Library Loot - September 30th

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

Yes, I finally made it back to the library and got a book :) I have been wanting to read this for a while and made a suggestion to the library and they got it.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Told in Kvothe's own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature. A high-action story written with a poet's hand, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that will transport readers into the body and mind of a wizard.

Guest Post: Gail Carriger, author of Soulless

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Gail Carriger, the author of Soulless. The book is out this week A fantastic mix of historical romance, paranormal, urban fantasy, steampunk and comedy of manners.

Characters

Sometimes, in the days (months, years) of query letters (boy did I write a lot of them) I would worry about how to describe my own writing. It's a fine art, trying to sell yourself, but there was one phrase I never failed to use: character driven.

I adore writing characters, it's my absolutely favourite part of being an author: the invention of new people and the revisiting of old friends. Some authors get annoyed when a story is hijacked by a minor character, I love it. I like caricatures that I can break down or twist suddenly into something unexpected. I like silly quirks and strange mannerisms, sinister aspects and hidden secrets. I draw pictures of my characters. I give them magazine quizzes. I invent elaborate back-stories that never make it onto the page.

This may have to do with the fact that I like people. In fact, I kind of collect them. My house tends to be the party event venue, the sleep over spot, sometimes known as Grand Central Station. Mine is a real life peopled with highly colorful characters, they have leaked into my stories, whether I like it or not.

As a terribly side effect, I have a terrible habit of falling on love with my side characters. I think a lot of writers have this happen. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the hero and heroine too, but there is something so delightfully comfortable about a minor butler or best friend who slides in, quips something Wilde and witty, and then exits in a plume of verbal sophistication.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you read my book and fall in love with even just one character, I've done my job. You can hate everything else about it, but that character will haunt you. He or she will get to live, for a little, in your mind. As a writer, I can think of no greater thing to have happen.

Ms. Carriger began writing in order to cope with being raised in obscurity by an expatriate Brit and an incurable curmudgeon. She escaped small town life and inadvertently acquired several degrees in Higher Learning. Ms. Carriger then traveled the historic cities of Europe, subsisting entirely on biscuits secreted in her handbag. She now resides in the Colonies, surrounded by a harem of Armenian lovers, where she insists on tea imported directly from London and cats that pee into toilets. She is fond of teeny tiny hats and tropical fruit.

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!

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire, and the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate. With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible.

Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
My review
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Mailbox Monday - September 28th

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.

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta from bookmooch. I saw Dottie reading this one and wanted to read it.

Despite her Fancy University (F.U.) degree, Milagro de los Santos isn’t having much success at life.  She can barely pay the rent and all of her boyfriends are as frivolous as beach reads.  Then, at a party in honor of her successful ex-boyfriend, she meets the unusually attractive, quirky Oswald Grant.

Who knew that her passionate kiss with Oswald would result in serious illness, a craving for raw meat, and an aversion to sunlight?  Well, her ambitious ex knew, and after he attempts to kidnap Milagro, she must hide out with Oswald’s snobby family at their country estate to recover and learn the truth about their mysterious “genetic condition.”

When Oswald and his family are threatened, Milagro uses her wits, her wiles, and a whacky scheme to bring down the power-hungry creeps who refuse to let the undead live in peace.

What did you get this week?

Reviews: 2 in 1 Sookie again + DNF read

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Book 6

Spiked with a frothy fusion of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this bestselling series sends the supernaturally gifted cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse to New Orleans, where she has to deal with the legacy of one of her own family and a host of potentially dangerous characters. (GoodReads)

All Together Dead

Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse has her hands full dealing with every sort of undead and paranormal creature imaginable. And after being betrayed by her longtime vampire love, Sookie must not only deal with a new man in her life-the shapeshifter Quinn-but also contend with the long-planned vampire summit.

The summit is a tense situation. The vampire queen of Louisiana is in a precarious position, her power base weakened by hurricane damage to New Orleans. And there are some vamps who would like to finish what nature started. Soon, Sookie must decide what side she'll stand with. And her choice may mean the difference between survival and all-out catastrophe.

So more Sookie books. In the first one she goes down to New Orleans because a family member died (when did that happen btw, did I miss it?) She meets the Queen and there is trouble as always.

In the next book she travels with the queen to a summit, but someone is out to get them all, and who can she trust?

Here she has Quinn and I do like him, he has potential. I also like her new buddy Amelia. About all the shifters, well I guess they will be outed too soon. And what is up with all the things showing up in every book? Soon the Easter bunny will show up.

Even if I like the mystery part I do get annoy at one thing, she always figures everything out even if there are not many clues. I guess she is the smartest chick around. There were also some historical facts that bothered me in this one.

But mindless fun, easy reads, even if she get beaten up always. And Eric is still yummy. I have started to wonder how many more books there will be, you get to a certain point with all books where they can be no more. I still want more but I do wonder.

As always not much to say about these books.

Then the DNF read:

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

 It was a great book, the language flowed and to have the dog narrate was masterful. But it was a sad book, and I was not even halfway when I could take no more, I had been sad, then angry and then I got too upset. It was not the right time to read this book, I am not good with these thins so perhaps in the future. Cos to the point I read it was a good book, worth reading.

Recommended.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it. (GoodReads)

2 in 1 review: Dead to the world and Dead as a doornail

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris

It continues the story of psychic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who has fallen out with her undead lover, Bill. Bill has no sooner departed for Peru, than Sookie finds the head vampire, Eric, running naked and terrified through the rural night. She helps Eric, and discovers his memory has been destroyed by a coven of unscrupulous, astonishingly powerful witches, newly arrived in her small Louisiana town, and offering a huge reward for Eric. Sookie tries to hide Eric, but her brother sees him--and immediately disappears. And Sookie finds herself caught in a war among witches, vampires, and werewolves.

(GoodReads)

Dead as a Doornail

When Sookie's brother Jason's eyes start to change, she knows he's about to turn into a were-panther for the first time. But her concern becomes cold fear when a sniper sets his deadly sights on the local changeling population-and Jason's new panther brethren suspect he may be the shooter. Now, Sookie has until the next full moon to find out who's behind the attacks, unless the killer decides to find her first.

Another 2 in 1 review cos honestly not much to say, and many have already read them too. In Dead to the world Sookie meets Eric and he has amnesia. He needs to be protected and she takes him in. Oh no wonder this was my fav story so far and I am sure the rest can't take on this one. I liked it, oh yes.

In Dead as a Doornail Jason is in trouble and someone goes around shooting people. She must find out who that is, we also get more were and shifter action, and meet Quinn.

The books are like the rest, a mystery, she gets beaten up (or at least watches someone get beaten up). Some kissing, and meets a new fellow.

Eric, sighs, but sweet Eric was nice, now he is an ass again. Alcide is cool but they wont be together, I am still betting that she in the end will end up with Sam and I don't like that. I don't know why, but Sam, there is just something I don't like which is weird when he is such a nice guy,

Never liked Jason either but he showed a nice side and he is all right. Bill, I can't forgive him after book 3. And it annoys me a bit how she is thinking about it.

The books are ok, romance, mystery and a great deal of action. for some reason I never have much to say though.

Awards and a tiny review

From Ladybug @ Escape in a Book 
and Missy @ Missy's Book Nook

This award is designed with one purpose in mind: Pass this on to other bloggers who have awarded you in the past.

*This one goes to  Kristen @ BooknAround

 From Alaine @ Queen of Happy Endings

The Heart of a Dragon Award is a very special award for the blogger who inspires you and/or others to go above and beyond or the blogger who helps keep us all connected.

Here are the rules:

1. Post the award on your site with a link to the person who gave it to you.
2. Pass it on to the blogger(s) who inspire you and list why they are receiving the award.
3. Post a comment on their blog.

*This one goes to Alyce @ At Home with books

From Aimee @ My Fluttering Heart

* This one goes to Alaine @ Queen of Happy Endings

From Teddyree @ The Eclectic Reader

1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received the award.

3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to this post, which explains the award.

4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this prestigious honor!

5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

*This one goes to SassyBrit @ Alternative Read

From Kristen @ BooknAround

The Humane Award is in order to honor certain bloggers that I feel are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn’t for them, my site would just be an ordinary book review blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendships through the blog world.

* To Cecile @ All I want and More

From SassyBrit @ Alternative Read

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all...

* The Zombie Chicken goes to a fun new blogger I have met, Aimee @ My Fluttering Heart

From Staci @ Life in The Thumb

The Bloody Great Blogger award is to be given to 5 bloggers who have been supportive and extra special to you in the blogging process. That person who always comments or the one who emails you to let you know about that Freudian slip you missed, the blogger who links to your posts or lifts you up when your blog is down.

From Hawk @ Houston AW Knight

*This one goes to another new blogger I have met, Patti @BookAddict

and

JoJo Loves to Read

Kaye @ Pudgy Penguin Perusals

From Missy @ Missy's Book Nook

The Dragon's Loyalty Award is an award for the loyal fan/commenter, whether the recipient is a fellow blogger or just a someone who follows and comments regularly.

Here are the rules: * If you have a blog, post it on your blog with a link back to the site who gave it to you. * Leave them a comment on their site, email, etc. to let them know. * If you don't have a blog but have a website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or other type account, post there with a link back. * Pass this on to 3-10 loyal fans.

*This one goes to another new blogger, Krista @ Life or Something Like it

and Donna @ Fantasy Dreamers Ramblings

And then a bunch of awards from Cecile @ All I want and more who said she would cyberkick our butts if we didn't take them all, lol ;)

Thank you ALL, you are the best blogging buddies a girl could have :D
I love all my awards. Everyone head over and have a look at these fun bloggers

To the tiny review, I have been listening to The Grave Yard Book by Neil Gaiman on audio, and I am not an audio kind of girl so it took a while even though it's a great book. He is an amazing writer and I loved his voice. An interesting tale that had my attention (as long as audio can).

Ages 9-12, 320 pages

Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place-he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? And then there are things like ghouls that aren't really one thing or the other. This chilling tale is Neil Gaiman's first full-length novel for middle-grade readers since the internationally bestselling and universally acclaimed Coraline. Like Coraline, this book is sure to enchant and surprise young readers as well as Neil Gaiman's legion of adult fans. (authors site)

Review: A Darkness Forged in Fire - Chris Evans

A Darkness Forged in Fire by Chris Evans

Genre: Fantasy
Published: 2008
Pages: 432

We do not fear the flame, though it burns us,
We do not fear the fire, though it consumes us,
And we do not fear its light,
Though it reveals the darkness of our souls,
For therein lies our power.
-- Blood Oath of the Iron Elves

In this world, Konowa Swift Dragon, former commander of the Empire's elite Iron Elves, is looked upon as anything but ordinary. He's murdered a Viceroy, been court-martialed, seen his beloved regiment disbanded, and finally been banished in disgrace to the one place he despises the most -- the forest.

Now, all he wants is to be left alone with his misery, but for Konowa, nothing is ever that simple. The mysterious and alluring Visyna Tekoy, the highborn daughter of an elfkynan governor, seeks him out in the dangerous wild with a royal decree that he resume his commission as an officer in Her Majesty's Imperial Army, effective immediately.

For in the east, a falling Red Star heralds the return of a magic long vanished from the earth. Rebellion grows within the Empire as a frantic race to reach the Star unfolds. It is a chance for Konowa to redeem himself -- even if the entire affair appears doomed to be a suicide mission, and that the soldiers recruited for the task are not at all what he expects. And worse, his key adversary in the perilous race for the Star is the dreaded Shadow Monarch -- a legendary elf-witch whose machinations for absolute domination spread deeper than Konowa could ever imagine.


I do like good old fantasy, rich worlds with complex histories, that is what world building is about. This was good fantasy.

The book begins and we learn that the former Governoner of Elfkyna was murdered, but a decorated officer named Konowa. But the governor was working for the dreaded Shadow Monarch, still there was a price to be paid. The Iron Elves were sent away and he was sent to the forest. He is not a normal elf, he was born with the dark mark and he does not care for trees. That is what the Iron Elves are, outcasts.

But something is happening and the Iron Elves stand again and he is called out from the forest. He is to lead them and find the red star, perhaps with that they can gain some power to fight the wicked witch of the North.

Konowa, well he angry, bit of a bastard sometimes, hates those trees and not a nice guy really. You would think, he would do anything for his Iron elves and he hates the Shadow Monarch and what she has done to him. You grow to like him, and bit by bit there are other sides of him. He is more than he seem to be. This is also shown when he meets Visyna. A tiny bit of romance that is not shown but that I want.

Some called this military fantasy, and that fits. The author know about military history and he uses that knowledge. He knows what he is writing about, and makes it enjoyable.

There is a great deal of fighting, and talking. A strange book that I well was rather neutral about at first. Then suddenly I was at page 150 and I could not stop reading. It had grabbed me and I had not known when and where. I wanted more so I finished it quickly without too many breaks in between. Good fantasy can do that.

This is a book that I would recommend to fantasy fans, for others, well I fear the military aspects could be a bit dry. I enjoyed it but perhaps this sort of fantasy is not for everyone.

But he has created a great world where the Human empire has spread out by the means of imperial forces and they have conquered the elves, orcs, the elfkynan and the dwarves. The world is ruled by men, and they see the rest of the races as a bit lesser. There are rebellions of course, and the elves, they only cares for their trees. I am happy that I have the next book so that i can see what will happen, The Shadow Monarch is out to rule the world, and the rest of the world really need to put their differences aside to win this fight.

Review: The Accidental Demon Slayer - Angie Fox

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 292
Published: 2008

It’s never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl…

For Lizzie Brown, that’s just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she’s seen it all, Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer – and all hell is after her.

Of course, that’s not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you’ve never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn’t work, how dangerous could a little seduction be…?


Let me just first say that I love the dog Pirate, he is the bes part, funny, and always talking. And just look at the cutie there on the cover, I am not a dog person but I am a pirate gal.

Lizzie lives a normal live, she has a job, a home, friends, no man though, but as the is about to turn 30 she is ok with it all. Then she is contacted by her grandmother who she has never met, and suddenly there is a demon in her toilet and they are on the run. She is told she is a demon slayer and now they are out to kill her. What is a girl to do, run and fast. Her biker grandma, pirate and Lizzy heads down the road, where they soon will meet hunky Dimitri.

Lizzie is nice, and I like her. She is taking this demon slaying business as anyone would, not good, and that is understandable. Her grandma is crazy, who could not like an old biker chick who wears the clothes and listen to the music. The talking dog, well I do love him. Then there is Dimitri, a griffin, and a good looking man. All alpha, rough and I would sure fall into his arms. There is an attraction between Lizzy and him at once, and I sure like it.

I like the gang of biker witches, different and they fit the story. Then there are the werewolves, and gotta love those too. I am sure more paranormal beings will show up the next time. In this we see imps, water nymphs and of course demons. Nasty demons from hell and they should stay there.

Much action there is not, she is still learning and mostly trying to keep her head down. But there are some fighting. There is also hot romance, I promise you that. There are some laughs and funny situations promised. All in all a good book with a mix of everything, it will be fun to see what will happen in book 2. Lizzy and pirate is a good team, and I do wanna see more of Dimitri.

I would have liked to get more laughs since that would have fitted the book, but then again that is just me. It had the rest covered up.

Mailbox Monday - September 21st

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.

Pleasure and Purpose by Megan Hart, won at her blog

Meet Stillness, called upon to soothe the conscience of a man in need of redemption after a shocking act from his sexual past. Then there's Honesty, whose vow of Solace is to a prince looking for a submissive handmaiden. Instead, he gets the unexpected. And finally, Determinata, a handmaiden confronted with a client lost in a haze of random sex and drugs. She has just the plan to literally whip her man into shape.

Truly, Madly, Viking by Sandra Hill, won @ Michelle's Book Blog

A Viking named Joe?
Jorund Ericsson is a tenth century Viking warrior who lands in a modern mental hospital.
Maggie McBride is the lucky psychologist who gets to "treat" the gorgeous Norseman, whom she mistakenly calls Joe.

I had my bookstore order:
A Darkness Forged in fire by Chris Evans

Magic in the Bone by Devon Monk

The Queen's Bastard by CE Murphy








My Amazon loot:

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Sea Witch by Virginia Kantra








Stray by Rachel Vincent
The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox









How about your week?

Review: Mr Darcy, Vampyre - Amanda Grange

Mr Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange

Genre: Historical paranormal romance
Pages: 320
Published: 2009

A legendary and immortal love story for a legendary and immortal couple - a test of love that will take them to hell and back. The wedding day is magical but when Elizabeth and Darcy embark on their wedding tour, Elizabeth discovers that Darcy has a secret . . .

Prologue December 1802

My dearest Jane,

My hand is trembling as I write this letter. My nerves are in tatters and I am so altered that I believe you would not recognise me. The past two months have been a nightmarish whirl of strange and disturbing circumstances, and the future . . .

Jane, I am afraid. If anything happens to me, remember that I love you and that my spirit will always be with you, though we may never see each other again. The world is a cold and frightening place where nothing is as it seems. It was all so different a few short months ago. When I awoke on my wedding morning, I thought myself the happiest woman alive . . .

(Author's site)

Let's face it, I will never looked at pride and prejudice the same way again. Imagine how glad I was when my friend looked at this and wanted it and I needed top buy her a present. Long story short, read it before her that night cos could not really take it up north with me. Now I just have to read the zombie one and Austen will be forever weird to me, lol.

The title sadly says it all, yes Mr Darcy is a vampire. But it's good to know it, and it could have been written differently. First I can giggle at things because I know things Lizzy does not know, and that makes this book funny. If we would not have know the funny part would not have been it. But still not knowing would have been fun too.

To the book then, it takes up a bit before the book ends. Lizzy is waking up, the wedding takes place and soon they are off to the lake district, or wait, no Darcy decides that they should head over to France. Soon she has a strange feeling about Darcy, he is distant and she is afraid he regrets marrying her. It will be an eventful wedding trip.

The reader gets bits and pieces here and there and even if the title had not been that it would have been easy to guess after a while. I like the clues because they made me giggle, and at the same time I feel sorry of Lizzy because she thinks he does not love he, and the reader does not learn why he acting so strange (well easy to guess but still why?).

Not much romance since he is distancing him from her, but it's still there, and I am aching for them. Lizzy and Darcy belong together but how can they be together? The book had me reading fast to find that out and to see if i could get some vampire action.

This was a sweet and easy read, the paranormal made me smile cos I knew, but it gets a bit different later on, I tiny bit more thrilling we can say. But the end left me wanting, great end yes, but it felt rushed and not right. But that could just be me.

It's a clever way to tell the story what happened next. Because many sure wanted to know, and who knows, perhaps he really was a vampire, lol, I do feel like watching the miniseries again and taking a closer look at him. I will always imagine him hiding his vampire self now.

A fun sequel to read, I tell you that. I have not read a real sequel yet, but I know that I sure will look back at this vampire one and smile.

Review: Goddess of the Hunt - Tessa Dare

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 384
Published: 2009

Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, planning to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion—one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past, full of long-buried secrets. He keeps a safe distance from his own emotions. But to distract Lucy from her reckless scheming, he must give his passions free rein. Their sensual battle of wills is as maddening as it is delicious, but the longer he succeeds in managing the headstrong temptress, the closer Jeremy comes to losing control. When scandal breaks, can he bring himself to abandon Lucy to her ruin? Or will he risk his heart, and claim her for his own?

This was a good book for a long bustrip, I sat there and smiled and must have looked like a fool sometimes.

Lucy wants to get married and she has her sights on a certain person but how to get there when she is such a tomboy who hasn't even had her first season? So she gets this silly idea that she should practice her seduction skills on her brother's friend Jeremy. What a crazy idea, and I was so glad to see that Jeremy was a gentleman who tried to resist.

Lucy was bold, and I liked her. Act like her I would not have, but I sure liked her spirit. She was sweet, even if a bit naive in a way. You just had to love her when she got that idea into her head. Jeremy is cold, and those two had never really liked each other. Not to mention she has her sights elsewhere. But things start to happen and I fall for them both and keep wishing they can look through their silly games.

I sometimes have a problem with historical romance, the oh so virginal unkissed heriones tend to give it up to quickly and always love it at once. How sweet and how nonvirginal all must have been. Even if I like a book that always annoys me, and I was so glad that that did in a way not happen here. I did not want things to bug me.

So this book had me soon smiling and grinning like a fool. There are some passages that just made me wanna giggle. Then the book took another turn and changed and I liked the new turn of events too. Made me root for them more, made me dislike Jeremy more and made me love him more. They do not have an easy way to go but that is what romance need, a rocky way to make them realise that they do belong together.

There was romance, there were smiles, friendship, foolish games and a whole lot of fun. This was a sweet read and I enjoyed her style a lot.

There is also a side character that I do not want to like at first, since Lucy does not want to like her either, but I do fall for her, she has such an imagination. And I am glad to see that she is the main character in the 2nd book, and the 3rd book also has a charcter from this book in it. I would sure like to see how it all plays out.

Review: Wild Heart - Lori Brighton

Wild Heart by Lori Brighton

Publication date: November 3nd 2009
Genre: Historical paranormal romance
Pages: 320

Wanton. . .

Leo Roberts is next in line for an earldom and the power and fortune that come with it, 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.

Willing

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.

......

This was a nice read. I connected at once with the heroine of the book. Ella is a sweet woman with a good heart. There was something innocent about her, and at the same time something mysterious and a great willpower. Leo, well I wasn’t sure what to think of him, was he an animal, crazy or what? It gets explained because things are not always what they seem. Lori Brighton makes you fall bit by bit for him, until you just can’t resist him. Just like Ella, and they have great chemistry; I can see it at once. I ache for them, I want them to be together, I want them to trust each other enough to tell the other one all their secrets.

The side characters are good also, his sweet old grandfather, Ella’s friend Fran, who is the explanation why Ella takes on this position. Lady Buckley, she seems mean, Leo’s friend Akshay, and then the villain of this book, Leo’s cousin Henry. Him readers will dislike at once, and I wanted to find out what his motives was and why he was such an idiot. I can’t tell you the times I wanted to be there with Ella and calm Leo down, or well hug him. Not thathe cared all times, but I sure did.

It was a paranormal historical but the paranormal part was not that big in it. I will not spoil it but Ella has a gift, and she uses it sometimes though out the book. In the end the paranormal part gets a bit bigger as all things are explained. You have to wait for it, and it will make you curious, what is going on in this book? The ending also leaves you wanting more. She wraps it up nicely, but she leaves a thread hanging so that there can be more. I am happy with this ending, but yes I am curious, will there be more? The answer is yes, one character from this book is getting a book of his own.

Lori Brighton weaves together a beautiful historical about two people who find each other at the worst possible time, but at the same time the best time. They both have secrets and they both need something. You smile with them, and you sit by and wonder if it will turn out good. These two are a couple that need to be together. The hint of the paranormal is cleverly shown trough out the book in a way that makes you believe that sure, that is possible. She makes you believe, and you never feel that it’s a paranormal historical. It’s a historical book; the magic in it just exists. And I do believe.

This book has a bit of everything, a mystery, magic, romance and the hunt for the truth that will put lives in danger. When it does heat up it heats up and I am sitting on my seat wondering what will happen next. It always looks the darkest before the end.

This is a great debut and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. A good author leaves you with a want for more, if so be with the same characters or with a new concept.

As a side note, I read this book back in July and wrote the review but I post it now when the date is getting closer for its release.

received a copy for a review

BBAW Reading Meme and ABC meme

You and your Reading Habits
We have this fabulous reading meme for you below and all you have to do? Pick ONE or answer them all in as few words as possible! Be creative, have fun, stand out!

More answers here



Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack? Sometimes, and then chocolate
Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? Sometimes, no horror
How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Bookmarks (LOTR, now others)
Laying the book flat open? I do that, guilty
Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Fiction
Hard copy or audiobooks? Hard copy, no to audio
Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point? Any point, middle of a page
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? Nope, really should
What are you currently reading? The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
What is the last book you bought? Queen's Bastard by LE.Murphy
Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time? I read several
Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? Nope, my bed
Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? Both
Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? Janet Evanovich, Magician by Raymond E.Feist
How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?) By to read


I was tagged by Cecile @ All I want and more

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Share your ABC’s.

3. Tag three people at the end by linking to their blogs.

4. Let the three tagged people know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

5. Do not tag the same person repeatedly but try to tag different people, so there is a big network of bloggers doing this tag.


Available or single? Neither, sticking with my man

Best Friend? My boyfriend

Cake or Pie? Oh cake, pie, no chocolate cake!

Drink of choice? Milk, I love it

Essential item for every day use? Underwear perhaps

Favorite color? Green, and violet

Google? I do tend to google

Hometown? Vaasa/Vasa

Indulgences? Chocolate, internet, books, shoes, clothes, more candy ;)

January or February? February rocks!!

Kids and their names? Nope

Life is incomplete without? Books, chocolate, tv, friends, my cutie

Marriage date? I am not married

Number of siblings? 1 brother

Oranges or apples? Apples

Phobias and fears? Agreeing with Cecile ..Crawly things, bugs.

Quote for the day? "Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs his eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens."

Reason to smile? A cute kitten

Season? Summer

Tag 3 people? Oh, I am bad at tagging, if you wanna do it then do it :)
Unknown fact about me? I dip my chips in milk
Vegetable you hate? Beans
Worst habit? A bit of OCD in my part too, checking things
X-rays you’ve had? Arm, finger, breast, shoulder, lungs
Your favorite food? Hm....Italian
Zodiac sign?Pisces

Review: Cleopatra's Daughter - Michelle Moran

Published: September 2009
Pages: 448
Genre: Historical

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two- the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander-survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian's sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian's family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra's Daughter. Recounted in Selene's youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian's kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian's bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian's handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia's sardonic son and Marcellus's great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian's watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals.
(authors site)


Where to start, first I love history, but some books can be a bit dry sometimes, this one is not. It's a fantastic piece that made me reading every word and turning the pages fast. When it come to real historical persons I tend to google, but I just could not do it here. I wanted to read it. It's also great in another aspect, many books like this tend to go through the whole life story, instead here we read about a couple of years when she is young. Back in the book there are some historic facts what happened to everyone later, oh do not read those beforehand like I happened to do, kind of spoiled me there since I didn't know the history from before.

This book takes place in the glory that is Rome, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra are dead and their surviving children are brought to Rome. But they are lucky and the twins are cared for Octavian's sister who was once married to Marc Anthony. They are young and they are scared, but time moves on and they seem to be just a part of the family, as long as they don't anger anyone.

Selene is a wonderful narrator, she has an idealistic soul and through her we see Rome. I often say when I read books like this that I would have wanted to live there. But I can honestly say now that I would not have wanted to be a woman in ancient Rome. One of the richest women in Rome gives birth but the husband wants a son and throws the baby girl to the wolves. A beautiful free woman is put on trial after a rich merchant who lust after her claims she was a slave girl who got kidnapped from him as a baby. Noble women get handed over from husband after husband when their father's decided they can make a better match. No one asks the women, they are not free. So no, Rome has no glory for me, and I admire Selene who sees the injustice and knows she might end up just the same.

She has hopes, she falls in love, she is idealistic and she is aware of her status and the danger she and her brother is to Rome. But she still lives, go to school and sketches. She is a wonderful artist with aims to be an architect and one of the great ones take her as his apprentice. She shows Octavian (later emperor Augustus) that she is worth something.

This was a pager turner, I wanted to know what would happen to the twins. Michelle Moran keeps history alive and it feels like you are there living it, a fresh voice that makes it feel like fiction even though these are real people that have lived. But she does not just talk facts, she makes history come alive. She even had me near tears at one point.

I highly recommend this book, it was beautifully written and even thought I have never really cared for Cleopatra, now from reading about her daughter I am suddenly fascinated. I am really curious if Moran has managed to bring her other characters alive the same way in her 2 previous book. If so then she is a true author of historical books and I want to read more.

It's a story about normal life in Rome, about loss, about love, friendship, and a side story about red Eagle, who wants better life for slaves and to set them free. An interesting story and Selene wonders who he can be. I liked that twist to the story because it's important to show real life and not just hide behind palace walls.

Now at the end I feel a loss, I will miss Selene, it was lovely to read about her and I hate to see the book end. If you are not a fan of historical fiction then perhaps this one can show you otherwise, give it a try.

received a copy for a review

Paradise Rules Contest

Click HERE to enter

Mailbox Monday - September 14th

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.

Moon Called by Patrica Briggs, thanks to bookmooch.com

Moon Called is the beginning of the story of Mercedes Thompson a coyote shapeshifter who is also a pretty decent mechanic. Mercy's world looks a lot like ours except that the Otherworld is begining to be forced out of hiding by our modern technologies. Mercy shares her back fence with the local Alpha werewolf and works evenings on the vampire Stefan's VW bus.

Goddess of The Hunt by Tessa Dare, won @ Dear Author

Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion–one that could send all her plans up in smoke

Traitor's Kiss and Lover's Kiss by Mary Blaney, @ DA

In the first two books of The Pennistan Family series, Gabriel Pennistan and Olivia Pennsitan find that love conquers hardship, loss and heartbreak.

Golden Opportunity by Donna Marie Rogers, from the author :),ebook

James McMillan owns a ranch in Colorado. When a gorgeous little filly shows up at his door waving what she says is the deed to half his ranch, James is unconvinced. But the document is authentic,- his brother, Reese, sold her his half during a poker game. So not only must James find a way to get back those shares, he needs to fight his growing attraction for his luscious new business partner, who turns out to be a lot more than just a pretty face.

Welcome to Redemption by Donna Marie Rogers and Stacy Joy Netzel

Second chances don't always come easy, but in the small town of Redemption, if you're willing to try, anything is possible. From a single mother struggling to make it on her own, to an EMT drowning in the guilt of his past...four couples, eight journeys, one place they all call home. Nestled in the heart of Northeast Wisconsin, Redemption offers these lost souls not only a second chance in life, but in love, too.




What did you get in your mailbox this week?