Deliver Me

Title: Deliver Me from Temptation
Series: The Paladin Warriors
Author: Tes Hilaire
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
Received from Sourcebooks via NetGalley


From GoodReads:
Logan Calhoun is the last full-blooded Paladin, the future leader of a race of immortal warrior angels. The heavy responsibility of continuing the Paladin line falls to him, and the last thing he should do is get involved with a human. Then fate throws Jessica Waters, a homicide detective who doesn't believe in fate or divine intervention, into his path. Her devotion lies in her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. Like Logan, she's a warrior for her people, and she awakens within him something he'd never thought he'd feel. But she's also as human as they come...

*********************************

I have to admit I had a little bit of trouble getting into this book. Now, before you Tes Hilaire fans start yelling at me...at about page 10, I had an epiphany...”hmm, I think this may be part of a series.” So I quickly researched it and found that it was indeed the 2nd book in a series. Huh...so I read the blurb and got a bit of the backstory. But honestly, although I was missing a bit of world-building because I hadn’t read #1, this book can be read as standalone. In any event, by about page 12, I was hooked!

Deliver Me from Temptation is an action-packed ride revolving around the battle between good and evil. I loved the combination of police procedural with the paranormal. I also loved the element of faith weaved throughout the book.

Jessica Waters is a prickly heroine, whose passion and devotion for her job are the direct result of the one thing causing her disbelief in fate. She has a one-track mind about getting the baddies off the streets and that kind of determination leaves little time for life. When her case puts Logan Calhoun in her path, she starts questioning - well her sanity for one thing - but also her life choices.

Logan admires Jessica’s tenacity towards saving humanity...it’s a job they share. However, he’s torn between saving her from the darkness that lives within her and claiming her for himself, which will only end in heartache for them both. He’s also dumbfounded that this woman has been fated for him - he, the last true Paladin - mated to a mere human. Not that Logan sees Jessica as a mere human, but his destiny doesn’t seem to mesh with having a human mate. But then, who is he to question fate?

The twists and turns in the plot kept me intrigued and watching Jessica and Logan stumble along the path fated for them was tear jerking and heartwarming.

The detail in the world-building was wonderful. I could see the Haven in my mind, as well as the gritty streets, smelly dumpsters and dark parking garages. The war between  Heaven and Hell is being fought here on Earth and the characters and circumstances involved in this fight have me intrigued. I’d never read a book about Paladins before and I find I like the lore Ms. Hilaire has created around this band of angels who were willing to take on the fight.

And y’all know I love a great supporting cast. Ms. Hilaire's character development of the other Paladins, as well as Jessica's partner Mike and quasi-boyfriend, Damon, is outstanding. I really look forward to reading Valin’s story...and Alex’s...and Roland and Karissa’s (1st in this series =).

Feature & Follow #3

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs! What sets this Hop apart from others, is their Feature. Each week they showcase a Featured Blogger, from all different genres and areas. Be sure to stop by their blogs to check out this week's Feature!

Q: Activity! Who is your to-die-for book crush? What do you think they look like? Add an image to make us all happy.

My To-Die-For book crush is...(*drum roll*)...Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice! I've been crushing on Mr. Darcy since I was 13...and on Colin since I was 27. I have many book boyfriends but no one will ever take Mr. Darcy's place in my heart. 

And he looks like the delicious Colin Firth, naturally! Yummy! I really like his swagger!

Mmm, Ethan Blackstone

Title: Naked and All In
Series: The Blackstone Affair
Author: Raine Miller

From GoodReads

Naked
Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares despite the demons she carries inside her. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters tormenting her resurface to destroy them both…

All In
Ethan Blackstone has problems. He's broken the trust of the woman he loves and she's left him because of it. Ethan isn't giving up though--he's determined to get his girl back. Their passion together was explosive, but their secrets are even darker and more frightening. With political threats directed at Brynne, Ethan has no choice but to fight for her, to win her love, and to protect her from the very dangers that could take her away from him forever. He’s willing to risk everything to have Brynne and to keep her safe. He’ll go all in…

***************

Over the holiday weekend, I finished reading All In, the second book in the Blackstone Affair series. The first thing I want to say is: Ethan Blackstone...YUM!!! Okay, now that I’ve got that out of the way, I can get to the review. (this is a dual review)

The first book in the series, Naked, is from Brynne’s POV. Brynne is an expat living in London, working on her masters in art, and doing nude modeling to help cover the bills. She meets Ethan Blackstone one evening at a (display) of her friend’s photographs (one of which she is the star). Brynne and Ethan have an immediate magnetic attraction. And the book basically progresses through the beginnings of their relationship. Brynne and Ethan both have demons in their closets and neither are really quite willing to open up those closets to the other. Brynne makes the first move towards opening those doors and explains to Ethan bits of her past. At the end of the book, we discover that Ethan in fact knows about Brynne’s secrets - well, the tip of the iceberg, as it were, because her father hired him to protect her from a possible political threat. Brynne, devastated by this (epiphany), leaves Ethan...she feels betrayed by his failure to admit his knowledge and unworthy, as Ethan would have to be unable to care for her knowing what he knows...

All In, the second book in this series, picks up right where Naked left off. However, this book is from Ethan’s POV. And I gotta tell you, being in Ethan’s head is an experience! His love and possessiveness of Brynne is some powerful stuff. Once he and Brynne begin communicating again, they both realize the depth of their feelings for one another. And Brynne is more confident in Ethan’s feelings once she tells him the rest of the story and Ethan makes her believe that the truth changes nothing. Ethan, however, isn’t quite ready to reveal his demons to Brynne...not that he believes it would change her feelings (but maybe he does) but because he doesn’t want to drag her into the darkness of his nightmares. Plus, the threats to Brynne seem to be on the (incline) and more drastic measures must be taken to protect her. This novel takes us along on the continued path of their growing relationship. And seeing everything from Ethan’s POV is fascinating. This one does leave us with a bit more of a cliffhanger...why is Brynne suddenly feeling so ill? Who is behind the texts and the bomb threat? Who was watching Ethan at the gallery (show)?

I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment. And I’ll have some sweet dreams courtesy of Mr. Blackstone. (Thanks, Raine! ;)

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice!

Title: Seduction and Snacks
Series: Chocolate Lovers #1
Author: Tara Sivec

From GoodReads:
Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life.

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time.

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

********************
TFEiC Author Review =)

Seriously...this is one of THE funniest books I’ve ever read in my life! I cannot say that enough. I was laughing out loud on page 1!! When Claire introduces herself to us by saying she never wants to have children. And the amusement just continued throughout the book. Tara Sivec is incredibly talented...how she can write about such serious topics and make me laugh hysterically about them is just pure genius!

Imagine...you have your whole life mapped out. Finish college with business degree so you can open your own sweet shop. Just one problem...your virginity...you just want to get rid of your V-card and be done with it. No time for romance or drama. So you attend a frat party, find an awesome and willing candidate to do the removing, enjoy an incredible evening...and end up pregnant...and you didn’t happen to catch the guy’s name!?!

That’s exactly what happens to Claire. Cut to four years later...four years of not finishing college, four years without another sexual encounter to speak of (“...a woman who has had one point five lays and didn’t even come close to getting off during them should not be selling sex toys.”), 4 years of raising a little boy on your own, who’s best described by his own mother as:

“Gavin has the attention span of a two year old with ADD on crack.”

See what I mean?!? Oh my gosh, I’m laughing myself silly while looking for quotes while writing this review! =) I know I have books 2 & 3 to read but I’m thinking I may need to reread this book now.

Again, I think Ms. Sivec’s writing is pure genius. Her ability to go from touching and poignant to gut-busting, laughing so hard you’re crying in 1.3 seconds is absolutely amazing! Again, I really don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard while reading a book! The scenes between Claire and Gavin are absolutely hysterical. When he asked Claire if she wanted him to beat up her friends “Johnny, Jack and Jose” because they made her sick...that’s classic! This kiddo is hilarious and I’m so glad he isn’t mine!  And Claire trying to sell sex toys when she has next to no experience in the sex department is pure entertainment...both for the customers she’s selling to and to us, the readers. And the connection between Carter and Claire is magnetic. From quoting 80’s movies such as “Heathers” to Carter’s frequent trips to bath & body stores over the last 4 years, searching for the chocolate scent he remembers from his one night with Claire...well, it just doesn’t get much better! Because under all the comedy is a very sweet and intense romance...one that will make you swoon, right after you’ve peed your pants from laughing! =)

Please, please...read this book NOW!!



I mean it!!  GO!

Dark Dealings

Title: Dark Dealings

Author: Kim Knox

Publication Date: November 26, 2012

Received from Carina Press via NetGalley

Description from NetGalley:

There are monsters in the city. And one of them is her…

Ava Kalle's empty soul devours magic. And her hunger is deadly. She's sharp, quick and can live in shadow, making her work as a spy for the Mages a natural choice. She lives on the fringes of society and likes it that way.

When the man she loves takes another woman for his mate, the darkness in her heart unravels and she'll do anything to get him back. She makes a dangerous deal with a fire elemental, Heyerdar, who has a vested interest in agreeing: together they'll use forbidden magic, harnessing their sexual energy to drive the couple apart.

But soon their pact pushes them both into a dark sexual obsession. One that Ava may not be able to control…

*******

This book caught my attention with the blurb. It sounded pretty interesting and I hadn’t read much paranormal lately, so I thought I’d give it a go. I’m so glad I did! This book had everything I could want...great world building, well drawn characters, suspense, sharp banter between the main characters, and strong sexual tension with a fantastic payoff!

The world includes magic, elementals, mages, thieves, civil servants, and humans. Mages are not fond of thieves and since thieves can eat you until there’s nothing left but your husk, this is understandable. The city is ruled by the Emperor. The Emperor has a Right Hand, Highest Mage Reist, and a Left Hand, Heyerdar the elemental. Thieves are feared, obviously, so the mages ward against thieves being able to enter the city but somehow one was dropped on the doorstep of The Institute, where the mages live.

This thief, Ava, has grown into a woman while living in the Institute and working for Reist. She fancies herself in love with him and is thrown off-balance when Reist begins a serious relationship with a new lover.

To complicate matters, she’s “lent” to the Left Hand to assist in an investigation of a string of deaths at the hands of thieves. And since she struck a deal with the Heyerdar to assist in some sex magic meant to break of Reist and his new lover, lots of tension flows.

To further complicate matters, since Ava was a virgin when she and Heyerdar execute their deal, she now has a connection to Heyerdar that enables him to turn her into a quivering mass of need at the smallest touch. Yeah, it’s that good...

I really liked the main characters of Ava and Heyerdar, and to a lesser degree, Reist. I truly enjoyed the banter and tension between Ava and Heyerdar as their feelings for one another developed. It was interesting to see how Ava grew...how she realized what she thought she wanted wasn’t what she wanted or needed. Not that I didn’t like Reist but there was just something about Heyerdar...he definitely had that alpha male draw going for him. =)

And the mystery kept me guessing. I didn’t see the twists and turns coming. I thought I’d figured it out but then the author threw me a curve ball. The author did a fine job of incorporating the investigative element (crime scenes and interrogations) in with the love story.

Follow Me Friday

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read.

This week's question is:

Q: What blog are you thankful for?

Do I have to pick just one?!?

I really am thankful for sooo many blogs. I love reading everyone's opinions on books I've read as well as reviews on books that I end up adding to my TBR pile. =) But if I'm having to pick just one, it's:

And here's why. When I began my blog this past January, fiktshun was one of the first blogs I visited. I didn't really know what I what I wanted to do other than write about what I read, so I thought it'd be smart to check out what other people were doing. I think I actually found a link to her site on Rachel Vincent's blog. Fiktshun is a BIG fan of Rachel Vincent, so I was immediately endeared. It ended up that Fiktshun and I read so many of the same books. And so I became a blog stalker. =) Fiktshun writes great reviews. She has awesome contests and cool memes. And I love her site and her blog. And well, basically I'm just a gushing fangirl. I won't ever reach the coolness level of Fiktshun, but it's something I aspire to...so THANKS, Fiktshun!

Edgy, Complex, Awesome Reading!

Series Title: The Dark Duet
Author: CJ Roberts

Captive in the Dark #1 The Dark Duet
Synopsis from GoodReads

Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

Seduced in the Dark #2 The Dark Duet
Synopsis from GoodReads

What is the price of redemption?

Rescued from sexual slavery by a mysterious Pakistani officer, Caleb carries the weight of a debt that must be paid in blood. The road has been long and fraught with uncertainty, but for Caleb and Livvie, it’s all coming to an end. Can he surrender the woman he loves for the sake of vengeance? Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

Quote:
It seemed to Caleb, the nature of human beings revolved around one empirical truth: we want what we cannot have. For Eve, it was the fruit of the forbidden tree. For Caleb, it was Livvie.

******************

Another TFEiC author review...
It’s taken me some time to sit down and try to review the Dark Duet series...it’s one of those reads that you have to let roll around in your brain for awhile. And I’m still not sure I can wrap my brain about all I want to say about it. Other than it was phenomenal!! Oh, I did love it. It was dark, gritty, sexy, disturbing and very real. It made me laugh at times, gasp at times, cry at times...but I was so wrapped up in Caleb’s and Livvie’s lives. Ms. Roberts deftly balances all the aspects of this complicated story. What’s most impressive is that she allows us hope amid the bleakness.

We first meet Caleb as he’s watching (stalking?) Livvie. He’s driven by this need for revenge for crimes committed against himself as well as his savior. In Livvie, Caleb believes he’s found the perfect instrument for revenge against his enemy. Little does he know...

Livvie...ahh, Livvie. The irony of Caleb having picked Livvie to train as the ideal submissive is that she’s not nearly as meek as Caleb thought. In fact, she’s quite strong-willed. And it’s one of the things that eventually creates Caleb’s feelings for Livvie. I loved her pluck. She refused to crumble no matter how horrific things became. And she endured so much at Caleb’s hand...so much for him. She knew, once she realized her feelings for Caleb, that had it not been for him, she wouldn’t have ended up where she was, would not have borne such humiliation. Yet, she wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for Caleb. And she saw goodness in him, believed he was redeemable...and she loved him.

Ms. Roberts takes us on quite a ride as we live through Livvie’s initial captivity and training. And she kept me entangled in the story as we watched both Caleb and Livvie change in profound ways as they journey toward redemption and love. Watching Caleb fall for Livvie and then realize his feelings (that he’s even capable of them) and fight against them was fascinating. That neither Caleb nor Livvie really believe they are worthy of love...seeing their desire to be worthy of one another kept me turning the pages.

When Caleb learns all he’s been fighting for, since he was saved from his own captivity, is a lie...that he’s been betrayed by the one person he’s trusted most of his life, I actually felt his reaction...it was that visceral. The choices he makes in regards to himself but especially in regards to Livvie...that proved to me he was worth redemption, and Livvie’s love.

And throughout her ordeal, Livvie has changed as well. She has become more confident and is determined to take control of her life and decide which direction she takes. She is not the same girl Caleb abducted and she cannot go back to her old life. The deviousness she shows in guaranteeing she doesn’t have to is impressive.

I admit to being right there with Livvie in thinking how could she love Caleb after what he’d done to her but I could see he was redeemable as well. I mean really, I'm routing for someone participating in human trafficking? Why yes, I am. It really makes one question whether we’re all victims of our circumstances...was what Caleb had done in his life excusable since he’d endured unspeakable things in his life as well? Clearly this is debatable but I think Ms. Roberts did a fine job of convincing me.

Ms. Roberts' portrayal of all the supporting cast (and it takes quite a cast for this story) combines to make the experience so much more intense. Rafiq, Caleb's savior, is devilishly skilled at his deception. Felipe, who might just have a bit of goodness, aiding Caleb but only in order to gain from the situation. And the FBI characters of Agent Reed and the social worker, Sloane both aid in the beautifully rendered switch between the past and present points of view as Livvie tells her story. (and as a sidebar, will we see Reed and Sloane in the future, Ms. Roberts?!?)
And the ending...well, no spoilers here. I didn’t see it coming. But I think it is well done...well done, indeed.

I’m sure there is so much more to say but I hope what I’ve said is at least somewhat coherent. What it boils down to is that I love the Dark Duet and highly recommend it, although it is not an easy read. Make sure you have the time to savor and absorb and contemplate it.

Twelfth Night Redux

Title: Love Evolution
Author: Michelle Mankin
Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis from GoodReads:

Nineteen year old Avery Jones can play the guitar as well as any guy. Better Even.

Brutal Strength, one of the biggest bands around, needs a new lead guitarist.

Seems like the perfect fit, except for one big problem. Temperamental lead singer Marcus Anthony won't allow a woman in his band.

Read Love Evolution, a rock 'n roll adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

**************

Another review of a TFEiC author in my quest to read at least one book per TFEiC author...

This was a sweet little read.  It was fast...it was fun. I enjoyed the twist on Shakespeare. I thought Michelle Mankin rocked her modern adaptation. 

When we first meet Avery, who happens to be a guitar prodigy, she's grieving the loss of her twin brother. She and her brother had been on the verge of a record deal. But now, that dream is gone. When her agent gets her an audition with the rock band, Brutal Strength, it gives her a spark of life. However, she has to pose as a male in order to get into the audition. When she meets Marcus Anthony, they have an immediate connection. The story revolves around the continued growth of the relationship between Avery and Marcus and the impediment her charade imposes...particularly when Marcus begins to question himself over his growing attraction to a male. Lots of giggles when reading the thoughts of both Marcus and Avery regarding their attraction to one another.

The cast of supporting characters were lots of fun as well. The relationship between Marcus and his brother, Dwight, added dimension and entertainment to the story. And I really liked Marcus' parents. And the deviousness of Mary (CEO of Black Cat records) was also entertaining. And the music aspect...I like how Avery was able to channel her emotions into the lyrics. And Love Evolution...what a love letter!

I really liked this book and recommend it if you're looking for something light and fun.

A Few Words on Speechless

Speechless
Hannah Harrington

From GoodReads

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret
Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

Once in awhile, a book comes along that just resonates so deeply and affects you so much. Speechless is one of those books. I actually think it should be required reading for high schoolers, along with other books, such as 13 Reasons Why. None of us, but particularly teenagers, thinks about the power of our words. In Speechless, Chelsea learns exactly how powerful words can be.

Chelsea is part of the popular crowd. She has the friends that everyone else wishes to be friends with. And she has the best friend every girl envies. She parties, gossips, shops. But in one thoughtless moment, her words cause a cataclysm that she could not have foreseen. And all that changes. Once Chelsea realizes the repercussions of her actions, she decides that to protect others from her inability to keep her mouth shut, she'll take a vow of silence. This action, as well as another, causes her to lose her friends and become a pariah. 

"This vow was supposed to be about making things less complicated, to stop myself from doing something stupid, to show everyone how much I don’t need them. It was about me deciding that if I can’t have their forgiveness or their respect, I won’t give them anything. All it’s done is made me an easy target."

In Chelsea's journey in silence, she learns a lot. She learns a lot about her community:

"I think they all would’ve been happier if I’d kept my mouth shut so they could stick their heads in the sand and pretend nothing happened. When they couldn’t just ignore it, they were so quick to blame it on Warren and Joey just being two bad apples, because if they weren’t, that meant something more insidious was going on. That kids who grow up here aren’t raised right. That this town could produce that kind of hatred in its children. And no one wants to believe that.

I don’t want to believe that."
She learns a lot about friendships:

"I knew doing what I did, ..., would put me on the other side of it. I knew exactly what it would cost.

I still did it anyway. And I’m glad. I really am. Because I was never happy before, and I never even realized it. I know now. You can be surrounded by people and still be lonely. You can be the most popular person in school, envied by every girl and wanted by every boy, and still feel completely worthless. The world can be laid at your feet and you can still not know what you want from it.

And I’m glad because it means I’m different from Kristen, different from Warren and Joey and Lowell and Derek and all the rest. It means that even then, I knew right from wrong, knew what was really, truly important, knew what I could lose and still, I was willing to give it all up if it meant Noah had some justice. Even if Noah wasn’t a friend. Even if Warren and Joey were."

But most importantly, she learns a lot about herself:

"But even though I know my flaws are many (many many many), and there are always ways I could be better, and I should never stop working for that----I also need to give myself a break. I can cut myself some slack sometimes. Because I’m a work in progress. Because nobody is perfect. At least I acknowledge the mistakes I’ve made, and am making. At least I’m trying. That means something, doesn’t it?

And just because I have room for improvement doesn’t mean I’m worthless, or that I have nothing to offer to, like, the world."

I loved taking this emotional journey with Chelsea. I enjoyed getting to see her grow as a person, realizing her mistakes, rectifying them as best she can, and making new friends...friends worth taking the time to really get to know. She seems to learn what's really important. I also liked the fact that the author showed the powerful support that parents can offer.

Hannah Harrington has created a powerfully moving novel. Speechless is a treasure.

Feature & Follow

Feature & Follow is a weekly blog hop hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read.

Q: Books are turned into movies all the time! Turn it around. What movie would make a great book?

I don't watch many movies (nose stuck in book, and all =) but maybe Inception??

Oooh, Another One...

Here is yet another book to share...this is a book that's been on my "Can't Wait For" list. It incorporates Celtic lore (which I love) with some breath-holding suspense! And the cover is lovely. I found this book blast on http://www.abook-loversreview.com. Go check it out! And without further ado, I give you:

Sharing in Forever

I just wanted to share this book with y'all. It's about love lost (left) and trying to get that love back...forgiveness to be earned and hopefully a HEA. Right up my alley! =) I read about it on http://www.abook-loversreview.com and it sounds very promising. I'll be checking it out as soon as I can (see post re: out of control TBR list =). Y'all check it out too!



Blurb from GoodReads:

I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. 

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile. 

And now I’m going back. 

After ten years. 

I hope I can explain that after all this time. 

I still want her to be my forever girl.

Release Date: December 27, 2012

Hmm, 50 Shades AND Mr. Darcy?!?

50 Shades of Mr. Darcy
William Codpiece Thwackery
Received from Publisher via NetGalley

I picked this book for a bit of frivolity. As a fan of both Fifty Shades and Pride & Prejudice, I thought this parody of both might fit the bill. It was a novel idea and the author did a nice job of melding the two novels together. It was interesting to see both Elizabeth’s and Mr. Darcy’s thoughts as viewed through the minds of Ana and Christian. It was fun to see the author poke fun at Fifty Shades’ use of “literary devices” and readers’ restlessness over the slow plodding of the plot. I also appreciated the references to pop culture (albeit 80’s pop culture). It was a fun read but not necessarily my cup of tea. =)

Seriously...

I really need to stop reading book blogs! =) Of course, I won't give them up. I enjoy them too much. I love reading other readers' must read lists and can't wait for lists, favorite authors and of course, the reviews. But seriously, my TBR list is already ginormous and it just keeps growing and growing...and there's NO WAY I can keep up. I'm doing my best to worm my way through, but... And to make things more aggravating...I mean, having an out of control TBR list is pretty aggravating, right?!?...some of these new books I keep reading about (drooling over =) are only available on Kindle!! I'm sure I've mentioned before that I work at a bookstore...and said bookstore has its own e-reader and each of my family members owns one. But I'm actually considering going over to the dark side just so I can read these dang books!! Ugh!!

I have another TBR list that's getting out of control as well...my To Be Reviewed list. I still have reviews from my TFEiC authors in the works, as well as others. Sooo, guess I better stop dreaming and drooling and get to work!

What I Didn't Say

What I Didn't Say
Keary Taylor
Received from publisher via NetGalley


I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would at page 50. I had very high expectations for this book. The storyline was very intriguing and I thought it would be a very compelling and emotionally draining read. It’s about a boy who, after a tragic accident, loses his ability to speak. And he has major regrets about not having said some things. He also has to learn to deal with new insecurities and figuring out a new path for his life since his injury prevents him from following the one he'd intended. But it’s also about a girl who has had her own tragedy in life. And this girl, who was THE major regret for the boy, teaches the boy to be thankful for what he does have in life and not to waste a single moment in his life. It also touched on valuable lessons for teenagers. It should have been gripping...but for whatever reason, it didn’t grab me from the beginning and make me want to keep reading. However, I was eventually drawn into the book and I ended up caring about what happened to the characters. 

Release Me

Release Me by J. Kenner
First in trilogy
Publication Date - Jan, 2013

I LOVE this book! It is a bit reminiscent of both the Fifty Shades and Crossfire series. However, the writing is why you should read this book. This book is very well written. The plot is well paced and it was exciting. I had hard time putting this book down. The characters are very well drawn. They both have their great qualities and they have their flaws. I'm glad this book is the first in a series but the author did a nice job of tying things up in a way that leaves the reader pretty satisfied. I WANT  more of this story as I want to know all Damien's secrets (as Nikki said, it is only fair she get to know his since she's spilled all hers). We do get a glimpse into the depths of his character but I want more! =) I also like the well defined side characters - Evelyn and Blaine, and Ollie and Jamie. Again, this book is just very well written and really draws you in.  

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

Ahh, Cold Hands, Warm Heart

From GoodReads

“Can the love of a lifetime be forever changed by one pink line?”

One Pink Line, by Dina Silver, is a heartwarming read. It’s one of those books that once you finish you say “ahh”. I loved it! It’s the story of a girl, Sydney, and a boy, Ethan, and the crazy path they follow into each other’s hearts. It’s also a story of another girl, Grace, who after finding out her life isn’t exactly as she thought it was, figures out it’s exactly the way it’s meant to be.

I loved the author’s use of differing points of view from different timelines. We get to see the beginning of the story and the present point in the story. I enjoyed getting to see how Sydney and Ethan come into one another’s lives and work to stay that way despite the distance of attending different colleges. It’s not always easy. They make mistakes. There were times, obviously, when I wanted to smack Sydney in the head. But then, I’m a firm believer in things working out the way they’re meant to be, and Ms. Silver definitely confirmed that belief. I also enjoyed the journey we get to take with Grace as she navigates the waters of growing up, figuring out who she is, and realizing she’s so very lucky to have the parents she has.

Overall, this is a lovely story and I highly recommend it.

I received this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley.