Prometheus - New Trailer

There's a new trailer for Prometheus out in the world. Really, how awesome does this movie look? I went to the Prometheus panel at Wonder Con earlier this year and it looked great. I am very excited to see Ridley Scott back helming a sci fi movie and it just looks like it's going to be really good. Only a month or so left before the movie comes out. What do you think of the new trailer?

---

You can find Thuy on Twitter @fishgirl182

Stacked (1)

Hi, everyone. As you can see, there is no IMM today. If you're a book blogger, you're probably aware of all the drama that occurred this week in the book blogging world. I don't want to comment on it too much because a lot has already been said and everyone is going to have their own opinion. For me this means that I am no longer going to participate in IMM. I still want to share my book hauls with you though so I decided to start my own weekly feature called Stacked (this title may change).  This is by no means an original feature but just a way for me to share my books with you.  I hope to have a nifty graphic for it soon.  I respect anyone's choice to still participate or not in IMM and will visit and comment on your book haul post. Now, onto the books!

I didn't buy too many books this week but I did go to the library. I could just go on about how much I love the library but you guys already know. I also went to the Christopher Moore signing at Vroman's this week, which was super fun. I'll have a whole recap on that at some point. 

 Borrowed

Why We Broke Up by Daniele Handler and Maira Kalman -  I have heard mixed things about this book but any book that has lots of illustrations is something I want to try. Nice and shiny from the library.

172 Hours of the Moon by Johan Harstad - Based on Lauren's review on 365 Days of Reading, I knew I had to pick this up. Sounds super creepy!

Before I Go To Sleep by by S. J. Watson - This is my book club book this month. I don't know much about this except that it's sort of like Memento (love that movie!) because the main character wakes up every day losing their memory. Another creepy sounding read.

Cake Ladies by Jodi Roden - I like to check out cookbooks from the library before buying. This cake book is based on traditional Southern recipes. I love cookbooks like these based on tradition and word of mouth recipes. 

with my "free crap" as moore called it

Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore - As I said, I went to the signing yesterday and bought Moore's newest book. The cover is so gorgeous! Also got a nifty tattoo to go with it.

Ebooks purchased

The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan - I love Milan's historical romances and this novella is the teaser for a new series coming out this year. Given that I loved her last novella, I am excited about this.

Tempting the Best Man by J. Lynn - J. Lynn is the pseudonym for Jennifer Armentrout's adult novels. I was a huge fan of her YA book, Obsidian, and am very curious to see how she handles adult romance. 

Received

Codename Verity by Elizabeth Wein - Thanks to my co-blogger Alethea for pointing out that this was a Read Now on NetGalley. It looks kind of awesome. :)

That's all I have today. Now I am off to find some breakfast. Hope you're all having a fun weekend. Leave your links and I'll be sure to visit. 

---

Find more of Thuy's random thoughts on Twitter @fishgirl182

Uncovered (11): Snow White

I've been a fan of Camille Rose Garcia's for awhile now. She has the creepy cute thing down and I love the bold lines and strong colors in her work. She illustrated a really beautiful edition of Alice In Wonderland last year and I was very happy to find her illustrated version of Snow White in the bookstore the other day. This is an illustrated edition of the classic tale by The Brothers Grimm. Gorgeous cover and fantastic images inside.  I think she perfectly captured the dark and beautiful theme of the story. Below are some images from the book (these are all property of their respective owners).

And here is a video that Camille made about the making of the book. I love watching her paint!

What do you think? Do you like this new version of Snow White?

---

Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake - Review

Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake (Love By Numbers #1) 
by Sarah MacLean

Publication date: 30 March 2010 by Avon

ISBN 10/13: 0061852058 | 9780061852053
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Historical, romance, wallflower, rake
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Library

From Goodreads:

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love.

Thuy's Review:

I started this book last night and stayed up until 4am trying to finish it. In the end I had to give up about 60 pages from the end because I had to function the next day. However, the book was just so good, that I considered eschewing sleep one night just to find out how Callie and Ralston’s story ended. This is only my second Sarah Maclean book but she is fast becoming one of my favorite historical romance writers. Callie, twenty-eight, has resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood when she comes up with the idea to write a list of improper things that she’s always wanted to do. The list includes tasks such as “smoke cheroot and drink scotch,” “attend a duel,” and “kiss someone-passionately.”

Nine Rules To Break When Romancing a Rake has such a great, original premise. Armed with a list of activities that no proper young lady should even think about much less try to accomplish, Callie sets out to find adventure. With little prospect for marriage, Callie decides to have some fun, even if it means tarnishing her spotless reputation. Callie was a character that I could really relate to. Plainer than most (though prettier than I think she believes), Callie is sweet and endearing and also has a lot of spirit in her. She’s never felt herself really worthy of admiration or love and it’s painful at times to watch her cut herself down. I did get frustrated a few times when Callie jumped to conclusions, immediately thinking the worst of Ralston. But her self confidence and self esteem grow and she really comes into her own by the end of the book.

Lord Ralston is the kind of rake I love - arrogant, smart, charming and irresistible. On the surface Ralston is a shameless rogue but, as the story goes on, he proves to loyal and kind as well. Ralston and Callie have crazy chemistry and the love scenes definitely raised the temperature in the room.

The book also has a great cast of secondary characters and I found myself wanting to know more about Ralston’s sister Juliana and his twin brother, Nick. Yes, more of both, please. am really looking forward to reading both of their stories soon.

Do yourself a favor and pick this book up ASAP! Be a little smarter than me and don’t start it late at night though because this is a book you’ll want to finish in one sitting.

---

Visit the author online at macleanspace.com and follow her on Twitter @sarahmaclean

Author Events at Vromans This Week

Sorry for the last notice but there are a couple of events happening at Vroman's in Pasadena this week. The first event is TONIGHT, April 25. Ree Drummond of Pioneer Woman Fame will be signing her new book, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from my Frontier at 6pm.  I love Ree but will not be able to make this (having a job sucks sometimes).

On Saturday, April 28, Christopher Moore will be signing his new book Sacre Bleu at 5pm. I am sad I won't be able to make this one but Kimberly from The Windy Pages will be there. Tell her I say "hi!" if you see her.

Vroman's Bookstore

events page

695 E. Colorado Blvd

Pasadena, California

Tel: 626-449-5320

*and there is free parking in the rear for Vroman's guests

---

Fool Moon - Audiobook Review

Fool Moon (The Dresden Files #2) by Jim Butcher
audiobook read by Jim Marsters

Publication date: 09 January 2001 by Ace/Roc

ISBN 10/13: 0451458125 | 9780451458124
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Urban Fantasy
Keywords: Urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery, murder, werewolves
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook, audiobook
Source: Library

From Goodreads:

Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work—magical ormundane.

But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.

A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses—and the first two don't count.

Thuy's Review:

In this second installment to The Dresden Files, Harry finds himself in yet another sticky situation. When a slew of murders occur on the full moon with paw prints found next to the mutilated bodies, Harry is hired by the police to help find the killer before the next full moon and killing spree. The investigation leads him down an unexpected path and Harry finds himself caught between the law, the mob, and more than one pack of supernatural creatures that want him dead.

This time, Harry finds himself tangled up with werewolves in a complicated plot that has him playing both sides. Harry is the same as ever – sarcastic and just trying to pay the bills. He’s also got this pesky sense of honor that gets him into a lot of trouble. Sometimes I feel like he plays the part of the martyr a bit much and he has enough angst for most of Chicago. At one point, Murphy calls him on his hero complex, which is priceless. But I like that Harry tries to do the right thing, even though it’s not always the smart thing. The werewolf plot was interesting but there were too many different kinds of werewolves to keep track of. They all kind of blended together at one point. And is it just me or is the idea that a person can turn into a werewolf with the aid of a belt somewhat unromantic?

I was glad to see that Murphy was back on the case. She’s tough as nails and I love her. She and Harry have a complicated relationship that gets even more so in this book. Susan also makes an appearance and Marconi is never far when there’s trouble. We don’t see much of Bob in this one but I hope to see more of him in the next book. The action is non-stop and there’s a really bloody battle in the book. It’s clear that Butcher isn’t afraid to kill characters. The ending kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see who would live or die.

I liked Fool Moon though not quite as much as Storm Front. It was still very enjoyable though and I am going to pick up the next book in the series. James Marsters once again rocks my socks as the narrator. He’s become Harry Dresden to me and I can’t imagine anyone someone else reading it. Another entertaining installment in the series and looking forward to the next.

---

Visit the author online at www.jim-butcher.com and his blog

World Book Night

Don't forget that tonight is World Book Night. What is World Book Night? It's a way to spread the love of books and reading. You can get a better explanation of it here. I am not participating in the program this year but my co-blogger Alethea is. I love this idea of giving out books to strangers in order to spread the book love. I am hoping that I run into a group of volunteers tonight. I'll let you know if I do. If you're participating, I would love to hear about your experience, so please come back and give me all the juicy details.

Happy Book Night, everyone!

---

In My Mailbox (29): Between Shades, Disenchantments, & Trolls

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives book bloggers the chance to share what they’ve bought/borrowed/received!

Happy Sunday, everyone!. I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. I've had a pretty eventful week with plans almost every night. Also had the first meeting of Book Club (first rule of Book Club - don't talk about Book Club. Wait, that doesn't work.) and discussed the book A Discovery of Witches. I still have to finish my review but it was a good read. And Sat I went to the LA Festival of books where I picked up a few goodies. Read on to see what ended up in my mailbox this week. :)

Borrowed

My Sweet Mexico by Fany Gerson - This is a really lovely looking book about Mexican sweets and pastries. I've looked at it before and finally picked it up at the library this week.

Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet #1) by Julia Quinn - I have heard really good things about this one. I don't think I have read any Julia Quinn before and I was glad when I spotted this at the library.

Bought

Colors by Pantone - I am a sucker for all things Pantone and could not resist this cute looking picture book at the book fest this weekend.

Oddfellows Orphanage by Emily Winfred Martin - I am a fan of Emily's artwork and actually had this on NetGalley way back when. But it could only be read on Adobe Digital Editions and I had the worst laptop back then and never managed to finish it. Picked it up at a bookstore closing sale this week. I am a little disappointed to see that the illustrations are in black and white but we'll see.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - OK so this wasn't new but I did get signed by Deborah this weekend.

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour - Nina was signing at the book festival this weekend along with Gayle Foreman and Stephanie Perkins. I've been wanting to read her book for awhile now so it was great to pick up a copy. Nina was super sweet and adorable and cannot wait to read it!

Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys - I keep hearing amazing this about this book and saw that it just came out in paperback. It is now MINE.

Deathless by Catherine M. Valente - Another one I picked up at the store closing sale. I've been eyeing this cover for awhile now, too, and snatched it up for half price.

Trolls In The Hamptons by Celia James - I am a fan of Dan Dos Santos and seen this cover around. I decided to pick it up when I spotted it at the Mysterious Galaxy Booth this weekend. I was intrigued by the idea of a female graphic novelist. And trolls.

So that's what I have this week. I still haven't managed to see Cabin in the Woods yet. Maybe tomorrow? We'll see. I hope you all have a great Sunday and rest of week. I'd love to hear your comments on my mailbox this week and leave links to your IMMs so I can hit you back. Bye for now!

---

Find Thuy on Twitter @fishgirl182

Movie Review: Lockout

Lockout
Genre: Sci Fi, Action, Thriller

Directed by: James Mather and Stephen St. Leger
Starring: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare

Release date: April 13, 2012

IMDB, official site

Synopsis:

A man wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage against the U.S. is offered his freedom if he can rescue the president's daughter from an outer space prison taken over by violent inmates.

Review:

We don't usually do movie reviews here on Nite Lite because, let's face it, I can barely keep up with book reviews and I see a lot of movies. However, I went out to a movie last night and thought it might be fun to do a quick review on it.

Lockout is exactly what it looks like - a ridiculously implausible and over the top sci-fi action movie. The basic premise is this. There's a space prison for society's worst convicts. At MS-One, inmates are but in what is called stasis for the duration of their sentence. Basically they're put to sleep but not everyone's mind comes out intact when they are taken out of stasis. Maggie Grace, the president's daughter, is there on a humanitarian visit when all hell breaks loose and the inmates are set free. Guy Peace, an ex-CIA agent accused of murder is sent to retrieve Maggie before they have to blow up the prison.

I knew what I was getting when I walked into this movie. I wanted something fun with lots of action and I was not disappointed. Pearce was hilarious as the super snarky Snow, with one liners being his main contribution to the film. That, and shooting things. He also wears a fantastic shirt through most of the movie that reads "Warning: Offensive" which is a pretty accurate summation of his character.

Maggie Grace does a good job as the plucky daughter of the President of the United States. Her character is likable if somewhat cliche. I think she does the best that she can in the role. There are no real surprises with her but holds she her own against Pearce. Peter Stormare also co-stars as a jerk government official who is just dying to throw Peace in jail and plays it well. I always remember him as Abruzzi on Prison Break though and he kind of creeps me out.

Unfortunately the movie is full of plot holes. I found myself talking to the screen and throwing up my hands in frustration more than once. There are events and plot devices that just make no sense at all. I won't spoil anything but I really felt at times that I could have written this movie and it probably would have made more sense. That said, I tried to go with the flow and just enjoy the movie for what it was. If you're looking for a fun movie with some good actors and lots of action, then I think you'll enjoy Lockout.

Will you be seeing Lockout or passing on it?

---

Uncovered (10): Masque of the Red Death

You guys have probably seen this one floating around blogland but I just had to feature it this week. I am a big fan of Poe and I've been dying to read this. I saw the cover last year and just fell in love with it. There's something so mysterious about it and a little creepy. There's clearly a woman's body but the face is shadowed and indistinct. The red and grey mist floating up and around gives it a dark and gloomy feel. The colors are perfect and the image makes me think of nameless, faceless death. Gives me goosebumps! Definitely one of my favorites so far this year. I hope that the book is as good as the cover looks.

Masque of the Red Death will be released next Tues, April 24.

---

Author Interview with Alyssa Everett

Hi, everyone. Today on the blog we have Alyssa Everett, Regency romance writer. Alyssa's first book, A Tryst With Trouble, is fantastic and Alethea and I both loved it. Unfortunately the publication has been postponed to to financial problems with its publisher. But we were so impressed with Alyssa that we wanted to get her on the blog as soon as possible. If you like smart, witty romances with great characters, then you'll want to read what Alyssa is writing. If you missed them, you can read our reviews of the book here and here. Now, on to the interview!


Hello and thanks for visiting Nite Lite, Alyssa. Let's start off with a brief intro. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and when you started writing?


I wrote as a hobby for years, when my children were toddlers and inventing characters on the page was the quickest way to escape to grown-up-land. I didn't get serious about finishing a manuscript until the youngest of my three children went off to school, though.

Why romance and why this era in particular?

I write romance because it's my favorite thing to read. Who doesn't enjoy a good love story with a happy ending? I chose the regency period because it's such a fascinating time, with one foot in the traditional, rustic English way of life and one foot in the industrialized modern world. Marriage was for life and gently-reared girls were expected to be virgins when they married, but at the same time, revolutionary ideas and romantic ideals were swirling beneath the surface of genteel society. Plus, the fashions are so wonderful--comfortable, flattering gowns for women, while men wore tailored coats, tight breeches and top boots. I wish both hats and boots would make a real comeback.

How did you come up with the idea for A Tryst With Trouble?

I wanted to write a bantering relationship like the one between Shakespeare's Beatrice and Benedick, so the story started out as a regency riff onMuch Ado About Nothing. Barbara is Beatrice and Ben is Benedick--and Lord Leonard is Leonato, Helen is Hero, Cliburne is Claudio, and John Mainsforth is Don John. Once I got past the opening premise that Helen's husband-to-be was mistakenly accusing her of unfaithfulness, though, the story went in a different direction.

One of my favorite things about Tryst was the incredibly funny and clever dialogue between Ben and Barbara. Was it difficult keeping the dialogue fresh and funny throughout the book? It seems effortless, but I am sure it wasn't (and if it was - wow).

I'm so glad you enjoyed that aspect of the book. To be honest, writing dialogue is always the easiest part of the writing process for me, while plotting is the part I labor over. Once the characters are fixed in my head, they tend to take on lives of their own, and the dialogue more or less writes itself. 

The book is told from dual first person POVs (Ben and Barbara). Why did you decide to write it this way? Did you always intend to write it from both their points of views or did it evolve?

I always intended to write it that way, because first-person narration allows a story to highlight when a character's actions don't match up with his or her inner thoughts. For example, in the opening scene, Ben privately notices that Lady Leonard's drawing room is hideously decorated and he speculates on the shade of purple Lord Leonard's face has become, but because thinking about decor and colors doesn't jibe with the uber-manly image he's determined to project, he pretends to Barbara that such thoughts would never cross his mind. Since Barbara can't see the insecurity behind the posturing, she takes Ben's macho act at face value and assumes he's shallow and unobservant. The reader knows better, because the reader can see inside both characters' heads, but Ben and Barbara have to find their way past each other's defenses.

I loved both Ben and Barbara's voices but did you prefer writing from one character's perspective vs the other and why?

I think Ben was easier for me to write, because he thinks of himself as practical and levelheaded even though, deep down, he's a complete pushover when it comes to his emotions. I identify with that. 

Tryst is also a bit unusual in that it brings up homosexuality during that time period. It handles it in a very thoughtful way and the situation seems very plausible. Was this just a plot device or something that you were interested in? 

I wanted to give Ben a reason to be constantly on the defensive, and the notion that someone might question his masculinity because of his parentage seemed a natural fit. But I am interested in regency attitudes toward homosexuality. Sodomy was a capital crime, and much of society practiced a kind of studied denial. When homosexuals were prosecuted, for instance, coverage of the trials typically used vague language like "for an unnatural crime," and in the 1811 Drumsheugh Gardens trial in Scotland of two female school teachers, Judge Meadowbank stated that lesbian sex was "equally imaginary with witchcraft, sorcery, or carnal copulation with the devil." It reminds me of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's contention that there are no homosexuals in Iran. Of course there are homosexuals in Iran, there have always been homosexuals in all parts of the world, but some cultures are more accepting of gay and lesbian citizens than others. 

Will we be seeing any more of Ben and Barbara? Seriously, I would kill for a novella or some deleted scenes. (crossing fingers)

I'm so flattered to be asked this question, I can't even begin to tell you! I'm working on an unrelated regency right now, but I would love to write a Ben and Barbara novella if there were enough reader interest. Perhaps the pair could become the Nick and Nora Charles of the regency.

What's the strangest food you've ever eaten? 

I've had octopus and alligator and escargot, but none of them was considered strange in the places where I ate them. Even my kids liked the octopus, and they're picky eaters.

Historical, paranormal or contemporary romance?

Historical. In terms of setting, it's the Goldilocks choice--more comfortably familiar than paranormal, more escapist than contemporary.

Burger with cheese or without?

Without. But extra cheese on pizza.

If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? 

You're only young once, so relax and enjoy it.

Cake or pie and what kind?

Cake. Chocolate cake, especially the Chocolate Shack Attack from Joe's Crab Shack.

Last book read?

Aristocrats by Stella Tillyard, a history of the Lennox sisters, the daughters of the eighteenth-century second Duke of Richmond. I didn't read it as research for a writing project, but just because my mother e-mailed me about the Duke of Richmond's true-life love story. At the age of 18, to settle one of his father's gaming debts, he was forced to marry a 13-year-old child bride, a girl so unprepossessing he burst out, "Surely they are not going to marry me to that dowdy!" He went on an extended Grand Tour, and when he returned three years later, instead of going home to his young wife he went to the theater. There he spied a beautiful young lady in one of the boxes. He asked a companion her name, only to discover the beauty was his wife. The couple enjoyed a remarkably happy and affectionate marriage. Sometimes life is as full of happy accidents as any romance novel.

Favorite guilty pleasure movie?

Galaxy Quest. It's a guilty pleasure because my enjoyment is in direction proportion to my nerdiness.
(Thuy's note: OMG I love that Alyssa said Galaxy Quest. Brilliant movie!)

One last thing - what's next for you/what are you currently working on?

My next regency, Ruined by Rumor, will be out from Carina Press on May 21. It's a marriage of convenience story about a vivacious beauty who's forced by circumstances to marry a shy, dutiful politician. And I'm currently working on a story about a girl who's orphaned during an ocean crossing and winds up marrying a fellow passenger, a mysterious and reclusive marquess who turns out to be strangely reluctant to consummate the union. 

Thanks so much for visiting, Alyssa. We can't wait until Tryst is available and are excited to read your next book!

Thanks so much, Thuy! I enjoyed your questions and I'm grateful for the chance to visit your blog.

Find Alyssa online at www.alyssaeverett.com and follow her on Twitter @Alyssa_Everett.

That's it, everyone. Hope you enjoyed this interview. Hopefully the book will be available soon and we can host a giveaway. In the meantime, only a month left until Runied By Rumor comes out and we can't wait!

---

A Tryst With Trouble - Advance Review (#2)

A Tryst with Trouble by Alyssa Everett  

Publication date: 1 April 2012 (postponed) by Dorchester Publishing

ISBN 10/13: 1428516425 | 978-1428516427

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Category: Adult Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Keywords: Mystery, suspense, romance, Regency
Format: Paperback
Source:  e-ARC received from Netgalley

Jacket copy:

Dogged for years by painful gossip about his father’s homosexuality, the Marquess of Beningbrough—Ben, to his friends—has protected himself by becoming the ultimate man’s man. Passed over by suitor after suitor in favor of her pretty but vapid younger sister, clever, forthright Lady Barbara Jeffords has reached the disappointing conclusion most men are shallow, boorish clods. 

When a philandering footman turns up dead, the two square off: he’s sure she’s determined to pin the crime on his hapless young cousin, while she thinks he means to shift the blame to her sister. To find the real killer, Ben and Barbara must declare a truce that threatens to expose both their buried insecurities and their growing desire for each other.

Thuy's Review:

With two headstrong and charismatic leads, an engaging mystery and sharp dialogue, A Tryst with Trouble is must read. The book is written from the dual first person perspectives of Ben and Barbara, two characters who seem to have nothing in common. Ben, the heir to a dukedom, has lived in the shadow of scandal his entire life. Charming and conceited, Ben isn’t looking for any entanglements. Unfortunately he finds himself caught up in a murder investigation at the home of Lady Barbara Jeffords, an independent and determined young lady. They can’t stand each other which, of course, means that they are perfect for one another.

I breezed through this book in little over a day. Ben and Barbara are both extremely stubborn, each one not wanting to lose to the other. I love a good fight and this had plenty of them. The snappy dialogue between Ben and Barbara had me chuckling and Everett uses sarcasm and wit brilliantly. The physical chemistry between the two is intense, even if neither of them wants to admit it. The book is quite chaste by my standards (yes, my mind is in the gutter) with only one really major love scene. However, it’s a really good one and it’s still plenty hot so that I almost didn’t miss the love scenes. :)

It was nice to read a book that wasn’t overly dramatic and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, there’s a murder plot and there were plenty of misunderstandings and even some tears, but it isn’t excessively angst-y. I had a good time watching Ben and Barbara fall in love while throwing insults at each other. The mystery was well thought out and not overly complicated. It kept me guessing until almost the very end.

I thought that the dual POVs might get annoying but it wasn’t at all. I enjoyed seeing both Ben and Barbara’s points of views. I think my only real complaint about this book is that I wanted more. More Ben, more Barbara, just more. Can I make a plea to the author for a novella or even some deleted scenes?

Alyssa Everette is a bright new talent in the romance world and I am excited to read more by her. I’ve already re-read my favorite parts of this book more than a few times. Luckily I only have to wait until May for Everett’s next book, Ruined by Rumor to come out. In the meantime, I was totally serious about more stories with Ben and Barbara. Pretty please?

You can also see Alethea's review of the book here.

*Unfortunately, Dorchester publishing is going through some financial pains right now (read more here) and the release date for A Tryst With Trouble has been postponed indefinitely. This sucks because the book is awesome sauce and I want you all to read it. Everett's next book, Ruined By Rumor, will be released by Carina Press in May.  It's available now on NetGalley for those who have an account.  Until then. learn more about Alyssa later this week when she stops by the blog for an interview.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

---

Visit the author online at www.alyssaeverett.com and follow her on Twitter @Alyssa_Everett.

In My Mailbox (28): An Eclectic Mix

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives book bloggers the chance to share what they’ve bought/borrowed/received!

Keeping it relatively light this week. Most of my week has been consumed with finishing A Discovery of Witches for my book club meeting next week. I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to finish the 600 page behemoth of a book with only 10 days til the meeting. Luckily I really like the book and zoomed through most of it last weekend. I only have about 7% left to go.

Library (e-books)

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - I've heard good things about this. I have never read a Sarah Waters book before.

Delicacy by David Foekinos - Another one I don't know much about except that it's the basis for a new Audrey Tatou movie and I love her.

Trial By Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - This is the second book in the series and I have to admit that I haven't read the first book yet. I do have it in HC though.

Worth Any Price (Bow Street Runners #3) by Lisa Kleypas - Third book in her Bow Street series. Which reminds me that I need to write my review for book two...

For Review 

Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett- Both Alethea and I are big fans of Alyssa's last book, A Tryst With Trouble (see A's review here), and I was super excited to see her new book on NetGalley this week. Unfortunately the publisher of Tryst is going through some financial troubles right now so the release has been pushed back indefinitely. But she's a great writer and I am looking forward to this. Keep an eye out on the blog for my review and an interview of Alyssa about Tryst soon.

That's my week in books. What are y'all up to this weekend? I might scare myself and go see The Cabin In The Woods. It's also raining which means perfect reading weather. I'd love to hear your plans for the weekend. Comment and leave your IMM links as I'd love to visit. Have a great weekend!

---

The Demon In The Freezer - Review

The Demon In The Freezer by Richard Preston

Publication date: 26 August 2003 by Random House

ISBN 10/13: 0375508562 | 9780375508561
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Non-Fiction
Keywords:Non-fiction, true story, diseases, smallpox, biological warfare
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook

From Goodreads:

The first major bioterror event in the United States-the anthrax attacks in October 2001-was a clarion call for scientists who work with “hot” agents to find ways of protecting civilian populations against biological weapons. In The Demon in the Freezer, his first nonfiction book since The Hot Zone, a #1 New York Times bestseller, Richard Preston takes us into the heart of Usamriid, the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Maryland, once the headquarters of the U.S. biological weapons program and now the epicenter of national biodefense.

Peter Jahrling, the top scientist at Usamriid, a wry virologist who cut his teeth on Ebola, one of the world’s most lethal emerging viruses, has ORCON security clearance that gives him access to top secret information on bioweapons. His most urgent priority is to develop a drug that will take on smallpox-and win. Eradicated from the planet in 1979 in one of the great triumphs of modern science, the smallpox virus now resides, officially, in only two high-security freezers-at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and in Siberia, at a Russian virology institute called Vector. But the demon in the freezer has been set loose. It is almost certain that illegal stocks are in the possession of hostile states, including Iraq and North Korea. Jahrling is haunted by the thought that biologists in secret labs are using genetic engineering to create a new superpox virus, a smallpox resistant to all vaccines.

Usamriid went into a state of Delta Alert on September 11 and activated its emergency response teams when the first anthrax letters were opened in New York and Washington, D.C. Preston reports, in unprecedented detail, on the government’s response to the attacks and takes us into the ongoing FBI investigation. His story is based on interviews with top-level FBI agents and with Dr. Steven Hatfill.

Jahrling is leading a team of scientists doing controversial experiments with live smallpox virus at CDC. Preston takes us into the lab where Jahrling is reawakening smallpox and explains, with cool and devastating precision, what may be at stake if his last bold experiment fails.

Thuy's Review:

The Demon In the Freezer is the chilling and true story of the evolution of smallpox. It takes a close look at the disease, our attempts to eradicate it, and its later use in bioterrorism. I really loved Preston’s The Hot Zone, which was probably one of the scariest books I have ever read. While The Demon In The Freezer didn’t pack quite the same punch (it’s hard to compete with Ebola), it was still a fascinating and frightening read.

In a world of modern medicine, WebMD and countless vaccinations, it might be hard to think of a time when a disease such as smallpox could cause such a panic. Recent outbreaks of swine flu and bird flu are tiny blips when compared to effects of smallpox at its peak. I really didn’t know much about smallpox before reading this book except for references on The X-Files and this book gave me a new respect for the various government agencies and individuals who worked tirelessly for years to get rid of the disease.

Though no longer an immediate threat, smallpox is far from gone. The samples that we know of reside in various government freezers and are being used for research. Whether or not this research is really being done for the good of humanity or as an attempt to gain a weapon that no other country has is debatable. The idea that someone might be working on a weaponized version of smallpox terrifies me and I hope that it’s something that we never see in action

Preston is matter of fact in his depictions of smallpox and what it can do to the human body and population which makes it even more terrifying. Seriously, you won’t want to go out for or touch anything after reading this book. Some of the really scientific parts can be a little dry at times but it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. And Preston has a flair for making you feel like you are there watching these events unfold. A must read for Preston fans and fans of biological thrillers.

---

Visit the author online at richardpreston.net and find him on Facebook

Uncovered (9): Blackbirds

Sorry I've been missing from the blog this week. Life's been crazy and it hasn't been the best week. I was sick over the weekend as well, so I didn't get to schedule posts or write reviews like I usually do. However, I do have a really awesome cover for you. I didn't know what I was going to post for this week's uncovered and then I stumbled upon this awesome looking book tonight on NetGalley. I mean seriously, how beautiful is this thing?  You really need to click for the big image to see everything. I love the detailed line work. Look closely and you will see all kinds of cool stuff from the birds making up her hair to a lighthouse, a highway, skulls and I am sure so much. I had no idea what this book was about but after reading the synopsis, I think it's something I might pick up.

After some Google-ing (that's a word, right?) I found that the artist is Joey Hi-Fi. Check out his website here and an interview.  What do you think? Are you as intrigued as I am?

Blackbirds hasn't been released yet but will be coming out on April 24, 2012 from Angry Robot Books. Let me know if you plan on picking it up.

---

In My Mailbox (27): Love & Zombies

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives book bloggers the chance to share what they’ve bought/borrowed/received!

Happy Easter weekend, everyone! Do you have Easter plans this weekend? I am not really into the whole Easter thing so I may take myself out to a movie tomorrow. It sucks that so many places are closed on Easter. I do want to get some Easter candy before it's all gone, though.:) Good book week for me. Still trying not to buy too many and finish my NetGalley titles. I also have some book events coming up this month so I want to save my money for them. The library is great, as usual, for finding new books. 

Library

Where Things Come Back by Corey Whaley - I have heard great things about this one and Corey is actually coming for a library visit in my town with Maggie Stiefvater in a few weeks.

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs - Don't know much about this one but I liked the premise and cool cover.

The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith - I've been trying to get this one for ages from the library. So happy it finally came in.

Baking From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan - I can never get enough cookbooks. :)

For Review 

Little Brown tweeted last week about having extra ARCS of  Belles, Purity, The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict and Drowned Cities.  I sent them a quick email in the hopes of getting in before they ram out and these came about a week later. Awesome, right? I am most looking forward to Purity and Drowned Cities.

Ashen Winter (Ashfall #2) by Mike Mullin - I just finished Ashfall and was excited to see the sequel on NetGalley.

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard - Historical fiction with zombies! I am so down with this.

Velveteen by Daniel Marks - One of my favorite books as a kid was The Velveteen Rabbit, which is why this book caught my eye. Story good though as I always like a good revenge story.

Received

Lover Reborn!!!! by JR Ward - *Long story alert* I was on the library waitlist for this but it was taking FOREVER to get a copy even though I was super high on the list. Meanwhile I am dying every day watching people read it on Goodreads and twitter. Finally my friend (who was also waiting for her library hold) said enough was enough and she decided to buy Kindle copies for me and my other friend. Then I bought her a copy. So now we all have copies. :) I stayed up until 5:30am on Thursday reading it and finished it Friday afternoon. Totally worth the $14.99. (note - i only didn't want to buy it in hardback because the rest of my series in in pb. I will buy it later this year when it comes out in pb.)

So that's my haul for this week. Leave a comment and link me your IMMs and I'll stop by. Have a good weekend and don't eat too many Cadbury eggs!

---