In My Mailbox (11)

image courtesy of a mocha & a latte

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

Pretty small haul this week. I've been trying to be very good and not buy too many books or borrow too many either. I did go to the library this week but managed to come out with only 2 books. I also got a couple of Christmas themed books which is new for me. It's all part of the seasonal spirit, right?

Bought

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas - As you can see, I am slowly becoming a Lisa Kleypas convert. This is the beginning of another series. Not sure if I will read it this year or save it for next year's Krazy Kleypas challenge.

For Review

A Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - Thank you, Simon & Schuster! S&S posted on twitter about extra arcs of CP. I sent them an email right away and look what came! Borrowed

Ashfall by Mike Mullin - I spotted this at the library this week. Looks like another good dystopian. The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Caroline Mackler - I've been dying to read this one! It's going to be my Christmas break reading. Thanks, frootjoos, for letting me borrow this. A Wallflowers Christmas by Lisa Kleypas - I know Krazy Kleypas isn't until next year but I couldn't resist picking up this short novella at the library. I have already read it and it did not disappoint. Won Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead - This one just made it in at the last minute. I won this ages ago from the Goodreads First Reads program. I wasn't sure if it was ever coming but it showed up today. I had already purchased this via kindle (pre-order, baby!) but was happy to get a physical copy as well. I actually haven't read it yet. I really want to but I am saving it because when I am done with it, it will mean that the series is over. :( That's all I have this week. What's in your mailbox?

say "twee!"

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Thuy can't wait for Christmas break when she will be able to eat pie and read all day. Follow her random thoughts on twitter @fishgirl182

Cry Wolf - Review

Cry Wolf by Angela Campbell  

Publication date: 31 October 2011 by Carina Press

ISBN 10/13: 1426892519 | 9781426892516

Category: Adult Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Keywords: Mystery, suspense, weres, romance
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook (e-ARC received from Netgalley)

Thuy's synosis:

Andrea Lockhart's job as a reporter for cheesy tabloid The Naked Truth isn't exactly where she thought her journalism career would end up. She's determined to make the best of it, but when her editor sends her to Woodbine, South Carolina, to investigate a werewolf sighting, Andrea decides the ridiculous assignment will be her last. Until she meets Sean Hunter.

The last time she saw Sean, he had just beat her out for the position of editor of their college newspaper, and told her she'd never make it as a reporter. Given his grand ambitions, she's shocked to find him editing theWoodbine Weekly. Once they start competing for leads on the werewolf, Andrea becomes determined to break the story first—she can't let Sean beat her again.

As they each get closer to finding the source of the rumors, the only thing more surprising than the truth are the feelings Sean is able to stir in her, feelings she thought she had left behind.

Thuy's review:

Cry Wolf is fun and sweet romantic mystery with a paranormal-ish twist. Andrea “Andi” Lockhart is a reporter for a famous tabloid magazine who is sent to the small town of Woodbine, SC to investigate the local werewolf sightings. Unfortunately she finds that her old competitor and the man who beat her out for editor of the college newspaper is now living in Woodbine and runs the town paper. As a young man Sean Hunter felt that Andi was too soft and said some cruel things to her for what he thought was “her own good.” Now Sean’s the last person Andi wants to see or work with but she has to if she’s to crack the story and find out the truth about the Woodbine Werewolf.

I was pleasantly surprised by Cry Wolf. I am a huge fan of paranormal books. Give me a vampire or demon and I’ll read it. It was a nice change of pace to read a book that had was about werewolves but wasn’t necessarily a paranormal story. The plot was well written and well paced and I was totally sucked into the mystery. I wanted to find out if the werewolf was real just as much as Andi did.

I loved the romance in this story. Andi’s got a big chip on her shoulder from what happened with Sean in college. I don’t really blame her at first. Sean’s words were cruel and, to the insecure young woman that Andi was, I can see how much it would have hurt. Even though it’s been years and Andi is a successful journalist now, she still feels like she has something to prove to Sean and perhaps to herself. Sean, on the other hand, isn’t the big time editor he set out to be. Seeing Andi makes him realize that a jerk he was in college. The years have changed Sean and he’s no longer the selfish, ambitious man he used to be. Actions speak louder than words and Sean does everything he can to help Andi and keep her from becoming werewolf bait during the investigation.

As rivals, Sean and Andi have that great antagonistic chemistry that I love to read. While Sean and Andi have great chemistry, the loves scenes themselves are pretty mild. Don’t get me wrong, they did get hot and heavy a few times but, just as things were really heating up...it would fast forward to the next morning. Personally I prefer a little more smut in my romance books but those who like their hanky panky on the lighter side will enjoy this.

I had a great time reading this. The small town setting was perfect for the mysterious werewolf sightings. It was fun following Andi and Sean on their investigation and meeting all of the quirky townspeople. And the story definitely keeps you guessing right up to the very end. A fun debut novel from Angela Campbell. I am excited to see what she comes up with next.

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.angelacampbellonline.com 

Winter Wishlist: Week 1 - All I Want For Christmas

Welcome to Winter Wishlist, the fun seasonal meme that my co-blogger over at Read Now Sleep Later dreamed up. This is just a fun little meme in the holiday spirit of giving and getting. The first week (Dec 6 - 12) is all about YOU and what you're hoping Santa leaves under your tree this Christmas. For more info or to sign up, visit the Winter Wishlist page.

Week 1: Write about Books or Bookish Things that you would love to get.
Week 2: Write about Books or Bookish Things that you would love to give.
Week 3: Write about a charity/nonprofit/community group that works with books and/or literacy.

Books & Book-ish Fun

• Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey - This one is high on my list because of the gorgeous cover. I just love the design and the flower petals scattering. I hope Santa brings this one for me. 
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - Another great cover (hm I am beginning to sense a trend here)  
• Witchlanders by Lena Coakley - I've been wanting this one for awhile now. I've heard great things and it has has a beautiful cover.

• Penguin Embroidered Classics Books
• Black Beauty, Emma, The Secret Garden - The first batch of the new Threads collection by Penguin. I am a crafty gal and these embroidered covers call out to the crafty/literary nerd in me. I don't have a huge attachment to Black Beauty so that would be lowest on my list but Emma or Secret Garden would be fantastic.

• Unveiled (Turner #1) and Unclaimed (Turner #2) by Courtney Milan - I read Unlcoked, a novella in this series recently and really liked it. Would love to read some of Milan's full length stuff.
• Angel's Flight by Nalini Singh - I'll pretty much read anything by Nalini Singh. This is a compilation of short stories from the Guild Hunter series. One of the stories is brand new. I defintely want.

• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling- I think Mindy Kaling is just hilarious and she seems like she would be an awesome friend. I'd like to read this book and pretend that we're besties.
• Habibi by Craig Thompson - There hasn't been a Craig Thompson book in awhile. This one looks gorgeous and epic.
• Blood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton- Another great cover. I love to cook and think this memoir looks fascinating.

One can't live on books alone (though I try) so here are a few non-book but book related wishlist items.

• Mighty Bright Kindle light - I actually haven't done a ton or research on lights but recent blackouts have made me aware that it's good to have a backup light source for my kindle. I can save the ice cream from melting in the freezer and read while I wait for the power to come back on.
• Threadless t-shirt in Storytellers - This thing is so adorable and I've had my eye on it for awhile now. Gotta love book-ish t-shirts! While you're there, check out all of their other awesome shirts.
• Colossal Kidney - OK, this has nothing to do with books. But it's adorable. Uh I can cuddle it while reading. Yeah, that's it. 

So that's my (abbreviated) wishlist. Thanks for humoring me. If you'd like to share your Winter Wishlist, sign up on the linky list below and stop by next week for some more gift ideas

 

Non-Fiction Review: The Treats Truck Baking Book

The Treats Truck Baking Book by Kim Ima Publication date: 1 Nov 2011 by HarperCollins ISBN 10/13: 0062065777 | 9780062065773 Let's be honest--baking books, by and large, are all kind of the same. Chocolate chip cookies, check. Sugar cookies, check. Oatmeal, Lemon Bars... omg, I'm getting hungry! And yet, you can't have just one. You know what I'm talking about. When I still worked in a chain bookstore, not a week went by that I didn't lust after one baking book or another. I am no longer around other people's books every day, and I don't bake or cook very often, but I can't resist a good cookbook.

There's definitely something about The Treats Truck Baking Book that says, "Take me home!" Even if you already have a million of the same or similar recipe for brownies, you'll want to try the Treats Truck way, especially if you're nowhere near their route. Aside from the usual bakery staples, Kim Ima includes tips and tricks for getting your home baking to turn out like hers. There are also fun varieties like Pumpkin Swirl Cookies, Caramel Creme Sandwich Cookies, and an Oatmeal Jammy recipe that's sure to be a hit with fans of the new Doctor Who. The real treat is stuff you can't find anywhere else--like ice cream cone cupcakes, dessert nachos, and a coconut-chocolate-chip cookie named after one of her customers. This is definitely one to add to the kitchen bookshelf or your holiday wishlist! This would even be a good one for novice bakers, since Ima's tone is very conversational. The design of the book is also very friendly--I read it on my laptop and just curled up on the couch with a hot cup of cocoa. Total comfort, even without a single cookie--but thanks to Kim, I can remedy that soon. Find out more about Kim Ima and the Treats Truck at www.treatstruck.com, and follow @TheTreatsTruck on Twitter. Thanks to HarperCollins/WilliamMorrow for allowing us to peek at the Netgalley edition of this book. Find more reviews by Alethea on the YA side of Read Now Sleep Later

In My Mailbox (10)

adorable image courtesy of a cupcake and a latte In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives book bloggers the chance to share what they’ve bought/borrowed/received! I did some book buying last week. I know, I know. I'm not supposed to but I hit a couple of used books stores while visiting the fam and I can't resist a used book store. Thank goodness Netgalley was relatively quiet last week or I'd have an even bigger pile. On to the goodies! Bought Good Girls Don't, Start Me Up, and Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl - As you can see, I went on a bit of a Victoria Dahl kick. Read a short by her recently that made me want to read more. Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - I have Barnes's first book, Raised by Wolves at home. I haven't read it yet but I am convinced that this series will be awesome so I snatched up book two when I saw it. Sew U Home Stretch by Wendy Mullin - No, I don't sew. I don't even have a sewing machine. But I love Built by Wendy designs and hope to start sewing next year. Hopefully this book will be helpful in that endeavor. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home by Jeni Britton Bauer - Yes, this was on my list for Borrowed last week. But I saw it on extreme sale over the weekend at Anthropologie. Now I have time to look through this gorgeous book at my leisure. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (audiobook) - Purchased on audible.com last week. I had a $10 credit and this was on sale for $12. I've been meaning to start this series and now I have the audio (read my Alan Cumming!). For Review Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout - Managed to get this one on Netgalley. Yay! Borrowed The Demon In The Freezer by Richard Preston - I loved Preston's The Hot Zone, which was terrifying. I am hoping that I won't want to hide in a hole after reading his book about smallpox. That's all I have this week. What's in your mailbox?

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Follow Thuy on twitter @fishgirl182