In Which I Get Sucked Into the Contemporary Romance Genre

It all started when I read the synopsis for The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis. I had never heard of her before, but I had seen her newest release around the blogosphere and I finally tracked it down on Goodreads. I knew I had to read it. Unfortunately, it hadn't been released yet and so I couldn't read it right then. Bummer.

Since I was in the mood, I cast about for another story that would satisfy me until my craving was met. I happened upon Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgans. I have only read one novel by her and it was a long time ago, so I reacquainted myself with the awesomeness of Kristan Higgans. Just One of the Guys was such a wonderful read! It even made me cry, which is unusual for a contemporary romance. I became so invested in the story and the character's lives that I completely forgot everything else around me. Thank goodness I read it after my munchkin went to bed, because obliviousness with a six month old does not go well together.

After reading that book, I realized that I had been spending far too much time with young adults and was desperately craving some sweet, mature romance. I then moved on to Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis, since I figured it would be better to read the first book in the series before the second. Loved it! It made me laugh and hot dang, was Jax (the main male squeeze) a hot one. This was my first introduction to Jill Shalvis and I was not disappointed in the least. Her characters are funny, quirky and the personalities of each mesh well together to create a story worth reading.

Still in the mood, I moved on to All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins. It was only okay. I am so in love with Just One of the Guys, that anything would have a hard time following it. My favorite part was the sunny, upbeat attitude of Callie, the heroine.

Then I happened upon a review of Hidden Away by Maya Banks, and I couldn't resist an action packed series about six delicious brothers. Hidden Away is the third novel in the series, and was just released. This was another first timer for me. I had never read Maya Banks before, and I was pleased with the outcome. If you like Alpha males, this book is for you. There is nothing sexier than a possessive man who thinks of you as "mine." Oh, be still my heart.

I was still jonesing for The Sweetest Thing, but I had a few days yet before it was released. So, on to a few more time fillers. Next up: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins. I think I've had enough of her for awhile. This was her newest release I believe, and again.. it was only okay. The main female character, Harper James, was a witch with a capital B. I didn't even like her until the very end. And I'm talking last few pages end. Why did I read the whole thing, do you ask? Well, Nick, the ex-husband and hero, was uber sexy and smoldering. I just had to see if he had a happy ending.

Finally, finally.. I was able to get a hold of The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis. The instigator of this whole adventure. I am in love with the men of Lucky Harbor. Holy smokes, they're hot. This is a really great series, and I highly recommend it for whenever you're in the mood to completely lose yourself in sweet, mature romances.

And now, I've moved back into the young adult realm. Don't worry, I'll spare you the details. I feel like I've gone on a binge or something. A contemporary romance binge. Interesting.

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Author: Holly Schindler

Genre: Young Adult

Published: March 2011

Goodreads

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

 

That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

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Have you ever happened upon a book that gets stuck in your mind and you can't seem to move on until you've gotten your hands on it? Playing Hurt was one of those types of books for me. I'd troll through my TBR list looking for another willing victim, and I'd pass this and think to myself "man, I really want to read that book now!" I finally couldn't resist any longer, and bought it at B&N. I started it last night after my munchkin went to bed, and while I wasn't extremely pleased with it, I wasn't entirely disappointed either.

Chelsea is recovering from a horrific accident in which she is now held together by a metal plate and is struggling to deal with life with no basketball. She is a senior, and for a graduation present her parents decide to book a family vacation to a outdoorsy resort in Minnesota. Chelsea's father decides to sign her up for a boot camp, without her knowledge. Clint, her trainer, has also experienced personal tragedy of his own and the story focuses on the two as they overcome fears and learn to live and embrace life again.

Ms. Schindler's story is well developed. The characters have no glaring deficiencies, and the setting is beautiful and she described it in such a way that I felt like I was there. Chelsea and Clint seemed to be normal teenagers, coping with hurt and loss. The relationship between the two was very steamy. I could feel the physical connection and the desperate want. It was actually quite graphic for a young adult novel, I thought. I'm no prude, and I enjoy a good, lusty scene every once in awhile, but I'm just not sure they have place in the young adult genre. I think there are more eloquent ways of telling us what is going on, without being so descriptive.  

Chelsea left a boyfriend back home, and it added a skeevey side to Chelsea's character that didn't sit well. Perhaps she was a confused teenager filled with angst, but my sympathy for her dwindled throughout the story. I am still grimacing slightly thinking about her character, even after I finished the book. Clint, on the other hand, was every young girl's dream. Heck, every old girl's dream too! He was sexy, heart-felt and real. The kind of guy every girl wishes they could run into on a summer vacation.

And the ending. It was sort of a happily ever after, but sort of not. I needed some sort of closure and I didn't get any. Or at least, I didn't get the closure that I was looking for. It felt like Ms. Schindler left me hanging, and I'm pretty sure that this is a single novel, with no sequel. Slightly frustrating.

So really, Playing Hurt was worth the read, I'm just not sure it was worth the buy. It contained a good message, and the chemistry was actually pretty good. I just wish the circumstances were different (the whole boyfriend thing) and the ending didn't leave me thinking "that's it?". I'd recommend it, but I wouldn't rush out and read it right this minute.

On My Wishlist

OMW is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City where we list the books we desperately want, but haven't read yet. This can be books that are already published, or books that have yet to be released.

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I realize that I have been a total slacker on my reviews lately. I also realize that a book blog filled with OMW posts does not a good blog make. I hope to remedy that this week.

This week I have a few for ya'. I picked them randomly from my Goodreads list, so there is no rhyme or reason and have absolutely nothing to do with eachother. That's how we roll here at Love Letters. Chaos is our friend!

Playing Hurt
Author: Holly Schindler
Goodreads

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.
 
That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

Smexy Books gave this a glowing review on Goodreads, which intrigued me. It sounds so good!

The Reluctant Nude

Author: Meg Maguire

To be published: April 5, 2011

Goodreads

Fallon Frost’s late foster mother had done so much to heal the wounds of her damaged childhood. So when a lecherous developer plans to bulldoze her old home to make room for a strip mall, the practical, ordered life Fallon has built for herself is threatened.
 

Then he makes a twisted proposal. He’ll leave the land alone if she poses nude for a sculpture that’ll end up in his collection. Seeing no other choice, she heads for Nova Scotia—only to find something totally unexpected. A sexy, hot-blooded, infuriating sculptor.
 

Guarded, sexually detached Fallon is a challenge Max Emery can’t wait to tackle. Yet with each tap of his chisel, he uncovers a woman who rekindles a dream he thought lost. Home, family…love. And the closer he gets to her core, the harder it becomes to accept that he’s carving her naked body for another man’s eyes.
 

As progress on the sculpture almost grinds to a halt, their fragile fantasy world collapses under the weight of reality. Threatening Fallon’s one chance to save her foster mother’s land…and any chance she and Max have to find love.

Oh, Kate and Curran. I can't get enough of you two!

Magic Slays

Author: Ilona Andrews

To Be Published: May 2011

Goodreads

Kate Daniels has quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but starting her own business isn't easy when the Order starts disparaging her good name. And being the mate of the Beast Lord doesn't bring in the customers, either. So when Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead asks for help with a vampire, Kate jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, this is one case where Kate should have looked before she leapt.

On My Wishlist

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

I've never read this author, but have Grimspace on hold at the library. I'm not sure if this is her first foray into the YA world, but it definitely looks good!

Title: Enclave

Author: Ann Aguirre

Coming Out: April 2011

Goodreads

New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.

Mega Review Post

I've done a lot of reading this week, and not a whole lot of reviewing. Do you ever get into weird moods that just calls for a week of non-stop reading? That's what happened here. I was able to clear out some of the books that have been on my TBR list for awhile, as well as throw in some new ones as well.  

Instead of splitting up the reviews in different posts, I'm going to do quickie reviews in one post. This way I'll be able to get caught up!

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Go here for synopsis.

I haven't read very many steampunk novels. This is my second attempt in the genre, and there were parts I loved, and parts I didn't.

Loved: The characters and the romance. I believed in the characters and the story. It was a great concept, and I was truly captivated by Meljean Brook's ability to create characters with such hidden depth.

Struggled with: Maybe it's because I'm not very familiar with the steampunk world, but I had a hard time picturing what everything looked like in my head. I just couldn't get into the setting. I didn't see that anyone else had a problem with this, so maybe it's just me with this issue. For example, Mina was described as looking this certain way - different from everyone else. She was ridiculed and treated poorly because of the way she looked, because it reminded everyone of the horde. But I could never find out how she looked differently. Was it her hair color, her eye color, or maybe her facial structure? I kept struggling not to picture her as a neanderthal!

All in all: It was interesting, and maybe if I read it again my issues and problems with the setting and world would be resolved. Other than that though, I'd recommend it!

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Go here for synopsis.

There is nothing that I can say that will do this book justice. Phrases like "I loved it!" and "I thoroughly enjoyed it!" aren't adequate enough to describe how much I, well, loved it. Delirium is first in a trilogy, and I can tell it's going to be one of those series that I will buy and read over and over again. It's wonderful, magical, and it will make you think about who or what is important in your life. I can't imagine a world without love! Ms. Oliver gives us a completely put together dysotopian world, down to the minute details.

Read it. It's amazing!

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Go here for synopsis.

I read Poison Study (the first book in this series, which I loved!) over the Christmas holidays, and was finally in a mood to finish up the series.

Magic Study: This one was enjoyable, but not as much as the first book. I'm having a hard time pin pointing exactly why, but there was just something about it that was off. Perhaps it was the serious lack of Valek and Yelena lovin' going on. It was mostly about Yelena's life, and the romance with Valek was tacked on there as an after thought. I also didn't enjoy the side characters as much in this one as in Poison Study. The two I fell in love with in that book, were also tacked on as an after thought in Magic Study. After I finished reading this book, I hoped for a magnificent ending in Fire Study.

Fire Study: It seemed my magnificent ending was not meant to be. I'm afraid this was the worst book of the three for me. It moved incredibly slow, and Yelena's interesting character kind of went down the tube. She developed a hero complex, and it started to annoy me after awhile. Truthfully, I only read about half the book and then skimmed the last of it. I stopped to read the last pages, just to make sure there was a happily ever after for Valek and Yelena. This is not a series that I will not buy and read again, but it was good enough for a one time read.

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Go here for synopsis.

Graceling: Why, oh WHY did it take me so long to get to this book?! It was wonderful! Exciting and adventurous, this book definitely made my week. I love Katsa and her strength. She had some incredible skills and Po.. oh, my dear Po. So sweet, so tragic and so perfect for Katsa. And the bad guy in this novel was the worst I've seen in a long time. Thank you Kristin Cashore, for gifting us with the wonderfulness of Graceling. It completes me. 

Fire: I'm iffy about this book. It's a prequel, set 30 years before Graceling takes place. It explains a lot about the above mentioned bad guy and how he came to be. I wasn't a big fan of Fire. She had her great moments, but for the most part I thought she was kind of whiny and dramatic. Those two qualities don't go hand in hand. But everything else I thought was well done, and I'm completely in love with Brigan, Fire's main squeeze.

Kristin Cashore's next novel is called Bitterblue and will be out Sept 2011. Can't wait to see what her story is!

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So apparently not only have I been in a reading frenzy, I've been in a YA dysotopian reading frenzy specifically.

I have so many books to read next, I don't know where to begin! Do I start with This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost? I love me some Bones! Or do I continue on with my YA mood and read Jane by April Lindner? I also have the first book in the Jessica Darling series, Sloppy Firsts. Apparently anyone who is anyone has read that series and I'm feeling a little left out. Hopefully it will live up to all the praise..

Happy reading everyone! Have a great week!

Maggie Stievfater's Stack of Books Giveaway!

One of my favorite author's Maggie Stiefvater, is spring cleaning and giving away three stacks of books to three lucky people. Seriously hoping I'm one of them!!

Go visit her blog for details!

Cry Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Red Rock Pass #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: Oct 2008
Goodreads

Keith Winston is tired of fighting. The war between werewolves and wizards rages on in Europe, but he's come home to Red Rock, Montana in hopes of finding a bit of peace. Instead he finds more strife as he struggles against the pack’s dictates that he resume his place as the alpha’s right hand man.

When he rescues a new wolf on the run, he knows his instant attraction to her could cause trouble. What he doesn't expect is to find himself embroiled in another battle that goes against all his instincts—and his heart.
Abigail Adler learned about the existence of werewolves only when she became one. With her life is threatened by a corrupt alpha, she flees to the only sanctuary she knows: Red Rock. While she’s grateful for the pack’s protection, she chafes under its unbreakable rules of conduct—except when it comes to submitting to the passion Keith stirs in her.

Then her tormentor kidnaps her sister in an attempt to lure her out of hiding. To save her, Abby and Keith must be willing to do the very thing that could get them all killed—break all of the rules.

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This is my first book by this writing team. I really want to read their Southern Arcana series, but that would mean I have to get an e-reader device of some sort and then actually buy the book. So, it might be awhile before I get to it. The library had a copy of this one, so I downloaded it and read it on my computer. I was surprised by how short it was. There was so much story packed in those pages though, that the length of the book never factored in or took anything away from the book.

I was in the mood for a lusty read when I picked this up, and hot dang Moira Rogers delivered. There is some great werewolf lovin' in this novel, and I got all sorts of hot and bothered. I felt like the plot was well formed, especially considering the length of the novel. The "world" that Moira Rogers began creating is not nice to her characters. All is not well in the werewolf community, and I'm interested to see how it is all resolved in later books.

All in all, an exciting read for when you are in the mood for some quick and feisty lovin'. Some day I'll get my hands on their Southern Arcana series!

Call Me Irresistable by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: Dec 2010
Goodreads

R.S.V.P. to the most riotous wedding of the year . . .

 

Lucy Jorik is the daughter of a former United States president.

 

Meg Koranda is the offspring of legends.

 

One of them is about to marry Mr. Irresistible—Ted Beaudine—the favorite son of Wynette, Texas. The other is not happy about it and is determined to save her friend from a mess of heartache.

 

But even though Meg knows that breaking up her best friend's wedding is the right thing to do, no one else seems to agree. Faster than Lucy can say "I don't," Meg becomes the most hated woman in town—a town she's stuck in with a dead car, an empty wallet, and a very angry bridegroom. Broke, stranded, and without her famous parents at her back, Meg is sure she can survive on her own wits. What's the worst that can happen? Lose her heart to the one and only Mr. Irresistible? Not likely. Not likely at all . . .

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My love affair with all things Susan Elizbeth Phillips began about a year ago with Natural Born Charmer. While that is still my favorite book she's ever written, I'm pretty much an SEP whore and will read anything she writes. She's pure comfort food for me. All of her novels follow the same formula: girl meets boy, fight attraction, give in to attraction, major blow up, separtion period, happily ever after. All of SEP's characters are so flawed, so real, and in the progression of one book we see their growth and maturity.

Meg and Ted create a wonderfully creative pair, and they made me laugh, groan and tear-up all in the span of one novel. Meg is incredibly strong, even though she doesn't think it of herself, and she stands up to all sorts of crazy small town antics. Ted is the golden boy, secretly wishing he wasn't, and can do no wrong. They are truly complete opposites, but they somehow just work. They fit together like yin and yang. Chocolate and vanilla.

Call Me Irresistable is another hit for me! I couldn't help but love it.

Since I'm from TX, I just had to share my favorite line:

“This is America. We’re entitled to our opinions.”
“Wrong. This is Texas. And my opinion is the only one that counts.”

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #1
Published: Jan 2011
Goodreads

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

 

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

 

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

 

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

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I just spent the last few hours organizing my to-read list on Goodreads. It was not how I planned to spend that time, but it just sucked me in. It was in complete disarray. There were books that had been on there for a year and a half, and all of the books that I want to read right now, were on the last page. So be careful, your to-read list can be dangerous!

Now, on to the review. Unearthly was completely and delightfully delicious. Think of your favorite dessert (mine is Paradise Pie from Chili's).. got it? It's better than that. And I ain't lyin' either. Unearthly had a perfect blend of beautiful setting, lovable characters, and a writing that will literally knock your socks off. Just like my to-read list, the story sucked me in and I stayed up way too late trying to finish it. Oh, who am I fooling? I stayed up way too late and I DID finish it.

Love Clara. Love, love, love Tucker. Ambivalent towards Christian for most of the book, but he surprised me in the end. I thought Clara's best friends were incredibly unique and perfect for her in their own ways. Clara's family was awesome, and I'm happy to read about a teen who comes from a semi-functional family. I so want to go to Jackson Hole now. Did I mention that I adore Tucker? I loved that the relationship between the two progressed normally. This is no Bella and Edward deal here, folks. This is the way healthy teen relationships should go! Hooray for dating and going on dates! And oh, I love Tucker. Just in case you forgot.

What I really wanted to talk about was the ending. In the vaguest way possible, of course. Fate took center stage in this novel. There was a lot of talk about destiny, purposes and missions. The end is cliff hanger, but not in the way I'm used too. Ms. Hand didn't cut us off in the middle of action, or leave us biting our nails about the romance. Clara made a choice, and that choice was contrary to what she was destined to do. The biggest question is what the divine being in charge of Clara's life/fate/destiny is going to do now that she seemingly chose the wrong path? What are the consequences if we choose the wrong path? If we don't choose the path that fate dictates? Maybe that's not the message that Ms. Hand is trying to portray (if there's a message at all), but that's what I came away with. I must have been in a weird mood when reading the book. Or something.

I'm intrigued and excited to continue on with Clara's story. It's unique and unlike any other young adult angel series I've read before. And bonus, the cover is gorgeous. It seems like these cover artists are really steppin' it up these days. They're puttin' out some great stuff!

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! I'm spending it alone, since hubs is working all night. Bummer. But I have a really great movie to watch and I'm chowin' down on homemade chocolate chip cookies.

P.P.S. Look! ----------------------------------------------------------------->

All the spaces on my follower widget are taken up! WOO HOO!!

TBR Add's 2/13

This meme is a weekly summary of all the books I added to my TBR list this past week, based on recommendations by my fellow book bloggers.

It was a slow week for my TBR pile. My munchkin has been sick and we've been hitting the house hunting pretty hard. I also had a few DNF's this week that I'm going to add to this post. Bummer.

TBR Add's

From GReads! -

Delirium - Lauren Oliver

DNF's

Staying Dead by Laura Anne Gilman

Goodreads

This book never really captured my interest. It should have been good, but it wasn't. Not for me, anyway. There wasn't that moment of connection with the main character, and the hero just fell flat. This was my first book from this author, so maybe it's just this series? I don't know if she has written anything else, but I'm willing to give her another go.

The Valcourt Heiress by Catherine Coulter

Goodreads

Catherine Coulter and I go way back. I'm talking 15 years or so back. She was the first author I found when I was 11 and looking for meatier books than what was offered for my age group. I've read most of her stuff, and loved it all. Except... this one. Again, there was no connection with the main characters. I wasn't invested in the story or the romance. So, I ended it. Ms. Coulter is another one of those authors that I will read whatever she puts out, so hopefully whatever she writes next will compare to her older works!

On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I 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 - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

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Just one book to showcase today. My munchkin is waking up, and I have a house to clean and all that jazz!

Look at this cover! Hopefully the book is as good as it sounds by the blurb:

Blood Law

Series: Blood Moon Trilogy

Author: Karin Tabke

Coming Out: May 2011

Goodreads

For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged… The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.

One woman stands at the center of it all…

As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.



Friday Follow & Blog Hop

 

This week we are asked to share a post from this past week. Here is my review of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Loved that book!

  What is your favorite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man? 

I love my Alpha males. Big, strong and incredibly possessive. I love it when they are sweet on the inside, but they only show it to their woman. *sighs* Bones, for example. Or Barrons, Curran.. that's where my heart lies!

 

If you're a new follower, please leave your link! I'd love to return the favor. Thanks for stopping by!

 

The Red Dress Club Writing Prompt #1

I could never have imagined that when I woke up that day, the whole world would blow up. I turned off my alarm and spent a few minutes mentally preparing for another day in my life as a junior in high school. I showered, ate and then drove my brother and myself to school. I joined the other hundred teenage drivers to fight for a parking spot that wouldn’t require us to walk a mile to the school. I raced into school, not having found the perfect spot, and into my first class: Pre-Algebra, with The Wicked Witch. I slid into my seat, opened my back pack to get out my homework. I passed it to the student in front of me, dreading the grade I would get back. The Wicked Witch collects all the papers with an evil grin on her face, a knowing glint in her eye that she would go through yet another red pen in this latest batch of homework. Class begins as usual with The Wicked Witch teaching in what might as well have been a foreign language, and her students attempting to keep up. Suddenly, the loudspeaker crackles, signaling an announcement is about to be made. My classmates and I perk up, wondering what could possibly have happened to warrant such an interruption to our routine. It’s the principal, announcing for all teachers to turn on their televisions to a local news station. The Wicked Witch walks over and does as commanded, and we all watch in horror as an airplane flies into one of the World Trade Center towers.

The top half of the building collapses, imploding on itself, falling several hundred feet to the street below. The resulting fire and explosion looks bigger and more magnificent than any we’ve seen from the movie industry. We hear the silent screams of the men and women falling helplessly to their death. We imagine the prayers and pleading of the people on the plane, hoping that a higher being will intercede and a miracle will occur.

The reporter begins speaking, and we hear the shock and emotion in his voice as he announces the plane had been hijacked and deliberately flown into the building. The news station plays the scene again, as if we hadn’t already imprinted the event into our brains. We watch for a few minutes more, like spectators to a most gruesome battle. My teacher turns off the television and we all look at each other in wonder and awe that such an event could happen to our country. We thought we were invincible, that no one could touch us. We mourned together at the needless loss of so many lives. My teacher attempted to regain focus and return to the routine, but we knew that even her heart wasn’t in it.

A sudden feeling rose within our classroom. We were horrified, yes, and we would always remember, but we felt banded together. We were Americans, and together we could accomplish anything. We were juniors, just kids, and we knew that our world would change. We knew then that the whole world had shifted.

This is my first attempt at the writing prompt for this blog. I discovered this yesterday, so there wasn't a whole lot of time to revise or rewrite. I'm excited to have found this writing group!

Nocturne by Syrie James

Author: Syrie James

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: Jan 2011

Goodreads

When Nicole Whitcomb’s car runs off a Colorado mountain road during a blinding snowstorm, she is saved from death by a handsome, fascinating, and enigmatic stranger.

 

Snowbound with him for days in his beautiful home high in the Rockies, she finds herself powerfully attracted to him and soon comes to realize that the feeling is mutual. But there are things about him that mystify her, filling her with apprehension—and Nicole can’t shake the feeling that he doesn’t want her there.

 

Who is Michael Tyler? Why does he live alone in such a secluded spot and guard his private life so carefully? What secret—or secrets—is he hiding?

 

Nicole has secrets of her own and a past she is running from—but Michael understands her better than anyone she has ever known. Soon, she is falling as deeply in love with him as he is with her.

But as the sexual tension between them builds, the clues mount up. When Nicole learns the terrifying truth—that her host is an ages-old vampire who is torn between his love for her and his desire for her blood—there’s nowhere for her to run but into the blizzard raging outside, and he’s the only one who can save her life.

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**Review contains possible spoilers**

Oh dear. I'm afraid I have very little good to say about this book. I was into about the fifth chapter and I already knew that this book was a waste of my time. Now I'm questioning why I even spent the time to finish reading it. I suppose it's like watching a train wreck in progress: it's so horrific and surprising, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. You just stand there with your jaw hanging open, waiting for impact. I wouldn't say Nocturne was horrific, but it was definitely not enjoyable.

First of all, the book spans a four day time period. How on earth can we get to know the characters well and understand them when that's all the time we're given? The romance was completely unbelievable. And I mean, on the second day unbelievable. I'm all about love at first sight, but there has to be some time to develop the relationship after the initial meet-cute. And then, horror of all horrors, there wasn't even a happily ever after! The characters could never figure out how to make it work, and so she drives off into the sunset, not ever planning to come back again. If I want to spend my time with relationships that don't end well, I'll watch the news.

I will give it to Ms. James, I actually liked the hero in this story. Michael was equal parts good/bad boy, and it was fascinating to read about his internal battles. I wish that the story would have been longer, so we could have spent more time with him.

Truthfully, this book wasn't for me. You are welcome to give it a try, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare





Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #1

Genre: Young Adult / Historical / Steampunk

Published: Aug 2010

Goodreads

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

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I fell in love with Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument series, and was ecstatic upon learning she had a new book out. It took me awhile to get to it, but I fully admit I get easily distracted when it comes to books. The Infernal Devices series is a prequel to the Mortal Instrument series. So not only is Ms. Clary continuing to write books in the Mortal Instrument series, she'll be adding books to the Infernal Devices series as well. I wonder if she ever loses her place, and gets her characters mixed up? Especially since they're essentially from the same world, with the Clockwork Angel just in a different time period. I'm glad I don't have to keep it all straight, I can just sit back and enjoy everything!
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 In Clockwork Angel we have basic elements of the main characters that were in the Mortal Instrument series. They deviate in slight ways, but for the most part I felt like I was reading Clary and Jace's story all over again, just 100 some-odd years in the past. Although, I will hand it to Tessa, she didn't nearly annoy me as much as Clary. Clary had what I call the "Bella complex": she had absolutely no skills or ability to defend herself or anyone else, but felt compelled to jump in the fray. Oh, that quality in a heroine bugs. It's one thing if they have the skills to back it up, but don't they know if they just stayed out of it it would make everyone else's life so much easier? Ga. Anyway. I digress. I felt like Tessa was young and naive, but not so willing to sacrifice herself unecessarily. Which, I must admit, was refreshing.

Will was mysterious and enigmatic, and we learn absolutely nothing about him in this book. Even if I didn't enjoy Clockwork Angel, I would continue reading just to learn Will's story. For the most part, I liked the book, but if I had to choose one itsy bitsy thing to critique, it would be the love story. Truthfully, I didn't see the attraction. Tessa and Will's romance made no sense to me. Will was a complete jerk throughout the whole novel (I'm sure once we find out why, it will be for a very good reason), and we get no view point from him whatsoever. Why does he fall in love with Tessa? Why does he bust his butt to race back to the church to save her at the end of the novel? What is the attraction between the two? I don't even feel like they had enough interaction in the novel to warrant such a speedy, and apparently intense, romance. The relationship didn't have any meat to it, and I wanted, no, craved, substance. Perhaps it will get better in the next novel? Maybe? Hopefully?

Clockwork Angel is a good read. Despite my teeny tiny problem, I was hooked in by the writing, the setting and I actually stayed up way too late trying to finish it. I since have discovered that I'm not in college anymore, and these old bones don't do well with no sleep. But I definitely don't regret it. This was my first foray into the Steampunk genre, and I really enjoyed the mechanical Victorian England. I'm sure that's an incredibly horrible way to describe it, but that's what the genre is to me.

So what I'm really trying to to do is conclude this review by saying read Clockwork Angel, it's wonderful and delightful. Definite hit and I can't wait for the next novel in the series!

Bloodlines Cover Reveal!!

Richelle Mead (one of my fave authors of all time!) has completed the Vampire Academy series (boo!), but is writing a spin off series for all of the side characters. Her first book, Bloodlines, is about Sydney the alchemist, and it looks. so. good.

Bloodlines is due to come out Aug 23. I feel like I spend my life waiting for Ms. Mead's books to come out. Here I am.. waiting again!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Genre: Contemporary YA

Published: Dec 2010

Goodreads

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

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Oh. my. gosh. Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh I LOVE this book!  I had seen it around the book blogger community and finally had an opportunity to read it. Anna and the French Kiss is so good in fact, that I've already read it twice. More specifically, I've read the book twice in the span of.. a day and a half. I know, I know, ridiculous. Or, you know, obsessive is probably more like it. If you've read the book, then I'm sure you understand and if you haven't, you're really missing out. And I mean, really.

Anna is one of the best well-written teenagers I've ever read. She's real, she's honest, she's goofy, quirky, and is beautiful on the inside and out. I honestly had trouble reminding myself at the end of the book that Anna was just a fictional character. And Etienne, *swoons*. Who wouldn't fall in love with a totally gorgeous guy that treats Anna like a queen (except when he's being stupid), and has an adorable British accent? I am seriously crushing on Etienne at the moment. I can't get enough! While they are both equally excellent characters on their own, together Etienne and Anna create a wonderful pair. The romance is both hot, sweet and completely unforgettable. I want to welcome Etienne and Anna to my Literary Couple Hall of Fame. You are among hereoes such as Cat & Bones, Kate & Curran, and Mac & Barrons. I'm sure you will fit right in! Well, minus the whole age difference and otherworldly aspect I guess.

I have never been to Paris, but have always wanted to go (if I can ever get hubs to agree!), and Ms. Perkins writes in such a way that I felt like I was there with Anna, experiencing everything she was. I even looked up pictures online of some of the places she visited, so I would have a better picture of what was going on. I love that Anna & Etienne's story began in the city known for love and romance. I also felt like she gave the right amount of details and description. I never once felt lost or bored. Again, I just couldn't get enough of Paris, the school and the whole story.

Thank you Ms. Perkins, for taking me out of my everyday, mundane life and taking me on a grand adventure. I adore your novel, and will be first in line when Lola and the Boy Next Door comes out. Anna and the French Kiss will proudly take it's place in my bookshelves, and if you were to check back in ten years, the copy will be well worn with use. I can't think of any greater compliment to give than that!