My Book Boyfriend (57)

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie of The Unread Reader, in which we swoon over boys in books!
(I--as in me, Amy--don't like to use commercial photos, I like to use the authors' descriptions and my imagination.)

Patch Cipriano
Book: Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush, Hush

A fallen angel; dark hair and mysterious black eyes, he hides the softer more caring side of himself from the world behind a "devil-may-care" sort of attitude. Head-to-toe black is his normal attire, and his dark magnetism that is hard to resist, he's good looking...hard edged. Sexy. His long legs put him at a height of about six-one, athletic build and a well-defined back. And a fantastic smile that can take you completely by surprise.

Quotes:

"My history is long, and not much of it is good. I can't erase it, but I'm determined not to make another mistake. Not when the stakes are this high, not when it comes to you. There's a plan in all this, but it's going to take time." This time he gathered me into his arms, stroking hair off my face, and something inside me broke at his touch. Hot, wet tears tumbled down my cheeks. "If I lose you, I lose everything," he murmured.

He dipped my body backward, drawing me up in a slow arc until he raised me flush against him. In his arms, my joints loosened, my defenses melting as he led me through the sultry steps. His muscles flexed under his clothes, holding me, leading me. Never letting me stray far.

His eyes burned with an intensity I'd never seen before. "You're mine, Angel, and don't you forget it. Your fights are my fights. What if something had happened today? It was bad enough when I thought your ghost was haunting me; I don't think I could handle the real thing."

Future Favorites (71)

Future Favorites is an awesome blog feature created by Alex over at Electrifying Reviews. I post about a book that is yet-to-be-released and that I can't wait to read!

Starling by Lesley Livingston
Release Date: August 15, 2012 by HarperTeen

"Love is just the beginning... of the end."

When Mason Starling rescues an unconscious young man from the ravages of a terrible storm—and he rescues her from the otherworldly creatures lurking in that storm—little does she know her whole life is about to spiral dramatically, mystically out of control. Someone is trying to kill her, someone else is trying to use her, and the only one who seems willing to help her is the tantalizing, dangerous stranger who can’t even remember who—or what—he is. All he remembers is his name: Fennrys Wolf.

What Fennrys doesn’t know is that, thanks in part to his past actions, a crack has appeared in the barrier between the mortal world and the Beyond Realms. The crack has opened up a nexus of dark energy in the middle of the East River and it’s attracting the attention of powerful entities on both sides of the rift.

Because of that, a longstanding truce involving the members of several ancient underworld cartels is now in jeopardy. Mason, Fennrys, and the students of elite Gosforth Academy—a neutral-ground “safe haven” for children of the Families—soon find themselves caught in the crossfire as the servants of the warring pantheons fight to see whose gods come out on top...and whose demons go down in flames.

Set in New York City, with all its dark, gritty sparkle, the STARLING saga explores the spaces between the worlds and the realms of the ancient gods… only a heartbeat beyond. It’s a tale spun from ancient mythologies—Norse and Greek and Egyptian—filled to the brim with adventure, danger, and romance, and played out against the backdrop of a city with its own siren-song.

From the universe of Lesley Livingston’s WONDROUS STRANGE, a new series and captivating heroine make their exciting debut.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (90)

This is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Books I read last week:
Darkling by Yasmine Galenorn



The book I’m reading now:
The Candidates:
Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that’s not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia’s mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just … happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to people, believing this way she can suppress her powers and keep them hidden.

When recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy offer her a full scholarship, Dancia fears her days of living under the radar may be over. But Delcroix is a school for diplomats’ kids and child geniuses — why are they treating Dancia like she’s special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make her feel welcome. And then there’s her mysterious new friend Jack, who can’t stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at Delcroix, and he wants Dancia to help him figure out what…But neither Jack or
Dancia could have imagined what’s really going on behind the gates of Delcroix Academy.


Books that spark my interest this week:
Fairy Metal Thunder by J.L. Bryan
The Search by Nora Roberts
Torn by Amanda Hocking

In My Mailbox (95)

In My Mailbox was created, and is hosted by The Story Siren.

Torn by Amanda Hocking
Faerytales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr
The Search by Nora Roberts
Next of kin by Sharon Sala

On My Wishlist (91)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - a linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen:
Eli and his family have lived in the underground Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone, and they've become accustomed to their new life. Accustomed, but not happy.

For Eli, no amount of luxury can stifle the dull routine of living in the same place, with only his two sisters, his father and mother, doing the same thing day after day after day.

As problems with their carefully planned existence threaten to destroy their sanctuary - and their sanity - Eli can't help but wonder if he's rather take his chances outside.

Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. But are they safe - or sorry?




Embrace by Jessica Shrivington:
It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…



Entwined by Heather Dixon:
Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.



The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.



Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.



But there is a cost.



The Keeper likes to keep things.



Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

Darkling by Yasmine Galenorn

Darkling:
We're the D'Artigo Sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we're savvy--and sexy--operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch whose magic is as unpredictable as the weather. My sister Delilah transforms into a tabby cat when she's under stress. And me? I'm Menolly, acrobat-extraordinaire-turned-vampire. And I'd give my right fang to make my sire pay for killing me. That is, if he doesn't find me first...

All over Seattle, humans have been going missing, only to turn up as newborn vampires--the sure sign of a rogue vamp on the loose. It looks like Dredge is to blame. The same sadistic Dredge who gave me my scars, and who may well be in cahoots with the demon Shadow Wing. If so, Otherworld and Earth are screwed. The only way we can hope to defeat Dredge is for me to travel home to Otherworld, where I must face my own demons. Because unless I sever the ties that bind me to Dredge, all hell is going to break loose...

Yasmine Galenorn has created an incredibly intense world with her Otherworld series. Her writing is incredible and so realistic that I'm completely drawn into the pages. This series has a little something for everyone: hot sexual tension, mystery and almost any paranormal being you can think of. Darkling was the most emotionally intense book of the series so far; Menolly has to face the trauma of her past in order to face her future. Menolly must fight her very nature, even after years of adjusting to being turned a vampire against her will. But she still retains her natural goodness, she will always fight for those weaker then herself, and will stop at nothing to protect her loved ones. I felt that each time she spoke of the abuse and terror Dredge inflicted, the weight of the past she carried on her shoulders got just a little bit lighter. This book was fast-paced and non-stop action, Yasmine knows exactly how to grab your attention from start to finish, and there are so many twists and turns you'll be kept on the very edge of your seat.

Love That Line (28)

Love That Line is hosted by Jessica Rabbit's Corner, it's a little thing where we post a favorite quote or two from a book we have enjoyed.

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

"I don't want to be a man," said Jace. "I want to be an angst-ridden teenager who can't confront his inner demons and takes it out verbally on other people instead."


"Look on the bright side," said Simon. "If they need a human sacrifice, you can always offer me. I'm not sure the rest of you qualify anyway."


"Because," Clary said with grim certainty, "only Jace can piss someone off that much."

Theme Thursday (49)

Theme Thursdays is a fun weekly event hosted by Reading Between Pages that will be open from one Thursday to the next. Anyone can participate in it. The rules are simple:

• A theme will be posted each week (on Thursdays)
• Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
• Mention the author and the title of the book along with your post
• It is important that the theme is conveyed in the sentence (you don’t necessarily need to have the word)
  Ex: If the theme is KISS; your sentence can have “They kissed so gently” or “Their lips touched each other” or “The smooch was so passionate”

This will give us a wonderful opportunity to explore and understand different writing styles and descriptive approaches adopted by authors.

This week's theme is - SMELL (Breathe, Anything else you can come up with the nose’s functions)

The smell of honeysuckle was gone, and she had no idea how long she had been operating.

If Angels Burn by Lynn Viehl

My Book Boyfriend (56)

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie of The Unread Reader, in which we swoon over boys in books!
(I--as in me, Amy--don't like to use commercial photos, I like to use the authors' descriptions and my imagination.)

Charlie Hagan
Book: Destiny Binds by Tammy Blackwell
Series: Timber Wolves

Charlie is a coyote shifter, he's not handsome in the classic sense--his features are a little too sharp and his lips a little too full--but he's unmistakably attractive. It's not so much his physical appearance as his personality. Although, his athletic body, piercing green eyes, and curly hair with natural highlights aren't to be ignored.

Quotes:

There was a long pause. "I can't tell you. I'm sorry, I just can't." His voice got quieter, and I knew that I was not imagining the added emotion there. "I couldn't stand it if you got hurt. You know that, right?"

"What promise?" "I didn't think you remembered." Charlie looked extremely pleased with himself. "We were watching Cinderella, and you begged me to take you to a Ball so that you could dance with a handsome prince." A memory tugged in the back of my mind. "And you told me that I would to settle for dancing with you at prom." "You've been very stubborn about letting me fulfill that obligation. I thought I was going to have to slip you some roofies just to get you out here." "How on earth did you remember? That had to have been more than seven years ago." He pulled me closer and I felt my heart jump from my stomach to my throat. "I've been looking forward to this dance for a long time." He leaned forward and rested his lips by my ear. "It was worth the wait. You look beautiful tonight, Scout."

"I could love you better. I'll give you anything you want, whatever it takes to make you happy. Can he say the same?"

Future Favorites (70)

Future Favorites is an awesome blog feature created by Alex over at Electrifying Reviews. I post about a book that is yet-to-be-released and that I can't wait to read!

Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong
Release Date: July 24, 2012 by Penguin Group USA / Dutton

A war is brewing—the first battle has been waged and Savannah Levine is left standing, albeit battered and bruised. She has rescued her half brother from supernatural medical testing, but he’s fighting to stay alive. The Supernatural Liberation Movement took him hostage, and they have a plan to expose the supernatural world to the unknowing.

Savannah has called upon her inner energy to summon spells with frightening strength, a strength she never knew she had, as she fights to keep her world from shattering. But it’s more than a matter of supernaturals against one another—both heaven and hell have entered the war; hellhounds, genetically modified werewolves, and all forces of good and evil have joined the fray.

Uniting Savannah with Adam, Paige, Lucas, Jaime, Hope, and other lost-but-notforgotten characters in one epic battle, for a grand series finale.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (89)

This is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Books I read last week:
Devotion by Kristie Cook
Memories of Murder by Lara Nance



The book I’m reading now:
Darkling:
We're the D'Artigo Sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we're savvy--and sexy--operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch whose magic is as unpredictable as the weather. My sister Delilah transforms into a tabby cat when she's under stress. And me? I'm Menolly, acrobat-extraordinaire-turned-vampire. And I'd give my right fang to make my sire pay for killing me. That is, if he doesn't find me first...

All over Seattle, humans have been going missing, only to turn up as newborn vampires--the sure sign of a rogue vamp on the loose. It looks like Dredge is to blame. The same sadistic Dredge who gave me my scars, and who may well be in cahoots with the demon Shadow Wing. If so, Otherworld and Earth are screwed. The only way we can hope to defeat Dredge is for me to travel home to Otherworld, where I must face my own demons. Because unless I sever the ties that bind me to Dredge, all hell is going to break loose...


Books that spark my interest this week:
Dragon Wytch by Yasmine Galenorn
The Mortal Bone by Marjorie M Liu
Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James

In My Mailbox (94)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

Destiny and Deception by Shannon Delany

On My Wishlist (90)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - a linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

His Darkest Salvation by Juliana Stone:
In a world on the brink of chaos, passion and vengeance collide …

After six months in hell, Julian Castille has returned to the world a changed man. No longer the calm, powerful CEO, but a shifter fully embraced by the blood of his clan. Julian has one goal: find the key to the portal that stands between the human realm and unprecedented darkness—and win back the pieces of his soul. The last thing he needs is a distraction like the beautiful, enigmatic Jaden DaCosta.

Three years ago, a forbidden night of passion left Jaden forever altered: mated to Julian Castille–bound to a man who despises her. But the temptation to trust this darker, more savage—and more captivating—Julian is overwhelming. And as they fight for their immortal souls, their insatiable desire for each other may prove their fatal undoing…



Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley:
"Let me make it in time. Let me meet Shadow. The guy who paints in the dark. Paints birds trapped on brick walls and people lost in ghost forests. Paints guys with grass growing from their hearts and girls with buzzing lawn mowers."

It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.

His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.

Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.

But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.




Everneath by Brodi Ashton:
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Devotion by Kristie Cook Review & Giveaway

Devotion:
With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge— protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

Someone’s keeping a secret. A big one. Faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight . . . who will?

Devotion is the third addition to the Soul Savers series by Kristie Cook, and I have to admit that I had a really hard time getting into this book. I just couldn't form a connection to the first half of the story, but the second half of this book really pulled me in. Kristie took me on so many twists and turns that I was kept on the edge of my seat. To me, the mystery within Devotion was the best of the series yet; and for the most part, this book was fast paced. Alexis and Tristan must face one of the hardest betrayals of their lives; and it's causing distrust between not only themselves but within all of the Amadis people. Secrets surround everyone and it's hard to know who can be trusted and who will only cause more trouble for Alexis and Tristan. There is a traitor among the Amadis, and in order to save their love, Alexis and Tristan must fight to keep their family together.

Find Kristie:

Website & Blog | Series Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumbler | Google+

Giveaway:

Devotion ebook

Rules for entry:
- Giveaway ends February 24, 2012 12AM EST.
- Open Internationally
- Must be 16 or older to enter
- Fill out the FORM below.

Memories of Murder by Lara Nance

Memories of Murder:
When Maeve McKenna renounces her witch powers and accepts a low-key nurse practitioner position at a Virginia retirement community, the last thing she expects is a suicide her first day on the job. As the town's sexy sheriff, Paul Sutton, starts looking into the tragic death of his father's friend, Maeve can't help but get involved--with both the case and him. Their informal investigation unveils an old journal that connects the ruins of a nearby asylum and long-forgotten cemetery with the shiny new retirement community's memory unit--and Maeve's Alzheimer's patients. Maeve senses a sinister presence in the old asylum, calling to the patients, but in order to stop it from killing again, she must first conquer some demons of her own and reclaim the magic she's denied herself.

Memories of Murder by Lara Nance is filled with magic and ghosts. This was more of a ghost story than anything else, but I really enjoyed the mystery in the beginning. The romance between Maeve and Paul was sweet and definitely kept me turning pages. Both Paul and Maeve are flawed characters, but that made them more interesting and realistic. I loved Maeve's relatives who are lovingly known as "the Gems," they made the book lighter when dealing with darker themes. Lara mixes Celtic magic with modern times in order to defeat a centuries old evil. What I would have liked to see a little more of was the explanation for why this evil was suddenly released. There was also a character (a cousin of Maeve's) mentioned briefly and if he had been drawn out in more detail, I believe he would have added a little more depth to the story. All-in-all I truly enjoyed this book, it's has just a touch of creepy-ness to have you curling up under a blanket on a cold night.

Interview & Giveaway with Karen Mahoney

1. When did you first start writing, and was there something in particular that inspired you?

I first started writing when I was very young, but began to take it more seriously at around 12. I just loved stories. I loved books and comics and movies. Those things inspired me, and I knew that I wanted to be an author – it took me a long time to get there, though!


2. What first attracted you to the paranormal realm when it comes to writing?

Again, this is a childhood thing: I just loved all things supernatural from a young age. I used to be a gamer (RPGs) when I was a kid, playing D&D with my brother and his friends. Yeah, I’m a geek. ;) Star Wars came out – the first time around – when I was about 4. Things like that, and reading The Hobbit very young, shaped my life.


3. In regards to your own characters, who is your favorite and why?

It’s very hard to play favourites, but I have to admit to being fond of Navin. He’s based (in part) on someone I know, and I love giving him all the best lines.


4. What other genres (besides your own) do you enjoy reading?

I read most genre fiction. A little bit of everything, really. I quite like romance occasionally, I read science fiction… I’ve recently started reading more crime. I also absolutely love comic books (American superhero stuff, especially). Once again, proving myself to be a total geek. But proud of it!


5. If you could not be a writer, what would you be?

I’d have to be involved with books in some way, so I would probably be a bookseller. I’ve worked in so many bookstores over the years, I’m sure that’s what I’d do.


6. As a reader I know how difficult it can be to name a ‘favorite’ book, would you mind listing your top three? (Past or present authors)

Honestly, it really is impossible to name a top three. It changes all the time, too! But I’ll name three I definitely love, although they may not strictly be my ‘all time’ top three:

Jane Eyre, The Demon’s Lexicon (Sarah Rees Brennan), and anything by Marjorie M. Liu.


7. What are some must haves when you sit down to write?

That’s a good question! Hmm… I must have quiet. I’ve tried writing to music, and it doesn’t generally work for me. I can write if it’s a film soundtrack – as long as it’s just instrumental, no words. But mostly I like peace and quiet. And cup of green tea helps, too. I’m trying to cut down on coffee, or I’d say that!


8. If you became trapped as a character in a book or series, which would you choose and why? (Any book, any series, new or old)

Ha! Well, I’d be Jane in Jane Eyre, of course. I’d soon sort out that Mr. Rochester… ;)









Karen's Newest Release:
The Wood Queen:
To keep her best friend, Navin, from being killed at the hands of vicious wood elves, Donna Underwood stole the elixir of life. Now she’s facing an alchemist tribunal while her mother lies dying, succumbing to the elven curse that shattered her mind. In desperation, Donna seeks an audience with Aliette, the fierce and manipulative Wood Queen, who offers a deal: if Donna can use her strange and burgeoning powers to help the wood elves, Aliette will free her mother from the curse.

Along with Navin and Xan, the half-fey guy she’s falling for, Donna struggles to unlock the secrets of her iron tattoos in time to save her mother’s life. But some secrets are better left untold…





About the Author:

Karen is British and currently lives near London with way too many books and comics, though she dreams of one day living in Boston. She doesn’t mind if you call her Kaz.


Find Karen:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Karen is giving away a signed copy of The Wood Queen to one lucky winner!

Rules for entry:
- Giveaway closes February 22, 2012 12AM EST.
- Open INTERNATIONALLY
- Leave a comment and fill out the FORM below. Entries in the comment section will not be counted.