Marcella-Louise

Anna N.~Where There Is Desire There Is Gonna Be A Flame is now following Chris Cole.

Jonetta (Ejaygirl) now owns a book. (see 7 more books added to shelf)

Sailon reviewed a book.

“The Moonstone is creating havoc with space and time.

Phaeton is trapped, leaving America alone and very pregnant. Phaeton is being held captive by Domina Valour and all the stops are pulled out to discover his where a bouts and form a rescue plan.. but Domina seems to be one step ahead...”

“The Moonstone is creating havoc with space and time.

Phaeton is trapped, leaving America alone and very pregnant. Phaeton is being held captive by Domina Valour and all the stops are pulled out to discover his where a bouts and form a rescue plan.. but Domina seems to be one step ahead of the Investigators.

Mia is having difficulties controlling her shifts and its causing wild sexual cravings...cravings she is focusing all on Dr. Exeter.

This is a highly erotic steampunkish story. To help control Mia's shifts, Dr. Exerter must teach her how to control herself through sexual release...while fighting his own personal desires for the young woman who has been living under his care. Of course, Mia has other plans and attempts pushes Exerter into sexual overload at every turn.

The story was extremely interesting and original with a great balance of erotica aspects and substantial plot building. Complex and developed story with panty melting sex, The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter was a brilliantly crafted read.

I received this ARC copy of The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter from Kensignton Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 25, 2013.”

Jen rated a book. (see 2 more books rated)

• Rated 4 stars

Jonetta (Ejaygirl) reviewed a book.

“Holly Carrington worked hard to finally make a name for herself as an interior designer with one of the top firms in the country. On the day she was promoted, she got that awful phone call, learning that her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident, leaving her as guardian to their...”

“Holly Carrington worked hard to finally make a name for herself as an interior designer with one of the top firms in the country. On the day she was promoted, she got that awful phone call, learning that her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident, leaving her as guardian to their six-month old daughter Ella. Holly had arranged to take two months off to help her sister renovate their grandmother’s house in her home town in Red River, not far from Toronto where she currently lives. Now she was left to complete the project but had no plans to keep the property. Plus, she was in no hurry to face Quinn Manning, the man who rejected her ten years ago and was handling the renovation (he runs his family’s building construction company).

This ended up being a bittersweet romance as Holly struggled to deal with the loss of her last relative, learn to take care of an infant and keep her career afloat. She never got over Quinn and he’s ready to pursue a relationship and wants her back in Red River for good. What I loved about the story is that it didn’t fall into the trap of Holly not knowing how to keep all the balls in the air but focused on her emotional turmoil around so much loss. Her fear of commitment made sense as a part of her closed down to protect herself. That included Ella, who she loved dearly but related to her as an aunt instead of what she was destined to be, her mother.

It’s a simple story and one I really enjoyed. Quinn is highly appealing as he is committed to not only Holly but little Ella. There were lots of heartwarming moments as they not only bonded with each other but with this charming little baby. So, if you’re in the mood for a sweet story set in a small town with a romance that heats up rather nicely (and hotly), try out this book. I’m already looking forward to going back there when Quinn’s brother, Jake, and Holly’s best friend Claire, are center stage.
”

Jen is now reading a book. (see 4 more books added to shelf)

Danielle rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

Sailon reviewed a book.

“Spartan Frost is Logan Quinn's short story, this takes place after Crimson Frost.

Logan Quinn is the strongest warrior in Mythos Academy, possessed he almost commits the most heinous crime...killing Gwen Frost and his friends.

Removing himself from the academy and all his...”

“Spartan Frost is Logan Quinn's short story, this takes place after Crimson Frost.

Logan Quinn is the strongest warrior in Mythos Academy, possessed he almost commits the most heinous crime...killing Gwen Frost and his friends.

Removing himself from the academy and all his friends, Logan has lost faith in himself. He is living with his father and they soon discover that the Reapers aren't done and the battle is far from over.

Spartan Frost is great insight into the mind of Logan after is ordeal. It might be short but it packed a punch...giving us just enough that make us want to beg for more! The Mythos Academy is a wonderful young adult series. Anxiously waiting for Midnight Frost coming July 30, 2013.

I received this ARC copy of Spartan Frost from Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 25, 2013.”

Angie D rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

Sailon reviewed a book.

“They are living among us but superior in so many ways. We don't even know the danger exists from this ultimate predator, but war is coming and the humans are going to get caught in the middle. You might wonder who they are...well they are the Ikati. A savage, passionate and lethal beings with...”

“They are living among us but superior in so many ways. We don't even know the danger exists from this ultimate predator, but war is coming and the humans are going to get caught in the middle. You might wonder who they are...well they are the Ikati. A savage, passionate and lethal beings with supernatural abilities. Some can shift, some can turn to mist and some are tired of hiding what they truly are...

Eliana is Ikati, living on the fridges of society she is in hiding from her own people. She one day dreams of living openly with humans and many are her friends, but a sinister plot may destroy all her dreams and hopes for her people and their future.

D, Demetrius, was once a guard to the royal family. Searching for Eliana has become an obsession for D. Knowing the evil enemy that hides in the ranks of the missing Ikati, D will stop at nothing to save Eliana from the path that is rushing toward them.

Swept away by this fabulous tale, I found Rapture's Edge completely captivating. J. T. Geissinger wove a tale of intrigue, romance, mystery, fantasy and action while building a dark and vivid world within our own world. Although this is the third book in this series, it stood on its own with no feeling of catching up or confusion. This was a contemporary fantasy with a good touch of hot and steamy romance...a perfect read for me.

I received this copy of Rapture's Edge from Montlake Romance in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 18, 2013.”

Lady S plans to read a book. (see 6 more books added to shelf)

Lady S rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

Princess Dana is now following Marlie Iglesias.

Sharon is an emotional book junkie is now reading a book. (see 3 more books added to shelf)

Sharon is an emotional book junkie reviewed a book.

“4.5 ★'s

So, we have a book that starts off with two people trying to commit suicide by drowning, that is, until they literally crash into each other...well, that doesn't like much of a romance novel does it? But...wait, just pull your big girl panties up and hang on because this...”

“4.5 ★'s

So, we have a book that starts off with two people trying to commit suicide by drowning, that is, until they literally crash into each other...well, that doesn't like much of a romance novel does it? But...wait, just pull your big girl panties up and hang on because this book is one wild rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you wanting more! And make sure you have the day free because you will get pulled under the spell of ♥ Hippo & Mermaid ♥.

If you are like me and an emotional book junkie, this book is perfect for you...even though I must admit some parts are a bit over the top and dramatic. But...it is a story and for the most part, it will make you hurt sooo good. The angst is almost overwhelming but I didn't want it to stop. The problem was I couldn't quit reading and before I knew it, It. Was. Over. :(

Kate has some problems but she's spent most of her life keeping them bottled up inside. No one really knows the real her but she feels a strong connection with Charlie from the beginning. We slowly get to find out bits and pieces of what has happened to her and what a train wreck her life has been. How can one person go through so much and still function? I felt much worse for her than Charlie. But somehow she endeared herself to me and I especially loved her bed (and the reasonings behind it) and how she made such cute bras and panties!

Charlie is someone who has gotten everything he has ever wanted...and more, so he lives in excess. Excessive drugs, excessive alcohol and excessive women...and whatever else he fancies and everyone wants him or at least a piece of him. And just like Kate, we slowly find out about him and what's happened in his life and what's been missing.

Once Kate realizes who Charlie is she knows this will not last so she decides to take life by the reigns and do what she wants. Enter the "love fest"....it's almost as if Charlie has given up all his other addiction for his addiction to Kate and having sex with her. There are some hot scenes....and some interesting scenes, some scenes that push the comfort zone and I have to admit I was a bit surprise by Kate but totally supportive! ;)

Then enters real life...Charlie has to go to work and that includes social functions. Problem #1 - that bothered me is that he wasn't exactly forthcoming about what he was doing and it was hard reading about Kate finding out from the papers and then not hearing from Charlie. Geez...the anxiety! Next, he actually has her met him at a club where he basically ignores her until he can't stand his jealousy over other guys talking and being with her. Again, that didn't pertain to him having his arm around another woman in front of Kate. But...the whole celebrity thing made sense especially with all the paparazzi.

Luckily, Kate has some good friends...she just doesn't really realize that they are there for her even when they kind of get caught up with the celebrity thing too. But it was great seeing Kate's walls come down and how she let herself enjoy life and what it has to offer.

Of course, there are some oh so not nice people. Problem #2 - was with one particular person...how could Charlie not notice this was going on and that things weren't adding up? Especially when they 'both' noticed the undergarments! This person caused so many problems, it wasn't even funny!

Problem #3 - was with Charlie himself and seeing his ugly side. The first part was after they left his parent's house and were at the car park...that was a bit surprising from him and sort of surprising that Kate would be so accepting especially after what she had been through. The next part was after the article came out...I get that he was hurt and worried but he said some horrible things and the way he acted. Ughhh...my heart went out to Kate. Then, of course, was the hotel...luckily, things could have been much worse.

Don't get me wrong...even though I have these concerns, I loved all the emotional drama. And with all the lows comes all the highs...the sweet, romantic, lovable parts are just oh sooo good and they definitely make up for any problems. (LOVED the posted notes and the star necklace...and the song!)

I loved that there was an epilogue, I only wish that we had a bit more between the last chapter and the epilogue! More of that part that I can't tell you about! ;) But the epilogue was fantastic and I loved where it ended....with "HELLO".

Good news...this book is a standalone and if you love The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred or God Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo, this has a very similar feel. And it does bear mentioning that the author is British so there is a lot of British terminology. It's not too hard to figure out most things.


Favorite quotes:

♥ “If you’re my reward for all the bad things that have happened to me, then what am I for you?” Kate asked.

“My angel.”

♥ “I want you so much I’m scared,” he whispered.

“I’m scared I want you so much,” Kate whispered back.

♥ “And although I love f*cking you, it’s far more than that. I love you because I can be honest with you. I trust you. I love you because you’ve made me see I’m more than I thought. I love you because you’ve made me real. I’m trying to ignore the fact that my dick gets excited when I even think your name.” He kissed the end of her nose and then pulled back. “Do you love me?”

“Yes, I love you.” She ran a finger along his lips. “You’re my other path, Charlie. Of course I love you.”

♥ “I need you so much,” he whispered. “You’re the beat of my heart, the air in my lungs. You make me feel safe. I don’t want to live without you. I want to spend my life making you happy. I want us to grow old together and when we die, I want us to die in each other’s arms, because I can’t live in a world without you by my side.””

SarahS @ WondrousReadings added a book. (see 2 more books added to shelf)

Sailon reviewed a book.

“My Rating: DNF

After Jenna’s brother commits suicide, Jenna’s parent ship her off to her mother’s sister’s home. At 17, she was about to embark on her college life but now without money for college, which was spent on her brother's funeral, her future is undecided.

Jenna meets...”

“My Rating: DNF

After Jenna’s brother commits suicide, Jenna’s parent ship her off to her mother’s sister’s home. At 17, she was about to embark on her college life but now without money for college, which was spent on her brother's funeral, her future is undecided.

Jenna meets the local “hunk” Benji Preston at a lake party in her aunt's town. Benji takes an instant interest in Jenna which cause major conflict with her cousin...her cousin has held a crush on Benji forever.

I did find Jenna's aunt and uncle generous and kind hearted. But...

This book wasn’t for me, after 60% I still had no attachment to the characters or any investment the story so I DNF.

This ARC copy of Shady Cove: New Girl in Town was given to me by Ava Catori Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 19, 2013.”

Dark Faerie Tales reviewed a book.

“Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: A good mystery with a surprising twist. And an ending that will have your jaw drop.

Opening Sentence: The dream always goes like this: I’m in the passenger seat of a car, racing down the interstate.

The...”

“Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: A good mystery with a surprising twist. And an ending that will have your jaw drop.

Opening Sentence: The dream always goes like this: I’m in the passenger seat of a car, racing down the interstate.

The Review:

Jill Hathaway’s Impostor is a stunning sequel that entertains the reader with this unique murder mystery. I absolutely loved Slide and couldn’t wait to dive into Impostor. Hathaway brings back Vee, who has a special ability to momentarily slide into a person’s state of mind, allowing her to control the person and their actions. The concept is unique, filling the pages with psychological thrills. Once again Hathaway delivers.

Impostor beings six months after Zane’s death. Vee has lost herself trying to cope with his death. She also is coming to grips with the reality of the new status of her and Rollins’ relationship. Vee constantly dreams about the night of Zane’s death. She is haunted because she slid into Zane moments before the crash. Sometimes she dreams of escaping, driving away in a car. But her dreams are slowly becoming real life. One night, she wakes up from her dream of escape to find out that she is actually in a car, speeding down the highway. Vee has no recollection of what happened, putting together pieces to solve the puzzle. Could there be someone else who can slide? Could they slide into her? These are the questions she asks and tries to solve.

Vee is someone I loved from the beginning. Impostor allowed me to become acquainted with all of the things I loved about her. Her tenacity and strength carries throughout her actions. She is once again surviving, growing stronger each day. She no longer keeps her ability at bay, allowing her to live in the moment. She has chosen to embrace it for what it is, but this time at an odd price.

I never really thought about having another person with the same abilities. I was so caught up in Vee that it escaped my mind. But the circumstances that Hathaway has brought to the reader is interesting. Vee is inherently good, but what if the other slider isn’t? The actions of a slide has consequences, and Vee is experiencing first hand the ill effects of the slide.

The tone of Impostor is a lot darker and fiercer. Hathaway brings this element of horror that is a step higher than Slide. Let me tell you, I was knee deep in reading intensity! I couldn’t get enough of the story, and I needed to know who was the impostor. Hathaway’s world is a realistic one, but the elements and details that she brings to the table allows for the reader to be transported away.

I loved everything until I didn’t. The ending wasn’t something I was expecting and it broke my heart. I was expecting something much more different, more sinister and evil. That set the difference between Impostor and Slide. But I will say Hathaway still threw me off. Impostor is still an amazing read, and I urge you to pick it up.

Notable Scene:

When I turn to face the front, Rollins gives me a questioning look. I mouth the word later at him and then fiddle with the radio. He growls and swats my hand away. Melting back into the seat, I welcome the normalcy of the scene. Rollins, rocking out behind the wheel. Mattie, in the back, scrutinizing a text message on her phone. Then there’s me, wondering if there was someone else in my head last night. An impostor.

FTC Advisory: Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins provided me with a copy of Impostor. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.”

Dark Faerie Tales reviewed a book.

“Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: Good short historical paranormal stories , and enjoyable for quick reads.

Opening Sentence: The two crosses were simple, the letters carved into the wood neat but obviously done by an untrained hand.

The...”

“Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: Good short historical paranormal stories , and enjoyable for quick reads.

Opening Sentence: The two crosses were simple, the letters carved into the wood neat but obviously done by an untrained hand.

The Review:

The Born to Bite anthology of stories are historical short stories with a laird theme. It’s always difficult for me to love anthologies. For the most part, I always want more. That was the case for this anthology. I am enjoying historicals again, and I loved that these were set in that period. This anthology is great for a weekend read, especially for those who love historical paranormal.

Dark Secret by Hannah Howell - Murdina Dunbar is an orphan and homeless without family, she traveled to locate her next relatives. Bad news changes Murdina’s plans, leaving her to accept a position as a maid in a local keep, Dunnantinny. She becomes assigned to be the maid of an important guest, Sir Baldwin, a dark and mysterious nobleman. Sir Baldwin holds a secret, as does Murdina, and chooses to keep his. She has no other reason, but trusts him in a way she can’t describe. Danger lurks around the corner, forcing Sir Baldwin and Murdina to run. What results is a relationship that is as warm as home.

Dark Secret was a nice read. I really enjoyed Murdina and Baldwin. For a short story, I felt I was satisfied with reading a full story. I didn’t feel like it lacked anything that I would have normally gotten from a full novel. It was interesting to see the different connections Murdina and Baldwin had. I enjoyed their relationship and conversations. It was easy, morphing into this natural progression. Great read.

Highland Vampire by Diana Cosby - In a ceremonial circle, Rowan Campbell discovers a dying warrior, Aedan MacGregor. Unable to resist him, she heals him with her blood, not realizing the bond they have formed. But with this act, Aedan realizes that he has found his mate. It is unheard of, breaking all of the rules. A fey and a vampire are drawn together. Rowan’s blood is dangerous, their union forbidden. Enemies would do everything to destroy this union.

I didn’t connect to Highland Vampire as much as I wanted to. It seemed rushed to me. There was so much history and lore woven into the story that it was hard to fathom the instant bond, the forbidden relationship, and the conclusion. My experience reading this could have been ruined after reading Dark Secret. The characters didn’t feel as solid and I didn’t connect. It was a good story, and I loved the potential, but for me, it didn’t fully carry out.

Never Been Bitten by Erica Ridley - Elspeth Ramsay is a paranormal investigator. She blends in the background, often missed, observing. In the height of the Regency Era, Eslpeth is tasked to investigate a rake suspected to be a vampire. Martainn Macane is a handsome rake, elusive to the women of the ton. He nips the women, earning the nickname Lord Lovenip. He is in search for a vampire of his own, crossing paths with Elspeth. Secrets are revealed, changing Elspeth’s life and heart forever.

Never Been Bitten was a cute story. I enjoyed Elspeth. She was a wallflower, but with a bright personality. I connected so much to her and her feelings. Maccane was fun to get to know, surprising me every step of the way. Her background and setting complimented her strong characters and story, making it an enjoyable read. Ridley did a great job with this story and is worth the read.

Dark Secret – 4 stars

Highland Vampires – 3 stars

Never Been Bitten – 4 stars

FTC Advisory: Kensington provided me with a copy of Born to Bite. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.”

Dark Faerie Tales reviewed a book.

“Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: A sequel a little better than the first, but just didn’t grab my attention.

Opening Sentence: A demon ended my childhood.

The Review:

K.J. Wignall brings us back to the Merican Trilogy with Alchemy. The story...”

“Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: A sequel a little better than the first, but just didn’t grab my attention.

Opening Sentence: A demon ended my childhood.

The Review:

K.J. Wignall brings us back to the Merican Trilogy with Alchemy. The story begins shortly after the end of Blood. Eloise has returned to school with the purpose of investigating Will’s past. Only visiting Eloise in the evening, Will has inhabited his family’s property. But danger has risked Eloise’s safety, forcing Will to keep her safe. A sorcerer named Wyndham is a threat, keeping watch over their actions. The plot progresses and the momentum moves forward. Can Will keep Eloise safe? And will they find what they’re looking for?

Each moment is cataloged in a journal-style entry with a third-person narrative. Wignall changes Will’s voice, which makes him a little more appealing. It was hard for me to connect to him in Blood, but that changes a bit in Alchemy. Will is a little more believable, a little more human. Will’s emotions, his vulnerabilities and fears were the one thing that allowed me to connect to him. There was a moment of disparity that made me long for his well being.

It’s rare that I would like a sequel over a debut, but that is the case for Alchemy. The writing seemed to have developed into something more natural, whereas Blood had a more forced plot. The depth of the characters were more substantial, easy for me to form tangible people rather than just words on a page. Wignall’s world was a little more believable, but there was something about it that I just couldn’t connect to.

It’s difficult to be a book in the sea of young adult paranormal stories, I felt that there were too many things already done before. I felt that the characters’ chemistry was too easy. The romance, which should have been complex and complicated, was actually fast and cliche. An arch nemesis was introduced, a rival to be defeated.

I wanted to love this book, and maybe I would have if I just didn’t read another amazing book previous to this. The world and the history of Will seems well-thought out with substance. But I couldn’t connect, and simply, I didn’t love. There were a few mistakes, but they were easy to look over.

It’s sad when my heart isn’t in a book. I hope that you’ll give it a try and maybe it will work for you.

Notable Scene:

Will thought of her clutching the pendant round her neck, but he had not seen the item of jewelry and could not now know what it had signified. Unless . . . He reached up and held the broken medallion round his own neck, wondering if this was what she’d been trying to tell him, to think on this medallion and all it promised. It was cold in his hand now, but it had been warm, and somewhere else its twin was warm against Eloise’s skin. It promised a different future to the one painted by Fairburn, and that different future was the only one Will dared imagine.

FTC Advisory: Egmont USA provided me with a copy of Alchemy. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.”