Reading with Tequila

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

2012-05-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

2012, Viking Juvenile

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Rating

Synopsis: In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free-- and love comes at the highest price of all.

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

Why read: Received for review

What impressed me: I loved the idea of reading about King Henry VIII's romantic relationships from a young adult viewpoint, especially since many of his women were teenagers. The voice was authentic for the age group.

What disappointed me: Being written for the YA crowd, the constant scandal and debauchery that surrounds King Henry VIII was severely less than in adult books. Gilt was definitely the tamest King Henry book I've ever read. And while I liked the idea of a YA focus, back in King Henry's day, women married much younger than they do today, so one assumes the girls would have matured earlier ad wouldn't have felt like a gaggle of high schoolers.

Recommended: Gilt can be an interesting introduction to the King Henry histories, but I would recommend readers choosing a more adult book for the full effect.

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

2012-05-11T11:00:00.001-04:00

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

2011, St. Martin's Griffin

Series: Book 1 of Midnight Dragonfly

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Rating

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt’s doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she’s seen.

But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica’s disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica’s ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.

Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

Why read: Received for review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers

What impressed me: I enjoyed the first half of Shattered Dreams. I loved seeing Trinity trying to make friends with the other kids from her school and all that entailed. I even liked her visions and the way they were both a help and hindrance to her life.

What disappointed me: I disliked the mystery in Shattered Dreams - well not the mystery itself, but the way it was presented. "Clues" were presented, often in the form of Trinity's visions, that were obviously misleading. It was a succession of one suspect after another, but you never really believe any of them are likely candidates because of the heavy-handed way they're presented as such.

Recommended: Not especially. This was a psychic mystery for young adults that fell flat more often than not.

Continue series: Probably not.

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

2012-05-10T11:00:00.001-04:00

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

2012, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Series: Book 1 of Struck

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Rating

Synopsis: Mia Price is a lightning addict. She's survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn't who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

Why read: Requested for review from Netgalley

What impressed me: I was really impressed with Struck. While I love the concept of cults in books, they often don't work for me. Struck was different. It took a post-disaster world, people with different abilities, and rival cults and made them mesh perfectly. The romance angle lightened the book up considerably, which was great given the darkness of the overall story.

What disappointed me: Mia wasn't the easiest character to like. She's very doom and gloom, understandably so given her history, but it doesn't make for an entertaining character.

Recommended: If you've ever wanted to check out a YA book featuring cults, Struck is the one to go with.

Continue series: Yes.

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

2012-05-09T11:00:00.001-04:00

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

2012, HarperTeen

Series: Book 4 of Wings

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Rating

Synopsis: Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer and destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days, in the stunning conclusion to the Wings series.

Why read: Received for review

What impressed me: I loved the sheer magnitude of Destined. The book wraps things up completely, and does so on a grandiose scale without dragging anything out. The book is heavy on the action, everyone's abilities come into play and we get to experience an all out was in Avalon.

What disappointed me: I didn't love the resolution to the love triangle (love square?) that was Laurel, Tamani, David and Chelsea. It was realistic, yet lacked the emotional fulfillment readers be looking for at this stage in the series.

Recommended: Definitely. If you've enjoyed the Wings saga so far, you have to see how it all ends.

What Should I Read This Month? May 2012

2012-05-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to "What Should I Read This Month?" Every year I sign up for way too many challenges, list all the books I've been dying to read and then inevitably have to give up on some of them for lack of time. These polls let you tell me which of the selections I should definitely not miss.

Last month The Dead Tossed Waves won with 44% of the vote.

This month's potential reads are:

Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes what they have to say.

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself—who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans—nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around...

To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something—though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex—but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life...and her soul.

The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

What if—whoosh, right now, with no explanation—a number of us simply vanished? Would some of us collapse? Would others of us go on, one foot in front of the other, as we did before the world turned upside down?

That’s what the bewildered citizens of Mapleton, who lost many of their neighbors, friends and lovers in the event known as the Sudden Departure, have to figure out. Because nothing has been the same since it happened—not marriages, not friendships, not even the relationships between parents and children.

Kevin Garvey, Mapleton’s new mayor, wants to speed up the healing process, to bring a sense of renewed hope and purpose to his traumatized community. Kevin’s own family has fallen apart in the wake of the disaster: his wife, Laurie, has left to join the Guilty Remnant, a homegrown cult whose members take a vow of silence; his son, Tom, is gone, too, dropping out of college to follow a sketchy prophet named Holy Wayne. Only Kevin’s teenaged daughter, Jill, remains, and she’s definitely not the sweet “A” student she used to be. Kevin wants to help her, but he’s distracted by his growing relationship with Nora Durst, a woman who lost her entire family on October 14th and is still reeling from the tragedy, even as she struggles to move beyond it and make a new start.

Cross Fire by James Patterson

Wedding bells ringDetective Alex Cross and Bree's wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington D.C.'s most corrupt: a dirty congressmen and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories--is the marksman a hero or a vigilante?

A murderer returns

The case explodes, and the FBI assigns agent Max Siegel to the investigation. As Alex and Siegel battle over jurisdiction, the murders continue. It becomes clear that they are the work of a professional who has detailed knowledge of his victims' movements--information that only a Washington insider could possess.

Caught in a lethal cross fire

As Alex contends with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good. With a supercharged blend of action, deception, and suspense, Cross Fire is James Patterson's most visceral and exciting Alex Cross novel ever.

The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson

Murder leaves a mark

Brett Kavanaugh is a tattoo artist and owner of an elite tattoo parlor in Las Vegas. When a girl makes an appointment for a tattoo of the name of her fiancé embedded in a heart, Brett takes the job but the girl never shows. The next thing Brett knows, the police are looking for her client, and the name she wanted on the tattoo isn't her fiancé's...

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

2012-05-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

2012, HarperTeen

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Rating

Synopsis: What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip to meet her father forces Anna to face the reality that hope and love are not options for her kind. When she confronts her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Why read: Received for review

What impressed me: Everything about Sweet Evil impressed me. I'm not usually a huge fan of fallen angel stories, but this book hit all the right notes. Anna comes to discover all that she is at a good pace, with just the right amount of shock and curiosity. There is a very interesting love aspect, as well as hugely interesting family dynamics going on. There was some road trip time that usually doesn't work for me, but it played out very nicely here. I loved Anna, as well as the other teens like her, the way they interacted with each other and their own family relations. I can't wait to read the rest of this trilogy.

What disappointed me: Not a single thing.

Recommended: Most definitely. A wonderful twist on the good vs. evil story.

April 2012 in Review

2012-05-01T14:23:00.001-04:00

Received for Review

Lyon's Bride: The Chattan Curse by Cathy Maxwell

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers

The Cabin in the Woods by Tim Lebbon

The Cabin in the Woods: The Official Visual Companion

Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan

The Paris Directive by Gerald Jay

Fireproof by Alex Kava

Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion

The Investigation of Ariel Warning by Robert Kalich

Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

Read

Deadline by Mira Grant
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
Gilt by Katherine Longshore
Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

Reviews

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
The Marked by Inara Scott
Only Yours by Susan Mallery
Only His by Susan Mallery
Firestarter by Stephen King
On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle
Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
Dollhouse: Epitaphs (Volume 1) by Jed Whedon
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter

Reading with Tequila Book Club: May 2012 Selection

2012-05-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Reading with Tequila Book Club chose action/thriller for May's genre. Our club selection:

Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly

If you'd to join us and discuss Seven Deadly Wonders this month, come join us on the Goodreads Reading with Tequila Book Club group.

The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter

2012-04-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter

2010, HQN Books

Series: Book 2 of Lords of the Underworld

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Rating

Synopsis: She has tempted many men...but never found her equal. Until now.

Though she has lived for centuries, Anya, goddess of anarchy, has never known pleasure. Until Lucien, the incarnation of death--a warrior eternally doomed to take souls to the hereafter. He draws her like no other. And Anya will risk anything to have him.

But when the merciless Lord of the Underworld is ordered by the gods to claim Anya herself, their uncontrollable attraction becomes an anguished pursuit. Now they must defeat the unconquerable forces that control them, before their thirst for one another demands a sacrifice of love beyond imagining...

Why read: Reading the series.

What impressed me: Anya makes a good match for Lucien. She has her own power that causes their relationship make more sense. I loved how Lucien couldn't believe she was interested in him - that she must have an evil ulterior motive. It showed a lot of the inner goings on of Lucien's mind.

What disappointed me: Anya's very convenient inability to to be intimate with Lucien was a huge annoyance. Yes, it dragged the story out, but it never created tension - just annoyance. I didn't really like that her reluctance to take that final step was due to an outside force rather than her own messed up psyche.

Recommended: Yes. This is a great addition to the Lords of the Underworld series.

Continue series: Definitely

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

2012-04-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

2012, Harlequin Teen

Series: Book 1 of Blood of Eden

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Rating

Synopsis: In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Why read: Received for review

What impressed me: We see Allie's life in this dystopian society before she becomes a vampire, which gives the reader a great feel for both viewpoints of this world. I loved the relationship she had with her vampire mentor, as well as the potential for romance with the human boy. It was great to see how her status as vampire changed everything in her world. Plus, no love triangle!

What disappointed me: The book was pretty long and dragged early in both Allie's mortal life as well as early into her relationship with her mentor. The fact-giving took an awful long time before the story get into the action parts.

Recommended: Yes. The Immortal Rules is a very well done YA vampire novel.

Continue series: Yes.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

2012-04-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Selection by Kiera Cass

2012, HarperTeen

Series: Book 1 of The Selection

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Rating

Synopsis: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Why read: Received for review

What impressed me: In a dystopian society, a dating game reality show premise ensuring one girl rise up from her station to become princess is hugely entertaining. Fans of dystopia will love the world, and how citizens are ranked. Dating game fans will love seeing how Maxon goes about making the his choice for a bride. Reality show fans will absolutely adore the scandal and backbiting that goes on between the girls that are fighting for Maxon's attention and affection. A wonderful story idea that really sucks you in along the way.

What disappointed me: America is a good character because of her disinterest in the entire princess choosing ordeal. Unfortunately, what makes her a compelling and different character will start grating readers nerves early and often. The love triangle aspect detracts completely from the awesome premise.

Recommended: Yes. The Selection is very reality-show-dystopia that's sure to please fans of both.

Continue series: Definitely.

Dollhouse: Epitaphs (Volume 1) by Jed Whedon

2012-04-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

Dollhouse: Epitaphs (Volume 1) by Jed Whedon

2012, Dark Horse

Series: Book 1 of Dollhouse: Epitaphs

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Rating

Synopsis: The Rossum Corporation''s Dollhouse technology has gone viral with a synchronized phone call that wiped the minds of everyone it reached, turning them into mindless killers. Those who avoided the call - including show favorites Echo, Alpha, Mag, Zone, and Griff - must try to survive in the sudden apocalypse and be wary of Rossum''s expansive technological reach. This is only the beginning!

Why read: Received for review

What impressed me: Epitaphs starts off after the Dollhouse TV series ended, managing to both continue the story as well as remind fans of what went down those last few episodes without rehashing ad nauseum. Fan favorites are easily recognizable, visually as well as through action and dialogue. Dollhouse was a constant build up towards its way too early conclusion and this first volume of Epitaphs gives more of the same - building up to something even bigger.

What disappointed me: Nothing.

Recommended: Dollhouse fans will love this continuation of the story, and it may just pick up new fans along the way.

Continue series: Yes, absolutely.

Giveaway: The Immortal Rules

2012-04-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a hardcover copy of The Immortal Rules!

To enter, leave a comment.. Be sure to include your email address in case you win!

US/Canada only
Entry deadline: Friday, April 27, 2011 at 11:59pm

Additional Entries

leave a new comment for each

* Liking Julie on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Kagawa-author/252661891438654

* Following Julie on Twitter: @Jkagawa http://twitter.com/Jkagawa

* Follow Julie on her blog: http://juliekagawa.blogspot.com/

* Follow Harlequin Teen on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HarlequinTEEN

* Follow Harlequin on Twitter: @HARLEQUINTEEN http://twitter.com/harlequinteen

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

2012-04-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

2012, St. Martin's Griffin

Series: Book 2 of Friday Harbor

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Rating

Synopsis: Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

Why read: Requested from Amazon Vine

What impressed me: Lucy and Sam's romance is absolutely wonderful. It starts off with a premise that makes it reasonably impossible to imagine things every working out long-term for them and the fun is watching how those beginnings waiver under the couples deep connection. Mostly realistic and very heartwarming. Lucy's relationship with her family and friends is quite interesting to experience as well.

What disappointed me: Things got a little too magically supernatural for my taste in contemporary romance. And we don't see nearly enough of Sam's family that we met in Christmas Eve in Friday Harbor.

Recommended: Yes. Rainshadow Road is great romance and wonderful addition to the Friday Harbor series.

Continue series: Yes, although I'm wary of more magical inclusions.

Spotlight Series: Wings

2012-04-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Critically acclaimed, internationally best-selling author Aprilynne Pike has been spinning tales since she was a child with a hyper-active imagination. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found out running; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne lives in Arizona with her husband and four kids; she is enjoying the sunshine.

Wings was the first YA faerie book I truly loved. Aprilynne Pike has perfected the unique origin of the creature that makes there faeries unlike any other you've read about in the past. The Wings series is an exciting quartet of books that will take you on a fantastic ride and eventually give you the closure you desire.

Important Characters to Know
Laurel - You're average teenage girl who learns she's not only a faerie, but an important one at that.

Tamani - Laurel's personal guard. Faerie. Has loved her since childhood.

David - Laurel's human boyfriend.

Wings (in reading order, links lead to my reviews)

Wings
Spells
Illusions
Destined

If you like the Wings series, you should try:

The Wondrous Strange series by Lesley Livingston

The Need Pixies series by Carrie Jones

The Faeriewalker series by Jenna Black

The Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr

The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

2012-04-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

2003, Berkeley

Series: Book 1 of Coffeehouse Mysteries

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Rating

Synopsis: Clare arrives at work to discover the assistant manager dead in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. Two detectives investigate. But when they find no sign of forced entry or foul play, they deem it an accident. Still, Clare is not convinced. And after the police leave, Clare can't help wondering...If this was an act of murder, is she in danger?

Why read: I love both coffee and cozy mysteries.

What impressed me: A great mystery. A great setting. I loved how coffee was incorporated in the story and more importantly, I loved Claire's relationships with the other characters. Between her ex-mother-in-law and her ex-husband, you really get to see some interesting sides to Claire and sets up for future possibilities.

What disappointed me: This is another cozy mystery series that can't possibly provide realistic involvement of the main character in the long run.

Recommended: If you love cozies and coffee, this book is definitely for you.

Continue series: Yes. I can see the potential to become completely addicted to the series.

Firestarter by Stephen King

2012-04-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

Firestarter by Stephen King

2003, Signet

Website / Goodreads / Amazon

Rating

Synopsis: Innocence and beauty ignite with evil and terror as a young girl exhibits signs of a wild and horrifying force.

Why read: Love Stephen King's books.

What impressed me: Firestarter delved a lot deeper into the how and why of Charlie's pyrokinesis that the original movie did. I found myself a lot more interested in the characters that I was when I watched the movie. There were some truly horrifying scenes, but mostly, the book worked because of King's ability to get deep into the psyche of his characters, which translates better on the page than on the screen.

What disappointed me: Firestarter kind of dragged on and on and on, when it really wasn't necessary for the plot. Charlie was held captive for quite some time and the reader is shown a lot of that - even though more often than not, she was uncommunicative and not really doing much of anything.

Recommended: Eh, not really. I'd suggest just watching the movie instead.

Only His by Susan Mallery

2012-04-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Only His by Susan Mallery

2011, HQN Books

Series: Book 6 of Fool's Gold

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Rating

Synopsis: Wedding bells are ringing in Fool's Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they've seen each other naked, but she'll never forget the way he broke her heart.

Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada's "business only" ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again...or will their past get in the way?

Why read: Love the series.

What impressed me: This series gets better and better with each new book. I loved the entire dynamic Tucker and Nevada had going. Their mutual past gets in the way of the present, interfering with both business and prospective love. They fight so hard against each other and their obvious desires that you just want to smack the two of them, all the while their getting deeper and deeper under your skin. This was another super quick, totally engaging Fool's Gold novel from Mallery and I'm not ashamed to admit I may just be addicted to the entire series.

What disappointed me: Not a thing.

Recommended: Most definitely. Start with book one and just try not to get swept up in the wonderfulness that is Fool's Gold.

Continue series: Absolutely.

What Should I Read This Month? April 2012

2012-04-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

Last month Pretty Little Liars won with 40% of the vote.

This month's potential reads are:

The Predicteds by Christine Seifert

Daphne is the new girl in town and is having trouble fitting in. At least she has Jesse--sort of. He wants to be more than "just friends," but there's something he's not telling her about his past. Something dangerous.

Flashforward by Robert J. Sawyer

Two minutes and seventeen seconds that changed the world

Suddenly, without warning, all seven billion people on Earth black out for more than two minutes. Millions die as planes fall from the sky, people tumble down staircases, and cars plow into each other.

But that’s the least of the survivors’ challenges. During the blackout, everyone experienced a glimpse of what his or her future holds—and the interlocking mosaic of these visions threatens to unravel the present.

The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

It is the year 2058, and technology now completely rules the world. But New York City Detective Eve Dallas knows that the irresistible impulses of the human heart are still ruled by just one thing-passion.

When a senator's daughter is killed, the secret life of prostitution she'd been leading is revealed. The high-profile case takes Lieutenant Eve Dallas into the rarefied circles of Washing-ton politics and society. Further complicating matters is Eve's growing attraction to Roarke, who is one of the wealthiest and most influential men on the planet, devilishly handsome... and the leading suspect in the investigation.

April Review Book Giveaway

2012-04-05T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Thirteen by Susie Moloney (ARC)

Wicked as They Come by Delilah S. Dawson (ARC)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (ARC)

The Selection by Kiera Cass (ARC)
Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas (ARC)
The Extinction Event by David Black (signed to Jennifer)
Hellforged by Nancy Holzner (signed to Jennifer)

One winner will receive their choice, up to 4 so they fit in a box, of the above gently read books that I received for review.

Rules:

Deadline for entry is Monday April 30, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.

Giveaway is open to all US residents.

To Enter: (mandatory)

Follow this blog on Google Connect (see right sidebar).

Fill out entry form below.

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Winner: March Review Book Giveaway!

2012-04-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

The winner of the March Review Book Giveaway is

maidenveil

who chose to receive Faery Tales & Nightmares, Are You Going to Kiss Me Now?, The Zombie Movie Encyclopedia, and So Pretty It Hurts!

Congratulations! Contact me at tantrumsandtequila@hotmail.com to claim your prize.

Only Yours by Susan Mallery

2012-04-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Only Yours by Susan Mallery

2011, HQN Books

Series: Book 5 of Fool's Gold

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

Rating

Synopsis: Montana Hendrix has found her calling--working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she's finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right...or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can't have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool's Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

Why read: Love the Fool's Gold series.

What impressed me: After reading both Ethan and Dakota's stories, readers will really feel as if they personally know the Hendrix family. This makes us immediately much more invested in how Montana's relationship works out. Now that she's finding her place in the world, you root for her and Simon the moment you meet him (as abrasive as he is). Simon is really the star of the novel. His complete emotional detachment is reminiscent of Raoul's romance, but it's taken further to the point where you often have to wonder if he has feelings at all. The developing relationship between the two and Simon's own personal development make the book that much more heartwarming.

What disappointed me: Absolutely nothing.

Recommended: Yes. Only Yours is one of the best of the series so far.

Continue series: Definitely.

7 Great Book Deals of the Week!

2012-04-03T10:52:00.000-04:00

Kindle
1.99 Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey
2.99 Monster High by Lisi Harrison
2.99 Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari
2.99 The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
2.99 The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch
2.99 Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
3.99 Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

*All prices accurate at posting

The Marked by Inara Scott

2012-04-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Marked by Inara Scott

2012, Hyperion Book CH

Series: Book 2 of Delcroix Academy

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Rating

Synopsis: All of her life, Dancia Lewis has wanted to use her powers for good. And now that she’s learned the truth about Delcroix Academy—and herself—she may just get the chance. But being part of Delcroix’s top secret Program isn’t anything like Dancia expected. She has to ask herself: what happens to the Talented kids who refuse to pledge their loyalty to the Program? And why did her friend Jack run away rather than join? Dancia’s adorable boyfriend Cam insists they need the help of every Talented student to defend Delcroix from dangerous enemies outside their gates. But Dancia has to wonder: what if Delcroix’s most frightening enemies come from within?

Why read: Requested from tour site

What impressed me: I loved how much more in depth the story is becoming. Finding out more about the different talents is totally engrossing. I love the way the school works as well. I really enjoyed how Dancia's female friendships are progressing and the obstacles they've all been facing. It feels very real the way boys can come between female friendships in high school even when you aren't fighting over the same guy. The stakes are getting higher and there was an air of tension and suspense that wasn't nearly as potent in the first novel.

What disappointed me: As more of the student's abilities are revealed, they're a little hard to keep track of. Often a character will be mentioned without their talent specifically mentioned and while there are only three types of abilities, there are way too many specific talents in each area to know who does what anymore. I'm also not really loving Cam and Dancia together anymore. I don't want her with Jack either, but Cam and Dancia together feels way off somehow.

Recommended:Yes. Run out and pick up a copy of The Candidates (now released as The Talents) and follow it up quickly with The Marked.

Continue series: Most definitely. I love the school, the characters and the abilities. I can't wait to see how everything plays out.

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

2012-04-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

1988, Grand Central Publishing

Series: Book 1 of Amelia Peabody

Website / Goodreads / Amazon

Rating

Synopsis: Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her debut Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way to Cairo, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been abandoned by her scoundrel lover. Together the two women sail up the Nile to an archeological site run by the Emerson brothers -- the irascible but dashing Radcliffe and the amiable Walter. Soon their little party is increased by one -- one mummy, that is, and a singularly lively example of the species. Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Now Amelia finds herself up against an unknown enemy -- and perilous forces that threaten to make her first Egyptian trip also her last...

Why read: I've never read a mystery with Egyptian archeology and found the idea intriguing.

What impressed me: I love that this book is historical in two ways - its setting being more than a century ago and its primary subject matter dealing with ancient Egypt. I loved the dual look at Egypt in both times. I really enjoyed the relationship between Evelyn and Amelia - as they are polar opposites, yet manage to bond and bring something much needed into each others lives. And I loved all the potential romance, especially how it brought a new angle into the story without compromising the mystery itself.

What disappointed me: The writing was sort of dry, feeling more like intellectual study rather than pleasure reading. Amelia is a difficult character to really get invested in as she is unconventional and abrasive given the time period. She's written that way on purpose, but how do you begin to care for someone so unemotional?

Recommended: Maybe? I really can't say one way or another until I find out if the books get better down the line.

Continue series: Yes. The first book in a series is always a little rough, but the potential cases are worth checking out another book or two.