Book Arrivals

For Review:

• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies :: Seth Grahame-Smith & Jane Austen(September 2008 - Quirk Classics)

Won/Miscellaneous:

• Cry Wolf :: Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega series, book one)(July 2008 - Ace)
  *From Paperbackswap
• Kitty and the Midnight Hour :: Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Norville series, book one)
  (November 2005 - Warner Books)
  *From Paperbackswap
• Rebel Fay :: Barb and J.C. Hendee (Noble Dead series 1, book five)(January 2007 - Roc)
  *From Paperbackswap

Early Bird (ARC) Review: How to Woo a Reluctant Lady

 

How to Woo a Reluctant Lady

Sabrina Jeffries

Series or Stand Alone: Hellions of Halstead Hall series, book three

Release Date: January 2011

Publisher: Pocket Star

Pages: 384

Author Site: http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/

My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Received for review from Nancy Berland Communications

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

The third novel in Sabrina Jeffries's “Hellions of Hallstead Hall” series, featuring the independent and talented Lady Minerva Sharpe.

When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.

Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him. Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.

Review:

How to Woo a Reluctant Lady is the third book in The Hellions of Halstead Hall series and tells the story of the eldest Sharpe sister, Minerva. She’s feisty, independent, and is not afraid to speak her mind. After meeting her in the previous novel, A Hellion in Her Bed, I knew her story would be fun!

Although she doesn’t necessarily need her inheritance, Minerva is determined to meet her grandmother’s marriage ultimatum. But Minerva has an ace up her sleeve! She’ll fake an engagement and make Gran give up her pursuits. She has to give the crafty Giles Masters credit for coming up with the idea though. There’s no way Gran will accept Giles as a suitor, much less an appropriate husband, with his reputation. He may be a successful barrister but he’s known around town as a wild rogue.

Minerva’s been in love with Giles since she was nine-years-old. However, the rejection she felt after she was turned down from him in her teen years caused her to build a wall around her heart. It also caused her to take her frustration and heartache out on him through her gothic novels. Although some may frown upon Minerva’s writing, she’s actually very good at what she does and has a substantial fan base. Most think her notoriously wicked main character is based off her older brother…but the rakish spy is totally based off Giles. She has no idea how close to home her books really are because Giles really is living a double-life. A double-life that is seriously getting in the way of the life he wants to have…a life with Minerva as his wife.

I gotta say I didn’t enjoy this installment as much as I did the previous book. But, there were still some really great moments in How to Woo a Reluctant Lady! I liked Minerva. She knows what she wants in life and isn’t afraid to go after it. She was exactly the way I expected and wanted her to be. Her and Giles were a great match and it was a lot of fun to see them try to outwit each other in each of their interactions. My favorite thing about the novel was watching the attraction between them grow. Giles definitely used his good looks to his advantage and took Minerva off guard as often as he could.

I'm also very interested in the mysterious deaths of Minerva's parents. The ongoing investigation is a great backdrop to all of the stories so far. I enjoy how the author has entertwined it with each of the sibling's individual books. I can't wait to find out more!

So even though How to Woo a Reluctant Lady wasn't my favorite I still had a lot of fun with it. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the Hellions of Halstead Hall series because I have a feeling it will be about Gabriel and the woman who despises him...Of course, she will fall in love with him and I'll definitely be finding out why when the new book gets released.

Release Date:

January 18th

Friday Finds [44]

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:

Shogun :: James Clavell

Awakening :: S.J. Bolton

Adios, Nirvana :: Conrad Wesselhoeft

Twin Fantasies :: Opal Carew

Dealing with Dragons :: Patricia C. Wrede

Hope In a Jar :: Beth Harbison

Addicted :: Charlotte Featherstone

The Half-Made World :: Felix Gilman

Knight of Desire :: Margaret Mallory

Room :: Emma Donoghue

This Fine Life :: Eva Marie Everson

When Rose Wakes :: Christopher Golden

Review: Shameless Wonders

Shameless Wonders

A.P. Stephens

Series or Stand Alone: The White Shadow Saga, book two 

Release Date: October 2010

Publisher: Fanda Books

Pages: 432

Author Site: http://www.apstephens.com/

My Rating: 4.5/5

Source: Received for review from author

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

SHAMELESS WONDERS continues the quest of Randor Miithra, wizard and servant to the elf-gods, as he leads his followers in search of the missing moon, Beldas. Across the troubled lands of Londor, the shadows of a relentless darkness have reached the broken borders of many kingdoms. Evil forces seek to manipulate and enslave the land and its people, with enemies both new and old vowing to yield to no one until victory is had.

As Randor and his company hasten into the south toward the dark realm of Valadure, the origin of the world’s downfall, they experience firsthand the treacheries of evil. Yet in their search to restore balance to the world of Londor, they must overcome more than the banners of darkness that stand before them. As internal discord and tragedy drive the company members apart, it seems they are farther than ever from returning Londor to the peace and prosperity it once knew. Prophesies are realized, deceit is revealed, and dreams are cast asunder. Not all is what it seems to be.

With the greatest of evil in their midst, can Randor Miithra and his companions overcome the power of the one who holds the key to healing Londor? One night can change the fortunes of all.

Review:

Shameless Wonders is the second book in The White Shadow Saga that continues the epic search and recovery of the stolen moon of Londor. Randor Miithra, a wizard servant to the elf-gods, and his companions continue their journey that becomes more dangerous as each day passes. The troupe are on their way to Valadure, headig South, where they are stopped to help a town plagued by two uknown evils. One is a key to the missing moon Beldas, while the other seems to be an unstoppable force. To make matters worse their seems to be dissention within the ranks and the internal struggles the team have may end up being their very dowmfall.   

I was pleasantly surprised at how the characters and their development were treated this time around. I had a tough time warming up to some of the characters in the first book and I felt there were just some things that were lacking in the story. But of course, with every first book in a series or trilogy, the author is faced with the task of building a world and set of characters that is unknown to the reader. In Shameless Wonders however, the author was able to concentrate and dedicate more time to each character. And I’m happy to report that it paid off!

I noticed that each character’s personalities came out so easily through the pages. One can easily feel the exhaustion and frustration of the characters as they are tested numerous times throughout the book. The battles are long, difficult, and relentless in their occurrences. It was so easy to become battle weary right along with the characters. The precious few moments of rest and peace that they do get however are welcoming.

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that I haven’t named any characters or gone into detail about them individually. There are a couple of reasons for that: (1) There’s a pretty big number of main characters in the story, (2) The author does some unexpected things with their storylines in Shameless Wonders, and (3) the review would be way too long if I gave each character their respective air time. Plus I feel it would totally spoil the fun of discovering who these people are! The missing moon is so important to the well being of Londor and its inhabitants and these characters are risking their lives for the people of Londor.

Shameless Wonders really surprised me. I was sucked into the story and I pouted when I came to the end. Why the pouty face? Well, of course I wanted the next book already! But the author also ends the book in a cliffhanger of sorts. Not as bad as it could have been but it definitely had me gritting my teeth in frustration and thinking “Damn you, Stephens!” Cliffhangers are both fun and entirely evil and I’m sure those tricky, tricky authors (and editors) know it.

Anywho, I think Fall 2011 is entirely too far away and I’m seriously contemplating bothering the author with “hurry up and finish” emails every now and then. But alas, I don’t want to annoy the poor guy =) Shameless Wonders is a really great addition to The White Shadow Saga. Its action-packed, emotional, engaging, and I promise you’ll want to continue on with the conclusive third book.



Waiting on Wednesday [70] - The Perilous Prophecy of Guard and Goddess

from goodreads.com:

The Goddess:
In the beginning, there were lovers: a winged deity of power and light, and a queen of grace and beauty. Phoenix was murdered, his beloved stolen away to the Whisper-world. But their passion inspired the Muses. Through great sacrifice, it could live again.

The Guard:
There are always six, mortal hosts for the divine. Battling spirits through the ages, they defy Darkness, Lord of the Dead. In 1867, a shadow rises. The tide turns against them, and all hope falls on a child of prophecy, an eerie, snow-white girl yet to be born. But her path must be cleared. A Great War is coming, and song, wind and stars whisper that the eighteen-year-old Beatrice Smith must give everything to prepare.
 
 

 
Reason: I'm a huge fan of Leanna and her whimiscal stories =) She's also one of the nicest authors I've been in contact with.

I very much enjoy Percy and the story of the Guard. This story however, takes place before Persephone is born and is provides some background on certain things revealed in Leanna's second novel.

I'm excited about the upcoming release although it's a few months away. I highly recommend Leanna's books so be sure to check them out!
 
Cover Discussion: I've come to really like the theme of The Strangely Beautiful series. I've even become quite attached to the awkward titles that seem to perfectly fit the books overall. This one is a lovely addition to the overall theme but I find the font size a little off.  
 
Expected Release Date: May 2nd
 

 

Q&A with A.P. Stephens

Please welcome A.P. Stephens back to P.S. I Love Books!

His first novel, The Stolen Moon of Londor (read my review here!), Book I in The White Shadow Saga, was released in October of 2009 and went on to be named one of the Top Books of 2009 by Fantasy Book Critic, as well as being recognized as one of the Top 50 Books of the Year by Conversations Live! radio. The novel was also nominated for the 2010 Parsec Award for Best Speculative Fiction.

The second book in the Saga, Shameless Wonders, published in October 2010 is his latest work and promises to be an even bigger and badder story than the first installment.

A.P. Stephens has been a guest at a few cons where he has sat on panels to discuss world building, the fantasy genre, as well as leading some panels on Self Publishing, being that Fanda Books is his own indie label, bring The White Shadow Saga to the great readers of the world.

Visit http://www.apstephens.com/ to learn more about The White Shadow Saga!

Welcome Back Aaron! Thanks so much for taking the time out to visit.

Thank you for having me back. Always a pleasure to work with you and your great site.

Tell us a little bit about your newest release: Shameless Wonders.

Shameless Wonders is Book 2 in The White Shadow Saga, an epic fantasy. It continues the quest of Randor Miithra, a wizard servant to the elf-gods, as he leads his company of companions on their search to recover the missing moon.

What was one of your favorite andleast favorite things about writing Shameless Wonders?

One of my favorite things about this work was the ability to continue the character development. The first book, I had to be more concerned about the readers never being in the world of Londor before. Since the characters were introduced and the lands revealed, I could spend more time giving the readers more insight and information about characters they are growing more familiar with. The thing I did not like was I was not able to get all of the story I originally planned to put in this book. I had to take off the last chapter due to book length. More pages means more costs for me, the publisher. But rest assured, that chapter will be one of the first chapters in the third and final book of the saga.

How involved were you with cover selection? Are you happy with the result?

I design my covers, sketch them out and I have my digital artist color it and add his own things to it. I think George Patsouras did a wonderful job on it.

If you had to do it all over again would you change anything in Shameless Wonders?

I am pleased with the way it came out. It is a stronger book than the first book and reveals a great deal of the story and has a larger dose of battles and character development.

If your life were made into a movie who would you like to see play you on the big screen?

Hmm…maybe John Cusack. He might be older than me, but people tell me all the time that he and I look the same.

What are some of your favorite things to do when given a break from the writing life and other work-related things?

I enjoy playing video games and watching movies. Video games and movies are some of my greatest influences when it comes to developing my own tales.

I’m always looking for books to add to my ginormous TBR (to be read) pile. What books are you currently reading or have read recently? Any good recommendations?

The last book I read was The Children of Hurin, by J.R.R. Tolkien. He is my favorite author and I try to read as much of his work whenever I can. When I am writing, I try to avoid reading books. I don’t want to be influenced by someone’s style, story ideas, etc.

 I know The White Shadow Saga is a planned trilogy, but you’re also working on some other projects other than the third book in the world of Londor. Can you tell us what we can look forward to from you next?

I have a new series that is beginning not too far off from the conclusion of The White Shadow Saga. Book 3 is slated for Fall 2011. The new series will start soon thereafter. It is the backstory of one of the characters in this trilogy.

It’s always a pleasure to have you here Aaron! Thanks again for stopping by.

Thank you once again for the opportunity.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my review of the lastest book in The White Shadow Saga!

 

Teaser Tuesday [55] - The Unidentified Redhead

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!

He carried me into the kitchen, still screaming in laughter. I didn't even notice Holly sitting at the table with Nick. He went straight to the freezer, grabbed a bag of frozen Green Giant corn nibblets, set me on the counter, ripped the bag open with his teeth, pulled my panties straight out like a cash drawer and dumped them in. (105)

**Find out more about Teaser Tuesday at http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/. Join in the fun!**

 
 

2010 Reads

2010 Re-Cap

I didn't do so well this year. Time was flying by unbelievably fast and I just couldn't find the time to read as much as I wanted to. 10 days into the new year and I'm still struggling with that issue...but enough about that. Family problems, school issues, and having babies are things that can get in the way of ones reading...definitely. This year I'm aiming to just read more of the books I physically have sitting on my shelf (over 200 I think). I can't believe I let it get that bad.

But anywho, I wanted to do a quick, informal re-cap of this year and some of my top-rated books.


January
Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters :: Jane Austen & Ben H. Winters
Fade :: Lisa McMann
Dhampir :: Barb and J.C. Hendee
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart :: Beth Patillo
Thief of Lives :: Barb and J.C. Hendee
Dino Vicelli: Private Eye :: Laura Weiner

February
Sister of the Dead :: Barb and J.C. Hendee
Burn :: Ted Dekker & Erin Healy
and Falling, Fly :: Skyler White
The Hunger Games :: Suzanne Collins

March
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls :: Steve Hockensmith
The Stolen Moon of Londor :: A.P. Stephens
Catching Fire :: Suzanne Collins
The Lumby Lines :: Gail Fraser
Drawn Into Darkness :: Annette McCleave
Gone :: Lisa McMann
The Clouds Roll Away :: Sibella Giorello

April
Traitor to the Blood :: Barb and J.C. Hendee
Between Two Kingdoms :: Joe Boyd
Two for the Dough :: Janet Evanovich
Mark of the Demon :: Diana Rowland
The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker :: Leanna Renee Hieber
Eight Days in Darkness :: Angela Roegner and Anita Wooldridge
Someone Like You :: Sarah Dessen

May
Blood of the Demon :: Diana Rowland
Sam the Night Person :: Lisa Ruszcyk
Three to Get Deadly :: Janet Evanovich
The Viscount Who Loved Me :: Julia Quinn
Firespell :: Chloe Neill
Never Let You Go :: Erin Healy
Dirty Sexy Knitting :: Christie Ridgway
Viola in Reel Life :: Adriana Trigiani

June
Finding Marco :: Kenneth C. Cancellara
Spirit :: Andrew Feder
The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno :: Ellen Bryson
An Offer from a Gentleman :: Julia Quinn
The Pack :: LM Preston
Eve of Darkness :: S.J. Day

July
Lumby on the Air :: Gail Fraser

August
Romancing Mister Bridgerton :: Julia Quinn
The Reapers Are the Angels :: Alden Bell
Starfinder :: John Marco
Houston, We Have a Problema :: Gwendolyn Zepeda

September
Too Rich & Too Thin: Not an Autobiography :: Barbara DeShong
The Human Bobby :: Gabe Rotter
Red Hot Fury :: Kasey Mackenzie
Just One Taste :: Louisa Edwards
Saving Max :: Antoinette van Heugten

October
Enchanted Ivy :: Sarah Beth Durst
Synarchy Book 2: The Ascension :: DCS
Dismissed with Prejudice :: Fletcher Cockrell
The Dead Boys :: Royce Buckingham
Tales of Addiction and Inspiration for Recovery :: Dr. Barbara Sinor

November
In Dreams Begin :: Skyler White
Glass Houses :: Rachel Caine
French Letters: Engaged in War :: Jack Woodville London

December
A Hellion in Her Bed :: Sabrina Jeffries
Shameless Wonders :: A.P. Stephens
How to Woo a Reluctant Lady :: Sabrina Jeffries
 
 
Total = 59
Books for review  = 34
 
 
 

Top 10 11 Books Read in 2010:

(in no particular order)

** = Published in 2010

• Thief of Lives :: Barb and J.C. Hendee
• Mark of the Demon :: Diana Rowland
• Fade :: Lisa McMann
• The Hunger Games :: Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire :: Suzanne Collins
• Blood of the Demon :: Diana Rowland**
• The Viscount Who Loved Me :: Julia Quinn
• An Offer From a Gentleman :: Julia Quinn
• Eve of Darkness :: S.J. Day
• Starfinder :: John Marco
• The Human Bobby :: Gabe Rotter**

Honorable Mentions:

(in no particular order)

** = Published in 2010 

• Dhampir :: Barb and J.C. Hendee
• and Falling, Fly :: Skyler White**
• The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker :: Leanna Renee Heiber**
• Saving Max :: Antoinette van Heugten**
• A Hellion in Her Bed :: Sabrina Jeffries**
• Shameless Wonders :: A.P. Stephens**

Holiday/Blogoversary Winners REVISED

Due to a misunderstanding with one of the winners I've decided to have 2 international winners and announce the new winner of Prize Pack 3.

The winner of Prize Pack 1:

Jessi E.
(claimed =D)

The winner of Prize Pack 2:

donnas

(claimed =D)

The winner of Prize Pack 3:

Wrighty

The international winner:

Books for Company
Book of choice: XVI by Julia Karr
(claimed =D)

&

Natasha Areena
(claimed =D)

I've sent out an email to the new winner of Prize Pack 3 and I'll have everyone else's prizes out to you shortly =) If I don't get a response before the end of Wednesday, January 12th I'll pick a new winner. Thanks again for entering and stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon!

Book Arrivals

For Review:

• The Butt Book :: Artie Bennett
  (December 2009 - Bloomsbury USA Children's Books)
• How to Woo a Reluctant Lady :: Sabrina Jeffries (Hellions of Halstead Hall series, book three)
  (January 2011 - Pocket Star)  

Won/Miscellaneous:

• Love Walked In :: Marisa de los Santos(November 2006 - Pocket Star)
  *Given to me by friend (Thanks Mel)
• Everlasting :: Angie Frazier (Everlasting series, book one)
  (June 2010 - Scholastic Press)*Won from Between the Covers
• The Best Day of Someone Else's Life :: Kerry Reichs
  (May 2008 - Avon)*Given to me by friend (Thanks Mel)
• The Truth About Lord Stoneville :: Sabrina Jeffries (Hellions of Halstead Hall series, book one)
  (January 2010 - Pocket Star)*From Paperbackswap
• The Princess in His Bed :: Lila De Pasqua (Fiery Tales series, book two)
  (September 2010 - Penguin)
• Signed Swag + 16 pg. preview of Awakened by a Kiss :: Lila DePasqua (Fiery Tales, book one)
  *Lila DePasqua swag and books - won from Lovin' Me Some Romance

Friday Finds [43]

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:

 

The Light of Asteria :: Elizabeth Isaacs

Crossing the Tracks :: Barbara Stuber

Touched By an Alien :: Gine Koch

The Whole World :: Emily Winslow

The Spirit Thief :: Rachel Aaron

Blindsided :: Priscilla Cummings

Almost to Die For :: Tate Hallaway

Gifted Touch :: Melinda Metz

Stork :: Wendy Delsol

 

Illyria :: Elizabeth Hand

Picture Perfect :: D. Anne Love

Pretty Little Liars :: Sara Shepard

 

**Find more Friday Finds at http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com && Join in the fun!**

Holiday/Blogoversary Giveaway Winners

The winner of Prize Pack 1:

Jessi E.

(claimed =D)

The winner of Prize Pack 2:

donnas

(claimed =D)

The winner of Prize Pack 3:

Natasha Areena

The international winner:

Books for Company
(claimed =D)

Congrats! I've emailed everyone and I need a response by the end of Monday, January 10th. Thanks to everyone who entered =)