Wicked As They Come - Review

Wicked As They Come (Blud #1) 
by Delilah S. Wilson

Publication date: 27 March 2012 by Pocket Books

ISBN 10/13: 1451657889 | 9781451657883
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Paranormal Romance/Steampunk
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, steampunk, vampires
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

When Tish Everett forces open the ruby locket she finds at an estate sale, she has no idea that a deliciously rakish Bludman has cast a spell just for her. She wakes up in a surreal world, where Criminy Stain, the dashing proprietor of a magical traveling circus, curiously awaits. At Criminy’s electric touch, Tish glimpses a tantalizing future, but she also foresees her ultimate doom. Before she can decide whether to risk her fate with the charming daredevil, the locket disappears, and with it, her only chance to return home. Tish and Criminy battle roaring sea monsters and thundering bludmares, vengeful ghosts and crooked Coppers in a treacherous race to recover the necklace from the evil Blud-hating Magistrate. But if they succeed, will Tish forsake her fanged suitor and return to her normal life, or will she take a chance on an unpredictable but dangerous destiny with the Bludman she’s coming to love?

Thuy's Review:

I have to be honest and say that I struggled to finish this one. While it had a really cool premise, I had trouble getting into the story and was never able to connect with any of the characters. The pacing of the book was also off, with an extremely slow start, and didn’t pick up until the middle of the book or so. Unfortunately by then, I had a lost a lot of interest and was just trying to get to the finish line.

The book starts off well enough with Tish finding a locket at an estate sale. When she goes to bed, she wakes up naked in a strange world that is similar to her own but also very different. Criminy Stain is there, a mysterious stranger who claims that he cast a spell to bring her to him. Tish must learn to survive in this new, dangerous world while trying to find a permanent way back to her own world.

I think my main problem was with the characters. I found Tish to be whiny and annoying for most of the book. She has two men fighting over her and I couldn’t understand why either of them was interested. Criminy Stain, is the Mad Hatter in this tale, with his magic tricks and enigmatic nature. But instead of charming, I found him to be somewhat patronizing and a little manic. And while I am sure that there are many women out there who would find Criminy swoon worthy, he did nothing for me. I do give him points though for his infinite patience when dealing with Tish. I probably would have left her on the side of the road for the bludbunnies the first chance I got. The book was also lacking in the romance department. I didn’t feel any spark or emotional connection between the two. Even the sex scenes weren’t very exciting.

That’s not to say that I didn’t like anything about the book. It’s clear that Dawson is a good writer and I found the world of Blud to be very unique and imaginative. Dawson’s vivid descriptions paint a dark new world filled with terrifying, bloodthirsty (literally) creatures and ruthless Pinkies and Coppers. The idea of an oppressed vampire race is definitely interesting and I found myself wanting to know more about the history of Sang. I’d also like to learn more about how Tish’s human world and Sang are able to exist at the same time and if there are other parallel worlds.

I wish this had been more to my liking but you can’t win them all, right? If you’re interested in really unique worlds and don’t mind so-so characters, you might enjoy this more than I did.

 

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Visit the author online at www.delilahpaints.blogspot.com and follow her on Twitter @DelilahSDawson


*FTC disclosure: I participate in the BookDepository & Amazon affiliate programs. Clicking on the link and making a purchase may result in revenue for this blog. Find our full disclosure policy here.

Terrarium Craft: Timber Tuesdays (1)

NITE LITE NON-FICTION

Introducing a new feature! 

From now on, Alethea will be highlighting Timber Press books on Tuesdays.

Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant

Photographs by Kate Baldwin

Publication date: 11 May 2011 by Timber Press

ISBN 10/13: 1604692340 | 9781604692341

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Non-Fiction Gardening

Keywords: Non-Fiction, gardening, terrariums

Format: Paperback

Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Alethea's Review:

I confess: after downloading the review copy on Netgalley, I placed an order for my own copy straight away. Amy Bryant Aiello owns Artemisia, a store that sells terrarium supplies as well as teaches workshops on how to put them together. Kate Bryant is an author and contributes articles about plants and gardening to publications like Portland Monthly. Together they have created a great beginner's book that includes great inspirations for designs that appeal to a modern aesthetic. It also includes resources and suggestions for finding containers and materials to make your own tiny green wonderlands.

As someone who has tried and failed to keep even the simplest, pre-grown bonsai alive, I have to say terrariums are slightly less intimidating. There's something so accessible about the instructions in this book (though I haven't yet read another upcoming release, Keshiki Bonsai, which might do the same for those tiny trees I dread) that makes me feel like I could try one without disastrous results. 

While the trend is turning up everywhere from newspapers to hipster DIY forums, it's easy for erstwhile newbies to turn a simple project into an expensive eyesore, especially when it involves living things. I highly recommend that if you get this book, you attempt to follow at least a couple of the projects to the letter rather than just getting all creative from the get-go. The book contains great advice to get the chemistry and biology of your terrarium right so you don't end up with goopy plants or worse, like gnats or mold. Ugh!

This book has gorgeous photos and great information. My only criticism would be that some of the spreads don't quite make sense, but it's only two out of fifty that give me this impression, so I still give the book 4 stars out of 5.

To get a feel for what Amy and Kate's projects are like, check out this one they shared with Make magazine. Better yet, win a copy of their book right here! The giveaway is open internationally wherever bookdepository.com delivers. Good luck!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*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.

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*FTC disclosure: I participate in the BookDepository & Amazon affiliate programs. Clicking on the link and making a purchase may result in revenue for this blog. Find our full disclosure policy here.

Once Burned - Review

Once Burned (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost

Publication date: 26 June 2012 by Avon Romance

ISBN 10/13: 006178320X | 9780061783203
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Paranormal Romance
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, vampires, Dracula
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

Review:

Fans of Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress Series have been clamoring for a Vlad book for a while now. When Frost announced last year that he would finally be getting his own story, I am think there was a collective squeal from Vlad lovers around the world. I was excited to see how Frost handled portraying the vampire from whom all other vampire legends derived.

This was a really fun book. I love Jeaniene Frost because her books are usually action packed, funny, and have some good steamy love scenes. Once Burned delivered on all counts. It wasn’t quite as funny as a Cat and Bones book but I think that’s only because Bones is such a cheeky character. I think Vlad is much more serious than Bones so the feel is a little more serious but still highly entertaining.

While Vlad has made many appearances in the Night Huntress series, his past has remained a bit of a mystery. In Once Burned, we learn about his past and the events that shaped him. Having lost everything before and been betrayed, he is wary to trust. But he is not as cold and ruthless as he seems. It’s obvious that he cares for Leila even if he won’t say it in so many words. There is a scene in which Leila gets into his head and sees him picking out what to wear in order to meet her family that made me go “awwww” a little.

I really, really liked Leila. She’s lived a lonely life, estranged from her family and unable to touch anyone. But she doesn’t wallow in self-pity and or invite sympathy. She’s tough and brave and extremely loyal, often putting herself in danger to help others. I love that she isn’t afraid to stand up to Vlad and calls him out when he’s acting like an arrogant ass. Her unusual powers are what initially make her intriguing to Vlad but it’s her compassionate and fiery nature that really draws him in. Since this is a Jeaniene Frost book, I expected the chemistry to be hot and I wasn’t disappointed.

There are also some fun secondary characters to keep things interesting. Maximus and Marty stand out the most and I do hope that Maximus finds a girlfriend one day soon. Cat and Bones make a very brief appearance, which is fun. Their scene is quite brief but it was nice to see them.

The only thing I was really disappointed in was the ending. For some reason I thought Vlad was just getting a book, not a whole series. But it looks like Frost has been contracted for at least two Vlad books. If you’ve read Cat and Bones then you know that Frost isn’t always the queen of closure and the ending of the book feels somewhat unfinished. Since I thought this was the only book, I was expecting it to wrap up neatly and was surprised at the abrupt ending. But that's my only real complaint. But other than that small issue, this book lived up to my expectations and more. Now I just have to be patient and wait for the next book to come out. :(

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Visit the author online at jeanienefrost.com and follow her on Twitter @Jeaniene_Frost

*FTC disclosure: I participate in the BookDepository & Amazon affiliate programs. Clicking on the link and making a purchase may result in revenue for this blog. Find our full disclosure policy here.

The Understory - Review

The Understory by Elizabeth Leiknes

Publication date: 01 June 2012 by Bancroft Press

ISBN 10/13: 1610880498 | 9781610880497
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Category: Adult Contemporary Romance/Literary Fiction
Keywords: Romance, contemporary, crossover
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Synopsis from Goodreads (edited for length):

Story Easton knows the first line of every book, but never the last.

She never cries, but she fakes it beautifully.

And at night, she escapes from the failure of her own life by breaking into the homes of others, and feeling, for a short while, like a different, better person.

But one night, as an uninvited guest in someone's empty room, she discovers a story sadder than her own: a boy named Cooper Payne, whose dream of visiting the Amazon rainforest and discovering the moonflower from his favorite book, Once Upon a Moonflower, died alongside his father.

For reasons even she doesn't entirely understand, Story decides that she will help Cooper and his mother. She will make his dream come true.

Review:

You will find almost no buzz about this book at all in the mainstream blogging scene. Bancroft is a small independent press, and unfortunately for them and for the author, much of the current book-selling world relies upon appearances--great bookcovers, snazzy websites, spot-on social marketing... Readers have to be able to find you, and then you have to make them want to stay and pay attention to what you want them to learn. The weird graphics you'll find on the publisher's official site (a design throwback to 1998) definitely does not put the best foot forward for this book. The book's cover doesn't make for a great second step, either.

However, those are the only bad things I can say about this book. Really. That's it. Because once I started reading, The Understory's excellently composed prose kept me enthralled until dawn (when I finally fell asleep, exhausted). Readers like me who have trouble nodding off, who worry and fret about our failures into the wee hours of the night, and who constantly land themselves in odd predicaments will feel right at home with Story Easton. Plucky, likable, and somewhat goofy, it is she who binds the rest of the characters together: young Cooper, whose widowed mother is still trapped in the grief of losing her husband; Martin, the author of Cooper's favorite book, debilitated by loss and depression; and Hans, an incorrigible fixer of broken things (and part-time magician, which I guess is kind of the same thing).

The plot enveloped me so completely that I did not put the book down, go to the restroom, or even raid the fridge at 2 am (as I often do); indeed, I may have stopped breathing at some point. The Understory transcends its unimpressive bindings with humor, cleverness, and the uncanny ability to arouse such a tide of emotion, that the reader will overflow with tears and surface with a reawakened sense of hope in humanity. At least, that's the effect it had on me (and sadly, only until the next thing comes along and kills my faith in it again).

Leiknes's deft hand weaves factual information about the rainforest and nature into a stunning tapestry of a story, so intriguing and beautiful as to allow the reader to shrug off his worldly cares and really lose himself in the book. The relationships and entanglements among the characters do not so much form a predictable pattern: instead they reveal a web of interconnectedness among humans and within nature. To break out into a chorus of "The Circle of Life" while reading this book would be to belittle the care and planning the author took in imparting these lessons: be kind, be brave, love and be loved. Leiknes's style is so conversational--not at all preachy or heavy-handed--that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and highly recommend it to anyone who needs an uplifting, restorative, and thoughtful read.

I looked past an ugly cover and found a rewarding book inside these pages. I hope you will, too.

*note, while I most of the story is appropriate for all ages, there are a couple of passages that require a more mature reader (though to be honest, as a Harlequin reader from age 10, I would have been ok with those scenes--but that's just me). Parents might want to skip over those bits when reading this to a younger audience.

*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.

 

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Follow the author online on Twitter @eleiknes

Bared To You - Review

Bared To You by Sylvia Day

Publication date: 03 April 2012 by Berkley

ISBN 10/13: 0985114606 | 9780985114602
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Keywords: Romance, erotica, contemporary
Format: Paperback, eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Synopsis:

Our journey began in fire... Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness-beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily... Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart. 

Review:

I picked up Bared To You in a whim after reading a favorable review of it on one of the blogs that I follow. It wasn’t until after I had gotten it that I learned that it was being compared to Fifty Shades of Grey. I am one of the few people who hasn’t read Fifty Shades yet and I am not likely to. I’ve been able to read a few excerpts from it here and there that have convinced me that I will not enjoy it. So I can’t really make any comparisons to Fifty Shades, which is probably a good thing, as this book should stand on its own.

Bared To You begins when NYC transplant Eva Trammell starts a new job and runs into possibly the most handsome and compelling man she’s ever met. Gideon Cross is a force to be reckoned with, a billionaire businessman who owns properties all over NYC who also happens to be drop dead gorgeous (seriously where are all these hot men in my office building?). The chemistry between Eva and Gideon is immediate and Gideon wastes no time in letting Eva know exactly what he wants from her.

This is the story of two extremely damaged people trying their best to be in a relationship. On one hand, I think that their pasts make Eva and Gideon perfect for each other. Both understand the kinds of things that the other has gone through and are willing to work on their issues. But on the other hand, you have two really messed up people together who don’t always deal with things in a healthy way. Eva, for one, runs away when things get tough or uncomfortable. But it’s something that she admits to and is trying to overcome.

Gideon seems like the more put together of the two, but he has his own dark demons. The author doesn’t really get into too much detail with Gideon’s past, which I think we need to understand him more. I also had some issues with Gideon’s stalker tendencies. I enjoy a little possessiveness in my male protagonists but I felt like Gideon was stepping over the line at times. Making copies of her keys, following her, looking into her cell phone - these are all things that I think are really not cool. He justifies his actions in many ways and Eva accepts his excuses, making them seem sweet instead of creepy. Given Eva’s character and her past, I just don’t think she should have accepted his excuses so easily.

Despite some of the issues I had with it, I did enjoy reading this. Gideon and Eva are both very compelling characters. They are both very flawed but are working to overcome their issues. Day does a good job of showing how their intense physical attraction evolves into something more.

I am not sure how Gideon and Eva’s relationship is going to translate into three books. That seems like a really long time to follow these two so I can only imagine that there is going to be a lot of drama in the next book. Hopefully we’ll learn more about Gideon’s past and I’d also love to see more of Eva’s best friend Cary. Day's definitely piqued my interest with this one and I look forward to seeing where she takes these two.

*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.

 

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Visit the author online at www.sylviaday.com and follow her on Twitter @sylday

Movie Review: Magic Mike

Magic Mike
Genre: Drama

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Cody Horn

Release date: June 26, 2012

IMDB, official site

Synopsis:

A male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money.

Review:

Oh yeah. I totally went to see Magic Mike. How could I resist that hotness that is every cast member of this movie? I am not really a huge Chaning Tatum fan normally. He's fine but I don't think I would ever go see a movie just for him. But he, along with the draw of a mostly naked Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello was just too delicious to pass up.

Adam (Pettyfer), the new kid in town is taken under the wing of seasoned stripper and entrepreneur (Magic) Mike played by Channing Tatum. Of course, the party life of a successful stripper goes to the kid's head and he starts to go down a path of debauchery. It sounds dire but it really never gets quite that serious. The main character of the story is really Magic Mike, the stripper with a heart of gold. I've never been a huge Channing Tatum fan (nothing against him at all) but I have to admit that he's very charming and likable in the film. Matthew McConaughey is pitch perfect as the somewhat sleazy manager of the show. His character is oiled up and wears the most ridiculous outfits. But McConaughey really commits himself to the role I really can't imagine someone else playing it better. There is one scene where he is teaching Adam to dance while looking in a mirror that is hilarious.

The plot for this one is pretty predictable. It does feel like a Steven Soderbergh movie though, with lots of long conversations between Tatum and Adam's sister (played by the wonderfully sarcastic Cody Horn). The dance numbers were pretty awesome. They're so cheesy that I can imagine them being real strip numbers. Channing Tatum definitely knows how to dance, too. Sadly Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello don't have very many lines in this. They are more man candy then anything else, but very pretty man candy.

If you're looking for a good time, Magic Mike is a fun flick to see with your girlfriends.

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About Last Night - Review

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

Publication date: 11 June 2012
by Loveswept, an imprint of Random House

ISBN 10/13: 0345535162 | 9780345535160
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

Category: Adult Contemporary Romance
Keywords: Contemporary, romance, opposites attract
Format: eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

My synopsis:

About Last Night is a romance between two characters who, at first, seem like polar opposites. Former bad girl Cath has turned over a new leaf and has moved past her wild days. Though she admires the handsome and polished City (Nev), a man sees almost every day at the train station or jogging in the park, she knows that the buttoned up businessman would be a poor match for her. Then one morning, Cath finds herself waking up in his flat and it turns out the two have combustible chemistry both in and out of the bedroom. And what starts out as just sex soon turns into something more.

Review:

I was really surprised by how much I liked this book. I am not usually a big contemporary romance fan, but I saw an interview with author Ruthie Knox (from Bea’s Book Nook) where she talked about romance and knitting, two of my favorite things, that convinced me to give this one a try. Luckily it was still available on NetGalley and I was able to get an e-ARC of it. I am so glad I did, too. This is probably one of the best contemporary romances I’ve read all year. Sweet and funny, with great dialogue, About Last Night will leaving you wanting more of Cath and Nev and Ruthie Knox’s writing.

This is one of those romances where it starts off as “just for fun,” sex with no strings, even though it’s pretty obvious to all parties that it’s not. In this case it’s Cath who keeps Nev at arm’s length. Having made some pretty big mistakes in her life, a reminder of which she tattoes onto her body, Cath is reluctant to get involved with Nev. Her instincts have always been wrong and if her feelings for Nev are any indication, he could be her biggest mistake yet. And sweet, charming Nev plays along with this game while pursuing Cath relentlessly.

Let me just say that I am kind of in love with Nev. A witty Englishman with an artistic streak who’s also a beast in the bedroom? Yes, please! He’s not perfect by any means, with an uptight and overbearing family and some mommy issues, but he is pretty dreamy overall. And the love scenes are HOT! I definitely felt the chemistry between them and the sex is intense but also tender and playful at times.

Cath is a more difficult character of the two. While Nev has some issues to work through, he’s not as emotionally guarded as Cath. It’s hard not to get frustrated with her as she keeps pushing Nev further and further away. She can be pretty pig headed and sometimes I felt that her actions towards Nev bordered on cruel. But hidden behind her smart mouth and attitude is a very insecure person who doesn’t believe that she deserves love or happiness. It was really interesting to see her character evolve over the course of the book and I was rooting for her and Nev to have their happily ever after.

Just a brief note about the knitting. Yes, I love when my worlds collide and there’s a bit of knitting in a book. I loved the small knitting references and the fact that Cath is working on a knitting exhibit for the V&A. It’s clear that Knox knows what she’s talking about but non-knitters won’t be put off by it. I would not consider this “knit lit” but a book that happens to have some knitting references in it. Those who do knit will get a little kick out of having some insider knowledge (Tudor Roses, indeed).

If you’re looking for a fun, contemporary read that still packs an emotional punch, look no further and pick up About Last Night ASAP.

*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.


Also, Ruthie Knox is giving away 5 copies of About Last Night on Goodreads right now. You can enter up until July 20. Here is the link to enter.

 

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

Lethal Rider - Review

Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #3) 
by Larissa Ione

Publication date: 22 May 2012 by Grand Central Publishing

ISBN 10/13: 0446574503 | 9780446574501
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Category: Adult Paranormal Romance
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, apocalypse, pregnancy, siblings, horsemen
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Synopsis:

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, ReganCooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

*This review may contain spoilers for previous books in the series.*

Review:

Larissa Ione is back with the third book in her Lords of Deliverance series. While I am a huge fan of Larissa’s, I didn’t love Immortal Rider, the previous book in the series. I had my doubts as to whether or not Lethal Rider would get it back on track for me and I am happy to say that it did not disappoint.

Lethal Rider picks up about 8 months after the events of Immortal Rider. Than’s been kept in a state of mental consciousness but physical immobility by his siblings as they await the birth of his son (of which he has not knowledge of). Baby mama Regan is hiding out in Aegis headquarters, waiting to give birth, while trying to deal with her feelings of guilt over her “seduction” of Than and the resulting pregnancy. When Than breaks out and finds Regan, she has some heavy explaining to do. Pestilence is still doing his evil best to bring about the Apocalypse and the body count rises.

The events of the last couple of books really come to a culmination in Lethal Rider. Pestilence, nice guy turned douchebag extraordinaire, soars to new heights of dickdom in this one. It’s clear that Ione isn’t afraid of killing characters and I was surprised by how bloody this one was. There are appearances by the usual Demonica crew as well as Reaver and Harvester. I am not really sure what’s going on between those two but I hear a rumor that Reaver might be getting his own book and I hope it’s true. There is plenty of action to go with the romance in this book and, unlike Immortal Rider, the other plotlines in the book did not overwhelm the romance and I felt like there was a good balance between the two.

Speaking of romance, I loved Regan and Thanatos together! I wasn’t sure how Ione was going to make the relationship work given how things ended in the last book. But she tackles it head on, showing us the guilt that Regan feels about happened and her struggle to come to terms with it. I really felt that she explained and handled it in a way that, while not necessarily making it right, does make it more understandable and makes me believe that Than and Regan could move past this bad beginning into a new future together.

Than just might be my favorite Horseman. Yes, he’s capable of mass destruction but he is kind and protective and extremely loyal. Believing all his life that having sex will break his seal, he’s never been able to have a real relationship and has been pretty isolated except for his family. When Regan comes into his life, he has a chance for a family he’s always wanted and he’s not letting Regan and his son go. His bouts of rage were tempered with really tender moments and I just wanted to give him a big hug.

I ended up liking Regan a lot more than I thought I was going to. After Immortal Rider she wasn’t my favorite person. But she shows a lot of remorse for what she did to Than and she won me over. She’s tough as nails and pretty badass for someone who is almost nine months pregnant. She and Than have crazy chemistry and the sex is super hot! I never thought I would say that about pregnancy sex but Larissa Ione can make almost anything sexy.

Yay for Lethal Rider! This is definitely my favorite book of the series so far. Lots of action, demon bad guys, demon good guys, crazy angels, and super sexy times. Well paced and easy to follow, the storyline nicely wrapped up a lot of loose ends while setting up Reseph’s story. And I have no idea what’s going to happen in Reseph’s book. All I know is that I want to read it NOW. Fans of this series will not be disappointed. If you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for? Get on it!

*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.

 

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Visit the author online at www.larissaione.com and follow her on Twitter @LarissaIone

Honor Bound - Review

Honor Bound (fka The Bastard) by Brenda Novak

Publication date: 01 May 2012 by Amazon

ISBN: B005Z4ZX94
Goodreads | Amazon 

Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Historical, romance, disguise, navy
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

From Goodreads:

To some men honor is just a word...

Jeannette Boucher, a young French beauty from a family left penniless by the revolution, must marry against her will to save them all from ruin. But almost immediately after the vows are spoken, she learns that her old English husband is impotent—and in his desire for an heir, he plans to compromise her in the worst way. Determined to escape such a fate, she stows away on one of His Majesty’s frigates. But a woman alone is in constant danger.

To Lieutenant Treynor, honor means everything...

Born a bastard to a wayward marquise, Lieutenant Crawford Treynor was given to a poor farmer to raise and was maltreated until he ran away to join the Royal Navy. Treynor is determined to prove he’s as good as any other man and rise to captain his own frigate. But once he finds Jeannette aboard The Tempest he must decide whether to return her to the man he knows would abuse her—or risk everything, even his life, to keep her safe.

Thuy's Review:

I picked up this book, then called The Bastard, a few months ago after seeing it as a free Kindle download (it's now back to $3.99). The idea of a romance on the high seas intrigued me and so I began it with high hopes. Honor Bound is the story of Lieutenant Crawford Treynor, born a bastard, who has worked his way up to a position of power and prestige on board The Tempest. He longs to captain his own ship and show the world that a bastard can be as honorable and worthy of the same things as a legitimate son. Jeannette Boucher agrees to marry an old Englishman who needs an heir to save her family from financial ruin. However, she learns that he is impotent but still plans on having his heir, even if it means compromising Jeannette in the worst way. So she stows away on one of the King's ships, but a woman alone is not safe on the high seas and Jeannette must depend on Treynor to protect her identity on the ship.

I had never read anything by Brenda Novak before but knew that she had a good rep as a romance writer. I started the book hoping to find an exciting, action packed adventure full of romance on the high seas. While entertaining, the book did not deliver the drama and intensity that I look for in a good romance. Honor Bound had all of the elements of an exciting sea tale going for it - brooding sea captain, sassy heroine, a plot to attack the kingdom - but it all came off as very tame. I don't know what it was but I just wasn't drawn into the story as much as I wanted to be. I cared about Jeannette and Treynor but I wasn't really invested in their relationship. And while there are some very nice kissing scenes, there wasn't much beyond that in the romance department. I don't need a love scene in every chapter or anything but, c’mon, I want some sexy times in a romance novel.

As characters, Jeanette and Treynor are likable but forgettable. I didn't read the book that long ago and I am having a really hard time remembering much about either of them. Of the two I think Treynor is more interesting. He has a strong sense of honor and duty that compels him. He also has a chip on his shoulder because he is a bastard. He is trying to prove something, to himself and to society. That’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with Jeannette. She's a feisty heroine in her own right. She just didn’t seem that unique and I felt like I had seen many characters like her before.

While I enjoyed the nautical setting, I felt like there was too much emphasis on the logistics of running of a ship that distracted me from the main characters. Instead of making out like I wanted them to be, Jeannette was often scrubbing decks or hiding from the other shipmates. I know, I know, don’t read a book set on a boat if you’re not interested in life on a ship. You’re probably right but I do feel like the balance between the ship stuff and romance was a bit uneven. If you like stories set on the ocean you might like this one.

*Random side note but I just realized that along with the title change I think they redid the cover and gave him a shirt. Oh what a shame. :)

 

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You can visit the author online at www.brendanovak.com or on Facebook

Deadlocked - Review

Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12) by Charlaine Harris

Publication date: 01 May 2012 by Ace

ISBN 10/13: 1937007448 | 9781937007447
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Category: Adult Urban Fantasy
Keywords: Urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery, vampires, shifters, weres, murder, fae
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Source: Library

Synopsis:

With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it’s the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman’s front yard—especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Thuy's Review:

I think this is my least favorite Sookie Stackhouse book. Unlike a lot of people, I really enjoyed the previous book, Dead Reckoning. The series to me had been going downhill for the last few books. Perhaps Harris was losing steam or maybe I was just losing interest. But I felt like Dead Reckoning was finally getting the series back on track and I found myself once again engaged in Sookie’s world. So it was with anticipation and excitement that I opened up Deadlocked.

Unfortunately Deadlocked was not what I was hoping for. The first hundred pages or so were slow but I figured that the series has so many characters and crazy plot lines that Harris really needed to get us caught up with everyone. Finally they find a dead body and I thought, “Now things are going to start happening.” Only...they don’t. I mean, they do, but not in a way that moves the series forward. Like trying to walk through knee high wet sand, I felt like I was trudging through this book with little to show for my efforts. There were no sexy times, no fun times and even the murder mystery was uninteresting after awhile.

I also didn’t want to hear about every little detail of Sookie’s day. Sookie goes to the grocery store, she paints her nails, does the laundry, goes to work, goes to the grocery store again....You get the idea. Now I don’t mind a little taste of Sookie’s life. The series has always had little bits here and there about how Sookie goes about her day and I appreciate these small details. However, this book was filled with mundane tasks that added nothing to the story and only succeeded in boring me. And the endless recapping! Everyone was constantly recapping events to someone who wasn’t there who would then recap it to another person and then they’d go over it again themselves in case they missed something. I was almost hoping that someone would just send out a mass email or put it on Facebook to save me the trouble of reading it 5 different ways.

Now let’s talk romance, or the lack of it. I am in the minority here since I have always been Team Bill and that possibility died long ago. But that doesn’t mean that I want Sookie and Eric to go kaput. I actually like them together and it’s clear that they have strong feelings for each other, despite all the angst. Vampire politics once again rears its ugly head with Eric and Sookie caught in the middle. The politics only aid in showing how dysfunctional their relationship is and Eric has very little page time in this book. This book is also sadly lacking in any hot sex scenes. Perhaps Harris is slowly leading Sookie in another romantic path but the constant drama between Sookie and Eric is getting old and I find myself not caring one way or the other if they stay together or not. Sookie does have a few nice moments with Bill though I don’t think they’ll ever be together again (Bill, call me!). Sam is as faithful and true as ever and his taste in women still sucks.

The story finally picked up in the last few chapters but, by that point, I didn’t really care. This really felt like a filler book. I just finished it half an hour ago and already I am hard pressed to recall what happened in it. I am glad the series is coming to a close. I still love the series and the characters in it but I think Harris has done all she can with it and it’s time to move on. I look forward to seeing how Harris closes out the series and what the fate holds in store for Sookie and the rest of the Bon Temps gang.

 

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Visit the author online at www.charlaineharris.com 

Movie Review: Snow White & The Huntsman

Snow White & The Huntsman
Genre: Fantasy, action, drama

Directed by: Rupert Sanders

Starring: Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth

Release date: June 1, 2012

IMDB, official site

Synopsis:

In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

Review:

Yes, I went to see Snow White & The Huntsman this weekend. I am a sucker for any fairy tale retelling especially ones that are a little on the darker side. I was expecting a fun popcorn movie with lots of eye candy and that's exactly what I got.

The thing that first drew me to the film were the visuals and that part of the movie didn't disappoint. Both the dark forest and the fairy forest were done beautifully with strange plants and creatures inhabiting them. The costumes were great, especially those worn by the Queen. I also enjoyed the action in the film. There was lots of axe wielding and arrows flying about. The phantom army was especially cool looking with its soldiers made of shards of black glass. 

The acting pedigree in the film is also quite impressive. Of course you have Charlize Theron who plays evil bitch really well. Though she is undoubtedly the bad guy in this, you can't help feeling a little sorry for her. Her evil is born out of an instinct to survive that has become twisted over time. And, as my friend said, Charlize is a pro at giving you the evil eye. Chris Hemsworth is the man candy in this movie and he does a good job of playing the tortured Huntsman. No, he does not take his shirt off, ladies. Sorry to disappoint. But he's still nice to look at even clothed. There's a bit of a love triangle in the movie but it's really not a main plot point of the film, which I was alright with. I love a good romance as much as the next person but I am tired of love triangles and this movie didn't have time for it.  

And let's talk Kristen Stewart. She was surprisingly not terrible in this. I know it's not a ringing endorsement but I fully expected her to be terrible and I thought she was OK. Not good, but not cringe worthy either. I think it helped that she didn't have too many lines and instead just had to look scared or baffled most of the time.  And say what you will about her acting but the girl has got some seriously nice skin. Sitting in the first row during some close ups, I have to admit that she looked good.  But the best part of the film were the dwarves. Aren't the always the best part? The dwarves in this case were character actors of the non-dwarfish variety made into drarves via CG technology. They lent levity and heart to a story that might have taken itself too seriously otherwise.

While Snow White wasn't the most original movie, it did manage to entertain me for two hours. It definitely has its cheesy moments but if you're looking for a fun summer film, this might be the thing. If you're interested in seeing it, I would suggest seeing it in the theater. All of the lovely visual effects and design are best viewed on a big screen. So what do you think? Did anyone go see it or are you going to wait for DVD?

where the heck did we park the car?

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Find more YA and middle grade reviews by Thuy at Read Now Sleep Later

Demonic - Giveaway (Kindle)

Garon Cockrell is the Pop Culture Beast. 

He has also penned a book called Demonic and Other Tales (doorQ.com publishing, 2011).

I know it's not our usual fare, but if you love horror, it's a must-read! I was trying to wait until an appropriately scary time, like mid-October, to get people in the freaking-out mood. But let's face it, if Cabin in the Woods can come out at Easter, you can have some horror in the middle of May. 

This collection of scream-worthy short stories includes "Demonic," "Eggs," "Home Alone," "What's Your Pleasure?," "The Strange Tale of Griffin Shard," "Looking Glass," "Interrogation," "Manny," "Prelude," and "Haven."

"Eggs" is also in the process of being made into a short film.

Garon also tweets about music, movies, and lots of other stuff, so don't feel like following him on Twitter 

is going to just lock you in to a bunch of tweets about the book ;)

You can enter to win a Kindle copy of Demonic!

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Winner(s) will be chosen June 1. 

If at least 100 entries come in by the end of the contest, I will give away 2 Kindle copies.

If at least 300 entries come in by the end of the contest, I will give away 3 Kindle copies.

And if you don't win, relax! You can get it yourself for just $2.99 on Amazon.com.

Insert evil laugh [here]

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ruined by Rumor - Review

Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Publication date: 21 May 2012 by Carina Press

ISBN 10/13: 0451411528 | 9780451411525
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

Category: Adult Regency/Historical Romance
Keywords: Romance, regency, historical, rumors, scandal
Format: eBook
Source: e-ARC received from NetGalley

Thuy's synopsis:

Ruined by Rumor is the story of Roxana Langley, a young, well bred lady who has been betrothed to her fiancee, George Wyatt, for five years. George finally returns home and plans are made for their upcoming wedding. But Roxana’s plans for the future take an unexpected turn when George calls off the wedding. Distraught, Roxana finds familiar comfort in the arms of her brother’s best friend, Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley. Ayersley has loved Roxana for years but his quiet and shy nature make Roxana believe that he doesn’t like her at all. Caught in a compromising position with Ayersley, the two are forced to marry to save Roxana’s reputation.

Thuy's Review:

Ruined by Rumor is the second Regency romance from Alyssa Everett. I am a huge fan of her first book, A Tryst with Trouble*, and was excited to hear that she had another release coming so soon. Roxana was a nice change from the wallflowers and spinsters that I often read about in period romances. She’s pretty and friendly with an air of playfulness about her. And Ayersley was definitely a different kind of hero. Quiet and intense, he is a far departure from the rakish libertine often found in romance novels. He is refreshingly shy and fumbles quite a bit in the romance department.

While I liked Roxana and Ayersley separately as characters, together they fell flat. Roxana, light hearted and fun should have been the perfect complement to the serious and bookish Ayersley. But once they were married, the fun Roxana went away and in her place was a much more serious and somewhat boring Roxana. Each of them was so afraid of offending the other and their interactions were polite and guarded. I don’t want to read about a polite, considerate romance. I want passion and joy and lust! Each of them constantly felt like they were disappointing the other with neither of them saying what was on their mind, which resulted in somewhat bland conversations. The witty dialogue that I know Everett is great at was nowhere to be found.

It wasn’t until near the very end that I started to really feel something between the pair. That’s when they both shed their proper demeanors and let their true feelings show. They finally get mad at each other and the sparks start flying. If this fire and passion had been present earlier, I think it would have been a very different and more exciting book.

While I was disappointed in Ruined by Rumor, there were some nice moments between Roxana and Ayersley.  I enjoyed elements of the book but felt like the chemistry between Ayersley and Roxana was lacking, and I wasn't as invested in their relationship as I should have been.  I know that Everett can write an amazing story but this one missed the mark for me.

*Unfortunately, A Tryst with Trouble still has not been released due to the financial troubles of its publisher, Dorchester Publishing.

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.

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