Monday, May 31, 2010

Dirty Sexy Knitting [ARC Review]

Dirty Sexy Knitting
Christie Ridway


Series or Stand Alone: Malibu & Ewe trilogy, book three

Release Date: June 2009

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 304

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Won in a giveaway from Literary Escapism

Synopsis

Conclusion to the trilogy that started with How to Knit a Wild Bikini and Unravel Me.

Malibu & Ewe’s owner, Cassandra Riley, is about to turn thirty and wants to celebrate with her knitting club and her newfound half-sisters, Nikki and Juliet, in a big birthday extravaganza. But with Juliet on her honeymoon and Nikki with her fiancé, it seems everyone’s paired up—except for Cassandra. Until a series of near-death accidents causes Cassandra to run straight into the arms of the one man she’s avoided most.

Review:

I can’t remember exactly when I won this Uncorrected Proof of DIRTY SEXY KNITTING, but it was quite some time ago. I knew it was the last book in a trilogy so I was in no hurry to actually pick the book up. I’m a huge stickler to series and keeping/reading them in order. So I was actually planning on getting the first book through Paperbackswap or something but I never did. Point is I broke my series rule and read the book anyway. Good news: really enjoyed the book! Bad news: I now know how the other two books end =( So reading this book out of order was definitely a bittersweet experience for me. But enough about that…let me tell you about the book itself.

DIRTY SEXY KNITTING is a romance book that actually had more emotional depth than I was expecting to get. The “hero” of the book is Gabe. He’s the landlord/neighbor of the “heroine” Cassandra. Cassandra owns Malibu & Ewe, which is THE place to be if you’re into knitting. She’s also the one to call when some bartender needs to get Gabe out of their bar after another one of his benders. Cassandra has been taking care of Gabe for far too long and she’s frankly tired of picking up the broken pieces of a man she has really come to care about.

Cassandra’s thirtieth birthday is coming up and she’s decided to dramatically cut down the time she spends worrying about Gabe and taking care of him. Granted Gabe has had some pretty traumatic things happen to him with the loss of his wife and little girl to a drunk driver. But Cassandra wants to move on and stop pining for a man that is basically hopeless. Both of her half-sisters have found their happily-ever-after and Cassandra yearns for her own.

After Gabe’s latest bender he wakes up in Cassandra’s bed, naked, and without any memory of the night before. Now that Cassandra wants some space between them Gabe can’t help but wonder if he somehow took advantage of the closest friend he has. Gabe knows Cassandra deserves a great man in her life, someone way better than him, and yet he can’t find the strength to leave Cassandra alone.

Even though I had absolutely no previous knowledge of these characters or their stories I still found myself completely drawn into their lives. The range of issues in the story were realistic and emotionally compelling. I was drawn to both Gabe’s wounded but passionate personality and Cassandra’s nurturing strength. I was rooting for their romance to work and I loved their interactions together. There was also a secondary romance in the novel that was just as intriguing as Gabe and Cassandra’s. Marlys and Dean are from one of the previous novels in the series but there was a good enough description of their relationship and their previous actions to put all the pieces together.

Overall I absolutely loved the book! I did think the end of the story wrapped up too quickly and the epilogue was a big ole’ sugary bow placed on a present. The emotional depth I found in the entire novel just disappeared in the ending and epilogue. But it doesn’t matter – I still had a huge smile on my face when I closed the book. The only thing I’m worried about is going back to read the other two books and not enjoying them as much as I would have had I read the trilogy in the correct order. But I’m still going for it!!


Saturday, May 29, 2010

Siren's Call by Devyn Quinn [Promo]


Siren’s Call (Dark Tides, Book 1)

Between desire and love there are some things that can’t stay buried, even in the deep of the ocean.

As a woman with a secret, lighthouse keeper Tessa Lonike savors her solitude on the island of Little Mer, off the coast of Maine. During a violent storm, Tessa spots a man thrashing in the ice cold waters and dives in to save him, using her ability as a mermaid to easily pull him to shore.

When Kenneth Randall awakens on the beach he is alone, left with the haunting memory of his beautiful, flame-haired savior. But a year later, when Kenneth meets her again, he’s determined not to let Tessa slip away. Just as the desire between them begins to burn, Tessa’s archaeologist ex-lover comes back to town with a tantalizing clue to her murky heritage.

The trio travel to the Mediterranean in search of answers, and when Tessa inadvertently opens an underwater portal they find a lost mermaid city. But in the deep, not everything is as it seems, and Tessa must decide if she wants to take her place as the royal heir, or follow the call of her heart…

“Siren’s Call is a thoroughly mesmerizing ride — Quinn throws open the doors to an unbelievable world where nothing is as expected. At once terrifying and fascinating and unbelievably entertaining, this is a book you won’t forget.” -Kate Douglas, bestselling author of Wolf Tales & The DemonSlayers

Pre-Order your copy today!
Buy Amazon Buy B&N Buy Borders Buy BooksAMillion Buy Chapters Buy Indie Bound


Visit www.devynquinn.com to read an excerpt!

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God, isn't this cover gorgeous! I have yet to read anything by Devyn yet but SIREN'S CALL has been on my TBR list for a while now. I'm very excited for August to come around!!

Never Let You Go

Never Let You Go
Erin Healy


Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: May 2010

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Pages: 384

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Received for review from Phenix Publicity

Synopsis

Losing everything has made Lexi hold those she loves tightly. Hell is determined to loosen her grip.

Lexi lives in the shadow of choices her husband made. Especially Grant's choice to leave seven years ago, without a word. Her relationship with their daughter, Molly, is now the most important thing in her life. Lexi will do anything-work grueling hours, attend church on her only day off, sacrifice financially-just to see Molly smile.

When Grant shows up declaring his intent to re-enter their daughter's life, Lexi is skeptical of his motives. She soon determines not to let him near Molly. Then a drug dealer named Warden arrives on Lexi's doorstep, demanding payment of Grant's old debts.

But that's just the earthly perspective. Staggering supernatural events are spilling into her world in real and shocking ways. Hell's fury is great, but Heaven's power is greater still. In a novel that defies easy categorization, this has all the early buzz of the breakthrough read of 2010.

Review:

NEVER LET YOU GO is another gem from Thomas Nelson Publishers that is yes you guessed it…Christian Fiction! I’m continually being surprised by how much I’m enjoying the recent books I’ve read in this genre. I’ve read BURN which was co-authored by Erin Healy. NEVER LET YOU GO is Erin’s first solo book published and I really enjoyed it!

Lexi is a very “real” character. She could very well be people we all know or even one of us. Her druggie husband, Grant, walked out on her seven years ago and ever since then Lexi has been terribly down on her luck. Her beloved sister was murdered shortly after and then her father had a mental breakdown. With her mother traveling all the time Lexi struggles to get by every day as she takes care of the most precious thing in her life – her daughter Molly.

Grant has come back into Lexi’s life wanting to establish a relationship with Molly, her sister’s murderer is up for parole, and the man who led Grant to a life of drugs has come to demand payment of Grant’s past debts that Lexi has no way of paying. Her world is starting to fall apart all over again and to make matters worse there seems to be strange supernatural things taking place that no one can explain. Lexi could very well be losing her grip on reality when she needs it the most.

So I will say I was a tad bit confused at the beginning. I didn’t really enjoy how the start of the novel was set up. But as the story progressed I was quickly engrossed in Lexi’s life and the strange happenings going on in it. I became attached to her and the other characters including Grant who of course I hated in the beginning. NEVER LET YOU GO was filled with intricate twists in the plot that had me reeling. I really enjoyed the writing style and found the Christian “undertones” of the book not too over the top. They aren’t very subtle either but I think I enjoyed the story so much that the message being written about didn’t really bother me.

After reading BURN and finding it “just okay” I was excited when I finished NEVER LET YOU GO and came away with such satisfaction. Thrilling, suspenseful and with dynamic characters, I definitely recommend giving NEVER LET YOU GO a shot!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Friday Finds [32]

**Hosted by MizB, click here to see more Friday Finds

I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently. Maybe you'll find something you like =)

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.



My Finds This Week:



Firespell

Firespell
Chloe Neill

Series or Stand Alone: Dark Elite series, book one

Release Date: January 2010

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 256


My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis

As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

Review:

It seems boarding schools in the reading world all have a deep dark secret or house some pretty “gifted” students (and I don’t mean academically speaking). However, despite having similar elements to other books out there, FIRESPELL is a pretty solid start to a series that shows a lot of promise. A little slow to start, the action picks up pretty quickly and includes characters that are sure to make readers want more!

I must say “the new kid in a boarding school” thing was a slight drag but I thought author Chloe Neill did a pretty decent job on adding some new twists to the popular fad in paranormal young adult books out now. First off, St. Sophia is an all girls boarding school. Located in Chicago, St. Sophia’s prides itself outstanding academic achievement and developing crucial networking skills to make it after high school. I enjoyed the fact that the headmistress is unlikable at the beginning. Cold and distant the reader isn’t quite sure if she is on Lily’s side or not. However, I found myself liking her towards the end of the book. Her character doesn’t change much personality wise but background information and new knowledge gained from the story shines a different light on her.

The Brat Pack was another element that I’ve seen before. However, FIRESPELL’S brat pack had a different kind of hierarchy. Some of them are definitely more evil then others and I’m interested in seeing how they add trouble to the next installment in Lily’s story. As for Lily herself, she was totally likeable. I enjoyed how down to earth and honest she was. Her newly found best friend, Scout was definitely a show-stealer though. Independent, quick-witted, full of spunk and humor, she definitely makes a dynamic companion for Lily. I’m really interested in reading some more background info on the BFF.

The actual supernatural part of the story revealed quite a lot. Sometimes I felt I was given a little too much information at some points but overall it’s interesting as hell. The good vs. evil aspect is definitely different than what’s already out there and I’m looking forward to discovering more about the Dark Elite. I also see a lover’s triangle that could possibly be forming and I admit I’m super excited about that. Without going into too many details… I’m torn between Jason and Sebastian. I’ll definitely go into more when I get to book two. For now, go read the book to see what I’m talking about =)

While FIRESPELL didn’t blow me away I still really enjoyed the book, especially towards the end. I’ll be picking up a copy of book two, HEXBOUND, when it comes out in January.


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday [53]


from harpercollinschildrens.com:

Doug Lee is undead quite by accident—attacked by a desperate vampire, he finds himself cursed with being fat and fifteen forever. When he has no luck finding some goth chick with a vampire fetish, he resorts to sucking the blood of cows under cover of the night. But it's just not the same.

Then he meets the new Indian exchange student and falls for her—hard. Yeah, he wants to bite her, but he also wants to prove himself to her. But like the laws of life, love, and high school, the laws of vampire existence are complicated—it's not as easy as studying Dracula. Especially when the star of Vampire Hunters is hot on your trail in an attempt to boost ratings. . . .


Searing, hilarious, and always unexpected, Fat Vampire is a satirical tour de force from one of the most original writers of fiction today.






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Reason: Well the title alone got me, along with the funny cover =) But the synopsis actually doesn't sound that ridiculous. I think it could be pretty good!

Cover Discussion: Although the placement of the teeth marks is a little awkward to me I still think it's pretty cute and funny.




Fat Vampire will be released July 27th!



What are you waiting on this week?
To see more books that are being waited for click
here.


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Teaser Tuesday [44]

Teaser Tuesdays asks you to:






-Grab your current read
-Let the book fall open to a random page.
-Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12
-You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
-Please avoid spoilers!




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"I could never hurt Gabe," Cassandra scoffed.
"There's the whole damn problem in a nutshell," Nikki muttered. "The guy needs a serious wake-up call and I can think of several spots of his anatomy that might benefit from a swift blow or two."
(33)


Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Viscount Who Loved Me

The Viscount Who Loved Me
Julia Quinn

Series or Stand Alone: Bridgerton series, book two

Release Date: June 2006 (Mass Market)

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 384

My Rating: 5/5

Source: Purchased
Synopsis

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better... --Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Review:

I simply adored this book! I really enjoyed THE DUKE AND I which is the first book in the Bridgerton series. But THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME won me over just a little bit more. And I totally love the Bridgertons – or at least the ones that I’ve come to know so far in the series. For those of you new to the series there are 8 Bridgerton children (4 girls & 4 boys) that are named alphabetically which is pretty neat and actually better for me to remember =) Anthony is the oldest and is the featured Bridgerton of THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME. The rest of the children are as follows: Benedict, Colin, Daphne (featured in the DUKE AND I), Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. To see the family tree on Julia’s website click here.

So this is Anthony’s story… One of London’s most notorious rakes, he has finally decided to get married. To whom it doesn’t quite matter although he’d like to be somewhat attracted to her and have someone with a brain but he’s not that picky. His only requirement is that his bride-to-be has to be someone he could never possibly fall in love with. Anthony believes that he will die at a young age just like his beloved father. So he has no need for love, just a wife he can have children with and live with until it’s his time to go.

His intended is Emily Sheffield, the ton’s most popular lady this season. She’s extremely beautiful, polite, and smart. However, Anthony feels no spark or desire between them. He could definitely live with her and have her as the mother of his children and he wouldn’t have to worry about falling in love with her. His only obstacle would be Emily’s older sister Kate. Kate is fiercely loyal, honest, and will stop at nothing to protect her sister from Anthony. So there is a lot of animosity between the two at the beginning and throughout much of the book. Pretty much every interaction between the two consists of snarky comments and just gets better and better each time the two meet. But feelings also start to form between them as they slowly start to fall in love with each other. It doesn’t matter that Kate is the most insufferable woman Anthony has ever met and it doesn’t matter that he is the most wicked “reformed” rake Kate has ever known. The budding romance is oh so sweet and I just fell in love with them both myself.

Both Anthony and Kate are hilarious. The dialogue and actions between the two are so enjoyable that I hated to see the book end. I loved the fact that the reader knew both character’s feelings despite what they were showing on the outside. I also really appreciated the beginning part of the book. Julia Quinn goes into some detail about the father of the Bridgerton clan. It’s always nice to have some background information and since he’s no longer around it was great to know how loving he was and how important he was to the family. And I can’t say enough how much I love the Bridgerton family. Violet, the mother, has so much courage and love for her family. And Colin has a lot of light shown on him in this installment and he is beyond funny! I can’t wait to read his story =)

And there is always the elusive Lady Whistledown. She writes the juiciest column in London and honestly seems to know everything about everyone. The clues to her identity are there but it’s just so frustrating to not know who she is. She’s an essential part of the Bridgerton series and definitely a great addition! So I love this series so far and I highly recommend the first two books.


Book Arrivals



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From Paperbackswap.com:

An Offer From a Gentleman :: Julia Quinn
(Book three in the Bridgerton series)

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

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From Contests/Giveaways & Misc:

Saving Max :: Antoinette van Heugten
(Recieved ARC for review)

What would a loving mother not do for her child?
Lawyer Danielle Parkman is at her wits' end. Her son Max, a whip-smart teen with high-functioning autism, has always been a handful. But lately he's shutting down, using drugs and lashing out - violently.

Desperate, Danielle brings Max to a top-flight psychiatric facility for a full assessment. But rather than reassurance, Danielle receives an agonizing diagnosis describing a deeply damaged, dangerous boy - one she's never met.

Then Danielle finds Max unconscious and bloodied at the feet of a patient who has been brutally stabbed to death. A fiercely protective mother instinct rears its head - and Danielle is arrested as an accessory to the heinous crime.

In a baffling netherworld of doubt and fear, barred from contacting her son, Danielle clings to the thought of Max's innocence. But has she, too, lost touch with reality? Is her baby boy really a killer?

With the justice system bearing down on them both, Danielle steels herself to discover the truth - no matter how horrifying. It's a path well on the wrong side of the law. But only finding the true killer will absolve her from having to choose between her son and her soul.

Lumby on the Air :: Gail Fraser
(Book five in the Lumby series)
(Received uncorrected proof for review)

Fifth in the acclaimed series set in the enchantingly offbeat town of Lumby. Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long family reunion and a ceremony renewing their vows. But when Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family, and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit that defines Lumby triumph once again?

Never Let You Go :: Erin Healy
(Recieved for review)

Losing everything has made Lexi hold those she loves tightly. Hell is determined to loosen her grip.

Lexi lives in the shadow of choices her husband made. Especially Grant's choice to leave seven years ago, without a word. Her relationship with their daughter, Molly, is now the most important thing in her life. Lexi will do anything-work grueling hours, attend church on her only day off, sacrifice financially-just to see Molly smile.


When Grant shows up declaring his intent to re-enter their daughter's life, Lexi is skeptical of his motives. She soon determines not to let him near Molly. Then a drug dealer named Warden arrives on Lexi's doorstep, demanding payment of Grant's old debts.


But that's just the earthly perspective. Staggering supernatural events are spilling into her world in real and shocking ways. Hell's fury is great, but Heaven's power is greater still. In a novel that defies easy categorization, this has all the early buzz of the breakthrough read of 2010.

Spirit :: Andrew Feder
(Recieved for review)

Randall Lender was a Wanted Man. He was wanted by the Clergy of the Major Organized Religions, the Governments and the New World Order, but that was the least of his problems. After going out of body (astral projection) Randall Lender suddenly found himself in such a paradox where the surrealism meets dilemma. Within this phenomenon of Looking Through the Hour Glass he unfortunately after leaving his physical body ended up into another's. This was his paradox. This was his dilemma. This was his surrealism. And regrettably for Lender this was the real quantum problem. Randall Lender found himself on an unexpected journey with its twists and turns until he realizes that he must die to live for his return to his former body. And now the elixir of questions remains: What? How? And Why? Then you'll ask why me? Why him? And What If?

Friday, May 21, 2010

Friday Finds [31]


**Hosted by MizB, click here to see more Friday Finds

I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently. Maybe you'll find something you like =)

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.




My Finds This Week:

Three to Get Deadly

Three to Get Deadly
Janet Evanovich

Series or Stand Alone: Stephanie Plum series, book three

Release Date: July 1998 (Mass Market)


Pages: 344


My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis
[from goodreads.com]:

As readers of Janet Evanovich's two previous books about funny, feisty, family-tied bounty hunter Stephanie Plum already know, she operates in "the burg"--a "comfy residential chunk of Trenton, New Jersey, where houses and minds are proud to be narrow and hearts are generously wide open." On this turf, Plum fights for justice and fashion points--this time in pursuit of a beloved neighborhood candystore owner who seems to be moonlighting as an anti-drug vigilante. Evanovich now lives in New Hampshire, but authentic affection for Trenton energizes her prose. Plums in paperback include One for the Money and Two for the Dough.

Review:

I must admit while this series isn’t blowing me away I find myself drawn to Ms. Stephanie Plum. She’s such a quirky and fun character that is sure to make any reader laugh. In THREE TO GET DEADLY one of Trenton’s most lovable people is on Stephanie’s list of missing bad guys to hunt down. Mo Bedemier is known by everyone as Uncle Mo, the popular candy/ice cream store owner that’s been around since forever. It doesn’t matter that he was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon because half the city does that anyway. Stephanie quickly becomes one of the city’s most unpopular people.

While on the search for Uncle Mo, Stephanie notices that a lot of the drug dealers around town have disappeared. They are either in hiding or wind up dead and Stephanie seems to find herself next to their bodies. It seems Uncle Mo isn’t as innocent as everyone once thought and Stephanie is on the case along with the returning cast of characters.

Lulu is one of the funniest characters in the book. Once a prostitute, she’s turned herself around and joined the Plum bounty hunter team bringing her loud mouth right along with her! Ranger is more involved with this installment which I liked. He’s so mysterious and sexy-sounding and I need to know more about him!

Stephanie’s family remains to be one of the best fictitious families in my opinion. Grandma Mazur is such a crazy old woman and she pretty much always brings a smile to my face when she’s in a scene. Her mom is still pushing her to find a better and safer job but remains fiercely loving towards Stephanie. Sometimes I pity Stephanie’s poor father with all those crazy girls in the house =) And I know these books are funny/mystery/crime books but I so desperately want Joe and Stephanie together. Would it kill anyone to have a little more romance in the book?? Quite frankly I’m tired of the teases!

I’ll still be continuing on with FOUR TO SCORE up next. And I must admit I just love how Janet Evanovich titles her books. Definitely a lot of fun!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday [52]


from harperteen.com:

Seth Baumgartner just had the worst day of his life.

His girlfriend dumped him (at Applebee's), he spied his father on a date with a woman who is not his mother (also at Applebee's!), and he lost his fourth job of the year. It's like every relationship he cares about is imploding, and he can't figure out what's going on.

To find answers, Seth decides to start an anonymous podcast called The Love Manifesto, exploring "what love is, why love is, and why we're stupid enough to keep going back for more." Things start looking up when Seth gets a job at a golf club with his hilarious and smut-minded best friend, Dimitri, and Dimitri's sister, Audrey. With their help, Seth tracks down his father's mystery date, hits the most infamous bogey in the history of golf, and discovers that sometimes love means eating the worst chicken-salad sandwich you can ever imagine.


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Reason: I just recently added this to my TBR list and was pretty happy to see that it's coming out pretty soon. This book sounds like tons of fun and I can't wait to see some upcoming reviews of it.

Cover Discussion: Very cute! I love my iPOD so the cover gets points for that. It's got a Napolean Dynamite/Juno feel that I just adore =)





Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto will be released June 8th!


What are you waiting on this week?
To see more books that are being waited for click
here.

Sam the Night Person

Sam the Night Person
Lisa Rusczyk

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: November 2009

Publisher: Club Lighthouse Publishing

Pages: 178

Author Site: http://lisarusczyk.blogspot.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Received for review from author

Synopsis

Sam stays up all night, drinks coffee without pause, chain smokes cigarettes and secretly talks to the moon.

Azzy knows it, but doesn-t know why or how. Azzy has been having a series of obsessive daydreams about a young man named Sam. He seems to be a magician of sorts. All she knows is that she can-t eat, sleep, drive or work. All she can do is think of Sam. She is in love, and she must find him.

She follows a daydream to a Colorado lodge where she has seen Sam in her mind. To her astonishment, he appears there the very next day. He doesn-t believe her, but who would? Is she crazy?

Sam and Azzy have a connection. Where did it come from? And who is behind it all? Of course, there-s always a reason for everything. Azzy's daydreams were no accident.

Will they be able to withstand the man behind the torment? After years being apart, they find themselves facing the most destructive man of water magic they have ever known. He threatens their love. Together in heart and apart by necessity, they must find a way to stop him.

Review:

Lisa Ruscyk is not only a really sweet person but she’s also a very creative writer. I read and reviewed THE BLUE PEN back in October and just loved it. Check out my review and the actual synopsis of the book by clicking here! So when Lisa contacted me to review another book of hers I immediately said yes. The blurb sounded pretty good but I really had no idea what I was going into because I never quite know what to expect with Lisa and her writing. I was right to think that way because SAM THE NIGHT PERSON was nothing like I thought it would be. It was another unique story that totally kept me engrossed until the very end!

Azzy seems like a love-struck weirdo at the beginning to be quite honest. She’s never met Sam and yet she is on a mission to find him. And when Sam comes into the story he seems pretty stuck-up and rude at the beginning. So the two main characters are not very likable at first but as the story really gets going the reader may just be thrown for a loop. Puzzle pieces start to click together in one’s mind as the plot twists and turns and reveals the truth. Both characters develop and grow quite a lot. I can’t express how fun the journey was to watch them discover things about each other and themselves as the story progressed. And the paranormal aspects of the novel were really unique and honestly a breath of fresh air. Sam is a night person; someone who has powers that are fueled by the moonlight. And Azzy has some secret powers of her own. The whole premise was fun and has tremendous room to grow into more fabulous books.

The ending left me unsatisfied to be honest. I wanted more! And I’m super excited to report that there is a follow up book of sorts titled FULL MOON IN DECEMBER that I'm planning on getting my hands on. Lisa’s books are usually e-book formatted. However I was lucky enough to receive paperback copies of both. The good news is the books are available for sale as paperbacks as well, so there’s no excuse not to get your butt in gear and pick up SAM THE NIGHT PERSON. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Friday Finds [30]

**Hosted by MizB, click here to see more Friday Finds

I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently. Maybe you'll find something you like =)

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.




My Finds This Week:

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