September 2010 Reading Re-Cap

Here we are, the end of another month and for me, the beginning of the countdown to the holidays.  Yes, I said holidays - I have already started Christmas shopping.  :)  But we won't get too far ahead of ourselves...


Here is a re-cap of the books I read this month.

5 Stars

The Strain - Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan
Sin Undone - Larissa Ione
Demon From the Dark - Kresley Cole
First Drop of Crimson - Jeaniene Frost

4 Stars

Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
Sacrifice - Dakota Banks
Backstage Pass - Olivia Cunning

3 Stars

Tracking the Tempest - Nicole Peeler
Blaze of Memory - Nalini Singh
When Blood Calls - J K Beck

2 Stars

Harmony's Way - Lora Leigh

DNF

Succubus in the City - Nina Harper


How was your month?


M

Review: Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning

Backstage Pass is the first book in the Sinners on Tour series by Olivia Cunning and an Erotic Romance from Sourcebooks Casablanca.

Book Blurb:

Five Stunning Guys, One Hot Woman and a Feverish Romance...

For him, life is all music and no play...

When Brian Sinclair, lead songwriter and guitarist of the hottest metal band on the scene, loses his creative spark, it will take nights of downright sinful passion to release his pent-up genius...

She's the one to call the tune...

When sexy psychologist Myrna Evans goes on tour with the Sinners, every boy in the band tries to seduce her.  But Brian is the only one she wants to get her hands on...

Then the two lovers' wildly shocking behavior sparks the whole band to new heights of glory...and sin...

Backstage Pass was submitted for review and I retain my ARC.

It has been months since Brian Sinclair felt any kind of inspiration.  Lost in booze and a broken heart, writing new music is the last thing on his mind.

Myrna Evans is living a life in secret.  Hiding from events in her past - she is suppressing the very side of herself that she spends all day talking about with her students.

While attending a work conference Myrna meets one of her favorite bands - and begins a whirlwind fling with the lead guitarist.  Which leads her to an idea for a paper.  Myrna decides to study the bands groupies - and what better way to meet the groupies than to go on tour with the band.

Backstage Pass is a steamy read - and I do mean steamy.  Brian and Myrna go on a journey of sexual exploration that involves toys, chains, ketchup, a motorcycle, a bathroom, a dining table, a couple other people - and a cherry sucker. 

Just reading this book made me walk funny.  :)

Since this is the first book in the series - I'm wondering if we are going to get a book for each member of the band...

I give Backstage Pass, Sinners on Tour 4 out of 5 stars.

M

Review: When Blood Calls by J K Beck

When Blood Calls is the first book in the Shadow Keepers series by J K Beck and a Paranormal Romance from Bantam Books.

Book Blurb:

Attorney Sara Constantine is thrilled with her promotion - until she finds out that she must now prosecute vampires and werewolves. The first defendant she'll be trying to put away? Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius kisses a beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he's hoping only to avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he's planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss ignites into an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows that Sara is determined to see him locked away - unless he can convince her that he's not a monster. And that might mean making the ultimate sacrifice.

Sara Constantine has worked hard to make a name for herself as a prosecuting attorney.  Driven by the need to right the wrong that allowed her fathers killer to walk away on a technicality, Sara has made it a personal mission to put away as many bad guys as she can.

Lucius Dragos could not count on justice being served - not when the perpetrator was supposed to be one of the good guys.  So he took the law into his own hands, meting out his own brand of justice - vampire justice.

But it is forbidden for a supernatural to do harm to a human - and now Lucius must go to trial for his actions.  And it is up to Sara to prove him guilty - or find him innocent.

When Blood Calls was a pretty good read.  Though it is a  paranormal romance - it has the feel of a thriller/mystery. 

I give When Blood Calls 3 out of 5 stars and I am looking forward to the next installment in this series - When Pleasure Rules, coming in October.

M

Mailbox Monday

Good Monday morning everyone.  It is raining at my house - has been all night, and I could not be happier.  We needed rain!  And an added bonus is the cooler weather that follows.  We should be in the low 80's all week.  Woo-Hoo!  :)

So here is a book I received from paperbackswap last week.  I read the first book in this series - and it was okay.  I thought I would give this second one a try and see how it goes.

Book Blurb:

My name is Calliope Reaper-Jones.  I'm just like any other working girl in New York City - stuck in a boring job, barely making rent, coveting every expensive fashion accessory I see but can't afford.

I know what you're thinking: "Callie, your dad is the head of Death, Inc.  You can afford those accessories."  But there's more to running the family business than wielding cosmic power over life and death.  Cubicle hell is nothing compared to the real thing.  Trust me on this.  So I've tried to stay clear of it.

But no matter how far I walk toward a normal life in my (bought-on-sale) Manolos, I keep getting dragged back into the paranormal world.  Now Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hell, wants me to repay a debt I owe him, which means trips to Purgatory, Las Vegas, ancient Egypt - and a discount department store.  The things a girl has to do when she's Death's Daughter. 

Sounds like it could be cute.  :)

M 

M.M.F.F Challenge: Week #7

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take. 


And here is the seventh picture prompt.

 

I think it is a given that this story will have to be vampire related - with all the bats in the background.  :)  I think Dottie is going to be happy with this one.  

Stop back on Friday to see what I come up with - and please, feel free to join in - we'd love to have you participate.  :)


M

On My Wish List :)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

I can't even begin to list all the books I have on my wish list.  :)  But I thought it would be fun to list one or two at a time.


You might not know this:  I am a huge zombie fan.  Don't ask me way - I'm just a nerd like that.  :)  And I have recently found this author and series.  I have them on my wish list.

Book Blurb:

It's one month after a global disaster. The most "developed" nations of the world have fallen to the shambling zombie masses. Only a few pockets of humanity survive — in places rife with high-powered weaponry, such as Somalia.

In New York City, the dead walk the streets, driven by an insatiable hunger for all things living. One amongst them is different; though he shares their appetites he has retained his human intelligence. Alone among the mindless zombies, Gary Fleck is an eyewitness to the end of the world — and perhaps the evil genius behind it all.

From the other side of the planet, a small but heavily-armed group of schoolgirls-turned-soldiers has come in search of desperately needed medicine. Dekalb, a former United Nations weapons inspector, leads them as their local guide. Ayaan, a crack shot at the age of sixteen, will stop at nothing to complete her mission. They think they are prepared for anything. On Monster Island they will find that there is something worse even than being undead, as Gary learns the true price of survival.

Have you read this series?  What are your thoughts?

M
 

Book Cover & Promo: My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel

Revenge. It's all Grayson Spencer wants. Christophe dit Menart, a human with dark magical powers, destroyed the life she loved. She wants the pleasure of killing him, no matter the cost to her. If not for Durian, a dangerously sexy demon fiend charged with keeping Christophe alive, she would have succeeded, too. Now, she's certain all hope is gone. But he has a plan and an offer she can't resist...

Durian has spent his life as a trained and sanctioned assassin. His duty: to enforce the laws against demons harming humans. He's always prided himself on staying out of the fray, carrying out his orders and honoring his fealty to his warlord, but never getting attached. Never until Grayson, a spunky and determined woman clearly gifted with magic herself. He convinces her to swear fealty to him so he can protect her and teach her to use her magic to taste the revenge she so desperately wants.

They're soon bound together in a forbidden desire--a dangerous passion that calls into question Durian's oath of loyalty to his warlord. When he refuses to return her to Christophe, his disobedience threatens to inflame the tumultuous war between demons and the magekind. Can they--and their love--survive?

Release Date:  01-01-11

M 

Friday Flash Fiction: Week 6

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.

And here is the sixth picture prompt:

Here is my story:

A Whisper Across Time

She sat on her favorite bench, like a hundred times before; lost in thought as she gazed at the painting.  She could remember the first time her mother brought her to the museum - she had been six years old and it was during the summer; the cool interior of the museum such a contrast to the scorching midday heat outside. 

When they arrived at the painting she stopped and laughed aloud.  Her mother asked her what was so funny.  She pointed to the painting and said, “It’s me Mommy.  I’m all grown up.”  She remembered the look on her mothers face.  Bemusement.

She could not explain what drew her to the painting.  It was almost as if it talked to her, whispers like the rustling of the wind in the trees, there and gone again.

But whatever the reason she was ensnared by its beauty, by the story it told and the promise it held - as well as the solace it offered.  She lost her parents in an accident over a year ago - and the painting brought back wonderful memories of the time they shared at the museum.

Now in her twenty third year, she was as recognizable to the museum patrons and employees as the beautiful art that surrounded her. 

She sighed, it was closing time and she was, again, the last person in the room.  Rising, she walked to the painting for one last look.  The image blurred and she blinked her eyes, hoping to refocus. 

Light headed and dizzy, she reached out her hand to steady herself and accidentally placed it on the painting - and then through the painting.

A strong hand held her arm.  “My lady Petra, are you well?”
 
Petra opened her eyes and found herself gazing into the face of the man in the painting.  Quickly recovering, Petra smiled at him - feeling as if she had known him her entire life.   

“Yes Tarek.  All is well my love.  All is well.”

She hugged her husband.  “I don’t think I have ever been more happy.”

Though she retained her memory of the future and everything she left behind, Petra never regretted her trip through time.  She and Tarek lived happily together, raising four children who provided them with sixteen grandchildren and more happy memories than Petra ever thought possible.

Petra lost Tarek in her forty ninth year, and followed him five years later.  Their love was an inspiration to all who knew them and songs were sung in their honor for years following their deaths.   

The End
Word Count: 429


M 

I have to say that this week was the hardest for me so far...:)

18 & Over Book Blogger Tag Along

A new adult follow. :)

This new follow is hosted by Laurie @ Bitten by Paranormal Romance and here is a rundown of the rules:
In order to do tag along you have to primarily have a book blog that reviews and post adult content. In other words, if you read books like erotic and adult romance and have adult pic., then you can play tag along. Sorry YA readers, but if you read both (I know some of you do)you can tag along also. Just make sure you have both YA and adult romance on your blog.

Stop by and take a look around. :)

M

Book Blogger Hop

Over at Crazy-for-Books they're having a Book Blogger Hop. Here is a description from the website:

It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Love Fest HOP!!

ABOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! So, I created this weekly BOOK PARTY where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start PARTYING!!


Sounds like a blast. Go and check it out - leave your link so others can stop by your blog - and don't forget to check out the blogs listed - you may find several you like. I did. :)

http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

This week's question comes from Elizabeth who blogs at Silver's Reviews.

When you write reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you have read the entire book?

 

I wait until I've read the entire book.  :)  My reviews are merely my opinion of the overall read - so it is better to wait until I've finished.  

 

M   

Cover Find: Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend by Linda Wisdom

This is the fifth book in the Jazz Tremaine series by Linda Wisdom.  It was originally to be titled The Best Hex Ever and released in October of 2010.  The title has been changed and the release date pushed back to April of 2011.

This cover is a huge departure from the rest of the books in the series.

 

Jazz Tremaine
1. 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover (2008)
2. Hex Appeal (2008)
3. Wicked by Any Other Name (2009)
4. Hex in High Heels (2009)

What do you think of the new cover?  I think I like it better.

M

Review: Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh

Blaze of Memory is the 7th book in the Psy/Changeling series by Nalini Singh and a Berkley Sensation Paranormal Romance.

Book Blurb:

Dev Santos discovers her unconscious and battered, with no memory of who she is. All she knows is that she's dangerous. Charged with protecting his people's most vulnerable secrets. Dev is duty-bound to eliminate all threats. It's a task he's never hesitated to complete...until he finds himself drawn to a woman who might prove to be the enemy's most insidious weapon yet.

Stripped of her memories by a shadowy oppressor and programmed to carry out cold-blooded murder, Katya Haas is fighting desperately for her sanity. Her only hope is Dev. But how can she expect to gain the trust of a man who could very well be her next target? For in this game, one must die...

Dev Santos is a Forgotten - a descendant of those Psy who first rebelled against Silence and chose not to join the PsyNet.

He and his organization, The Shine Foundation, are always on the look out for young Psy who have slipped the system and are being raised as human. He wants to give them a place to go and the resources they need to manage their abilities.

Katya Haas was once an employee of the Psy Council. She worked in a lab where her only responsibility was to test the Psy abilities of children.

After seeing the cruelty that lurked in the minds of her own kind - she rebelled. And paid for her rebellion with her own mind.

Blaze of Memory was a pretty good read.

I like Dev - he is certainly Alpha enough - especially for a Psy. Katya, for all her seeming fragility - has a will to live made of steel. And I like them together.

That being said. This was not my favorite installment. I think it is because they are both Psy - and I like the pairing when at least one of them is Changeling. Those Changelings are sexy. :)

I give Blaze of Memory 3 out of 5 stars.

M

Review: Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver

Sins of the Heart is the first book in the Sins trilogy by Eve Silver and an HQN Paranormal Romance.

Book Blurb:

Half human, half god, Dagan Krayl is the Underworld's most powerful soul reaper. When one of his brothers is murdered, Dagan must use every ounce of his power to hunt down those responsible for his brutal death. But he must move swiftly - and carefully - if he's to have any chance of resurrecting his brother.

Yet that resurrection could wreak havoc on the mortal world. As an Otherkin, Roxy Tam has sworn to protect the human race, and it's her mission to stop Dagan. But when she sees him face-to-face, she realizes that she has seen him once before - a meeting that changed her life forever.

Neither Dagan nor Roxy expect to join forces for the sake of mankind. Or to have their loyalties tested as they struggle against the potent desire that threatens to consume them both..


Dagan Krayl is a soul reaper - and not just any soul reaper - he is the son of Sutekh, the Lord of Chaos.

Dagan hunts those mortals whose souls are tainted by evil. He harvests their dark souls and takes them to his father - who consumes them for energy.

Roxy Tam, no longer merely mortal, has devoted the last ten years of her life to protecting mortals. She learned long ago that there is more to this world than meets the eye. And she learned that from Dagan.

After an unexpected meeting ten years ago, neither has been able to get the other out of their mind.

Now they have been thrown together once again - and this time they are both working for a common goal - they just don't it yet.

I really enjoyed Sins of the Heart and I am looking forward to the next two installments in this trilogy.

I give Sins of the Hear 4 out of 5 stars.

M

Sins
Sins of the Flesh (2010)
Sins of the Heart (2010)
Sins of the Soul (2010)

Cover Discovery: Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian

Deeper Than Midnight is the 9th book in the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian and Hunter's story.



Blurb Forthcoming
Release Date: 06-28-11

M

Review: First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

First Drop of Crimson is the first book in the Night Huntress World series by Jeaniene Frost and an Avon Fiction.

Book Blurb:

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows - her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield - and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness - and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human - even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together . . .

Because once the first crimson drop falls, they will both be lost.

Jeaniene Frost is one of my all time favorite authors.

Denise MacGregor lost her husband a little more than a year ago in a supernatural showdown at her friend Cat's house. Now she has vowed to stay away from all things that go bump in the night.

But that may be easier said than done. When Denise is confronted by a demon shapeshifter and forced into his service - she has no where to turn for help - except the very beings she is trying to avoid.

When Denise is unable to contact Cat - she turns to the only person she can think of - Spade. But seeing him brings back unpleasant memories. Memories she has tried and failed to forget.

What Denise doesn't know is that Spade has his own unpleasant memories - and being around Denise brings them rushing back.

I give First Drop of Crimson 5 out of 5 stars.

:)

M

Night Huntress World
1. First Drop of Crimson (2010)
2. Eternal Kiss of Darkness (2010)

Cover Find: Night Magic by Jennifer Lyon

I just started reading Blood Magic this morning. I have had this book and the sequel, Soul Magic - on my tbr shelf for about a year. I can't believe I let this book sit on my shelf for so long. So far, it is amazing!

Here is the cover for the third installment in the Wing Slayer Hunter series - Night Magic.

Blurb forthcoming.
Release Date: 03-22-11

What do you think about this series?

M

Review: Sacrifice-Mortal Path Book Two by Dakota Banks

Sacrifice is the second book in the Mortal Path series by Dakota Banks and an EOS Urban Fantasy.

Book Blurb:

A demon's enslaved executioner - a ravager of lives and souls - Maliha Crayne has been reborn, willing to sacrifice her immortality for a chance at freedom . . . and salvation.

Now she has an opportunity to prevent the death of thousands - perhaps tens of thousands - to make up for the countless lives she has obliterated over the centuries. To do so, she must locate and destroy an evil cabal of madmen in possession of a weapon of unspeakable power - and survive the immortal assassins who are now after her blood.

But it means reverting to the old ways and surrendering once more to the darkness. And if Maliha dies before the mission is accomplished, the hell she once knew will seem like a picnic compared to the eternal torments awaiting her.

Sacrifice was submitted for review and I retain my copy. :)

Susannah was accused of being a witch and burned at the stake in 1692 Massachusetts - on that same day she was reborn as a demon's slave, Ageless - her first task was to kill those who had wronged her. And she did.

She then went on to kill countless numbers of people at her demon's bidding - until one assignment gave her pause. Made her stop and think - what had this innocent child ever done to anyone to warrant death at her hands?

Now known as Maliha Crayne, she has found a loop hole in the contract the demon holds over her.

This loop hole says that if she balances the scales - saves as many lives as she has taken, before her death - the demon contract is void. This makes her a rogue - and it also makes her demon very unhappy.

In Sacrifice we find that Maliha is not the only Ageless. And she is hoping that these new players will join her in her quest to find the Shards of the Great Lens - an object that will help her read the Tablet of the Overlord - which will give her control over the demons.

But before she can look for the Shards she must stop a group of people who are trying to unbalance the world's financial structure - and they are using the poorest countries as a test site for a weapon of unbelievable destruction.

Though no longer Ageless, Maliha still has some of their unique abilities - super speed, advanced healing and the ability to read a persons aura - and it will take all of these abilities combined with her years of experience to vanquish this foe.

I really enjoyed Sacrifice. I love the whole concept of Mortal Path and find Maliha to be fascinating.

Mortal Path has become one of my favorite series and I can't wait to see where Maliha goes from here.

I give Sacrifice: Mortal Path Book Two 4 out of 5 stars.

M

Mortal Path
1. Dark Time (2009)
2. Sacrifice (2010)

M.M.F.F. Challenge: Week #6

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.


And here is the sixth picture prompt.


Oh my goodness. I am drawing a total blank. LOL I will definitely have to stretch my imagination on this one. I haven't read a historical novel in years - that doesn't leave me much to fall back on.

Stop back by on Friday to see what I can come up with.

M

Cover & Promo: Kiss At Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe

HE NEEDED A KILLER WOMAN…

Blaine Underhill was one lucky man. Having recently escaped a century and a half of imprisonment at the hands of an evil witch, he's determined to save his still-enslaved friend. But in order to do so, he'll need the help of one of the world's most lethal women.

SHE WAS DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, LITERALLY…

Trinity Harpswell is sick and tired of being a Black Widow. Having managed to go three years without accidentally killing anyone she loves, she's one short week away from freeing herself from this killer curse forever. When Blaine tracks her down and convinces her to help him, little does Trinity know that the next seven days are going to be murder!

Release Date: 01-04-11

M

Friday Finds: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Eternal Rider is the first book in the new Lords of Deliverance series by Larissa Ione. :)

Book Blurb:

They are here.
They ride.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

Release Date: 04-01-11 I can't wait!

M

Friday Flash Fiction: Week #5

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.

And here is the fifth picture prompt:



Too Late

Max sheathed her short blade and grabbed her sword from the holster on her back. Turning she beheaded the harpy just as it’s talons seared the flesh of her cheek.

Three down.

For once Max thought she and Roman would be able to enjoy a Saturday night free of the shit storm that was the life of a Parakind Enforcer. But that was just asking too much.

When the call came through she and Roman were about to share their first kiss. Finally. After fours years of being partners - the last two years full of sexual tension - they had decided to take the next step.

And then the harpy call came in - may all harpies rot in the hell that they call home. Max and Roman grabbed their gear and headed out to the south end of town.

When they arrived at the cemetery the harpies were fighting over a dead body and a suitcase full of uncut diamonds. Deciding that splitting up was the best course of action, three harpies grabbed the body and the remaining three grabbed the suitcase - and they took off in opposite directions.

Having dispatched her three harpies Max glanced over at the body - he was a goner. Max was unsure if there was enough left to identify him - but the geeks would do their best.

Max headed back to Roman - she was surprised that she didn’t run into him heading in her direction. When she heard sounds of fighting she sped up - surely Roman had taken care of his targets.

Roman staggered into view, blood running down his face and into his eyes, his left arm limp at his side. The remaining two harpies were taking turns slashing him with their talons, a third lay dead at the base of a crypt.

Max jumped into the fray. She stabbed one harpy in the eye, pulled her sword out and quickly beheaded it. Rounding on the last harpy Max was too late to stop it from advancing on Roman.

The harpy grabbed him by the hair with one hand and with the other ripped his heart from his chest - it was still beating as the bitch held it in her hand.

“Roman ” Max screamed.

Running to the harpy Max took her head off with a swipe of her blade. Dropping to the ground, Max gathered Roman close, leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“We wasted so much time.” Max wiped the tears from her face and called for a retrieval unit.

The End
Word Count: 420

What do you think? :)

M

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay is the third and final installment in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins and a YA novel from Scholastic Press.

Book Blurb:

My name is Katniss Everdeen.
Why am I not Dead?
I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.

It would be very hard for me to review this book without spoilers. So I am not even going to try. I am going to give my opinion only.

The Hunger Games trilogy is one of the most stressful series I have ever read.

With every book I was on the edge of my seat - wondering what could possibly happen next. How was this child, Katniss and the other children to survive this horrible Game?

How could the people in the Capitol be so cruel as to think of this Game as entertainment?

I can't even say that it was a roller coaster ride of emotion - because with roller coasters, you occasionally get a straight away and can catch your breath.

But this series is very tense. The characters are so real - and I was involved, invested in what was happening.

Katniss was pulled in every direction - no one gave any thought to her as a person - only to what she could do for them. And in the end - she had to make the biggest decision of her entire life - to trust those around her - or trust herself.

I enjoyed this series and I LOVED the way it ended. :)

I give Mockingjay 4 out of 5 stars.

M

Waiting on Wednesday

I've read Ms. Collins Sonja Blue series and enjoyed it quite a bit. I am looking forward to to her take on Urban Fantasy with Right Hand Magic.

Book Blurb:

Like most Manhattanites, aspiring artist Tate can't resist a good rental deal-even if it's in the city's strangest neighborhood, Golgotham, where for centuries werewolves, centaurs, and countless other creatures have roamed the streets.

Her new landlord is a sorcerer name Hexe, who is determined to build his reputation without using dark, left-hand magic. As Tate is drawn into Hexe's fascinating world, they both find that the right hand does not always know what the left hand is doing-and avoiding darkness is no easy trick...

Release Date: 12-07-10

M

Winner : When Pleasure Rules by J K Beck

Good morning everyone. It is time to choose the winner of the J K Beck giveaway. I would like to thank J K for stopping by and for generously providing a copy of When Pleasure Rules. :) Here we go!

There were 16 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. emmad
2. Stella
3. Mysteriousrose
4. donnaS
5. justpeachy36
6. Luvdaylilies
7. Linda Henderson
8. Misha1989
9. Lori Kander
10. JenM
11. martha Lawson
12. B
13. Scorpio M
14. Kelsey
15. Marq
16. Beverly

And the winning number is #12 - Blodeuedd. Congrats! I will send you an email requesting your addy.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Happy Reading!!

M

Review: Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh

Harmony's Way is the 8th book in the Breed series by Lora Leigh and a Paranormal Romance from Berkley Sensation.

Book Blurb:

Harmony Lancaster is of the Lion Breed, created to be a huntress with a thirst to kill. But the way she seeks justice outside of the law makes her a liability to her own kind. Yet she also possesses information that they need on the existence of the first Leo - who holds the precious secrets of desire.

To save her life, Harmony is paired with Sheriff Lance Jacobs, who tries to tame the killer within her, while protecting the gentle woman he longs to possess. But a dangerous cult leader, bent on destroying the Breeds, could change the way Lance looks at Harmony forever...

Harmony's Way is the first book I have read by Lora Leigh and I love the concept of genetically engineered individuals with animal DNA.

Harmony is known as Death. She has killed to escape imprisonment, killed to escape re-capture and killed in the name of justice - her justice. Now she has to prove that she can be 'good'. If she survives her 6 month probationary period - her brother, Jonas, will forgive her transgressions and allow her to live free.

But someone is trying to set Harmony up for failure. Bodies are being found - murdered, using 'Deaths' MO. But Harmony has not killed anyone - lately.

Sheriff Lance Jacobs has fallen for Harmony and he vows to protect her from all those who would seek to harm her - even herself.

Harmony's Way was an okay read. As I said, I like the idea of the Breeds - but this book is not one of my favorites.

Maybe it is because this is the 8th book in the series and I don't have all the background information.

But honestly I think it is because of the sex scenes.

Now, I like sex scenes just as much as the next person - but the sex dialogue in Harmony's Way is awful. I was completely turned off by how Lance talked to Harmony during their encounters (and there are a great many encounters) - it was like bad 70's porn.

I'm hoping the rest of the series has better sex dialogue - or none. No sex dialogue is better than bad sex dialogue. LOL

I give Harmony's Way 2 out of 5 stars.

M

Review: Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole

Demon from the Dark is the 8th book in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole and a Pocket Books Romance.

Book Blurb:

A DANGEROUS DEMON SHE CAN'T RESIST . . .

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A MADDENING WITCH HE ACHES TO CLAIM . . .

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

TRAPPED TOGETHER IN A SAVAGE PRISON . . .

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

Demon from the Dark is an awesome read!!

Malkom has been betrayed his entire life - and by the people who were closest to him, the people who should have taken care of him.

Now, alone - living in a hell dimension, Malkom trusts no one. He lives for revenge. Revenge upon the only person left that betrayed him.

Carrow has always lived for the next party. A witch of three castes, Carrow derives her power from the revelry she finds (or causes) among the party goers of New Orleans.

But underneath that happy go lucky attitude is a young girl who never had the love and support of her parents. She has buried her unhappy childhood in war and parties. With no looking back.

Now Carrow has been forced into a situation unlike any she has faced before - she has finally found someone to belong to - someone who wants to belong to her - and she must betray him to save someone else.

The Immortals After Dark Series is one of my all time favorites and Demon from the Dark is a wonderful addition. :)

I give Demon from the Dark 5 out of 5 stars.

M

Mailbox Monday

Good Monday morning everyone. :) So who watched the finale of True Blood last night? Were you as disappointed as I was? It was a little on the blah side.

Here is a book I received in the mail from paperbackswap.

Book Blurb:

Mercenary Mick Carerra considered himself ruthless, determined, and at times, amoral. But he always got the job done. That's why Dr. Raymond Edwards hired him. A radical gene experiment had gone wrong and the patient needed to be eliminated-Mick was just right for the job.

However, Mick didn't expect the face of his soon-to-be victim, Caterina Shaw, to be so beautiful. The attraction was instant, and this was the first time that Mick ever had to question one of his targets. Mick locates Caterina, but instead of a deranged killer he finds an innocent and injured woman who seems to be part human, part chameleon.

Mick can't help but feel for her. He takes her to a safe house to treat her injuries and find out more about this mysterious woman. As the story unfolds, Mick sees the human side of Caterina and realizes that she was just a pawn in a terrible game...one that will claim more victims unless Mick can clear Cat's name and capture the true criminal.

I'll be honest, the cover is what drew me to this one...kinda sexy. Have you read it? What are your thoughts?

M

M.M.F.F Challenge : Week 5

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.


And here is the fifth picture prompt.



Hmmm....I have an idea. :) Stop back on Friday to see what I come up with.

M

Series Discovery: Blood & Sex by Angela Cameron

Some of you may be familiar with the series (and if you are, why didn't you tell me about it?) but I just found it and I wanted to share. :)

Book Blurb:

This is an original -- spine-chilling and sexy -- a tale of a Mafia vampire and the detective who is determined to bring it to justice...Detective Victoria Tyler is investigating Collins Bay's new serial killer, one of the city's vampires. Since they have marked her as a human to be killed or conquered, Tori knows that Michael is her only hope for survival. But she hasn't spoken to him since the night she tried to kill him. As the enforcer for the Italian vampire cosca, Michael expects a certain amount of cooperation from his boss. That amount has been shrinking ever since their leader took a new sadist lover. So when the detective requests his help, it's just the excuse he needs to take control of the city -- and the delicious human.

Risking it all, Tori agrees to let Michael take her neck and lead her on a journey through a world of bondage, domination and blood to stop the killer. But can she resist the dark lusts he sparks? Or will her weakness get someone else killed?

And

Book Blurb:

The second and sexiest book yet in the scorching Blood and Sex series. Dr. Elena Jensen is an immunohematologist with DIACorp, the world's leading medical research facility. She's worked hard to get where she is and loved every second of it. But on the eve of announcing her discovery of an immunity booster that will change the lives of every human on earth, a delicious new man walks into her life. Jonas, the strangely appealing owner of the new vampire themed bondage club, could be the perfect distraction from her otherwise workaholic life. But their worlds couldn't be farther apart.

Elena walks away, hoping that she can put Jonas's memory behind her and focus on her work, but he won't leave her alone. Even in her steamy dreams, Jonas is absolutely enthralling. The fact that he's starring each night as a powerful vampire lover makes him even more irresistible. At least until a werewolf attacks her, forcing Jonas to reveal his identity and the truth of her dreams. When she sees him again, can Elena keep dreams separate from reality? Or will her twisted fantasy get them both killed?

Warning: This story contains handcuffs, werewolf violence, intense sex, light bondage, and a dominating, butt-kicking hero...who likes to use his fangs.

And Available 12-01-10

Book Blurb:

In the third book of Angela Cameron's steamy trilogy about a vampire mafia, we discover Blane's hidden passions and struggle to succeed within the vampire hierarchy. We get glimpses into Michael and Tori's established relationship, and learn more about the opportunities and threats that the vampiro faces as they journey to Venice. Will the Alleanza survive the modern pressures of the vampire cosca? Will Blane be able to break through the guarded reserve of Christiana, the beautiful woman the vampire leader has sent to educate the newest vampires? Or will her sense of duty be stronger than the passion that threatens to sweep her away?

Don't miss this exciting continuation of the series Romance Junkies named a "debut that rocks"!

Sound pretty steamy. Have you read this series? What are your thoughts?

M