Happy 2012!

Hope everyone is having a great start to the new year. I'm playing on my new toy and I'm even posting his from an app. :) In fact, I have done the whole post from this app! Guess I won't have excuses to not post, but wait for the funny autocorrects! ;) 

My new years resolution may seem like a funny one to some. I plan on blogging a bit less and reviewing less. Now, I'm not answering for my other reviewers, so there may be plenty of reviews. It's just honestly, it has totally taken over more than I had intended. I guess I'll see if I keep this one. First I have to reduce the tbr review pile. :) 

Now, this dosen't mean I'm abandoning the community. Actually, I may be able to be more social! Hey! No groans!

Well, what I would like to know now is what are your new years goals and do you keep them? Honestly, my typical goals for the new year typically consisted of resolving to make no more resolutions (after that one) and yeah, I could keep that one. ;)

Your turn! Remember, the Mayans say this is our last one! Make it a good resolution. ;)

Vacay

 

Took a little impromptu vacay from blogging. Yea, okay, I'm playing with new toys. Will be back in a couple of days.

On My Wishlist... The Alyssa Kirk Edition...

For seventeen-year-old Aurora Lahey, survival is a lifestyle.

DEMONIC DESTINY

Aurora has the crappiest superpower on the planet. And it’s just unleashed a hit squad from hell. Demons are on the hunt, salivating to carve her carcass into confetti.

  

 CHARISMATIC KILLERS

The Hex Boys—mysterious, hunky, and notorious for their trails of destruction—have the answers Aurora needs to survive. But their overload of deadly secrets and suspicious motives makes trusting them a potentially fatal move.

LETHAL ALLIES

The battle to save her family, herself, and stop demonic domination may cost Aurora everything worth living for, and force her to reveal her own dark secrets. But no worries. She needs the Hex Boys to pull this off, and, chances are, teaming up with these guys will get her killed anyway.

Some of us know her as Alyssa, the rest of the world will know her soon. Check out her and her mom out at the other blog: A&E Kirk

Happy holidays Alyssa!

Happy Christmaschanukahkwanzaasolstice!

Hope your holiday is as fun as this:

Hee hee...

Also don't forget... there is still plenty of time to enter:

2 winners! International!
Also, plenty of giveaways going on! Check out the giveaways page and pay attention to Felicia's 40 for 40 giveaway and Melissa (My World's) giveaway (in the links section)! 


I hope your holiday is fun filled and happy. Even for us grinches. ;D Will be back to blogging soon. I do have one more post tomorrow. I hadn't planned on it, but this person rocks so much I HAD to post it. I hope you stop by to see what it is!

Touch of Power by Maria V Snyder (Healer #1)

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos. 

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

I have been told by many other bloggers that I need to read a Maria V Snyder book. I have the first magic book on my tbr but have yet to get to it. So, when I had the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at it. Plus, I have to admit, I do like that cover.

I have to say I did get involved in this book. I found this world very interesting. A world in which Avry has to live as a fugitive for healing because of fear. She is "rescued" by a band of men who want her to heal a prince she personally hates. To heal him will cause her death, so she refuses. The leader of the men is angry and desperate and causes Avry harm when he swore he wouldn't. Therefore I really hated the guy. I was also angry that he would become her love interest. Ah, but before you take my head off because I spoiled so much... trust me, none of that is secret and you know it all from the beginning of the book as soon as they meet.

Yes, I hated Kerrick. Spoiler altert (highlight to see) He hits her in a fit of anger. He also chains her up and tortures her to gain her compliance. The first is pretty unforgivable IMHO, the second COULD be seen later as a desperate attempt if shown in the right light. Honestly, I don't think he fully grasped why that was wrong and so it still upsets me. (end spoiler) I also did not like his zealotry for this prince. It never fully made sense to me no matter how many stories were told. I get how he became loyal, but a zealot? Not so much. However, I will submit, I did soften a bit to him in the end when I felt he was sincere with Avry about who he was and trusted her fully. Still~ *sigh*

Avry was a entirely different matter. I really loved her character with the exception of her flaw above (hah! You thought I already forgot! LOL). She was snarky and refused to follow orders. She lived her life as a choice and not as a victim. I really loved that about her. She chose who to heal and who not to heal. It was HER body on the line and her pain. She refused anyone who tried to tell her different. She was strong, intelligent, and willing to learn. She also made several hard choices and discovered things that I am now curious about. Yes, she is the main reason I want the next book in the series.

So, what do I give this book? To be honest, this is a hard question. So, it came down to this for me. Did I enjoy it? Yes. It also gave me a bit of an emotional ride (including anger). I want to read the next one and I'm willing to forgive Kerrick (although I preferred Belen ~ no not a triangle, but I loved the big guy!) because she has already. I mean this isn't real life, so therefore, he won't have that problem again. *sigh* Oh yea... the rating. So, I give it 4 stars. Mostly because of Avry.
I was given this book from NetGalley and the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

The Puppies Happy Birthday Giveaway!!

My baby is going to have a birthday. Felicia's baby, and co-conspirator, from the Geeky Blogger is also having a December b-day! I've done different giveaways in the past, but this time I decided to do something different. With the economy the way it is around the world, puppies all over are having a hard time. In fact many are abandoned to fend for themselves. Several organizations are trying to help, but of course all need support of the public. 

This time Felicia's pup and my pup will have you do something for animals (not just dogs or domestic animals) but any animal you feel connected. It can be a national organization like the National Wildlife Federation, something more specific, but still national like Veterinarians Without Borders who do help animals all over the world... or something local. In fact, they encourage the local since it would have an impact on where you live. For example, my local vet has a drive every year. They collect money, objects and food for the shelters. Usually there is a wish list of items they need. If you don't have money, but perhaps some stuff to give, you can do that. It's as easy as calling your local shelter to see what they need. All have a list.

So, no... as you can see, they're not just talking about giving money. You may not have that to give. No problem. They are also crediting any type of service you can provide. For example, walking a neighbor's dog who is elderly and cannot get out. Pet sitting during an emergency. Volunteering some time at a shelter. All options are open.

Service can and often is more important than money. Remember this is an entry as well!

To make this easy here are the rules:

1. You must do something for animals. It can be giving money, volunteering, or supporting them in some major way this month (yes, you could have done something at the beginning of the month before the giveaway started... just as long as it is in Dec.).
2. You must tell me what you did or where you donated (do not tell me the amount if it is money) in the comments. That way people can also find out what to do or where to donate.
3. Fill out the Rafflecopter form which also has prompts to remind you to do this.

Any and all tweets, FB posts, Google +, etc are greatly appreciated. You should also have plenty of time to do something. The giveaway ends at the end of the month.

<a href="http://melissawatercolor.blogspot.com/search/label/dog"> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6474085267_09b3f4a6cd_m.jpg"width="200"></a>

The prizes (donated by myself and Felica of the Geeky Blogger):

2 Winners!!

$20 from either Amazon in the form of a G/C or same amount from the Book Depository

$15 from either Amazon in the form of a G/C or same amount from the Book Depository

Now, I do hear that my dog's partner in crime for this giveaway, Felicia's dog, has said that December dogs rule and their owners drool! I maintain that isn't true... well, unless you count Book Boyfriend Day or Top off Tuesdays or... oh hush! ;)

Make our puppies proud! Make sure you tell the truth OR I'll be forced to find all Sarah McLachlan's ASPCA videos and make you watch them until you ball your eyes out! 

Seriously, don't lie...

A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep (Bigtime #3.5)

It's Christmas time in Bigtime, New York, but society reporter Carmen Cole isn't in the mood to celebrate since her husband, Sam, has to go on a business trip and might not make it home for the holiday. But Carmen has plenty to keep her busy, since she moonlights as Karma Girl, a member of the Fearless Five superhero team.

On Christmas Eve, Carmen, as Karma Girl, is assigned to guard toys, clothes, food, and more that are intended for needy children and their families. But an ubervillain also has his eye on the toys and plans to steal and then sell them to the highest bidder. Carmen will have to use all her empathic powers just to stay alive, not to mention make sure Christmas is a happy one for all the kids who are counting on her. It's all in a night's work for a superhero ... 

Note: This is a 14,000-word story that takes place after the events of Jinx, the third book in the Bigtime series. It can also be read as a stand-alone holiday story.

This is a cute short novella within the Bigtime hero series. It takes place after Jinx but can be read as a stand-alone. I must say though I enjoyed it more after reading the series since I was already acquainted with the superhero/ubervillan people.

Karma girl takes center stage in this book. It's her job to protect the presents from any ubervillan looking to make a name for themselves as the most evil of all. I mean stealing from underprivileged kids is pretty evil. Hijinks ensue, ubervillians expound on their evil plan, and situations arise for our heroine. Does she get out? Does she win the day... er... night? Well, it is a feel good Christmas story, so of course! No surprise there (and no evil laugh... don't faint) but it is just another fun ride within this campy group of stories. I give this book 5 stars. It delivers within a short story exactly what it promises.... fun.

I was given this ebook by the author for my review and no compensation was given.

Before you go... letting you know that this cute story is only $.99 at Amazon, and B&N.

Of course this isn't Karma girl and friends, but I thought it was a fun pic to add... ;)

Bigtime Series by Jennifer Estep

 Karma Girl (Bigtime #1)

Bigtime, New York, is not big enough for both Carmen Cole and the superheroes and ubervillains who stalk its streets. An intrepid reporter, Carmen's dedicated her life to unmasking the spandexwearers, all because her fiancŽ turned out to be a superhero, and a cheating one at that-sleeping with none other than his nubile nemesis.

Exposing the true identities of the nation's caped crusaders and their archenemies has catapulted Carmen from her sleepy southern hometown to the front pages of the country's biggest newspaper, The ExposŽ. Hobnobbing with millionaires and famished fashionistas is all in a day's work for a woman on the trail of the Fearless Five and Terrible Triad. But when Carmen gets the scoop of her career, her life comes crashing down around her. And even Bigtime's sexiest superhero, Striker, may not be able to save her.

When I got a chance to review this series I jumped at it! I've been so curious and became even more so when I got a couple of quick references to "Karma Girl comics" in the Elemental Assassin Series and The Mythos Academy Series. So, the question remains... did I enjoy this book? Oh yes I did! It was a fun adult book with a couple of smexy scenes within. It was fun, campy without being over the top and completely entertaining. Yes you figure out the identities of the superheros and ubervillians way before the characters do, but quite honestly that was part of the point of the book. If you think about it, really, it is any different than what you get in comic books? Seriously... how many people were fooled by Superman's glasses? LOL

I give this book 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone looking for something fun to read that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Alternative covers:

Hot Momma (Bigtime #2)

By day, Fiona Fine is a successful couture designer, catering to the high society players of Bigtime, New York. By night, she's Fiera, a member of the heroic Fearless Five who can create and manipulate fire with her bare hands.

Fiona's personal life, though, isn't so hot. She still misses her fiancŽ, who was killed by ubervillains a year ago. Still, men admire Fiona's smoking assets, and she decides to get back in the dating game- especially after she meets Johnny Bulluci. But this notorious playboy has plenty of secrets to go along with his sexy smile. And, with two new ubervillains in town who are intent on raising hell, Fiona's love life might just crash and burn.

This book takes place after the first one, but is more about Fiera (Fiona) and Johnny Angel. It still is campy and fun as the first, but I have to admit, I didn't "warm" (heh) up to Fiona as I did Carmen in the first book. I liked her well enough and enjoyed her story, but I think she is just a bit too much on the selfish side for me. Still, I would have missed this story if it wasn't told. I enjoyed seeing how she took her broken heart and mended it, kicking Johnny's ass and dealing with a new love. And despite what I said about her selfishness, she finds her heart as well within this story. How that all comes out you'll just have to read it to find out. I give this one 4 stars. 

Alternative Covers:

Jinx (Bigtime #3)

Thanks to her unwanted superpower, fashion designer Bella Bulluci may be the luckiest woman in Bigtime, N.Y. But luck can be good or bad, and it seems like just as many embarrassing things happens to Bella as do positive ones. 

Like when a charity event that Bella plans get crashed by Hangman, a deadly ubervillain who's after a prize sapphire that's on display. Hangman almost succeeds in stealing the jewel for his evil ubervillain boss, Prism, but Bella's luck helps her escape with the sapphire star along with some help from the suave and charming Debonair. 

Debonair's not an ubervillain, but he's not really a superhero either. Still, Bella can't help but fall for him, despite her personal vow to have as little to do with heroes and villains as possible. But with Hangman and Prism still after the sapphire, Bella's going to need every bit of her luck power just to survive ...

 This was another fun book. I really enjoyed Bella and her dislike of all things super. Either villain or hero. However, Debonair makes Bella reconsider things once he has her in his "den of seduction". She isn't the type to go after someone who seduces many women for the thrill... but something about him attracts him despite her aversion. This combo makes it for another fun book. One where we see if two very shy people can overcome their "press" and make a connection.

My only complaint was Bella's attitude with her body. She constantly complained and worried over nothing. However, it is resolved in the end and don't we all know someone like that? ;D I also wanted to kick Debonair in the @ss and liked him but didn't (if that makes sense) until he was fully himself. In other words, when he was neither Debonair or his alter identity but his true self to Bella did I enjoy and root for him fully. I really LOVED him then.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars and recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun campy book.

Alternative Cover:

All these books are currently $2.99 in ebook format. 

Amazon, B&N, Kobo

I was given all 3 ebooks from the author for my reviews and no compensation was given.

On My Wishlist...

Meme hosted by Book Chick City

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
tbp: Jan. 24, 2012
Description:

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

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

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

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

Yes, I've seen this one around the blogoverse but it has such a beauty and the beast vibe to it (Hades/Persephone stories seem like that to me).

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published!

Description:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

I've been drooling over this one and just realized I never highlighted it! So, here it is! I really enjoy her writing!

So, what is on your wishlist this week?

The Calling by Ashley Lynn Willis: Review by AimeeKay

The Calling

by Ashley Lynn Willis

$.99

Amazon B&N

As many of you know it's been months since I was at sea with the crew of The Rusty Dagger. So this charming book with it's connections to the deep really floated my boat! (ARGH! What a bad pun!) Bad puns aside, I really liked this book.

Justin was sweet and kind, not to mention good looking. Plus he really cared about Mandy, as a fried as well as a lover. He even stood up to his best friend Ty in regards to Mandy, long before he even knew if he had a shot with her. As for the whole issue of it was his best friends girl. Well Ty was being a dill weed, to put it mildly, and he deserved what he got. Willis did a really good job with Mandy as well. From her concerns about her cancer returning to her fear of being rejected simply because of her surgery scars, and mostly everything in between. Mandy felt real and I liked her. I found myself able to understand and sympathize with her. There is this great bathroom scene in the beginning of the book. Mandy is freaking out over some tests and her best friend, Lori, comes in to check on her. Before I spoil the whole scene for you, let me just stop myself and say that the banter between the two friends felt real. I could imagine it happening in real life.

The only problem I had at all in the story was near to the end. ***Major Spoiler alert*** Justin and Mandy are cornered by Ty and Justin goes into a rage and defends Mandy. Mandy gets freaked out because of how over the top Justin's anger went. She even runs off and says she doesn't think she can be with him since he can't control his anger. Ok. Look, if one of my ex-boyfriends shot a gun at my head and my boyfriend went ballistic and accidentally hurt my ex I would NOT be feeling any sympathy for my ex. Sorry, maybe that makes me a bad person *shrug* but it's just my opinion.***End Spoiler alert*** Ok, maybe that wasn't soo bad a spoiler.

Besides that one issue I had with Mandy, I really liked the book. Willis's description of the sea are beautiful, I felt like I was really there. As I said before her handling of Mandy's issues from her cancer was spot on. I would definitely read more of this authors work. Whether it involves the sea or not!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! and a Happy New Year!

'Til Next Time!

AimeeKay

Winners!

Oh I almost forgot to announce my winners. *shame face* 

So...

Winner of 

is:

White Wolf Reads!

(confirmed)

Winner of:

(this was the book she picked)

is...

Mariee

(confirmed)

I hope you both enjoy your great reads!!

Btw, still going on is the puppy birthday giveaway. Even if you aren't participating, please help advertise it around the blogoverse. That way the more people who participate the more animals are helped. Also, just check out the comments. These people ROCK MY FACE OFF! :D

I'm currently working on another series and then I'll get my mini reviews up. 

Hope the holidays aren't kicking your @ss! ;) ❤!

On My Wishlist...

Meme hosted by Book Chick City

Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

tbp: Aug, 2012

Description:

When does obsession become madness? Tragedy has forced sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein to swear off alchemy forever. He burns the Dark Library. He vows he will never dabble in the dark sciences again—just as he vows he will no longer covet Elizabeth, his brother's betrothed.

If only these things were not so tempting.

When he and Elizabeth discover a portal into the spirit world, they cannot resist. Together with Victor's twin, Konrad, and their friend Henry, the four venture into a place of infinite possibilities where power and passion reign. But as they search for the knowledge to raise the dead, they unknowingly unlock a darkness from which they may never return.

A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

tbp: March 2012

Description:

 
Just when her new life as a TouchStone – a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds – seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away…let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding eleven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves.

I actually have this one, but didn't feature it. I can't wait to read it!!

Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater

Published!

Description:

Katie and Jenni have found new lives with the survivors of their makeshift fort, but danger still lurks. Nothing is easy in the new world where the dead walk and every day is a struggle to keep safe.

As the elements, bandits, and the zombie horde threaten their safe haven, Jenni and Katie join the other survivors in fighting to survive as the world dies.

Blame Ashely from The Bookish Brunette! ;) I have the first one ready to be read, so naturally I need this one to read right after! Need I tells ya! ;D

So, what is on your wishlist this week?

Psst... btw, come back tomorrow for an announcement of a great giveaway!

Black Sun's Daughter Books 3 and 4 by M.L.N. Hanover

Vicious Grace (book #3)

When you're staring evil in the eye, don't forget to watch your back . . .

For the first time in forever, Jayné Heller's life is making sense. Even if she routinely risks her life to destroy demonic parasites that prey on mortals, she now has friends, colleagues, a trusted lover, and newfound confidence in the mission she inherited from her wealthy, mysterious uncle. Her next job might just rob her of all of them.

At Grace Memorial Hospital in Chicago, something is stirring. Patients are going AWOL and research subjects share the same sinister dreams. Half a century ago, something was buried under Grace in a terrible ritual, and it's straining to be free. Jayné is primed to take on whatever's about to be let loose.

Yet the greatest danger now may not be the huge, unseen force lurking below, but the evil that has been hiding in plain sight all along—taking her ever closer to losing her body, her mind, and her soul. . . .

In this book things get out of hand for our little self-made family. One member even comes back into the fold. And although Janyé is growing, she still hasn't found out exactly who she is. However, one of the gods in her world falls and she doesn't know if she will ever be the same. She has to now find out who the person she really looked up to was in truth and also fight an impossible threat. Not just one demon, but a legion. This book was much more wrenching emotionally for our little group as well as action packed. I give this book 4 stars and think it is even better than the last. I think as the covers keep getting better and better, so does this series. Oh and if you read this one. Make sure you have the next on hand. It ends in a cliffie. One I didn't mind since I actually DID have it! Go me! :D

Killing Rites (book #4)

Jayné Heller has discovered the source of her uncanny powers; something else is living inside her body. She's possessed. Of all her companions, she can only bring herself to confide in Ex, the former priest. They seek help from his old teacher and the circle of friends he left behind, hoping to cleanse Jayné before the parasite in her becomes too powerful.

Ex's history and a new enemy combine to leave Jayné alone and on the run. Her friends, thinking that the rider with her has taken the reins, try to hunt her down, unaware of the danger they're putting her in. Jayné must defeat the weight of the past and the murderous intent of another rider, and her only allies are a rogue vampire she once helped free and the nameless thing hiding inside her skin.

Oh this one was hard to put down. This was Jayné's journey into herself. She finds out things about herself and what she is willing to do by becoming her own advocate instead of a victim. She gets the big answer she asked herself in the cliffie and now it's time to decide what to do about it. Hard choices and zealotry combine into impossible choices. Is she willing to believe in herself when no one else will? How will she prove her innocence... and is she truly innocent? In fact, as many questions are answered there forms more. I found this actually fascinating and not frustrating. Perhaps the reason is because you know that this series keeps on getting better and there is going to be a next book. Oh yes there will be even if I have to possess the author to get it! ;) I give this book 4 1/2 stars.

Side note to all the books: Jayné's favorite band is Pink Martini. In fact it is mentioned several times throughout all the books. She also calls things "little tomato" all the time as an endearment. Below is the song by Pink Martini called Hang on Little Tomato. It's a song of hope.

Black Sun's Daughter Books 1 and 2 by M.L.N. Hanover

Unclean Spirits (book 1)

In a world where magic walks and demons ride, you can't always play by the rules. 

Jayné Heller thinks of herself as a realist, until she discovers reality isn't quite what she thought it was. When her uncle Eric is murdered, Jayné travels to Denver to settle his estate, only to learn that it's all hers — and vaster than she ever imagined. And along with properties across the world and an inexhaustible fortune, Eric left her a legacy of a different kind: his unfinished business with a cabal of wizards known as the Invisible College.

Led by the ruthless Randolph Coin, the Invisible College harnesses demon spirits for their own ends of power and domination. Jayné finds it difficult to believe magic and demons can even exist, let alone be responsible for the death of her uncle. But Coin sees Eric's heir as a threat to be eliminated by any means — magical or mundane — so Jayné had better start believing in something to save her own life.

Aided in her mission by a group of unlikely companions — Aubrey, Eric's devastatingly attractive assistant; Ex, a former Jesuit with a lethal agenda; Midian, a two-hundred-year-old man who claims to be under a curse from Randolph Coin himself; and Chogyi Jake, a self-styled Buddhist with mystical abilities — Jayné finds that her new reality is not only unexpected, but often unexplainable. And if she hopes to survive, she'll have to learn the new rules fast — or break them completely....

This book was a fast upsidedown ride for the main character, Jayné and a introduction to a world where "demons" are seen as various types of parasites and plague mankind. I have to admit that I wasn't captivated by the whole adventure mostly because of the information dumps you would get from time to time. It wasn't fully explained and so left you a bit flailing. However, I felt that the information would be important later so what I didn't quite grasp would make sense later. I enjoyed the characters most of all. I give this first book 3 stars!

(side note) Even though Denver, CO wasn't seen as a great place (LOL) it was very accurate. I could follow where they were and what it looked like!

Darker Angels (book 2)

In the battle between good and evil, there's no such thing as a fair fight. 

When Jayné Heller's uncle Eric died, she inherited a fortune beyond all her expectations — and a dangerous mission in a world she never knew existed. Reining in demons and supernatural foes is a formidable task, but thankfully Jayné has vast resources and loyal allies to rely on. She'll need both to tackle a bodyswitching serial killer who's taken up residence in New Orleans, a city rich in voodoo lore and dark magic. 

Working alongside Karen Black, a highly confident and enigmatic ex-FBI agent, Jayné races to track down the demon's next intended host. But the closer she gets, the more convinced she becomes that nothing in this beautiful, wounded city is exactly as it seems. When shocking secrets come to light, and jealousy and betrayal turn trusted friends into adversaries, Jayné will soon come face-to-face with an enemy that knows her all too well, and won't rest until it has destroyed everything she loves most....

I enjoyed this book more than the first. With the main points of the world established, I was better able to enjoy the ride of this adventure. What I really enjoyed about this book was that it was the beginning of Jayné's exploration of herself. The very beginning. She is learning that she must find out who she is (with the prompting of one very smart little girl) in order to continue the work her uncle Eric started. However, the mystery of who and what Eric was doing remains and is the thread that connects all these books together. It also questions assumptions the characters have with who and what they are fighting (I loved that). I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed it.

I'll have the next 2 minis up (hopefully) soon!

My Book Boyfriend

Meme hosted by The Unread Reader!

Todays book boyfriend comes from Diane Duvall's newest book (just out) Night Reigns! Marcus is the man in this book. He is grumpy and heartbroken when we meet him. He lost the love of his life recently, and she never belonged with him in the first place. So, it was unrequited love. He is also the only one who had ever befriended my last book boyfriend in this series, Rowland, who was anti-social to say the least. However, he has a chance at a new love, a true love... but will he take a chance? Will the woman who could be the one take a chance on him? Hm... have to read it to find out, but I think you'll enjoy the story.

So... who do I see as Marcus? Oh that was a hard one. However, I think that David Gandy would fit the bill as Marcus and look good in the man harem.

So, what does he look like? Well, I'll shut it and let you gander...

Oh and how about... thoughtful...

So, as I mop up the drool... who is your book boyfriend this week?

Oh and while you are here... don't forget the giveaway that is soon to end that deals with this series. Just go HERE for an easy entry into the international giveaway!

Also, Diane is giving away a great prize to celebrate the release of this book. Just click on the pic below for the deets!

Announcements...

First... I'll announce a winner for:

Cindy R.

(confirmed)

Also...

Felicia at the Geeky Blogger is having a HUGE giveaway this month to celebrate her young self! Go check it out! Just click on the pic above to go to her blog!

Oh and while I have you here, Missie at the Unread Reader is having a bookmark exchange! How fun! Get ready to get rid of the scrap paper holding your place and use something pretty! Go HERE to the post to get the deets and sign up.

I'm also going to do a reading challenge for next year. I usually only chose one and I thought this one would work for me:

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

• Rules: There are FOUR (4) LEVELS to choose from:

- One Chomp: Read 6 Zombie books in 2012

- Two Chomps: Read 12 Zombie books in 2012

- Three Chomps: Read 18 Zombie books in 2012

- Four Chomps: Read 24 Zombie books in 2012

I'm going to go for at least 2 chomps.

Click on the pic for the rest of the deets. 

I do have to laugh at this one requirement though...

• Only fiction, no non-fiction.

hee hee... could you imagine a non-fiction zombie book? Eep!

My huge announcement:

(well, medium at best...)

If you have been around the blog for a few, you know that I do a puppy giveaway each year to celebrate by teeny puppy's b-day. Well, this year I will do it a bit differently...

This year, I'm going to give away either a $20 gc to Amazon or $20 in books from the Book Depository! That way it will be international. What is different about this one is that I will require you to do something for animals. Doesn't have to be domestic animals and I encourage you to make it local. All deets will be coming up the week of the 11th! If you have any ideas about this giveaway (good, bad, indifferent, suggestions...) please let me know!

Also, don't forget the giveaways going on now! Still time to win Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep (US only) and a choice of Darkness Dawns or Night Reigns by Diane Duvall (international)!

On My Wishlist...

Meme hosted by Book Chick City

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

tbp: Aug. 2012

Description:

Monstrous mermaids, ghosts, and a century-old curse feature in this beautifully crafted, compulsively readable thriller.

In 1872, mermaid Syrenka falls in love with a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences.

One hundred thirty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger and feels drawn to him in a way she can't explain or resist. For generations, love and death have been inextricably linked for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect...or a curse? Hester's investigation of her family's strange, sad history leads her to the graveyard, the crypt, and the bottom of the ocean--but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of long ago.

Mermaids! 'Nuff said... ;D

Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

tbp: Sept. 2012

Description:

In a desert land where serpents made of unbreakable glass fly through the sky and wolves made of only sand hunt within storms, Liyana is destined to be a vessel, to sacrifice herself so that her clan's goddess can inhabit her body... but her goddess never comes.

Okay, I admit.. I was first captured by the cover... ;)

So..

What is on your wishlist this week?