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

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.

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...

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

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)

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

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Series: Bride Quartet
Penguin
Released 4/27/2010
$16.00


Why I read: I read the first two in this series and enjoyed them! I wanted to continue reading to find out what happens with each character.

Favorite Quotes:
(talking about exercise endorphins. Laurel to Mac)
"How do you know when you orgasm?"
"Yea?" Mac brightened. "It's like that?"
"Sadly no, but the principle of 'you know when you get there' is the same..."


(Parker and Laurel. Del took something of hers)
"It was nothing like that. I took them off, and then he was there, and I left them after... Nothing. It was sort of tit for tat."
Parker nodded. "Your tit or his tat?"



Barnes and Noble Synopsis:


New Love takes the cake in the third novel in Nora Roberts's new Bride Quartet-in a stunning French flap edition Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood. But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

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

My review: 


I had been looking forward to this book since I finished Bed of Roses (having already read the first in the Bride Quartet Series: Vision in White). This book, though I wished it were different, failed to deliver... anything.


I was looking forward to reading about the brother. He was the protector of the group of girls, and he had a problem with the love interest in Bed of Roses, and I just wanted to see how he thought of himself having already scolded someone for doing the same thing. That, and I hardly knew much about Laurel from the previous books so I was excited to see who she really was.


I was ready for internal conflict or awkward moments, etc. None came. Everything was perfect. Sun shining, orgasmic sex every time (though briefly glossed over), hard work out schedule (who sticks to it so religiously?!) and everyone loves everything she does. There was hardly any ugly moments and when there was, it had nothing to do with the character really. Someone else was creating the ugly moment. They were both really boring people.


The only time either Del or Laurel showed an ounce of human was at his office. And that was just Del. A lot of times, either one would "think" something profound and there would be no tension or suspense built to that moment. For example, after "ee eee eee-ing" (aka.. how #1 and I refer to having sex as) together, Laurel thought it was a life time of dreams come true... without build up. The sex was glossed over so much that you couldn't even grasp what they were feeling (obviously the emotions, since that's how women have sex mostly, and it would appeal to a greater audience to do that). But the sex to me, was forgettable. The emotions and feeling surrounding them during sex was forgettable.


Maybe it was because the book was really hard to follow. Or it could be because the relationship between Del and Laurel didn't match. They didn't complement each other, in my opinion at least, so I had a hard time believing in their relationship. I could also point fingers at the fact that I dislike the "feel good" romances. Things go wrong in relationships and life, I don't want to read about a religiously fit and perfect cake maker. You could be the best cake maker and still not get at least one cake bid right. There's too much "happy tears" in this one. I don't wish death upon people so they're as miserable as I am. But, not everything goes according to what you want, how you want it, etc.


So, did I feel like my time was wasted? Yes
Would I read it again? No

Would I recommend others to read it? only if you don't like missing books in series like I dislike.

Ratings:

1. Cover +1

2. Hooked: +.5

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: ugh: +0

5. Re-readability: +.0

6. Suggest to others: +1 [obsessive series readers only]

7. Lost time: +0

8. Readability: +0


I think this is the lowest I've ever given something. 3.5 out of 10. I never understood the appeal of Nora Roberts, but I thought I'd give her a try. I mean, she has a butt-load of books out! (a butt load is equivalent to a crap load... which equals out to be a lot) And I really did like the first two in her series, but I may be a little more hesitant the next time I want to try a book of hers. Unless you have some recommendations?



Author website

Wolf at the Door by Christine Warren

Wolf at the Door by Christine Warren

Series: The Others

Paranormal/Romance

March 2006

St Martin's

$6.99

Why I read: I was looking for a new series to start and enjoy, and this one had several done already.


One Favorite Quote: "Did you just call me Benji?"


[update: I realized recently *cough*today*cough* that I read the series out of order... I thought this was the first in the series. But no, it's the 4th. I'm going back to read the 1st! Of course, I also read the 6th before realizing this, so I'm all mixed up. Please note that if there were any inconsistencies that I noticed, it's probably due to coming in to the stories in the middle of the series. I can't change what I said because it was how I felt. It also proves that you should start at the beginning of every series! Bummer, I know. I can't believe I messed up! Ugh]

Barnes and Noble Synopsis:

Christine Warren’s spellbinding new series takes you into the enthralling world of The Others—mystical creatures who have long kept their true natures hidden from human eyes. Now, these werekin, shapeshifters, vampires, and witches must choose between revealing their powers or fighting a sinister sect hell-bent on their destruction…

WHEN DANGER MEETS DESIRE…
Sullivan Quinn didn’t travel 3,000 miles from his native Ireland and his wolf pack just to chase rabidly after the most delectable quarry he’s ever seen. Quinn is in America on a mission—to warn his Other brethren of a shadowy group willing to use murder and mayhem to bring them down. But one whiff of this Foxwoman’s delicious honeysuckle fragrance and he knows that she is more than a colleague or a conquest…she is his mate.

THEY’LL DISCOVER…
Anthropologist Cassidy Poe is a world-renowned authority on social interaction, but the overpowering desire she feels around Quinn defies every ounce of her expertise. Working by his side to uncover The Others’ enemies poses risks she never expected—to her own safety, to those she loves, and to her heart, as every encounter with Quinn proves more blissfully erotic than the last…

THE ANIMAL WITHIN…
Now, with no one to trust but each other, Quinn and Cassidy face a foe that’s edging closer every day, threatening to destroy the life they’ve always known, and the passion they’ve just discovered…

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

My review:

It took a while for me to get in to the book. Even the initial contact between the two main characters kind of bothered me. Quinn seemed really stalker-ish. Given enough time, I found that not to be the case, but that initial feeling was uncomfortable.

I felt that plot took a distant second place after a while. Or maybe I misunderstood the plot. Which is very possible! They have to find who is trying to "out" the Others before they do, and it felt slow getting to the finding part. In fact, I don't even know if they did find the who/what. They found the root cause, just not the who/what [does that make sense? you're probably staring at this thinking "what the hell are you talking about crazy]. wAt this point, I keep telling myself.. who cares? They got to the root of it, what more do you need? But I felt like this whole time I wanted to know who the puppet was and I all I got was a sort of puppeteer. Maybe I need to re-read the last few pages to make sure I'm not being an idiot.

I did something really weird with this book though. I stopped reading it for about a month at the very end... What?! Who does that? I think I was in a reading slump and I just was hung up on the root cause and who the Light of Truth that's trying to expose them is, and the fact that I didn't understand what was going on. Once again, my problem. I'm sure Christine Warren explained it perfectly for the non-challenged people.

The only honest and true complaint I have is that the resolution to the conflict of exposure ended too suddenly for it to be normal. But the ending for me is huge. I understand the need for the fluff at the end, but nothing is wrapped up in neat little packages in real life, and I just feel that books should portray that sometimes [yes... i know it's not real, but for it to be relatively believable even in a fictional world, I don't like neat endings--that's one reason I hate chick flicks]. 

OKAY! That was the bad.. Here's the good:

Christine Warren's writing was great! Most of it flowed together flawlessly [I say mostly, because as with all books, some sentences had to be re-read several times to understand what she was saying].  Their romance, though it had a rough start... a really awkward rough start, it was believable. Some parts were fluffed, but whatever. I could believe that they actually had a connection to each other. Their foreplay and/or sexual encounters were.... awesome! :D Very blush worthy if someone catches you reading those pages. ;)-

Another really neat thing she did was that she didn't make Quinn an Alpha. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Alphas [mmmmmmm]. But he didn't need to be an Alpha to be dominant. He also had a great and unique role in his pack that I haven't heard of before. I think it might have been too much, so that was a perfect decision made by Christine Warren.

Ratings:

1. Cover +1

2. Hooked: +.5

3. Finished the book: +1

4. Overall Feeling: meh: +1

5. Re-readability: +.5--might skim through

6. Suggest to others: +1

7. Lost time: ... not really +1

8. Readability: +1

Looks like it's a 7 out of 10. Which makes me happy that I have my rating system. I would have felt that after the month of a break [from all books really] that I should rate it lower.

Website

Str8te Boys by Evangeline Anderson

Str8te Boys by Evangeline Anderson

June 2009

Gay, Romance, Erotica

Samhain Publishing

Why I read it: Loved the first book I read of hers, and I wanted to taste another. [go here for the review I did on The Assignment]

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.

How far would you dare to go…to win it all?

Maverick Holms and Duke Warren share almost everything—a college soccer team, an apartment and the same extremely competitive nature. Thanks to that never-back-down spirit, they’re about to share more than they bargained for.

The game is “gay chicken”. The rule: get as close as possible without kissing, and the one that pulls away first is the loser. The problem: neither of them likes to lose. It isn’t long before the game becomes an excuse to touch and kiss in every possible forbidden way. And after they pose for a gay website to earn extra money, things really heat up.

Suddenly Duke is talking lifetime commitment, and Mav is backpedaling as hard as he can, not sure if he’s ready to accept all his best friend is offering him. Or the truth about what he is.

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

Str8te boys followed the same format as her other I read, The Assignment. So I already liked the way things happened, but it did leave me a bit disappointed that she couldn't have changed it just a bit more. There were obvious differences that are revealed in the end, so I won't spoil those, but it followed too closely to the other for me to get the full benefit I could have.

I did love how it was fast paced, and exciting. Daring even. The way it developed was a bit differently because of certain aspects, but there's still that uncomfortable feeling. I mean, not all scary relationships start out the same way right? 

I say scary because it's going outside of your comfort zone. It's not like they go out there knowing without a doubt that they like one way or another. They develop it and find out that it's true with each other. I still recommend The Assignment first, but I will add a "but" clause in there. If you're not ready for overly flamboyant-ness, then you should read Str8te Boys first. Because it does explore it from a different, less showy way than The Assignment.

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: .5

Same 9.5 out of 10 as her The Assignment.  Well deserved.

This is book 3 out of my 30 book challenge! check!! :D

The Assignment by Evangeline Anderson

How do I start this... I guess the picture does an awesome job of hinting at it. But for the obvious challenged, I'll elaborate:

I read a gay book. Not just any gay book either. It was my very first gay book, and boy was it HOT! And by "gay" I don't mean it in the sense that it sucked [pun half way intended]. I'm talking about a for realz man-LOVES-man gay book. And I lOvEd it! I've been curious to read one for a while now, I've just been nervous to purchase it at stores. But with this awesome technological time, I didn't even have to talk to anyone to buy it and read it that same day. I was partially prepared since I love reading the raunchiest of raunchy romance novels sometimes, so it wasn't too much of a stretch for my brain.

The best part about the whole book?? I think there was only one woman throughout the whole thing. And she said maybe two sentences in her brief appearance. Even in books, women can be so obnoxious, it's annoying. Especially the "extras".

What's a gay book like, you ask? Well, this one was just like a romance novel, but with less baggage.... [wow, everything I say can have a double meaning. I feel like every sentence should be followed up with "that's what she said" or in this case, "that's what he said"]. I guess a better way to say that is that there was no emotional baggage. Yeah, the characters had their pasts and they overcame it, but it didn't haunt them the way it usually does for women.

The difference? When confronted with a problem in their childhood, women [typically--please, I understand all women are different and there are exceptions] tend to become jaded because of it. Men however, use that to grow character. Be stronger, and better than what they had.

I think that's enough of the furious rant I'll do on women, back to the book!

The Assignment Synopsis provided by BarnesandNoble[dot]com.

Detective Nicholas Valenti, tall, dark and stoic, has been best friends with his partner, Sean O'Brian for six years. The two men have seen each other through divorce, disaster, and danger, and saved each other's asses more times than Valenti can count. Exactly when he started seeing his blond, intense partner in another light, Valenti isn't really sure. He only knows that he wants O'Brian in a way that had nothing to do with friendship and everything to do with possession. It is a desire he will have to hide forever because O'Brian is undeniably straight.

Just as Valenti is coming to grips with his new, unacceptable feelings for his partner their police captain puts them on a new case that could blow Valenti's cover once and for all. He and O'Brian are going undercover at the country's largest and most infamous gay resort to bust a notorious drug lord and stop the shipments of poison cocaine that are flooding the gay bars all over the city.

Now Valenti will have to make a choice between friendship and desire. He and O'Brian will play the roles of gay men that will push the limits of their relationship to the breaking point. Will their time at the RamJack forge a new bond between them or destroy their partnership forever?

That synopsis [and the cover of two really ripped guys] had me intrigued initially [naturally of course]. Then the price of $1.87 on BarnesandNoble[dot]com for the e-book made me forget objections.

Now, in case you didn't know, I hardly ever go after the "meaning of" or the "message" that books/movies have. I could care less. My criteria of an awesome book is much more platonic than figuring out whether the message helped along the meaning of the book/film. For example? I buy books based on cover [i.e. the two really hot bod's on the cover of this book ;)>]. But this book blew my mind [haha, so many puns, so little time].

One thing at a time might be easier I think, especially with it being such a delicate topic for lots to handle.

The relationship: These guys have been partners for longer than I've been with my #1. They're detectives, which means they have to be able to work together for longer than the normal 40 hours. They need to be compatible and care deeply for the other and their well being. That in itself is always a hard thing for a guy to express openly [which is one reason why they get the opportunity for this assignment]. They trust each other, and love each other completely. They already have the tracks laid and linked together.

The assignment: They have to go to this flamboyantly gay resort to find out the murder of a young kid that overdosed on deadly laced drugs. Now, I don't know how real this is, but the resort seems like a stereotypical dominance (sponsor)/ submissive (twinkie) gay... country club... or something like that. They're open and are free to express themselves sexually, which I understand, since they don't really get the chance anywhere else. But the assignment changes everything for these partners. They have to do things they probably wouldn't have done outside the resort, and it's obviously a crucial component of the story.

Their love: Since this is in the mind and voice of Detective Nick Velenti, you don't get the prospective of Detective Sean O'Brien. You get caught up in the way that Nick feels, and the frustrating way Sean says stuff, then takes it back. Ugh! But, that makes it so great. The love they share is sooooooo genuine. And in at least Nick's point of view, he isn't attracted to any other guy. Just his partner. The same partner that's been there for him through everything, that he almost lost forever. And not in the cheesy "heroine runs away from hero because she feels sorry for the koala bears"... or whatever.

Tactful writing: It was written so tactfully that it expressed the fear of "coming out". I mean, they're straight guys. They double date... with girls. They're not attracted to other men. They're neither gay nor straight. In fact, that line doesn't exist here. At all. Sure, if you're one of those people that absolutely HAVE to place a label on them or your head my blow up with any other concept, you may think they're bisexual. But no! You couldn't be more wrong. If they just need a booty call, they'd just go find a girl. But they wanted the love they deserved. And for whatever's sake! They don't need to find a woman to get that.They found it from each other.

Character understanding: I was scared that it would be too wordy since it was written by a female [i.e.... look at how much I've written already] I mean, guys [whether gay or straight] don't talk much. They think more than they speak, but even then, it's not always this deep thought process women wish it was. So I was afraid that it wouldn't be believable because of the woman's nonstop talking quality it may have. But it was totally opposite!! It was great. short and sweet sentences, even those that were stuttered. The thoughts were direct, and there was no extreme speculation. So none of that "well, if he touches me this way and the stars are lined up with the sun on the 3rd Tuesday in November, then that means he likes cockroaches, and I'll be lighting candles to woo him. But that could also mean..."... etc. I wish i was joking. Even in the moments of uncertainty, there was no endless thoughts on "he loves me, he loves me not"

Message/Meaning: It's poetic how it develops their relationship. I think it's brilliant how they just love each other so much. They trust each other so much, that they do what they have to in order to get the job done.

Ratings: I give this book the well deserved 9.5 out of 10.

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: .5

Sure, on my e-file some of the grammar wasn't awesome, but I couldn't let that harm the score. It was such a great book.

Obviously!!!! If you're uncomfortable with homosexual.. well, sexuality, do not even dare pick up this book. It will offend you. It is a homosexual erotica!!! Buuut, if you're curious like I was, this is the best book to start with :D At least that I know of right now.. haha, since it is the only one I tried so far.

If you have a book you'd like me to read/review, please post it in the comments. Obviously you don't have to worry about offending me. All I ask is no cookbooks, health freak, history, memoirs/biographies, etc. I'm not all that in to boring books. Sorry. Most Non fiction is a no-go. Some just normal fiction is a no-go too. You can always ask though. I'll be honest.

Just in case you're keeping track. That's 1/30 on my 2010 book goal (started in April, that's why only 30) What a way to kick it off, eh? Nothing like a fantastic homosexual erotica/romance book to start the goal! haha.