Happy New Year!!
I want to wish all of you a great year in 2013!
Its gonna take me a while to get used to writing the new date, it always does. I hope everyone reads lots of great books this year, I look forward to reading the ones on my TBR pile - IN MY NEW HOUSE!! woohoo.
I would like to thank all of you for visiting my site in 2012 and helping me get started in the blogging world, and I look forward to "seeing" you in 2013.
I also want to thank the authors that I have worked with so far in sending me their books for me to read and review. I greatly loved that, and I enjoyed your books. I know some of you are still waiting on a review, and I am slowing (sorry) getting to your books. The past two weeks have been busy with the holidays. But now its back to reading (and packing)
And some of you know, I am moving. This is very exciting for me and my family. So the first 2 months of this new year will be spent in packing and preparing to move. But I will be here and will be reading.
I will be having contests again, but I am going to wait until after the move(that is the plan for now) before I do one. So look for a contest in March!!!
So what did everyone do for New Year's Eve? Hubby and I stayed home with the kids, we made homemade pretzels with my new pretzel maker then we watched the ball drop. We had a great night!!! Today, I will go to my mother's and have cake for my Grandmother's 85th birthday. Yep, she is a New Year's baby.
Pages
▼
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
A new House
I know this is not book related, but its very exciting for me. My hubby and I (and the kiddos) are moving, we finally got our own house. No more renting!!! We are moving across town into a nice neighborhood. Hopefully, we will all make friends there.
We have about 6 weeks til our closing date. So I will start packing up things next week, after the New Year. There is some minor work to be done on the house, since it is a foreclosure. But we will do the more important things before we move and then work on other things as we go.
Today we picked out the paint colors for the rooms, mostly. I still need to pick the kitchen color and the hall bathroom colors.
I will probably be making little posts with updates. Cause like I said, this is exciting for us!!
Here is a picture of the front of the house.
We have about 6 weeks til our closing date. So I will start packing up things next week, after the New Year. There is some minor work to be done on the house, since it is a foreclosure. But we will do the more important things before we move and then work on other things as we go.
Today we picked out the paint colors for the rooms, mostly. I still need to pick the kitchen color and the hall bathroom colors.
I will probably be making little posts with updates. Cause like I said, this is exciting for us!!
Here is a picture of the front of the house.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas
I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas!!! I will be back with another post and review in a few days.
Enjoy tonight and tomorrow with your family, oh and a good book!!!
Right now its snowing here and we may end up with a White Christmas! My kiddos will love that.
Review: Treasured Chest by Zrinka Jelic
Review:
Treasured Chest by Zrinka Jelic
Amazon
Description: The last thing Captain Sirena expected to find on a desolate island was...him!
When Carmen Ventura takes up her post as commander of the Strega, she becomes the new Captain Sirena, the legendary pirate most people think is just a myth created to scare children. Her first quest is to search for the “treasured chest” hidden by her predecessor. But before she can even begin the hunt, she runs into Marko Lucin, captain of the Levant and Carmen’s most insane adventure yet.
How can the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen be a bloody pirate?
Never one to pass up an adventure, especially where pretty women are concerned, Marko finds his ultimate challenge in Carmen. Not only does he fall for her courage, spunk, and intelligence, but the lady pirate can also help him get what he wants—the famous treasure everyone whispers about. His only problem—how long can he play the charming captain before she discovers his true intentions?
My Review:
This book was given to me by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
I'll admit, it took me awhile to read this. Its not what I usually read, although it its a Historical Romance. But this story is very different. And I liked the pirates, I love Pirates.
This was a new type of Historical Romance book for me to read. It took alittle while to get into the story, and it was easy to stop reading at any time. The main characters are good. There is not a lot of humor in the book, but there are moments to make you smile. This is a serious read more than anything, it does describe how life of a pirate probably was.
As I got closer to the end, I almost wondered if there would be a Happy Ending, but I was not disappointed. It all turned out in the end, and I like how the author closed out the book.
Treasured Chest by Zrinka Jelic
Amazon
Description: The last thing Captain Sirena expected to find on a desolate island was...him!
When Carmen Ventura takes up her post as commander of the Strega, she becomes the new Captain Sirena, the legendary pirate most people think is just a myth created to scare children. Her first quest is to search for the “treasured chest” hidden by her predecessor. But before she can even begin the hunt, she runs into Marko Lucin, captain of the Levant and Carmen’s most insane adventure yet.
How can the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen be a bloody pirate?
Never one to pass up an adventure, especially where pretty women are concerned, Marko finds his ultimate challenge in Carmen. Not only does he fall for her courage, spunk, and intelligence, but the lady pirate can also help him get what he wants—the famous treasure everyone whispers about. His only problem—how long can he play the charming captain before she discovers his true intentions?
My Review:
This book was given to me by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
I'll admit, it took me awhile to read this. Its not what I usually read, although it its a Historical Romance. But this story is very different. And I liked the pirates, I love Pirates.
This was a new type of Historical Romance book for me to read. It took alittle while to get into the story, and it was easy to stop reading at any time. The main characters are good. There is not a lot of humor in the book, but there are moments to make you smile. This is a serious read more than anything, it does describe how life of a pirate probably was.
As I got closer to the end, I almost wondered if there would be a Happy Ending, but I was not disappointed. It all turned out in the end, and I like how the author closed out the book.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Review: A Visist from Sir Nicholas by Victoria Alexander
A Visit from Sir Nicholas by Victoria Alexander
Amazon
Description:
Everyone knows that an Effington always gets her way ... but this time it's not going to be easy!
Lady Elizabeth Effington simply could not suitably feel the joy of the Christmas season. Ten years had passed since she had boldly declared her love for Sir Nicholas Collingsworth. He rebuffed her and set out to seek his fortunes, while Elizabeth was left a woman scorned. Now, she discovers in horror that the inheritance she's managed beautifully was never hers to control. No, power over her finances lay in the hands of the last man she ever wants to see again: Nicholas!
But running Elizabeth's life isn't part of Nick's plans. He's intrigued when he discovers that the frivolous and flighty girl he once knew has turned into a beautiful and capable woman. Nick vows to woo -- and win -- her, and while she seems unmoved by his fervent seduction, he swears he will not rest until she accepts that most precious gift of all -- the gift of love.
My Review:
An excellent read for this time of year, Ms. Alexander has incorporated A Christmas Carol into the story as well.
A very good love story between Elizabeth and Nicholas. Referred to as Grand Passion and Grand Madness, spans 10 years.
Elizabeth is very relate-able character, in how she acts when she is younger to try to get attention and how she acts when she is older and widowed.
Definetly 4 stars.
Amazon
Description:
Everyone knows that an Effington always gets her way ... but this time it's not going to be easy!
Lady Elizabeth Effington simply could not suitably feel the joy of the Christmas season. Ten years had passed since she had boldly declared her love for Sir Nicholas Collingsworth. He rebuffed her and set out to seek his fortunes, while Elizabeth was left a woman scorned. Now, she discovers in horror that the inheritance she's managed beautifully was never hers to control. No, power over her finances lay in the hands of the last man she ever wants to see again: Nicholas!
But running Elizabeth's life isn't part of Nick's plans. He's intrigued when he discovers that the frivolous and flighty girl he once knew has turned into a beautiful and capable woman. Nick vows to woo -- and win -- her, and while she seems unmoved by his fervent seduction, he swears he will not rest until she accepts that most precious gift of all -- the gift of love.
My Review:
An excellent read for this time of year, Ms. Alexander has incorporated A Christmas Carol into the story as well.
A very good love story between Elizabeth and Nicholas. Referred to as Grand Passion and Grand Madness, spans 10 years.
Elizabeth is very relate-able character, in how she acts when she is younger to try to get attention and how she acts when she is older and widowed.
Definetly 4 stars.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Giveaway : Ruby Blue by Julie Casar
Julie Cassar has graciously offered a Kindle version of Ruby Blue to one lucky reader.
To enter, all you have to do is comment on this post or comment on the Review post. I will choose a winner on Dec 23rd so you can hopefully have it for Christmas.
Please include your email address in your comment, so we can contact you. (ex: 123 (at) yahoo dot com)
Description:
Meet Ruby. She’s your average (somewhat dorky) ice-cream eating, garden-loving teenager, who is constantly being annoyed by her little brother, is best friends with possibly the only Goth kid in town and, oh yeah…she sees fairies.
After Nick Martino (possibly the hottest guy she’s ever known) finally asks her out, she can barely manage a two-word sentence when a bizarre incident strikes their lakeside town.Stumbling bare-foot through some interesting dates, will she ever find love? And what does Ruby do when more strange events continue to occur? Will she keep her gift of Fairy Sight a secret? As an ancient myth unfolds and new mystic fairy tales come to life, Ruby and her menagerie of friends tackle some extraordinary circumstances with her very ordinary abilities in this modern day fairy tale. See what legends come to life in “Ruby Blue,” a young adult fantasy fiction novel and the first installment of the Ruby Blue series.
To enter, all you have to do is comment on this post or comment on the Review post. I will choose a winner on Dec 23rd so you can hopefully have it for Christmas.
Please include your email address in your comment, so we can contact you. (ex: 123 (at) yahoo dot com)
Description:
Meet Ruby. She’s your average (somewhat dorky) ice-cream eating, garden-loving teenager, who is constantly being annoyed by her little brother, is best friends with possibly the only Goth kid in town and, oh yeah…she sees fairies.
After Nick Martino (possibly the hottest guy she’s ever known) finally asks her out, she can barely manage a two-word sentence when a bizarre incident strikes their lakeside town.Stumbling bare-foot through some interesting dates, will she ever find love? And what does Ruby do when more strange events continue to occur? Will she keep her gift of Fairy Sight a secret? As an ancient myth unfolds and new mystic fairy tales come to life, Ruby and her menagerie of friends tackle some extraordinary circumstances with her very ordinary abilities in this modern day fairy tale. See what legends come to life in “Ruby Blue,” a young adult fantasy fiction novel and the first installment of the Ruby Blue series.
Review: Deja Blue by Julie Cassar
Review: Deja Blue by Julie Cassar
Amazon
Published June 2012
Description:
Ruby's back with her fairy friends and this time, she stumbles upon some of the mysteries of the Water Court. Now, being pursued by an unknown force, Ruby's fairy friends step in to protect her. However, trouble seems to follow Ruby around every corner and even her fairy guardians need to call in reinforcements...but at what cost? Faced with a seemingly impossible challenge, Ruby must decide if and how she will help out her fairy friends. Will she pledge her allegiance to the Earthen Court? Or will she find new comfort and protection in the Water Court? Become entangled and entranced in Ruby's latest adventure and relive the magic in "Deja Blue," the second installment of the Ruby Blue Series
My Review:
Again, I didn't want to put this book down (ok my kindle). I am eagerly waiting for book 3.
Deja Blue has all the characters from Ruby Blue, plus mermaids and trolls!
I must say though, that I really wanted to smack Jeremy. I know he is a gay teen, but he was getting annoying. He was still funny at times, but even Ruby wanted to smack him (I think) in the story.
This book picks up really right after book 1 stopped.
Little Miss Ruby, is learning more about her fairy friends and the life of Fey. And its frustrating for her to only get pieces of info from her friends. At times she gets so upset that she ends up in a yelling match with Brennan. She is also at the end of her rope with them assuming she knows things about Fey, that she only believes is "fairy tales or legends". In book one we learned she learned she is getting Fey abilities, and now we are learning what those are. She is learning to deal with those abilities and is fearing others she might have.
I honestly loved the little twist thrown in the story, and Ruby's thoughts at the end. Can't wait to read book 3!
four and 1/2 stars!!!!!!
(I was given this book by the author for an honest review )
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Review: Ruby Blue by Julie Cassar
Ruby Blue by Julie Cassar
Amazon Kindle
Published February 2012
Description:
Meet Ruby. She’s your average (somewhat dorky) ice-cream eating, garden-loving teenager, who is constantly being annoyed by her little brother, is best friends with possibly the only Goth kid in town and, oh yeah…she sees fairies.
After Nick Martino (possibly the hottest guy she’s ever known) finally asks her out, she can barely manage a two-word sentence when a bizarre incident strikes their lakeside town.Stumbling bare-foot through some interesting dates, will she ever find love? And what does Ruby do when more strange events continue to occur? Will she keep her gift of Fairy Sight a secret? As an ancient myth unfolds and new mystic fairy tales come to life, Ruby and her menagerie of friends tackle some extraordinary circumstances with her very ordinary abilities in this modern day fairy tale. See what legends come to life in “Ruby Blue,” a young adult fantasy fiction novel and the first installment of the Ruby Blue series
(from Goodreads)
My Review:
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
I loved this book, can't wait to get started on book two (just waiting for the kindle to charge)
This story is about a average girl named Ruby. Well, she thinks she is average, but she can see fairies. For 12 years she is friends with a brother and sister fairies and they come to the human world to hang out with her and her other friends. They are able to become human for just a little bit.
But one summer things happen and Ruby learns more about her fairy friends. First, Ruby sees something in the lake. Second, a Christmas tree farm catches on fire. Then, after a storm, all the boats in the marina are flipped over. But Anya and Brennan tell Ruby it was really a dragon that escaped from Fey. Oh, and Anya & Brennan are actually fairy royalty!!
This is categorized as YA, but as an adult I loved it. It was cute, funny, and had a little bit of (teen)romance. And my favorite part, Harry Potter references!
I didn't want to put this book down and as soon as my kindle is charged I am reading book 2.
This is more like 4 1/2 stars!
This book is great! I would recommend to teens, YA and adults
Bought, Borrowed and Bagged.
BB&B (Bought, Borrowed and Bagged) is a weekly meme, inspired my The Story Siren and Pop Culture Junkie,
where we share with you the books that we have bought, borrowed or
bagged (won) plus a recap of the previous week's reviews, upcoming
reviews, on going events and any news we want to share with our
followers.
This week I Bagged:
I won the Kings' Mistress from Writerspace.com And was given Little Purple Book of Passions to Read and Review.
This week I Bagged:
I won the Kings' Mistress from Writerspace.com And was given Little Purple Book of Passions to Read and Review.
2013 Immortal Reading Chaellenge
2013 Immortal Reading Challenge Sign Up
<a
href=”http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/2012/11/2013-immortals-reading-challenge.html”><img
src=”http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h367/utcgraphics/Site%20Graphics%20Design/immortal-challenge.jpg”
border=”0″></a>
Vampires, angels, demons, werewolves and fae. If you can’t pick a favourite, then that’s okay!At UTC, we love them all! So let’s celebrate our love for all things immortal with 2013’s Immortal Reading Challenge.
Here’s the rundown:
1. The Immortals Reading Challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. You can join at anytime from now and throughout the year. This is a 2013 challenge, so books read before January 1 will not count to your progress.
2. You pick your goal! Read as many books as you’d like for each species. This means that you can do just one category or all five or a combination of. The choice depends on you and your reading pace.
*We have chosen to have a three book per species standard. However, if this is a breeze for you, then feel free to tackle on the additional bonus entries of two more books of the same level.
3. Re-reads are acceptable.
4. Books chosen can be of any genre.
5. To participate, copy and paste this post on your blog along with the challenge button. We ask that you provide a link back to the sign-up page in case others wish to participate.
6. Readers without blogs can still participate! Keep track of your progress with Goodreads, Shelfari or LibraryThing.
To sign up:
1. Make a sign up post announcement, listing the level you’ve chosen and a list of books you plan to read. If you don’t have a blog, post on GoodReads or another site as a thread where we can access your list of books. Be sure to take the image code above.
2. Come back here and using the list below, add your entry with a link directly to that post so we can see what you’ll be reading.
You’re done! Every month during 2013 we will make a challenge update post where you can come and updates us on how you’re doing with your challenge.
Category 1: Vampires
Some ideas for Vampire books
Read any THREE books with vampires as the main characters.
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books with vampires
Category 2: Angels and Demons
Some ideas for Angels and Demons books
Read any THREE books with angels and/or demons as the main characters.
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books with angels and/or demons
Category 3: Fae and Magic
Some ideas for Fae books
Read any THREE books with Fae/Witches as the main characters
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books on Fae/Witches.
Category 4: Shifters/Werewolves
Some ideas for Shifter books
Read any THREE books with shifters or werewolves as the main characters.
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books on shifters or werewolves.
Happy Reading Maidens!
Review: Oceans of Red Volume 1 by Willow Cross
Review: Oceans of Red, Volume 1 by Willow Cross
Amazon Kindle
Published July 2011
Description: By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race. Standing between this total apocalypse of humanity and their chance for survival is 19 year old Remy Martin.
A warrior in her own right, trained to think on her feet and kill if the situation requires, she is flanked by her older brother and younger sister. Together, they devise a plan to take back the streets. Against the wishes of their father, who commands the resistance forces, they venture into unknown realms of the supernatural in a race against time with the fate of the entire world in their young hands.
Join them on their mission into darkness where death lies around every corner, it is virtually impossible to distinguish your enemies from your allies, and a single mistake could result in the annihilation of everyone you’ve ever known and loved
My Review:
Not a bad book, and it was interesting to have the Apocalypse with Demons instead of Zombies for a change. I liked Remy, she is a strong character. Shane and Greg, her siblings are strong too but not much detail about them, especially Greg. Their father is trying to run the "war" against the demons like a military war and its not working. The 3 siblings go out on their own to be turned and then turn themselves back so they can still have some of the demon powers to fight the "war". Remy is unable to be turned, and meets Daelen. Daelen realizes she is the one who can win the "war". And then the story stops there, where Daelen tells Remy he can help her. Now I don't mind a series, but I don't like an abrupt cutoff like this was. Yes, I know it needs a stopping point but it could've been a better written stopping point I think. I think I would give 3 1/2 stars for this, because of the Demons instead of Zombies. But its just not my cup of tea theme.
Amazon Kindle
Published July 2011
Description: By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race. Standing between this total apocalypse of humanity and their chance for survival is 19 year old Remy Martin.
A warrior in her own right, trained to think on her feet and kill if the situation requires, she is flanked by her older brother and younger sister. Together, they devise a plan to take back the streets. Against the wishes of their father, who commands the resistance forces, they venture into unknown realms of the supernatural in a race against time with the fate of the entire world in their young hands.
Join them on their mission into darkness where death lies around every corner, it is virtually impossible to distinguish your enemies from your allies, and a single mistake could result in the annihilation of everyone you’ve ever known and loved
My Review:
Not a bad book, and it was interesting to have the Apocalypse with Demons instead of Zombies for a change. I liked Remy, she is a strong character. Shane and Greg, her siblings are strong too but not much detail about them, especially Greg. Their father is trying to run the "war" against the demons like a military war and its not working. The 3 siblings go out on their own to be turned and then turn themselves back so they can still have some of the demon powers to fight the "war". Remy is unable to be turned, and meets Daelen. Daelen realizes she is the one who can win the "war". And then the story stops there, where Daelen tells Remy he can help her. Now I don't mind a series, but I don't like an abrupt cutoff like this was. Yes, I know it needs a stopping point but it could've been a better written stopping point I think. I think I would give 3 1/2 stars for this, because of the Demons instead of Zombies. But its just not my cup of tea theme.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Gifts Aren't Only From Santa crew are gearing up for two days of FREE and discounted for charity!
Join us for the Facebook fun on the 14th! |
On top of that, there's a fun Facebook event scheduled for December 14th with cool games and prizes to win. Go here for details.
Want to get a heads up on the great novels coming up for FREE or discounted? Go here to peruse the titles. Just make sure you don't drool on the keyboard. You'll need it for the December 14th Facebook fun.
"What if I don't have a kindle?" you ask. Well, that isn't a problem. Got a smartphone (android, blackberry, iPhone), computer (Mac or Windows-based), or a tablet (iPad or android tablet), then you can download a FREE kindle app and take advantage of these great titles being made available to you.
Don't forget to enter to win some great prizes in the rafflecopter as well. Yeah, we're just loving the giving spirit! Make sure to share this with everyone so no one misses out on the fun, prizes and free ebooks galore!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Review: Once an Angel by Teresa Mereiros
Once an Angel by Teresa Medeiros
Amazon
Published 1993
Description:
The last thing Justin Connor expected to find washed up on the wild shores of his island paradise was a young woman asleep on the sand, curled like a child beneath the moonlight. His peace is shattered by the mischievous creature with the wicked dimple and mysterious past.
Orphaned, cheated of her inheritance, Emily Claire Scarborough has sailed halfway around the world to find the man who promised her father he would take care of her, then abandoned her to an English boarding school. She is determined to make him pay for her years of loneliness--with nothing less than his heart.
My Review:
Teresa wrote another great book.
This book has adventure, love and just a hint of a mystery. I loved that this book did not really have the damsel being kidnapped and have to be rescued.
Emily and Justin learn a lot about each other, and what happened to both of his partners.
I give it 4 stars. It was not a book that I couldn't put down. But a very good book.
Emily did a lot of antics to get Justin's attention throughout the entire book.
Amazon
Published 1993
Description:
The last thing Justin Connor expected to find washed up on the wild shores of his island paradise was a young woman asleep on the sand, curled like a child beneath the moonlight. His peace is shattered by the mischievous creature with the wicked dimple and mysterious past.
Orphaned, cheated of her inheritance, Emily Claire Scarborough has sailed halfway around the world to find the man who promised her father he would take care of her, then abandoned her to an English boarding school. She is determined to make him pay for her years of loneliness--with nothing less than his heart.
My Review:
Teresa wrote another great book.
This book has adventure, love and just a hint of a mystery. I loved that this book did not really have the damsel being kidnapped and have to be rescued.
Emily and Justin learn a lot about each other, and what happened to both of his partners.
I give it 4 stars. It was not a book that I couldn't put down. But a very good book.
Emily did a lot of antics to get Justin's attention throughout the entire book.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Review: Forged by Greed by Angela Orlowski Peart
Forged by Greed by Angela Orlowski Peart.
Buy on Amazon
Publication November 2012
Description
Young Adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy novel.
Their choice had been taken away long before they were born.Two Seattle 16-year-old Shape Shifters, Jatred and Jasmira, are torn between following their hearts and protecting the order of the world. The path of the star-crossed lovers leads only to destruction.
The ancient Shape Shifter Races--the Winter wolves and the Summer leopards-- live among humans and fit perfectly into modern life, while keeping secret societies with their own laws and traditions.
Two Goddesses, Crystal and Amber command their respective Races. One is on a quest to tilt the scale of power to her side. The other will never let it happen, even if it means sacrificing Jatred and Jasmira's love.
The Amulet commissioned to bring stability into the world remains hidden and concealed with the
help of advanced technology. Jatred is the guardian of the Amulet and key to the Goddesses' conflict.
When the forces of nature are disrupted, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions rake the world. The Goddesses go to war and summon all their Shifters to join in the conflict. Jatred and Jasmira must fight not only for their love but to protect the future of both Races and humankind.
My Review
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
This was my first real shifters book and YA book. I did enjoy and truly give four stars. I found the story, the characters and the writing intriguing and after the half way point I didn't want to put it down.
The story involves two races of shifters, the Summer and Winter races; a romance (not quite forbidden but frowned upon); a big event to come and friendship. I don't want to give away any spoilers for those who are interested in reading. The description above is plenty
The title of the book fits the story wonderfully, because in the end it all for Greed, but the teens are forged together and luckily all the friendship and bonds are there.
I do recommend this book to teens and adults. The only thing I didn't like it that, there was a lot of emphasis on the details and brands of clothing. For the YA readers that may be ok, but for older readers annoying.
I am looking forward to the next book in series, to see how things have turned out.
Four stars!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Christmas Tree time
Sorry readers, I haven't gotten much reading done this weekend. So I don't have another review ready yet. But I will soon, I am finishing up with a good book.
This weekend was full of Christmas tree fun, and family time so not much reading. My hot hubby and I took our youngest out to get our tree. Meaning we went out to the "tree farm" and hiked through the field til we found the perfect one and hubby cut it down. Sunday is decorating day. It will be filled with old ornaments and lots of new ones the little one has been making almost every day.
Will post a picture when tree is fully done too.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.
This weekend was full of Christmas tree fun, and family time so not much reading. My hot hubby and I took our youngest out to get our tree. Meaning we went out to the "tree farm" and hiked through the field til we found the perfect one and hubby cut it down. Sunday is decorating day. It will be filled with old ornaments and lots of new ones the little one has been making almost every day.
Will post a picture when tree is fully done too.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Review: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory
Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble (Jolie Wilkins #1)
by H.P. MalloryAmazon Kindle
Life isn't bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn't have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend.
Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she's a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost's demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life!
Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand
My Review:
I give this book about 3 1/2 stars. The story wasn't as bad as some of the reviews I had read about it. I actually took my reading this one though, but once I got to about the half way point I wanted to keep reading it.
Yes, I had some issues with it but there is always that with some books. Biggest issue is that Jolie was plain-Jane (so to say) before Rand came into her life, then when she found she had the ability to change her clothes with magic she dressed better. Even a little sexy. The other issue is that the girl didn't date then all of a sudden 4 or 5 hot guys wanted her, whats that about?
I did like how H.P. Mallory wrote about Jolie's magic training. And her description of the Underworld Creatures.
Overall, not a horrible book but not a great book.
Karen Erickson
If you are a fan of Karen Erickson and want to be scandalous check this out:
Get Scandalous w/Karen Erickson and join her street team. Lots of
exclusive sneak peeks before anyone else PLUS a fun contest for team
members ONLY! https://www.facebook.com/ groups/445019145540669/
Yes, I am part of this Scandalous group, please tell them I sent you!!!
Bagged, Bought, borrowed
BB&B (Bought, Borrowed and Bagged) is a weekly meme, inspired my The Story Siren and Pop Culture Junkie,
where we share with you the books that we have bought, borrowed or
bagged (won) plus a recap of the previous week's reviews, upcoming
reviews, on going events and any news we want to share with our
followers.
Bought:
Bought:
Bagged:
All given by authors for Reviews
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Review: The Black Lily Club by Chelle
The Black Lily Club by Chelle
Amazon
Details:
Jasmine is a woman with a history of bad relationships and an inability to find a man to satiate her needs. One day she receives an invitation to an exclusive private club. What the hell, might as well give something different a try before swearing off men all together…right?
Marcus is a two hundred year old vampire who owns The Black Lillie Club, a safe place for vampires to seek their mates and partake in their darkest desires. He has been searching for his soul mate since his turning.
Can the Vampire who created this haven finally find his true soul mate? Can Jasmine find bliss in the hands of a stranger?
Contains: spanking, whips, cuffs, and strong BDSM scenes
My Review:
I found this very interesting and sexual. But not overwhelming. Jasmine has had relationship problems until she is invited to the Black Lily Club (BDSM club). She goes willingly, yet nervous. And through Marcus, who invited her, learns communication and submission. She also learns he is a vampire and she is his soul-mate.
I liked getting the story from both characters, seeing things unfold from both points of view.
I did find a few grammar/spelling mistakes but not many-just a few. I did enjoy this book overall, it is a short story.
It did not have alot of the paranormal in it, but they were there. The story was more romance and BDSM
This book was given to me by the author for review. Thank you Chelle
Amazon
Details:
Jasmine is a woman with a history of bad relationships and an inability to find a man to satiate her needs. One day she receives an invitation to an exclusive private club. What the hell, might as well give something different a try before swearing off men all together…right?
Marcus is a two hundred year old vampire who owns The Black Lillie Club, a safe place for vampires to seek their mates and partake in their darkest desires. He has been searching for his soul mate since his turning.
Can the Vampire who created this haven finally find his true soul mate? Can Jasmine find bliss in the hands of a stranger?
Contains: spanking, whips, cuffs, and strong BDSM scenes
My Review:
I found this very interesting and sexual. But not overwhelming. Jasmine has had relationship problems until she is invited to the Black Lily Club (BDSM club). She goes willingly, yet nervous. And through Marcus, who invited her, learns communication and submission. She also learns he is a vampire and she is his soul-mate.
I liked getting the story from both characters, seeing things unfold from both points of view.
I did find a few grammar/spelling mistakes but not many-just a few. I did enjoy this book overall, it is a short story.
It did not have alot of the paranormal in it, but they were there. The story was more romance and BDSM
This book was given to me by the author for review. Thank you Chelle
Review: After the Kiss by Karen Ranney
After the Kiss by Karen Ranney
Published in 2009
Buy Kindle version on Amazon
Description:
No longer the proper English wife she always was, Margaret kissed a handsome stranger.Now the dashing earl will not rest until the beautiful widow he held in his arms so briefly is his forever.
My Review:
I can honestly say that I did not want to finish this book. I just could not get drawn into the story at all. The Characters were ok, the romance was ok, but the story was blah. I only finished because I don't like to have unfinished books and I hoped and hoped it would get better.
The widow of a bookstore owner and a Earl come together, by him arranging to meet her after briefly seeing her outside a party. She was trying to sell Journals to a friend of the earl's. Their relationship grew only because he tracked her down and basically kiddnapped her from her cottage for a week. Oh, she was willing but it was still kiddnapping. Her ex-brother in law was out to harm/kill her for the Journals.
Its just written strangely, in simple terms. I did not like it, but to each his/her own.
I don't recommend.
Published in 2009
Buy Kindle version on Amazon
Description:
No longer the proper English wife she always was, Margaret kissed a handsome stranger.Now the dashing earl will not rest until the beautiful widow he held in his arms so briefly is his forever.
My Review:
I can honestly say that I did not want to finish this book. I just could not get drawn into the story at all. The Characters were ok, the romance was ok, but the story was blah. I only finished because I don't like to have unfinished books and I hoped and hoped it would get better.
The widow of a bookstore owner and a Earl come together, by him arranging to meet her after briefly seeing her outside a party. She was trying to sell Journals to a friend of the earl's. Their relationship grew only because he tracked her down and basically kiddnapped her from her cottage for a week. Oh, she was willing but it was still kiddnapping. Her ex-brother in law was out to harm/kill her for the Journals.
Its just written strangely, in simple terms. I did not like it, but to each his/her own.
I don't recommend.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Review-A Lady Risks All, By Stephanie Laurens
A Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens
Description:
Neville Roscoe, notorious and enigmatic, lives resolutely outside society, bound only by his own code of honor - until challenged by his desire for the one woman he cannot have.
Miranda Clifford is a lady imprisoned by rigid respectability - until tempted by a passion beyond her power to deny.
Flung together in peril, through danger and intrigue, they discover a love impossible to ignore ... or keep.
My Review
I liked the story of Miranda Clifford and Neville Roscoe. I enjoyed how the story flowed and little details came out. All the secrets weren't written at once.
Miranda sneaks into Roscoe's house following her brother cause she was afraid he was up to no good. Roscoe allowed her to secretly view the meeting that was being held at his house regarding charities.
A few days later Mr. Clifford was kidnapped and Miranda ran to Roscoe for help. Over the course of retrieving Mr. Clifford and his recovery Miranda and Roscoe fall in love.
I also enjoyed the story of Mr. Roderick Clifford and Lucius Clifford (villain). I loved the advice the ladies in Roscoe's family gave Miranda. And the strength Miranda showed throughout the book and took charge of her life in the end.
Very good read, I love Stephanie Laurens, but this book does not compete with her Cynster Novels.
Description:
Neville Roscoe, notorious and enigmatic, lives resolutely outside society, bound only by his own code of honor - until challenged by his desire for the one woman he cannot have.
Miranda Clifford is a lady imprisoned by rigid respectability - until tempted by a passion beyond her power to deny.
Flung together in peril, through danger and intrigue, they discover a love impossible to ignore ... or keep.
My Review
I liked the story of Miranda Clifford and Neville Roscoe. I enjoyed how the story flowed and little details came out. All the secrets weren't written at once.
Miranda sneaks into Roscoe's house following her brother cause she was afraid he was up to no good. Roscoe allowed her to secretly view the meeting that was being held at his house regarding charities.
A few days later Mr. Clifford was kidnapped and Miranda ran to Roscoe for help. Over the course of retrieving Mr. Clifford and his recovery Miranda and Roscoe fall in love.
I also enjoyed the story of Mr. Roderick Clifford and Lucius Clifford (villain). I loved the advice the ladies in Roscoe's family gave Miranda. And the strength Miranda showed throughout the book and took charge of her life in the end.
Very good read, I love Stephanie Laurens, but this book does not compete with her Cynster Novels.
The Shack Book Review
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
Buy on Amazon Description:
Mackenzie Allen Philip's youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant THE SHACK wrestles with the timeless question: Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain? The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him.
Book Published in 2007.
My Review:
I loved this book. It made me sad, scared, angry and I laughed too. It gave me so many emotions. I have read it 3 times, honestly. I read it once a couple years ago, then pasted it along the family I have no idea who has it now. But I made hubby go buy it for me again so I could read once more. Then I started reading it a third time aloud to hubby. He made me stop, he couldn't take the emotions.
Mackenzie "Mac" goes through an adventure, so to say, four years after the kidnapping of his youngest daughter. He spends the weekend in a cabin in the mountains, speaking with God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He has his eyes opened for him on life in such a new way.
I would recommend this book to any person, not just for spiritual guidance or anything like that. But for one great read but be prepared for emotions throughout this book.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
from author Vanessa Kelly
Vanessa Kelly has asked me to share this:
Can you believe it's December already? I'm kicking off the month with Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance, at their December Joyathon. I'm giving away books from my backlist! http://www.romancingrakes4theluvofromance.blogspot.com/2012/12/2012joyathon-VanessaKelly.html
Friday, November 30, 2012
Giveaways
I would like to offer giveaways in the future. Please tell me what kind of books you would like to see in the giveaways.
New or Used
Do you buy your books new or used?
Me, I prefer to spend a little bit of money on alot of books at books sales. Or spend just a little bit at the the Goodwill. My mom and I usually hit up the local libraries when they have their annual book sales. This past sale we got a bag full for $10 I ended up with like 30 books on my TBR pile. Our local Goodwill prices are usually good too.
But of course I buy some new books- those are usually on my Kindle.
Me, I prefer to spend a little bit of money on alot of books at books sales. Or spend just a little bit at the the Goodwill. My mom and I usually hit up the local libraries when they have their annual book sales. This past sale we got a bag full for $10 I ended up with like 30 books on my TBR pile. Our local Goodwill prices are usually good too.
But of course I buy some new books- those are usually on my Kindle.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Favorite book or genre
I know its hard to choose a favorite book, but let me know if you have one. Whats your favorite types of books to read?
Me, I love Historical Romances the most. Not Historical Westerns really, but ones that take place in usually London or Scotland places like that.
Me, I love Historical Romances the most. Not Historical Westerns really, but ones that take place in usually London or Scotland places like that.
I'm sure you are wondering "why Eskimo Princess?" Well my hubby calls me that, his little Eskimo Princess. I am always cold, I prefer it at least 80 degrees out, even in the summer when the AC is on I am wearing a sweatshirt. So no matter what time of year it is, if you stop by my house or run into me somewhere I am most likely in a sweatshirt- unless we are at the beach or by the pool. Funny though, because I grew up and still live in the DC metro area and we get real cold here in the winter, you would think I would be well used to it by now but I'm not.
Also, there will probably be some post here that aren't directly related to books or reading but that is just how I am. After I have a few followers/members, I will do a Q&A and we will get to know each other (or you get to know me more).
Also, there will probably be some post here that aren't directly related to books or reading but that is just how I am. After I have a few followers/members, I will do a Q&A and we will get to know each other (or you get to know me more).
Welcome to my blog! Thank you so much for stopping by. Please bare with me, I am new to blogging.
I am a lover of Historical Romance novels and a little bit of Paranormal Romance. Most reviews posted here will be of older books, I buy most of my books second hand at book sales or the Goodwill. I love a deal!!! I do get some new books, but not often.
I hope you enjoy, and come back.
I am a lover of Historical Romance novels and a little bit of Paranormal Romance. Most reviews posted here will be of older books, I buy most of my books second hand at book sales or the Goodwill. I love a deal!!! I do get some new books, but not often.
I hope you enjoy, and come back.