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

Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage by Dr. Laura Schlessinger

The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage
by Dr. Laura Schlessinger
9780061142826
$13.99

B&N Synopsis:

The long-awaited follow-up to her groundbreaking bestseller, now Dr. Laura focuses on how men and women need to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of masculinity and femininity; what the best ways to relate, caretake, and nurture each other are; and how to bring a marriage back from the brink of disaster.


Jumping off her million-copy bestseller The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands, Dr. Laura asserts that in order to produce and sustain a wonderfully satisfying marriage, spouses must recognize and appreciate the polarity between masculine and feminine. Both husband and wife have power in the relationship, and each needs to realize this in order to ensure personal satisfaction. Using real-life examples from her call-in radio show, and giving real-life solutions, Dr. Laura focuses on the typical mistakes made by men and women in their relationships and shows how marriages can come back from the brink of disaster and divorce.

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

 
If you haven't noticed, I kind of needed a break from the regular Romance and Paranormal and Young Adult books. I've also been needing to get some outside perspective on what a good marriage is... since I'll be getting hitched in... 45 days! eeek!

I've also been listening to Dr. Laura on the radio and I've heard great things about her book.

I enjoyed it. She's a straight forward, no bullshit kind of person and I admire that. Of course, with all radio personnel I get frustrated when she doesn't allow others to spit out everything, but I understand it and it's not always necessary. Anyway, she does have awesome points that I can agree with when I think logically.

She explains that the fundamental way to be happy in any relationship but  most importantly marriage is to make your other half happy. Give your all in to making them happy and feeling your love for them and you will most definitely get it in return. Unless they're a scumbag.

As elementary as that sounds, I was really shocked to read it. I didn't grow up in the super-feminist era of course, but I've definitely not been without the influence around me. The "I'm a woman, I can do it all!" mentality that creates more problems than solves them is absolutely prominent in school, home, and work. And without revealing too much, I noticed at home how awful that thought can be on the wrong people. It drives them to the edge of clinically insane and more insecure. Sure, women are meant to work, but where you work shouldn't matter. You can work in a boardroom or a home, and there's still an enrichment you can get from working at the one that most suits you. I personally would prefer to be a homemaker. Or as it's more commonly known (and said with disdain from others) a stay-at-home-mom. I have a while before I climb that mountain, but I know that's what I want to do without any doubt.

I'm not nervous about talking about this passionate subject, I just don't want to get in arguments over my "anti-feminist" views and whatnot... just because I want to be a homemaker... Which, btw.. I can't.. my fiance wants me to still bring in money, so I'm learning photography, wedding planning, and searching like a madwoman for a lot of acreage so I can start businesses at home (horse trails, camping sites, horse boarding, wedding --ceremony & reception--, etc etc).

Okay!!!! Dr. Laura's book has such great ideas. I recommend this book to absolutely everyone! I even gave it to my mom. I especially recommend it if you are about to get married and aren't going to go through pre-marital counseling. Another especially read is for those that are selfish with their own feelings, gone through infidelity, and/or thinking about getting a divorce (with kids).

It feels like pretty much everyone, huh?

Anyway. I give this book 10 stars. I've never been helped so much by a self-help book. Usually I look at it with my nose up and say "I'm better than that" and walk away. But I wanted to go into my marriage with a fantastic outlook and tools guaranteed to work. And I didn't have a good example at home. But I have the tools now. Make him my world, and I'll be his. Take care of him how he needs to be taken care of and he'll take care of me how I need it. Show how much I love him by doing things he can interpret as such, and open my eyes to see him showing how much he loves me in the best way he knows.

Read it with an open mind and heart and the intent to be your best and you'll get so much out of this book!

More by Sloan Parker

More by Sloan Parker

PDF file (details below)

series: Gay/Lesbian Erotica

Loose ID Pub

March 2010

**I won this book in a contest put on by Janna at E-Romance Reader. Book was provided by Sloan :D AAND it was the first contest I've ever won :D**

Blurb from Sloan Parker's Website:

For fifteen years Luke Moore has lived by three rules: stay off his father's radar, never spend more than a single night with any man, and never fall in love again. But one night of explosive sex and two men whom he can’t get out of his head have Luke breaking them all. Richard and Matthew push him past all his boundaries—both sexually and personally—and now he’s no longer hiding from his senator father; he’s taking him on. And he isn’t just falling for one man; he’s falling for two. If you're going to break the rules, might as well break them big.

But Luke’s father has his reasons for hating how his son lives, and he’ll do whatever he can and use all his power to keep Luke away from Richard and Matthew.

Can this threesome find a way to make their unconventional relationship last with the world around them trying to pull them apart? And will Luke be able to keep breaking his rules for Richard and Matthew, or will he head back to his familiar way of life just when his new lovers want to bind him tighter?

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

So.. I don't know about everyone else who reads the gay/lesbian romances.... but I LOVE the warnings they put at the beginning of the books. They all sort of differ a bit but on my "cheat sheet" note-card I use for all my books, I wrote that this one made me smile :D (oh.. and something about making me want to call my practitioner... though I'm not a dude, and all these things would probably be moot anyway).

Alright, the first sentence caught my attention fast. What a way to start too. I immediately thought "why?" "who?" and got scared for and protective of the main character, Luke. He's troubled in only the way that a bad past and hard living could create, and you realize that it's so much worse than you thought as the story progresses.

*sidenote* Sloan's female. Which already predisposes her for harsher judgment (from me... sorry) on her interpretation of the male mind. It's just as complicated as a female, but in a simpler way (exactly what I meant by complicated). But she TOTALLY pulled it off. She built Luke up so well that I really thought he was writing the story, not Sloan. Which seems harder and harder to find the more books I read.**okay, end sidenote**

This book really helped me see into that other world. Being a straight female with the same boyfriend (sorry.. fiance) from high school, I have NO idea what happens in the dating world, let alone in that one. For example.. are there really clubs where you can go and have anonymous sex at?! How ingenious if it's true! Especially for men. (Read the book before you say "Umm. that's every bar Amber", then you'll know what I mean ;)-). 

ANYWAY! It's explosive from the start (the sort-of-pun was intended :P). Luke can be very vocal about his specific sexual wants and needs, but closes down when it gets to be more than that. When he meets Matthew and Richard and they give him what he wants and more until you are speaking aloud to the book and an empty room for him to just let go and enjoy, everything! 

Matthew's such a sweetheart and only from reading about him I really wish I could pinch his cheeks (upstairs cheeks for you dirty minds) because he was so freaking cute. Or shrink him and put him in my pocket so I can keep him close to me at all times. Matthew's fear he had to overcome was minor compared to Luke's. I was so happy with how he came about that fear (ummm... not in the "yay, I'm glad you suffered kind of way". But the "I'm so glad it wasn't because of the typical 'drunken parent'" way...)

Richard is more of the protector, but sort of the gentle giant too. He loves emotionally and physically but he'll use both to pound you to a pulp if you look at him or the other two funny. He had a hard time not being in control (outside of the bedroom of course) and though he seemed like the strongest of them all, he was vulnerable to certain things you wouldn't expect from a big guy.

I don't want to give away too much about the book since I want you to read it! Like now... Okay.. wait until the end of this post before you go just yet! So what I will give away about it is that it is fantastic. I tried reading it on my break at work until I realized an hour went by (45 minutes longer than I should have taken). Woops! So that put an end to that. 

Like with all great books... I had a hard time finishing it. What happens is that I want to know sooo badly how it ends... except for the part when it actually ends. So, while I won this in a contest back in April... I didn't finish it until mid-May. Part of it was because I was afraid of how Sloan would end it. Endings, for me, tend to make or break the entire book. Where every experience so far, no matter how great, has the chance to fail miserably. And the other part was because I didn't want to stop reading about these characters. But, just like the way Luke thought/felt/acted, she pulled it off beautifully.

One thing I noticed with her writing that I usually only see with "seasoned" authors is that she wrote with that cocky arrogance. But she also maintained the vulnerability of a new author. So she told you all you really needed to know and actually spent time to make it flow. Most of the time, even with my favorite authors of both "seasoned" and new, they go too far on either side of the spectrum. For example.. Nora Roberts... she's an arrogant writer. She focuses on the fluff and spares the details (IMO). On the other side is an author like Rachel Vincent. Her first book (Stray) contained sooo much detail that it ended up (though I enjoyed it immensely) breaking that flow a bit... does that make sense? Probably not since my flow and detail suck ;). All you need to know is that it was written really well, and she's been added to my favorite authors!!

Rating:

1. Cover +1

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: :D +2

5. Re-readability: +1

6. Suggest to others: +2

7. Lost time: nope! +1

8. Readability: +1

10 out of 10!!! :D. One person on the cover looks like someone I used to know, so of course I have to love it... Oh, and the fact that there's two other hunks on there too :P. Annnd I know I don't usually suggest or recommends gay/lesbian or even erotica books to those that don't read them, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest you read this one (with the disclaimer that you are fully aware that this is a m/m/m erotica... okay?!)

So thanks again Janna and Sloan Parker for doing this contest and letting me read/review MORE!! :D

Here's Janna's review

Sloan Parker's Website

Sloan Parker's Blog

**pst... After you read this!! *cough*hopefullysoon*cough* you can read another book in this series about Walter Simon :D (It's "in progress".. which means that you need to buy her book so if she has one, she can quite her day job to finish it quicker ;p)**

Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

Series: Children of the Moon

Urban Fantasy/Romance/Highlander

February 2010

Dell

$7.99

Why I read: I saw a comment by Lucy [author] on Babbling About Books and More blog saying that people believed her Alpha wolves were too Alpha. As if there were such a thing!!! So, I said I was going to have to put that statement to the test.

Barnes and Noble Synopsis:

When Talorc-laird of the Sinclair clan and leader of his werewolf pack- must wed an Englishwoman, he's shocked to find that she is his mate. Deaf since childhood, Abigail hopes to keep her affliction from Talorc as long as possible, just as he has no intention of telling her that he's a werewolf. But when Abigail learns that the husband she's begun to love has deceived her, it will take all his warrior's strength-and his wolf's cunning-to win his wife back.  

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

My Review: **some minor spoilers**

Like always, I'll start with the bad. I like getting that out of the way so I can tackle all the good!!! Because there is a lot of that :D. FYI... I couldn't find the first in the series, Moon Awakening, at the bookstore so I had to skip it until I order it online =).

First [in order of book]... I got all the way to page 106-ish before I found something I wasn't too sure I liked. Awesome right?! I thought so. The "Chrechte mating" ritual threw me for a loop. All the sudden there's these random nakie people, in a random place, with an Englishwoman... who's also nakie. It just didn't seem to fit. Especially with the response that Abigail [main character] had. As an Englishwoman, she's predetermined to be more modest... but in this instance... she doesn't care. Now, I'm a young, I-don't-give-a-damn kind of girl, and even I would have freaked out and covered my awesome parts if that were to happen to me. The only thing I can assume [and it's what got me through that part] is that she was just completely caught in the moment and everything just seemed right. Which could happen... but with me, it'd only be after I downed more alcohol than usual... and normal is about 1-1/2 bitch-beers [I know.. I'm a light-weight].

Also, there were a lot of random things that happened. The wedding baggage, the fight scene about 30 pages after the "Chrechte mating", a couple attacks towards Abigail and the way she finds "stuff" out about her husband. I was thinking it'd be something more... dramatic, or the how she found out would make a big scene about her not knowing. That's as covert I can be about it without ruining it for everyone :D

Then, there's the ending... If you didn't know before, you know now... I don't like it when things just "work out". I like a little conflict and insecurity, then reassurance or compromise. And Lucy Monroe was so much closer to that than I've seen in a while. It was still a tad too fluffy for my 100% approval. But that's my problem and I wouldn't hold anyone back from reading it just because of that.

NOW THE GOOD!!!! I love the good part :D The hook was AMAZING! I felt drawn in to the story in the very first sentence. The rest of the first paragraph in the prologue told me I was in for a delicious treat.

Lucy Monroe is a fantastic writer. If we were in Harry Potter world, I'd say her writing put me under the Imperius Curse since I couldn't put the book down. I read it in less than a day, which has been difficult to do lately with such a "GO!-GO!-GO!" schedule. If I had to describe her writing in 1 word, it would be enthralling. Or maybe enchanting.

I absolutely loved Talorc and Abigail's first meeting. It was so sweet the way he took care of her, though the marriage was last on his to do list. And how lucky are they both that an arranged marriage actually brings you a decent person?! Talorc's protective nature pops in constantly, and I love, love, love it. Then, when her secret is out in the open, he has such an affectionate way of getting her attention. 

I do wish I could have read more about Niall and... his mate [I don't want to ruin everything!]. But it made me happy to know that... "stuff" happened [hehehe].

So, to answer the reason for why I read the book... No, Lucy's Alpha's are not too Alpha. That's just ridiculous. They definitely are in their own league, but if you love Alpha's like I do [they're always at the top of my list of fictional hunky men] then you'll love her Alpha. At least Talorc, Niall, and Barr since I have yet to read Moon Awakening [sadface].

Ratings:

1. Cover +1

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: mmmm: +2

5. Re-readability: +1

6. Suggest to others: +2

7. Lost time: +1

8. Readability: +1

yay! Another 10 out of 10!! Despite the random weird parts, I loved this book. I noticed that on the front of the cover Susan Wiggs is quoted: "Lucy Monroe will capture your heart." and she's not joking. I've added her to my favorite authors =) I was so happy to find that she was writing another in the series :D


Author Website
Author Blog


Other Review:
Babbling About Books and More
Demon Lovers Book Reviews and More


I would recommend this to anyone who can read. That's all the criteria you need :D

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

Silver Borneby Patricia Briggs

March 30, 2010

Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance

Penguin

Why I read it: I've read all the others in the series, and I love Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Jesse, Warren, Kyle, Darryl, Aurielle, Honey, Bran, Charles, etc.

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.

When mechanic and shapeshifter Mercy Thompson attempts to return a powerful Fae book she'd previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.

It seems the book contains secret knowledge-and the Fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side-leaving Mercy to cover for him, lest his own father declare Sam's life forfeit.

All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she might not have many more to live...

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

Despite already knowing about the series and wanting to read it so desperately, the cover looks amazing. As always. One thing that someone told me they noticed is that her tattoo's don't match on ever cover. Which, I've never put to the test, but I can see that there's a lot more. And I can't remember her ever talking about tattoos in the book [besides the wolf paw--erm, coyote paw], but that's probably my early Alzheimer working its magic. Even if her tattoos change, I still love the girl on the cover.

I can't remember how the hook was, but I didn't really need one. The hook was already in place when I finished the last book. I always want to know the deep secrets of Mercy and Adam's relationship. But I don't know why I expect it when every time, Patricia Briggs lets me know that Mercy doesn't want to show that part. Or maybe it's Adam. He is the chauvinistic quiet guy that doesn't like "claiming" his woman with the other ultra-sensitive-eared werewolves in the house. *giggle*

I really really really didn't want to finish this book. Which is a sign of an awesome read. Because if I did, then I would either find the last of their story. OR [and hopefully it's this rather than the other], I'll have to wait way too long for the next one. And really, 1 day is too long.

After I finished, I felt angry, sad, happy, excited, eager, sweet, and all the above. It left off one way, but I couldn't help but feel everything that happened in the book and everything that would happen in the [hopefully soon] next book

I will probably re-read this book several times. Just like I have every other Mercy Thompson book. I will however, skip over the fae parts. I read on someone's blog (can't remember where, sorry) that the fae parts could have been left out and it would still have been a great story. And to be honest, I would probably skip over those parts when I re-read this book. MOstly because I love Adam and Mercy and they're every thought/desire should be out there for me to read consecutively.

This book is great for EVERYONE. It doesn't have any feel like Twilight werewolves. There is romance there, but it's minimal, the development of the characters is fantastic. Male, female, 16-73. All can read the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

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. Grammar:+1

so it looks like I have my first 10 out of 10. My 2nd book in my 30 books this year, and I get a 10! I'm so excited :D. I know I won't be able to get this lucky for long, so I won't expect it, but doesn't it feel nice to have awesome books to read? YESS!!!

Others in series:

Moon Called

Blood Bound

Iron Kissed

Bone Crossed

Silver Borne

Homecoming (Graphic Novel Series #1)

So a couple years ago, I entered a contest to win an ARC of City of Glass... This is the non-winning, but still hilarious production that my brother, aunt/uncle and their little boy helped put on. (My Shirt won Honorable Mention--but sadly no ARC). You can see the original post here

Scandalous by Lori Foster

Scandalized!

Can passion challenge cool, levelheaded reason? Knee-melting kisses spark more than hotelier Tony

Austin or boutique owner Olivia Anderson ever planned. He wanted an heir, not a

wife. She wanted a no-strings affair…and delicious memories. Scandalous? Perhaps. And it was all going perfectly—until love got in the way.

Sex Appeal

Shadow Callahan sizes up sexy, successful Brent Bramwell as perfect hunk material, ideal for her shopping mall's contest. But take-charge Brent is much more interested in gorgeous, irrepressible Shadow, whose Sex Appeal shop and its, uh, eclectic merchandise make this in-control guy realize he's been missing out. He's got a wild side. And Shadow makes him want to misbehave….

I have found a new writer to follow and study! I absolutely loved these stories by Lori Foster. And I'm so glad I bought some of her other work. Which I would have done anyway, but doing it in advance makes it that much sweeter.

Her writing was fluid and quick but it never left me needing more. It definitely left me wanting lots more, but there's a major difference in the two. It was wonderful. I liked "Scandalized" best of the two, but "Sex Appeal" is very unique in its own right. One thing that I loved is that she didn't fall into the standard cycle that many romances do. Even though I was never faced with what the characters were faced with, I could relate to them easily. (At least for the most part when it comes to "Sex Appeal"... you'll understand why after you've read it). And I could actually see the characters doing what they were doing. And that's a hard thing to do when it comes to romances. [ummmm... I mean more towards the story and plot part.... hehe, not the... things that make it a "romance"] Sometimes it feels like everything they're doing is impossible, but not here :D

I recommend these short stories to anyone who loves a romantic story with pizzaz and enough comedy to keep you smiling through the whole thing.

Mortal Instruments - City of Bones

Their hidden world is about to be revealed....

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.

Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

This is a MUST read. I think the only thing that is bothersome is that it's written in the third person. That takes a little while to get used to it. But it doesn't take long for you to get past it. Cassandra Claire creates a VERY different and fantastic fictional world based in the everyday society in New York.

You become entranced in Clary's situation. It's almost like a Harry Potter beginning but with Shadowhunters instead of witches and warlocks.

Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow kiss

[edited 4/12/10. added rating system and labels]

 Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.
After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fr

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aught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through

this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

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This is a classic "don't judge a book by its cover". Richelle Mead did a wonderful job creating an alternate reality inside our own world with Vampires, Damphirs and the undead (aka Strigoi). She makes it easy to relate to the characters despite the major differences (like the whole blood sucking thing).

The two main characters have an incredible bond that is unlike anything you will experience. The way that Rose wants to protect Lissa is so selfless. It makes you re-evaluate the way you feel about your best friend.

The romance is very well done. It's both loving and frustrating to the core. You will fall in love with the love interest yourself by the time you're done. =).

1.Cover: +.5

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

Same 9.5 out of 10. If it weren't for the cover, I'd give this the well deserved 10 out of 10. But I have to be fair.

Rose Hathaway's got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, and she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian. (So not cool).

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladimir's on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians--including the legendary Janine Hathaway...Rose's formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks. This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose--and her heart--are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...

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The relationship between Dimitri and Rose makes you frustrated beyond belief.

The relationship between Lissa and Christian gets steamier and you actually kind of enjoy his company.

Rose is VERY strong, tough, and independent. There's a threat to Dimitri and Rose's not quite there relationship. One that will leave you breathless in the end.

There's a new character who you love to hate and hate to love! Only because they're as smooth as lotion and they feel just as good on the skin ;).

Despite all the good, it's a tragic story.

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

10 out of 10 :D

It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erratically, and worst of all...might be seeing ghosts. As Rose questions her sanity, new complications arise. Lissa has begun experimenting with her magic once more, their enemy Victor Dashkov might be set free, and Rose's forbidden relationship with Dimitri is starting to heat up again. But when a deadly threat no one saw coming changes their entire world, Rose must put her own life on the line--and choose between the two people she loves most.

Oh. My. Word. It made me laugh, made me cry, I wanted so much more to happen, and yet I was still happy on how it went. Rose kicks some more butt and Dimitri is still sexy. Yes, a fictional character is sexy. They're love reaches new hights and is explored beautifully by Richelle.

Rose's vision on her life changes more and more with each chapter. Until you finally hope she comes around to your own kind of thinking. Lissa gets a little irritating. Just a little bit.

You learn to love Adrian more than you hate him. He becomes a real person with feelings, rather than an annoying rich kid. He's charming for an alcoholic =).

But just when you think the last one is so horrible, you get to the end of this one and realize that the whole world can shatter in an unexpected instant.

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

Same 10 out of 10 :D

****Check out my YouTube Reviews here:
Vampire Academy
Frostbite
Shadow Kiss

The author's website:

http://www.richellemead.com/index.htm