Quick Review: Darkfever (Fever #1) by Karen Marie Moning

Title: Darkfever (Fever #1)
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Started: 28/10/11
Finished: 31/10/11

Medium: Paperback (Gifted by Elodie of Once upon a quote)
Goodreads

Synopsis: 

MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens.

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death–a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae….

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane–an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book–because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands…

Review: 

I just recently read tons of bad reviews on this book but at the same time, I also read the good ones. No matter how mixed the reviews on this was. I still wanted to give this one a try. 

I found Mac a barbie doll change to all the usual boyish heroes thats all over the genre. This was a welcome change for me. I know a lot of you don't really like her because of her attitude. But I didn't mind it as much. It entertained me more than annoy me. She was witty and fearless. 

Jericho on the other hand totally surprised me. Mac didn't describe him as handsome or hot when she met him. Which is new to me. She slowly warms up to him and he to her and trust me thats an even more welcome concept for me! I'm sick of those "OMG! I just met you! I think I love you!" crap.

The plot is unique and very different from the other books I've read. I love the narration and how everything was written as much as I liked the fact that they're killing the Fae. I hate the Fae. They evil I tell you! I never liked them at all! And this book is the only Fae book I like. Yay! Definitely an unputdownable, vibrant, and shadowy new read. I can't wait to finish the series! 

Blog Tour: Review/Giveaway Blood's Voice by Aine P. Massie

Summary: 

Anya Millar had no memory of her life or an instruction manual on how to navigate the insane world of humans, biting, and reality. Instead, Anya has had to learn to navigate the world of love, life, and sanity while avoiding those that would see her dead or enslaved.

This is the ongoing journey of Anya and Nicholas, human loving vampires and the human they love, Declán. What makes it all more complicated is that they are abominations in their own world and Declán is a natural born vampire hunter called a Guardian.

Anya must come to terms with who she is and her missing past, Nicholas must win back the object of his eternal love while dealing with new cravings in his silent heart, and Declán must learn to destroy the very creatures that he has unequivocally given his heart and blood.

Review: 

Just when I thought Vampires were all the same Aine Massie comes in with her unique blend of how vampires are in her book "Blood's Voice". At first I was dragging my feet through the first hundred pages then again for the next hundred. I enjoyed how different the vampires were but I didn't connect well with the main character and I didn't like the dialogue and thats weird for me to say since I rarely dislike how the books are written and the main characters them self. I just felt that Anya was too monotoned in her narration and the dialogue felt a little weird.

Blood's Voice is a string filled with events that keep you reading. Though I found it difficult to read through probably because I was reading it through my computer screen instead of my iPad. It still held its  mild plot and Massie really kept at it with her writing.

Some bits to the story seemed rushed and choppy but Massie mixes it up with the romance bit which was really interesting and a bit strange in the beginning but as you read through you begin to love both guys and grow accustomed to their interactions with the main character.

Though as much as I liked how things went with the romance between one of the boys and the main character. I found the story not holding up with me and it was difficult for me to read and really grasp. But I admire Aine's ability to actually write something and finish it. And I have hope that the second book would be better than the first. 3/5 stars.

Find the book: 

Goodreads | Smashwords

How to Enter and the Rules:

You must be 13 and over

You must be a follower of my blog.
Comment below with the name you followed my blog with and your email

Winner’s will be announced on the 25th of November

Tour Recap

Review: Dreamland by Alyson Noel

Title: Dreamland (Riley Bloom #3)

Author: Alyson Noel
Started: 26/10/11
Finished: 28/10/11

Goodreads


Synopsis: 

Riley Bloom's adventures continues in this 3rd installment of the the Riley Bloom series. Incase you all don't know yet. Riley Bloom is dead and life doesn't end on the Earth Plane. She lives her 'afterlife' at Here & Now, a place all the dead go when they crossover. Riley found it a drag at first. But then she found her purpose. This purpose is 'Soul Catching' where she has to help convince stubborn ghosts to stop haunting people and crossover. During a supposed vacation in book 2, Riley decides to go against the rules and try to get an evil ghost to crossover which didn't end well. Now, in this 3rd installment, she is punished and suspended but she sees this as an opportunity to go out and try to communicate with her living sister Ever through her dream this as well is forbidden. Read the hardships she goes through trying to make it through Dreamland in this new installment.

Review: 

Dreamland picked up where the last book left out. Riley's being stubborn as usual tries to break the rules all over again. This 3rd installment is as good as the other 2. Eventful, clean, and page-turning. The writing is written simply in 1st person and is perfect for younger readers and its extremely easy and quick to read.

This is my favorite out of the 3 books in the series. Riley continues to throw tantrums and acts like your usual 12 year old girl and is determined to figure out how to turn 13, but thats tricky since she's dead. She was beginning to get on my nerves but then she finally learns a huge life lesson. Which she found through great characters like Balthazar, a former Hollywood director who now directs dreams. Her sister Ever, who goes through huge challenges because of the loss of her family and Bodhi, Riley's guide in her afterlife, who told her off and gave her the biggest eye-opening and hurtful speech ever.

This is a step up from the last 2 books and a wonderful read for younger readers from ages 11 onwards.  Dreamland is a perfect combination of flawless writing and a great light plot.

Blog Tour: Review/Giveaway Savor by Megan Duncan

Megan, you be pure awesomeness! Thank you for allowing me to be part of this tour. I appreciate it. Keep writing if you don't I'll go into cold turkey. :DDDD

Synopsis:


When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. Claire quickly discovers the royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past, she never knew existed.


Review:


Amongst dozens of vampire based Young Adult novels there is always one in a dozen that stands out amongst them. This is one in that dozen that stands out the most with its bright maroon/red cover and the amazing mix of dystopian, modernization, monarchy and vampires.

In the beginning we meet our main character Claire as she gets ready for her issuing of her Donor ID now that she's 18. In this world Megan created for us, we all each live in different regions wherein a vampire King reins amongst the humans. But in this region instead of brutally killing humans for blood like in the dark ages, humans donate their blood to the system monthly for the vampires. This clearly gives the region a sense of peace between humans and vampires.

As Claire's blood goes through testing before she gets her official Donor ID, the blood is tested and is concerned one of the purest of blood seen amongst the humans for years. And this catches the eyes of the King and the royal family. And they want Claire to be heir of their throne and their new daughter and Princess.

We follow Claire as she moves into the home of her new family and the process between her humanity all the way to her coronation and further. Claire holds a stern character that I liked a lot and immediately clicked with her character. She wasn't annoying or overly overwhelming. She was just the kind of teen I love to read about. Despite the fact that she had to leave her home and away from her friends and mom for perhaps forever, she rather took it well. If I was thrown in that situation I wouldn't be able to handle leaving my family that way.

The secondary characters were all easily liked. Especially Robin with her enthusiasm and cheerfulness I liked her immediately. But of course, there are those characters that you can’t help but loathe with their antagonist complex and such. Grr’s at them! Then out of nowhere Megan teases us with a shadowy hot figure in the distance that Claire can’t see but feels a strong bond for. Then Megan had to add in the whole whispering hotness that he is. And when we’ve finally met him she has to end the book! Of course, it was all before the fighting bits and the explosion which I found exciting but I won’t go further into.

Megan Duncan wrote such a beautifully written novel with few details and still managing to get the message out there. The storyline, love and bonds were realistic and new. An unputdownable read filled with love, family, and pure guardian hotness that annoyed me that it had to end. I look forward to Indulge!

Goodreads | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Amazon l Barnes and Noble

1st place: eBook copy of Savor (Int) or Paperback copy of Savor (US only)

2nd place: Bookmark Swag

Rules:

Must be 13 and over

Must be a follower of my blog & Megan's Blog

Must share on Twitter, Facebook, or through a blog post.

Winner’s will be announced on the 26th of November (picked by Random.org)

FILL UP THIS FORM

Blog Tour: Interview with Suki Michelle and Carlyle Clark (The Apocalypse Gene)

Welcome Suki Michelle & Carlyle Clark! 

Thank you, Unputdownablebooks, for giving us the chance to share a little bit of ourselves and our creation. You are a SPIKIN’ AMAZING girl, and we wish you everything wonderful that the universe (and all its alternate realities) has to offer. 

BRIEF BIO:

Suki Michelle is a life-long Chicagoan. She lives and writes with her soul mate, Carlyle Clark. She has one beautiful daughter, Bree, the first reader and tough critic of The Apocalypse Gene. Carlyle is a burly dude from San Diego. By day, Suki owns a Medical Transcription company and Carlyle is the assistant director of security for an international company. On the outside, Suki and Carlyle seem totally different. On the inside, they are the REAL Neo-Twins. You’ll have to read The Apocalypse Gene to find out who the Neo-Twins are, but here’s a hint: They are twisted devils with mirror-melded auras. 

1. What was the inspiration behind The Apocalypse Gene? 

Suki: I have a vivid imagination and a low tolerance for boredom. During a particularly tiresome day typing medical reports, I asked myself - What if there was a pandemic and the cure was beyond the reach of medical science and into the hands of mystics? (Naj's Note: Haha, I share the same tolerance for boredom)
Carlyle: What Suki said.  

2. Ever had writer's block while writing it? If so, how'd you get over it? 

Carlyle: I never get writer's block because I use the “spray and pray” technique knowing it’s fine to do as many revisions as it takes (number in the millions).  (Naj's Note: Revisions are good then. I always thought its a bad sign that I'm a bad writer. -.- )

Suki: I live with perpetual writer’s block. I stare at a blank screen, poke at the keys, rewrite a sentence seven-hundred times before powering down and going to bed pissed off. Then I wake up at three a.m., trip over the dog, limp to my computer and bang out a scene. (Naj's Note: Poor doggie!)

3. What was the best book you ever read? 

Suki: Tough question. I’ll say The Poisonwood Bible. I’ve always wanted to be Barbara Kingsolver when I grow up.

Carlyle: Deadwood by Pete Dexter. It's literary fiction set in the American West and the "voices" he gives the characters and the West itself make it feel very other. The people were the same but also different than we are now. 

4. How many times do you go back and rewrite a plot? 

Suki: Countless. Every time a character sticks out a fictional tongue, refuses to behave as instructed, and makes me change everything.

Carlyle: As often as it takes until everything makes sense. I can't say an exact number because I don't just power through to the end. I am constantly rewriting the plot as well as every other aspect 

5. Paperback or hardback? Why? 

Hardback for prettiness on the shelf, paperback for frugality. 

6. Who is your most favorite character and why? 

Suki: Louis from Interview with the Vampire, my first exposure to an immortal with deep morality in the face of insatiable hunger. While I’m at it, I have to say in the movie version, Louis in the form of Brad Pitt was astonishingly gorgeous. (Naj's Note: I concur)

Carlyle: Cletus Purcel from James Lee Burke's Dave Robiceaux series because I smile whenever he appears knowing that some well-meaning mayhem is sure to follow.

7. What is your weakness? Books, Food, etc. 

Suki: I love ALL foods as long as they’re chocolate.

Carlyle: Fried food and laziness. (Naj's Note: Fried Food is bad, and oh so gooood)

8. State 5 random facts about yourselves (10 facts total). 

Suki: 
1) I’m a people-person with a low tolerance for people (a frustrating irony).
2) Cashiers, waitresses and toll booth clerks find it impossible not to tell me their life story. (Naj's Note: Hahahahahahahahahaha)
3) My super power is asking a question about a TV show and having it be answered precisely one second later IN THE SHOW - an uncanny yet completely useless skill.
4) I suffer from odd-number phobia (notice this is #4?).
5) Half the time I have no idea what I’m doing. The other half, I’m trying to undo what I did when I didn’t know what I was doing.

Carlyle: 
1) I am one of the few people in the world who was literally paid to watch concrete dry. (Naj's Note: O.O Amazing)
2) I caught the Lake record bluegill at Poway Lake but they refused to post my name on the wall and I didn’t insist because I was supposed to have been in school at the time.
3) A bed once collapsed under my weight alone, well after Suki left it, proving that I can defy physics by weighing more by myself than I do with another adult.
4) I didn’t do it (no matter what the video shows).
5) I actually think I’m funny. (Naj's Note: I think you're funny. :DDD)

9. What are you currently reading? 

Suki: Under Heaven” by Guy Gavriel Kay, and listening to “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Euginides – both BRILLIANT.

Carlyle: The Towers of Midnight by Jordan & Sandersen + Provinces of Night by William Gay. Been reading The Wheel of Time since high school and Saandersen has brought it back up to its original form. Gay's dialogue, characterization, and metaphors are genius. 

10. You run into a bookstore, where do you go first? 

Suki: To the horror section. Unfortunately, the older I get, the less tolerance I have for the really scary stuff.

Carlyle: Straight to fantasy, in bookstores and in life. 

11. Your favorite Genre? 

Suki: Anything character- driven from speculative fiction to high-brow literary.
Carlyle: Epic Fantasy –battles, twisted politics, interpersonal-conflict, and a bit of romance . 

12. How many books in a month do you tend to read? 

Suki: I’d read all day if my day-job didn’t drain my focus - probably two.

Carlyle: I read nonstop wherever and whenever I can. I knock out about four books a month. 

13. What particular place do you write in? 

At home. We love being with each other and our furry pack of four-leggeds. We’re reclusive by nature. Sometimes it takes grease and a shoehorn to get us out of the house. 

14. Your favorite reading place? 

In bed with our dog at our feet and cats on our bellies. 

15. Here’s your chance to market the book. Describe 'The Apocalypse Gene' and why readers should pick it up? 

The Apocalypse Gene takes place in the near future during a time of global pandemic. Olivya, a highly sensitive psychic with aura-sight, lives in Hospice Row with her mother, cares for the dying, and attends virtual school. Being “sighted” in such dire circumstances is too much to take, and she tries hard to suppress her talent. 

In V-school, she meets the gorgeous, charismatic Mikah, an elite Empath in a clan of demon hybrids, The Kindred. Mikah tells Olivya that the Kindred are linked to the pandemic, but without initiation, he is barred from learning their truths. When Olivya’s mother falls ill, Olivya and Mikah embark on a quest to uncover Kindred secrets and soon discover that the pandemic is far more than a mere disease.

You should read it because the story, setting, and characters are unique - no vampires or werewolves, witches or fairies, and no love triangles, but an assortment of monsters and immortals you’ve never seen before, a strange paranormal romance, and funny dialogue. We wrote each scene vividly, intending that someday it will make a very cool 3D movie. It’s about believing in yourself, embracing your talents, and the power of love in the face of impossible odds. 

The book will be available for purchase on 10/17/2011. Go the www.theapocalypsegene.com, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and Parker-Publishing for ordering information. You can also find us at: 

Goodreads | Website | Trailer | Facebook | Blog | Author Blog | Publishing | Twitter @ Suki_Michelle

Bloggers Note: Thank you Carlyle and Suki for spicing up my blog, with your awesome answers! They literally made me, and my sister laugh out loud. You guys rock! *sends you virtual cake and cookies*

Want to Read a review of the book? Click here: http://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/the-apocalypse-gene/

BIG LAUNCH PARTY! :D

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NEXT STOP: Loving Books

Review: Aleph by Paulo Coelho

Title: Aleph
Author: Paulo Coelho
Started:  23/10/11
Finished: 24/10/11


Synopsis:


The Aleph is an encounter with our fears and our shortcomings - a search for love and forgiveness, and the courage to confront the inevitable challenges of life. Aleph marks a return to Paulo Coelho's beginnings. Facing a grave crisis of faith, and seeking a path of spiritual renewal and growth, Paulo decides to start over: to travel, to experiment, and to reconnect with people and the world. On his journey through Europe, Africa, and Asia, he will again meet Hilal - the woman he loved 500 years before - and this encounter will initiate a mystical voyage through time and space, through past and present, in search of an opportunity to rewrite his own destiny.


Review:


Coelho takes you along with him on a spiritual journey of self-discovery. He writes about his sojourn across Russia and meeting a Turkish girl called Hilal who helps him discover where he is now, where he was in the past and where hes going in the future. Together they discover their destiny through the Aleph.

Paulo wrote Aleph in a very personal level. It deeply challenges one to stop and think about life and every inch of its complexity. This is a fresh read out of my usual Paranormal genre. Finally, something that'll inspire me a lot more than usual. Paulo writes wonderful inspirational passages at the turn of every page. Though the book lacked any type of plot and may seem bumpy and very all over the place. Its revelations, creativity and inspirational content is the only thing that is holding this book together. It really makes you reconsider everything you do in life and your obstacles.

Paulo Coelho has and always have been able to create inspirational work that will hit you straight in the heart. This may be for some readers and not for others. I'll stay right in between this one. It was good but not that good. 3.5/5 stars

In My Mailbox #28

A weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we post all books we have received where in the mail, bought or got from the library.

Last week, I completely forgot to put up an IMM, thanks to my exams and the fact that I was reading a Highlander series. Haha. That doesn't matter since I only got 1 book last week.

GOT ON PAPERBACK:

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Dreamland by Alyson Noel

Something Blue by Emily Giffin

Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning 

 EBOOKS FROM AUTHORS:

Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Squeeeeeee~)

The Girl in the Box by Sheila Dalton

My Japanese Vacation by Casey White 

What did you get on your IMM this week?

Review: Falling Under (Falling Under #1) by Gwen Hayes

Title: Falling Under (Falling Under #1)
Author: Gwen Hayes
Started: 18/10/2011
Finished: 22/10/2011
Goodreads | Review List | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Review:

Once again, I dove right into a book with contents that are unknown to me. Was it about Vampires? Werewolves? Fairies? Witches? Angels? No. It isn't. I like surprising myself and I did just that when I begun this.

British Theia Alderson has moved to the states when she was 13. Now, at 17, her father made sure she didn't do anything wild, improper, rebellious, and irrational. He made sure she couldn’t harm herself with anything that isn't right. Then suddenly, Theia starts dreaming of a devastatingly handsome boy, who the next day began his first day of school. Why was she dreaming about a stranger before she even met him? Whats the strange pull she has for him? Why has she realized that this strange pull replaced her fear after Haden reveals what he truly is to her?

All these questions answer themselves as a reader gets through the book. I didn't like the beginning. I dislike how fast Theia yearns for Haden so much after they just met. It didn't seem like a "crush" like it was stated. It was more like an "obsession" from both their parts. It threw me off from the start, too many cliché’s But as the story started to pick up, and the story got over the "I love you even when I just met you" stuff. It became exciting and the events kept rolling in. Haden's mother is our antagonist in this one. She wants nothing more than to have Haden marry and become heir and in not a normal sense.

The author wrote wonderful secondary characters that constantly save the main characters butt. Best part is they're rather funny. They fit perfectly in the plot.

Falling Under is a vibrant read from an excellent debut author, who managed to creep me out a bit with her direct descriptions. Despite it's flaws it still was an enjoyable read. 3.5/5 stars.

Review: The Name of the Star (Shades of London #1) by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Name of the Star (Shades of London #1)
Author: Maureen Johnson
Started: 16/10/2011
Finished: 1810/2011
Goodreads | Review List
Review:

The Name of the Star, an unusual name for a mysterious book. When I learned that this book was surrounded by Jack the Ripper and its myths. I thought it will be the usual, 'paranormal guy' who happens to be Jack the Ripper and he gets with 'normal girl' and they fall in love. Someone comes between them and they fight for their love and win.

But no, this is nothing like that. Protagonist Aurora, moves to the UK when her parents accept teaching jobs at a university in Bristol, while she moves to Wexford, a train ride away, to finish her senior year of Highschool. Little did she know that she arrives in the UK just after a murder has spiked up the media, and was labeled the "Return of Jack the Ripper". The events happen and Aurora (or Rory) is caught in between as she becomes the prime witness in one of the murders as she saw the suspect no one else could.

My low expectations were crushed as I read this go on about how someone is repeating every murder Jack the Ripper has committed. I loved the mystery and feeling like a detective trying to analyse the evidence and predict where Jack will strike next. But this isn't your normal YA mystery. It has its own twist which I saw coming in some sense, but didn't know for sure, until they had to admit to it all. The book was thrilling though a little gory near the end of the book. As Aurora gets in tune with her unknown abilities, she was questioned by the police then again by another, who seemed rather shady. Everything falls into pieces as you enter the middle of the book, I especially loved how the book mentioned actual events and people. All this made me think. What if it happens again? What if Jack the Ripper returns?

An unputdownable mystery filled with suspense and thrill that will sure to run chills down your spine. A perfect mix of mystery, paranormal, and suspense to feed my hunger of the genre.

Quick Review: Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World #2) by Jeaniene Frost

Title: Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World #2)
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Started: 13/10/2011
Finished: 15/10/2011
Goodreads | Review List

Goodreads Synopsis:

An immortal war has been brewing in the darkness . . . And now one woman has stumbled into the shadows.

Chicago private investigator Kira Graceling should have just kept on walking. But her sense of duty refused to let her ignore the moans of pain coming from inside a warehouse just before dawn. Suddenly she finds herself in a world she's only imagined in her worst nightmares.

At the center is Mencheres, a breathtaking Master vampire who thought he'd seen it all. Then Kira appears, this fearless, beautiful . . . humanwho braved death to rescue him. Though he burns for her, keeping Kira in his world means risking her life. Yet sending her away is unthinkable.

But with danger closing in, Mencheres must choose either the woman he craves, or embracing the darkest magic to defeat an enemy bent on his eternal destruction.

Quick Review:


Mencheres' story wasn't what I expected. It was great but not that great. I felt like his love for Kira was rushed just like how the story was. But either way, this book posed as great entertainment despite the fact that it took me longer to read this compared to the first book. Though I did enjoy how the events rolled in with just as much humor as action. I always loved the humor in Frost's book.

This book caused my curiosity about Vlad and Ian's story to escalate. I'm hoping Frost will be writing about those two soon! If I was to describe this book in just words it would be: Unputdownable, sweet, corny and steamy.

Sorry for the excessively short review. :(

Review + Giveaway: Embraced by the Shadows by Mayra Calvani

Title: Embraced by the Shadows
Author: Mayra Calvani
Started: 1/9/2011
Finished: 2/9/2011
Goodreads | Review List

Goodreads Synopsis:


In a bazaar in Istanbul one evening, ten-year-old Alana Piovanetti glances into the shadows to find a man watching her. He smiles, and over time she convinces herself that it was just her imagination that placed sharp fangs amongst those flashing teeth.

Twelve years later, Alana is surprised when she is chosen to manage a new restaurant opening in her home city of San Juan. She has neither training nor experience to justify her success. But La Cueva del Vampiro has the kind of ambience she adores, for Alana has always had a penchant for horror and the dark side of life. Yet she is also plagued with dreams of dark sensuality, dreams that take on shattering reality when she meets the stunningly handsome, charismatic Sadash.

For Sadash is the man she saw in the shadows so many years before…and Sadash isn’t human….

Review:


I received this as an ARC through e-mail about a week ago and accepted it enthusiastically because it sounded like a good book. And it was for the first few 50 pages.

The beginning really drew me in. The scenario took place in Puerto Rico which was new and welcoming from my part. I like reading books in different scenarios so thats a plus for the unique setting. In the beginning we meet Alana our protagonist and her bestfriend Valeria. They have this undying bond with one another that is beyond normal and kind of freaked me out a bit but Calvani made up for it by introducing a vampire lead into the equation that is called "Embraced by the Shadows". He was haunting, dark, handsome and all kinds of alluring. But I was disappointed when certain things came into view about him and how vampires work in this book. Though it may be more realistic than other vampires in different books. It just seemed like he lacked this essence that I was looking for.

As the story progressed, I began to get annoyed at all the characters. They weren't as well constructed as I hoped they were and the story line just began to lose its favor with me to the point where I disliked it. It was great within 50 pages then Calvani took the book into another 158 pages and it seemed as if it was rushed and not well thought of. It was missing the WOW factor. But I did enjoy the book enough to read the first 50 then the next 158 without a sweat. Calvani's skill can grow and I look forward to see if she go beyond boundaries.

Free Book up for Grabs til the 31st. 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95031

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94529

eBook PDF Giveaway of Embraced by Shadows by Mayra Calvani

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Review: First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World #1) by Jeaniene Frost

Title: First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World #1)
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Started: 11/10/2011
Finished: 12/10/2011
Goodreads | Review List

Goodreads Synopsis:

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows—her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield—and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness—and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human—even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together . . .

Because once the first crimson drop falls, they will both be lost.

Review:

I never thought much about the secondary characters of the Night Huntress series, except for the occasional, "He's hot!" or "He's so coool!", and now that I've actually read something about them. I can't help myself but love them too!

Spade and Denise's story was everything I expected. Though Frost threw in some things I haven't even thought about which was an instant plus for me. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow bit by bit. It was irritating how they just wouldn't admit that they like each other! Its foreplay I tell you! I kept on complaining and shouting "JUST TELL HER ALREADY!"to the point where my sister started getting a little too infuriated at me. Haha. My bad. When things start to warm down a little, the seduction from Spades part was priceless! I am soo in love with him now. If only he was real. :(

Cat, Bones, Ian and Mencheres made an appearance and all together, I'm actually liking Spade and Denise's point of view better than Cat and Bones. Probably because Spade and Denise's tale is something new. :DDD Now, I can't help but want to know Mencheres and Ian's story as well. Mencheres I already have. But what about IAN?! IAN needs a leash on him! And loooooove!

I can't get over how enthralling the book was. First drop of Crimson is as unputdownable as the first book of the Night Huntress series.

Review: Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Title: Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander #1)
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Started: 9/10/2011
Finished: 10/10/2011
Goodreads | Review List

Goodreads Synopsis:

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....

Review:

I have never in my life been so engrossed into a book, like what Moning managed to write. I don't know if it was my urgency to see what'll happen between Hawk and Adrienne or Moning's writing style. Whatever it was, it took my breathe away. The book wasn't much on a plot, and more on the hardcore happenings of "now" and was filled with nothing better than, hunky man, and his stubbornness.

The story was mostly centered on bringing, Hawk, the unearthly beautiful man to his knees in front of a beautiful, independent woman from the 20th century. I loved how they fought and sparred, how he 'tried' seducing her only to be rejected. I felt sorry for him most of the time. The poor thing was so cruelly treated. But all is well at the end. :D

This book was pure awesomeness. It was clearly unputdownable. I would have finished it when I started if I didn't have an exam the next day. I completely enjoyed every bit of this book. Okay, maybe not the fairies but you know what I mean. Seriously, where was I when this came out?! =.= I wish I started reading Paranormal Romances earlier! A must read if you're a fan of it.

NOT FOR YOUNG READERS.

Blog Tour: Interview with Curvy Writer's Idea-to-Novel Experiment

This is a unique project by DJ Westerfield which I'd love to share with you all. I did a little interview with her. Though now, I wished I asked her a different set of questions. :( 

Before that I'd like to share with you a little about the project: 

DJ Westerfield is going to document her journey through the preparation and writing of the book on her CurvyWriter Blog and in her weekly posts on the Curvalicious Living Magazine website. Once the book is written, edited, and published, much of her work product will be put up on this website so you can see how the world came together.

The Novel DJ is writing is Voodoo Moon. Voodoo Moon will be Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy.

What happens after the world ends? A new one begins.

Magic and ParaNormal beings have existed for as long as time…but they have always lived in secret, their existence reduced to myth.

After a worldwide cataclysm destroys modern society the only chance humanity has are the magic users and immortal creatures that have long been regarded as inhuman. In the ruins of one society another rises up. One that acknowledges the existence of paranormal beings and magic as normal scientific fact. Magic blends with technology and vampires, werewolves, and witches live side by side with normal humans.

But this new world is a dangerous one. While the new city-states are relatively safe within their walls with Peacekeepers on every corner…outside the walls in the Outter Zones danger lurks behind every derelict building and over grown tree.

Goals:

• Complete the pre-writing (prep) process before National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November 
• Write the complete novel during NaNoWriMo 
• Edit and revise within thirty (30) days 
• Publish novel in January (no later than February) 2012

* * *

Now, to the Interview! Please, welcome DJ! *applause*

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter (@curvywriter)

Blurb about Dj Westerfield:

I am a thirty-@#$# year old wife, stepmom, sister, and auntie.  I have been a freelance writer, editor and ghost writer for several years. In the past I have had several short stories and novellas under two pen names.  I have decided to scrap those and start fresh with a new pen name, June Stevens, and a new genre, paranormal romance/urban fiction.   I recently founded Curvalicious Living Magazine (http://curvaliciousliving.com), where I am editor in chief.  In my “day job” I am a court advocate for victims of domestic violence.  

1. What inspired you to write?

I don’t really know.  I always wanted to be a writer, for as long as I can remember.  It may be because when I was young I often escaped from a not so pleasant childhood through reading.  I would hide under the porch, in closets, or up in trees and read for hours.  I do know that I got my talent, and possibly some of my urge to write from my mother.  She was a talented writer, singer, and artist…though she never pursued any of those dreams.  I know, for a fact, that she is my inspiration for writing now.  She had a hard life and had dreams that never came true.  I lost her in August.  I know she wanted me to edit less and ghost write less and write fiction for myself.  Now, I am determined to do that, for her and for myself.     

2. Have you ever had writers block while writing? If so how'd you get over it?

Writer’s block isn’t my problem so much as “writer’s procrastination”.  The ideas flow out of me like lava, but making myself sit still and write is always a challenge.    

3. How long does it take you to write?

It all depends on what I’m working on, how motivated I am, and, if I’m writing fiction, how much the characters are talking to me.

4. What particular place do you write in? Coffee Shop? Home? 

Usually at home, but when I can I sneak off to the library (which has a coffee shop in it…how awesome is that?)

5. You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?

Depends on my mood that day, but usually either the urban fantasy/paranormal section or the romantic suspense/mystery section.  Though there are some days when I stand in the middle aisle turning in circles overwhelmed by sheer joy.

6. Paperback or Hardback? Why?

Paperback.  I’m hard on books. Books are to read, to enjoy over and over and over.  Not to be shelved to gather dust.  I bend back spines, underline passages I like, and sadly, sometimes even dog-ear pages.  Yes, I know most consider that a cardinal sin.  But if you come in and see my book collection there is no doubt each one is well read and well loved.

7. In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?

That is an impossible question!  If I really have to choose I guess I would say Anne Shirley from the Anne of Green Gables books by L.M. Montgomery.  When I was a little girl I read books to escape, and there was no greater escape than the Anne books.  I used to have a very long skirt and I would wear it when I’d go out to play and pretend I was Anne out on an adventure.  

8. State 5 random facts about yourself.

1. I’m celebrating my 1 year wedding anniversary, TODAY! (Naj's Note: CONGRATS!!)
2. I’m fat, and…I’m ok with ME.
3. I have a 3 year old nephew who is a talented actor in the making.  He will be a super star some day.  FACT!
4. When I’m in a bad or sad mood I watch Love Actually or Pride and Prejudice (with Kiera Knightly)…Or both.  They always cheer me up.
5. I am addicted to fried chicken and Nutella. (Though, I don’t usually eat them together.)

9. What are you currently reading? 

I am currently reading The Shoppe of Spells by Shannon Grey which I will be reviewing for Curvalicious Living Magazine.  For times when I can’t sit down and read I have just downloaded about 10 Nora Roberts audio books for my Ipod.  This will keep me entertained while I clean house, drive, and work for the next week or so.    

10. While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot? 

As many times as I (or my characters) change my mind.  I can’t give a definitive number on that, because it is always different.  I can say that almost always, at least once.  My original idea is never like the finished product.  

11. Your favorite Genre? 

It really depends on my mood.  Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal, Romance.  Now, a book that has all three together…..WIN!

12. How many books in a month do you tend to read?

10-20 depending on how busy I am.  Lately most of the books I read are audio books.  I can borrow them from my library, put them on my Ipod, and “read” while I am cleaning, cooking, and just about everything…except writing. 

13. Do you prefer reading Adult or Young Adult paranormal books?

Both.  I read mostly adult paranormal/urban fantasy. I’m a huge fan of Jeaniene Frost, Ilona Andrews, Jessa Slade…and the list could go on forever. I am also huge fan of Young Adult books, but not so much the recent flood of YA “vampire” books. 

14. Who (actor/actress/model) is mostly likely to play your favorite character in your Recent Book? Name the character and Include a picture of the actor who'd most likely play him/her.

My favorite character is Fiona.  Finding an actress that fits the bill of Fiona was very hard.  While there are many beautiful, tall, dark haired actresses out there, most of them have figures that are unattainable for the average woman.  I want Fiona to be “real” since I used a friend’s body as the inspiration for her looks, but she also has to be somewhat athletic and able to kick booty when necessary.  So, after much deliberation and thoughts about a dark haired Christina Hendricks or Kate Winslet, I found a couple of pictures of a model that I thought would best represent “Fiona”.  

Mia Tyler is gorgeous, curvy, AND looks like she could kick some serious butt when needed.  She is definitely my “Fiona”.

16. Heres your chance to market your book. Describe your book and why readers should pick it up?

Voodoo Moon is the first in the ParaNorm World novel series.  The “blurb” for the book is not finished because I am writing the book now.  Or rather I am “pre-writing” the book now and will write it during NaNoWriMo.  I am doing this somewhat publicly and posting regular updates on my blog, The CurvyWriter Blog (http://curvywriter.info).  

About ParaNorm World (http://paranormworld.info):
What happens after the world ends?  A new one begins.
Magic and ParaNormal beings have existed for as long as time…but they have always lived in secret, their existence reduced to myth.
After a world wide cataclysm destroys modern society the only chance humanity has are the magic users and immortal creatures that have long been regarded as inhuman.  In the ruins of one society another rises up.  One that acknowledges the existence of paranormal beings and magic as normal scientific fact.  Magic blends with technology and vampires, werewolves, and witches live side by side with normal humans.
But this new world is a dangerous one.  While the new city-states are relatively safe within their walls with Peacekeepers on every corner…outside the walls in the Outter Zones danger lurks behind every derelict building and over grown tree.

* * *

I'd like to thank DJ for being part of my post today! And goodluck in your writing endeavors!