Thursday, August 30, 2012

Does This Unlace by C. D. Hussey

Description:


Does This Unlace? is a short, erotic story-more like a bonus scene-featuring the characters from La Luxure. A quick, dirty, free read...

It's Valentine's Day in New Orleans and the celebration is going strong at La Luxure, an underground blood-bar for Human Vampires. Julia has picked out a sexy new dress to tempt Armand. Will they make it upstairs?



My Review:



My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this little short novel by Ms. Hussey, we get to see Julia and Armand’s Valentine’s Day.  And let me tell you, it is HOT, HOT, HOT!

Really, I don’t know what else I can say about it.  Because it is that hot!  (And I’m glad I have read this story, because they do mention it in Eveillez: Deny Your Blood Lust, and it was nice to have a reference).  The only thing would be that it was too short :P.  Could have used a few more pages.

The only question I have is, will there be more short stories from the Human Vampire series?  I hope so, because I’m addicted and not ashamed to admit it!

I recommend this book, and HIGHLY recommend that you read the rest of the Human Vampire series by Ms. Hussey.

For the other reviews of books by this author, click on the titles below:

Eveillez: Deny Your Blood Lust (coming on 9/4 )



Happy Reading!


Cana

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 




Description:

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows. 

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? 

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

Coming out on September 18, 2012

Why? 
  1. How horrible!  I can't help but automatically pity Ember.  But seeing how she survives and what she finds out what is going on with her.
  2. I wonder what the catch is of all that she will learn from the "father" figure character. It is leading you to believe he is the bad guy, but what if he is the good guy?  Hmmmm.
  3. I love the cover!  You can't tell if she is dead, or if she is asleep, or just thinking.  Plus the colors are just beautiful!
What are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!

Cana

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Bewitching Blog Tour: Serafina and the Silent Vampire by Marie Treanor


Description:


Silence has never been so sinful…

Welcome to Edinburgh's unique psychic investigation agency, Serafina's.

Serafina MacBride is psychic - but not strictly honest. While staging a hilarious vampire attack at a client's party, Sera is stunned to encounter a real vampire - annoying, gorgeous and inaudible to everyone but her. When her client's son is found dead with puncture wounds in his neck, she tracks the silent vampire to his lair.

But the amoral and seductive  Blair is also on a mission - to find and kill a nest of young vampires who've invaded his territory. Soon Sera is drawn into the bizarre world of the undead, where danger lurks in the shadows along with forbidden sensual delights - and a murderous conspiracy to flood the world with financially astute vampires who talk.

Supported and hindered by Blair's eccentric, undead friends, and by her own motley crew from Serafina's, Sera and Blair uncover surprising truths about each other and about the mysterious Founder from whom all vampires are descended.
In the end, Sera draws on powers she never knew she had in a frantic fight to defeat the forces of evil and preserve the strange, complicated being  she's trying so hard not to love.

Click Here to Purchase


Excerpt:


“He doesn’t say anything, in case you haven’t noticed,” Tam retorted.
Sera glanced at her henchman without affection as she picked up the dropped stick. “You know what, Tam? Your loyalty is becoming seriously suspect.”
Even in the darkness, Tam managed to look affronted. His acting had improved by leaps and bounds.
The other man said conversationally, “He can’t hear me.”
 “Why, what did you stick in his ears?”
“Nothing. I’m not speaking.”
“Ah. I’m hearing voices in my head,” Sera said with blatant mockery.
“Aye,” Tam replied at the same time as the other man said, “My voice, at least.”
“And that would be because…?”
“You hit your head when you fell,” Tam answered.
“Because I’m a vampire,” said the stranger in the kilt.
Didn’t this idiot know when to quit? Sera took it upon herself to inform him. She stepped nearer and glared right into his handsome face. “So bite me, arsehole.”
This close, his dark eyes seemed to smolder. Every one of her nerve endings fizzed in confused warning. She wasn’t afraid of him, though; it was a long time since she’d been afraid of anyone. But neither was she stupid, and she gripped the sharp stick, ready to use in a flash, if necessary. She was prepared for anything he had to throw at her.
Except what he did.
He whispered, “I’d love to.” His lips curved into a predatory, devastating smile; his voice curled around her stomach, spreading heat where it had no business to be in this situation.
“Give it a rest, and go away,” she said crossly.
“Not a chance. I want to know what you’re up to.”
“I’ll call for help. Have you arrested or thrown out.”
The smile widened. “No, you won’t.” He didn’t trouble to elaborate. They both knew it was the truth.
Sera actually stamped her foot. “Christ, you’re annoying!”
“What do you expect? My supper’s been interrupted.” His gaze flickered to Tam, who was frowning uncertainly in their direction, and then returned to devour Sera in a way that would have been flattering had she not known he was playing a part. As it was, her treacherous body responded with a surge of blatant lust—which at least gave her one last, desperate idea.
She smiled at the stranger and leaned into him, stretching up on tiptoe so that her lips could reach his ear. He smelled of some elusive spice and sweet earth, and suddenly it wasn’t so difficult to act.
“I can tell you’re a man who likes excitement,” she murmured, letting her breath stir his ear, the soft, tiny hairs on his skin. His breath didn’t hitch, but at least he bent nearer her, betraying that he wasn’t unmoved. She smiled again, knowing she was so close he’d feel her lips almost touching his ear. “Wait here for me. I’ll be back in five minutes and we can…talk.”
On the last word, she let her breast brush against his chest. Whatever it did to him, her own body screamed awareness. Her nipples hardened, egging her on, while some intense, wicked excitement threatened to overwhelm her. Because she could win now, make him wait while she and her henchmen did what they’d come here for. And later, she could find out what the hell was going on, and if Ferdy had employed this guy too.
She leaned back, returning her feet flat to the ground. The stranger’s odd, dark eyes flamed with what she hoped was arousal. He said, “Why don’t we ‘talk’ first?” And bent over her.
She stepped smartly backward. “Tam,” she whispered. “I have to get rid of Tam.”
“I don’t mind Tam.” His gaze lifted from the rapid rise and fall of her breasts to her throat. His lips, full and sensual, parted as they smiled, revealing a glimpse of pointed canine teeth.
“Oh Jesus H. Ch—” she began in frustration, and broke off in mid-word as he lifted his hand to her neck, brushing her skin with one soft, blatantly sexual caress.
“It’s you I want,” he whispered. She felt no breath on her skin, no warmth from him to excite her, and yet his words thrilled from her mind to every nerve in her body. And then cold sliced through her like a shard of ice.
It blasted her. Yet there was no vision, only a profound, red-tinged blackness she couldn’t bear to look into. She caught a little fun and pleasure and humor from the mix, bleeding from the darkness, but the overwhelming sensation was of death and pulsating, unreachable memory, cold and black and terrifyingly profound. Although Sera was used to picking up emotions, even visions, from touch, it took her several disoriented moments to realize that this dreadful flood had grown out of the sensual caress of his fingertips, of the smell and feel that was uniquely him. Him, God help her.
She threw herself backward out of his awful reach, stifling the cry of agony that tried to burst from her lips. Christ, who are you? What have you done…?
Their eyes locked. Sera heard only her own panting breath. The smile still curving the stranger’s lips began to die. He took another step nearer her, and she raised one useless hand to ward him off.
And someone screamed, loud and insistent.


Author:


Marie Treanor lives in Scotland with her eccentric husband and three much-too-smart children. Having grown bored with city life, she resides these days in a picturesque village by the sea where she is lucky enough to enjoy herself avoiding housework and writing sensual stories of paranormal romance and fantasy.

Marie Treanor has published more than twenty ebooks with small presses, (Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Changeling Press and The Wild Rose Press), including a former Kindle bestseller, Killing JoeBlood on Silk: an Awakened by Blood novel, was her New York debut with NAL.




My Review:


Let me tell you, this is one of those books that you read, and you finish it, you throw things, scream, and cry just because you then have to wait for the next book (if you need proof that I did this, ask my co-workers… They thought I was possessed!).  But I was frustrated that I have to wait.  I don’t wait well.

This great story had all the things that you need for a great mystery/romance:  Mystery & Romance!  You are trying to get to know the characters at the same time, so it keeps the pace of the novel going smoothly.  I thought it was interesting how we could see some of the flashes of memories when Sera would touch someone/something.  Figuring out what was going on, who was doing it, what their goal was, and how it was all going to end was very interesting. 

I LOVED Blair!  I never thought that I’d like silent vampires, but let me tell you I think I could become very attached to silent vampires  J.  He has lived so long as a vampire, lost the bit of humanity that he had, but he can’t help but be drawn to Serafina.  The way he treats her, treasures her, and just those hot steamy scenes with him…. Yep, best vampire ever!

Serafina is a great character.  She has her faults, but overall, she is a good person who is looking to help those who seek a connection with their loved ones.  She has her own baggage that she is carrying: foster families, unknown birth family, and her special gift alienating her from the rest of society.  But how she deals with it and how she uses it to her advantage is a great example of working on overcoming your past. 

I thought it was a great twist to the vampire myth.  Silent vampires would be the best kind.  You couldn’t accidently reveal your secret, but it sure would make it hard to have a relationship.  The other things that made them vampires was great, but there were still common myths that were kept to make them truly like the vampires we were scared of as kids. 

So this is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Treanor, but I’m definitely going to catch up with her other novels as soon as I can.  Highly recommend this book, and am really looking forward to reading more by Ms. Treanor. 

And after all that, here is a great giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Happy Reading!

Cana

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Vessell by Sarah Beth Durst

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 




Description:


In a desert land where serpents made of unbreakable glass fly through the sky and wolves made of only sand hunt within storms, Liyana is destined to be a vessel, to sacrifice herself so that her clan’s goddess can inhabit her body... but her goddess never comes.


Comes out on September 11, 2012


Why?
  1. This sounds amazing.  Actually, it reminds me a lot of the Greek myth Andromeda with the sacrifice.  But how the story goes is definitely different. 
  2. I am automatically wondering if the goddess doesn't come, or does she come and no one notices?
  3. Beautiful cover!  Mysterious and exotic.  Definitely an eye catching cover.
What are you waiting for?


Happy Reading!


Cana

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

Description:


Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .


Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .


Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .


Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.


My Review:


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In the sequel to Firelight, we get a better introduction to Daisy, Miranda’s sister, and Ian Ranulf. We got glimpses of them in Firelight, but now we get a beautiful eye-full (literally since we are reading) about who they are. 

While Firelight seemed to be a version of Beauty and the Beast, I think Moonglow is a version of Little Red Riding Hood, and a yummy one at that.  Not only is Daisy little Red, there are two wolves vying for her. Plus someone else who is causing trouble.  I think that is what makes this book so enjoyable.  You want to know who actual trouble maker is, who survive and who will not. 

I thought I loved Miranda from Firelight, but Daisy stole my attention immediately.  Her own self-worth has been almost destroyed by her deceased husband and though she tries to play it off that she doesn’t care, she is wandering around with an empty hole that is begging to be filled.  You honestly want to just hold her and let her cry on your shoulder.  But you admire her for carrying on, trying to prove to her deceased husband that she is worth something.

I didn’t really like Ian at first.  I honestly thought he was a giant ass (and for the most part, I wasn’t too far off), but he grew on me like a fine fungus.  Now, I can say that he was an enjoyable character that had many flaws.  I think the reason that I didn’t like him as much was because of the walls he had built due to the pains of his sins.  Once the walls were exposed, and what was behind them released, he was a character you could easily cheer on to succeed in life. 

I loved the theme of this book:  Redemption.  In a lot of ways, it was about redemption in their own eyes.  Knowing that the past has no control other than what you give it, and that holding onto the past prevents any future.

I loved how this book gave explanation on Miranda’s gift… And to top it off, a wonderful twist is given (sorry, no spoilers).  Definitely makes me want to learn more about the Ellis family. 

There is a wonderful set up for the next book, and I really, really don’t want to have to wait for it.  L  I hope for it to come soon!

I highly recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the next one. 





Happy Reading!


Cana

Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Description:


"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.



My Review:




My rating: 4 of 5 stars



In a post-apocalyptic world, there are 3 things that you know for sure:  1. The vampires only care for the humans because they are the only form of food a vampire can survive on; 2. Outside of the Vampire Cities, there is nothing but wilderness and the Rabids; 3. It is always better to die than become a rabid. 

To me, the Rabids (a mutated form of vampire) is like a zombie that is infected with rabies.  They stay away from water, a bite (if they don’t eat you first) will make you a Rabid and this includes any animal they bite too.  And their never ending thirst is only surpassed by their loss of humanity.

The interplay between Zeke and Allie and the interplay between Allie’s human side and her vampire side are very interesting.  They definitely give a certain flow to it that you can’t help but get caught up in.  You wonder if they could make it work?  What is Zeke going to do when/if he discovers that Allie is no longer human.  What about the rest of the group and what they might think once they realize who and what Allie is?  Agh!  It just keeps you thinking.

I loved the discoveries that Allie made.  First, by finding out who the vampire who “saved” her by Turning her really was.  Second, what was actually outside the Vampire Cities.  Third, who Jeb was, and why he was running.  And finally, who she really was (my favorite).

I think it is a wonderful turn on the vampire myth.  Putting it into a dystopian world, what would happen and how we as humans might respond is very important towards our survival.

The only thing that bothered me was the ending.  It is so open. Will she survive?  Will Eden discover a cure for Rabidism?  What will happen to Kanin?  What will happen with Jackal?  AGH! Again with the questions!

This is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Kagawa.  I thought it was remarkably well done, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.  I look forward to reading more by her.  I highly recommend this book!


Happy Reading!


Cana

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Bewitching Book Tour Release Day Blitz! Fligth by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Today we are excited about  the release of 
Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Description:
Flight
By Alyssa Rose Ivy
The Crescent Chronicles, Book 1

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.




Author Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. 

Click on the following links to learn more about this great author!

Facebook



Happy Reading!

Cana



Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Defiance by C. J. Redwine

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 




Description:


Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her. 


At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared. 


As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.


Coming Out on August 28, 2012


Why:
  1. OMGoodness.  A strong willed female character that is a bit out of her time with her independence.... Sign me up!
  2. A love interest that isn't one, or is he?  Hmmm.
  3. Sounds a bit like the medieval or dark ages.  One of my favorite time periods.  
  4. Honestly, look at the cover!  Mysterious, but shows Rachel's dangerousness.  I love it!

What are you waiting for?


Happy Reading!


Cana

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A Touch of Greek by Tina Folsom

Description:


Selfish and gorgeous Greek God Triton is cast out of Olympus after seducing Zeus’ mistress and can only gain reentry if he finds a woman who loves him for his kindness and selflessness, not his beauty. When the mortal Sophia – recovering from an eye operation and virtually blind – needs a home healthcare worker, he takes on the role, hoping she will be his ticket home. 

While defending Sophia from an unknown adversary, Triton’s protective instinct emerges. At the same time rival Gods do everything to doom him to failure. And even if Triton can win Sophia’s love, will he throw it away to return home, or will he lose his own heart to the only woman who truly sees him? 

A Touch of Greek is the first book in the humorous and sexy paranormal romance series Out of Olympus following the romantic adventures of four Gods: Triton, Dionysus, Eros, and Hermes.




My Review


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This very sexy trashy-romance combines the best of two worlds:  Hot romance and Greek Mythology.  Better yet, it was attention grabbing, and was attention keeping!  You can’t help but love a book that will do that. 

So, at first I didn’t like Triton, but then again, I don’t think you were supposed to.  Triton was such an ass, but I love the changes that happened over time of the book.  He went from being asshole playboy to actually caring for Sophia.  The hoops he jumped through at first was because of his selfishness, but later the hoops he created for himself to jump through were amazingly sweet. 

Sophia is a self-confident woman, who has had a hard time since she was a child.  She has seen the gods, and mystical creatures since she was a small child, and has thought that she was going crazy for years.  The fact that she didn’t like Triton at first was great, but it was fun to see what did once she realized that he was the one wooing her. 

To add to the greatness of the book is the mystery on what is actually going on in Sophia’s house turning B & B.  All the accidents, and changes in supplies.  You know what is going on, but you just aren’t sure what it is. 

High point:  Seeing Eros, Dionysius, Zeus, and Neptune in all their Greek god glory, and what potential asses they can be/ are.  I think it makes Greek mythology come to life :P!

Another high point was the location:  Charleston, SC.  As a South Carolina Girl, I love that this book has a wonderful combination of reality and mythology.

Final high point I’m going to hit on:  Steamy Romance Scenes.  OMGoodness, Triton and Sophia’s whirlwind romance does give readers an eyeful.  J  Very nice way to end a day of work!

Overall, I thought this was a great book, and I recommend it.  But this is for Adults only, as it explores some very adult subjects. 


Happy Reading!


Cana

Monday, August 13, 2012

What Are You Reading



It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by Book Journey . Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

So because of my busy schedule, I'm only going to do this once a month.  :P  I know, such a slacker, but reading is more important than me doing this every week!


What I read this past month:









What I'm currently reading and will be reading for the next month!



(My first Audio Book EVER!)











And probably so much more... I'll check in again in September!


What are you reading?


Happy Reading!

Cana

Sunday, August 12, 2012

ARC Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan


Description:

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

My Review:


My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve ever read by Ms. Brennan, and unfortunately, I must say that it will probably be the last for a while.  I didn’t even finish this book. It is in my DNF (Did Not Finish) stack.  I read to the halfway point, and realized that it was not going to be an entertaining book for me. 

Now you might be wondering, why I didn’t want to finish this book? 

·         Jared seems to be a crazy, confused, selfish asshole (yep, Kami got that right).  He wasn’t appealing at the least, and he doesn’t get appealing as the story continues.
·         The whole Lynburn mystery was confusing and not attention grabbing for me.  I found the adults pussy-footing around the subject of the Lynburns to not be even encouraging to learning more about the mystery. 
·         I was confused on what was going on with the special “connection” between Kami and Jared.  Especially when she refers to him as her imaginary friend.  I was expecting something different, something that wouldn’t mean that her imaginary friend was actually real. 
·         There was something very “Twilight” about this book.  The “I want to be with you but can’t” that Jared gives was just too much for me.  And his stupidity towards the issue that he has a connection with Kami was just too much. 

High points in the book were pretty much Kami.  She is a strong, confident troublemaker that you can’t help but like.  She reminds me of any high school girl, and has the potential of being a great character.  Unfortunately, she was not enough for me to keep reading this book.

Give it a try if you want, but here at the Place of Reads, we are not recommending it. 


Happy Reading!

Cana

Saturday, August 11, 2012

ARC Review: Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle

Description:


Miranda has Shakespeare in her blood: she hopes one day to become a Shakespearean actor like her famous parents. At least, she does until her disastrous performance in her school's staging of The Taming of the Shrew. Humiliated, Miranda skips the opening-night party. All she wants to do is hide. 

Fellow cast member, Stephen Langford, has other plans for Miranda. When he steps out of the backstage shadows and asks if she'd like to meet Shakespeare, Miranda thinks he's a total nutcase. But before she can object, Stephen whisks her back to 16th century England—the world Stephen's really from. He wants Miranda to use her acting talents and modern-day charms on the young Will Shakespeare. Without her help, Stephen claims, the world will lose its greatest playwright. 

Miranda isn't convinced she's the girl for the job. Why would Shakespeare care about her? And just who is this infuriating time traveler, Stephen Langford? Reluctantly, she agrees to help, knowing that it's her only chance of getting back to the present and her "real" life. What Miranda doesn't bargain for is finding true love . . . with no acting required.


My Review:





My rating: 1 of 5 stars



Now, normally, I love time travel books, and I love Shakespeare.  So, when I read the synopsis of the book, I thought that this was going to be a wonderful read.  Unfortunately, this book did not meet my standards for either category. 

I did not enjoy this book, so I did not finish this book, and let me tell you why. 

·         Miranda’s character was whiney, demanding, and just plain annoying.  I didn’t find her as appealing as the synopsis would possibly make her.
  
·         The lack of differences about modern times to Elizabethan times wasn’t even approached.  At least in other time travel books they bring up issues like plumbing, clothing, food, etc.  There was very little mention in the differences other than in passing. 

·         I found it disturbing how nonchalant Miranda was at the idea of seducing Shakespeare.  I’m sorry, that is not an everyday subject and shouldn’t be approached like a discussion on what is for lunch.

·         I felt that it was a bit bothersome that Miranda still spoke with a lot of modern lingo, while everyone else spoke Elizabethan English.  Really?  I mean, it really stood out like a sore thumb. 

·       I felt that there was little flow to the novel, though in some places it flowed better than others.  But all the deceit, planning seduction, and trying to figure out the mystery within the novel doesn’t help keep the flow going. 

Overall, I can’t recommend this book.  Will I ever try and read it again?  Probably not. 


Happy Reading!


Cana

Thursday, August 9, 2012

ARC Review: Silver by Talia Vance


Description:


An Irish heritage, Celtic myth, and deadly beauty

In eighth grade, Brianna did something so dreadful she was suspended and homeschooled. No one could explain what happened that night . . . except Brianna's Irish grandmother, who gave her a silver charm bracelet and told her to wear it until she turned seventeen. Ever since she slipped it on, Brianna has felt like she's invisible. People stare right past her as if she doesn't exist. And that includes Blake Williams, the one boy she can't resist.

But everything changes in one frozen, silver moment when Blake sees her--and recognizes what she's been hiding. Brianna is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth. Yet before she can fully understand who or what she is, Brianna accidentally binds her soul to Blake--whose tribe has spent the last thousand years hunting Danu's descendants to protect humanity.


My Review:




My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OH MY GOODNESS!  (yep, this book is so good I have to spell it out!)  So when I started Silver, I was like, this sounds interesting.  The characters, the events, and the history behind it all, blend together perfectly together to create an amazing book.

So, I think that Brianna is a great character.  After years of being ignored, she is finally “seen” by the one that she wants to see her.  Unfortunately, she is also seen by many others that she should really avoid.  On top of this, she has almost no background about what she is becoming, what she could do and if anything about her is safe and normal.  She is learning on the run and in the process discovers what kind of person she is and how strong she is.

Blake is at once an ass and a prince.  After years of not being able to see Brianna, he finally sees her and is immediately lost.  Unfortunately, he withholds information from her, purposely starts ignoring her, and blames her for a lot of stuff.  At times he seems to act like a spoiled child because he isn’t getting what he wants from Brianna, but other times… He is amazing.  He wants her to learn how to defend herself against his kind, to fight for her life. 

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Celtic mythology used in this novel!  As someone who is proud of my Irish heritage, I loved how Ms. Vance used Celtic mythology as something other than fairies.  Plus, I do wonder who Austin is in the Celtic mythology.  I do have my own theory on that, but I’m curious!

I would love to get more information on the Killian/Danu story, which I’m hoping will come in a second book.  I also want to see what decisions will be made for Brianna and Blake, plus if they both can stand against the storm that is coming for them.  Actually, I just hope there is a second book because I just really enjoyed this book. 

I think that Ms. Vance did a great job on the ending of this novel.  There was no cliff hanger (kudos on avoid that cliché), but not everything was resolved (perfect ending to begin a new book with).  Plus, the actions that take place shows how the characters have grown.

The only thing I had a problem with: the synopsis.  Now, don’t get me wrong, the synopsis is “technically” correct, but it sets you up on your expectations on how things are going to occur in the book.  DO NOT BELIEVE IT!  I liked the actual ARC cover synopsis.  I get the info that I need, and don’t feel set up for certain events to occur in certain order. Again, do not take this as a “bad” thing about the book.  This book was absolutely amazing!

I highly recommend this book and look forward from this author!



Happy Reading!


Cana

Happy Reading!


Cana