Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Happy Ever After
by Nora Roberts
9-780425-236758
$16.00
Bride Quartet Series

Barnes and Noble synopsis:

Parker Brown turned the quartet’s childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she’s the face of Vows — the one who meets every bride’s demands; keeps every event on schedule; and brings Emma’s romantic flowers, Laurel’s delicious treats, and Mac’s stunning photography together in one glorious package. She knows how to make dreams come true…


Mechanic Malcolm Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker Brown — with her mile-long legs — is no exception. But as a good friend of Parker’s brother, Mal knows that moving from minor flirtation to major hookup is a serious step.


No man has rattled Parker in a long time, but the motorcycle-riding, raven-haired Mal seems to have a knack for it. His passionate kisses always catch her off guard, much like her growing feelings for him. Parker’s business risks have always paid off, but now she’ll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart…

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

I enjoyed this whole series. One thing I don't like is that it's too girly. All the girls get in to this mushy mushy time and it happens so often that it's hard to read. I almost skipped over those things. But I would have missed some key parts.

But I loved Malcom. I think he held my attention. The guys also were too mushy. It makes me sad that they were just as bad as the girls. Guys don't do that. At least the manly guys she portrayed every one of them to be (well, maybe besides Carter).

Anyway, I suggest reading the others (obviously first) and you'll end up reading all the way to the end of this because you like the other characters. I thought Parker would be the best, especially with Malcom, but I think my favorites are Emma & Jack and Laurel & Delaney.

Read Vision in White, Bed of Roses, and Savor the Moment first.

I thought Nora Roberts might wrap everything up, but maybe she's going to write another general one? Because they only got to Mac and Carter's wedding at the end, and everything else was totally left open with the "possibility of it".

The Christmas Brides by Linda Lael Miller

I took a hiatus from books for a while. With the wedding and planning some vacations and our honeymoon... But I'm back!! I've got a couple of recent books I have that I read. Here's the first one:

The Christmas Brides
by Linda Lael Miller
9-780373-775026
$7.99

B&N Synopsis:

A McKettrick Christmas


Lizzie McKettrick is on a homebound train with a Christmas Eve surprise for her family—a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie's certain Whitley cares for her deep down. But fate has a surprise for Lizzie—Dr. Morgan Shane. When their train is stranded by a massive avalanche on Christmas Eve the handsome doctor takes charge—with Lizzie by his side. Time's running out for the passengers. But with faith, hard work and some unexpected help, it just might be a joyous McKettrick family Christmas after all….


A Creed Country Christmas


In the Montana wilderness of 1910, Lincoln Creed is up against more than rustlers, wolves and winter storms. His young daughter, Gracie, has needs beyond the beans and bacon he can barely cook. The widowed rancher must find Gracie a suitable governess who won't set her sights on him. Disowned for her refusal to marry, the young schoolteacher Juliana Mitchell seems like a perfect fit in the Creed home. As she gets to know Lincoln and Gracie, Juliana suddenly doesn't feel so strongly against marriage after all. In the season of miracles, Providence just might find a way to bring these souls together in a wonderful Christmas blessing.

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

The first book (McKettricks) was slow building. Right away the main character threw away her first choice which made me wonder if she wasn't strong enough to stick with her decisions. But she ended up proving me wrong. I did feel like towards the end it just kept continuing when it could have ended several times. But Linda Lael Miller wanted to wrap everything up. I haven't read any of the McKettricks before, so I bought her other books in the McKettricks series for my kindle.

The second book (Creed) was really sweet. The tension was built quicker. The back of the book explained more about the the female character than the actual book did. Or at least the reason she is anti-______ (don't want to ruin it!). Parts were very touching between the two main characters. I do feel that some of the men's advice scenes are a little too far. Not much, but I can't imagine two tough guys laying their emotions out in front of each other, no matter the situation. At least in that situation. I dunno. I still really loved it.

Definitely read this book :) 
 
Ratings:


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

8 out of 10.

Don't Worry!

Hey Guys! I want to address my sudden change of reading preferences... don't worry, it's TEMPORARY! I just needed a "break" so I can re-love the romance/paranormal/ and young adult. I was getting bored because I kept reading the same thing over and over again.

I'm almost back! Don't worry! I did read a Jennifer Echol's book (young adult) that I LOVED! So I'll come back with a review on that :)

Thanks for hanging in there guys!

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!

Have you heard of this?

This looks pretty cool. What do you guys think?

Blog2Print

I'm not sure which blog I'd do, maybe the one that has my photography on it. Just to see my progress and all. But I thought the idea was neat enough to share it with fellow bloggers :D

Bad Mother by Ayelet Waldman

Bad Mother by Ayelet Waldman

Nonfiction-Psychology/Psychotherapy

9-780767-930697

$14.95

Barnes and Noble Synopsis

In our mothers’ day there were good mothers, indifferent mothers, and occasionally, great mothers. Today we have only Bad Mothers: If you work, you’re neglectful; if you stay home, you’re smothering. If you discipline, you’re buying them a spot on the shrink’s couch; if you let them run wild, they will be into drugs by seventh grade. Is it any wonder so many women refer to themselves at one time or another as a “bad mother”?

Writing with remarkable candor, and dispensing much hilarious and helpful advice along the way—Is breast best? What should you do when your daughter dresses up as a “ho” for Halloween?—Ayelet Waldman says it's time for women to get over it and get on with it in this wry, unflinchingly honest, and always insightful memoir on modern motherhood.


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


I actually really like this book! I didn't get to read it to its full potential (I needed to return it to the library and I tried to read the Men/Mars, Women/Venus book before hand and I ran out of time!!). But it was very enjoyable.


I found myself thinking the same things that she pointed out. Whether it be the things I think about when I see someone being a "bad mother" or about loving her husband more than her kids. Just yesterday, I caught myself thinking to myself, "wow, what a horrible mom".. then instantly tried looking at it from her point of view. And I understood. Sort of. It's a work in progress, but I think the situation in which I speak of could have actually physically harmed her daughter. And I can't imagine any mom wanting their kids hurt. Even if you love your husband more than you do your kids.


Aaalright, I'll tell you what happened. I was backing out of a parking space and was waiting for this mom and her 3 small children (I'd say 3, 5, 7) to cross past us, but they stopped to let me out. So I proceeded to back up and right as I started turning to decide which way of the "parking aisle" I was going, she started walking in between me and the car beside me. Her daughter was right next to my front left fender, squished in between me, and her mom that was pushing the cart through the impossibly small space. Of course I stopped, said "geeezus" and thought the "bad mom" thing. But JUST getting done reading Ayelet's book, I stopped, because that was an unfair assessment. I've never met this woman, I don't know what she's like. Just because of one incident where she may have been thinking about when dad was coming home, dinner, getting her kids and herself out of the heat, and whether or not she was going to get a shower tonight, it doesn't mean she deserved the title. So, I changed it from "bad mom" to "potential moron". haha, not much better, but at least it gives her a break on being the perfect being and allowing mistakes that remind her and us that she's human.


The other part I related to was the loving her spouse more than her kids. And I've gotta say, I INSTANTLY related to it. But, that might have been because I don't have any kids. But when I grudgingly fantasize it, for the sake of Ayelet's point, I realize that the love is completely different. Marriage is not an unconditional thing. Love for another with no biological relationship, is not an unconditional thing. You work at a marriage if you want to be successful. Or even just a relationship. You work at it like you would if they were your bf/gf. You have to keep it exciting and real and romantic. But with kids, there's the very biological connection. You made them, they carry some of your traits and attributes, their DNA is from you! So.. it's a majorly different feeling!

Anyway, she's witty and fun, I recommend it for those that need a break from our usual reading ;)

Review: Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus by John Gray

In case you didn't realize... this is not the "normal" reading material for me. But lately, I've been lagging on what to read. Nothing sounds or looks good. The current books I've been attempting to read have been, well, meh. Then, in case you didn't know, I'm getting hitched in September. So the books that have been of the most interest to me lately are self-help/relationship books. hence, Men/Mars, Women/Venus. I just want to make sure that my #1 and I are fully prepared before we do this marriage thing.

So here's the first of many relationship/help books:

Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

by John Gray

HarperCollins

$14.99

Barnes and Noble:

Once upon a time, Martians and Venusians met, fell in love, and had happy relationships together because they respected and accepted their differences. Then they came to Earth and amnesia set in: they forgot they were from different planets.

Using this metaphor to illustrate the commonly occurring conflicts between men and women, Dr. John Gray explains how these differences can come between the sexes and prohibit mutually fulfilling, loving relationships. Based on years of successful counseling of couples and individuals, he gives advice on how to counteract these differences in communication styles, emotional needs and modes of behavior to promote a greater understanding between individual partners.

Now available in its complete, unabridged form, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is an invaluable tool for developing deeper and more satisfying relationships.

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

I had high hopes for this book. It's been referenced by all different types of people for all different types of reasons. I've heard many praises about it. Unfortunately, I found it extremely annoying.
 
It was repetitive. Like, extremely repetitive. He'd tell a story or make a point at the beginning of a chapter, and every paragraph afterwards would be saying the same thing over and over and over again. I understand that it's probably his way to really drive home the point, and open it up so that if you didn't understand it in any of the first 7 paragraphs, then you have a chance on the other 20. But I just got so annoyed, really fast. I tried to push my way through the rest of the book (by this point, I was on chapter 4). But I could only get to chapter 6... and I only read his highlighted points for chapter 5 and 6.
 
Another reason I didn't like it was because I couldn't relate to it. He explains early on that when he says men(martians)/women(Venusians), it may not refer directly to you. And that you may be more Martian than Venusian (girl), or more Venusian than Martian (guy). But most of the time, I didn't fit anywhere. And when I did, it was mostly Martian. Though, I know that I used to be Venusian before I started listening to my brain more than my crazy feelings.
 
Maybe he changed views after chapter 6 and I'm missing out, but he seemed to tell guys to change more than he told girls. I don't like that. It seemed like he was telling guys to just do what your girl says, otherwise, your life will be hell. And I don't agree... to do whatever the woman wants, and not ask her to change or compromise because that's just the way she is... is so dumb. And it vaginizes men, making them weak. And men are the ones that fight for us in wars. I'd prefer them not to be weakened by compromise.
 
So anyway, I didn't like the book. I didn't finish it. I'm returning it to the library as soon as I can to exchange it for some other relationship-help books... I don't think I really like the way that sounds, "relationship-help" books. Maybe I'll call them... "relationship-strengthening" books.. or something.
 
Ratings:



1. Cover +1
2. Hooked: +0
3. Finished the book: +0
4. Overall Feeling: ugggh +0
5. Re-readability: +0
6. Suggest to others: +0
7. Lost time: +0
8. Readability: +1

2 out of 10. Wow, I really didn't like this book! Did anyone else enjoy or get something good out of this book?

How do you read?

Last week sometime, I got my... erm... 2nd  library card!!! I used to have a library card back in my hometown, but my brother used it and ruined the books he check out... and I just never felt right about going back after that. Needless to say, it's been about.... 7 ish years since then, and if going by the time that bad luck or gum is digested, I thought it was time!

But! Being the bookstore snob that I am, I really don't like how they have the sections set up. It's so annoying and impossible to figure out. I guess it's just because I'm re-learning it. There's not even a quarter of the selection that bookstores have, in my library.Since it's fairly new, I'm giving it a pass p

Since they don't have a great selection, I've decided (and started practicing) that I will use my library for books I want to read, but don't want to buy. Because there are a lot. You know those types of books right? They can be books that won't ever make it to mass market (the small ones), therefore, too expensive (example: Self-help, Recommends, etc). Or they're books written by money hoarding people, but I want to see why people LOVE them (example: Glenn Beck, the bible and other religious studies... etc).

Then there's the e-books! I get the ones that are either cheap (the $1.99 ones!!) or they're  EROTICA books ;p. I just have a hard time walking around with a mostly naked man that may have just a leaf covering his fun parts on the cover... It doesn't make me as uncomfortable as it does other people who see it. I just can't wait until I get a Nook! I've been reading all my e-books on the Barnes and Noble desktop reader on my laptop or desktop. PLUS! There are some awesome decals for the Nook that makes me want it even more. hahaha.

I save buying real books for all the mass markets! AND all the books that are written by my favorite authors, or a series I really enjoy. I haven't been buying too many Y/A titles lately though. That's because my boss has been getting them from the publisher so I can say yay or nay to putting them in our stores.

So that's how I read! How do you read your books?

Your help please!!

Hey Everyone!!!


This weekend I'm going to my FIRST! really cheap book sale put on at UC Davis by the Friends of the Library. :D I've never gone to one before! Which means I don't know what they have or what to expect, but we're going on the $5-a-bag day. SO!! since it's so cheap, I was hoping I could get a few books to give away in some contests! But what I need from  you guys is:


Are there any authors you want me to look for?
Are there any genres you want me to look for?

I know these are all used books, but I'm only looking for the best for you awesome people! Otherwise, if I can't find the best, I'll buy the 2nd best, read it myself, review it, then request a copy from either the publisher or the author to give away... If that doesn't work... well than crap... (when I mean best... MAYBE a crease on the spine... though I enjoy used books a lot, so I can still use them if you REALLY want me too, but we'll stay away from that).


Thanks so much for your help everyone!!! I'm so excited I may have to put on a diaper to prevent wetting my pants ;p.

Friday Blog Hop!

Hey Everyone!! Yay!!!! It's Friday!!! I can't tell you how excited I am for this weekend! #1 & and I get to go to a theme park on Sunday since Monday is a holiday. I think I'll be working on some personal books. And I'm hoping to finish my Aunt's (late) birthday present (It's a very Personal Library Kit--I'll post pictures!!!  It's going to be totally kick-ass. Maybe I'll start selling them??! But with you guys, I'll include review cards too so you can keep track of your thoughts on the books you review)

Okay, let's start the Hopping!

"It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger HOP!!


This is for ALL BOOK BLOGGERS (NEW AND OLD) and READERS! Let's make some new friends and have fun! It's FRIDAY!!!"




Check out Crazy-for-Books who is the host of the Friday blog hop! Thanks for letting me join Crazy! :D


Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to seeing your blog :D


**********I'm having a problem getting the link so you can go on to the next blog... Sorry guys!!! You can go to the previous blog and select a new one, or click the link on the Crazy-for-Books link above, until then! sorry!!!!*********

One Bite With a Stranger by Christine Warren

One Bite With A Stranger

by Christine Warren

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Others

St Martins Press Oct. '08


**Favorite Quote**

My God. I think I'm dead, she mused, too tired to get worked up about it. He fucked me to death


Not yet, milaya, he chuckled. But there's always next time.


Back of the book:


When Regina's friends insist on setting her up  on a "Fantasy Fix" to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It's time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun...


The Vampire Ball in Manhattan's East Village isn't really Dmitri Vidame's idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs The Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on the fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for...until she-and her feisty friends--discover her sexy new lover's bloodsucking secret...

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Right off, this book reminds me of the good ol' days when I actually had girl friends. Then I remember all the drama of having girl friends and I see once again, why it's best if I don't mingle with other females :P. But I did like the idea of the "fantasy fix" I actually think that would have made for a better series than including or starting off The Others Series.

I couldn't ever get a good read on Regina. She seemed a little like me, but too flimsy. So, she was stubborn and thought her friends were crazy (that'd be the me-relating part) but she just turned to absolute putty around Dmitri (--the not me part). She just seemed to be so conflicting. I think the thing I enjoyed most about her was that she had red hair... i believe. (hahaha... I read it somewhere in the book, but then it never mentioned it again. So... I may have made her a redhead.)

Dmitri was ... well, a vampire. He was the suave and dangerous type as would be expected. He could read minds, some more clearly than others. He can also put his thoughts in yours too... which also means that he can mind rape you. Now, I don't consider pulling psychological bullsh*t on another "mind raping" like most others do. If that were the case, every female would be at fault. With all the games they play with both men and women, if that were turned into a legal offense.. then we'd all be guilty and sent to jail. So, when I speak  of "mind rape" in this instance, I'm talking about him actually putting a thought (literally) into someones mind and coaxing it mentally. Not with words or actions... but he's using his mind connection to do that. That's what I consider "mind rape". At the end of the book of course he claims that he could never do such a thing, but what he can do is take something that's already there and make it stronger or less in that person's mind. So he can't force you to do something you never considered doing. Like trying clams... Or stabbing myself in the stomach. etc. 

But where Dmitri screws himself with the mind reading, he makes up for a very tiny bit in his nick name. I LOVE nicknames, especially the ones of a different language. "Misha" is his nickname.. and as you saw above, he calls Regina: Milaya. Nothing particularly pretty about either name, but it just makes me happy. It did make me a little uncomfortable when other people outside of their lovers embrace called him Misha. It kind of dulled it down a little bit, thus, bringing him back to square one with the mind reading.

The only way to sort of redeem himself is through the sex though. Holy cow was the first "sex scene" hot! In fact, on my cheat note card, I wrote: "1st sex scene-Holy Moly!" They're hot, and of course, as present in this book as they are in the others of the Other series.

My FAVORITE scene of the whole book, has to go to one of the almost very last ones. When I read through it, all I could think of were her friends looking disheveled and crazy-eyed holding pitchforks and fire-lit torches.... :D

Ratings:

1. Cover +1

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: meh +1

5. Re-readability: +0

6. Suggest to others: +1

7. Lost time: +.5

8. Readability: +1

So, I give this a 6.5 out of 10. I would only suggest this to those that have already started or would like to read all of the Others' series. Or if you just love series. It's not a bad read, but it's not amazing. And besides trying to figure out the actual order this series goes in, I don't think I would read it again. This book does feel like it's first (as says Barnes and Noble)

RIP Paul Gray

Since I'm a lover of rock and metal music, I'm just getting the word out that Paul Gray, bassist of Slipknot, died yesterday (May 24, 2010). Not sure why or how as of yet, it's just stated that it was sudden. Obviously, due to the rock lifestyle and the fact that he was 38, there has been speculation of substance abuse. But whatever, he's dead, that's the point of this post. I don't care how. It sucks either way. I wonder how Slipknot will move on. I mean, he wasn't the lead singer but it still has an effect on the people close to him.

But since the band is a business, I hope they can pull through and find a kick-ass bassist to move forward with. I know they'll still be able to produce great records even if Paul's not with them. And if it was caused by illegal substances, I hope that the rest of the band can see this as a warning... (if they're even doing it!!)


Try listening to a song of theirs (if you don't like metal: I recommend "Snuff") as a tribute! Thanks gals/guys for this moment!

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)**

Anxiously Waiting for....

Hey friends!

I believe I'm behind on just 1 book of the series (don't worry, it's sitting on my shelf, taunting me), but I am having a hard time waiting for work to be over with so I can go buy Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter! It's been on my Waiting on Wednesday meme every single week!! So you better believe I'm not stopping until I've licked the cover of my future copy at Borders... Hopefully they let me walk out of the store with it before they carry me away in a straight jacket where "everything will be okay".

Actually, is there something called a tongue sanitizer? Because I can only guess how many people have handled each book before it gets to my hands (my guess would be pretty accurate since I know how many it takes to get it in to grocery stores) so I would hate to catch something by licking it. And I can't not lick it... that's how you're supposed to claim things.. even cars! Plus, it would be just my luck that I would grab the last copy at the store and someone tries to steal it from me. Imagine if you did that and I yelled after you "I licked that!!! It's mine!!!" OR... WHAT IF!! I don't get any copy, but I see someone walking around with the last one, and I steal it from them... then lick it. They can't very well ask for it back... I licked it!

So you see, I need tongue sanitizers... (besides the obvious brushing teeth... I can't carry a tooth brush around too) If you can create/test/mail me that before 3:00pm today... that'd be cool.


AnYwAy! Go get your copy today!!!! OORR EELLSSE!!! :P


Gena Showalter's blog - website

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)


-Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser!

You're So Vein 

by Christine Warren 

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Others

$6.99

Pg: 117

"'Lapushka,' he gritted out, 'your fangs are not yet sharp enough to be snapping them at me.'

She smiled as sharp as broken glass. 'Why don't you put your dick back in my mouth and we'll see about that?'"

Ah! I think I'm saving that as a favorite quote!! :D What's your Teaser?!

A Bit of Rough by Laura Baumbach

A Bit of Rough by Laura Baumbach

Genre: Gay/Lesbian Erotica

e-book

MLR Press, LLC 2008

9-781934-531365

Barnes and Noble Synopsis:

Architect James Justin impulsively lets himself be picked up in a biker bar by seductive hunk Bram Lord for a one nightstand that turns into something bigger. The physically impressive, forceful stranger meets, matches and exceeds James' sexual fantasies, but can shy, uncertain James be everything the strongly committed Bram wants? 

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

First scene took place at a bar. Like a biker bar... (obviously right... it says it above). But the craziness I'm trying to relay here is that the first scene of the book, is pretty hot. And that's before they get outside to do the dirty stuff. I was tense through the whole thing, just waiting for someone there to yell out some kind of profanity and for there to be a fight. No matter the size of the 2nd character (Bram).

Speaking of, Bram was a gentle giant. BUT! He wasn't afraid to pull out the guns. He enjoyed the small things (i.e. James) and then doing baaad things to those little things (i.e. tie him up and "ee-ee" [bf & my lingo for sex/f**k/make love/horizontal tango/etc] aaalll freaking day and night). Seriously?! Almost TMI for a moment... I don't know of any male over the age of 30 that can do it multiple times a day. Plus, I heard it hurts. Maybe these too were really lucky though?! Probably, since the eroticism was off the charts. I don't think the Energizer Bunny could keep it going for that long!!!  And it was not strictly secluded to the bed. There was the bath, kitchen, alley, office, you name it, they "christened" it. Or marked it. 

There was a little bit of a story that went along with this book, which I think pulled it all together. James' past is what a lot of gays I think used to have to go through (I say "used to" because now it's now the kids that grew up thinking it was okay to be gay that are having kids). Bram's was the opposite. Both pasts helped shape the two men. I actually related more to James' than Bram's though.

Ratings:

1. Cover +1

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: :D +2

5. Re-readability: +.5

6. Suggest to others: +1

7. Lost time: nope! +1

8. Readability: +1

8.5 out of 10!!! :D Here's why:

If I were to re-read this book, I'd probably just skim through it to get to all the awesome dirty stuff. I also can only recommend this book to those that enjoy gay/lesbian books. So if you love that genre, I suggest giving this one a try! Bram, I think, steals the show from James, but you'll enjoy their relationship (between the sheets & out) as it progresses. 

Author's website

Author's Blog

[btw, I love her blog header: "The thoughts and challenges I come across in being a heterosexual woman, wife and mother who loves to write m/m erotic romances. I'm not gay or male, but the thoughts of two gorgeous, confident men together is my idea of a hot time! I write for others, both men and women, who feel the same." Totally understand that!!]

**please email me if you've read and reviewed this book so I can add a link to your site!**

Have you heard of this?

So about 6 months back, I was talking to my BFF about a business idea... book rentals in a Netflix sort of way. So, a little different from the library system. The lazier sort of way :D


And I couldn't find one... until now.


Have any of you used Bookswim? Or heard of it? good/bad?


It was featured on gifts.com for book lovers and I've never seen it before. It's probably been around for a while, but I just couldn't find it via search. I don't know if I'd use it all that often (since I'm working on my future library collection), but I know some people who might...


What do you think about it?

Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding

Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding.

Series: Dreg City Series (#1)

Dell 2009

$7.99

Some favorite quotes:

"...it's not every day a person becomes a reanimated corpse. My day was decidedly much worse, so I did the most sensible thing that came to mind. I stole her tennis shoes." pg. 6

"I can do a better job of ripping him a new asshole when I don't feel so much like death on cracker" pg. 106. (pst.. not sure what death on cracker means... but I heart the blunt badass-ness :D)

"I could have stayed like that for the rest of my afterlife... only I had to pee." pg 296 (hehehehe)

Barnes and Noble Synopsis:

They’ll never see her coming. . . .


When Evangeline Stone wakes up naked and bruised on a cold slab at the morgue—in a stranger’s body, with no memory of who she is and how she got there—her troubles are only just beginning. Before that night she and the two other members of her Triad were the city’s star bounty hunters, mercilessly cleansing the city of the murderous creatures living in the shadows, from vampires to shape-shifters to trolls. Then something terrible happened that not only cost all three of them their lives but also convinced the city’s other Hunters that Evy was a traitor—and she can’t even remember what it was.


Now she’s a fugitive, piecing together her memory, trying to deal some serious justice—and discovering that she has only three days to solve her own murder before the reincarnation spell wears off. Because in three days Evy will die again—but this time there’s no second chance. . . .

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

Wow... this was a fantastic read. Especially for a debut book! Well, maybe especially is the wrong word. I know that most authors spend up to years on one single book with edits and what not before it's picked up by agents.... but you know what I mean.. I hope?!

So it starts out with one of my favorite quotes from the book: "I don't recall the first time I died, but I do remember the second time I was born" I hope it hit you the same way it did me... which was "whoa! what?! second birth? first death? who gets that!? what's going on?" Or something like that.

So already, it starts out with a catch. The way things happened and fell into place were things that I wouldn't think of, but they held merit and I couldn't deny it (about 98% of the time). Besides the "who" behind all the bad stuff happening.. I guessed that one pretty quickly. The "dregs" were interesting creatures.. some of them. Some were like the ones you have no idea what they look like, you just know they're scary and you would not want to cross paths with one any day of the week.

I'd put this more in the Urban Fantasy section, if they had it at major book stores (get with the times already! Not every Sci-Fi/Fantasy/or Romance belongs there!!) since there's some sexual tension, but it's not this passionate love affair or anything. It's more along the lines of fighting bad guys and solving mystery, and then there's the sexual tension. But as a lover of sex (*cough* i mean romance novels) I was left wanting more. I mean, sure there was one incident that was so sweet i almost cried (j/k, I don't cry) but I never got that ease of the tension. Which, even though I'd consider it Urban Fantasy, I think it'd be okay to add one extra awesome part for readers like me. Maybe Kelly Meding just didn't think it was appropriate to include, which is her prerogative, but I definitely don't think it would have taken away from her awesome book.

So, as much as I L-O-V-E this book, there were some parts that didn't quite make sense. Like... and without giving it away... the decisions made on page 138... I think that the thought might have crossed their mind as being...... un.. safe? okay, that's good, didn't give away ANYTHING!

Back to the love stuff. There was one character who had the power to make or break Kelly. And I'm so glad she got it right. I believe in coincidence, but I don't believe in easy persuasion and altering a person's choice. Especially if you want that person to be strong, caring and loyal. So out of it all, this character became a favorite because of how Kelly allowed them to speak rather than making it easier on her writing. So what happens to this character is so devastating I think I actually did start to tear up for a little bit. I wish it could have been different, but I'm sure it was just as hard for Kelly to do as it is for me to even think about doing it to my non-important characters.

I know, I know... this pretty much tells you nothing. That's the point. Sort of. I want you to know how I felt while reading this book so you can choose for yourself if you want to go on the ride. (Which I REALLY recommend for this one!).

Ratings:

1. Cover +1

2. Hooked: +1

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: :D +2

5. Re-readability: +1

6. Suggest to others: +9 [obsessive series readers only]

7. Lost time: nope! +1

8. Readability: +1

9 out of 10!!! :D Here's why:

If you're looking for an action packed, mind game, sort of Memento feel, and an Urban Fantasy book all wrapped up in one neat package... READ THIS!!!

Not for the ones who like sex... I mean romance... though you get a brief tumble with our favorite thing ;). Definitely worth the read anyway :D... but I can't suggest it to that type of reader with absolute conviction that they'll enjoy it (we all wish) as much as I have.

2nd book in the Dreg City Series: As Lie the Dead

Author Website

Author Blog

Other Reviews:

Paranormal Fantasies (Thanks for showing me the second book! I was hoping for it!)

My Reading Addiction

**Please let me know if you've reviewed this and would like me to add your link :D**