Happy New Year with Challenges for 2015!

Thought I might try a couple of challenges this coming year...

From the website:

The Audiobook Challenge is back for 2015! Join The Book Nympho and Hot Listens for the 3rd year of great audio books. 

Audiobooks are great for those times you want to read but can’t for some reason like driving, doing chores, working out, or if you’re one of the lucky ones like me, listen to them at work. 

I hope all those new and old junkies can join us once again for The 2015 Audiobook Challenge. 

Listening is never been better, thanks to the popularity of Audiobooks just about everything is being published on audio…YAY! 

There has never been a better time for reading with our ears

I'm going to try for Stenographer since I did 10 this year and I'm shooting for at least 15:
Stenographer (can listen while multi-tasking) 10-15

For complete details and to sign up go HERE! 

I'm also going for this challenge:

This one sounds good. The deets/signup at The Geeky Blogger's Book Blog!

From Felicia's blog:

• Runs January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015. You can join any time. 

• The goal is to read at least twelve (12) books from the library. Twelve should be easy, that’s one a month. While twelve is the minimum, there is no maximum limit. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. 

• Any format will work for this challenge (print, ebook or audio) as long as you checked it out from the library it counts.• Books can be any genre (fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, etc.). 

• Crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed, including re-reads. The goal is to support your local library and save money. 

• To join this challenge, grab the 2015 Snagged @ The Library Reading Challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads (so as long as you have a dedicated shelf and Felicia has created a Goodreads group), Shelfari (I’ve created a Shelfari group. You can join and post your progress within the group), or BookLikes, etc., for the 2015 Snagged @ The Library Reading Challenge. The point of linking up is to have a place where people can see what you’re reading.

I'm trying for thrifty reader which is 24 books. I think I can do more but I'm also trying to read more off my tbr. Plus, knowing me I will do more new review books than I intend. LOL

And finally...

Merry Solsticechristmashanakwanza!

Were you good? Or like Denver the dog, saved Santa the trip?

Well, however you celebrate I hope you have a fun and happy holiday season!

Audiobook Review: I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

Series: Half Moon Hollow #2.7

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

3 hrs. 43 min.

Publisher: Audible

Source: TBR pile (still free from Audible)

It's Christmas in Half-Moon Hollow and newly turned vampire Iris Scanlon-Calix wants to make Gigi's first visit home from college as normal and special as possible. It's taken months for Iris to work up the nerve to spend time around her baby sister after her vampire transition, so she enlists help from Jane Jameson and Company to keep her blood-thirst under control and assure Gigi's safety. 

Gigi, on the other hand, has problems of her own, including the demise of her relationship with high school sweetheart, Ben, and a looming job interview with Ophelia Lambert, the scariest potential employer in the Hollow. And then there's the small matter of the handsome, frustrating vampire who keeps appearing in Gigi's peripheral vision, then disappearing before she can talk to him. 

Can the Scanlon sisters negotiate romantic problems, vampire politics, and Christmas cookie disasters and enjoy a relatively normal holiday?

My thoughts:
I haven't read the Half Moon Hollow books yet, but I have read the Jane Jameson series. The Half Moon Hollow series is the offshoot of Jane Jameson so I knew most of the characters going into this audio. I do suggest you at least read/listen to the series in order since it was obvious things happened right before this book. However, since I knew almost everyone there I didn't feel lost at all.

What I loved about this audio and what I love about al Molly Harper books is her humor. LOVED seeing a newly turned vampire who cannot eat solid food try to make the perfect Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings for her sister, Gigi who is still human. The gatherings and the presents they gave each other was a hoot. There is also a hint of what is to come. That is where I was frustrated. Okay, this is a novella, but that tease was just mean! Yea, she got me and I'll have to either listen to them all or read this series. I'm hooked.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed my holiday time here with Gigi and Iris, but the tease was almost too much to take. :) I also enjoyed Amanda Ronconi's narration and will happily listen to them all if she is narrating them. I recommend it to those that love a humorous get together and want to laugh at an unconventional family.

PS... This one is still free at Audible!

Tim Cratchit's Christmas Carol by Jim Piecuch

272 p.
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: 11/3/14
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

Tiny Tim is all grown up in this continuation of Charles Dickens’s beloved holiday classic A Christmas Carol, and this time, a certain ghost shows him the true meaning of Christmas cheer! 

In A Christmas Carol, evil Scrooge was shown the error of his ways by three helpful ghosts and vowed to become a better person. Bob Cratchit and his family benefited most from Scrooge’s change of tune—but what happened after the goose was given, and Scrooge resolved to turn over a new leaf? 

Tim Cratchit’s Christmas Carol shows us Tiny Tim as an adult. Having recovered from his childhood ailment, he began his career helping the poor but has since taken up practice as a doctor to London’s wealthy elite. Though Tim leads a very successful life, he comes home at night to an empty house. But this holiday season, he’s determined to fill his house with holiday cheer—and maybe even a wife.

When a single, determined young mother lands on Tim’s doorstep with her ailing son, Tim is faced with a choice: stay ensconced in his comfortable life and secure doctor’s practice, or take a leap of faith and reignite the fire lit under him by his mentor, Scrooge, that fateful Christmas so many years ago.

My thoughts:

Surprise! Yes, I did read a holiday book... during the holidays! LOL

A Christmas Carol and all it's incarnations (Scrooged! for one...) have always been my favorite holiday kind of read. I've always said that I love a book where the character grows and that book's main message is about growth. So, what happened after? How is Tiny Tim all grown up supposed to have an epiphany? I mean he wasn't a horrid boy and in this incarnation he isn't a horrid adult either. In fact he is a doctor and surgeon. His skills are renown as is his kindness. However, he has lost his way a little bit and fallen into practice with a doctor as mean as Scrooge was at the beginning of A Christmas Carol. So, Tim needs a little push, a small shove to correct his course in life. Scrooge is now likened to a guardian angel who helps, but it is the actions of Tim himself that sets things to right. Scrooge is only the one presenting opportunities not ultimatums.

I really enjoyed myself with this story. It was nice following Tim and how he felt responsible in returning the favor Scrooge presented to him. I also enjoyed his shy romance. We are also not without an adorable child to complete the scene. While this isn't the big epiphany we get with Scrooge, we still get some redemption for Tim as he finds his way back to himself and happiness. Besides, a big epiphany wasn't needed here.

I give this book 5 stars. If you are looking for a sweet read that completes a circle started with A Christmas Carol, then I suggest this book. It is a great holiday read.

Silverblind by Tina Connolly

Series: Ironskin #3
272 p.
Published 10/7/14
Publisher: Tor Books

The final book in this series will jump forward 18 years and feature Dorie, Jane's young charge from Ironskin. 

18 years later...

Dorie Rochart has been hiding her fey side for a long time. Now, finished with University, she plans to study magical creatures and plants in the wild, bringing long-forgotten cures to those in need. But when no one will hire a girl to fight basilisks, she releases her shapechanging fey powers--to disguise herself as a boy.

While hunting for wyvern eggs, she saves a young scientist who's about to get steamed by a silvertail-- and finds her childhood friend Tam Grimsby, to whom she hasn't spoken in seven years. Not since she traded him to the fey. She can't bear to tell him who she really is, but every day grows harder as he comes to trust her. 

The wyverns are being hunted to extinction for the powerful compounds in their eggs. The fey are dying out as humans grow in power. Now Tam and Dorie will have to decide which side they will fight for. And if they end up on opposite sides, can their returning friendship survive?

I've enjoyed the other two books so I was thrilled to get the last book in the trilogy. In this book we are moved in time ahead to 18 years later and we follow Dorie the child we left in the other two books. She is full grown and trying to find her own way in this world. Wanting to become an explorer she finds herself in the midst of misogynist attitudes. She decides to use her fae powers to become a boy in order to get the job she seeks. While exploring she finds out more about the world and the misinformation which is used to the crown's benefit and to the decimation of several species. She tries to find a way to stop and help the fae and wyverns who desperately need her help.

I really liked the plot of this book but I cringed often with some of the decisions she made. I think even a "Seriously?!" or two escaped from my lips. I did enjoy the slow re-introduction of Dorie and Tam and while there is no solid romance at the end of the book, you do see the possibility of a relationship. I also enjoyed Dorie's other friends, Jack and Sadie. They complimented her character well.

In the end I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the environmental and women's rights issues tackled in this world. It gave Dorie a good fight to help her find herself. I recommend it to those that enjoy fae stories.

Shake Puppies by Carli Davidson

Photography
144 p.
Published: 10/28/14
Publisher: Harper Design
Source: From publisher for review

This highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling book Shake features more than 130 photographs of adorable puppies. This brilliant, brightly colored collection truly captures the squishy cuteness of a puppy—its tousled fur, floppy ears, and endearing expression—in the moment when our tiny, wide-eyed companion is mid-shake. 

In addition to its vibrant photographs, Shake Puppies includes a message of support for animal rescue and creating an environment in which all dogs, young or old, can succeed in their new homes. Training tips are included to help dog owners achieve this goal. There is also a roster listing the names and ages of all the dogs featured, as well as a peek into Carli Davidson's studio.

My thoughts:

Hm.. my thoughts on this book? Seriously? I don't think I have a coherent thought in my brain with all the cuteness! Okay first... PUPPIES! Second... PUPPIES caught with such cute and humorous expressions while in mid shake. You cannot have a bad day with this book in your hands. Then I learn that the author also adopted a dog during the session. Not a puppy but an elderly dog needing a home. Carli Davidson is also a proponent of rescues. I also love that there is a small section on basic training. I feel that is one of the main reasons that dogs are sent to shelters because they don't know basic manners. It's not the dog's fault, but the human who failed to educate themselves and train their dogs.

I give this 5 puppy breaths! Need a smile? Get this book! It is adorable and like I said it would even make the grinch turn his frown upside down! :D

My Puppy's B-day!

Every year I have done something to celebrate my pup's b-day. Felicia of the Geeky Blogger Book Blog also helped me celebrate her own puppy's b-day. She is even has a facebook page to help animals (Friends Helping All Animals). Well, things got away from me and I just couldn't get something set up. I will donate something to a animal charity for my pup instead. This makes it a bit easier on me this year. I also hope that this season you don't forget the furry ones that share the world with us. You don't even have to do much to help out. For example, you can give when you holiday shop online. 

iGive is one way that I donate when I shop. You can chose your charity. Last year I chose

who are great people helping dogs who have never had a life out of a cage.

This year I decided to go with

I like the big puppers! :)

There are other ways to give as well. You could do the iGive AND Amazon Smile when you shop. Even ebay has their giving works entries. That is also a way to give the proceeds if you sell something to your favorite charity.

Also please add your favorite animal charity to the list below:

Remember helping does not always mean money. Sometimes it means just helping out a neighbor in need with walking the animal, finding a stray, donating items you don't need, taking a shelter dog for a walk. So many ways to help. You all have helped put a smile on my face in the past by telling me the ways you help. Thanks so much for that. :) I do reread them when I need a lift.

Okay, off my soapbox. My pup is demanding attention since he seems to think the WHOLE month is his birthday. :)

AimeKay Review: One Dirty Bowl by Christina Dymock

Cookbook
128 p.
Published: 6/10/14
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Source: From publisher for review

Quick desserts and even quicker clean up mean more time with your family and friends, and less time in the kitchen. With One Dirty Bowl, whip up show-stopping desserts like Hazelnut Puffs, Peanut Butter Truffle Bars, and White Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcakes,

Very Vanilla Brownies,Hazelnut Puffs, 3X Chocolate Cookies

From Christina Dymock, author of Young Chefs and The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook, this cookbook will impress your guests and satisfy any craving. And these quick, tasty desserts only dirty one bowl, which means more time with your family and friends at the table.

Fast desserts, faster cleanup—grab a bowl and get ready to bake!Quick desserts and even quicker clean up mean more time with your family and friends, and less time in the kitchen. With One Dirty Bowl, whip up show-stopping desserts like Hazelnut Puffs, Peanut Butter Truffle Bars, and White Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcakes, Very Vanilla Brownies,Hazelnut Puffs, 3X Chocolate Cookies

From Christina Dymock, author of Young Chefs and The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook, this cookbook will impress your guests and satisfy any craving. And these quick, tasty desserts only dirty one bowl, which means more time with your family and friends at the table.

Fast desserts, faster cleanup—grab a bowl and get ready to bake!

AimeeKay's Thoughts:

I really love One Dirty Bowl.

The author meant to provide recipes that are simple to make and require the use of the minimum amount of utensils. Which is especially great for dessert makers on the go during this crazy holiday season. Plus a lot of the finished desserts, like the various cookies, can be put in inexpensive decorated containers and used as gifts.

The author succeeded in keeping the recipes simple. You don't need to be a 5 star chef to pull them off. Also the recipes only need the bowl they are mixed in and the pan they are cooked in. With everything else that needs to be cooked at this time of year this is a definite bonus. But because of their simplicity a lot of these desserts can be made as regular treats all throughout the year. Some do require some time to set, cook, and so on. Be sure to check the times on the recipes so you don't feel rushed.

The only thing that I didn't like is that there aren't pictures of each item. There are pictures of most of them, just not all. However this is usually the case with cookbooks, and there are a lot more pictures than there would be in your average cookbook. So it's not too much of an issue. However I like to know what the food I'm cooking is supposed to look like. So while I will eventually try all of the recipes in the book, I will put off trying the ones without pictures, unless it's something like cookies, which I'm relatively sure of what they look like.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5. I think it's a great dessert book to pick up if you like sweets but don't like a lot of work. Or if you are looking for a great present for the cook in your life. As a bonus, if you give it as a gift, then you have the opportunity to not only give a great gift, but also enjoy any desserts that the cook decides to make! (This is especially true if you happen to live with said cook!)

Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin #3
444 p.
Published: 11/4/14
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Source: From publisher for review

Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own. 

She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she has...

My thoughts:
I loved the second book so I came into this one expecting the same. It was different but it seems that the author went back to more of the political intrigue and that did slow down parts of the book a bit. I didn't mind that but I know that not everyone enjoyed that aspect in the first book.

I did find the plot twists in this story to be predictable. I guessed them very early on. This does not mean I didn't enjoy it, but I do think the intended impact was lessened. I also did like the romance early on but didn't like the twist in the end. I didn't hate it, but I was saddened to see it move away from the pagan culture. I liked the tension created in the world between the One God religion with the pagan one created by the author. I don't want to reveal more than that, but I think it was a plot point that was easy to see.

I think my favorite part of the stories was the connection the girls Ismae, Sybella and Annith all had with each other. I think that connection strengthened the girls and they all became more independent because of their friendship. I felt that connection was strengthened in this book.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the trilogy as a whole. I recommend the books to those that enjoy fantasy.

Winners for Black Widow by Jennifer Estep

The winners for:

are:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Both have been e-mailed!

Congrats!

AimeeKay Review: Glorious Layered Desserts by Glory Albin

Cookbook
139 p.
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Published: 3/11/14
Source: from publisher for review

These desserts are not to be 'trifled' with! Dessert genius and popular blogger Glory Albin shows how to combine delicious essential recipes into layered masterpieces. You'll love the Summer Berry Trifle, Pumpkin Mousse Parfait, Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and each of the 60+ delicious recipes and ideas! In addition to her creative desserts, Glory also shares her unique tips and tricks, the best equipment and ingredients to use, and dozens of time-saving options. Whether you need a quick and easy recipe or an impressive dessert for a special occasion, Glorious Layered Desserts has the perfect treat for you!

AimeeKay's Thoughts:

I have to say there were things I loved about Glorious Layered Desserts, but there were also things that I didn't.

So let's start with the things I liked:

This book is a gorgeous hardback book. The pictures are also beautiful. Plus each recipe has its own picture, which I really loved since this isn't always the case with cookbooks. So you know what each desert is supposed to look like.

I also liked that the recipes gave you substitutions that you could use. For example you could swap out homemade fruit sauces for canned pie filling. While you can usually do this with most recipes, they don't always say so in other cookbooks. It's nice to know that you can without risking ruining a recipe.

Things that I wasn't so keen on:

Quite a few of the recipes require you to use other recipes from the book, such as the homemade fruit sauce. While you can substitute canned pie filling, if you want to follow the recipe exactly from the book it can be a pain to have to use two separate recipes for a dessert.

Also to make the recipes look as beautiful as they do in the pictures you need to make sure you have the special classes or jars that are used in the book. While the book does show you where you can find them it is one more thing you need to purchase if you don't already own them. Which can make these desserts into a real project or worse, if you're not prepared ahead of time.

Despite the things I didn't like about the book, the things I did like far outweighed them. As the holidays are soon to be upon us, I definitely plan on adding some of these beautiful desserts to the menu. Yes, they will require some extra work. Yes, I'll also have to purchase the glassware. But the gorgeous desserts will be worth it. I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 stars. 

 

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin #2
385 p.
Published: 4/2/13
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Source: TBR pile

When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons. 

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for...

My thoughts:
This is a slight departure from the first book. While it is in the same era, the author took greater license with the world and made a more intriguing book. While the first one was more mired in political intrigue, this one is much more action oriented.

We really get to know Sybella in this book and find out just how much she was damaged. However, while finally putting to question what was already in her heart to her head she starts to really see how the world works. She also starts to see her own world in a different light. Once she thought she was unforgivable but now her question is can she be forgiven? Not by others, but by herself.

I also loved Beast! He was gallant, fierce, and loyal. I also loved that he was described not as the unbelievably handsome knight riding on a white horse, but as a ugly, deadly but someone with a kind heart. He actually fit Sybella's insides to a T.

I give this book 5 stars. I really enjoyed my time here even more than the first book. This is a story I wouldn't mind reading again. I recommend it to those that enjoy dark fantasy.

Audiobook Review: Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #2

Unabridged

9 hrs. 38 min.

Narrator: Renée Raudman

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 1/26/09

Source: Library

Down in Atlanta, tempers—and temperatures—are about to flare...

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate is going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can't stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive.

My thoughts:
I had a much easier time in the world this time. While things aren't completely explained, I did feel like it flowed much better. A few new characters were introduced to the mix which became some great secondary characters I am looking forward to seeing more of as the series goes on. Loved Bran, Andrea and Aunt B. Yes, you can say I really enjoyed these characters.

The action was intense and Curran was still an arse. No romance yet, but you can see it brewing and some hints about it coming. Oh I don't want to give too much away, but I have a feeling that it is this book when the series really starts. I had fun with it and can't wait for the next installment. Renée Raudman does such a great job with such great emotional inflection. I will do the next one on audio because of her narration. I give this book 4 stars.

Happy Thanksgiving or Happy Thursday!

Just thought I'd say a quick Happy Thanksgiving or Happy Thursday to everyone!

Yea... trust me... no one wants me to do anything else.. ;)

While you are here... don't forget to enter the Black Widow by Jennifer Estep book giveaway (Loved this book)! 2 Winners! US only. Just click on the pic below to go to the post to enter:

The Shape of My Heart by Ann Aguirre

Series: 2B Trilogy #3
352 p.
Published: 11/25/14
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

Some people wait decades to meet their soul mate. Courtney Kaufman suspects she met hers in high school only to lose him at seventeen. Since then, Courtney's social life has been a series of meaningless encounters, though she's made a few close friends along the way. Especially her roommate Max Cooper, who oozes damaged bad-boy vibes from every pore.

Max knows about feeling lost and trying to move beyond the pain he's been on his own since he was sixteen. Now it's time to find out if he can ever go home again, and Courtney's the only one he trusts to go with him. But the trip to Providence could change everything because the more time he spends with Courtney, the harder it is to reconcile what he wants and what he thinks he deserves.

It started out so simple. One misfit helping another. Now Max will do anything to show Courtney that for every heart that's ever been broken, there's another that can make it complete.

My thoughts:
This book follows Courtney and Max. We have known Max from the beginning and I always knew there was more to his story. We follow Courtney but I wished we could have followed Max. I wanted to be in his head more. However, as the story developed, I was happy to be in Courtney's head.

The romance to me feels a bit fast but they have known each other for a while. It wasn't completely insta-love but I felt that Max's feelings seemed to be at warp drive. It didn't quite settle with me how invested he was until the end. Still, this did not prevent me from becoming invested in the relationship.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I'm sad to see this trilogy end. I would have loved to delve into some of the other lives and a few of those that just came on the scene in this book. This has been one of the few New Adult genre series that I have throughly enjoyed. I recommend it to those that enjoy contemporary romance.

Jennifer Estep Interview and Black Widow Giveaway!

I'm excited to have Jennifer Estep back at the blog again. She came by to answer some of my questions and to have a great giveaway of her newest book in the Elemental Assassin series!

BT: Hi Jennifer!

JE: Hi! Thanks for featuring me on your blog again. I appreciate it!

BT: I love your villains, can you tell me if you take anything from real life?

JE: Thanks! I appreciate that.

Since I’m writing urban fantasy, my villains tend to have magical powers and be really ruthless and determined to get what they want, no matter what they have to do or who they have to hurt to achieve their goals. So it’s not real life. 

But a hero is only as good as the bad guys that she goes up against, so I try to think of villains that would annoy and frustrate Gin and really push her to her limits, physically, emotionally, and magically. I always have a lot of fun coming up with villains who challenge Gin and then thinking about how she can turn the tables and get the best of them.

BT:  What is your favorite secondary character to write? Does he/she have a novella staring this character?

JE: Finnegan Lane, Gin’s foster brother, is the secondary character that is the most fun for me to write. He’s so shameless and greedy and says whatever is on his mind no matter how annoying or inappropriate it might be. I always enjoy writing his dialogue.

There are a couple of Finn-centric short stories on my website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/short-stories/short-stories/ 

I would like to write a Finn novella, as well as some for other characters, like Phillip Kincaid, but my writing schedule is already full for this year and on into 2015. Hopefully, I’ll have time to write something more about Finn and the other characters in the future. We’ll see what happens.

*yes please have a Finn novella! Phillip would be a great one too!*

What is your biggest wish for Gin?

JE: I want Gin to (eventually) have her happy ending and the peace and quiet that she longs for. I think she’s earned it, after all that I’ve put her through. 

That being said, peace and quiet wouldn’t be that interesting to read or write about, and there are lots of bad guys left for Gin to battle.

*Yes, I agree... don't end her story yet!*

You have elements (easter eggs if you will) from your other books. Give us a few so those that haven't noticed it will try to now find them.

JE: I have four series – Elemental Assassin; Mythos Academy; Bigtime; and Black Blade (coming in 2015). So in every book, I try to mention characters, places, creatures, etc. from the other books.

For example, in my Elemental Assassin series, Finn often wears Fiona Fine suits. Well, Fiona Fine is a fashion designer in my Bigtime superhero series. In my Mythos Academy series, I’ve had characters mention things like the Pork Pit and Ashland from my Elemental Assassin series. So there are just small, crossover references between all the books.

I always have a lot of fun coming up with the Easter eggs, and readers seem to enjoy the little shout-outs to my other books.

What other projects do you have coming up?

JE: Spider’s Trap, the 13^th book in my Elemental Assassin series, will be out on July 28. I’m also writing book #14, which is tentatively scheduled to be out on Dec. 29.

I also have a new young adult series starting in 2015. It’s called the Black Blade series, and Cold Burn of Magic, the first book, will be out on April 28.

For more information about my books, people can visit my website at www.jenniferestep.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Happy reading, everyone! 

JENNIFER’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/ 

Blog: http://www.jenniferestep.com/blog/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JenniferEstepAuthor?fref=ts 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep  (@Jennifer_Estep)

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/580315.Jennifer_Estep

JENNIFER’S BIO

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. Black Widow, the 12^th book in the series, will be released on Nov. 25. For more information about the series, visit Jennifer’s website at www.jenniferestep.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Black Widow
Series: Elemental Assassin #12
400 p.
Published: 11/25/14
Publisher: Pocket Books

There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill—and my murder to plan. 

With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit. 

The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames.

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Black Widow by Jennifer Estep

Series: Elemental Assassin #12
400 p.
Published: 11/25/14
Publisher: Pocket Books
Source: From publisher for review

There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill—and my murder to plan. 

With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit. 

The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames.

My thoughts:
Oh wow! I didn't think we would get the showdown we were waiting for so soon. I thought there might be a couple of books yet to go but I was so happy when we got it. I know that some of you aren't quite up to this book yet so I'll try to make it spoiler free.

Often in a series that runs this long and you get a big bad with impossible circumstances we often get regurgitated story lines. Not so here. The villain invents a new way to come at Gin and Gin responds in kind. It wasn't what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised. In this book brains won over brawn but brawn still helped in the end. :) Fans of Owen will love this addition and although the romance is scant, what is there packs a punch.

I give this book 5 stars. It is a series that is going strong at #12 and I can't wait for #13. I suggest that those that haven't started with this series start at the beginning. You have 12 books to devour in a row! I recommend it from the beginning to get the full feeling of all the characters. I also recommend it to those that enjoy UF.

Black Ice by Susan Krinard

Series: Midgard #2
384 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 8/12/14
Source: From publisher for review

New York Times bestselling author Susan Krinard continues the thrilling urban fantasy series that began with Mist in Black Ice. 

Centuries ago, all was lost in the Last Battle when the Norse gods and goddesses went to war. The elves, the giants, and the gods and goddesses themselves were all destroyed, leaving the Valkyrie known as Mist one of the only survivors.
Or so she thought. 

The trickster god Loki has reappeared in San Francisco, and he has big plans for modern-day Earth. With few allies and fewer resources—but the eyes of the gods and goddesses of an old world upon her—it’s up to Mist to stop him before history repeats itself.

My thoughts:
This is the second book in the Midgard series. It follows closely to what happened in the first book, Mist, and this should not be read out of order. If you are looking for action, then this is the series for you. While we had some hints of romance in the first book and it was continued in this book, I didn't feel connected to it. It just didn't quite have the same impact as it did in the first book. Mist's development continues in this story and I have enjoyed how much she has grown. I think this growth will continue as she becomes more comfortable with her power and how powerful she will become.

We also get introduced to a few secondary characters. I hope those get more developed as the series progresses. I can see a lot of potential with some of them. Right now they are all a bit underdeveloped but we just met them and we seemed to be in the midst of some battle when they came onto the scene. There are some animal characters that have personality and I look forward to learning more about them as well.

I give this book 3 stars. It is a good continuation to the big showdown you know is coming. I recommend it to those that enjoy UF with a lean toward fantasy as well as those that know their norse mythology.

The Figures of Beauty by David MacFarlane

Standalone
384 p.
Publisher: Harper
Published: 10/7/14
Source: From publisher for review

Moving from Paris to Italy to North America, a sensuous, heartbreaking novel about art, beauty, star-crossed lovers, and the choices that define our lives, from the award winning author of Summer Gone 

A young man arrives in Paris in 1968, where a series of unlikely events lead him to a tiny village in Italy—and to the great love of his life. A marble merchant meets a couple on their honeymoon, introducing them to the sensual beauty of Carrara. An Italian woman travels to Canada on an odyssey to find the father she never knew. A terrible accident in a marble quarry changes the course of a young boy’s life and, ultimately, sets in motion each of these stories, which David Macfarlane masterfully chisels into a magnificent whole.

Oliver Hughson falls in love with wild, bohemian Anna over the course of one glorious summer in Italy. Bound by a sense of responsibility to his adoptive parents, he leaves her and returns home—an act he will regret for the rest of his life. Through luck or fate, Oliver had found the woman with whom he was meant to be. And now he must try to find his way back to her. 

Narrated by the daughter Oliver never knew he had, The Figures of Beauty is a love story of mythic proportions that reminds us of the powerful bond that can connect two people indelibly across oceans and time.

My thoughts:
The book is centered around sculpture, particularly marble sculpture. You travel through different time periods all which interconnect in some way through marble. The lush language puts you in Italy where most of the book takes place. In any time period, you can really travel with this author's words.

The story mostly follows Oliver, his doomed love story and his daughter. There are also references to artists, in particular Michelangelo as well as Anna (Oliver's lover and his daughter's mother) a present day non-figurative sculpture artist. The ventures back in time especially the ones in the 40s were intriguing but the time shifts just didn't come together for me. Yes, I did see a connection, but as an observer it didn't connect to me personally. It may be due to shifting constantly through time or that I never developed a connection to Oliver and his daughter. I think that if a book was made more about the past and it was constant, I think I would have enjoyed this book much more.

I give this book 2 1/2 stars. It is beautiful in the descriptions of the places, it has some interesting secondary characters, but I just didn't quite connect to much in this book. I would pick up a book by this author because of the beautiful writing, but this one didn't quite come together for me in the end.

Chained by Night by Larissa Ione

Series: Moonbound Clan Vampires #2
 400 p.
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: Sept. 30, 14
Source: From publisher for review

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBELeader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction - or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader's daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans. 

THE LOVER OF HIS SOULBut survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress's identical twin sister?

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed the first book so I had to have this one. It is about Hunter, the leader of the Moonbound clan. We also get a bigger glimpse into the lore in this world. And while this is PNR, there is enough action and worldbuilding to satisfy most UF readers. And yes, there is enough sizzle to satisfy the romance crowd as well.

I think the characterizations were what I really enjoyed the most in this book. I liked Aylin and how her instinct for survival made her the strongest of the group. I also liked that her sister was the negative to her character. I think there will be a lot of growth there in the coming books (and yes, sign me up for them all!). Although Hunter paled a bit to Aylin in this book he was still what really sizzled in the pages. Yea, he put the rawr in PN-rawr.. (stop staring at me like I lost my mind. I swear I never had it to begin with!)

In all seriousness, I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed my time in this world and I cannot wait to get back to it. I am hoping we get a Myne book soon and it looks like that may be the case. He is one vamp that I want to have a HEA... even if it is hard won. I recommend this series to those that enjoy action with their romance.

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Blog Tour: Slack Friday! from Pocket Star eBooks

I've been asked by Pocket Books to spotlight some great holiday reads. In this group you will find something for every taste! Check some of them out. A few caught my attention. Hope to get to review some of them before the year is out.

Avoid crazed shopping crowds!

Keep calm and carry on at home with these great

Merr-E Holiday Treats from Pocket Star eBooks!

Tim Cratchit's Christmas Carol
by Jim Piecuch
Published: 11/17/14
$1.99

In A Christmas Carol, evil Scrooge was shown the error of his ways by three helpful ghosts and vowed to become a better person. Bob Cratchit and his family benefited most from Scrooge’s change of tune—but what happened after the goose was given, and Scrooge resolved to turn over a new leaf? 

Tim Cratchit's Christmas Carol shows us Tiny Tim as an adult. Having recovered from his childhood ailment, he began his career helping the poor but has since taken up practice as a doctor to London’s wealthy elite. Though Tim leads a very successful life, he comes home at night to an empty house. But this holiday season, he’s determined to fill his house with holiday cheer—and maybe even a wife.

When a single, determined young mother lands on Tim’s doorstep with her ailing son, Tim is faced with a choice: stay ensconced in his comfortable life and secure doctor’s practice, or take a leap of faith and reignite the fire lit under him by his mentor, Scrooge, that fateful Christmas so many years ago.

The Perfect Gift
by Dani-Lyn Alexander
Published: 11/17/14
$.99

’Tis the night before Christmas…and businessman and single father Jason is scrambling to find the dollhouse of the season for his seven-year-old daughter Emily. But when he finally strikes gold at an obscure toy store, he’s met with resistance—literally, as a beautiful woman named Leah is grabbing onto the dollhouse box from the other side of the aisle, determined to get the same Christmas present for her own daughter. 

Desperate not to let the other win, Jason and Leah forge a pact: stay together until they find the same dollhouse at a different toy store. It sounds simple, but ten stores and many hours later, they still come up empty. They might not be finding another dollhouse, but they sure are finding a lot to talk about and, as their mutual attraction grows, the unlikely pair finds the greatest holiday gift of all—love.

Rocky Mountain Miracle
by Christine Feehan
Published: 11/17/14
$3.99

When Cole Steele, a womanizer rumored to have killed his father, meets Maia Armstrong, a veterinarian rumored to practice magic, the sizzling romance could melt all the snow on his Wyoming ranch. And when an injured horse brings them together, Cole can’t help but believe that Maia casts spells on animals—and men. What else could explain the burning passion he feels for her and the thawing of his heart just in time for Christmas?

AUTHOR:

Christine Feehan is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of thirty novels, including the Carpathians, the Ghostwalkers, the Leopard People, and the Drake Sisters series. Her books have been published in multiple languages and in many formats including palm pilot, audiobook, and ebook. She has been featured in Time magazine and Newsweek, and lives in Cobb, California. Please visit http://www.christinefeehan.com/

Blond Cargo
by John Lansing
Published: 10/20/14
$5.99

Blond Cargo is the highly anticipated second Jack Bertolino installment from New York native and now Los Angeles author John Lansing. This gripping eBook from the former writer/producer of Walker, Texas Ranger and Co-Executive producer of the ABC series Scoundrels continues the story that began in The Devil’s Necktie.

Jack Bertolino is back…in the sequel to John Lansing’s bestseller The Devil’s Necktie!

Jack’s son, Chris, was the victim of a brutal murder attempt and Vincent Cardona, a mafia boss, provided information that helped Jack take down the perpetrator of the crime. Jack accepted the favor knowing there’d be blowback. In Blond Cargo, the mobster’s daughter has gone missing and Cardona turned in his chit. Jack discovers that the young, blond mafia princess has been kidnapped and imprisoned while rich, politically connected men negotiate her value as a sex slave.

John Lansing taps into the real life world of cops, crime, drugs and murder in Blond Cargo to deliver another sizzling whodunit.

“An unyielding pace, vigorous characters and explosive ending.”

—Kirkus Reviews 

“A fantastic read…This extremely fast and well-thought-out thriller will remind some of James Patterson’s early works.”

—Suspense Magazine

“Blond Cargo an extraordinary, must-read detective thriller. Can’t wait for the next installment! Look out Patterson, someone’s gaining on you!”

—Amazon Reviewer

A Last Goodbye
by J.A. Jance
Published: 11/24/14
$.99

Find out where fan favorite Ali Reynolds’ new adventure takes her in A Last Goodbye as New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance brings her trademark breakneck pace to this fun and exciting e-novella, in which Ali Reynolds takes on double responsibilities as both sleuth and bride.
Ali Reynolds is finally getting married to her longtime love B. Simpson. They wanted a simple Christmas Eve wedding, but nothing is ever simple with Ali. Even as a motley crew of her friends—Leland Brooks, Sister Anselm, and others—descend on Vegas, the bride-to-be finds herself juggling last-minute wedding plans and a mystery in the form of a stray miniature dachshund. Ali’s grandson rescues the little dog, but Ali’s not in the market for a new pet right before her honeymoon, and leaves no stone unturned in hunting for the dog’s owner. But what she finds is more than just a shaggy dog story…Bella’s elderly owner has vanished, and her son seems to be behind it. So it’s Ali and B. to the rescue—and still making it to the church on time!

Cookbook Review: Go Fresh by the American Heart Association

Cookbook
By the American Heart Association
320 p.
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Published: 7/1/14
Source: Blogging for Books for review 

The more you cook at home, with a focus on fresh ingredients, the easier it is to achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Making meals with fresh ingredients is not only healthy and flavorful but also fast and easy with Go Fresh. The American Heart Association offers more than 250 recipes in this cookbook, inspiring you to bring nutritious and wholesome ingredients into your kitchen. Enjoy full-flavored favorites—all made from scratch, made healthy, and made fresh—including: 

• · Cauliflower-Carrot Soup
• · Blueberry-Walnut Chicken Salad
• · Blackened Fish with Crisp Kale and Creamy Lemon Sauce
• · Rosemary-Peach Chicken Kebabs with Orange Glaze
• · Tomato-Basil Pork Tenderloin
• · Butternut Squash Pasta
• · Dark Cherry and Apple Crumble 

In the book, you’ll also find Healthy Swaps for substituting seasonal fruits and vegetables in delicious new ways, Shop & Store tips for making the most of your trips to the market and what you buy, and Tips, Tricks & Timesavers for reducing prep time and getting meals on the table faster.

My thoughts:
I'm on the lookout for recipes for fresh food cooking. Yes, don't faint, I do look out for them even though I hate to cook. I'm on a medically necessary diet which must include fresh foods. I cannot have canned, packaged, or instant. So, I thought I might be able to adapt many of these recipes for my needs.

While I hoped to find more recipes that I wouldn't have to alter, I could not. However, I being a special case and this isn't a cookbook that accommodates my particular problem this did not surprise me.  Still, I think that several can be adapted easily to my diet. What I really liked is the guidelines on how to shop and store (there is even a chart as to where you should store it in the refrigerator) the fresh food. There is also a section at the end of each recipe which breaks down the calories, fats, sodium, etc as well as dietary exchanges for those on specific diets.

While I don't agree with everything presented in the healthy hints section, it does go with the recent suggestions for those that need to be cautious in terms of heart attacks. Since it emphasizes low sodium (there are heart conditions that actually require you to increase your sodium intake) I can make a safe guess that preventing general heart attacks is the goal of the book. There were also a few recipes with canned foods in the ingredients. While sometimes I know that is a choice that must be made depending on availability, I think a book that emphasizes freshness shouldn't have them in their recipes. However, these substitutions were rare.

I give this cookbook 4 stars. Although it wasn't exactly what I was looking for in a cookbook (but I didn't expect it either) I think it does a good job in presenting fresh food recipes aimed at improving the American diet.

Audiobook Review: The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

Unabridged
Narrator: Simon Vance
2 hrs. 46 min.
Published: 1/23/12
Publisher: Tantor Media
Source: Tantor Media for review

Winnie-the-Pooh has a certain Way about him, a way of doing things that has made him the world's most beloved bear. In The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff shows that Pooh's Way is amazingly consistent with the principles of living envisioned by the Chinese founders of Taoism. The author's explanation of Taoism through Pooh, and Pooh through Taoism, shows that this is not simply an ancient and remote philosophy but something you can use, here and now. 

And what is Taoism? It's really very simple. It calls for living without preconceived ideas about how life should be lived—but it's not a preconception of how life—it's.... Well, you'd do better to listen to this book, and listen to Pooh, if you really want to find out.

My thoughts:
I read this one quite a while ago and really enjoyed it. I was curious about it on audio and Tantor was kind enough to send me a eAudio for review.

If you are interested in philosophy or just want a greater understanding of the people around you, I recommend this book. I really enjoyed Simon Vance's narration. He's got that lovely British accent which is, of course, perfect for Pooh. He does all the character voices spot on. I really enjoyed revisiting this book and relearning what I had forgotten. The author, Hoff, takes what can be hard for the western mind to understand about eastern philosophy, introduces a well know bear and cast and really breaks down brilliantly what you need to know. It is short but you will come away with a understanding of Taoism. I give this audio 4 1/2 stars.

Waistcoats and Weaponry by Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School #3
304 p.
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/4/14
Source: NetGalley and Publisher for review

Class is back in session...Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style--with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey stowaway on a train to return their classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspected what--or who--they would find aboard that suspiciously empty train. Sophronia uncovers a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos and she must decide where her loyalties lie, once and for all.
Gather your poison, steel tipped quill, and the rest of your school supplies and join Mademoiselle Geraldine's proper young killing machines in the third rousing installment in the New York Times bestselling Finishing School Series by steampunk author, Gail Carriger.

My thoughts:
Another great installment to this series. Although the bulk of the mystery happened at the last part of the book, the action was throughout as well as the tongue in cheek world in which Sophronia resides. There is a romantic triangle that has built even more within this series. In this one you might root for one more than the other but you should have no idea who she ends up with in the end. There is this world to consider and not just what the heart wants. Plus, we don't know a lot about both suiters and what might be best for either one in the end as well. I hope we get to know both even more as the series progresses.

In this book I think the characters outshine the mystery and that may not be good for a mystery, but it is good for the series. This is a series where I not only love the main character, but the secondary characters. If you love great secondary characters, you need to read this one. They even have a mechanical dog with a great personality!

I give this latest installment 4 stars. I recommend it to those that love tongue in cheek worldbuilding as well as those that love great characters. YA mystery and steampunk lovers should really pick up this series.

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