31 July, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM7)




In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)






For Review:

Alpha by Rachel Vincent (e-galley) and Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw









Won in Contest:

Crux by Moira Rogers (e-book: from author via Natasha)








From the Library:

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong (playaway audiobook)



I was totally excited to get the galley for Alpha. And, here's my little confession. I haven't actually read all of the books in the series, just the first. Oops. However, Alpha is FANTASTICALLY AWESOME! I will be catching up on the others, no question.

I've also decided that I am going to try to incorporate at least one, maybe two audiobooks per month into my review posts. I'm really enjoying the narrator for The Summoning, as well as the story. As I haven't read the book before, it is a chance for me to compare the experience of listening to an audiobook, and review a new-to-me novel.

So, there is my mailbox. How was your week?

A Flash of Fiction: Day Two (JULY)

Book: DARKNESS AT DAWN
Author: DEVIN HARNOIS
Genre: ROMANCE/POST-APOCALYPTIC FANTASY


I won this book from the author, in a contest hosted by Moira Rogers
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Overview
Richard Everson prowls the night, where other humans wouldn't dare venture. Since his world was overrun by nightmare creatures, he hunts them down and kills numerous nasties, so that people can live without fear. But, the nasties keep coming, so Richard shoots first, and never has regrets.

Until the night that he meets Jennifer. Dawn has just come, and he is ready to relinquish his vigil, when the naked woman takes his breath away. She seems unconcerned by her appearance, and the two have so much spark between them, the air fairly crackles. Richard will have to deny his certainty that Jennifer's one of the nasties, to continue a scorching affair that is against all of the rules.

I Liked -- Plot: The set-up of the novella is very clever. I really like how Devin Harnois isolated Richard. He is a warrior, a loner, and he has to fight the nasties on his own. His choice, but it also leaves the door open for when he does meet Jennifer. Here is someone that tempts him to abandon his control, as well as his preconceptions about the creatures that haunt his world.

I Liked -- Character: Jennifer is a really interesting character. Though the reader doesn't really have a chance to be inside her head, it is obvious that she is self-sufficient, and confident. Whether that has to do with her dual nature, or the fact that she is forced into loneliness, is irrelevant. She has adapted to her surroundings, and is written as a perfect foil to Richard. Because of her dual nature, she has to be the one to break down his barriers, or his loss of control doesn't have the same impact.

My Rating: 12.5/15 Highly Recommend (Adults Only 18+)



29 July, 2010

A Flash Of Fiction: Day One (JULY)

Book: COIN OPERATED
Author: GINNY GLASS

Genre: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/ EROTIC ROMANCE

I won this book in a contest hosted by Natasha from My Disorganized Ramblings
Picture courtesy of Good Reads

Overview
Elijah Elliot is a highly capable businessman. Not only does he decide to start his own business, after making his mark in a prestigious advertising firm, he lures away Beatrix London from the same firm. As his associate, the two work well together, but Elijah has other 'dreams' of them working together. Dreams that don't involve much clothing.

Little does he know that Bea feels the same way about him. And, then the two are pushed to work very closely on a racy advertising campaign. It won't be long before all bets are off, and Elijah and Bea find themselves unable to deny their mutual attraction.

I Liked -- Plot: COIN OPERATED is a smexy quick read, where Elijah and Bea have several sexual encounters from the outset- that turn out to be fantasies. Obviously for a novella, the characters have to have a previous knowledge of each other, otherwise it might seem... sordid. Ginny Glass solves that by making the two long time associates, and moves the pace along with their hot-under-the-collar imaginings.

I Liked -- Character: I was all about Elijah! He was a good alpha guy, taking charge in his fantasies, and their real encounters, but not coming off as a neanderthal. Plus, the inventive way that he used those spare quarters from the laundry room...

My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend (Adults Only 18+)



27 July, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (TT5)



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

Book: Crux (Southern Arcana #1)
Author: Moira Rogers


Mackenzie nodded and rose, mulling over what Nick had said.

Shapeshifters, spell casters, and now psychics. If Kat really had been feeling her emotions the day before, she wasn't surprised the girl had collapsed. Sometimes she thought the only things keeping her going were fear and adrenaline, but she'd been terrified for so long, she had almost forgotten it was possible to feel anything else. (page 104)

26 July, 2010

Hot and Steamy Summer

I've been swept up by a heatwave! Yes, the weather outside has been sticky, to say the least. But, I'm talking about my reading material lately. Having won several contests that gave me the opportunity to read some releases by several well-known romance authors, I decided to dedicate the next two weeks to romance, in all of its forms. There's shapeshifters, danger, some violence, and smexy, smexy love scenes.

While my reviews are PG-13 rated, all of the books that will be mentioned in my Hot and Steamy Summer feature are adults only (18+).

Here's the schedule:

Teaser Tuesday
July 27: Crux by Moira Rogers

A Flash of Fiction reviews
July 29: Coin Operated by Ginny Glass
July 31: Darkness at Dawn by Devin Harnois
August 1: A Safe Harbor (Building Sanctuary) by Moira Rogers

Teaser Tuesday
August 3: Cry Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

EXAMINED review
August 6: Eternity and a Day by Aline Hunter (JA Saare)

Book Review
August 7: Talk Dirty to Me by Ginny Glass and Inez Kelley
August 9: Whirlpool by Vivian Arend

What keeps you cool during the summer? A pitcher of lemonade? Iced tea? Maybe even a margarita or chilled glass of wine? Whatever it is, have a glass handy when you come back to the blog. You'll need it!

24 July, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM6)




In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

GAH! I really have been slacking off on my blog posting for the past two weeks. It's not that I don't have content. I DO, I DO! I've got plenty of books to review. I have a theme for a week's worth of blogging that I've been planning. I just have to get it done.

I could blame the weather, if I wanted. I mean, really. Philadelphia, if I wanted to be as hot as a Texan, I would... well, live in Texas! This is the north! Act like it!

The truth is that I have just been generally apathetic. Allergies are not my friend, and neither are migraines. My meds don't really foster overwhelming ambition, either. And also, a guest post that. did. not. happen. But, I promise that I have plenty of content to post for the coming week. Please, lovely followers, come and visit.

And, now to my IMM post. The one good thing about it being too hot (and pollen-y) to go out, is that my wallet has gotten a well-needed rest. I just have a few books this week. But, as the saying goes, a little can go a long way. Or, quality over quantity. Or even, good things come in small packages. Ok, I'm done now.



FOR REVIEW: Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart
From the author (I actually received this at BEA, but never included it in an IMM)


 



BORROWED: Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick


 



FROM THE LIBRARY: Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols


 



Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
(audiobook) This is the first audiobook that I have tried. Not the first that I own, but the first that I have actually 'plugged' in.


 
 


And, that's my week in books!

18 July, 2010

Twitter Party!

Be a part of the Linger Twitter Party on July 22, from 8pm-9:30pm EDT! Join author Maggie Stiefvater and host Kristi, of the Story Siren.



Here's how to be sure you don't miss any of the fun:


  • Before the party starts be sure to follow Maggie @mstiefvater and Kristi @thestorysiren on Twitter.
  • Tweet and have fun! Don't try to be perfect, just enjoy yourself. Join in when you wish.
  • Use #Linger with your tweets to be entered to win a limited edition Linger tank top!
  • Watch for questions from @thestorysiren for a chance to win awesome prizes like, an iPod Touch, Maggie's artwork, or giftcards!
  • Remember, if you are not using Tweetgrid (where the tag is added automatically), include #Linger in all of your tweets.


SEE YOU THERE!

17 July, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM5)




In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)


Hello everyone! This is what was In My Mailbox this past week:


FOR REVIEW: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
From Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers




WON: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
From Scholastic via a contest on Dark Faerie Tales




BOOK LENDING SERVICE: Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
From BooksFree.com




BORROWED: Fate by Jennifer Lynn Barnes




FOR REVIEW: Whirlpool by Vivian Arend




Very excited about this group of books. This week was lighter than most, but I've been waiting to read most of these, so I'm happy!

16 July, 2010

Book Review: Heart's Desire by Jessie Colter

Book: HEART'S DESIRE
Author: JESSIE COLTER
Genre: YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE


I received this book from Heeter Promotions, via the author for review (ebook format)
Picture courtesy of Good Reads



Review
It seems as if Morgan and Skye are soulmates. After meeting him the day that he transfers to her high school (and he saves Skye from an uncomfortable situation with her ex-boyfriend), the two seem inseperable. Only, Morgan's idea of mate is vastly different than Skye's.

While Morgan is driven to protect her from any harm, his secret might drive Skye away. And, it's not a matter of if she finds out about his other hidden side, it's when. During the full moon, the animal will come out to play...

I enjoyed reading HEART'S DESIRE. The characters of Skye and Morgan were easy to understand, and relate to. Jessie Colter tells their story in third person, but lets the primary point-of-view alternate between the two main characters. In paranormal YA (especially involving shapeshifters), the male character or love interest tends to be an overwhelmingly alpha person. But, Morgan was much more emotionally fleshed out. I actually felt like I was in his head more than Skye's.

There were situations where Morgan became very alpha, but they were well placed, and important to the plot. His behavior was consistent, as an emotionally balanced person. I find that I have read too many shapesifter characters that are largely stoic, and show very few emotions aside from rage or lust. It was refreshing to read characters that seemed like they belonged in high school.


I haven't even mentioned some of the other themes that appear, such as domestic abuse, and Skye's mother, who is definitely an enabler. I've mentioned in other reviews, the perception that parents have to be bad or absent in YA books, just to allow the main characters to find their way into the trouble that might occur, as part of the plot. Without going on too long, I will just say that Jessie Colter explores this in HEART'S DESIRE, and portrays a very important theme that teens probably will encounter at some point. And, she does a good job writing it with emotion.

I don't buy that teens always have think and speak as if they are the same age as their parents. In fact, there are time that I have finished a YA book, thinking that the character's age was the only thing that made it feel YA. The bottom line is that I want to read a YA novel, and it feel like it is a YA novel. Of course, I want something well-written. I want something with good characterization, good prose, and good dialog. But, I'd like to put the book down thinking, 'Yes! I do remember those exact feelings. Maybe, just minus the boyfriend that changes into a panther on the full moon', instead of thinking that I had the same experience last week at the wine bar.

4/5 for plot
3.5/5 for characters
3.5/5 for language

My Rating: 11/15 Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 3/5

11 July, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM4)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)





BooksFree:
A Great Kisser by Donna Kauffman

Borrowed/Loaned:
Wake by Lisa McMann

Purchased
Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia (autographed)

E-books Purchased:
Red Rock Pass series by Moira Rogers--
Cry Sanctuary
Sanctuary Lost
Sanctuary's Price
Sanctuary Unbound

E-books for review:
Switched by Amanda Hocking (not pictured in vlog)
A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers


Until next read,
AliseOnLife

09 July, 2010

Advance Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Book: THE IRON DAUGHTER
Author: JULIE KAGAWA
Genre: YA FANTASY



I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley (ebook format)
Picture courtesy of Good Reads



Advance Review
Meghan Chase makes a return to faery in this follow-up to THE IRON KING. She has to honor the vow that she made to Winter Prince, Ash. Though she, the daughter of the Summer King, and Ash, may not be together by faery law, she is now the unwilling guest of the Winter Queen. Imprisoned in the lands ruled by Winter, Meghan finds herself the pawn of Queen Mab, the other Winter Princes, and even Ash himself.

Then, tragedy comes to the Winter Court. Mab believes that the Summer King has retaliated for Meghan's presence, but Meghan knows the truth. The Iron Fey are alive, and they have a new ruler. She knows that they will be the death of faery, if they continue to thrive. And, she's the only one that has seen them since she killed the previous Iron King. No amount of pleading will change Queen Mab's mind.

Even though, she doesn't fully understand the fae world, Meghan will once more, have to navigate the terrifying creatures that inhabit the Winter Court. Making her way to the Iron Fey's stronghold in the human world, she encounters the stuff of nightmares. All to save Summer and Winter from a catastrophic war.

After reading THE IRON KING, Meghan's first exposure to the fae world, I was truly impressed. Julie Kagawa knows how to tell a story. She is able to pull the reader in, and give them a fabulous experience in her fantastical world. THE IRON DAUGHTER is no exception. Meghan, Ash, Queen Mab, King Oberon, the Iron Fey... and yes, Puck, all make a return in this novel.

The characters are real and flawed. This is one of the best parts of reading the Iron Fey series. There are no perfect people in Kagawa's books. And, I wouldn't want it any other way. Meghan's confusion over Ash's treatment of her, and the blind trust that she still holds is part of who she is. Ash doesn't suddenly become a different person, either. Though he may have feelings for Meghan, he accepts their fate, and knows how to navigate the Winter Court, without exposing those feelings to those who would exploit them.

Every part of THE IRON DAUGHTER is significant to the plot, and moves the story forward to its finish. And, Kagawa is able to explore every part of the plot (the search for the Iron Fey, Ash and Meghan's relationship, Puck's place in Meghan's heart, the war between Summer and Winter, and Meghan's understanding of faery) without neglecting something important, or over-stating a piece of information. THE IRON DAUGHTER is one of the best follow-ups that I have ever read, and one of the best YA fantasy novels that I have read this year.

4.5 for plot
4.5 for characters
4.5 for language

My Rating: 13.5/15 Must Read
Bonus Cover Points: 5/5

Final Giveaway Winner!

Last, but not least! The winner to conclude my Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway!

I had THE BEST time doing this giveaway. Even though the tallying, I could have done without, I still am happy to share the books that I have. I know that readers and bloggers appreciate books in the same way that I do, so I want to pass along my loot!


So, here goes:



Prize Pack #6 (International): Bookaholic (Jessica)




*Plays fanfare with panache* What great luck! Please fill out this form in order to claim your prize.

07 July, 2010

The Starlet by Mary McNamara: Review and Giveaway

Book: THE STARLET
Author: MARY MCNAMARA
Genre: CONTEMPORARY FICTION


I received this book from Regal Literary, via the publisher for review
Picture courtesy of Good Reads



Overview
Mercy Talbot is almost like every other child Hollywood star. By the time she reaches the tender age of twenty-three, she's done the drug thing, the sex thing, and even the rehab thing. So, what's left? Only one thing: climb a fountain in the beautiful Italian countryside, do a swan-dive off of the top, then emerge in a perfect rendition of a wet t-shirt contest, all to the delight of the waiting paparazzi.

It's a good thing that Juliette Grayson is there to save Mercy from certain embarrassment, and sure career suicide. Juliette knows about the gritty side of Hollywood. She's on the inside, herself. One of the people that hide the drug addictions, the overdoses, and spins even the most horrific tales for the press. But, this was supposed to be her vacation.

Juliette now has to juggle her own worries about the estate that she shares with her cousin, with the irrepressible spirit of both Mercy Talbot, and her enabling mother. And, then Michael O'Conner is thrown into the mix, as if Juliette wasn't already off her stride. Heaven help them all, when her georgeous Italian villa is invaded by Mercy's movie crew. Being on location gives a whole new meaning to the word, drama!

THE STARLET is a great summer read! I started this book at the beginning of a ten hour trip from Philadelphia, to Seattle. I had always intended to read just a little, then get some sleep on the long plane ride. But, when I had an unexpected 3-hour layover in the mid-west, I pulled THE STARLET out again, and didn't put it down until my flight was called!

Mary McNamara's voice is reminiscent of the type of book that might result from a Sarah Dessen and Susan Elizabeth Phillips partnership. At times, funny and light-hearted, at other times introspective and thoughtful, I was really pulled in by this novel. It really is the perfect vacation read.

My Rating: 11/15 Recommend

If you liked my review, and want more, this is your lucky day! Thanks to Regal Literary, a promotional company that represents the author, and the publisher, Simon and Schuster, TWO copies have been made available for me to giveaway on my blog.

The winners will receive their book direct from the promotional company/publisher, so I am not responsible for any mailing mishaps. I will give the names and addresses to them, once the giveaway concludes, and two people are randomly chosen. Good luck to all who enter!

This giveaway is only open to 18+, with US addresses. Entries accepted: July 7, Noon EDT - July 10, Noon EDT. Please fill out this FORM completely to enter.

A Couple More Giveaway Winners!

Hear ye! Hear ye! More winners are being announced. Lend me your ears!

(Hey, I have to give everyone some special attention, right?) I've done some more calculating of entries, then it left it up to random.org (as I do all of my random-y number-type choosing) to pick a winner (or two).

And, here they are:



Prize Pack #2 (US Addresses Only): courtneyreads





Prize Pack #4 (International): maidenveil


*Blows a kazoo* Hooray! Please fill out this form in order to claim your prize.

06 July, 2010

Several Birthday Giveaway Winners!

Attention! Attention! *Blows horns and plays Reveille*

Ok, so maybe I don't need to make THAT big a deal out of it!

Anyway, here are the first winners in the Blowout Birthday Book Giveaway. I had lots of individual entries, not to mention the extras that everyone did, so I am going to be announcing the winners during the week, but not necessarily all on the same day. BIG THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT PROMOTED THE GIVEAWAY, COMMENTED, OR ARE A NEW FOLLOWER! HECK, BIG THANKS TO MY OLD FOLLOWERS, TOO!

So, without further ado:




Prize Pack #1 Winner (US Addresses Only): Emily (ylime1981)






Prize Pack #3 Winner (International): Sherry (Flipping Pages for All Ages)





Prize Pack #5 Winner (US Addresses Only): uprobdontknowme



*Throws confetti at the winners* Congrats! Please fill out this form in order to claim your prize.

Teaser Tuesday (TT4)



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





Book: Ghosts and Echoes - A Shadow Inquiries Novel
Author: Lyn Benedict


"You always say the same damn things. I've got a short attention span."

He pushed a chair out toward her, it's wooden feet screeking across the pale linoleum, leaving marks. "Sit."

Wrong way to get my attention, she thought. But, he couldn't know how deep disobedience ran in her blood. (page 176)




Book: The Starlet
Author: Mary McNamara


"Juliette, my darling," he said without greeting or preamble, as if they had just spoken the day before. "I had grandiose plans that involved a white horse and an enormous number of roses, but everyone around me is either an idiot or nineteen years old and a non-English speaker. And now I'm afraid you will have to come to me. Because Mercy Talbot overdosed last night." (page 59)


Until next read,
AliseOnLife

04 July, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM3)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)


This week I decided to do a little something different. I might adopt this format for future IMM posts. So, here is my IMM video post!






03 July, 2010

Book Review: Embers by Laura Bickle

Book: EMBERS
Author: LAURA BICKLE
Genre: URBAN FANTASY



This book was sent to me through the book lending service, BooksFree.com.
Picture courtesy of Good Reads.


Review:
During the day, Anya Kalinczyk works with the Detroit Fire Department, as an arson investigator. But, it's at night that her latent talent is really used. She is a Lantern, a medium that uses her ability to devour malevolent ghosts in conjunction with a group of ghost hunters, who rid the earth of the worst kinds of non-corporeal beings.

Suddenly, Anya's two worlds clash, when she is called to the scene of an arson. The person responsible is not unlike herself, except he has taken the side of a very dangerous entity. Ferrar is guilty of the crime of arson, but he devours ghosts, just as Anya does. He forces her to take a harder look at her life, and whether she is really doing good.

As Anya pursues her arsonist through the city of Detroit, she discovers more and more about the entity that has Ferrar setting fires. In the end, it will take a Lantern to stop the whole city from burning. And Anya has the job. Even if it means sacrificing her soul.

The concept of this novel really appealed to me. EMBERS delves beyond magic or psychic ability. Anya is very enmeshed with her talent, even when she does her normal job as an arson investigator. In fact, I feel that she is drawn to fire, and all of its curiosities and mysteries, perhaps because of her talent.

It is interesting to read about someone who considers herself quite the loner, but there are people in Anya's circle. However, she distances herself from them. The toll that devouring souls takes on Anya is plain in the way that she deals with the members of her ghost hunting group, as well as the encounters that she has with her superiors in the fire department, not to mention the detectives in the police department. Even her indiscretion involving Ferrar speaks to this.

Bickle also does such a great job giving Sparky, Anya's elemental salamander familiar, a personality. He is invisible to those without her Lantern talent, but he is a very big part of her life. It's nice to see that he doesn't lose any of his personality during the book, when the plot could have taken the focus off of his character. I enjoyed Bickle's first foray into Anya's life, and look forward to the next in the series, Sparks.

4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 4.5/5

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