Interview: Edie Ramer, and Cattitude Contest (open to all)

Today I have Edie Ramer, over, the author of Cattitude.

At the end of the interview there is a contest for the book. And it's open to everyone one the planet.

And as always don't be shy to ask Edie questions.

Hi Edie, and welcome to my blog :)

Since I only know you recently from Lori Brighton’s blog, could you tell me something about yourself?

I live in southeastern Wisconsin with my husband, two dogs, and one important cat, where I write paranormal romance and women's fiction.  My short stories have been published in national print magazines.  I'm also published in non-fiction articles and greeting card verses. Because of the latter, I possess a drawer filled with cards for any occasion.

I’m also a huge reader, but you probably guessed that. I volunteer too much and need to say no more often.  I’m the co-founder of an inspirational site for writers, WriteAttitude.net, and of a group blog, Magical Musings (magicalmusing.com).  We recently added bloggers and changed our focus from writers to readers.  We often have giveaways.

Your newest book is called Cattitude; can you tell me what it is about?

It’s all in the Cattitude . . .

After Belle the cat switches bodies with a psychic on the run from a murderer, she wants her perfect cat body back instead of this furless human one. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with her former owner. Or that a CEO and a beauty queen want to use up her nine lives. Now is her chance to prove anything a human can do, a cat can do better.

If you could change body with an animal, which one would you choose? 

A bird.  I’d love to fly.

How come you chose the road of self-publishing? 

My dream was always to sell my books in print.  I seemed to be on the right road.  My short stories were published in numerous print magazines in the 90s.  I’ve won RWA (Romance Writers of America) contests with my books.  I was an American Title V finalist, and I’ve come close to selling many times.  But my books don’t fit well into slots, and when I try to write for the market, it doesn’t work. 

My option is to make my own slots.  A friend, Zoe Winters, is doing better with her digital novellas than some NY published friends do with their print books.  When J.A. Konrath blogged about Karen McQuestion (who wasn’t published before she put her e-books on Amazon) outselling him on Amazon, I knew it was time for me to put my books on Amazon and other digital markets.

Since I’ve published, I’ve felt empowered.  It’s an exciting time for me and for many writers.

You have an upcoming book called Dead People, could you tell about that? 

When Cassie Taylor talks, ghosts listen. She wants to heal their souls so they can leave earth. Brooding songwriter Luke Rivers wants to give his recently found daughter a normal home, but he discovers his new house in small town Wisconsin is haunted by a ghost with an attitude. His ghost whisperer has an attitude too — even before someone tries to kill her. So why does he have the hots for her? And why does she lust after him?

He wants conventional; she wants acceptance. No wonder she thinks men are hard and dead people are easy.

Thanks for asking! Dead People should be online in a few weeks.

I am sensing a cat theme when I looked at your blog. Aren’t cats just the best? ;) 

Yes!  It’s because I love my cat so much that I wrote a book about a cat who changes bodies with a woman. She’s the queen of the house, yet she’s a cuddler and a sweetheart.  When she wants to be sweet, of course.  Belle the cat in Cattitude has a lot of the character of the cat in my house.

I already mentioned my two dogs.  I plan on putting the 17-year-old beagle we inherited early this year in a future book.  She has arthritis, she’s flatulent, and she snores.  Yet she has the best personality, and she takes joy in life and any attention we give her.  Her character will be the loveable comic relief.

What kinds of books do you read? Any fav authors? 

I read across the genres and non-fiction, too.   Karin Tabke, aka Karin Harlow, Cynthia Eden, Lori Brighton, P.J. Alderman, Liz Kreger, Zoe Winters and Loretta Chase are some of my favorite writers.  And a new author: Michelle Diener.  She’s my critique partner.  Her debut book, Illuminations, a historical, will be out late spring 2011, published by Gallery (a Pocket Books imprint).  It’s brilliant, and so is she!  She’s going to be huge.   

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Trust your voice.  Put your energy in your writing; it shines through.  You’ll make mistakes, and that’s why it’s important to find a great critique partner.  Look for one who’s on the same level as you or higher.  You want to grow as a writer.  Write, write, write, and then write some more.

It’s not an easy road, but if it’s your passion and you believe in yourself and you aren’t a quitter, you can make it.  Everyone says it’s the worst time for publishing, but it can be the best time for authors.  We have more opportunities than ever before.

(B: Since I like to mix it up, here are some shorter ones).

Fav ice-cream flavor?

Mint chocolate chip.

(Blodeuedd: I love that, even had it yesterday ;)

Fav tv-show? 

Memphis Beat.  I love the main cop character Dwight.  He wants to fix everyone, even his mother, his lieutenant, his ex-wife.  Every episode ends at a blues club with him singing with the band.  It makes me want to swoon.

Name 3 things you would take to a desert island.  

Hugh Jackman.  A knife for cutting fish and slicing open coconuts.  KY jelly. 

Are there aliens out there? 

Absolutely.  To think we’re the only intelligent beings in this world is the height of arrogance.  And maybe our dogs and cats are aliens sent to see how we treat them.  That’s a scary thought, isn’t it? 

(B: Looks around, you mean my beloved cutie is an alien, scary, I must look him in the eye and ask him)

Thanks!

Thank you for inviting me to be your guest.  The questions were fun, and I love being here.

(B: And I enjoyed reading your answers.)

Like I said, if there is anything you want to ask Edie then go ahead :)

GIVEAWAY:

2 winners, 2 e-copies of Cattitude 

1. Open to all, hey, even aliens.

2. Ends October 7th

3. Please leave an email if it's not in your profile, if you do not want to leave it then email it to me.

4. Not a must, but it's always more fun if you write something about the book, author, interview or ask a question.

THE CONTEST PART IS NOW CLOSED

Early Review: Take a chance on me - Jill Mansell

Genre: Contemporary romance/fiction/chick-lit
Pages: 432
Publ date: October 1st 2010 Sourcebooks Landmark

Living in a small town like Channings Hill, there are some people you just can't avoid, no matter how much you really, really want to. When Cleo's job throws her into constant contact with her childhood nemesis, Johnny LaVenture, she can't leave the past behind. But for someone she'd rather have nothing to do with, Johnny is impossible to ignore... Then shocking discoveries of past scandals, unrequited loves, old grudges, and not-so-ex-wives throw Cleo's family and friends into chaos. Life in sleepy Channings Hill may be about to get very complicated, but it's definitely never been more exciting.

This was my 2nd Jill Mansell book, and now it did make me read more. There was drama, romance, and nothing was rushed. I liked that.

The story is about Cleo who works as a chauffeur. All is well, and she has a great boyfriend, until the day Johnny LaVenture comes back. And she hates him, and with reason since he gave her this nickname that ruined her schoolyears, among other things. But he is so hot and hard to resist. Then there is the story about Cleo's sister Abby who is older and in a happy marriage, but they never got any kids and this saddens her. And soon things start to happen in this  sleepy English village.

There is much drama, I can't go into details, but secrets are revealed, foundations are shaken, and perfect boyfriends are not so perfect after all. Abby and Cleo are the main characters, but we also get to follow Cleo's friend Ash, who is really shy around women he likes, but on the air, he is mr perfect. So there is a lot of things happening, and a lot of relationships that comes together or needs to be fixed.

Like I mentioned, I enjoyed that there was no rush. No one fell madly in love and married the next day. No things took their time, it felt very real. Some were stubborn, and some just hoped for things to come. A truthful tale about romance, and everyday life.

This book did makes me want to go to this English village and drink some tea. This is a great book to read this fall, perhaps while drinking some tea ;)

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I have mixed feelings, I don't like it, but at the same time it's cute and fits the book.

Reason for reading: From sourcebooks

Final thoughts: It was sweet, and I could not put it down. I just wanted to know.

3,75

Review: The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball - Risa Green

Genre: YA, fiction, paranormal

Pages: 320

Published: September 2010 Sourcebooks Fire

In a world where nothing is certain, a little magic couldn't hurt...right?

When Erin Channing's favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived "outside the box." But now Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future-or at least the key to getting dates...

Consider Your Fate to Be Sealed . . .
Absolute knowledge is not unlimited; let the planets be your guide to the number.
There are sixteen ways to die, but four of them you will never see.
The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed.
One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond.

This one was fun and cute, the cover delivered what it should have.

Erin the girl with the highest GPA in her the 10th grade, and some might see her as a bit boring. But she had her 2 best friends and she is happy, sort of. Because she really wants to go to Italy but she has to write this essay and nothing has ever happened to her. Until her aunt dies and leaves her a magical crystal ball, suddenly things start happening.

Of course these are teenage girls so what to they ask for. Bigger boobs, to be kissed, to get a date, to ace that exam, things like that. Of course at first they do not know what to think but then things start happening. Is it magic or not?

The book also has its mean girl who is harassing Lindsay, Erin's bff. And things get serious there too. Bullying going to far. And then there is Samantha, Erin's other friend who is more or less stalking this guy because she really wants to be with him. But perhaps the perfect guy is not the guy you should be with. And do not forget tension as magic starts spiralling out of control.

I shall not forget the romance, Erin notices that the unlikely guy perhaps is the guy. I think they would be really sweet together.

The fun with this book is that the magic had logical explanations too, so magic or not, that is the question. But at least it brought the friends closer together, and they all went on with their lives. Leaving things behind and discovering new things.

A fun, and cute book. Magic gone wrong can be amusing. I liked this one, and it was such an easy read. And I'd like to read more.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Adorable

Reason for reading: From sourcebooks

Final thoughts: A lighter paranormal with romance and friendship.

3,75

Review: Straight up - Deirdre Martin

Genre: Contemporary romance
Pages: 352
Published: 2010

Even a man on the run can enjoy the thrill of the chase...

Hiding from New York's Irish mob, Liam O'Brien is in Ireland working as a bartender in his parents' old village. Hurt once by a man, Aislinn McCafferty is the local ice queen, which the unsuspecting Liam soon learns the hard way.

Accepting a wager from the pub's owner, Liam pursues Aislinn. But neither of them expects this donnybrook of the sexes to turn into an unlikely love...

I am gonna post my lost review here. I read the book back in July, it was supposed to be a guestreview and in September I realized it was lost, but yesterday, I finally found it.

This was so a fun and sweet romance, and I am not just saying that cos it took place in Ireland ;) 

The story:

It’s about Liam who is running from the Irish mob back in NY, and now he works as a bartender in a little Irish village. Then there is Aislinn, a sheep farmer who got hurt badly in love and now is just angry. After a little run in with Liam he does something incredibly stupid. With the pub owner and the 3 stooges he makes a bet that he can get her. Let the games begin.

The couple:

Oh oh, man he was stupid. He makes that bet and then falls for her. He realizes that she is sweet under that frown, and he loves who she is with her sheep and Padraig that works at the farm. So he gets this stupid notion that he can win the bet, and keep the girl. Sighs, men! Does he not understand that when she realizes the will leave him bleeding in a ditch? No is the answer and she falls in love with him, and I keep waiting for her to find out and hit him over the head with a whisky bottle. Cos he deserves it if he is such a bloody eejit.

Aislinn has a tongue of her own, she was lied to be a man she loved, and now she feels like everyone is pitying her so she rather angry and people in the village is calling her The McAfftery. But it’s her way of dealing with the hurt, and it’s not like she is some angry woman. No she just gives the three stooges at the pub a tongue lashing now and again, but hey they enjoy it too. It seems she is the only woman to actually talk to them. Other than that she is a nice woman, and I do like her. She has had much to deal with, but she stays strong, too strong actually, and all she wants is to keep those sheep.

My thoughts:

I want these two to be happy but with that lie between them I know that sooner or later all hell will break loose. In the mean time it’s fun to see Liam try, and finally manage to court her. They do have this bantering between them and it’s fun to watch.

A sweet romance, set in a beautiful country. A Yank falling for a sheep farmer, what more is a girl to ask for.

Blodeuedd’s Cover Corner: It looks fun !
Reason for reading:won
Final thoughts. This was a great contemporary romance, fun and romantic, with some great characters in it.

Review: Aristobrats - Jennifer Solow

Genre: Middle Grade/YA, fiction
Pages: 224
Published: September 2010 Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

It’s all about the Attitude

Parker Bell knows the secret to beauty is pretty simple–wearing the right clothes isn’t as important as how you feel in them. Popularity is like that too. It’s all about attitude. You have to picture who you want to be and then just imagine that’s who you already are.

This year Parker and her three best friends have made their way to the top of the populadder at Wallingford Academy. And they’re ready to use their Aristobrat status to help spread positive vibes throughout the school. But when the girls are assigned to produce the seriously lame school webcast, their popularity plummets! Will this tragedy destroy the girls' status? Or their friendship? Or both?

Not what I usually read, but I wanted to try a younger book once too, and I did. What can I say, it was a cute one.

I never like books that try too much to be young, or show the worst side of kids, since they are nice kids too that never did stuff like that. I was one of those and I rather read about those too.  This book has hip kids, prepsters, and slang, but it felt real.

Parker goes to a fancy private school, she had her 3 best friends and she year she will rule the school. But not in  mean girl way, no there are codes and the code is be nice to everyone, even if they have totally horrid clothes on. Cos mean girls are two-thousand-and-late. But then they have to do the school news show that everyone hates and their social status plunges, and their friendship is suddenly rocky. And of course there are the cute guy she wants, oh and the not so nice girls.

Parker and her friends were nice and different. One loved fashion, one was the brain, and together they were the best of friends. The message that shines through is that friends are important, and to be nice to each other. They also learn that perhaps everything doesn't have to be perfect, like do you really need the perfect guy that everyone thinks you should end up with. They have a lot to learn.

At the back of the book was also a cute glossary that explained some words that were used. Still I did feel a bit out of it at times with some short text messages that were there. But that didn't really stop the flow of the story.

This is a book that I would recommend to young girls, and to the YA audience too, and adults too. Because it was a sweet book, and when it ended, well I was curious about what happens next, and about this boy she started to like. And there will be more books to that will be nice.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Cute, yes I have used that word a lot today ;)

Reason for reading: From the publisher

Final thoughts:  A nice, sweet book about friendship, and that attitude counts. Act like you enjoy being you and other will see you like that.

3,75

The Author has a quiz on her page to see which girl you are, and I do love quizzes.

Kiki










Which Aristobrat are You?

And last a question answered by the author:

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Mostly I wanted a book that I would be proud to have my own daughter read. There are lots of messages layered into the book about not being afraid to make mistakes, about living life to the fullest because our time here is short. But I think the most important message is that is doesn’t matter how many Facebook Friends you have – it’s the real friends who count. These are lessons for me more than anyone – the important things I need to remember.

Review: House of Night 3, 4 - PC Cast

The House of Night series by PC and Kristin Cast

 Book 3 Chosen

Genre: Paranormal romance, YA
Pages: 307
Published: 2008

Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey doesn’t have a clue how to help her, but she does know that anything she and Stevie Rae discover must be kept secret from everyone else at the House of Night, where trust has become a rare commodity.  Speaking of rare: Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare position of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster.  Just when it seems things couldn’t get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith, and Zoey’s horrid step-father in particular, are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres.  But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely reflects the truth…

My third House of Night books, and I find myself starting to enjoy them. They are just so so very YA. The keep on swearing, and talking about kissing boys.

In this one Zoey has problems with her 3 boyfriends. Eric all sweet, Loren who tempts her, and Heath, whose blood she sure likes. But then there is the problem with her weird Zombievampire friend, and the fact that Neferet is not all she says she is.

The twins, I have kind of grown tired of them, and always hearing the look alike. Zoey, must she always talk about what a nerd she is, and that she is a slut, when she isn't. Who I did like was Aphrodite. I get her now.

Oh and since I read a translation, did her grandmother really say shitmonkey?! Cos was it a new word, or did they just translate it to something that has never been used. "Edit: thanks to Msbookjunkie I know she said turdmonkey, lol"

Anyway, readers who like YA paranormal will enjoy this one. It has all the ingredients. And I find myself ..amused.

Untamed, book 4

Pages: 338
Published: 2008

Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird – she’s become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, the only two Zoey has left are undead and unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her?  Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened.

Ok ok, I am getting more amused. But still these books are just too YA for me. It's in the way the people act, so very YA, there is namedropping and they are just trying to be so hip, and know what kids are about. I didn't really care for that even when I was younger. There is a reason why I read harlequin when I was 10.

Anyway in this one she has lost her boyfriends, Neferet is evil and wants to start a war. Her friends hate her, and something evil is lurking around.

I would love to read an English version to see if they are the same, cos the translation, it feels like they try to much.

But I find myself more interested, and much more than with book 1. And the way this one ended, I need book 5. I will not stop reading. Some I only read cos I kind of want to know. But with this one, I am starting to like it. Especially Aphrodite, she has changed. And with the Cherokee myths in this one, what can I say I enjoyed it. 

But, this is the big one, please stop explaining every freaking time that the twins are not twins and blah blah blah.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I am not liking them

Reason for reading: Library

Final thoughts: They keep getting better.

Review: The Reapers are the angels - Alden Bell

Genre: Fiction, dystopian, futuristic
Pages: 225
Published: August 2010 Holt Paperbacks

 Zombies have infested a fallen America. A young girl named Temple is on the run. Haunted by her past and pursued by a killer, Temple is surrounded by death and danger, hoping to be set free.

For twenty-five years, civilization has survived in meager enclaves, guarded against a plague of the dead. Temple wanders this blighted landscape, keeping to herself and keeping her demons inside her heart. She can't remember a time before the zombies, but she does remember an old man who took her in and the younger brother she cared for until the tragedy that set her on a personal journey toward redemption. Moving back and forth between the insulated remnants of society and the brutal frontier beyond, Temple must decide where ultimately to make a home and find the salvation she seeks.

Oh yes, zombies, you read it right, my biggest nightmare. Still I watch those movies, but this is actually only my second book about them.

25 years ago they started to emerge, humans tried to fight back, and fought for years, but now the land is dead. People hiding behind barricades, and hunters on the road, fighting one zombie at a time. Among theses are 15 year old Temple, all on her own. All she ever has know has been death and destruction. She moves from place to place, hiding, running, fighting, and soon running from more that just zombies.

I liked Temple, she was kick-ass for sure. But then she grew up in a world that had slowly lost the fight. She is a good with a knife, she says what she thinks, and she remembers those that have fallen. She also feels that there is a darkness within her, but growing up like that who can blame her.

It is not a scary book, there is no real zombie action. She avoids them the best she can, she knows their tricks, and they are pretty slow and stupid. The danger here is more from other humans. When society falls so does everything. You learn about those that prayed on other humans, raping, killing and then the most scary of them all show up, hillbillies, you'll see. But there are also nice people, just trying to get by, and helping each other.

The book had this strange and nice flow to it. It was like it was happening, and like it had happened, and would happen. I liked it, he has a talent. It was a good book, and a sad one.

What do I think, well if people just manage to survive, then they will outlive the zombies, or this world will become a barren wasteland. I do wonder, since I do not get that answer.

This was a different sort of zombie book. It reminded me a bit of The Road, I have only seen the movie, but it had the same hopelessness to it, and at the same time that glimmer of hope. It is a story about a young woman on the road, aged far beyond her years.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Not a fav, but fitting

Reason for reading: From the publisher

Final thoughts: I sure hope we don't get a zombie plague, and if we did, then I hope I could be so calm as she was.

4

Review: The Life O'Reilly - Brian Cohen

Genre: Fiction
Pages: 276
Published: 2009

On the outside, Nick O’Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner of an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park. Having grown up in a working-class family, as far back as Nick can remember this was his dream. But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing his personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he wants to leave on society both professionally and personally—his legacy.


After being chastised in the press for turning a cold shoulder to the community, the firm calls upon Nick to help rehabilitate its image by handling its first pro bono case. Nick is asked to represent Dawn Nelson, a domestic violence victim who is fighting for custody of her young son, Jordan. A far cry from Nick’s speciality of defending the misdeeds of Corporate America, it is up to Nick to set Dawn and Jordan on a path to a better life. But Nick gets much more than he signed on for, as Dawn forces him to reassess his life choices and, ultimately, be true to himself. Only when Nick finally realizes what is truly important in life does he face his toughest—and possibly final—challenge: a battle for his own survival.

This was a wonderful book about a man finding himself, and love. Nick is a hot-shot lawyer, he works long hours, he doesn't always get that much respect from his superior, and he has no time for a personal life. The firm is everything. But then he gets a pro bono case, and realizes that he does want more.

I liked Nick, he seemed like a really decent guy who was starting to have second thoughts about doing what he was, making rich people richer. He deserved more, and there was this longing in him. The he meet Dawn, the woman he was representing. She was nice and wanted more too, after being in a abusive relationship. Of course the whole client-lawyer thing is a big fat no, so it's easy to figure out that it will have an impact.

It was a great tale about a man making some big changes in his life, and how he dared to take that chance when loved showed up. They did seem meant to be. The story was compelling, and I even peaked ahead a bit.

What the story also made me feel was sadness, yes there were tears near the end. Happiness, sadness, curiosity about where the story went, and a nice sweet romance.

The story made me think too, about making what you want out of life, taking that chance on love, life, a new job, anything.

A good story, with characters that felt real.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Simple yet so beautiful

Reason for reading: From the author.

Final thoughts: Good

Review: The Ghost Hunter - Lori Brighton

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 194
Published: September 2010, e-book
Find it at: Amazon
               Smashwords

Ashley Hunter is intent on uncovering the truth about her father's disappearance. But Ashley realizes she's in for more than she bargained. Not only has she inherited a decrepit pub, she's also inherited ghosts and demons. Then Cristian arrives, a mysterious man who insists he only needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing...

As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can’t accomplish this daunting task alone. He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don’t work together, they won’t have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, for Cristian is the very man responsible for her father’s disappearance.

I don't read e-books that often, but there is one author I would make an exception for and that is Lori Brighton, so of course I wanted to read this paranormal romance.

A nice little village, but everything is not what it seems. Ashley arrives to look at the house she inherited from her aunt. The problem is that she sees ghost there, and she is troubled by this. She has seen them all her life, but people have told her she is crazy. Then Christian shows up and wants to buy the place. And as the ghost start to talk more things change, cos this little village is in big trouble.

What a village, vampires, werewolves, witches, leprechauns, ghosts, and demons. Not your average village, and the stories that could be told there.

Ashley is a nice heroine, she is scarred by what she sees, and of course she doubts her sanity since ghosts are not real. I feel sorry for her, but she is strong, and that is good.

Christian is the big ghost killer, ok not killer, his job is to make sure they move on. And this time he needs her cos there is also a demon in this place. The attraction is there at once, at least for him, she is just very angry with him.

There are some great other characters, the ghost like little Maggie, the witch Camille, and my fav of the bunch, Devon, a ghost with a hidden past Now I am not just saying this cos Lori Brighton has him described like Eric from True Blood ;)

This is a good paranormal romance that has a bit of everything. An adventure since some evil things just doesn't want to go, a budding romance, and trying to get my head around what the whole village is about.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I could see him as an angel

Reason for reading: From the author

Final thoughts: Sexy ghost, nuff said.

3,5

Review: Never less than a lady - Mary Jo Putney + Lori Brighton winner

Lost Lords series, book 2

Genre: Historical romance
Pages:
Published: 2010

As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall knows his duty: find a wife and sire a son of his own. The perfect bride for a man in his position would be a biddable young girl of good breeding. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft - a village midwife with a dark secret that thrusts her into Randall's protection. Within the space of a day, Julia has been abducted by her first husband's cronies, rescued, and proposed to by a man she scarcely knows. Stranger still is her urge to say yes. A union with Alexander Randall could benefit them both, but Julia doubts she can ever trust her heart again, or the fervent desire Randall ignites. Yet perhaps only a Lost Lord can show a woman like Julia everything a true marriage can be.

First, fear not OCD people, I didn't know this was a "series", I read it and it worked fine. Book 1 was about a couple that showed up in this one too. So there would be no problem going back reading, cos come on, we all know there will be a HEA anyway.

Second, so embarrassed, this book gave me a freaking nightmare *shakes head*, will explain.

Julia lives in a little village and works as a midwife. But truth is she ran away cos her husband died, and he was one evil SOB. He was abusive in every way and now she hides. But his men shows up for revenge and to her rescue comes Alexander. A dashing major back from the war cos he is heir to a title. He saves and marries her. But she is scarred from life, and finds it hard to trust.

Julia was sweet, and Alexander was so understanding and lovely.

The book was an ok historical romance, and it sure wasn't scary even if I did get that nightmare. Two scarred people saving one another. And from that something builds, because she is curious and wants to make it worth, and he has not been able to forget her from their first meeting some time ago.

The plot takes some turns, she needs to confront those left behind long ago, and there is a child they need to find. And of course their love story unfolding, and all things are not as the seem.

What I didn't really care for was a plot at the end with the kid.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Nice, but she would not wear a dress like that considering..

Reason for reading: I was shocked to see that the library have bought 2 HR books!

Final thoughts: Ok historical romance-

Well I knew I almost forgot something! The winner from the interview with Lori Brighton.

And the lucky person was *drum roll*

MELISSA!! (iswimfor..)

Will email you right away. Congrats and take for entering :)

Review: The Vampire Diaries 1,2,3 - LJ Smith

The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries #1)

Genre: YA paranormal romance
Pages: 272
Published: 1991

Elena Gilbert is a pretty, popular teen who was orphaned when her parents were killed in an accident. Despite the tragedy, her life has always been normal and wholesome. Until the beginning of the school year, when two new vampire brothers show up to shake the peaceful universe at Robert E. Lee High.

Ok the vampire diaries. First yes I get why they have this cover, but when she has dark hair and Elena has blonde, it's just weird.

Elana fancies a boy, the boy Stefan is a vampire, she wants him, he is scared for her sake, they get together.

That was the short version. First, 17 year old girl, 500 year old vampire, eww.

Ok to the story. I didn't like Elena. She was the most beautiful girl at school, she was the most popular, everyone loved her. The one boy doesn't acknowledge her and she burst into tears and her world I destroyed. And I am supposed to like her? She is a spoiled brat, but oh no, there is something that is there so she will not be too perfect, she is an orphan.

The book was, meh.

The Struggle (The Vampire Diaries, #2)

In book two of the Vampire Diaries Elena Gilbert quickly realizes that the only thing more dangerous that being in love with a vampire is being desired by two. As Stefan struggles to suppress his instinctive thirst, Damon persists in his quest for Elena′s heart. A dark turn of events forces Elena to risk her mortality to save one of her immortal suitors.

Pages: 304
Published: 1991


Now it gets a bit better. Damon has kidnapped Stefan and Elena is furious, and soon she is in a love triangle.

Stefan and Elena are happy, and even though he spent book 1 saying she was just like Katherine, then now they look nothing alike suddenly.

There is drama, bloodlust, and killings. Oh who cares about that, Damon is here and he sounds hot. I wish it was all about him ;) All those silly little "oh I only eat animals vamps" are so boring, just give me a real bloodsucker.

Damon helped this one for sure. At least I read it really fast.

The Fury, book 3

Stefan
Tormented after losing Elena, he's determined to end the feud with his brother, Damon--whatever the cost.

Damon
Mocking Stefan and Elena, he laughs in the face of doom.

Elena
Wild with her craving for blood, she confronts the ultimate evil.

The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.

Pages: 256
Published: 1991


Something evil is in town. People think Stefan is a murderer, and Elena is a vampire. So everyone thinks she is dead, and are really sad. Since they all loved her, despite being with "murderer".

Ok her friends are really understanding and trusty. Come on, Stefan brutally attacked people, what is this? Why is everyone so forgiving? I don't get it.

Elena finally got a backbone, but lost it. Stefan is a bore as usual, and Damon, yes he is wicked isn't he.

Best part about this book, the end! Wow that was nice. Oh and Damon, still my favourite..have I mentioned that ;)

Yes I will read more, just to see if she is a fool to pick Stefan. Cos I am not watching that tv-show, too YA drama for me to watch, reading worked a little better.

Reason for reading: Library books

Final thoughts: People will like them even if I didn't

Review: Never a Bride - Amelia Grey

 ..

Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 352
Published: September 2010 Sourcebooks Casablanca

When he left for America six years ago, the handsome Viscount Stonehurst never suspected that he would return home to England to find his lovely fiancée embroiled in the scandal of the decade. The woman he planned on making his wife has been kissing every man in London, except him. But scandal doesn’t matter in search of the truth.

Engaged and then abandoned, Mirabella Wittingham is determined to find the man who drove her cousin to suicide, even if it means ruining her reputation and disgracing herself in the process. When her plans go awry, Mirabella has no choice but to turn to her long-lost fiancé for help. But can she trust the man who deserted her so many years ago, or is he destined to fail her yet again?

I liked this one, I can't say what it was, perhaps the dry humour of it all, but this was my to date favourite Amelia Grey book.

Mirabella is the heroine who has been kissing gentlemen in the garden and touching their necks. The buzz is out, but she doesn't care of her reputation suffers because she wants to find the man who ruined her cousin. But sadly her plans fall apart when her fiancé shows up again. He has been gone for 6 years, and by now she had kind of thought that he would never return to marry her. It doesn't get better that since they never met back then they now can't recognize each other.

I must say, her going around kissing men was great fun. And at that time one little kiss was one big scandal. Just because the viscount is back doesn't men she stops, now she makes new plan, and her plans, yes they are great fun to read about.

Mirabella is one forward heroine, I like that she loves so deeply that she cares more for her cousin than herself. Camden, our hero is quite taken by her, but he is also shocked and not sure what to do. So of course I wanted her to just tell him! But then where would the drama be then. Now let things unfold on their own because it did make me want to know what would happen. And if Mirabella ever would find that man who disgraced her cousin.

This was one sweet historical romance with a couple who liked each other, but those kisses kept them apart. There is also the mystery surrounding her cousin, and her putting herself into situations that would be rather reckless considering.

What is left to say, except that this is my kind of historical romance. It suits me well.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner. All pink and cute.

Reason for reading: From sourcebooks

Final thoughts: Fun, cute, and kept me reading.

A bit torn between two, so I give it 3,75 I liked it, and I would recommend it

Review: Blameless - Gail Carriger

The Parasol Protectorate book 3

Genre: Steampunk romance
Published: September 2010
Pages: 355

Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.

Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.

While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto.

I have been waiting for this book since that evil cliffhanger in book 2, the one that had me craving this book. It may not have been an evil cliffhanger in this book, but I still want book 4. But the wait, oh so long.

Spoilers from previous books will follow.

Alexia has moved in with her horrible family after Conall threw her out, that wicked beast, but then he is dead, and she is pregnant. To get to bottom of this she heads to Italy and to try to get some answers from The Templars, who hunts all paranormal things, and thinks she is an abomination. She is also hunted by vampires who wants her dead.

Alexia is as fun as ever, she barely escapes an attempt on her life, and what does she do, well duh, she goes to drink tea to calm her nerves. In this book she spends most of her time of Madam Lefroux, who flirts with her, and loyal servant Floote who has some hidden talents. Sadly not much of the book is between Lord Maccon and Alexia for obvious reasons, though it is fun to see him drunk and upset. And to my uttermost sorrow, almost no Lord Akeldama! He is missed for sure.

The Templars, those Italians, tsk. Not the nicest of people.

It is a fun book as always, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Miss Carriger is sitting there giggling while writing. How could she not. She is so witty.

There is adventure, there is teadrinking, and manners. A lady cannot forget her manners even if attacked. I do love this series, and it was a good book that kept me reading, but I did miss Akeldama. And Conall and Alexia meeting again was in my head as it should be, because those two are not normal.

Favorite quote:

"He wore no cravat, to Floote's obvious dismay. Alexia was, perhaps less shocked by the missing cravat than she should have been."

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner : Love

Reason for reading: Won a pick your book at Janna's Blog, yay. She made my day

Final thoughts; If you haven't started this series then do.

"A Novel of vampires, werewolves and afternoon tea"

Review: Mr Darcy's Little Sister - C. Allyn Pierson

Genre: Historical fiction romance Austen variation
Pages: 480
Published: September 2010 Sourcebooks Landmark

Darcy and Elizabeth have found their happily ever after - now it's Georgiana Darcy's turn! Joining her brother and his new bride, Elizabeth in London is a dream come true for the shy, sweet Georgiana Darcy. Eager to learn to negotiate polite society from her graceful and composed new sister-in-law, Georgiana is ready to make her entrance into the matchmaking and intrigue filled ballrooms of London. Making her way through the sea of rogues and fortune hunters, Georgiana will make the transition from being simply Mr. Darcy's little sister to a confident young woman with her own engaging story to tell.

I sure like my Austen books, and of course those about Lizzy and Darcy. This book was good because it was about Georgiana, and what happened to her.

Lizzy and Darcy are married and it's time for Georgiana's first season. She is really nervous, and she is still very shy. In this book she will find love, and Darcy will have an adventure of his own.

I think she did well with portraying Georgiana. She was still that shy young woman from the books, and she has a hard time in this book. And of course we met the Darcy's, in love and happy, Colonel Fitzwilliam his normal smiling self, the Bingley family (Caroline hunting for a husband), Kitty, and some new characters.

This book will have a man trying to win her hand, and he is not a nice man. She is trying to figure out what love is, and Darcy is sent to a mission to France. That part we didn't get to read about, and I think it was for the best. Cos I couldn't really see him being sent on any mission.

I loved that she got a book of her own, and it only made me want more like this. I do think Kitty deserve a book, she is sure to be very much more well behaved after Lydia is gone.

The negative part was also positive. She fell in love, he was in love, everyone was happy, but there was this one thing, I can't say it, you have to read it and see what I mean.

All in all a good book, and all my Austen characters were as they should be.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Fitting

Reason for reading: From Sourcebooks

Final thoughts: For romance lovers and Austen addicts.

The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers - Angie Fox + short Mills and Boon review

Book 2  Demon slayer

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 320
Published: 2009

Last month, I was a single preschool teacher whose greatest thrill consisted of color-coding my lesson plans. That was before I learned I was a slayer. Now, it's up to me to face curse-hurling imps, vengeful demons, and any other supernatural uglies that crop up. And, to top it off, a hunk of a shape-shifting griffin has invited me to Greece to meet his family.

But it's not all sun, sand, and ouzo. Someone has created a dark-magic version of me with my powers and my knowledge--and it wants to kill me and everyone I know. Of course, this evil twin doesn't have Grandma's gang of biker witches, a talking Jack Russell terrier, or an eccentric necromancer on its side. In the ultimate showdown for survival, may the best demon slayer win.

This one turned into a quickie since I really should review just after I read books, and this time I did not. Also it has been waiting on GoodReads to be published here too.

Plot:
Lizzy's uncle has been seduced by a succubus in Las Vegas and the gang set out to save him. But first she needs a demon slayer license and that will not be easy. And Dimitri sets out on his own. She has her hands full.

Characters:
Lizzy learned a whole lot of new tricks, Pirate was awesome, they found a new friend. Dimitri was rather elusive. The biker witches, oh they make this book. And the fairies were a nice touch to it.
 

Romance:
Not that much actually, but then when they finally get together it's wild.

Action: 

Yes expect spells and demon kicking.

Bad things:
I don't know really, perhaps too little Pirate in it, what can I say I just love him. Oh and more hunky boyfriend.
 

Good things:
I do like the biker witches, they are awesome.

Final thoughts:
It was cute and fun. 

Cover:

Kick-ass

Reason for reading: I got it from Staci if I am not totally mistaken :)

Since I already gave a quick review then why not another one today.

Her Royal Wedding Wish - Cara Colter

Genre: Contemporary romance

Pages: 192

Published: 2008

Princess Shoshauna of B'Ranasha has followed royal convention all her life. Her greatest wish is freedom—and to marry for love, not duty.

A royal assignment: Suddenly in danger, Shoshauna is whisked to an exotic island by soldier Jake Ronan. He's been hired to protect her, and despite the attraction makes it clear he's here for duty, not love….

Her wedding wish: Being with Jake, Shoshauna feels truly happy and free for the first time. But can she dream of herself, a royal, marrying this hardened soldier?

Plot:

A princess must hide and with her she has a hunky protector. She wants to be an ordinary woman, and he, well he has a hard time resting her.


Characters:
Princess Shoshauna of an island kingdom is innocent and protected. She doesn't want to marry but well she has too. She is curious and her strength grows.

Ronan is a touch soldier who has dealt with the worst that war brings but a sweet little princess is too much for him and he melts.


Romance:

Actually almost nothing. It's more her growth, him teaching her, and then some sweetness at the end.

Action:

Nope.

Bad things:

I did except at least some romance on that island, but he is a true gentleman.

Good things:

Quick, sweet and a book you just read without thinking.


Final thoughts:

They are like they always are. Sweet books with that HEA that no one doubts.

Cover: Cute

Reason for reading: Bought
 

Review: The Solitude of Prime Numbers - Paolo Giordano

Genre: Fiction
Pages: 288
Published: 2010 (2008)

A prime number is inherently a solitary thing: it can only be divided by itself, or by one: it never truly fits with another. Alice and Mattia, too, move on their own axis, alone with their personal tragedies. As a child, Alice’s overbearing father drove her first to a terrible skiing accident, and then to anorexia. When she meets Mattia she recognizes a kindred, tortured spirit, and Mattia reveals to Alice his terrible secret: that as a boy he abandoned his mentally-disabled twin sister in a park to go to a party, and when he returned, she was nowhere to be found.

These two irreversible episodes mark Alice and Mattia’s lives for ever, and as they grow into adulthood their destinies seem intertwined: they are divisible only by themselves and each other.

A meditation on loneliness and love, The Solitude of Prime Numbers asks, can we ever truly be whole when we’re in love with another.

I am gonna do a quickie cos my head is filled with thoughts about this book. I could sure go on forever if no one stopped me.

So  I am going with the formula used by Staci @Life in The Thumb and it was invented by..?

About:

Mattia had a disabled sister, and he got angry with her one day and left her in the park when they were 8. They never found her and this has haunted him, he puller away from everyone and got lost in maths. Then he meet Alice who survived a horrible ski accident, and no limps, and has become anorectic. Two unlikely people form a friendship, and there is a longing that never  is touched upon.

Descriptive Words: Mathematics,  awkward, friendship, anorexia, tragedy, loneliness

Location or characters you met:

Italy - I didn't learn a lot about Italy, it was just a place where the story took place.

Mattia -  Had he aspbergers? There was the maths, the social aspect, it fits. I liked him and felt sorry for him. He cut himself, he was sad. He was lost.

Alice - She starved herself, and had big issues of her own. That's why she fitted so well with him

What worked for me:
The book was wonderful! I meant to only see if it was good and suddenly I was a page 70. He is a marvellous author and this book was just lovely.
 

What didn't work for me:

I guess I had wanted a bit more clarity at the end.
 

Recommend?

YES! Do read this book.

Reason for reading: Recommened by a friend

Cover Thoughts: meh

Review: The Uncrowned King - Rowena Cory Daniells

Book 2 of King Rolen's Kin

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 396
Published: August 2010

Thirteen year old Piro watches powerless as her father's enemies march on the castle, while a traitor whispers poison in the King's ear, undermining his trust in her brother, Byren. Determined to prove his loyalty, Byren races to the Abbey; somehow, he must convince the Abbot to send his warriors to defend the castle. And Fyn, the youngest of King Rolen's sons, has barely begun his training as a mystic, but wakes in a cold sweat, haunted by dreams of betrayal.

Some spoilers from book 1 are coming up

This was a good follow-up to book 1, it is also much shorter than book 1. Not that I mind chunky books, oh no, I love those. But this one still was packed with action and drama.

Lence is dead and Byren is no heir to Rolencia. He needs to get to the warrior monks to save his kingdom. Fyn has a feeling that they have been betrayed, and for someone who didn't have much affinity he sure feels more now. And then there is the last sibling, Piro, who is hiding in her own home in fear of her wicked cousin Cobalt.

In this book Byren got into a lot of trouble, I feared for him as the tried to reach the monks, reach home. All while an invading army was nipping at his heels. He is still the strong warrior, but I have started to wonder now if he will get the throne in the end. Because in this one he makes some very unlikely friends, and then there is the whole rumour that he is gay. Piro is a feisty little girl, and I do like her. She hides as a servant and witness the destruction of the kingdom with her own eyes. As the book was ending I was very unsure how she would fare. Then there is Fyn, I got really angry at him at one point when he tried to rescue Cobalt. To his defence he didn't know that snake led the army into the town, and wanted to marry Piro, and take his mother as his lover. Fyn at the end, oh I am sure he will have quite the adventure in book 3, and then there is that dream he has of Isolt, the daughter of the Merofynian king..could the meaning be..no, oh I need the next book.

This book had some daring escapes and darkest betrayal. These three siblings are doing their parts to save their dying kingdom, and I have no idea what the future holds for them. The bad guys are well done, and with one I am not sure what to make of him. He has his own agenda. The book has a good cast of characters, and I am happy to see them evolve. There is adventure, action, and a rich world with interesting beasts.

A good middle book to a good new series. The third will bring this saga to an end, and it is a book that I must read so that I finally will know what happens to King Rolen's Kin.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I liked this one better.

Reason for reading: From the author

Final thoughts: If you are looking for some new fantasy this year then try this one.

Review: Songs for A Teenage Nomad - Kim Culbertson

..

Genre: YA, Fiction
Pages: 256
Published: September 7th 2010 Sourcebooks Fire

After living in twelve places in eight years with her drifting mother, fourteen year old Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Fearful of putting down roots anywhere, but armed with her song journal, she moves to her own soundtrack through a world that bounces her between the school drama crowd, a mysterious loner, and an unlikely boy with a secret. But Calle has her own secrets. The troubling truth she uncovers about the father she thought abandoned her is the catalyst that forces Calle to face the toughest choice of her young life.

There were something about this book. How to put my finger on it, it was just good.

It's the story of Calle, a girl who truly is a teenage nomad. Her mum finds a guy, lives with him, or marries him, is happy, but then leaves. Calle goes from school to school, and the only thing constant is her journal. There she writes down memories when she hears different songs. Now she is at a new school, she actually gets friends, she falls for a boy, and she longs to stay. Then there is the mystery concerning her father, and why her mum keeps on running.

First I must say that I found the name a bit funny, since here it's a boys name, and I kept thinking of my second cousin. Anyway...

Calle is a great girl, she loves her mum, even if they move all the time. She is really creative, and smart. She falls for a guy, who I can't make up my mind about at first. But then he also has secrets.

What I also like is that it's not too much drama, I mean there is drama, a lot of serious stuff, but not those cliché YA dramas, and not drinking or fooling around either. She is just a normal teenager living at the fringes of High School. But there is one mean girl though, isn't there always one.

This books also deals with some big secrets, and slowly she finds out about her dad, her mum, and what is going on with that boy she likes. And in the end I got some tears in my eyes, because it was lovely, happy, and sad too.

A great YA book, for everyone, and I really enjoyed her creative side. It made me think what songs I associate for things that have happened.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I like it.

Reason for reading: From Sourcebooks.

Final thoughts: A great book for adults and teenagers.

Early Review: What Alice Knew - Paula Marantz Cohen + Hell Yeah winner

Genre: Historical mystery thriller
Pages: 341
Published: September 7th 2010 Sourcebooks Landmark

A fun and clever literary reinterpretation, with Henry James hot on the trail of Jack the Ripper

Henry James is suffering through boring drunken dinner parties in London, but when his brother William-renowned for his groundbreaking work in the new science of psychology-is summoned from America by Scotland Yard to help investigate an East End serial killer who calls himself Jack the Ripper, things are suddenly much more interesting.

Their bedridden sister Alice James takes on the role of lead detective, as the three precocious siblings attempt to unravel the true identity of the killer. Searching London high and low, encountering characters both suspicious and ridiculous, they inch closer to a killer neither they, nor readers, would suspect.

There are a few things I am very curious about, and Jack The Ripper is one of them. Who was he? I'd love the answer to that, and here I at least her one suggestion. But we can't really know.

In this book Jack The Ripper is terrorizing London, and Henry James is attending boring dinner parties. In London he also has his sister Alice who never gets out of bed. Because she feels there is something wrong with her. Their brother William is called to London to do a profile on Jack and help them catch him. And soon the whole family are looking for clues.

I have never read a Henry James novel, but I have seen some movies. And yes I could see him as he was here, he is very fond of England and the English way of life. He was in England during this period of time so therefore the what if showed up. His sister Alice was clever and nice, and I sure wished she just would get out of bed. And then there was the brother, the famous William, he saw clues that others missed. They were quite the team.

They were looking at the suspects and found one of their own, and I must say that one made sense, considering. I think I'd vote for him too. Or..oh, right, well it could have been like that too. See, I am still wondering.

It was a good mystery, and thriller, especially as they got close to Jack. I do read thrillers and mysteries, it's just that I only seem to read the historical ones. I like them, cos they are different. First there is the history, second, people just have to work more for clues.  

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Sort of eerie.

Reason for reading: From Sourcebooks. My thoughts are my own.

Final thoughts: I think this old question made it up there with who killed the princes in the tower. I need a time machine.

Hell, Yeah by Carolyn Brown Winner

CHANTEL

I will email you in a little while. Congrats! And thanks everyone for entering.

There were two winners, so I had bf shout a number to me from the kitchen, and that number was:

NAIDA (if you could email me)

Review: Peter and Max - Bill Willingham

                                                   A Fables Novel

Genre: Fairytale/alternate world/this world

Pages: 400

Published: 2009

A new stand-alone FABLES NOVEL from award-winning and wildly acclaimed author, Bill Willingham.

This story stars Peter Piper and his incorrigible brother Max in a tale about jealousy, betrayal and revenge. Set in two distinct time periods, prepare to travel back to medieval times and learn the tragic back-story of the Piper family, a medieval-era family of traveling minstrels. Then, jump into the present to follow a tale of espionage as Peter Piper slowly hunts down his evil brother for a heinous crime, pitting Peter's talents as a master thief against Max's dark magical powers.

Based on the long-running and award-winning comic book series FABLES, PETER AND MAX is its own tale. Readers don't have to be familiar with the comics to fully enjoy and understand this book.

I actually borrowed this one before I read my first Fables graphic Novel. And after reading this book I sure want to read those graphic novels. Because the world is wonderful.

This is then a novel based on the graphic novels. It is a standalone and it is about Peter and Max. The book takes place in this world, because the Fables (all those famous fairytale stories we know and love) fled to this world to get away from the war. Here they settled in new York. Peter is happy with this wife, but then he learns that Max is back. His evil brother. The book deals with his journey to find Max, and flashbacks to how Peter grew up in fableland, and and why his brother went crazy. It also has some lovely illustrations here and there.

I have only read one Fables graphic novel, and that one dealt with things before they came to New York, but I had no trouble with this book since it is about Peter's life, and we also meet the famous Pied Piper of Hameln.

I just love these stories, they are so much fun, and yes dark. The reason why we have fairytales is cos these Fables came to our world and magic kind of rub off and stories spread, not the real ones though. The story is cool, and I read and read, and still wanted more.

The world they come from is just like ours but with talking animals, evil orcs, or was it ogers, and magic. A fun novel, and you sure do not know what is gonna happen next.

Blodeuedd's Corver Corner. Fitting

Reason for reading: Library

Final thoughts: I really must read those graphic novels

Review: Cinders - Michelle Davidson Argyle

Genre: Historical fantasy romance fairytale
Pages: 182
Published: June 2010

Cinderella's happily-ever-after isn't turning out the way she expected.With her fairy godmother imprisoned in the castle and a mysterious stranger haunting her dreams, Cinderella is on her own to discover true love untainted by magic.

I saw this cover and knew I had to read this book. And don't expect some happily ever after, no this is what happens after the HEA.

Cinderella is married to her prince, but she is unhappy and bored. Sure Prince Rowland is wonderful and loving but she knows that he is under a spell, and would he love her without the magic? Her fairy godmother is being accused of witchcraft and is rotting in the dungeon, and Cinderella is feeling the burden of her crown. She is no longer sure that this is what she wants, and then they are the dreams that haunt her. About the man she met and the man who left. The stranger she now dreams about and wants to be with. And she wants to find a way to do just that.

As you can see everything is not perfect, she got her prince Charming but at a price, and the magic means that everyone around her likes her. Rowland and she seems to have a lovely time together, and he does seem perfect. But yes, magic. Though it never hit me to feel sorry for him, I guess I was so focused on what Cinderella was doing. I could understand her, but she also ended up doing some things that made me wonder how she later in life thought about those things. I can't say too much so not to spoil things.

All was not well in the kingdom either, now the rule was rather oppressive and the people wants to revolt. Heads will fall in this book, it is a fairytale with a grim truth.

The best part must be the end because I was surprised, and I love being surprised when it comes to books. Argyle did a good job with that.

All in all, you have to pay a price for magic, and this fairytale could sure have been told in the old days, with that bit of advice in it.

Magic, elves, fairies, step into a fairytale that seems to real.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner. Love it. One of my all time fav covers.

Reason for reading: I asked the author.

Final thoughts: I finished and wanted more, and then I read that there will be other fairytales and that I do look forward to.

4 Crowns

You can buy Cinders on Amazon

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Visit the author's website