Videos

In case you're wondering where I've been... I've been on YouTube! Check out my channel here:


http://www.youtube.com/user/BooksInChains?feature=mhee


I have a few videos up now, so go check them out! feel free to support me by subscribing too!


-Amber

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise

by Richelle Mead

series: Vampire Academy

April 2010
Penguin
Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Action


Why I read it: It's the 4th installment of the Vampire Academy Series.

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.

*******SPOILER FOR BOOKS 1, 2 & 3!!!***********

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them . . . including Dimitri.

He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa - the one she has sworn to protect no matter what - and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

*******SPOILER FOR BOOKS 1, 2 & 3!!!***********

So from book 3, we know that Rose has quit school to find Dimitri... And kill him. Lissa finally realizes what Dimitri means to Rose: more than just a mentor/teacher. This is a different turning point book. Book 2 was a turning point for Rose's personality. She calmed down after the aftermath of Mason. Book 3 was a turning point for the strigoi vs. moroi and dhampir races and Dimitri. Book 4 (this one) is a turning point for the story and the entire world.

Rose goes to Russia. She figures that's where he would go. Though I don't understand why it's so "obvious" he'd go there. His family is still where he grew up, in Siberia, but as strigoi, you don't think he'd go there to be with his family. I think he once said his mom would let him come back home for any reason, but I don't think that carries on over to him being strigoi.

Regardless, that's where Rose goes. Which leads to a whole different way of life. Not because she's American in Russia, but because she's a dhampir (with no guardian mark but a molnija -pronounced: molnia - mark that represents her killing lots of strigoi in a battle) where strigoi are roaming around through the human night life in major cities.

She meets a lot of new people, one of which is a new type of "species" that we didn't know before. Because Rose quit school before she was told :D. She keeps in touch with Lissa via their connection. Adrian visits her dreams a lot, trying to figure out where she is, she disconnects it when he gets too close to finding out.

Dimitri's in the story.... Richelle Mead did a really good job on him. It made me like Adrian even more than I did before. I don't want to give away anything. But since you know she's hunting him, that's the whole point of the book, it would be cruel and unusual punishment if Mrs Mead didn't have him in it. You really see more in to the psyche of the strigoi and their world. Things are drastically different than what they thought, while other stay the same. I wouldn't have been able to guess the things that Richelle gets in to.

Rose still does a lot of ass kicking. Beautiful ass kicking. The only kind she knows how to do ;p.

The ending of the book is soooo long and painful in so many ways (all good, I promise... and by "good" I mean in the writing.... I definitely am not referring to the way the story ends in this one. That would be rude). I don't know where I would rank this in the whole series, it's not the best, but the good thing about this series is that there isn't a worst. 

Anyway! Action packed, twists and turns, she keeps you on your feet, non-stoppable, etc. Great addition to the series. Richelle's writing is fabulous, as always.

Ratings: 
1.Cover: +1
2. Hooked: +1
3. Finished the book: +1
4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2
5. Re-Readability: +1
6. Suggest to others: +2
7. Lost time: Nope +18. Readability:+1

10 out of 10. A well deserved 10. love this series


****check out my YouTube review! And don't forget to subscribe!*****

Other's in series (in order):

Vampire Academy

Frostbite

Shadow Kiss

Blood Promise

Spirit Bound

Last Sacrifice

Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Beyond the Highland Mist

by Karen Marie Moning

March 1999
Random House
Historical/Time Travel Romance
Audio from Audible $20.97
Read by Phil Gigante


Why I read it: I wanted an audio book to listen to at work. The male reader (Phil Gigante) sold me on the audio.

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.


An alluring laird


He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart - until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length - but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side....

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

Let me start this out by saying, "holy crap". Yep, that's how I wanted to start this! ;). I absolutely, 100% loved this book (love the whole series if I was disclosing everything). I think one of the reasons I love this so much is because I listened to the audio version. And Phil Gigante (who narrated) is PERFECT! I love it love it love it. I can never know what Mr. Gigante looks like because it will shatter the feeling I get from these books forever. Then I couldn't listen to them anymore (I listen to each of them at least once a month, in order).


I also would like to point out that this is a romance, so a big, strong, sexy, brooding highlander will get really... well not big, strong, sexy and brooding in one moment of the book. Which is a moment that I don't like because of it. He turns into a needy man. Not the usual big, strong, sexy and brooding needy, but an emo type dude. You'll understand when you read/listen (probably more listen since his voice inflection is done for you) that pivotal moment when the "s" starts hitting the fan. I don't mind what he does afterwards, because that makes sense and is what I would expect of that type of alpha character. I just felt really embarrassed for him during that one little part.


That's the only complaint I have about the book.


The cover gets a 1, because, well... there's a ripped chest and torso on it (duh!), and I'm a sucker for those kinds of books (not those kinds of men unfortunately. I like mine more slender, I don't want to feel like they can snap me in two. I know that's kinda the point with men like that, to feel like they could but know they never would... I just can't get into it, it seems too freaky. I will definitely love reading about them though!).


The beginning is pretty funny. The Scottish accent that Mr. Gigante has is really intoxicating. I envy his wife/gf/bf/husband (whatever), because I would do absolutely anything if my husband were to ask me to do it in a Scottish accent. Well, I'd probably do it anyway, but I would love doing it even more! :p. Hook for this book gets a great big 1! (Plus, the chick starts out in Seattle, so I'm totally in love with that immediately)


This book left me wanting to "read" the next, and the next, and the next. I listen to it over and over. I believe I listened to it 3 times in a row before I finally broke down and bought the second (it took even less time to buy the rest after I listened to that one). The writing is great, you really get the sense that they're in that century. That the man is really Scottish. I give it 1pt for Getting Through It and Re-Readability, 2 points for the Overall Feeling.


I suggest others to read this if you like Scotland, Highlanders, Tough guys who love really really well ;p, and if you like a little time travel. BUT! I ask only one thing, if you do decide to read this book, buy the audio. I know it's (a lot) more expensive than the book in any format, it's just such a different experience, and I've really begun to like male narrators more than I do females.


**sigh** I love this series. I love the alpha male take charge, do what I need to make other's thrive attitude/mentality/way of life.


I give this book a 10 out of 10. My one complaint about the part I felt embarrassed for him is really pale in consideration to the way the rest of the book makes me feel. It's funny though, at first I felt bad for Mr. Gigante for having to read dirty parts, then I was so thankful that he could get through them without giggling... or throwing the book at the wall and saying "this is really what women like to read?". Then I thought, wow, lucky wife/gf/bf/husband, he know's what women really like to read and in turn, he knows what women really like to have men do for them, to them, etc. Or really, just any human being wants to feel special, but now he has the tools to make it happen. 

Ratings:
1.Cover: +1
2. Hooked: +1
3. Finished the book: +1
4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2
5. Re-Readability: +1
6. Suggest to others: +2
7. Lost time: Nope +1
8. Readability:+1

Other's in series (in order):
Beyond the Highland Mist
To Tame A Highland Warrior
Highlander's Touch
Kiss of the Highlander
Dark Highlander
Immortal Highlander
Spell of the Highlander

100+ Reading Challenge [2011]

2011 100+ Reading Challenge

Message from MyOverstuffedbookshelf.blogspot.com

*This challenge is usually hosted over at J. Kaye's Book Blog, but I haven't heard anything from her about hosting it.

As of today, I have read and reviewed 278 books for 2010.  I have many more to post before the finish date of December 31, 2010.  I know that I will be able to finish this challenge next year, but I am challenging you to beat your 2010 record this year! Can you read over 100 books this year?

DETAILS:

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2011. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.

This is the second time I had to do this because somehow it got replaced... uggggggggh.. so here we go:


1. Just a Hint Clint [Visitation Series #1] by Lori Foster
2. Jamie [Visitation Series] by Lori Foster
3. Pretty Little Liars [Pretty Little Liars #1] by Sara Shepard
4. Beyond the Highland Mist [Highlander Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning (review)
5. To Tame a Highland Warrior [Highlander Series #2] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
6. Highlander's Touch [Highlander Series #3] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
7. Kiss of the Highlander [Highlander Series #4] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
8. Dark Highlander[Highlander Series #5] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come). 
9. Immortal Highlander [Highlander Series #6] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
10. Spell of the Highlander [Highlander Series #7] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
11. Darkfever [Fever Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning
12. Prince Joe [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #1] by Suzanne Brockmann (review)
13. Forever Blue [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #2] by Suzanne Brockmann (review)
14. Frisco's Kid [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #3] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
15. Everyday, Average Jones [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #4] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
16. Harvard's Education [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #5] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
17. Hawken's Heart [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #6] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
18. The Admiral's Bride [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #7] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
19. Identity: Unknown [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #8] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
20. Get Lucky [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #9] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
21. Taylor's Temptation [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #10] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
22. Night Watch [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #11] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
23. A Hunger Like No Other [Immortals After Dark Series #1] by Kresley Cole
24. No Rest for the Wicked [Immortals After Dark Series #2] by Kresley Cole
25. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night [Immortals After Dark Series #3] by Kresley Cole
26. Dark Needs at Night's Edge [Immortals After Dark Series #4] by Kresley Cole
27. Dark Desires after Dusk [Immortals After Dark Series #5] by Kresley Cole
28. Kiss of a Demon King [Immortals After Dark Series #6] by Kresley Cole
29. Matched [Matched Trilogy #1] by Allie Condie
30. 
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(I'll add more when I need to)

2011 Urban Fantasy Challenge

2011 Urban Fantasy Challenge

The Rules:

1. Create a post for the challenge using the image above and link back to this post.
--Non-Bloggers: You are welcome to join too. Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.


2. Sign up with the Mr. Linky.
--Link to your challenge post when you sign up please.
[go to: Jamie's Bookshelf to post the link every month in the comments]

3. There are 4 levels:
-- Newbie ~ read 5 Urban Fantasy titles
-- Intermediate ~ read 15 Urban Fantasy titles
-- Moderate ~ read 25 Urban Fantasy titles
-- Professional ~ read 40 Urban Fantasy titles

**An "up the anty" Challenge**
-- Rockstar ~ Read 60 Urban Fantasy titles
-- AWESOME SAUCE ~ Read 80 Urban Fantasy Titles

The goal of this challenge is to try your chosen level of Urban Fantasy novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Books read before January 1, 2011 do NOT count towards the challenge.


4. Audio, eBooks, paper all count. Re-reads are ok but try to keep them to a minimum. Cross overs from other challenges are ok.


5. There is no need to create your list now. Please feel free to use your challenge post to keep track of your titles if you so desire.

If you are looking for idea's I found this list on Goodreads. It has close to 600 Urban Fantasy titles on it and it maybe a good place to start if this is a "new to you" genre.

I love Urban Fantasy, so I will try for: Professional (eeeek!)\


1. Beyond the Highland Mist [Highlander Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning (review)
2.To Tame a Highland Warrior [Highlander Series #2] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
3. Highlander's Touch [Highlander Series #3] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
4. Kiss of the Highlander [Highlander Series #4] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
5. Dark Highlander[Highlander Series #5] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
6. Immortal Highlander [Highlander Series #6] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
7. Spell of the Highlander [Highlander Series #7] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
8. Darkfever [Fever Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning
9. A Hunger Like No Other [Immortals After Dark Series #1] by Kresley Cole
10. No Rest for the Wicked [Immortals After Dark Series #2] by Kresley Cole
11. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night [Immortals After Dark Series #3] by Kresley Cole
12. Dark Needs at Night's Edge [Immortals After Dark Series #4] by Kresley Cole
13. Dark Desires after Dusk [Immortals After Dark Series #5] by Kresley Cole
14. Kiss of a Demon King [Immortals After Dark Series #6] by Kresley Cole
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
(I'll add more when I need to)

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge

Ladies and gentlemen! Start your engines e-readers!

This challenge is being hosted by Lady Bug Reads

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are seven levels:
-- Curious – Read 3 e-books.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 e-books.
-- Addicted – Read 12 e-books.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.
-- Possessed – Read 50 e-books.
-- Fanatical – Read 75 e-books.
-- Monomaniacal – Read 100 e-books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post about the E-Book Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can join in and read your reviews and post. (click here to go sign up)


I'm going for Possessed!!!


My books:


1. When Bruce Met Cyn by Lori Foster (review to come) [I also have the mass market so I'm counting it for "Off the Shelf" challenge too!]
2. A Hunger Like No Other [Immortals after Dark Series #1] by Kresley Cole
3. No Rest for the Wicked [IAD #2] by Kresley Cole
4. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night [IAD #3] by Kresley Cole
5. Dark Needs at Night's Edge [IAD #4] by Kresley Cole
6. Dark Desires after Dusk [IAD #5] by Kresley Cole
7. Kiss of a Demon King [IAD #6] by Kresley Cole
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(I'll ad more when needed)

Strong Heroine Challenge

2011 Strong Heroine Reading Challenge

The Rules:

1. Create a post for the challenge using the image above and link back to this post.

--Non-Bloggers: You are welcome to join too. Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.

2. Sign up with the Mr. Linky.
--Link to your challenge post when you sign up please.

3. The goal of this challenge is to read AT LEAST 12 novels that have "Strong Heroine's" between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Books read before January 1, 2011 do NOT count towards the challenge.

4. Audio, eBooks, paper all count. Re-reads are ok but try to keep them to a minimum. Cross overs from other challenges are ok.

5. There is no need to create your list now. Please feel free to use your challenge post to keep track of your titles if you so desire.


Here are a couple of lists that I found on Goodreads if you are looking for ideas: Strong Heroine Series, Best Heroine in a Fantasy Book, The Heroine Book Lists.

Click here for Book Junkie's original post.


I will post links to the 12 reviews below!
1. Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter (review to come) [re-read/listen]
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8. 
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Off The Shelf Reading Challenge

2011 Off the Shelf Reading Challenge

I have so many books overflowing my two book shelves. And these book shelves have lots of room (2 rows of mass market books lain flat, stacked on top of each other. For my hardbacks/trade, they're 2 rows standing up.... 7 shelves. Plus, I have other books laying flat on top of my hardback/trade books). So, it's about time to start pecking away at them.


And here's the challenge to do it:

Off The Shelf Challenge

Are your books multiplying like rabbits before you even get a chance to read them? Trying to keep up with them, but can't stop buying new ones?

Maybe this challenge is for you. I know what it's like. There's so many titles and so many beautiful books out there sometimes it's hard to keep that TBR shelf under control, but if you really want to try why not challenge yourself?

The challenge begins on the 1st of January and ends on the 31st of December 2011

Note: This challenge is to read those books you own copies of, but have never got around to reading. If you don't have many that you own, but have a massive TBR shelf you're welcome to read those ones as long as you don't add new ones. You don't need to actually get rid of your books after you've read them, this is just to read them.

How To Participate

-Decide which challenge level you'll be doing (further below) - do not include books that you buy from the start of this challenge.

-Grab the code for the badge down below and post it on a side bar or in a signature (if you want to participate, but aren't blogging, on a social network or forum - Submission For Non Bloggers).

-Create your own post to let all your readers know you’re taking part in the challenge and at what level (if you're really proficient you can list your books!). Make sure to link back to this page with either one of the buttons or a text link..

-Use the link form below to enter into the challenge by sharing your challenge post url and your name (either your name, blog name, or both).Please don't use the comment form to participate, only to comment on the challenge or something else..

-Submit your reviews (if you choose to review them, but that is optional) on the review page.

-When you’ve completed you’re challenge let us know on the completion post. If you're using a tag or category I recommend sharing the link back to that so everyone can find them

-Challenge Levels

Tempted– Choose 5 books to read
Trying – Choose 15 books to read
Making A Dent – Choose 30 books to read
On A Roll – Choose 50 books to read
Flying Off – Choose 75 books to read

For extra hard challenges

Hoarder – Choose 76-125 books to read
Buried – Choose 126-200 books to read

Click here to see the original page at Bookish Ardour!

I have more than enough to do the "buried", but I think I'll stick with "making a dent". I'll update with links to reviews below as i do them.

1. Just a Hint Clint by Lori Foster (review to come)
2. When Bruce Met Cyn by Lori Foster (review to com) [bought the kindle edition before remembered had the mass market... counting for both challenges. yay for idiocy!]
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2011 Show Me the Free Reading Challenge

2011 Show Me the Free Reading Challenge

My husband will appreciate this one. So will my bank account!

Here is how it works:



•Should you choose to participate in this challenge, your goal is to read at least twelve (12) legally obtained e-books which you got for FREE for your e-reading device. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit.
•Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States.
•Any E-Reader will work for this challenge, including: iPad, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, enTourage.
•Please Note: If you don't have an e-reading device, you can still join in with Amazon's Free Kindle Reading Apps which you can download for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Blackberry and more.
•The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. You can join at anytime.
•e-books in ANY genre count for this challenge as long as it was FREE at the time that you downloaded it.
•Every month in 2011, I will make a post for the Show Me The Free Reading Challenge so you can link your reviews.
•Those that link their reviews will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a different prize each month, such as an Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card, a bookmark, or a GelaSkins for your E-Reader. Winners will be announced at the end of each month.


Challenge Guidelines:

•If you blog, create a post announcing your participation in the challenge. Please include a link back to this post.
•Non blogger must publish reviews on some type of public domain such as Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble to enter the monthly giveaway.
•When you post your book review, you MUST say how you obtained the free read. Please make your source clear.
•You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them.
•Crossovers to other reading challenges is acceptable, but galley e-books DO NOT count. Again, this is a Reading Challenge to read as many of the FREE e-books legally offered for your e-reader. To get started, check out the Top 100 Free books on Amazon, or the Free e-books on Barnes & Noble.
•Any linked reviews that do not meet the guidelines will not be entered into the monthly drawing for the prize of the month.


Levels:

Coupon Clipper: 12 Books
Penny Pincher: 24 Books
Super Saver: 30+ Books

click this link to sign up for The Undead Reader's Challenge

I will probably only be able to do the Coupon Clipper but try to for Super Saver, since life changes may either take away all the free time I have for reading or it'll give me so much more time (hoping for the latter, obviously). Plus, I have over 1500 other books I'd like to read. I wish I was joking... But I have a list, and it keeps raising.


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Girls That Growl by Mari Mancusi

Girls That Growl

by Mari Mancusi

October 2007

Romantic/Paranormal Young Adult

Penguin
$9.99


Why I read it: To decide whether or not my boss should put it in our stores (along with the rest of the series).

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.

Third in Mancusi's hip, sassy vampire series, featuring the heroine of Stake That!

She's a vampire. She's also a vampire slayer. (It's a long story.) And now Rayne McDonald, Goth girl, has to carry out her most deviant mission yet: trying out for the cheerleading squad.

Rayne already has enough on her plate: her twin keeps whining about whether or not to go all the way; her mom's boyfriend is moving in; and her man, Jareth, who's now allowed out in the sun, has turned from a dark, brooding hottie vamp into a surfer dude.

But this vampire slayer is still on the clock, and she has a new assignment. A member of the football team has disappeared-and her bosses at Slayer Inc. think the cheerleaders had something to do with it. Now they want her to infiltrate the squad and get the dirt. But first, she'll need an extreme prep makeover. If only they'd let her wear fishnets under that revolting uniform.

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

I read this back on 4/16/10, things are starting to sort-of coming back to me since I took notes (two note cards worth!) so I may have a lot of "if I remember correctly"s and "I believe".

Rayne was doing the thinking again in this book. And now she's vamp. And a vamp slayer.

Their mom still knows how to rub me the wrong way, I swear. I believe she had a boyfriend staying for a while and he was using one of her daughter's rooms to sleep in. I had a MASSIVE problem with this. If your already sleeping with the dude (implied) then just have him stay in your room. Don't disrupt your kids' lives further by kicking one of your daughters out of her own room so that you can play house with your boyfriend. If you're not sleeping with him and you don't have an extra room, TOO BAD!! A grown man can't afford a hotel room for a couple of weeks and you're with him? I don't think she was even seeing him for very long either. Picture perfect of a stupid mom, in my humble (psh) opinion.

I asked for this in my review of "Stake That": for Rayne to lose control. And it looks like she finally did on her mother. notes literally say: "Finally, Rayne loses control. & the mother just keeps looking worse." From what I remember, Rayne confronts her mom about her boyfriend and they get into a fight. Her mom chooses boyfriend over the emotional stability of her kid. Yeah, kids don't have much to begin with, but there's a point when they need you more than normal. Sadly, that's usually when parents run away from them fastest.

Jareth and Rayne spend a lot of time together in this book. The feeling I got from Jareth is that he's an idiot. He's too easily fooled by a young girl with no extraordinary talent for mischief. I'm not very good at it myself, which leads me to the point of "Jareth is an idiot" because even I could fool him. I think Ms/Mrs. (not sure) Mancusi's idea was to make Rayne cunning and sneaky, and there were times when it really just made Jareth look bad. Their dialogue was hard to follow, they'd skip (leading) sentences. They both are in crazy-town if they can understand each others half-explanations. Which, I find myself doing in my own "babies". I make that illogical jump in my head and I don't explain the steps my mind automatically skips over for others to understand. Reading it a long time later or a few projects later helped me realize that there was no sense in what I wrote. I think using that method would have helped this book immensely.

Notes: "Rayne's a bitch". hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. She just kept torturing everyone around her (minus her mom) and when Jareth FINALLY scolds her, she responds by crying like the world is out to get her. Hey, I know how it is to be a bitch. Grew up being one in fact. But the one thing I noticed when I lessened my bitch was that: hey! The world was only out to get me because I was out to get it! Crying for a hard ass after getting just one scolding doesn't seem authentic to me. Especially if it's made to believe that she's feeling the hardship of it and has remorse. It all felt like guilt-play to me.

Once again, Mancusi wraps the story up in some expensive paper and a huge bow. All of her plans go so smoothly it makes me wonder why she's "goth". She was supposed to have Jareth as backup and still everything went smoothly. I needed a glass of wine to go with all that cheese! K, not really, I can only drink wine if I chase it with coke (yeah, not joking). The comment still means the same thing though, I can't handle all that fakeness! The supposed challenges that aren't challenges when Rayne can get through it without sweating. If she's supposed to be so smart then make her challenges harder. That's easy enough if you throw in a failure or two. Make it so she fails and someone else has to save her. Or even that she's getting tired and then up the ante by bringing in another bad guy. who's holding someone she loves by the neck. at knife point. Add tension. Add curiosity. What would she do if her arm was dislocated? Would she give up and run or stay and fight? Would she be able to handle the pain or lose consciousness? We don't know this about Rayne because nothing bad ever happens to her. I think the worst thing in her life is her mother (Yes, I know she's a vampire and a vampire hunter, but sooooooo what compared to her mom. She can deal with every other dead thing, her mom is.... stupid)

All that being said, there was a bit of drama towards the end again that made me keep reading. I think I would have loved it if she would have left some opening or tension or unanswered questions in the end (especially since there's still another book in the series). Alas, it did not happen.

Favorite Quote? I giggled when I read it in my notes too, so it's good!

"Does one shake hands with a werewolf? or do they, I don't know, sniff butts to get to know one another? Ew, I so don't want to go there" 

hehe, good right? Which leads me to comment that Mancusi's writing reminds me of shows like 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation (no, not the office). A fast paced sitcom with random silly-ness and dialogue. Which I love. They're great mindless things to watch. Reading isn't so mindless, but it helps to read something that you like watching. No matter how mean that sounds I really mean it as a compliment. I'm the beginning of the "youtube generation" where we like things moving and fast and short. Mancusi does a great job with that audience.


Should you read it?: I definitely think you should read Boys that Bite and Stake That first so you can get the gist of where the characters have been. This one isn't as good as Stake That but it's still nice to read about characters you've put some time in to.

Would I read it again?: Probably not. Just because it's too short and it didn't leave a lasting impression on my mind. I was interested in the well being of the characters, but it was just too neatly wrapped I think. And the passion in there was lacking a bit. (same as the Stake That review)




Ratings:

1.Cover: +1

2. Hooked: +0

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: Pos +1

5. Re-Readability: +0

6. Suggest to others: +1

7. Lost time: Nope +1

8. Readability:+0. 5

(also the same as the Stake That review)
so it looks like this gets a 5.5 out of 10.

Others in series:

Boys That Bite

Stake That

Girls that Growl

Bad Blood