Quote-Tastic Monday July 22

Well, Monday is almost over but I'm sneaking this in before midnight!

“I can’t—” Lena repeated. “I can’t do it. I can’t live without him.”
Sara gently pulled her hand away from Jared’s. She smoothed down the sheet, tucked it in close around his side. She looked at Lena—really looked at her straight in the eye. “Good,” Sara told her. “Now you know how it feels.”
-Karin Slaughter, Unseen

Some people are really, really cold.  I just didn't realize Sara was.  I couldn't believe, despite how much I knew she hated Lena, that she would say something like that.  That was my shocker for the week!

Sunday Post Edition 18

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 it was definitely a lazy blogger week!  I've been having fun doing the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge by Good Books and Good Wine, and really haven't done much else.  Most of my down time has been spent reading Unseen by Karin Slaughter.  I love her books and this one is driving me crazy.  It is intense, and well, I should be able to get a good review out of it.  Hopefully without spoilers.

Also, I am looking for some blogger advice.  What is the best comment widget to use?  I'm trying out Disquis right now, I'm just really wishing there was a way to comment back without having to go back to my blog.  A way to just quickly reply from my email.  

I am also looking for the best way to auto-publish my posts to social media.  Currently I am using Network Blogs.  Is that what others are using or are you doing it manually?  Which do you think gets the best coverage?

So here are this week's posts:

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 8 Write 15 things that appeal to you on blogs.

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 9 Why do you blog about books?

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 10 How do you choose what book to read next?

Review of Green-eyed Demon by Jaye Wells

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 11 ~ Show off 5 of my best posts

Next week I will finish up the challenge with days 12 - 15.  I was really fun, and I enjoyed reading other blogger's responses.

Upcoming posts:

I will be participating in the Waiting on Wednesday meme, as usual.  Actually I missed last week so can't really say "as usual".  Reviews for this week will include contemporary romances

and 

I have been chosen to be part of Chloe Neill's Biting Bad blog tour and this week I received the review copy!  I am so excited!

This week I purchased A Touch of Midnight by Lara Adrian.  It is Gideon and Savannah's story from the Companion book.  On for 99 cents so had to grab it.

Due to my slow reading, this week I am still reading Unseen by Karin Slaughter.  I did finish Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter and am now listening to The Lost by Vicki Pettersson.  So many books sitting on my kindle and in my audible libraries that my slow reading is driving me insane!  I should be done Unseen this weekend and can move on.

So that was my week!  How was yours?

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 12

Just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to check out links to participating blogs.

Today's question:

How do you fight blogger fatigue?

Well, I am not much of a fighter.  I go until I hit a brick wall and it doesn't feel fun anymore.  Then I know I need a break, so I'll give it a few days.  Hopefully I will have content scheduled, but sometimes I don't and I just try not to sweat it.  I know it is dangerous right now since I have such a low following right now, but I want blogging to be fun.  That is the main goal, and if I'm not having fun then my content is going to be boring and forced.  Not good.

So taking breaks is my answer to blogger fatigue.  I would love to hear other blogger's answer to this question!

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 11

Just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to check out links to participating blogs.

 

This was really hard, folks!  I have not been in the blogging world long enough to get into a nice, consistent rhythm with my posts.  Below were some of my favorites.

 

Review of Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain

 

Exciting Weekend of Books for Me

 

Review of Lothaire by Kresley Cole

 

Review of Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

 

Review of Die for Me by Cynthia Eden

 

 

Were there any others you particularly liked that I didn't include?

 

Review ~ Green-eyed Demon by Jaye Wells

Goodreads Synopsis:

Things to do:

1. Rescue sister.
2. Murder grandmother.
3. Don't upset the voodoo priestess.

The clock is ticking for Sabina Kane. Her sister has been kidnapped by her grandmother, the Dark Races are on the brink of war, and a mysterious order is manipulating everyone behind the scenes.

Working on information provided by an unlikely ally, Sabina and her trusty sidekicks--a sexy mage named Adam Lazarus and Giguhl, a Mischief demon--head to New Orleans to begin the hunt for her sister. Once there, they must contend with belligerent werewolves, magic-wielding vampires and--perhaps most frightening of all--humans. 

But as much as Sabina is focused on surviving the present, the past won't be ignored. Before she can save those she cares about most, she must save herself from the ghosts of her past.

My Review:

I have to start with how much I love Giguhl.  He is definitely flexible!  He adapts and makes friends wherever he goes.

In Green-eyed Demon, the powers increase.  Sabina finds new powers as well as discovers others with some pretty cool powers.  The question is, which powers will be able to overcome the others.

Sabina tries to be the savior of everyone and can't seem to get over that and be a team player.  She blames herself for everyone's circumstances and wants to fix them without screwing them up even more. 

I wasn't crazy about the new characters introduced, but no new friend compares to Giguhl.  He just takes the cake and I'm glad Sabina has him.  She also has Adam with her.  The secret she is keeping from him, just seems blown out of proportion.  I hope he feels the same way.  You just know he is going to find out, doesn't that always happen?

The final battle was awesome, and many lives will be changed forever.  I really enjoyed the way the fight scenes were written.  Just enough that I can get a good image in my head.  You are not going to believe the surprise with Maisie.  I was shocked.

If you haven't read any of this series and are an Urban Fantasy fan, I really think you will enjoy these books.  I would almost compare them to Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series, but Rachel was one my first Urban Fantasy reads, and I've  put them up on a pretty high pedestal.

I'm rating Green-Eyed Demon a 4 because the ending scenes just held so much shock and disbelief it overcame the fact that I really didn't care for the new characters.

Read:  For Fun
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
Challenge:  2013 Audiobook Challenge
Published:  March 1, 2011

 

 

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 10

Just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to check out links to participating blogs.

 

Today's Challenge:

 

How do you choose what book you read next?

 

There is a long complicated process to choosing my next book. 

 

First I check my book clubs.  I have two, so I check the first meeting coming up.  If I haven't read any of them, I will go to Amazon and check them out.  I look for cost and if they have Whispersync.  Helps me get them read faster.  If I have already read at least one for that group or if I am just not digging the options, I will check the books for the other group.  I go through the same process for that group.

 

Then I check my review pile.  Whichever is the closest (or furthest released passed release date if I still haven't done it) comes first.  Sometimes, if the price is right, and I can get Whispersync, I will go ahead and buy the e-book, even if I was sent a review copy. 

 

Next step, if I'm good with all the above, is I will look to my faves that I have downloaded but have yet to read.  Especially those that are the next book in a series.  If I am all caught up in my series, I will choose my next series, and this is where it gets even trickier.  As is the predicament I am in right now, there are three series that I am going to be meeting the authors for at a convention in the fall.  I would really like to get those series read.  I just don't know which one to start first.  I have downloaded the first books in both series, and now I think it is going to be a flip of the coin, or drawing a straw or putting the names in a hat or something.

 

I'm sure I make this much more complicated than necessary, but I am a slow reader and I have to pick wisely!  Am I crazy or is this the way others pick?

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 9

Just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to check out links to participating blogs.

 

Today's challenge:

 

Why do you blog about books?

 

I blog about books so that I can have a forum to express my joy or disappointment in a book.  I also like to get other people's opinion on the books I read.  I started out joining Goodreads groups, but I had difficulty following all the discussions, so I decided to try my own blog that I could run at my own pace.  I also get more freedom to just rant and rave about myself and the books I read in one place versus the many different paranormal groups I had joined.  Besides my family (including all my furbabies) books are my obsession and it is so exciting to be in a community who shares that obsession.

 

Do you have a book blog that I might be interested in?  One that includes books in the genres I like (honestly familiar)?  Drop a note in the comments and I will pay a visit! 

Sunday Post Edition 17

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, it's Sunday again!  Time for a recap!  I had a lot of posts this week since I found this fun meme where us bloggers reveal some stuff about ourselves.  I have really enjoyed it.  You'll have to check them out!

Monday:

Review of Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 1

Tuesday:

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 2

Wednesday:

Waiting on Wednesday featuring Biting Bad by Chloe Neill

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 3

Thursday:

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 4

Friday:

Review of Blood Therapy by Lynda Hilburn

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 5

Saturday:

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 6

Sunday:

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 7

This week I am listening to Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter

and reading Unseen by Karin Slaughter on my kindle

I did not add to my library at all since the week before was such a big release week for me and I definitely went over budget.  I was hoping that ebook new releases would start going down in price after all that legal stuff with the published was worked out, but man, they are still quite expensive for ebooks.

This week watch for reviews of Green-eyed Demon by Jaye Wells as well as Tempting Aquisitions by Addison Fox (Hint:  This series is on kindle for $2.99!).  I will also be continuing the 15 Day Book Bloggers Challenge.  It's just too much fun.

Do not forget that I have a giveaway going on right now celebrating my Facebook page goal blowout! Signed Lara Adrian book on the sign so make sure to jump in!

So what have you all been up to this week?

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 7

Don't forget, you can still take part, just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to link up.

Today's topic:  Talk about your blogging quirks

I'm so new at blogging I don't think I really have too many quirks.  I know for sure I'm not consistent.  That is a bad quirk.  I also think I over think my reviews.  I'm so scared I'm going to ruin someone's experience by accidently including a spoiler that I take forever to write a review.

I like to include links to Amazon and Goodreads so my readers can add to their TBR piles.

I probably have more, but I am new, so I don't think I've had enough time to really develop "quirks".

How about you?  I think quirks make a blog special.

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 6

Don't forget, you can still take part, just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to link up.

Day 6!

Describe how you shop for books

Book shopping for me normally stems from me finding people who have reviewed books I have read with similar ratings then I look at their other reviews.  This is something that I haven't been doing, but really need to, but I always look for star ratings on reviews.  If, say, someone rated Kresley Cole's books about the same as I did, I would look at their other reviews but only look at the star rating.  I have an aversion to reading reviews until after I have read the book.  Been burned by spoilers too often.

Most of my book shopping is online, so above is my main way to shop.  Now, put me in a physical book store and first I check out the main displays and bargain shelves.  Then I head to my favorite genre and find my favorite authors.  I start picking up books surrounding the ones I've already read, check out the synopsis and scan them into my phone to see how many average stars they have. 

Such a process!  It's a wonder I get any reading done at all! 

How do you shop for books? 

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 5

Don't forget, you can still take part, just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to link up.

I'm a little behind getting to today's question. 

Today's post is for me to recommend a tear jerker.

I don't cry at many books.  Oh don't get me wrong, occasionally a book will make me squeeze out a tear, but there have only been a couple to bring on a full blown sob.  Since I am so bad with titles I had to go back to Goodreads to find it, and then ended up spending an hour reading quotes.  Made me want to do a reread.

The book I would recommend if you really want to clear out your tear ducts, would be Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning.  I can't give anything away but that book left me a mess.

Review ~ Blood Therapy by Lynda Hilburn

Blood Therapy is a dark contemporary fantasy with humor, mystery, romance and adult situations.
Kismet Knight knows exactly how to handle her clients, but when it comes to her love-life, she's on less steady ground. That was until she met master vampire Devereux, an 800-year-old hunk, who not only managed to convince the entirely rational shrink that vampires really do exist - he also persuaded her to start dating him.
Kismet's still having nightmares after being kidnapped by Lucifer, a psychotic vampire. From a therapeutic perspective she finds his split personalities fascinating - but she's constantly terrified. And Dev's become obsessed with finding Lucifer - before he comes after Kismet again.
So much for her nice, ordinary life...

On the surface, it appears that after her initial discovery of the world of vampires, she has finally settled in and come to grips with it all. She is even providing group therapy sessions for the nearly turned. Unfortunately, it is all on the surface. She still constantly fights the fear the vampires cause in her and continues to question her sanity. This bothered me. She should be afraid of Lucifer, but I was really hoping she would be better with all the others. Especially Devereux. I think Kismet really needed him around more to help her with this new world. But he is very busy doing what he can to ensure Lucifer is caught and there is no more threat to Kismet.

In comes Alan. In book one I was not a fan of Dev. I just had a different vision of him that I think might have been off. In this book though, his connection to Kismet has endeared me to him more, which in turn makes me not like Alan. It's this whole triangle thing. I am just not a fan of them. It is even more difficult that Kismet needs to prove to herself that she has feelings for Dev because she actually has those feelings or because Dev is doing his vampire thing on her to make her have those feelings. Alan makes a good friend, but he is not what Kismet needs.

I definitely enjoyed Blood Therapy more than The Vampire Shrink. I still felt a lot of frustration at the characters and their actions, but the book did have some good twists and turns in the search for Lucifer. Blood Therapy is a good 3 stars for me.

Read:  For Fun
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
Challenge:  2013 Audiobook Challenge
Published:  October 11, 2012

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 4

 

 

Don't forget, you can still take part, just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to link up.

 

Today's question:  What the last book you flung across the room?

 

It has been awhile.  I can think of three that made me angry enough to throw across a room.  Of course I didn't throw my precious kindle, but it took restraint!  If someone can help me out with titles, I'm sure some of you know the books I'm referring to.  There is one in particular by Karen Marie Moning and one by Chloe Neill.  The last one was Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris because I didn't like the ending. 

 

How about you?

15 Day Book Blogger Post Day 3

 

 

Don't forget, you can still take part, just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to link up.

 

Today's question:  Who are your blogging BFF's?

 

This is a tough one as I am fairly new to blogging and haven't made too many connections yet.  (Come on people, hit me up with those comments and stalk me on facebook!)

 

Right now I'm calling out:

 

Felicia from The Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Anna from Herding Cats and Burning Soup

Melissa from Lily Element

 

Hell, that is short list!  Hit me up in comments and social media, let's lengthen that list!

 

 

 

 

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Featuring Biting Bad by Chloe Neill

Merit has been a vampire for only a short while, but she’s already seen a lifetime’s worth of trouble. She and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, have risked their lives time and again to save the city they love. But not all of Chicago is loving them back.

Anti-vampire riots are erupting all over town, striking vampires where it hurts the most. A splinter group armed with Molotov cocktails and deep-seated hate is intent on clearing the fanged from the Windy City come hell or high water.

Merit and her allies rush to figure out who’s behind the attacks, who will be targeted next, and whether there’s any way to stop the wanton destruction. The battle for Chicago is just beginning, and Merit is running out of time.

I love that Chloe Neill isn't afraid to do things to her characters that will go against what her readers would want, and that keeps me reading her. I love Merit and Ethan together. I especially love the side characters. All together they make up books I am excited to read. Can't wait for this one!

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 2

 

 

Don't forget, you can still take part, just click the image above and that will take you over to Good Books and Good Wine to link up.

 

Today's challenge for the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge is to describe your bedtime reading ritual.

 

I have had to change my bedtime reading ritual in the last year. Not only was I not getting enough sleep, I was feeding my sweet tooth too much. I had a stash of containers of all different kinds of snack foods in my bedside drawer. I would wait until hubby fell asleep (health nut that he is) then I would crack open whatever candy I was craving at the time and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open a minute longer. Normally that was WAY past the time I should be asleep.

Now, reading in bed is a no-no. It has been moved to the recliner in the living room. No space to hide snacks either. The kids and I will watch Supernatural (I think we are on Season 4 now) and then I give myself an hour to read after that. If I can stay awake. Supernatural is killing me. It is an addiction (who can resist Jensen?) and reading time is definitely getting cut into.

I guess I shouldn't just blame it all on Supernatural. It is really hard to read in a room with other people. They talk, then ask you questions like you were listening. Sorry, I was actually fighting a hord of demons in another land and didn't quite catch what you were saying... They find it pretty exasperating.

This new, no fun, routine is a great explanation as to why I am not getting as much reading done as I used to.

What is your nightly reading routine like?

 



 

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge Day 1

Found this fun book blogger challenge started by April over at Good Books, Good Wine just in time!  It's starting today, but looks like we can jump in and link up anytime.  I think this is an excellent way to get to know my fellow book bloggers!

Today's challenge, make 15 book related confessions.  I don't know if I can think of 15, but I will give it a shot!

1. I am a signed book junkie.  First books of series with face to face signatures are my biggest weakness, but if it is a book in a series I am collecting I will do the virtual signing.
2. To go along with #1, I have this insane need to display my signed book collection with covers facing out.  I want everyone to see the amazing artwork put into those covers!
3. I will buy a hardback or paperback if I think there will be a possibility of meeting the author. I keep a list in my purse of upcoming events and the authors attending so I can pick up their books anytime I come across a used book store.
4. I hate to crack the spine on paperbacks.  I know it happens, and just makes the book look loved, but I want to be able to clearly read the titles on the bookshelf.
5. I will buy the kindle version of a book even if I have the physical version.
6. I am obsessed with Amazon's Whispersync with the kindle and audible.  Even if I don't get a chance to actually USE it for a particular book, I have to have it if it is available.
7. I prefer not to read YA.  I have read three YA series.  Two I read only because I loved the author's adult titles and wanted to support them, and one because the peer pressure to read Hunger Games was out of control.  I resisted Twilight though!  What paranormal romance / urban fantasy reader can say they have not read that series yet?!
8. I hate love triangles.  They make me want to scream.  I feel like it takes over the story and the female not only loses my respect, but I end up feeling bad for someone.
9. I refuse to sell/lend my Kindle 2 just in case I want to read outside.  I don't want to risk a moment passing that I might get a chapter in.
10. I don't get to read on my kindle as much due to a family Supernatural marathon, so I get my reading done in the car in audio.
11. I feel an overwhelming sense of obligation to finish a book once I start it.  I feel that the author put a lot of work into it, I need to appreciate it.
12. Number 11 becomes a huge problem when the book is actually part of a series.  I then feel obligated to read the NEXT book, just to make sure the negative vibes from the book before were not just the author "warming up"
13. Saying that, not counting how-to books, or non-fiction, I have only DNF'ed 1 book.
14. For some reason, I avoid books that totally take the world by storm.  They must be good to get that much attention, and anything that gets people reading is great, but I don't jump out to be part of the crowd.
15. I HATE cliffhangers at the end of books when you have to wait a whole year before the next book comes out.  That is cruel and unreasonable.

Look at that, I did it!  I was able to list out 15 of my quirks.  I can't wait to read about your's so jump in on this challenge!  Click the image above to link up!

Review ~ Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.
Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.
He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.
But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

I was just sitting here, looking at the title of this book, trying to put my words together when it occurred to me.  I do not clearly see how the title fits the book.  I've probably waited too long to write this review, and I digress...

I loved the whole scene of this book.  Convincing Keri to go on this camping trip with his family set this up so nicely.  Not the most idyllic place for Keri after the luxuries of living in LA for so long, but hey, she needs the story, right?  Joe's family was an awesome group of characters.  They were caring, funny and just the right amount of nosiness.  Joe's twin sister and Keri have history so there is a bit of a subplot there which also enhances the fun of Joe & Keri's possible rekindling.

I have not read contemporary for a long time, and if it hadn't been for book club, I probably would not have found this gem.  I rated it at a 4 stars mainly because I really enjoyed it, but am so unfamiliar with that genre right now, I have nothing to compare it to.  It was a fun, romantic read though and I would definitely recommend it.

Read for:  Book Club
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Challenges:  2013 Audiobook Challenge
Published:  June 7, 2010

Sunday Edition Post 16

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 All!  It has been crazy with vacation and family visits etc. so I missed last week's post.  I will get you all fixed up today though on what you may have missed!

My sister, her husband and two boys have been in town so we decided to take them to San Antonio for a few days.  I was hit with the realization, I am so very out of shape.  Did you know there are like 340 some steps to go deep into the Natural Bridge Caverns?  Can you say "holy crap"?  They were beautiful though and definitely worth the workout.

We stayed in a hotel right on the Riverwalk so we didn't have to spend too much time driving around to different places.  We did miss the tour of the Alamo, but we did visit the outside.  There is so much to see along the riverwalk that we spent all our evenings walking along and visiting the shops and restaurants!

Then you can't visit San Antonio without a trip to Seaworld.  I am not one for the rides, but the kids had a great time on the roller coasters.  I loved the Sea Lions.  They are my favorite and we got to take in a show with them one huge walrus that knew how to do sit ups!  It was hilarious.  Definitely a trip worth making.

So that pretty summed up my week.  Crazy busy, my fitbit didn't know what hit it.  

My VS copy of Lover Revealed arrived this week.  I love when I forget I ordered something and it suddenly appears!  I am in desparate need of a new way to display my signed books.  I want the covers to show, but I am running out of space (not to mention my family is not too big on all those hot covers covering the walls of the house!).  I may have to give up that cover obsession and shelf them like my other books.  I need my own library.

If you have been as busy as we have been here, you may have missed some posts so here is what has been on the blog for the past couple of weeks:

Review of Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Review of Deadly Sting by Jennifer Estep

Review of Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

Waiting on Wednesday featuring Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

Review of Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

We also saw the end of the Bad Boys of Romance Giveaway and our winner was Bookish Stacy!  Congrats Stacy and enjoy your goodies by Addison Fox!  Check out the winners to the grand prizes here.  Thanks to everyone for participating and I hope you all enjoyed our tribute to those bad boys we all love.

Up coming you can check out my reviews for Exclusively Yours By Shannon Stacey and Blood Therapy by Lynda Hilburn as well as a Waiting on Wednesday.

I must not forget, I currently have a giveaway going on because we totally blew away my Facebook page likes goal.  Winner of the giveaway will get a signed copy of Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian as well as some great swag.  Make sure to get some entries in the We Surpassed our Goal giveaway!

Has everyone chosen their new feed reader yet?  You can follow my blog with Bloglovin, or email.  I personally have chosen to use Feedly, and I have a button up on the left where you can follow with that option as well.

How has your summer been going?  Have you been getting lots of reading done?  My reading time has suffered terribly and I have got to start rewarding myself a little more.  I've been in a bit of a slump though where the books I'm reading just haven't been holding my interest.  I need to sort through my tbr and find something that I know will get me out of the slump for sure.

Have a great week everyone!

Review ~ Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

I think Lover At Last by J.R. Ward was one of the most anticipated books of the... well... year?  I know it was for me because I absolutely adore the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  I was excited, however I was also a bit leery.  I was a m/m virgin.  Yes, I know, the whole Quay thing had been building and I knew it was coming, but I always kind of pushed it to the side.  Now it was right there, front and center, no avoiding it.

Due to my lack of knowledge on the m/m literary world, I'm just going to say that the sex scenes fit my expectations.  You have two warriors, and I didn't really envision these long, romantic sex scenes.  I expected raw, earth shattering, (furniture shattering), desperate sex.  I think that is what I got.

Ok, I'm sorry, I do not, and I don't think I will ever like, Xcor.  I know a lot of people are all for that Xcor and Layla connection, but.... no, Wrath must take care of that creep.  What I am thinking is going to happen (and this is just in my imagination and has in no way been instigated by the author) is Layla is going to tame Xcor enough that Wrath will end up bringing the Band of Bastards into the royal circle.  Essentially they are doing the same thing by fighting the Lessers, and the only thing stopping the combination is Xcor's determination and hate of Wrath.  Let's knock Xcor out of the way, bring in the Band of Bastards, then we have new blood.  Or start training some new guys.

I am very interested the Assail story line.  Sola sounds like a very interesting character and I can't wait to see how the new drug lord's relationship is going to work out.

Quinn was a badass warrior in this book, and I know he did some pretty noteworthy acts, but I was still surprised by his reward.  When it came to this reward, I was expecting it to be a group thing, especially how close the Quinn/Blay/JM connection is. Speaking of badass though, there were some really great action scenes, and let me say Hollywood is still my guy!

All together, I'm giving Lover At Last a 4 star rating.  I took a star because I sometimes got confused on what scene or who's POV I was in due to there being so much going on.

Read:  For Fun
Challenges:  2013 E-book Challenge
Published:  March 26, 2013