Friday, May 31, 2013

Bewitching Book Tour Review of Blood of Angels by Marie Treanor


Description:

Obsession... a wounded hunter, a damaged vampire.

Six months ago, vampire hunter and inventive genius Istvan nearly died in the seminal battle that would change the relationship between humans and vampires forever.

A year before that, he first encountered sexy vampiress, Angyalka, owner of the Angel Club, favored haunt of the undead. Istvan won that round, but when he recklessly seeks her out again in search of the secret of angels, he's alone and so exhausted he can barely stand, let alone fight vampires. Plus Angyalka's out for revenge, and very happy to use his powerful sexual attraction to her…

But Angyalka has her own secret weaknesses as well as terrifying strengths even she doesn't understand. Their battle becomes one of wits and sex, but when someone bombs the club, they fight together to contain all the threats closing in on the Angel, from humans and vampires, including the sadistic killer who could just be dangerous enough to finally topple undead overlord Saloman.

As Istvan struggles to harness the mysterious power of angels, Angyalka needs a deeper strength to send away the fascinating hunter who delivers on all her deepest sensual desires and yet can't come to terms with her vampire nature.
(

Review:

Blood of Angels by Marie Treanor
4 out of 5

Boy was this novel hot!  Between the explosions of bombs and the explosion of lust, you can’t help but want to keep turning the page! 

Istavan

I had caught a hint that he “liked” liked Elizabeth in the prior series, but it was nice to get a confirmation.  Though I do feel bad for him, I am glad that he had moved on.

I really enjoyed getting to see how he ticked.  He is overly curious, he loves asking questions, he is willing to be whatever someone needs, and he is quick to help those around him. An added plus is that he is pretty creative, and he is intelligent. Together this mix makes a guy who is pretty desirable.

I think of all the hunters that we have met in this series and the prior series, he is the one that is least “tainted by his hate of vampires.  He sees them almost as more of a super human than alien or evil. 

Angylka

An agoraphobic, but she even with that flaw, she is still one of the strongest characters I’ve read recently.  She protects those she is loyal to and she will risk her fears to help her friends.

Her goal to make herself the strongest seems to be part of her need to be in control.  Not only of her life, but of others as well. 

Overall

This very hot novel was more about the desire between Istavan and Angylka, rather than a mystery to be solved or a villain to get rid of (which they still do, but it is a background story, honestly). But what you get is two people who can’t get enough of each other, let alone keep their hands off of each other.  And that wasn’t a bad thing. It was really more about healing (physically & mentally).

I loved the turning point in the novel where both Istavan and Angylka agree to help each other as well as admitting their real interest in each other.

I love how we got a compilation of all my favorite characters from the previous books.  With everyone there, it was a more well-rounded view of what was going on between both sides of the hunters/vampire situation.

And may I just say, I think the ending was so appropriate. 


Highly recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to reading more by Ms. Treanor.

Happy Reading!

Cana

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Bewitching Book Tour: Review of Blood Guilt by Marie Treanor


Description:

The first of a new vampire romance series, a sequel to the Awakened by Blood trilogy.

Mihaela, a fearless vampire hunter secretly haunted by loneliness and childhood tragedy, finds it difficult to adjust to the new world order where vampires are not always the bad guys. She's taking a much needed vacation in Scotland when she sees a little boy being chased through the streets of Edinburgh. Rescuing him brings bigger problems - two vampires from her past: Gavril, who killed her family; and the reclusive and troubled Maximilian, gifted Renaissance artist and one-time overlord of the most powerful undead community in the world. Maximilian once saved her life and now needs that favor returned. 

The earth moves for Mihaela in more ways than one. From Scotland to Budapest and Malta, she races against time to prevent a disastrous, vampire-induced earthquake and save an innocent yet powerful child – all while fighting a dreadful attraction to Maximilian, her only ally, whom she can’t afford to trust. For Maximilian, the hunter becomes a symbol of renewed existence, as he struggles to accept his past and rediscovers his appetite for blood and sex - and maybe even happiness.

Review:

Blood Guilt by Marie Treanor
5 out of 5

Oh, this was one delicious book.  Adventure, love, lust, mystery.  It was one big ball of fun that you just couldn’t put down!

Characters

Mihaela
Mihaela is a wounded warrior who has been missing something for a very long time since the loss of her family.  But I love how strong she is.  Even in the face of defeat and loss, she carries on.

I love her honesty, to both herself and to Max at the end of the book.  It was refreshing.  If anything, it gives you hope that they will make it. 

Maximillian

I loved getting to know Max better.  He had such a vague role in the previous books, but I was glad that he got to tell his story in this one.

I found his way of “punishment” for his betrayal to be interesting.  His guilt prevented him from living, but didn’t prevent him from re-living his mistake.

Robbie

Robbie was/is such a cute little boy.  I truly feel that there is more to him than we know.  I hope we get to find out.

Overall

Boy, this novel starts out with a yummy bang! Which just warns you about all the sexual tension and temptation and fulfillment you will get in this novel!

Learning what happened to Mihaela’s family and how their research could be used to destroy the world was interesting.  Plus, it was a great way of tying both the past to the present.

I was so glad to see that we were going to get some time with Elizabeth and Saloman.  They were my two favorite characters, and I can’t wait to see how their story continues.

I loved that this story started out with 2 people full of guilt.  But together they worked through it.  And there was still hope for them to continue.


Overall, this is a really good book.  I really enjoyed reading it, and I highly recommend it.

Happy Reading!

Cana

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Summer Schedule For the Blog

Hello to all my wonderful people!  

For the summer, Place of Reads will be doing posts only on Monday - Friday.  This will be for June 1st through September 1st.  I'm still willing to review and post for things, but as of 5 pm on Fridays, any blog business will have to wait till Monday at 7 am.  

I am going to use the weekends to their full use,which means taking a bit of time away from the computer to focus on my family.  

Happy Summer to Y'all!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Audio Book: Undead Sublet by Molly Harper



Description:

Executive chef Tess Maitland is banned from her five-star kitchen in Chicago to recover from "exhaustion". Choosing a random rental house in Half-Moon Hollow to spend time in, she's unaware that the house comes with a strange man.

Even though Sam Masden's ex-wife has rented the house out from under him, the divorce settlement allows him access to it for another ninety days. With Tess unable to go anywhere else, and Sam unwilling, a war of epic proportions is declared - and romantic sparks and heavy pots fly.

Review:

Undead Sublet by Molly Harper
5 out of 5

I loved this short story so much that I actually went and bought a couple more of Ms. Harper’s books on Audible.com.  I am also planning on reading her other series.

Boy, can I relate to Tess!  Thou we work different types of jobs, and I don’t have a sexy southern vampire in my life, I completely understand her nervous breakdown and her need to change her circumstances.  I think the way she did it was awesome. Personally, if I could move to get over a nervous breakdown, I would.

Sam is such a hot, steamy, idiot vampire.  But I still love him as a character.  The way he kept pranking Tess, kept pushing her to win the Bloody Bake-off, and kept inspiring her with her restaurant made him one appealing man.

Favorite part of the whole novel equals 2 words: Ghost Peppers!  Oh my gosh, that was the hottest (pun intended) scene in the book just because of how Tess felt about it.  I loved it!

I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know Jolene, Jane, Andrea, and all the others.  I can’t wait to see these characters again!

Overall, this is a great short story, and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Harper.


Happy Reading!

Cana

Saturday, May 25, 2013

A Re-Review: The Host by Stephanie Meyers


The Host (The Host, #1)

Description:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

Review:

The Host by Stephanie Meyers
5 out of 5

So let me start off by saying that I read this book the first time about 5.5 years ago.  I was told by 3 different friends that I HAD TO READ THIS BOOK!  Now, normally, this would immediately put me off about reading a particular book (plus after attempting to read Twilight I thought Stephanie Meyers had all the potential to be the suckiest writer in the world and was a supporter of unhealthy ideas that a woman can’t be whole without a man), but I decided that just this once I’d fall into book peer pressure. 

And I’m glad I did.  It is now one of my annual re-read books, along with The Blue Sword and Beauty by Robin McKinley and a few others.  So I decided this year to read it a bit earlier so that I could remember what I loved about the book before going to see the movie (no, I’m not expecting them to turn the almost 700 page book into a completely correct, word-for-word movie).  Yes, I’ve already reviewed it before, but here is my second look review.

BLOGGER/READER NOTE:  Since this about my 5th read of this book, I’ll tell you the truth… After the first time of reading it, I always skip the first 8 chapters.  I find them extremely boring.  The story for me doesn’t really pick up and become more interesting until she gets lost in the desert. So this review is of Chapter 9 to the end.

So, I think that Melanie and Wanderer as a pair thrown together definitely give a new meaning to talking to yourself… only I guess it wouldn’t be considered that.  Maybe it is multiple personalities, with one personality having no control and being really, really mouthy.  I do enjoy their internal/external debates and arguments. 

I also enjoy the changes in both of them.  Melanie is a strong, independent, and willing to sacrifice everything to protect her brother and Jared, while Wanderer is strong in a different way.  She is wise and promotes peace over violence.  I enjoyed both starting to question things and the way they are. Together they both learn from each other as well as learn from themselves.  There is such character growth and I love that!

Uncle Jeb is one of my favorite characters.  He seems so open and willing to give Wanderer a chance.  How he knew, I don’t know, but his utter faith that Melanie still existed within Wanderer was inspiring.  I also love how crazy he seems, but how sane he actually is.

Ian is an awesome wrench into this invasion-of-the-body-snatcher story.  Making this a story about a very confusing love triangle. Definitely a first in any book I’ve read before or since.

I also liked the fact that Ian was the only person to have empathy on what it could mean to be a Soul.  Of all people, I really enjoyed that it was him. 

I really enjoy how Wanderer figured out what to do to help one of the last remaining group of humans.  By getting food, medicine, clothes, etc., she helped set them up on the way to survive beyond the meager existence they were living. 

I think the final chapter was great.  There was a resolution for everyone, and that was good.  But better yet, there was a surprise at the end that could be expanded upon, but didn’t have to be.  It gave it all an ending of hope beyond just survival.  It was the hope of living and enjoying life again.

After all that is said and done, this book makes you think.  Think about who you are, why you do things, and who you want to be and who you want to be with.  It is also a great story to remember what it means to sacrifice everything (even your own life) for another because you love them.

I highly recommend this book.  And personally, I don’t think that Ms. Meyers needs to add anything else to this book by making it a series.

For my previous review, click here

Happy Reading!

Cana

Friday, May 24, 2013

Beautiful Monster by Bella Forest



Description:

Liam Swift is a young man Amy has always admired from afar. 

She's seen his face a thousand times; on the screen and in magazines. He seems unstoppable as his talent and beauty send him hurtling toward becoming a Hollywood legend...

Until one day - in what appears to be a fit of madness - he stuns the world by throwing it all away. Not even the most persistent reporter can fathom the reason behind Liam's decision. 

Never in Amy's wildest dreams could she have imagined this God of acting would go on to accept employment at her local boarding school. Or that he'd personally start teaching her drama lessons.

It seems life can't get much better for Amy ... until the sound of tortured weeping starts echoing through the thin walls of her dorm room each night, leading her to stumble upon a horrifying secret Liam had hoped to keep hidden forever...

Review:

Beautiful Monster by Bella Forest
5 out of 5

Characters

Porsche was such a great character, but I felt so bad for her. Between her disease and her gift, she never really seemed to rest. 

I found Amy to be an interesting character.  It wasn’t that I didn’t like her so much as I couldn’t relate to her on any real level.  But, I felt her desire to be like other girls, which is universal.

Liam was the prince in tarnished armor.  He is there, he wants to be everything that Amy needs/wants, but he carries so much of his own burdens that he can’t seem to fulfill that for her.

Everything Else

Ah, the fine performing arts!  This is one of my hearts favorite things.  So I loved the setting of a performing arts private school.

I find it interesting that this is really one of the first books that I have ever read with at least one HIV positive character, let alone a lead character.  But for me, I find that important that I read that.  So many people seem to forget that it exists and a lot still think the only way to get it is by sex.

I love the allusion to the story of Beauty and the Beast.  I mean, I love that story, as it is one of my favorite fairy tales, so of course I’m going to love it!

I think this version of a vampire is very interesting and unique.  I mean, how many vampire stories have you read where the vampire is human by day and a blood sucking creature by night.  That is so different that I like it.  It was just refreshing.

Thank the God above that this didn’t do a “Twilight”!  When Amy figured out what Liam was, she ran way after hearing his story (as any NORMAL girl would!).  But it was also different, because she ran for what I’d consider unusual reasons. 

I liked the concept of a Shield.  I think that it is a unique idea to counter the constant barrage of the supernatural world.  I just couldn’t help but think that being a Shield was more of a curse than a gift.

WHAT THE HECK!  CLIFFHANGER AGAIN?  ARGH! WHY OH WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!  What does Liam think he is doing?  What is Amy going to discover?  What is Porsche’s family going to do?
Don’t worry, I’ll figure it out in the next book… No matter the wait!

Overall

Overall, this is a great book, with a great story behind it.  I am definitely looking forward to the next book, and I highly recommend this book.


Happy Reading!

Cana

Monday, May 20, 2013

Audio Book: Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

Desire Unchained (Demonica, #2)



Description:

Pleasure is their ultimate weapon . . . 

Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn't resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy. 

A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he'd seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever. 

As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts-or succumb to a madman's evil plans.

Review:

Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
2 out of 5


So let me start out by saying first, I did not finish reading this book. It wasn’t that it wasn’t a good book. There were a few things that I really did like about it.  But I didn’t like how dark and heartbreaking it was. 
The scenes that were steamy and encouraging couldn’t outweigh the dark nature of this book.  And it kept getting darker and darker, which is why I stopped reading it.

Shade was interesting. A demon with many regrets, he holds himself emotionally apart from everyone, including his brothers.  To the point where he would even avoid taking a mate to protect himself from a curse (and I did wish that Shade would just open up to Runa… I think that if he did that most of his problems would be solved). 

I think my heart broke slightly when Runa told Shade she loved him, but he only got angry.  No woman could have handled it better. She didn’t get angry or upset, she just stood her ground and showed him that she truly did love him, better or worse. 

Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book.  I wish I could, but if you liked it, feel free to let me know why.


Happy Reading!

Cana

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Fate and Fury by Quinn Loftis

Fate and Fury (The Grey Wolves, #6)



Description:

The last few days have been the darkest of Sally’s life. After experiencing the joy of finding her mate, she now suffers the pain of losing everything she holds dear. Both the Romanian and Serbian packs have been captured, ripping Sally’s soul mate away from her almost as soon as she had found him. Her best friend and the emotional glue that usually holds Sally together, Jacque Pierce, lies writhing in a restless coma, having been put down by Desdemona’s dark magic. Jennifer Adams, the unshakable one, has revealed to her friends and her mate that she is pregnant, but the Fates have marked her unborn baby for death. Though she rails against the darkness, deep inside Jen knows that Decebel’s baby must die as payment for her own life, and the knowledge is tearing her soul to pieces. Cypher, King of the Warlocks, has claimed Jacque’s mother as his mate and agreed to help Desdemona open a door that would release a horde of demons from beyond the Veil. 

Though her world is crashing down around her, Sally holds out hope. The Great Luna is not sitting idly by. She has commanded the Fey council to call upon the packs—all of them. And though Cypher looks for a way to open the Veil for Desdemona, he struggles to protect Lilly and the wolves at the same time. Peri, the ever-courageous High Fae, and a contingent of the remaining females of the Romanian and Serbian packs, push on through the rough Carpathian Mountains. Though they are bound to the human realm, they continue to search for a way to cross over to the land of the Fey. Meanwhile, in reluctant obedience to the Great Luna, the Fey council sends representatives to the far corners of the globe, meeting with the pack Alphas. The Fey must convince the Alphas of every pack to lay aside their petty territorial squabbles and battles of dominance. If they refuse, both the humans and the supernatural races will fall at Mona’s feet.

Sally holds to a shred of hope. Though Vasile, Decebel, and their pack mates endure the torture of the In-Between, living their worst nightmares over and over, Sally holds. Though she knows that it is only a matter of time before their wolves take over, she holds. Sally knows that if the males die, then so too will their mates who have performed the Blood Rites, including her best friends Jen and Jacque. Yet she holds. If the males lose themselves to their wolves and turn feral, so too do their mates. Still she holds. Though Vasile, the strongest Alpha in their history to unite the wolves, is lost beyond the Veil, Sally holds. Though Decebel, the only other wolf besides Vaile strong enough to unite the packs, suffers beyond the Veil, Sally will hold. No one is left to unite their race, and defeat Desdemona. Yet Sally still holds. She holds out hope that the Great Luna will not abandon them, cannot abandon them. Throughout the centuries, the Great Luna has always provided a gypsy healer to the packs, especially in times of great need. Now Sally is that healer. Sally fears what role she has to play in the defeat of Desdemona, but she will play it. Though heaven and hell unite against her, she WILL play it.

For too long the supernatural races have lived in separation, warring amongst themselves, allowing trivial power plays and selfish disputes to keep them from uniting. That separation has made them weak. Now, being summoned as a collective force to the same land, will they come? Will they come in numbers greater than have been seen in centuries? Will they destroy each other and save Mona the trouble, or will they finally unite and fight as one?

Review:

Fate and Fury by Quinn Loftis
4.5 out of 5

The last few days have been the darkest of Sally’s life. After experiencing the joy of finding her mate, she now suffers the pain of losing everything she holds dear. Both the Romanian and Serbian packs have been captured, ripping Sally’s soul mate away from her almost as soon as she had found him. Her best friend and the emotional glue that usually holds Sally together, Jacque Pierce, lies writhing in a restless coma, having been put down by Desdemona’s dark magic. Jennifer Adams, the unshakable one, has revealed to her friends and her mate that she is pregnant, but the Fates have marked her unborn baby for death. Though she rails against the darkness, deep inside Jen knows that Decebel’s baby must die as payment for her own life, and the knowledge is tearing her soul to pieces. Cypher, King of the Warlocks, has claimed Jacque’s mother as his mate and agreed to help Desdemona open a door that would release a horde of demons from beyond the Veil.

Though her world is crashing down around her, Sally holds out hope. The Great Luna is not sitting idly by. She has commanded the Fey council to call upon the packs—all of them. And though Cypher looks for a way to open the Veil for Desdemona, he struggles to protect Lilly and the wolves at the same time. Peri, the ever-courageous High Fae, and a contingent of the remaining females of the Romanian and Serbian packs, push on through the rough Carpathian Mountains. Though they are bound to the human realm, they continue to search for a way to cross over to the land of the Fey. Meanwhile, in reluctant obedience to the Great Luna, the Fey council sends representatives to the far corners of the globe, meeting with the pack Alphas. The Fey must convince the Alphas of every pack to lay aside their petty territorial squabbles and battles of dominance. If they refuse, both the humans and the supernatural races will fall at Mona’s feet.

Sally holds to a shred of hope. Though Vasile, Decebel, and their pack mates endure the torture of the In-Between, living their worst nightmares over and over, Sally holds. Though she knows that it is only a matter of time before their wolves take over, she holds. Sally knows that if the males die, then so too will their mates who have performed the Blood Rites, including her best friends Jen and Jacque. Yet she holds. If the males lose themselves to their wolves and turn feral, so too do their mates. Still she holds. Though Vasile, the strongest Alpha in their history to unite the wolves, is lost beyond the Veil, Sally holds. Though Decebel, the only other wolf besides Vaile strong enough to unite the packs, suffers beyond the Veil, Sally will hold. No one is left to unite their race, and defeat Desdemona. Yet Sally still holds. She holds out hope that the Great Luna will not abandon them, cannot abandon them. Throughout the centuries, the Great Luna has always provided a gypsy healer to the packs, especially in times of great need. Now Sally is that healer. Sally fears what role she has to play in the defeat of Desdemona, but she will play it. Though heaven and hell unite against her, she WILL play it.

For too long the supernatural races have lived in separation, warring amongst themselves, allowing trivial power plays and selfish disputes to keep them from uniting. That separation has made them weak. Now, being summoned as a collective force to the same land, will they come? Will they come in numbers greater than have been seen in centuries? Will they destroy each other and save Mona the trouble, or will they finally unite and fight as one?


The saga continues and this book does not disappoint.  Our three friends are battling a witch, their mates, and the world ending.  It is just another day for them.  This book shows the final showdown with Mona.  There are a lot of subplots going on, so make sure to pay attention.  You don’t want to miss any of the drama. 
Fane and Jacque are heating up in this book.  They are facing some major mating problems.  These two have a lot more depth in this book then they have in the past couple.  They are no longer the high school lovers, but a couple with real issues.  Mona did a number on Fane in the In-between, and he won’t let Jacque in.  This messes with their bond and relationship.  I am happy to see more drama with these two because I was worried they were being over shadowed by Sally and Jen.
Jen and Decebel are heating it up as always.  A pregnant Jen makes things very interesting because her hormones are all over the place.  Add into that equation a very overprotective mate, and the fun just keeps coming.  Even with all of there fighting and teasing, Jen and Decebel show there soft sides behind closed doors.  The worry over their unborn daughter is very sweet.  You can really see the torment that Decebel is going through trying to protect his mate and child from the world.  These two are my favorites because they risk it all for each other and their pack.  I really enjoy how these characters have not changed during the books.  Jen and Decebel are still stubborn and loyal.  I just wonder if too much is happening to them.  These two never catch a break.
Sally and Costin are heating things up in this book.  Sally is much more confident and takes more action in this book.  Costin is right there with her every step of the way.  They are a mix between Jen’s and Jacque’s relationships.  It is nice to see Sally take a more active role in the books.  She is definitely in the spotlight more.  The fact that she is a gypsy healer adds a lot more depth to her relationship with Costin.  It is nice that she is the odd man out.
In the subplots, there is more going on with Jacque’s mom and the Warlock King.  Of course, Mona is up to no good as always.  The Fae are forced to come down out of their veil, and we meet the Elves.  There is way more going on in the book than the past ones.  It all runs smoothly though.  I really like how the Great Luna has turned this into the super naturals against Mona.  The last chapter was the only part I did not like.  I felt that it was a jumble of too many stories just thrown together.  Each story is important and exciting though.  Loftis definitely leaves you on the edge of your seat.  I am anxious to see what the next book has in store.

Happy Reading,

Kim

Friday, May 17, 2013

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

Twice Tempted (Night Prince, #2)



Description:

Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges...

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

Review:

Twice Tempted by Jeannine Frost
5 out of 5

Let me tell you how badly I’ve waited for this book.  When I discovered that it was at the Walmart the Friday before it was to be released, I begged my mom to go out in her pajamas and to go get it for me and bring it to me at work on 3rd shift.  Of course, I now owe my mother, but this book is so good, that it is really kind of worth it!

So, Vlad is one of the sexiest vampires in all of the world… But I think he is at his sexiest when Ms. Frost writes about him!  Yummy is all that I can say J

This novel has a lot to do with change.  I loved the changes in Leila.  How in the end she became as ruthless as Vlad (Oh, yeah, I really did love that!), and even how she changed physically.  I was kind of expecting it, but I did enjoy the surprise of how it happened.  Definitely unique.

Then there are the changes in Vlad.  He becomes more “open” to showing and saying how he feels about Leila to Leila.  How he planned the wedding!  Well, let me tell you, Vlad would be planning mine if I could make it happen!

Again, we get some Marty.  Marty is really a great character… I think he deserves a story.  Like maybe a novella (hint, hint!).

OMGoodness!  I loved the little bit of Cat & Bones we got to see.  Granted, it was really more Cat than Bones, but I know in my heart of hearts that Bones was chuckling heartily in the background.  Karmas a bitch and the reminder of that definitely helped to make this story rocking awesome!  (On a side note, I love how Leila and Vlad’s relationship reminds me of Cat and Bone’s.  It is deep dwelling, eternal, and sexy as hell!)

I really do not want to have to wait for the next book… I loved this book so much, what with the action, the romance, and Vlad the Impaler! 

I highly recommend this book!  I think it is amazing, and if you haven’t read the other books by Ms. Frost, I declare a state of emergency and demand/require that you do!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger



Description:

It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners—and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage—in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate, this YA series debut is filled with all the saucy adventure and droll humor Gail Carriger's legions of fans have come to adore.

Review:

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
5 out of 5

Werewolves, flywaymen, and vampires!  Oh my!  This book starts out with a bang, and keeps going!  And I really liked that about this book.  It reminded me of so many of my favorite books from my childhood, but just a bit cooler.

The Characters:

Sophronia

She strikes me as the steampunk version of Nancy Drew.  And since I loved Nancy Drew as a child, it is inevitable that I’d love Sophronia.  All the things she discovers, her ingenuity, and her honestly also help make her a very likeable character. She is also pretty creative and smart, which is a great combination with her spunk and independence.

I loved her way of looking at things.  She is very logical and very nonplus about what she does both at home and at Finishing School.

Vieve

The ultimate tomboy, she definitely encourages Sophronia in a lot of her adventures (or misadventures depending on how you look at it).

Soap

Very cute male character.  He is pretty unique in the fact that he is one of the only characters that isn’t upper class.  Plus he is a sootie and the only character that is of another race. 

I like how he is quick, smart and funny.  I think sometimes he is the only one who uses his common sense in this story :P.

Dimity

She is the complete opposite of Sophronia.  I think she is a perfect blend of a friend for Sophronia.  She is girly, well versed in the things of being part of an “evil” family and raised to be evil herself, and she loves fashion.   

Overall:

I loved learning about the technology in this steampunk world.  I especially loved Bumbersnoot.  I really would like to have a mechanimal. 

I think the idea of a nomadic finishing school is such a novel idea.  I mean, if you are going to teach young ladies how to finish and to be an intelligencer, then you really need to teach how to hide in plain sight. 

I liked getting to know this world.  I hadn’t read anything else by Ms. Carriger, but I think with this introduction that I’d like to read other works by her.  I found this book very enjoyable and unique in a lot of ways.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books from this series.  I highly recommend this book.


Happy Reading!

Cana

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday: Of Beast And Beauty by Stacey Jay




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 the beginning was the darkness, and in the darkness was a girl, and in the girl was a secret...

In the domed city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra, a Smooth Skin, is raised to be a human sacrifice whose death will ensure her city’s vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people, the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together, they could return balance to both their worlds.

Isra wants to help the city’s Banished people, second-class citizens despised for possessing Monstrous traits. But after she enlists the aid of her prisoner, Gem, who has been captured while trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, she begins to care for him, and to question everything she has been brought up to believe.

As secrets are revealed and Isra’s sight, which vanished during her childhood, returned, Isra will have to choose between duty to her people and the beast she has come to love.

Coming out on July 23, 2013


Why?
  1. First off, I love any retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  And this one sounds perfect!  I mean, how can I resist?
  2. I think this sounds too interesting for words, honestly.  It is almost like the wonderful combination of mythology and my favorite fairy tale.  I can’t resist this thing!
  3. I will admit, if it wasn’t the title attracting me, the cover definitely did.  It is gorgeous.  The blood with the rose, and the pale girl holding it.  There is enough to draw your attention in, but not too much to give it all away. 

So what are you waiting for?


Happy Reading!

Cana

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Bewitching Book Tour: Guest Blog by Dawna Raver




The Magykal World of Colours


Thank you for having me on your blog, Cana Elene. I really appreciate. I'd like to talk a little about the Colour Wielder world. While it takes place mostly in Conifer, Colorado, there is also the land of Magyk, or the Magykal Realm know as Flaitheas Draíochta.


When creating this story, I thought long and hard about what my ultimate, magical world would look like. Most of my literary life, I've adored Arthurian legends and Celtic deities. I thought, what if there was a realm where characters from these myths and legends lived together? What would that look like? What if it was open to any and all gods no matter their pantheon? How cool would that be?

So I did a ton of research, and pulled out characters that interested me. Then, I jumped off from there. I don't hold strictly to what myth says. I figure since it's myth, I can twisted these characters to fit my own purposes, though I do try to keep their basic essence. You'll meet characters you may have heard of,  though they may not act exactly the way you've seen them act before. In this series, two infamous characters from Arthurian legend play a major role. Writing them has been a challenge but a lot fun as well.

Once I had the characters, I needed a setting for them. The fun part was coming up with this land. Flaitheas Draíochta territory encompasses all of Europe, but it is separated from Mortal eyes by the Faerying Mysts. When you're behind the Mysts, you're in a natural world where the people and the land are intimately connected—neither can exist without the other. This is why Magyk reigns here and why it's expressed in vivid Colours. Life here is more vibrant and alive and so are the inhabitants. Because there is Magyk, there is no need for modern conveniences or modern ideals. The law of the land is harsh. But when you live in a place where monsters and mystical creatures dwell, it's not surprising that you live and die by the sword.

I will admit this is a place I'd like to visit. So how about you come with me? Spend a day with me in a world of Colours, Magyk, and romance. A place where anything and everything is possible. Where things and people you thought only existed in myths and legends are real. I promise you'll you won't be disappointed.

Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver



Description:

Behind the Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.

Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.



Arik Morgaine—demi-god bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

About the Author:

Dawna Raver is an the author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is her first novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and worshiping her dogs and husband.



And Now for a giveaway!

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Monday, May 13, 2013

Bewitching Book Tours Spotlight: Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver






Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver



Description:


Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.
Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine—Demigod bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

To Buys:


http://amzn.com/B00CFKG7DM

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Colour-Wielders/book-tMtgZRryvEeu7GBtvx4WmA/page1.html?s=5rtb8UtRTESNWZb4u5XHFA&r=1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/colour-wielders-dawna-raver/1115150790?ean=2940016519760



Author:



Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is debut first novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.





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And Now for a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Happy Reading!

Cana