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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Hurricane (Last Call #2)

                           by Moira Rogers
Artist and witch Fiona Logan hasn't had an orgasm since a bitter ex cursed her five years ago. Whenever she gets aroused, bad things happen. Now, she's come to Last Call in hopes of gaining an audience with--and help from--its owner, a powerful wizard named Benito D'Cruze. If anyone can break the curse, it's him. And if he won't come downstairs to meet with her, she'll bump and grind until his bar caves in from the backlash. Hurricane: Contents under magical pressure. Experience required. Ben doesn't get involved with patrons... not even the hot, sexually frustrated ones. But when a lush looking blonde threatens to wreck his bar with her curse and her need, he decides it's time to take matters--and her--into his own hands. After all, even if he can't break the curse, he can certainly ease her frustration. And what powerful wizard doesn't love a challenge?


Review as on Goodreads by ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡
Again this was one that just ended. or I should I say I was left saying... HUH?

Witch walks into a bar... orders a hurricaine to break a touch curse. Only one man can handle it. Ben, the owner of the bar.

These stories are a cute novella, but they can have so much more & don't. You leave asking... so what happened to these people? BUT are left with a "maybe they stayed together??" Maybe not.
Rating:

Tequila Sunrise (Last Call #3)

                                                         by Moira Rogers
Werewolf Evelyn Smith loves her boyfriend, Kieran. Some people find it odd that an alpha female would choose a weaker mate, but Evelyn is willing to ignore her occasional cravings for submission when the reward is a fulfilling life with a man who loves her. Kieran Rhys doesn't mind the mocking jibes of his pack, but knowing the woman he loves has needs he can't meet drives him crazy. After months of coaxing, he's finally convinced Evelyn to accompany him to Last Call. If he can't give his lover what she needs, he'll find someone to help him. Tequila Sunrise: Looking for domination. Unrequited love has been hard on Zack Elliott. Even if the object of his desire returned his feelings, she's a fragile human whose body couldn't withstand the force of his needs. Evelyn and Kieran seem like the perfect solution, especially when he realizes the one thing they need is the one thing he's been holding back for far too long--absolute domination.

Review as on Goodreads by♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡
An alpha female walks into a bar with her not even close to an alpha male boyfriend. They both order a tequila sunrise. This has layers. 3 different things. Think about it! Yep, you got it, they add a man to the mix who helps the not so alpha male wolf man become more alpha.

This one was good with a more solid ending that the other 2 previous books!
Rating:

Teaser Tuesday


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read, open to a random page, and share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
 Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser
"An escort who looked like a petty thief? This was a joke, and it wasn't a funny one."
~ 65% on Kindle "Just Another Lady (Xcite Romance)" by Penelope Friday

Saturday, July 28, 2012

The Virgin Huntress

                                                      by Victoria Vane
Coddled and pampered since her mother's death, Lady Vesta Chambers is beside herself when her father goes to London to prepare for her come-out and returns with a young bride of his own. With her world turned upside down, Vesta accompanies her godmother, Diana, to town where she is smitten the moment she lays eyes on a certain captain of the Seventeenth Light Dragoons.
Captain Hewett DeVere, younger brother and heir to Viscount Ludovic "The Devil" DeVere, has returned from the American war scarred, disillusioned, and looking forward to settling down to a quiet and respectable life. But when the handsome and straight-laced captain turns his eyes toward the widowed Diana, Vesta is prepared to take devilish measures to prove just how wrong he is.
Recruiting the aid of her godfather, Vesta vows to prove to Hew once and for all that she is no longer a little girl, but a woman with the passion of…a huntress.


Book reviewed by L. Carroll
The absolute biggest problem I had with this book was the idea that someone can see another person and instantaneously know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are meant to be together, to the point that you are willing to kidnap that person just to get them to pay attention to you. Vesta is very young and comes off as quite spoiled, making it very difficult for me to like her as a character.

The redemption came when Hewett accepted his attraction to Vesta and his carnal side showed itself. When he was spending time with Diana he was very content to be a friendly person, but the other side of him that Vesta brought out made the relationship valid.

While this is classified as erotica, there wasn't a ton of sex in the book, and in fact the sex scenes didn't occur until very late in the story. There was quite a bit of foreshadowing done in this book about Diana and DeVere's future story, and many questions went unanswered, so be prepared to be sucked into the series if you read this book.
Rating:

Friday, July 27, 2012

Fifty Shades Freed

                                                         by E L James
When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian's singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more -- love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana's worst nightmares come true.


Review as on Goodreads by Milena's Book Corner
The first half was a bit slow, but I still could not put it down. Yes like the other two, there is still much adult content but that is not what the book is about on its own. It is ultimately a great love story, and a great series despite what the media has been saying. Writing wise, I have read much worse and to me this was just another series with a HEA (Happily Ever After). I would definitely recommend this series, not because it will qualify for a Nobel Prize in Literature, but because it is, in all honesty, a love story with a HEA. And I for one, ALWAYS want a HEA and Fifty Shades delivers. A great ending to a most intriguing, eye opening series.
Rating:

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

We're One

 by Mimi Barbour

Crystal was a celebrated Vegas star with a strong affinity to the animal world--except for the human male animal, that is. When she uses her trusty baseball bat to change the odds for easygoing Ashley Parks, getting beaten in an alley below her apartment window, the two end up having to run for their lives from a killer who wants revenge. Ashley's first kiss arouses her and all she wants is for him to do it again and more--but no strings. All he wants is strings--and to keep her safe. Her reaction to his chivalry..."You bungling idiot!!!? Everything's changed. It's you he's after now."


Review as on Goodreads by 's review
This book takes place in 1969.
A cute little light read supernatural love story between Ashley (a man) & Crystal.

Ash was getting beat up in an alley under Crystals window by some people who she worked for. One was Ash's friend too; playing a part so he didn't get fired. Crystal disguises herself in a hat an flannel shirt, runs out with a baseball bat & saves Ash.


Their fast paced love story mixed with bungling bad guys... or so they seemed. I pictured Joe Peshi as Joey... The animals, her chaotic mess...It was definitely an entertaining & different read with the magical rose bush & bench. It was a very original read as well. I can't get too specific because it was a fast read, I don't want to leave spoilers.

It was good & I did like it, but I have read so many great books lately, this one rates in the middle.

Rating:

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Teaser Tuesday




Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to 
their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

"I linger on the edge of consciousness, aware that if I wake fully I'll wake him, too, and he doesn't sleep enough. Hazily my mind wanders through the events of yesterday evening."
-Chapter 15 "Fifty Shades Freed" by E.L. James

Fifty Shades Darker

 by E L James
Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 
 
But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.
 
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.



Review as on Goodreads by Milenas Book Corner
Even though I enjoyed the first book this one was much better. Less kinky stuff more love between Christian and Ana. I loved it that Christian really trusted Ana with his dark secret, he sure does have a way of proving his love for her. Ana seems to have grown up a bit since the last book and is more confident with herself and her feelings for Christian. I liked how it ended it definitely makes you want to start book #3 immediately.
Rating:



Thursday, July 19, 2012

Random Reads Meme


The idea is to read one book, picked completely at random, off your TBR shelf. This is absolutely brilliant for me, as I have a huge TBR that never seems to go down!
Want to join in?

It’s easy…If you’re on Goodreads, enable sorting to your to-read shelf (you should see numbers next to each book now).


  • Go to Random.org and type in the Min as 1 and the Max as how many ever books are on your to-read shelf.
  • Scroll down to the book matching the number random.org picks.

  • Link up to your Random Reads post by clicking on the banner above.
If you’re not on Goodreads just pick a random book from your list in whatever way you want to do it. You can use the method I used above or even just close your eyes and point randomly at a book on your bookshelf if you want (spin the bottle style).  

(explanation stolen from the sign-up post). 



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Thief of Shadows


 by Elizabeth Hoyt
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles-protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.
Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society-flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons-Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar-and his lips so tempting.
During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed . . . But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel . . . and his life.
Reviewed by Cheryl Sneed, July 12, 2012
Winter has channeled all his frustration, all his passion and his need for physical release into his nocturnal wanderings as the Ghost, affecting solutions and punishing those who prey on the weak in ways he cannot as the Home's manager. And now, a new menace has come to St. Giles - someone, dubbed "the lassies snatchers," is stealing orphaned girls off the streets before Winter can get them to the safety of the Home. The Ghost is desperate to find those responsible.

I really liked Winter and, while it took a bit longer for me to warm to Isabel, I did wind up rooting for her. They make an unlikely pair, and I finished the book wondering if they are truly suited for each other over the long haul, but this is fantasy, after all. I appreciated Winter's interactions with the children and his obvious love for them. There was a side plot that ran throughout the book that felt completely unconnected to the story, and was there solely to set up the next book in the series, that I found to be intrusive and annoying.


But, Thief of Shadows is Winter's story, and, in the end succeeds, for he is a fascinating and compelling character.
Rating:

Monday, July 16, 2012

The Gathering (Darkness Rising#1)

 by Kelley Armstrong

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

In The Gathering , New York Times best-selling author Kelley Armstrong brings all the supernatural thrills from her wildly successful Darkest Powers series to Darkness Rising, her scorching hot new trilogy.




Book review as on Goodreads by
Well... There was so much world building & not much story, that I am not pouncing to get to the next book. I may continue the series, but right now I'm not sure.

One annoying feature I cannot overlook was the continuous - start to say something & change mind - or - think about saying something & not... Geez! Spit it out already!

Well this was about Maya an adopted Native (Indian of some sort/unknown) who lives in a teeny Canadian Island town/not a town with 200 people. The town was created by a drug company. Obviously the school is small.

She soon discovers she is a skin-walker, but doesn't know what to do with the information. She likes a new boy in town and has other friend relationships going on.

At the end, they are evacuated because of a fire. No spoiler... just full of build up with no info on anyone but Maya, but maybe there is more to the others. Since no one spit it out EVER... Maybe you'll find out in the next book.
Rating: 

Fifty Shades of Grey

 by E L James
When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.



Book Review as on Goodreads by MilenasBookCorner


Now... what more can I say about this book that hasn't already been said by others. Not much really except that I actually liked it. Christian is definitely "50 shades of fucked up" and Ana is obsessed with the pain, signing a sexual contract & the punishments. Actually her insecurities and indecisiveness really annoyed me at times and Christian just needs to get over his issue with eating. I found myself yelling at him to "SHUT UP". 

I am very curious as to why Christian has such a problem with Ana touching him. Obviously he 

has gone through some kind of trauma in his younger life which has contributed to how he is now. 

I found Fifty Shades of Grey to be intense, sexy and at times funny especially the e-mail exchanges which really lightened up the book. I have just downloaded book#2 and can't wait to start reading it as book#1 has left too many questions unanswered.


Rating: 

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Beautiful Library

One of the most beautiful Libraries in the World, happens to be in my own native land, beautiful Portugal.

The library is named  Livraria Lello in the city of Porto.