Sunday, February 17, 2013

Review & Giveaway ~ Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Goodreads Synopsis ~

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.


My Review ~

I have to say I was nervous about reading this Midnight Breed novel.  After reading Darker After Midnight, there were rumors that someone was going to die.  That was it, that was the rumor, so of course the first characters you think of are the ones you have the strongest connection to in the series.  For me, that was almost all of the Order.  I couldn't stand the thought that one of those big, sexy vampires would fall.  I just couldn't wrap my brain around it.  The book blurb only says Kellan has disappeared, that doesn't necessarily mean that he died.  So to me, it was still up in the air.

Then we had the fact that this installment takes place 20 years after the end of Darker After Midnight.  After the Breed has become public knowledge.  I was nervous that having that big of a time gap would leave us having to learn a whole new world.  Also, we were going to be missing some battles.  I love some battle scenes!  I was also curious about how I would feel about the young'uns growing up.  Whether I would feel the connection to them at all, or if it would be even stronger because I knew them from when they were small.

So, the time comes to start reading.  I nervously swipe the screen and get pulled right in.

Mira is all grown up now and has become one kick ass character.  She's not a vampire, but she can fight with the best of them.  Her Breedmate specialty does not give her any edges on the playing field, but it may actually be the cause of her worst pain.  I was a little surprised.  I have one scene of Mira from the previous books stuck in my mind.  In that scene she is a little girl, out in the snow romping with Tess's and Alex's dogs.  I envisioned her pampered and protected by Renata and Nikolai.  I never imagined her as a hard trained warrior.  But, she is, and she's good at it.

Kellan is another one I didn't envision as a warrior.  For some reason I pictured him being coddled.  I don't know why I thought that, because I can also see his point in wanting to be a part of the Order after they saved him.  I think I just compared him to Nathan and he came out as less of a bad ass.  He's still a bad ass though!

After 20 years together, Mira and Kellan have grown closer despite Kellan's outer walls.  The test will be if that relationship can withstand opposite sides of a war.  I couldn't believe that Kellan left the Order to begin with.  I still don't understand his reasoning!  Who wouldn't want to fight along side those guys?

We get introduced to a whole new group of warriors, who I'm sure we'll get to know better in upcoming books.  Personally though, I can't wait to read about Nathan.  A new, dangerous enemy is revealed in this book, and the mystery of what this enemy's capabilities are will keep me reading.

The story pulled a lot of emotions from me.  I felt Mira's strong need for revenge, her anger at the rebels, and then at Kellan.  I was angry, sad, angry again then sad again.  What a roller coaster ride this book was!  I'm all hyped up just thinking about it.  In fact, even though my copy is a review copy from Netgalley, (thank you NETGALLEY) I STILL purchased a Virtual Signed copy.  I plan on doing a reread soon, this book was that good.  Definitely a 5-star from me!

To celebrate the release of Edge of Dawn, Rantings of a Reading Addict is hosting a giveaway!  The amazing Lara Adrian has contributed a SIGNED copy of Kiss Of Midnight.  This is the book that started it all, and you will get it SIGNED, I am so jealous!  The giveaway will also include a set of bookmarks and a temporary tattoo so you can identify yourself as a breedmate!  I put mine on my kindle case and it looks awesome!






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Monday, February 11, 2013

Exciting weekend of books for me

Happy Monday my friends!  Is that even possible though?  A Monday being "happy"?  The weekend ended strong with the new season of The Walking Dead starting!  This show is so intense!

I received some goodies last week that I am so excited to share!  My VS of Lover Awakened!  I was so excited I almost stood at the end of the driveway waiting for the mail delivery.  My biggest problem with these virtual signings is the way they wrap the books.  They do such an amazing, beautiful job that I can't stand to open it!  With the little sticker with my name and then the sticker with "Z" on it.  Damn near killed me to open it, but I just could not stand the suspense of what could possibly be written inside!  I did fold up the wrapping and put in nicely in the cover of the book.  Doesn't display the best, but I couldn't bring myself to part with that wrapping!


Now let's look at all that cover goodness!


Thank God for these virtual signings, otherwise I don't think I would be able to have ANY signed Brotherhood books.  I absolutely adore my little collection of signed books.  I'm always looking for ways to display their beautiful covers.  Yes, I am obsessed.  So obsessed, in fact, that just last night I had a nightmare that while I was asleep, someone totally trashed my book collection and my J.R. Ward signed books were totally soaked in water!  I woke up screaming!

A lady I met at the Kim Harrison event last week told me that the used bookstore in my town sells the cover protectors, so I headed over there this weekend.  While there I took another look for some Sherrilyn Kenyon titles.  I was looking for hardcovers but grabbed a couple of paperbacks too.  I plan on getting them signed when she's in town this fall.  

The used bookstore here is amazing!  It is an old opera house in the square of our town.  There are so many levels and rooms!  I finally asked the employee there today where they would have Sherrilyn if there were any there (I couldn't find any last time I was in).  He directed us through this maze of rooms until we found one marked "Bestsellers".  No WONDER I didn't find it last time!  You would think they would have a "Bestsellers" room right at the front though...


So now I have all these new books to display!  I am going to surf around pinterest some and find a nice way to display them.  I like to have my favorite covers face out, but that takes a lot of room.  I would love to hear any nice book displays any of you all have used!  Leave some ideas or links to pics in my comments!


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sunday Edition Post 10


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Well happy Sunday everyone.  I pretty much slept most of the day away and should have written this post last night, but better late than never right?

I had a pretty good blog week for me.


Wednesday ~ I participated in the Waiting on Wednesday meme with a spotlight on Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

Wednesday ~ I also posted my review on Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells.  Great start to a series!

Friday ~ Participated in the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow with the question about our most unlikely public spot to read a steamy book smut.

I think I did pretty good this week getting some posts out.  I had book club on Monday night.  I hadn't gotten to any of the reads, but we had some good conversation.  I love getting together with the girls.  The girl at the Starbucks in the Barnes and Noble introduced me to my new favorite drink.  It's a Iced Tea Lemonade with a shot of raspberry using Passion tea.  OMG it was awesome.  Needed a refill before club started.  

My next book club meeting is Tuesday and I'm listening to one of the 4 reads for that.  I am not going to get it done though.  It's the first in the Relic Seekers series, Guardians of Stone.  It's been a crazy month trying to get reading in so I am so very behind.  I will do better on those book club reads next month.

As a side note, you may notice that Goodreads "Add book" button.  I am looking for a tutorial or something to make adding that button easier.  I seem to have to jump through hoops for such a little button I know there must be an easier way.  Any tips would be SO appreciated!

Guardians of Stone (The Relic Seekers, #1)

I hope everyone has a great week.  Make sure to comment and let me know how your week!




Friday, February 8, 2013

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow 4


18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!


How to join in:
  • You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.
  • Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.
  • Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.
  • List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’
  • Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back.  It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!
  • Contact Crystal (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!
Question of the Week: What's the most unlikely public place you've read your book smut

I have to go with the doctor's office as well, especially when you're reading a good scene and the lady next to you leans over and wants to know what your device is, and they look at the screen.  People are so NOSY!  lol  I have also found myself twisting my kindle to make sure no one beside me can see and squirming in my seat.  Oh and head down so no one can see the heat rising in my face!  Haha, good question I can't wait to read others!



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Review ~ Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

Goodreads Synopsis ~

In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she's on. She's never brought her work home with her---until now. 

This time, it's personal.

My Review ~

I have been wanting to read this book for some time now.  It's been on my TBR list since... well I think Amazon had the kindle version for free at one time. I had heard a lot of really good things about Jaye Wells and her Sabina Kane series, so was anxious to try it.  Then I actually met Jaye Wells at Reader's 'n Rita's last November and I moved the books up the TBR list.  I have all but one signed now, but I will still get them on my kindle so I will have them on there too.

I absolutely despise Lavinia.  I can't stand it when people treat others that are trying so hard like crap.  Grandma's ending to the story actually pissed me off, but I won't say...na na na.

Gighul was so funny, I loved his scenes.  He kind of reminded me of Jenks from the Kim Harrison Hollows series.  The kind of character that could easily keep me laughing with his quips all day long.

Adam sounds soooo sexy and Red-Headed Stepchild isn't a fall in love instantly type of book.  I really hope Sabina and Adam really build on that relationship and it becomes something.

Jaye Wells is certainly building a very interesting world that made me both laugh and cry (and I don't cry very often).  I will note it was a quick cry.  I don't want to discourage those that won't read books that make them cry.  There were great fight scenes.  I really liked how they were written.  

So, my friends, I encourage you all to read Red-Headed Stepchild and the rest of the series after that.  The series has been written all the way to the end, so no cliffhangers you have to wait a year for!  I'm torn between a 4 and 4.5 on this one.  So, I will just say READ IT, it's AWESOME!


Red-Headed Stepchild (Sabina Kane, #1)

Waiting on Wednesday 6

Waiting on Wednesday



"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Goodread's Synopsis ~
Dating the Prince of Darkness has its challenges...

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

We met Vlad during his appearances in the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost.  A lot of us had formed an opinion of him from those books.  Then along came Onced Burned and we get to the nuts and bolts of Vlad Tepesh.  I had the impression from the Night Huntress books that he was sarcastic and more of the fun-loving sort.  Once Burned showed me another side of him that is firm, almost to the point of rigid, and fiercely devoted to his people.  He may seem a little harder, but he is still sexy as hell, and I cannot wait to read the second book in his story.  Oh and I want to hear about Leila too, but let's face it, I'm a gal, and Vlad is just so consuming I can't think of anything else!

This little doozy is released on March 26th, 2013.  Get it pre-ordered right away, you don't want to miss this!



Monday, February 4, 2013

Review ~ Sleepwalker by Wendy Corsi Staub

Goodreads Synopsis ~
Ten years after the catastrophe, a great fallen city has risen again. Ten years after, a horror begins anew . . . or never truly ended.

The nightmare of 9/11 is a distant but still painful memory for Allison Taylor MacKenna--now married to Mack and living in a quiet Westchester suburb. She has moved on with her life ten years after barely escaping death at the hands of New York's Nightwatcher serial killer. The monster is dead, having recently committed suicide in his prison cell, but something is terribly wrong. Mack has started sleepwalking, with no recollection of where his nighttime excursions are taking him. And here, north of the city, more women are being savagely murdered, their bodies bearing the Nightwatcher's unmistakable signature.

Suddenly Allison must confront a devastating truth: her life is in jeopardy once again . . . and quite possibly from the man she trusts and loves.


My Review ~
I need to be careful here because for this book, it would be a really good idea to read Nightwatcher first.  Please forgive me if my review contains any spoilers, this is going be really hard to write.

The question is left after the monster from Nightwatcher commits suicide as to whether he actually was the killer.  Is it his suicide or the recent troubles plaguing the New York area that has set this killer off.  Is this killer a copy cat, or was the wrong man charged for the crime to begin with?

Allison and Mack still have difficulty dealing with the events from 10 years ago.  They try to plan their lives around avoiding the memories from the anniversary.  Now these murders start back up again.  Bringing back all those memories whether they like it or not.

Two factors start to come up that direct the investigators towards a suspect.  Mack has been sleepwalking with no memory of his travels and the new killer has to have inside knowledge of the previous crimes.

I listened to this book on audio and was very disappointed with the narrator, Jay Snyder.  The story itself though had me yelling at the radio in parts.  It didn't help that I had had some suspicions at the end of Nightwatcher that contributed to how I felt the story line was moving.  The killer had a plan that did not include killing quite everyone.

I thought Sleepwalker was a great continuation of Nightwatcher, but I really didn't feel too much of a connection with the characters.  Maybe it was because of the narrator.  I may have enjoyed it more if I had read it on my kindle.  Those kid's voices just totally killed it.  I'm new to audiobooks so maybe that is how all kid's voices sound, but if that was how they all sound I do not want to listen to any other books with kids in them.

The ending of Sleepwalker that leads into Shadowkiller kind of surprised me, but I think deep down I knew that it was a possibility.  I am anxious to see how that cliffhanger is going to play out so I will definitely be getting Shadowkiller.  Cliffhangers kill me!

I'm going to try and rate Sleepwalker by the story and not think about the narration.  I would give the book a 3 star rating.  It was a good story, and will definitely continue the series.


Listened for Audio Challenge


Sunday, February 3, 2013

Sunday Post Edition 9


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Hello Everyone!

I had an exciting week!  There is a group called Fresh Fiction that put on this amazing dinner with the great Kim Harrison on Thursday night.  I'm waiting for more pics to get put up but for now you can see us all here.  It was held at a restaurant called the Blue Mesa which was a bit loud for an event like this.  A lot of people were not able to hear the questions and answers for Kim.  I was right up front so I heard everything. Yay!  Afterwards we all headed over to the B&N for the signing.  Unfortunately in my haste to get a good seat at the dinner, I missed getting a good ticket for the signing so I had to wait.  I had number 75.  This was not a good number for me, as it had me roam around a bookstore.  All you book addicts know what that is like.  I wanted to pitch a tent in a back corner where no one would see me and read forever.  I met some great Kim Harrison fans which is always fun.  I met a woman who had this awesome top hat on.  It was so cute!  She was nice enough to take my picture with Kim when my darn phone died on me.  I gave her my card so she can send me my pic.  Hopefully it comes soon so I can post it.  I searched the whole store for Dead Witch Walking so that I could get it signed for a giveaway, but a lot of people must have raided the Kim stock because there wasn't anything to pick from.  Sorry, I'm a bad blogger!  But I will tease you!


As an update on the chihuahua we adopted, he came home from the vet all neutered, but had a case of kennel cough.  We got him some medicine and he seems to be doing well.  We all just love him, but unfortunately, we cannot decide on a name.  My daughter and I want to leave him with the name Peanut that he came from the shelter with, but my son and husband come up with all kinds of different ones.  I told them we will not get him a cute name tag until they decide.  Maybe I should just get him one with "Peanut" on it and make up their mind for them.
I did get my review posted for Lothaire, which you can read here.  I also participated in Waiting on Wednesday where I did a post about House Rules by Chloe Neill.  Do NOT forget that House Rules releases on Tuesday!  On Friday I did the 18 & Over Book Blogger follow where we answered a question about our favorite January reads.  I'm not the fastest reader so that pretty much included ALL my reads for the month!

I finished up Red-headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells last night, so this upcoming week will feature a review on that.  Also, I finished my audiobook Sleepwalker by Wendy Corsi Staub, so I would like get that done.  I will be reading Ever After by Kim Harrison.  I like to participate on the Waiting on Wednesday meme as well as the 18 & Over Book Blog Follower meme.  Pretty ambitious week, let's see if I can use some of reader's advice and schedule my time and posts better.
Well I have a question for you all.  I like to do meme's where a question is asked that spurs on conversation.  Those are my favorites.  So this week, if you would like to promote a meme you are involved with, or host, please leave me a comment and let me know!

Friday, February 1, 2013

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow 3


18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!


How to join in:
  • You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.
  • Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.
  • Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.
  • List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’
  • Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post
  • Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back.  It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!
  • Contact Crystal (readingbetweenthewines10 at gmail dot com) with any questions!
Question of the Week: What are your top 5 reads for the month of January? Reviewed them?  Link 'em up!

Uh, tough question... Did I even get 5 read in January?  I'm going through the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole and I finished it up last month, so that was pretty much my reading for the month!  Here they are with their little review linkys:

  1. Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole
  2. Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole
  3. Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole
  4. Lothaire by Kresley Cole
  5. Kill You Twice by Chelsea Cain 

Well look at that, I got a thriller in there too!  Thank you Audible!  What were your 5 faves?