Library Loot

Library Loot hosted by Eva and Marg
asks us to list what we brought home from
the library this week.

My loot for the week. And I have decided to only read my library books now, I have too many at home, and when you can re-borrow 5 times I end up having them for months, oops. I just have to try not to borrow any more ;)

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Tally can't wait the three months until she's sixteen and her surgery transforms her into a pretty. She is sooooo sick of being an ugly. In the meantime, she daringly travels from her dorm in Uglyville to New Pretty Town in order to see her best friend, Peris.

To love, honour and betray by Kathy Lette

Lucy's been married for so long, her wedding certificate should be in hieroglyphics. When Jasper walks out after eighteen years, she panics. What will she do about vehicle maintenance, shifting heavy objects and Allen keys? Not to mention her rebellious teenage daughter Tally, who blames Lucy for the marital meltdown.

Our horses in Egypt by Rosalind Belben

Philomena, fat and lazy when she is requisitioned from an English field at the start of the First World War, sails for Egypt with the territorial regiment, the Dorset Yeomanry. By 1921, the forceful Griselda Romney has discovered that her old hunter, Philomena, could be still alive. With her six-year-old daughter, and of course Nanny, Mrs Romney sets out to Egypt, to find Philomena and to rescue her…

The Kiss of death by Markus Sedgwick

This fabled city with its lapping waterways, its crumbling magnificence, dark, twisting alleyways and surprising piazzas is the perfect setting for Marcus's captivating gothic novel of love and loss in C18th Venice.

The we came to the end by Joshua Ferris

Written with confidence in the tricky-to-pull-off first-person plural, the collective fishbowl perspective of the "we" voice nails the dynamics of cubicle culture--the deadlines, the gossip, the elaborate pranks to break the boredom, the joy of discovering free food in the breakroom. Arch, achingly funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, it's a view of how your work becomes a symbiotic part of your life.

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired







Wild Heart (Out in November) by Lori Brighton, from the author for a review.
Paranormal historical romance.
Leo Roberts is next in line for an earldom, but he is uncultured, unrefined—and completely untamed, until governess Ella Finch arrives upon the scene. Can so young and inexperienced a woman tutor him in the manners and mores of his class? Leo’s mysterious past has rendered him an outsider, too wild for polite society. But he finds her innocence most intriguing. What manner of man he may be, Ella does not know. Yet he fascinates her and she must know more. Capturing Leo’s reckless heart is about to free her in ways she never dreamed of,and his sensual touch releases the deepest yearnings of her body and soul …



Sea Lord by Virginia Kantra, BittenbyBooks

Prince of the part- human, part-seal Selkies, Conn faces a threat to his kind. So he follows his haunting visions to a woman miles away - a woman whose love could save him, or prove to be his downfall.






Soulless by Gail Carriger, from Janicus Book Blog

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she is being rudely attacked by a vampire to whom she has not been properly introduced!





Rowan of the Wood by Christine and Ethan Rose, from Bittenbybooks

An ancient wizard possesses a young boy after a millennium of imprisonment in a magic wand. He emerges from the child in the face of danger and discovers Fiana, his new bride from the past, has somehow survived time and become something evil.




Power Exchange by Madeleine Oh, from Amy @ Romance Book Wyrm

Annie’s lover reveals to her a most intriguing side to his personality, a lifestyle she is drawn to that is both fascinating and intimidating. She is about to learn more about her lover and his wishes, and about herself and her latent desires.





And lastly, Fruit & Vegetables Nut Breads cookbook by Carol A.Henry, won over @ Houston A.W. Knights Blog

The Shamer's Signet by Lene Kaaberbol

The Shamer's Signet by Lene Kaaberbol
Book 2 in the Shamer Chronicles

Hardcover: 322 pages
Published: 2005

One look into the Shamer’s eyes and a person’s darkest secrets are revealed

Dina has recently come into her uncomfortable powers as a Shamer, and now even her brother, Davin, no longer dares to meet her gaze.

Yet in these dangerous times there are far worse things in store for the young Shamer, who is kidnapped and forced to use her gift as a weapon against innocent people. Dina must get free. Can her brother help her escape?


From what I have seen many seems to agree with me that this book was rather boring, it dragged, and is the weakest book in the series. Though that I have yet to see. But it did ruin it a bit for me.

I think the reason for me is that half the book is seen through Dina's eyes, and I like those parts. She is a great young heroine, who is caught up in something she is too young for in a way, but handles is as well she can. But then there are parts from her brother's POV, and I found those boring, I don't like her brother, and it drags out the book. Still it's good teen fantasy, and I can't say for others but for me it gets too boring. I guess in a way it gets too children's book like when her brother shows up sometimes too. Too young. Because then again when Dina shows up it gets darker, ecpecially when she is kidnapped and certain things regarding others are hinted at. There lies darkness.

Not much to say about this one when I didn't enjoy it as much. It wasn't as fast a read either, and that was why I liked the first one. Maybe someone younger would enjoy it more.

I like Dina's friend Rose, she is cool, Dina is as I said a good heroine, her brother is sadly lacking, and their mother is a good woman. In this one we meet some more people in the highlands were they are hiding, but we don't get to learn that much about them after all.

Still I will read more when I have heard they are better, and I do want to know what is going to happen. I just hope there is no more from her brother's POV, or that I will start liking him. Because Kaaberbol knows how to write, and keep up the suspense.

Broken - Kelley Armstrong

Broken by Kelley Armstrong
(the 3rd Elena Michaels Novel, the 6th Women of the Underworld)

Published: 2006
Pages: 440

When half-demon Xavier calls in the favour Elena owes him, it seems easy enough, steal Jack the Ripper's 'From Hell' letter away from a Toronto collector who had himself stolen it from the Ripper evidence boxes. But nothing in the supernatural world is ever as simple as it seems. Elena accidentally triggers a spell placed on the letter, and opens a dimensional portal into Victorian London, releasing zombies, disease, and maybe a notorious serial killer himself.
(blurb from author's site)

This is the 3rd book that has Elena as it's main character, and of Armstrong's Women of the Underworld, Elena is the one I want to read about. I have read one other book, but no, I want my werewolves.

In this one Xavier, a half demon calls her up for a favor she owes him. She is very pregnant, scared for her babies when she transforms, but still, one last little trip and hunt couldn't hurt. Things goes well, until something goes terribly wrong and they have no idea why. Together with the Alpha of the pack, Jeremy, and Clay she starts hunting zombies, and worrying that she has let out jack the Ripper. Help is needed and they call in Nick and Anthony. But things are just getting worse. Zombies, killer rats, and a crazed murderer. Toronto stands helpless.

New to this book is Zoe, a vampire, and I kind of like her. We also meet Jaime (again?) hard to tell since I skipped the 2 books in between. But I do know Jaime since I read her book. The book that made me think I should stick with my werewolves. I guess I wasn't to into her raising the dead.

This book wasn't as good as the first, oh how I loved Bitten, it was my first paranormal and I was smitten. But it was better than the 2nd, Stolen (but that one had a lack of Clay). Cos what these books do need is Clay, big strong, and a something psychotic. Haha, yup everyone says so and he has done things in the past. That shrine in book 1, a man have to be a bit crazy sometimes. Even if he is not the alpha, he is sure an alpha male(wolf). They have great chemistry, and I just love the together. And in this one they are expecting, you have to love that. The big bad wolf is settling down. Not so psycho anymore perhaps. That is sure why i like her books, Elena and Clay.

But honestly, what is up me being harassed by zombies everywhere I turn? Then again zombies are hot..not that way, gross! I mean in right now. They are just in, even if this book came out in 2006. The zombies do play their part, when they are not rotting, falling apart and getting killed. Who needs evil masterminds when there are zombies. And don't get me starting on killer rats, you have to discover those for yourself.

This book has it's fair share of action, and mysteries, and some sweet love between Elena and Clay. The side characters are great, I just love Nick together with them, Zoe is cool, and I do like Jeremy and Jaime, ack the tension.

Now.. now I want to read Frostbitten, getting an early copy of that book, what a dream. Clay and Elena in Alaska, bring it on ;)

What's on your desk Wednesday? + awards

What's on your desk Wednesday? is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Sassy Brit of Alternative-Read.com

Here's what you do:
Grab a camera and take a photo of your desk! Or anywhere you stack your books/TBR pile. And no tidying!
Add this photo to your blog.
Tag at least 5 people!
Come back to AR and leave a link back to your photo in the comments section.

However, for those without digital cameras or blogs of your own, you can do this instead: (or both if you are keen!)
List at least 5 BOOKISH things on your desk (I'm thinking your TBR pile or books you haven't shelved...)
List at least 5 NON BOOK things. (I'm thinking some of some of the more unusual items on your desk/table?)
Tag at least 5 people to do the same.
Come back and leave your link at AR, so we can come and visit your blog. Or add your answers in the comments.

I was tagged by Yvonne @ Socrates' Book Reviews

I am afraid mine is boring since I am very tidy (don't look at 3). And no camera, since I am not staying at my flat at the moment. But I was just there so..

Non Bookish
1. A letter from fed ex
2. A cardigan over my computer
3. A paper about being in the alumni club, have had it there for a year now, ever since I graduated...one of these days I will do something
4. 2 very old computer games that are collecting dust
5. A note about HTML codes

Bookish
1. A gift card from B&N that I won, and gave away the codes
2. My notebook where I write up the books I have read
3. Notes about when library books are due
4. A cd where I save e-books so I wont loose them
5. English- Swedish dictionary somewhere under the desk

Yup all my books are shelved and none at the table next to my bed at the moment, you who wanna do it, give it a try whichever Wednesday you want.

Award time


Desert Rose BookLogue awarded me this Kreativ Blogger award :)
Thank you so much, I am honored.
Rules:
Post 7 things you love.
Give award to 7 other bloggers who are creative.

1. Books (surprising I know ;)
2. Chocolate
3.My cutie (not really a thing)
4.Cats (same thing here)
5. Sunny days
6. History + mythology
7. Writing

I am passing this one on to Ladybug @ Escape in a Book


Ladybug @ Escape in a Book gave me the Let-s Be Friends Award :)
Thank you, I am glad to have met you too.

Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

I give this to new bloggers I came across, or have known a while
Michelle G @ Michelle's Book Blog
Wisteria @ Bookworms Dinner
Marie @ Boston Bibliophile
caffey @ Caffey's Reads

Library Loot

Library Loot hosted by Eva and Marg
asks us to list what we brought home from
the library this week.

Here is some books I have looted lately.


The last Concubine by Leslie Downer
When she is just eleven, an imperial princess passes through her village and sweeps her off to the women’s palace in the great city of Edo. Bristling with intrigue and erotic rivalries, the palace is home to three thousand women and only one man – the young shogun. Sachi is chosen as his concubine. But Japan is changing. Black Ships have come from the West, bringing foreigners eager to add it to their colonial empires. As civil war erupts, Sachi flees for her life....



Wicked lovely by Melissa Marr
Too bad it's in Swedish, let's hope for a good translation since it can be tricky with these kinds of books
Aislinn has followed strict rules all her lives to hide her ability to see faeries because faeries don't like it when mortals can see them, and faeries can be very cruel. But now Aislinn is being stalked by two of the faeries who are able to take on human form and are not deterred by steel. What do they want from her?

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz
Thanks to Dottie I had this one in the back of my head and saw it

Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

Tithe by Holly Black, again Swedish, so let's hope...

Sixteen-year-old Kaye Fierch is not human, but she doesn't know it. Sure, she knows she's interacted with faeries since she was little--but she never imagined she was one of them, her blond Asian human appearance only a magically crafted cover-up for her true, green-skinned pixie self.

Heroes of the Valley by Jonathan Stroud

Some YA fantasy I picked up today
Long ago Halli's ancestors fought against monsters in the valley, and drove them up into the hills. Halli longs to do great deeds himself and rebels against his uneventful life. Unwittingly his actions unleashes a chain of misfortune that leads to violence – and soon Halli finds himself setting out on a quest of his own. Together with Aud he begin to piece together the secrets of the valley – but what they uncover threatens to destroy them…

Book Review: Gauntlet by Richard Aaron

Gauntlet by Richard Aaron

A Novel of International intrigue

Pages: 504
Published: 2009
Thriller

RICHARD AARON lives in a cold, northwestern city with his wife, four children, and various dogs and cats. He has a university degree in mathematics and a masters in law. Neither has anything to do with his burgeoning career as a writer. He worked in the real world for two decades before realizing that he was actually meant to be a writer. Gauntlet was produced soon thereafter. He is working on the sequel to Gauntlet and it is soon completed.

Visit Richard at his website

About the Book:
A terrorist threat is looming; an attack that would dwarf any other. This time, the government knows it's coming, but doesn't know where… or how.

From a stunning new voice in international intrigue comes a dramatic story of high-stakes missions, treachery, honor, an unlikely hero, and the ultimate terrorist attack.

Six hundred sixty tons of Semtex is detonated in a massive explosion in Libya – the last of a deadly stockpile. The operation seems to have gone smoothly, but within minutes of the explosion, CIA agent Richard Lawrence discovers that one shipment of the explosive was hijacked en route to the destruction point. Days later, a glory-seeking “Emir” broadcasts to the world that he is planning a massive terrorist strike against a major U.S. landmark. And he gives a timeline of one month.

Now a desperate chase covers four continents, as the men bent on attacking the United States use every weapon at their disposal to evade the American authorities. Time and again they prove willing to destroy anything – and anyone – standing in their way. But Hamilton Turbee, an autistic computer mastermind at the secretive and newly created TTIC agency, discovers a way to follow their tracks. His flawed genius gives the nation its only chance at stopping the attack… if the American leadership will listen. As the enemies near their destination, and an attack becomes imminent, it is up to the TTIC team, still without a true leader, to stop the massive explosion that could destroy the lives of millions.

As the world watches in horror, the President asks TTIC two questions.

Where will the attack be?

And can it be stopped?


The Review:
It's a high intense thriller, think 24, Body of Lies for movies and tv-series like that. As for books, it's harder since I have seen them around but I have stuck in my own corner of books I read, and these have always felt very manly and testosterone filled, which is strange since I do like to watch movies like it.

I decided to show you something intense next to give a feel of the book.

“They smashed his right leg to pieces. They tore the tibia completely from its surrounding flesh and tissue, and discarded it. It was not with the rest of the body. They smashed most of the bones in his feet to pieces with some kind of blunt instrument, probably a hammer. They ruptured both testicles, through blunt force trauma. The forensic scientists who examined him think this was done through repeated, incredibly vicious blows to the groin. He had many internal injuries, some occasioned by blunt force, others by surgical instruments.”


Yousseff Said al-Sabbhan, an Afghan drug smuggler who has worked his way up in the world in one of the main characters in this book. We get to see his life through back flashes, and it's an interesting story about a young boy who sees a chance and takes it. He is one of the big pieces in the puzzle, he and the Emir is working together on a plan that will cause damages in the states. Against him stands, Terrorist Threat Integration Center, or TTIC for short. Different characters who all work together trying to find out where the attack will take place, because after the semtex goes missing it's just a matter of time.

I find it interesting that one of the main characters at TTIC is an autistic mathematician, who is a genius with computers. He sees things that the others can’t see, and I like that he has made him a hero in this book. Hamilton Turbee is someone who stands out together with Yousseff. Good versus evil in a world that is about to get darker.

This is a book for people who like thrillers, adventure and action. Between the flashbacks we get the hunt for answers, will the semtex be used by terrorists, and if so then where? Messages from the Emir are aired, and the clock is ticking away. Can they stop it in time? They are all working hard, and some are taken and tortured. It's not a book that jumps over details; instead it will give you what would happen.

It is a well-written book and the bad part, oh how it leaves me hanging. Yes it does have an ending, but what will happen next? And there are certain characters that I wonder about. It’s a cliffhanger without really being a cliffhanger. It ties up loose endings but leaves room for much more. Evil is not that easily stopped, and that is the good thing about this novel. It doesn’t have a happy ending with good has won again, no it gives you reality. But who knows what will happen in books to come.

Negative parts, well it can feel very movie like at times.


received a copy for a review

Mailbox Monday (on Sunday)

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired!


I got The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon from Marcia and I am thrilled, I absolutely love The Shadow of the Wind.

In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man - David Martin - makes his living by writing sensationalist novels under a pseudonym. The survivor of a troubled childhood, he has taken refuge in the world of books, and spends his nights spinning baroque tales about the city's underworld. But perhaps his dark imaginings are not as strange as they seem, for in a locked room deep within the house are letters hinting at the mysterious death of the previous owner.

I won big at Anna's Book Blog, she sure made it feel like xmas

The Shamer's Daughter - Lene Kaaberbol

The Shamer's Daughter by Lene Kaaberbol
The Shamer Chronicles, book 1

Pages: 240
Genre: fantasy
Ages: 9-14
Published: 2004

One step, two steps, a slow, writhing waddle, its head lowered, no more than a foot or so off the ground…onward it came,…the long, long body curved like a winding river, huge and glittery…Almost the worst of it was the slowness…I could see its pale yellow eyes clearly now. Slowly it raised its head, swaying from side to side...

Dina stands transfixed in the pit of alligator-dragons she must cross to rescue her mother in the labyrinthine castle of the wicked Lord Drakan. Three people have been murdered by someone, and Dina's mother has been summoned to confirm the guilt of young Nico, who was found standing over the bodies with bloody hands. She is a Shamer, and to meet her gaze means confronting all the shameful acts one has ever committed. Yet she finds no guilt in Nico, and will not accuse him, although Drakan is strangely, and menacingly, insistent that she do so. Dina has inherited her ability, but finds it alienates her from everyone in the village. She longs for just one friend who will look her in the eyes. But now Drakan has threatened to use his dragons to execute her mother publicly on the morrow, and Dina must find allies to save her.

(Good reads blurb)

I had seen this one around, and then I saw the books in the library. On the youth side and I was like now, but then I thought later on why not. Why not read because I think I am too old to read something meant for 9-14 year olds. Never read any Danish fantasy so I gave it a shot.

What a short and easy read, the book took now time at all. I could have finished the whole series in a short period of time, but I decided to read something else in the mean time. It was a good book, it kept me interesting, some danger moments, like when the dragon bit her, and she is running from the law. But not too much danger, and I would give this to my kids if I had any. it does suit everyone too. And it wasn't too simple to read for a grown-up. Kaaberol has done good with this one.

I like her gift, if she looks people in the eyes she can see their shame, she can also make them feel shame by using her voice. That is why her mum gets called in, to find a murderer cos she would see it in his eyes. But this doesn't turn out as she had wished, and then Dina comes there too. It has a good evil character in Drakan, he is totally without shame, and cannot be touched by their power then.

I will read the rest of this series too to see how it turns out, and it takes no time at all, so I like that. I now understand why I managed to read so many books as a kid.

So different to review books like this, so i don't know what to say. But good easy book.

Now back to Midsummer for me, enjoying my holiday.

Dagger-Star - Elizabeth Vaughan

Dagger-Star by Elizabeth Vaughan
Star Series, book 1

Pages: 336

Published: 2008

A cold and beautiful mercenary known as Red Gloves finds Josiah, a lone figure emerging from the torched fields and razed farms of his homeland.

All Josiah knows about the mysterious woman is her dagger-star birthmark, a sign that she is destined to free the people from a ruthless usurper's reign of terror…

Red Gloves is a mercenary that together with her friend Bethral laves their country to go to Palins to find some work. This land is in turmoil after an usurper to the throne killed the royal family and tried to kill the high lords too. There has been some fighting but for now everything just stands still, an unsteady truce of a kind that will rupture at any moment. After buying a half dead slave the return to the barn and goat herder they had sheltered with. Josiah is living with his 5 goats in a burned out country, a land that fell hard in the beginning of the war and lit's people are gone. But he has seen her birthmark and he will not leave that alone. She could be what he has been waiting for, and he is not either what he seems to be.

I read and reviewed book 2 back in March and then I got this one, thanks Amy! :D Now some things started to make sense, like where those elves came from. The tricky question about red Gloves and why everyone talked about Josiah. Still book 2 can still easily be read before, you will just know certain things then when you read this one. But that doesn't matter at all since I was mostly wondering if they would end up together.

Red Gloves can sure kick some ass, that is for sure. She is the big strong warrior in this book (though with a haunting past). Josiah is sad and vulnerable, and Red Gloves takes charge in this kind of relationship. Which is refreshing. Bethrael, well I really don't know about her, she is a side-kick, and she and the slave she rescued gets their story in book 3, so I guess it's there we would learn more about her. And I think that is needed. Of course we also meets the heroine from book 2, and I must say that those looks giving at the end would have had me curious about the next book.

What I do end up thinking about is a certain high lord elf and his wife. I would so love to know their story since Evie And Josiah has some things to say about him. That is what leave me wanting, their story. It feels like she is teasing me and then ripping it out from under me.

But in the end, this book has the romance, war, evilness and zombies (oh those zombies so had me in book 2, they are just creepy). I liked reading it and it made me wonder, if i enjoy this, then for sure I have to enjoy her war series since everyone says they are so much better.

I am really getting into the whole romance fantasy genre, I mean there is romance, which I love. And fantasy and some fights. But in the end my heart belongs to high fantasy, I like the big fights, darkness, and everything. But you just can't compare them in the end, and I will love both. I just have to read more, this is only like my second book.

Plum Spooky - Janet Evanovich

According to legend, the Jersey Devil prowls the Pine Barrens and soars above the treetops in the dark of night. As eerie as this might seem, there are things in the Barrens that are even more frightening and dangerous. And there are monkeys. Lots of monkeys.

Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He's chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as his new business partner, and he's chosen the Barrens as his new playground. Munch received his doctorate degree in quantum physics when he was twenty-two. He's now twenty-four, and while his brain is large, his body hasn't made it out of the boys' department at Macy's. Anyone who says good things come in small packages hasn't met Munch. Wulf Grimoire is looking for world domination. Martin Munch would be happy if he could just get a woman naked and tied to a tree.

Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has Munch on her most-wanted list for failure to appear in court. Plum is the all-American girl stuck in an uncomfortable job, succeeding on luck and tenacity. Usually she gets her man. This time she gets a monkey. She also gets a big guy named Diesel.

Diesel pops in and out of Plum's life like birthday cake - delicious to look at and taste, not especially healthy as a steady diet, gone by the end of the week if not sooner. He's an uber bounty hunter with special skills when it comes to tracking men and pleasing women. He's after Grimoire, and now he's also after Munch. And if truth were told, he wouldn't mind setting Stephanie Plum in his crosshairs.

Diesel and Plum hunt down Munch and Grimoire, following them into the Barrens, surviving cranberry bogs, the Jersey Devil, a hair-raising experience, sand in their underwear, and, of course . . . monkeys.

Blurb from author's site cos yup there was a lot of things going on in this book, and to write something about that, tricky. And honestly I don't have much to say in my review either, maybe that is why I have the very long beginning.

I was a bit disappointed in this one. Actually none of her "between the numbers" novel are as good as her numbers novels. Now I know why, it's the lack of Ranger and Joe. These novels have Diesel, and sure he is weird and fun but not what I am looking for. What I love about these novels is the tension between her and Ranger, and the love with Joe. Some root for one guy, some for the other, I for both. Cos that is what makes them great.

This one, has some Joe, but not much. He is busy at his end. It has some Ranger, but not as much. And nothing between any of the 3 is like it's in the numbers books. That is why I can't love this one as much. But don't get me wrong, it made me smile and rush towards the end to find out what was happening. There is some chemistry between them too, but I can take it or leave it. The best thing about this book is the monkey, that monkey is crazy, you will love him. It has the same action and it gets pretty good. And she blows up things as usual.

Average yes, worth reading, oh yes, but I am looking more forward to getting my hands on Finger lickin' 15. I can't wait. perhaps she does't put at much time on these between novels and that is why it's lacking some, and doesn't have me rolling on the floor in laughter, it just has me smiling.

SWEET RESTRAINT Contest

And the winners are......

1st place CECILE!!!

Congrats :D You get to pick if you want if you want Eloisa James or Michelle Douglas.

2nd place goes to MARIE (marielay@gmail.com), who will get...we'll wait and see

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired!



I won Seducing a Scottish Bride by Sue-Ellen Welfonder at Novel Thoughts and Book talk, she wrote the sweetest note that she sent with the book. Made me wanna read the book at once.

Gelis MacKenzie is one of the most desirable heiresses in all the Western Highlands. Unfortunately, Gelis has been branded unmarriageable, but not for lack of masculine interest. None one of her suitors is good enough for her father. But now he has received an offer for Gelis's hand in marriage that he is honor-bound to accept. The suitor, Ronan MacRuari of Castle Dare, is the last man Duncan MacKenzie would wish for a son-in-law. Because he has been marked by a deadly curse.

Ronan and Gelis are instantly attracted to one another, but they are immediately estranged. Ronan's last two wives have died abruptly and he doesn't want to see his vivacious newly-wed Gelis suffer the same fate, so he distances himself from her as much as possible....



What did you get in your mailbox last week?

Review: Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening by DCS

Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening by Chrystal Storm aka DCS

Pages: 216
Published: 2008


Chrystal Storm aka DCS is the author of the sci-fi thriller, Synarchy Book 1: The Awakening. A self taught student, her research carries her into the worlds of the metaphysical, quantum physics, the 2012 phenomena, conspiracy theories and everything in between. Her muse sings the loudest among the creative energy in New Orleans, a place she loves both before and after Katrina. To learn more about the book or the author visit www.synarchynovel.com or http://www.dcs-svt.com/

She is hard at work on the second book in the Synarchy Series, The Ascension and several short stories loosely based off of a few characters from the book.


About the book:

“I will die to see my will done, and it will be done.”

-Stefano Terenzio, 48 hours before his death


Thirteen bloodlines, The Brotherhood, fanatically loyal to their gods, the Anunnaki, have controlled the planet since his-story was written. In 1925 Stefano Vasco Terenzio, head of the Terenzio crime family makes a deal with the Anunnaki to solidify his control over the American Mafia. Clever and manipulative, Stefano’s true goal was to put his family in a position so one day they would be able to turn on their masters.


Two generations later, the shock wave he ignited was still being felt. Now, as the world inches closer to 2012, time is running out. The only thing in the Brotherhoods way is Terenzio, a family now divided as a truly epic battle begins that will determine whether mankind continues existing in a world of lies, or shatters the chains that have held it prisoner since his-story was written.

Shocking yet hopeful, Synarchy slowly unravels the tightly laced reality we have created for ourselves. Blending the metaphysical with conspiracy, fact with fiction, debut author DCS has opened up a world that will force you to rethink everything you believe about your own. The knowledge within provokes the question; do you really want to know?


Review:

I made a crucial mistake at first that confused me a bit. It’s very important to look at the dates in the book. Suddenly I found myself confused and saw that I had missed that it was the 1950’s. That I get for reading too fast. When I had cleared that up I could get back to doing some serious reading. But do be aware, read it carefully or you will miss crucial things, and keep track of those years. I needed to know what was going to happen, and oh no! The book ended and now I must wait for the next one.

This was not your usual Mafia type book, I kind of guessed that when I read about the Annunaki. There are aliens in this book, evil ones and good ones. And mankind is doomed to perish time after time because we can’t learn to get along, be happy and ascend. To find our true place among the stars. There are a lot to keep track of, and I liked it. But then I have also been somewhat of a New Ager and I liked the thoughts in this book. It felt scary in a way to think about if negative thoughts actually do the things they do, and if we all think positively what that could change.

This is then a story about the Terenzio crime family, and we get to follow them in this crucial time, and we also have flashbacks to the past to learn what happened then. Now in 2012 the family is divided. Those who follow the Annunaki and do not want man to ascend and those who stand against these strange aliens who wants to control everything. The fight will get hard, and can they truly win against those odds? It’s family against family.

There is a lot going on in this book, and there are a lot of people involved, and it gets even more complicated in the end. But I can’t say anything because that would spoil it. And I always get swept up in books, and this one made me question a lot. Yes I am pretty sure that weird aliens are not controlling every single important government and companies in the world, but hey you never know. I liked the spin of it all. It’s good when a book can make you look over your shoulder, just in case.

Who is then my favourite person, because there are a lot of Terenzios. Stefano, he who started it all, he does sound pretty cool. But I would not have liked to have met him, I would have been too afraid. I like the triplets, Simone, Vasco and Lucien. Those I want to read more about, and I know for sure that there will be more about them because they are very crucial to this book. And I can tell you... I never saw it coming.

The end, well it left you wanting more. It ended with a sort of cliffhanger, because everything is still unclear and I have no idea at all what will happen. Anything could and surely will. I liked the reincarnation bits in this book, and the New Age stuff. The author has done her homework.


So a fast phased book that had me guessing until the end, and then left me with a big, then what? Who dies, who lives and loves? You will find mystery, drama, passion, a thriller with a bit of everything in it.

But yes the negative part is to keep focused and don't miss the crucial parts, and it can get confusing now and again.

received a copy for a review

A Blog Angel for you all - head on over and claim him

Last week I was awarded this lovely blog angel by Lea @ Closet Writer, and instead of mentioning some here and there I want to take this chance to thank you all.

So to those all I follow and follow me, all lurkers and alike, here is an award for you all.

I could mention you all, now that would be a list. So let's say this, if you come on over and read this post than be free to post this award on your blog. We all need an angel on our blog. Especially an angel like that. Don't be shy, just grab him ;) I know you want to girls.

The only rule is to take him if you would like him, pass him on to anyone you may choose and enjoy her Angel. He doesn't care much for voodoo by the way....


And a small note for Friday, be sure to check in then because I am hosting my first blog tour.stop, I will be reviewing Synarchy: The Awakening by DSC

....Thirteen bloodlines, The Brotherhood, fanatically loyal to their gods, the Anunnaki, have controlled the planet since his-story was written. In 1925 Stefano Vasco Terenzio, head of the Terenzio crime family makes a deal with the Anunnaki to solidify his control over the American Mafia. Clever and manipulative, Stefano’s true goal was to put his family in a position so one day they would be able to turn on their masters. ....

Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Becky's life is blooming! She's working at London's newest fashion store The Look, house-hunting with husband Luke (her secret wish is a Shoe room) .... and she's pregnant! She couldn't be more overjoyed- especially since discovering that shopping cures morning sickness. Everything has got to be perfect for her baby: from the designer nursery, to the latest, coolest pram, to the celebrity, must-have obstetrician. But when the celebrity obstetrician turns out to be Luke's glamorous, intellectual ex-girlfriend, Becky's perfect world starts to crumble. She's shopping for two...but are there three in her marriage?
(back blurb)


Becky gets the news that she is pregnant and they are both thrilled. Now she only have to start shopping for everything she needs. That is the essentials, not so much, but all the coolest baby things, oh yes. She goes crazy as usual, and Luke is not really stopping her this time. He has problems of his own with his company.

Then Becky hears about this famous obstetrician and she needs to go there. Because just think when she is drinking tea with Kate Winslet and best buddies with Gwyneth. She will be in magazines and it will be so much fun. Now if she only can dump her old doctor. But then it turns out that the famed woman is Luke's beautiful single ex. Could things get any worse. She is not liking her and she is sure that the woman is out to steal her man.

Becky is funny as usual, and I have started to like her sister Jess in this one. Luke, honestly, he is great and all that. But I don't think I would fall for him. But I guess a shopaholic works well with a workoholic.

And her parents are great, her best friend, I love them all. There is great chemistry between all. And they help making it funny.

This is a great chick-lit series, the books are funny and you could dislike her so much. But I don't, I like Becky with her faults and all. She is only human.

I tried to look up if Sophie is planning on writing more about Becky, but I couldn't find anything. Too bad, cos I have enjoyed the ride.


1.Confession of a shopaholic/The secret dreamworld of a shopaholic
2.Shopaholic goes abroad/Shopaholic takes manhattan
3.Shopaholic Ties the Knot
4.Shopaholic & Sister
5.Shopaholic & Baby

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired!

This week I got Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. I won it over at The Thrillionth Page


By all accounts, Sirantha Jax should have burned out years ago…
As the carrier of a rare gene, Jax has the ability to jump ships through grimspace—a talent which cuts into her life expectancy, but makes her a highly prized navigator for the Corp. But then the ship she’s navigating crash-lands, and she’s accused of killing everyone on board. It’s hard for Jax to defend herself: she has no memory of the crash.






What did you get this week?

Beltane by Erin O'Riordan

Beltane by Erin O'Riordan

Published: 2009
Pages: 188
Sexy romance

Twin sisters Allie and Zen have always shared everything: including an unconventional upbringing at Pagan Spirits Farms. They even fall in love at the same time. Pagan priestess Allie thinks she’s met the man of her dreams in her buttoned-down lawyer fiancé, Paul Phillip. But is he everything he seems? Zen, a witch gifted with the sixth sense, falls for Orlando. But there’s a catch: Orlando is married to someone else.

As the celebration of Beltane nears, the sisters seem destined to be unlucky in love. But the Goddess moves in mysterious ways, and May Day may turn out to be magic for them after all.


This on took me for a trip, first I disliked Zen and Orlando, then I liked them again. Then I got a bit confused when I figured out what had to happen, and I didn't like one of them again. But then I liked that person again. Lol, yes it went up and down. Though I did like Allie and Paul Phillip all the time through out the book. But that is what a book should do, make you love and hate characters. They are only human after all. And I couldn't see the things that were to happen happen. They just sprung on me (even though I figured out one thing, which I loved in the end). You have to read and figure out what I mean.

There was mostly Zen in this book, so perhaps that is why she stirred the most emotions in me. She is a witch and owns a little store. Her sister Allie on the other hand is a pagan priestess and has just married and wants to start a family. But Zen who can sense what others are feeling knows that something is not that right about Paul Phillip. But what? She can't say and he does seem to adore her sister. So they go off into the sunset. While Zen heads back home and later sees a man in a bar, Orlando Parisi is a hunk, but there is a weddings rind on his finger. Could she really do just that? The Goddess says do no harm and breaking up a marriage is not something that is right. That will cause problems. And this all while Allie is having problems of her own.

And then a little excerpt from their first meeting for a feel of the book.

"No boyfriend. And the closest thing I've got to a kid is Gillian. I'm sure I'll get around to having kids one of these days. I've got time, I'm only twenty-three."
"Please don't take this the wrong way, but you seem older," he said. Zen frowned, so he explained. "I don't mean you look older. I mean you seem more mature. Wiser, maybe."
"I don't know about that," Zen replied. Orlando didn't say anything, so she kissed him. She breathed in the soft floral scent of his aftershave.
Orlando was very still at first. Zen wondered if she'd made a mistake, or if he didn't like the way she kissed. She looked into his eyes, looking for some clue.

But for you who thinks this is a book about adultery, it's not. And everything that happens does so for a reason. Before I saw that I did have a problem with the whole thing, then I liked it, then I disliked it, then I saw the light. I can't say anything more.

We get to follow them in their relationships, the ups and downs. The hardship and yes the sex. Because that there are. Not tasteless or too much, not so that it interferes with the story. But woven in so it makes sense. One scene did make me go oh no, oh really, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out.

Then there is the whole pagan thing which I of course like, I do have the name Blodeuedd for a reason. And now I got to read how these two girls celebrated Beltane, oh yes, it got wild. And Beltane was the perfect way to set everything right in the book. After that it was a smooth ride to the end.

As for the world, it's ours, nothing strange going on here. Though of course the empathy thing does stand out, that is th only thing, and then just some good old normal magic in the end ;)

received a copy for a review

Shopaholic and sister - Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella

Yes I know how you all were dying to get more chick-lit ;) I finished this one quickly and got the next one yesterday when it came in to the library.

Becky Bloomwood thought being married to Luke Brandon would be one big Tiffany box of happiness. But to be honest, it's not quite as dreamy as she'd hoped. The trouble started on honeymoon, when she told Luke the tiniest little fib, about the teeniest little purchase. Now she's on a strict budget, she doesn't have a job, and, worst of all, her beloved Suze has a new best friend. She's feeling rather blue - when she gets the biggest shock of her life. She has a long-lost sister!

Becky has never been more excited. Finally, a real sister! They'll have so much in common! They can go shopping together. . . choose shoes together. . . have manicures together. . .

Until she meets her - and makes a dreadful discovery. It can't be true. Surely Becky Bloomwood's long-lost sister can't.… hate shopping?

A sister. A soulmate. A skinflint?
(from the book)


Yup no own blurb here cos this is the 4th one, and I have mostly said all there is to say about Becky and Luke. But a lot of things going on in this one. Becky is on a budget cos she bought everything she could find on their 10 month honeymoon. Luke is working too much and she thinks he has changed. And Suze has found a new best friend. So when Becky finds out she has a sister she gets excited and thinks she has found her soul mate. But there is a problem, Jessica hates shopping and can't stand spending.

Hilarious situations as always, and Becky keeps buying fun stuff, and utter crap. She really should join shop-a-holics Anonymous. But I love her, I can't help it. I would love to have her as a buddy, though oh my how much money I would spend then too. Nope the Becky's better stay away from me. It would ruin me.

This 4th book is just as great as the rest, and I wonder why I haven't read these books before. This one might be the 2nd funniest after the 1st one.

Lovers of chick-lit, read this series. Not as great as Bridget Jones, but she was my way in but compared to other chick'lit books out there that can't even make me smile, then this one is good. It made me smile and giggle over all the follish things that girl does.

Short review today, the 5th one will be coming up too. But now back to my weekend.

Romance challenge and award

Royal Reviews are hosting a challenge

For this challenge you will need to read seven books in six months. To complete the challenge the title or author's name will need to begin with the letters R-O-M-A-N-C-E and must be classified as a romance novel (this includes as romance sub genre including contemporary, historical or paranormal).

To join us in the challenge, put a post on your blog saying you're participating in the challenge and the letters R-O-M-A-N-C-E down the post ready for you to put up your book list. Now you can post a suggested list or you can just put up the letters in preparation. You can change the your choice at any time, books can crossover with any other challenges but must be reviewed to be counted. Don't forget to put up the Button for this challenge in your side bar with a link to Royal Reviews. This challenge begins on June 1st and finishes on November 30,2009, although you can sign up anytime.

Please sign up with Mr Linky, including your name and the link to the POST, not your blog. Then come back each time you've reviewed a book and put it up on Mr Linky's book reviews link. When you finish the challenge there will also be a Mr Linky for that.

This is what I am thinking at the moment

*Relentless by Lauren Dane
*O'Riordan, Erin - Beltane
*Michelle Hauf - The Devil to Pay
*Armstrong, Kelley - Broken
*N
*Chadwick, Elizabeth - The Conquest
*Elizabeth Vaughan - Dagger Star


And then to my award Angel on my Blog, that I got from the lovely Lea @ Closet Writer
Thank you so much for this oh so lovely and hunky angel. I always love coming by your blog and seeing what you are up to at the moment, and read about the nice books you are reviewing. Not to mention you are really so sweet.


I am going to pass on this angel so he doesn't get cold, but another day, since I should be going to work now ;)


And then to My One lovely Blog award that I got from a new blogging buddy, Ladybug, tack :D


Thanks Ladybug :D I hope to see you around a lot in the future. I am happy to have come across your blog.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Burrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie society
by
Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Burrows

First I would like to thank Amy C @ Romance Book wyrm for coming up with this brilliant idea of reading and passing along this book to others. If you want to join us then head over here.

How to do this justice, I am going to use the back blurb to help me along.

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb.

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island--boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.


I started, and I couldn't put it down. The book was delightful, wonderful, and entirely in letters. First I wasn't sure how that could work, and how I would keep track of everyone, but soon enough they become all dear to me. I got to know them just the way Juliet did. And at the end I didn't want to part from them.

Juliet is a writer who gets a letter from a man in Guernsey, and she writes back asking some questions. Soon enough many in the literary circle is writing to her, and more letters are on the way. She finds out how they had it during the occupation, and she becomes more and more intrigued by it all. She wants to write a book, and she wants to see her new and dear friends. Dawsey, Isola (the witch), sweet Kit, and all the rest. I did like them all, but Elizabeth struck a cord in me. And I went trough the same emotions as Juliet did. They had all such wonderful and tragic stories to tell.

This made me want to write long and witty letters to strangers. Not to mention start a book club, why are everyone so bad at reading here *sighs* They made it sound so fun. And I loved that some never really had read, but now they found the love of books in the shape of The Bronte sisters, Charles Lamb etc. To fall in love all over again with books, now that would be a joy.

When we get to hear the whole story, we get even more. The story continues and still with letters. And I just enjoyed it so much that I am lost for words. What more can I say then read this book, you will not regret it.

30 days of demons Contest

Check out this awesome contest, with a lot of things going on all month