". This is where you think the family could somehow unite but unfortunately, very slowly everyone begins to drift apart. While the little brother is too small to understand, it is the middle sister who becomes the glue of the family only to quietly suffer while stepping into mother role.

The most interesting deal with this book is that while you see the family cracking, you see this whole perspective from the fourteen year old. She is in this forever state of "her version of heaven". The heaven is brilliantly described by the author. Her heaven every now and then changes according to her attachment to her family.

As for the crime and who done it, that is a big part of the book, but I don't want to spoil that.

The book, while a bit scary for me because of the topic, I still decided to give it a chance. I wanted a difference pace and subject matter and it was very moving.

I recommend you not read the book before you go to sleep. It only leaves a feeling of dread and sorrow for the young protagonist.

Bottome Line: The author paints a rich and wonderful heaven, but back at the family's home, tragedy is always one step away. Great book, great change of pace and I do recommend this book for older readers especially because of the subject matter.

WORTH READING

Book Review: SpoilersThe Hunger Games Book Series by Suzanne Collins

2012-05-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, I give. It's true. I finally read The Hunger Games Trilogy. I know. I should have done it along time ago when I saw Team Peeta and Team Gayle. But my first thought was these guys must be riding the coat tale of team Jacob and Team Edward. It took a whole year to understand their stories. And I love them for that.

The trilogy of the Hunger Games was such an intense read and looking back on it, the movie I felt was as true as it could be on screen compared to the first book. That is what actually got me to read the trilogy.

About a year ago, when Elizabeth and I were blogging like crazy, I would see on some of my favorite book blogs, team Peeta or team Gayle, and I just thought, who are these characters for crying out loud? Well my friends, I am up to speed and awaiting Catching Fire.

Book Review: The Hunger Games was a great start to the trilogy. Peeta was written as a sensitive guy with balls of steel. I like that. Katniss was very Heroic and with this intense look and a heart of gold. Gayle, I still didn't quite understand but then he didn't really have a big part in it.

I disliked Haymitch for a good while but I felt he had maybe gone through something more horrific than the hunger games. I don't know, slowly though I began to dislike him less and less throughout the book. I wasn't too keen on his drinking habit or his sarcasm.

I was really charged after I finished The hunger games because I was awaiting some happy go lucky moment with Katniss and Peeta, which, bummer, didn't happen. Which brings me to Catching Fire. Wow, I did NOT expect a second hunger games. Nor did I expect a lovely Finn. I did, however, feel for Katniss. She wasn't sure she even liked Peeta, to end up planning to marry him. I can only imagine this dilemma when you are being blackmailed by the capital's president.

As for Mockingjay, when I read the last few pages, I was left with a very sad and heavy heart. Sad because Katniss and Peeta still had nightmares like real people do when having fought in a war. I mean the ending was very real of what people in war go through. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the ending wasn't as happy as I wanted it to be, you know? Where the guy gets the girl, and they marry and they have a happy ever after. Peeta and Katniss still suffered, they still had to deal with traumas but they did take it day by day and eventually began a family. But it sounded very difficult and very real. Suzanne Collins mentioned somewhere that her father talked alot about war and there effects and she really brought that to life in her books and on the big screen.

Bottom Line: The Hunger Games Trilogy was a very intense read, entertaining and left a very strong message about war and the effects on the human spirit.

WORTH READING

The next Book Review might be Awakend or Lovely Bones, which ever one I finish first. See you then.

Book Review: A 13 to life book series by Shannon Delany

2011-11-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

I distinctly remember a beautiful blue cover catching my eye as i searched for new books to read on the main page of barnes&noble. I had just got off from a Twilight high and was ready for something more; something great. Two years later, I hit barnes&noble with my brand new son, 7 months now and a complete cutie pie, I remembered the beautiful blue cover. Instead of buying the first book, I bought the series. And boy was I NOT disappointed.

Shannon Delany is a wonderful, creative and completely refreshing author in her 13 to life book series.

Jessica Gillmansen and Pietr Rusakova is the new couple to beat...Edward and Bella, eat your heart out...Jessica and Pietr sizzle like no other couple in high school you've EVER encountered.

And Max, forget about it. He's the macho brother you want around and the boyfriend you want to be with forever!!

I can't forget, Alexi, Amy, Cat, Sarah, and oh my...Derek.

So when I say refreshing, I mean it. The characters are fascinating and compete for you attention, Shannon Delany makes them come alive.

13 to Life is a wonderful series everyone will enjoy.

I don't want to give anything away. It has to be a complete suprise to the reader so pick up your copy from your local library or book store and read it NOW.

LIKED IT (A LOT)!

Keep your eyes and ears open for the fourth installment to 13 to life by Shannon Delany. (see ticker above)

Wonderful baby boy

2011-04-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! My husband and I want to share some wonderful news. On April 4, 2011 at 7:47pm, we welcomed our newest member to the family, Isac Alejandro.

Seeing his face every morning is a blessing and so rewarding. I can't believe I have this wonderful baby boy;) At the same time, we are pooped and sleep deprived. And so with that, I regret to inform you all that I will be out of commission for a few months with the book blog...until I get a better handle on my newest job, being a mommy.

Thanks to you all for your patience and we wish everyone happy reads!!

Blog!

2011-03-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!! It's Elizabeth here and I just wanted to do a quick post for you guys to please please please check out my new blog about My Life Changing Journey! To check it out, go to this link

I've been super crazy busy the last few months but just want to say that I am in love with Lara Adrian and Sherrilyn Kenyon...I just can't stop reading these two authors!!

Teen Fiction Coming Soon!

2011-03-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Here's a quick look at some great reads I can't wait for.

I'm a huge fan of The Chronicles of Nick so I will be getting my hands on book 2 and as for Becca's Fitzpatrick's third book, I'll be all over it. I love Patch and Nora's explosive chemistry ;)

I'm sure I've missed other books coming soon but if you have a book that you think I'd just love to read and it's soon to come out, tell me about it. I want to hear what you have to say.

Happy Reads!

Invincible: The Chronicles of Nick (Hardcover - Book 2)
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Release: March 22, 2011

The Red Gloves (Curse Workers, Hardcover, Book 2)
Author: Holly Black
Release: April 5, 2011

Passion (A Fallen Novel, Hardcover - Book 3)
Author: Lauren Kate
Release: June 14, 2011

Silence (Hardcover - Book 3)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Release: October 4, 2011

Book Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-02-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Synopsis:
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

Book Review: Crescendo was a book that I felt really anxious about reading even before I turned to read the first page. I remember the way Hush, Hush had me feeling, I just wasn't sure I wanted to go through it again. Nevertheless, I made the choice to chug along; Patch and Nora's story got the better of me ;)

Well to my suprise, I got into my reading groove almost immediately. So the hook in the beginning was pretty great. As for the meat of the story (Nora, Patch and Marcie) I really began to dislike Patch all over again, like in Hush, Hush. I began to think he was a total jerk and was guilty of everything Nora accused him of. And as for Marcie, I felt Vee, as Nora's best friend, should have stuck up for Nora in many instances.

I was pleasantly surprised to read that Nora decided to take care herself as well as Marcie.

As for the book as a whole, there were very interesting plot twists that had me saying "oh" and "no way", the pages turned themselves.

Crescendo as done it again for me. Patch was literally on the end of my boot to kick to the curb until Becca Fitzpatrick sprinkled her charming words on him, that my whole impression of him warmed up.

Bottom Line: This love story was really great to read and just as dark as Hush Hush if not a little darker. New characters emerged and took some of the spotlight from Nora and Patch. I am a true fan of Becca's and I can't wait to read the third installment "Silence" to be coming soon.

LIKED IT.

Bloodlines spinoff of Vampire Academy By Richelle Mead

2011-02-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Last week Elizabeth brought to my attention an article spilling some info on Richelle Mead's new spinoff series and I was really excited to share it with all the Vampire Academy fans. Click here for the article.

Note: This title will be released this Summer(Hardcover).

The video below has Richelle explaining the way she feels about the end of Vampire Academy. It's very interesting, check it out.

Vampire Academy also has a graphic novel coming out in August 2011. Take a quick look at Richelle Mead's blog for the graphic. It's amazing.

Don't forget to comment. Let me know what you think about the graphic novel and the new spinoff.

Happy Reads!

Book Review: The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

2011-02-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Pages: 258
Published: (Hardcover)2010

Synopsis:Madison Kasparkova catches her boyfriend of two years, making out with the hottest yet stuck up girl in school and decides that karma is taking too long to punish them both. She along with her best friends, Angie and Jade, embark on a Karma club journey to right all the wrongs ex-boyfriends and snotty girls have done to them. Little do they know that Karma will always catch up to them, whether good intentions are behind the deeds.

Book Review:The Karma Club was a great book to read, a book I think everyone could relate to. Who hasn't had a broken heart or felt like throwing rocks at a person who seems to get away with snide remarks and sketchy actions. Jessica Brody brought the message of Karma to the forefront and gave some very entertaining examples of how young people can misinterpret how Karma works.

The main character, Madison, is a senior in high school with the perfect boyfriend and a good person overall. But her rage over her boyfriend's cheating really gets her going over the edge. That part was very engaging and had me flipping the pages.

The books language captured the essence of a chatty teenage girl and it got a bit old that I'd skim the chatty parts. Nevertheless, I was very interested to see how Jessica Brody wrapped up the idea of the "Karma Club" getting caught and how Madison and her friends were going to turn their actions around.

Bottom Line: The Karma Club was entertaining to read and it made me think twice about rushing Karma myself.

LIKED IT!

Book Review: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

2011-01-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. And welcome to the last Book Review for Vampire Academy (For Rose and Dimitri's epic love story, that is.) I am so excited to show you the book trailer I didn't even know existed. Where have I been? you might ask. Well let's just say, I righted my wrong and am now up to date.

Would you cast these actors for the upcoming Vampire Academy Movie? Why or why not? I want to know. So don't forget to comment.

Now, to the book review:

Rose Hathaway, is locked in Moroi jail after being framed in the cold-blooded murder of the Moroi Queen. The punishment for this crime is immediate execution. At the same time, she is faced with the challenge of somehow locating princess Lissa Dragomir's lone remaining relative, her secretly existing illegitimate sibling. Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Book Review:I've never been more terrified and elated to read the last book in a book series as I was with Vampire Academy. To know that once I finish the last page, I would no longer be filled with glorious, gut wrenthing anticipation for the next chapter in Rose and Dimitri's epic love story. But all good things must come to an end.

Richelle Mead did a fantastic job really bringing her main character, Rose, full circle with Dimiitri, Rose's love interest. Spirit Bound, the 5th book in the series, left the readers hanging with Dimitri's character in anguish over his feeling for Rose, his renewed transfromation, and his loyalty in question. So, with Last Sacrifice, Mead, had no choice but to tie up some pretty big loose ends. And I love her for that. Note: Some loose ends in this book are for the spin off I heard..Yay, spinoff!

Her game in the beginning was to get Rose out of the pickle she was in, in a very action packed, conspiracy kind of way, that really set the tone for the rest of the book, only to shove Rose right into that romantic pickle, we as readers couldn't wait to devour. When I say romantic pickle, I am talking Rose, Dimitri...and Adrian. Yes, a delicious, mouth watering, and crunchy pickle it was.

Then of course, there were some ends that had me saying, what? ...to easy. But it is what it is and I had a great time with it anyway.

Here is what I am getting at. I could not, would not, put the book down. I have never loved a book series so much to almost tear up. And as for the movie that is in slow motion at the moment, well it needs to get made pronto. I want others to know and love Rose and Dimitri's story and I do.

LOVED IT!

Book Review: Infinity: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2011-01-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Synopsis by Amazon: At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity. Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead. But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu. As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?

Book Review: I finally had a chance to read Infinity and I was very surprised to realize I liked to story immediately. Looking at the cover, my initial reaction was simple curiosity. Who is this guy on the cover? As I dove into the story, I soon realized I was reading about a 14 year old kid. But that's just it. Even though I was a bit like why am I reading this, the story began to grow on me as well as the character and loyalty of Nick. By the end of the book, I became a big fan and really enjoyed his innocence and his need to keep positive. A character way beyond his years, not alot of young characters are written that way but it was very refreshing to read. I look forward to future installments of this series. As I am now a true fan... GO NICK!

WORTH READING

Awakened! By PC Cast and Kristin Cast

2010-12-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow Book Lovers! Is it me or is this guy one of the hottest men on PC Cast's book cover? And all I needed to see was an arm (lol). Now, I hope you have pre-ordered this book. If not what are you waiting for? Here's a little taste of what you could be missing...

To be released on January 4, 2011.
Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…

And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?

Don't forget PC and Kristin Cast have the fledgling book guide to all things fledglings. Do you have yet? So tell me about it and leave a comment. Is the fledgling guide everything you thought it would be?

OMG I'm SOOO excited!!

2010-11-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

This literally just totally made my day!!! AHHHH so excited!!!

I have more to come, life has been more then stressful and busy! I'm keeping you all in my mind though, thanks for being so understanding!

Last Sacrifice countdown widgetgreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

LOVED IT!

Vampire Academy Movie Options SOLD!

2010-10-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Great news. Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy movie options have been sold. That means VA fans are that much closer to having their wish come true: Rose and Dimitri's Epic love story on the silver screen.

There is no script, director or cast members yet because a studio hasn't picked up the project. But the great news is that all us - you fans out there are able to help make the movie a realty by showing your support on the OFFICIAL VAMPIRE ACADEMY PAGE on facebook. So do your thang and show your support...Whoo hoo! We are that much closer folks ;)

Any thoughts? Feel free to share.

Book Review: Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate

2010-09-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place--and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence. And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily--until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the wind blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store--especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.

Book Review: Never Say Never was a lovely story of new love, forgiveness and the chance one takes to find where they belong, find a "home" and put down roots.

Lisa Wingate is a new author for me and I really enjoying her novel Never Say Never. Her writing is simple and full of color. She paints a vivid picture of the main characters without being over the top.

The beginning of the book did have a few slothy moments but soon picked up.

Lisa has a subtle way of presenting issues the main characters deal with and are never overwhelming. In fact, the story rolls smoothly along until the crescendo 3/4th's into the book. I will say, Kai and Kemp's blossoming relationship had me intrigued and was well worth waiting for.

Bottome Line: Never Say Never is a book worth reading. Lisa Wingate shares a wonderful tale of love and the struggle to find yourself and your place in the world that readers of all ages will relate to.

WORTH READING

Empty Night Stand (2)

2010-09-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Empty Night Stand will be a biweekly meme that showcases 3 new books I've chosen to place on my empty night stand. It will include books I've heard great things about from fellow bloggers or from simply skimming the library or books stores. I'll present the cover and a teaser quote with a possible book trailer.

I'm super excited for this weeks Empty Night Stand. I was fortunate enough to hit the library this week and right off the bat, my eyes widened as I saw Rules of Attraction available. I love Simone Elkeles and her Alex/Carlos Fuentes characters. I have also seen the cover of Captivate and The Line and I am really curious about them so I am super excited to get started.

I take a long look at my brother. He's definitely changed; I sensed it from the minute I saw him. He might look like Alex Fuentes, but I can tell he's lost that fighting spirit he once possessed.

My teeth chatter. Coach Walsh is almost done with his whole speechifying bit but Nick is still not here. I want to not worry about him. I just want him to be safe.

Strange things were supposed to happen near the Line; dangerous things. Even though there hadn't been a Crossing Storm in over forty years, people still thought of the Line as a bad place to be near. There were whispers about Away-the territory on the other side of the Line. There were whispers about the Others.

As you can imagine, i am, at the moment, into YA novels but my taste varies and changes constantly, so if you are wondering when I plan to read adult fiction, or historical fiction or simply a romance, dont' fret my friend, I'm always three books away from your type of book.

Blog Hop/Follow Friday :)

2010-08-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Visit Crazy For Books to sign up for the Book Blogger Hop...see below for more information!

ABOUT THE HOP: In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!

This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get nearly 200 links every week!!

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

There is a second blog follow hosted by Parajunkee, take a few minutes and check this one out to!

Author Spotlight: P.Q. Glisson

2010-08-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Book Lovers Delight has a very special guest today. P.Q. Glisson, author of the novel, Her Sanctuary, is here to share with us some of her personal and literary experiences and we are thrilled to have her here with us today.

BLD: P.Q. Glisson, it's great to have you here on Book Lovers Delight. Tell us about your latest projects?

P.Q.: Well, I currently have a few “irons in the fire”. I’m working on my first Young Adult novel. It’s a fantasy romance/mystery. My goodreads friends can find a sneak preview on my profile page. I am also working on a historical romance set in pre-civil war and I have outlines for several others ranging from period novels to romantic comedies. I just love to write and use my imagination.

BLD: Who was the first person to hear about your success as a newly published author?

P.Q.: Wow, no one has ever asked me THAT question before. I guess I would have to say my Husband and my Daughter.

BLD: Who is your greatest fan and what would you like for them to know?
P.Q.: Okay, now you’ve put me in a pickle. There are a few people besides my family who I would love to thank. First of all, Jobie Dickeson, who helped spread the word on facebook. Tom Xander, who helped me build my fan page on facebook. He was such a blessing. Lacey Williams, who not only is a great friend I met on goodreads, but the first person ever to send me my very first fan letter. She is amazing! Jennifer Murgia, author of “Angel Star”, who befriended me and has helped me deal with the ups and downs of being a published author.
Gosh, I feel like I’m accepting an Emmy or something.

Now let's take a look at an excerpt from Her Sanctuary provided by P.Q. Glisson on goodreads:

The fog finally lifted as Shannon realized who was gently rocking her. She could smell his woodsy scent and it was inviting. All of the anger she had felt toward him disappeared with the fog. Her body relaxed and she let him hold her. There wasn’t anything sexual about his embrace. He touched her as though she were a piece of fine china. Unable to hold back her emotions, she sobbed against his chest. She gripped him like a drowning person. Seth held her, letting her release all the emotions that had festered for so long inside her.

BLD: When developing characters, your perception of each character may change throughout the story, how do you feel about your main characters at this time?

P.Q.: I love them! They took on their own personalities early in the book and I found myself along for the ride. Shannon’s quiet strength; her ability to push the horrendous past into the past, keeping her childlike innocence and goodness, and Seth’s damaged spirit; his self-loathing and guilt for the death of his wife and child was so heart breaking to witness. I loved how his armor cracked when Shannon, his soul mate, stumbles into his life and his arms. They may proclaim their love early in the story, but when you meet your soul mate, no matter what you’ve been through in the past, suddenly you’re a whole person, all the emotional scars are healed. That’s the power of true love.

BLD: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

P.Q.: Don’t give up. If you really love writing, write with all your heart and soul. Don’t worry about what others may say or think. And learn everything you can about publishing. Too many people think that just because they’ve written a really great book, everyone is going to be clamoring to sign them up for a lucrative contract; that’s just not the case. I read that even Her Highness, Stephenie Meyer got turned down ten times before her manuscript was picked up. As my mom used to say, “Perseverance paves the way”.

P.Q. Glisson, thank you very much for your time and Book Lovers Delight wishes you the very best with your future successes!

Her Sanctuary can be found on just about any bookstore website and amazon.com.

P.Q. Glisson is available on facebook, goodreads.com and she can also be reached by email: hersanctuarybypqglisson@gmail.com. Be sure to drop a comment on her blog .

Book Review: Fallen by Claire Delarcroix

2010-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: When her estranged husband's mysterious death is declared an accident, Lilia Desjardins knows that it is a lie. She leaves all she knows to risk the dark heart of the Republic - only to find that she herself has been targeted by forces unknown.

Adam Montgomery will do anything to complete his earthly mission, even if he has to tangle with the enigmatic Lilia Desjardins. But when his contact is murdered and he must rely on Lilia's silence to save him from the slave dens, Adam knows that his wings were only the first sacrifice required of him.

As danger and intrigue surround them, Lilia and Adam realize that they must work together - body, mind and soul - in order to save the world.

Book Review: I was very suprised I liked Fallen this much. I'm not usually into stories that deal with the future where there are lazers, pseudoskins and such. But the plot and the characters were very exciting and I had a great experience with this particular "future" book.

Claire Delacroix is very well versed in vocabulary, fantastic visual descriptions and action scenes. The main reason I was able to enjoy this book despite its subject was because the surroundings and characters themselves were essentially believable.

Bottom Line: I love a great action hero and Lilia Desjardins is no exception. This book was a great distraction and full of action. There were plenty of hard-headed protagonists and enough love scenes to satisfy a romanace reader.

LIKED IT!

Empty Night Stand (1)

2010-08-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I finished the novel, Fallen by Claire Delacroix and was horrified to see my nightstand empty. I was fresh out of novels to read. The next day I took a trip to the local Library and picked out 3 books to read for this coming week.

The library is a great place to get a quick fix of good reads and there is no impulse to buy. Also, I love seeing people come in and out, every five minutes it seems. I think it's safe to say the library isn't going out of style despite all the ebook readers that have been purchased(for now).

Anyway, I picked these books according to: Cover, "New book" tag, and unfamiliar authors and I'm looking forward to a great week of fantastic reads.

I closed my eyes, and let the waves seep under my bed, lifting the mattress, floating me away to that secret place I'd never told anyone about. Imagene and Lucy didn't know it, but this trip to Perdida was gonna take us within a whisper of the mystery I'd been wondering about since my last summer on the bayou.

I suppose if I'd known they were going to vanish, I would've said "I love you" and "I miss you". Instead, I left them at the curb and sputtered home in our ancient Volvo wagon, already planning my fall from grace: clubbing until 4:00am, unsupervised shopping sprees, and maybe even a tatoo if I could come up with something good.

When the world's most beautiful woman walks into the room, it's hard to keep from throwing up. At least that's how I felt when I first saw the girl in the doorway. I needed one of those little wax-coated paper bags you find in the back-seat pocket of an airplane; because I knew I was looking at something pretty special.

Author Spotlight-David Sklar Author of Shadow of the Antlered Bird

2010-08-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

LOVED IT!

I am super excited to introduce you all to David Sklar author of Shadow of an Antlered Bird. I personally have read Shadow of the Antlered Bird. It was not a book I normally would have picked up, but oh man am I glad I did! I have never read a book as unique as this one, it was so refreshing to finally read something different. The characters were well written, and I really enjoyed April's character and how strong she was. When I learned that David dreamed the opening I thought, I wish I had dreams like that! This book is truly a piece of art, and if you are looking for something totally different please do yourself a favor and pick up this book!

1) Tell us about your latest projects?
I'm coediting an anthology with Sarah Avery, who is a brilliant author you also should check out . It's a two-headed anthology, by which I mean, if you look at one side of the book, there's a front cover, and you open to page 1, but if you flip it over there's another front cover and another page 1. One side of this anthology is called Trafficking in Magic, and the other side is Magicking in Traffic. We have some absolutely brilliant stories lined up--some from seasoned professionals, some from up-and-coming authors, others from people publishing their very first story. I'm really proud of the mix we have.

I've also been working for a while on a "novel-in-stories" called The Skin We Wear, which I've been characterizing as a "cynical romance about shapeshifters and anti-fur activists." Each of the chapters in this book is also a stand-alone story, and some fo these stories have appeared in places like The Ghazal Page and Cabinet des Fees. One will be in Strange Horizons this fall.

And I took a lot more time than I should've away from both of those projects to work on a new story called "Night of the Ill-Fitting Coat," which is a modern retelling of the Arthurian story "Knight of the Ill-Fitting Coat." Only, with zombies, bikers, gender issues, and family drama. I think it's the only story I've ever seen with a transsexual golem.

2) As a writer, what has been your greatest inspiration & what inspired you to start writing?
When I was 8 years old I changed schools, and the teacher in the new school was really impressed with the stories I wrote. And as a kid in a new environment, I guess I really needed something to define my identity, so after that I started thinking of myself as a writer, and I spent my time writing whenever I could.

3) What was the last book you read?
Lately, I've opened a lot of anthologies and read a story or two: Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link. Taking Flight and End of the Rainbow from Parsec Ink's Triangulation series. I have a story in End of the Rainbow and it just arrived in the mail recently. And at a recent book signing I traded a copy of that anthology for Interfictions 2, with author Carlos Hernandez, who has a brilliant story in that book is called "The Assimilated Cuban's Guide to Quantum Santeria."

If you mean cover to cover, then I think the most recent novel I've read is The Soul Thief by Charles Baxter, which is what you get when a writer of low-key Midwestern literary fiction decides to write a book that really messes with the readers mind.

4) Your book Shadow of an Antlered Bird is very unusual, where do you get your ideas?
For Antlered Bird in particular, I dreamed the opening scene, and thought, This would make a great short story. So I wrote it, and it didn't--too many loose ends. I like to leave a few loose ends--a story that wraps up with none isn't like real life--but this one had too many; it didn't feel finished. So I got to thinking about where it was going and what would happen next. And then I had the outline--not on paper, but I had the idea of it in my head. But then the initial outline had Tam driving down the coast in a car alone for two thirds of the book. He needed a foil, so that it wouldn't all be internal monologue. So I wrote in April. And she took over.

5) What are the top three things you couldn’t live without?
My son's whimsy, my daughter's smile, and all of the family and friends who help my wife and me care for these kids without going out of our freaking minds.

6) If being a writer meant you were cursed and everyone’s Karma was dumped on you, what would you be instead and why?
What makes you think that would be enough to make me stop writing?

In a way, that's what a storyteller does, isn't it? We work out life issues--not just our own, but the issues of a whole host of imaginary people who serve as a microcosm for the real world. But then we don't hang onto that karma, we put it on the page to share. And if I've done my job, then when you get to read it, maybe that helps you work through some karma of your own.

That's my job, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

7) What is your inspiration when confronted with writers block?
Years ago I read something saying that before Columbus, the Native Americans worked their farms in harmony with the seasons, and then the Europeans came with their work ethic and screwed everything up, because they expected the land to be productive all the time and didn't know that sometimes it was better to let it rest and replenish. I don't know if it's true, but I read this and kind of figured that the same thing applies to writing--that we come from the natural world, even if we sometimes lose touch with that, so there are cycles and seasons within us, too.

Which is a long and elaborate way of saying that I don't need to be writing all the time. I mean, there is a compulsion to write, but if I worry that I'm not writing, then I try to remind myself that that's OK. That sometimes I need to take a break and replenish my creativity.

But I do have a couple of tricks.

If I want an inspiration and don't have any, I'll trawl through the "Open Anthologies" list at Ralan.com for themed anthologies that spark my imagination.

If I'm already writing a story, and I get badly stuck, I remind myself of the advice of a friend of mine, the brilliant writer Peter Gutierrez, to allow yourself the luxury of a bad first draft. I don't take that advice all the time, because I love getting it right the first time, when I can, but if I'm stuck then sometimes it helps me to power through--just write whatever comes, and then come back and fix it later.

8) When you’re not writing, what are you up to?
Who has time to not write?

Between writing and raising the kids, and the promotional stuff writers have to do, and the day job--which is also writing and editing--there isn't time for a whole lot else.
Before I had kids, I was a gamer geek. Now I'll play a board game or a card game once in a while, but I don't have time for roleplaying--certainly not for game-mastering. When my kids are older, I hope I'll get to share that world with them.

9) What has been the most rewarding part of being a published author?

That's an interesting question. I guess it's the feeling of vindication, like this path I've been on since I was eight has finally gotten me someplace where I can see something on the horizon.

I also like talking with other writers, and speaking at conventions. I don't know if I have a fan base of my own, just yet. But I love when a reviewer writes something about my work and really seems to get it.

10) Who is your favorite character out of all your books and why?
If we're just counting books, then I only have one published book. April is my favorite character in Antlered Bird, because she's a strong female character but also 100% human. Don't get me wrong--I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer--but there's this idea that a strong female character has to go out and kick ass. But a character doesn't have to have any special powers to be powerful. I love April because she's always in over her head, almost from her first appearance in the book, and she knows it. And she freaks out. And she yells at Tam. And maybe she panics once or twice. You know, she does all the things that any person ought to do when the world they know gets flipped on its head and they realize they could be killed any minute by something they don't even understand. But she pulls through. And I think that realness makes her courage more compelling.
11) Open to a page of any of your books, can you tell us what is going on?
She feels the rise and fall of the pistons, the tires against the gravel, and the air as it parts to let the car pass through. Tam turns on the radio with his anointing thumb, and Steppenwolf commands her to take the world in a love embrace, and there is not an inch of this highway of which she is not fiercely aware.

Tam and April are in April's roommate's car, and they've been on the run for a couple of days, down the coast from Seattle to California. April is doing all the driving, because Tam doesn't know how to drive. And she's had almost no sleep at all, because every time they stop to rest, the thing that's chasing them almost catches up.

So April's looking for something--anything--to keep her from falling asleep at the wheel, and Tam does this found-object witchcraft, using stuff from the glovebox and the back seat, to help her stay awake. But because it's fey magic, it doesn't just give her energy, it actually puts her into a ritual mindset and changes the way she experiences the world around her.

This is the end of that scene, and what I hope it conveys is how it feels to have this sort of magic done to you, and just to be opened to the entire world around.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us David, I know I am looking forward to reading more of your work!

Is this thing on?!

2010-08-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone- I know I have been totally MIA again, but my internet has been down for 2 weeks! I have been reading up a storm however and decided that instead of making everyone's computers explode with information I would do a combined post. I've read atleast 10 books since I last posted and that's just what I remember off the top of my head =). Please let me know if you would like me to do an actual review on these. I left out a couple from this list because I really wanted to review them. Please stay tuned this week and weekend, lots of fun suprises coming up!

Kiss of Midnight By Lara Adrian

Kiss of Crimson By Lara Adrian

Midnight Awakening By Lara Adrian

Midnight Rising By Lara Adrian

Hush, Hush By Becca Fitzpatrick

Fallen By Lauren Kate

Irresistible Forces By Brenda Jackson

Slow Hands By Leslie Kelly

Once a Cowboy By Linda Warren

Author Spotlight: Eileen Dreyer, author of Barely A Lady!

2010-08-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Book Lovers Delight is proud to present the award winning and best-selling author, Eileen Dreyer. She has published an amazing 41 novels and is author of the brilliantly written historical romance novel, Barely A Lady. Eileen, thank you for your time. I know you have many fans out there who devour your novels and are eager to hear from you. So let us get started.

BLD: What is your name and where are you from?

ED: Eileen Dreyer (aka Kathleen Korbel) from St. Louis, Missouri

BLD: Tell us about your latest project?

ED: The book I have out now is my first foray into historical romance. Entitled BARELY A LADY, it is the first in my DRAKE’S RAKES series about a woman who finds the man who divorced her five years earlier, injured on a battlefield, wearing a French uniform, and having no memory that they were ever divorced.
I’ve already finished the second book in the series, NEVER A GENTLEMAN, and am now working feverishly on the third, ALWAYS THE TEMPTRESS.

BLD: Who is your greatest fan and what would you like for them to know?

ED: Actually, that’s my husband, and I’d like him to know that he’s right. I do model my heroes after him (not the divorcing and deserting part).

BLD: If being a writer meant you were cursed and everyone’s Karma was dumped on you, what would you be instead and why?

ED: I’d be a cabaret singer. My dad was a Big Band singer in the 40s and taught me how to style music. I love singing anything (blues, rock, Broadway, trad Irish), but my favorites are still the standards like Stardust and Someone to Watch Over Me.

BLD: What are the top three things you couldn’t live with out?

ED: My family (clichéd but true), my imagination, and music.

BLD: When developing characters, your perception of each character may change throughout the story. In Barely a Lady, how do you feel about your main characters, Olivia and Jack at this time?

ED: Ooh, good question. What I realized was that I went into this book knowing all about Olivia, but nothing really about Jack. I had to understand how, even after he’d hurt her so badly, she could have loved him so much. After writing it, I still didn’t like the Jack of five years earlier. He was a nice guy, but too immature for the responsibility of another person’s life. But I really love him now, for all his flaws. And they both have them. I don’t think any character is interesting without them.

BLD: What is your source of inspiration when beginning a new story, creating characters or a new chapter?

ED: My source is always a variation of two questions. Why? And What if? Why do they do those things? Why do these things happen? Why do these two people seem drawn to each other against all the odds? And what if this thing happened? What if this obstacle was put in my characters’ way? What if everything wasn’t as it seemed?

In Jack and Olivia’s case, it began with What if a divorced woman discovered a wounded man on a battlefield who turned out to be the man who divorced her? What if that man were wearing an enemy uniform? What if he can’t remember why? What if, even worse, he can’t remember the last five years, which means he thinks he and the heroine are still married? Why would she protect him? Why would she go along with the pretense that they’re still married? Why did he leave her in the first place? Why was he in an enemy uniform? You see how you can keep going forever. In fact, my editor often asks me to rein in the questions, because I can keep spinning the ideas way past my word count limit.

BLD: Favorite quote?

ED: I’m a quote collector. But I’d have to say that I have two favorites, one about life and the other abut writing.

“Life is a banquet, and most poor bastards are starving to death.” Auntie Mame

“There are three hard and fast rules to writing a book. Unfortunately, nobody can agree on what they are.” Somerset Maugham.

BLD: Where can book lovers find your novel and how can they contact you for more information?

ED: Right now it’s in all the retail outlets, including WalMart and Target, and online with the usual suspects. I’d love for people to contact me through my website, www.eileendreyer.com and sign up for my newsgroup (for a girl with ADD it’s the best tool we’ve come up with for me to keep my readers informed in a timely manner). You can email me through the website, or find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php? And Twitter (I’m still getting up to speed here). I do love to hear from people. I do add a caveat. When I’m on deadline, like now, it sometimes takes a bit for me to answer.

BLD: Is there anything else you would like to share with your fans?

ED: Although this is my first historical romance, I’ve been writing for a while. As Eileen Dreyer I’ve also written medical thrillers and, with Jenny Cruise and Anne Stuart, a paranormal romance. As Kathleen Korbel I wrote twenty-five Silhouettes. I was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame for my work as Kathleen Korbel. I love talking and teaching writing, and visiting with other book people. As for my own reading tastes, they’re as eclectic as my music. I read, simply, everything. And now that I’m doing historicals, I’ve added even more with research books on the 19th century.
Oh, and because the question has been asked. I was a trauma nurse for 16 years, and am trained in forensics and death investigation. So when I’m doing battle scenes or the odd conk on the head, I do know the territory.

Eileen, thanks so much for stopping by and best wishes on your future successes :)

Calling all Patricia Briggs Fans!

2010-08-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!!!

I came a cross the cover of the highly anticipated 6th novel for the Mercy Thompson Series titled, River Marked, by Patricia Briggs. According to Amazon, River marked will be released on January 25, 2011, WHOOHOO! I am so freaking excited about this. As you all well know, I love Patricia's books and have been fortunate to meet her. She's such a lovely person and super down to earth.

So now I'm getting to the juicy part. Below is the cover of River Marked: What do you think? At first glance I thought they used a model on the cover, and felt myself deflate a bit. That's only because I find it hard to deal with when some of my favorite books and their covers get "tampered" with. But they didn't (wiping forehead). Anyway, I do like Mercy's earrings and she still looks so bad ass but maybe too sexy this time. I really liked the previous covers because she just looked so badass and not so worried about being sexy. That's how her character is portrayed and consistency is key in maintaining fans, right?

Here is a blurb from the Book Depository on Patricia Briggs 6th book in the Mercy Thompson Series.

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she's never known any others of her kind. Until now. As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease. However, her father's people may know more. To have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need all the resources the shifters can offer. Or death will be the least of their worries.

What a great way to enter the next book. Mercy finally gets to meet face to face with other shape shifters via her father's relatives. I especially want to see how Adam reacts to all the shape shifters he's going to have in the "family" because Adam wants Mercy to marry in one month according to Bone crossed. So exciting isn't it.

Leave a comment and tell me what you so excited about in the book "River Marked" and feel free to share any theories you've whipped up about it. We'd love to hear from ya.

Have a great weekend ;)

Book Lovers Delight

Book Review: Awakened by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Book Review: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Book Review: ***Spoilers***The Hunger Games Book Series by Suzanne Collins

Book Review: A 13 to life book series by Shannon Delany

Wonderful baby boy

Blog!

Teen Fiction Coming Soon!

Book Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Bloodlines spinoff of Vampire Academy By Richelle Mead

Book Review: The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Book Review: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Book Review: Infinity: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Awakened! By PC Cast and Kristin Cast

OMG I'm SOOO excited!!

Vampire Academy Movie Options SOLD!

Book Review: Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate

Empty Night Stand (2)

Blog Hop/Follow Friday :)

Author Spotlight: P.Q. Glisson

Book Review: Fallen by Claire Delarcroix

Empty Night Stand (1)

Author Spotlight-David Sklar Author of Shadow of the Antlered Bird

Is this thing on?!

Author Spotlight: Eileen Dreyer, author of Barely A Lady!

Calling all Patricia Briggs Fans!

Book Review: SpoilersThe Hunger Games Book Series by Suzanne Collins