Thursday, October 31, 2013

Review: Cursed

Title - Cursed
Author - Lizzy Ford 
Series - Voodoo Nights #1
Genre - YA Paranormal
Expected Publication Nov 17th 2013
Format - Arc Ebook

Synopsis

The Red Man is coming ...

Five years after her sister disappeared, seventeen-year-old Adrienne finds the strength to return to her father’s home in New Orleans. But soon after she arrives, the mark of a curse appears on her, leaving her worried. Will she be the next victim of a four-hundred-year old family curse ... the next to be claimed by a serial killer roaming the back alleys of the city?

The day before his senior year begins, Jayden is given a skeleton key passed down through his family for generations -- a gruesome reminder of how his ancestors betrayed their own people and sold them into slavery. He doesn’t believe in the curse the key allegedly bears and puts it away with the intention of forgetting about its message. Until he meets Adrienne, a girl he’s compelled to for more reasons than her beauty. 

He’s not the only one who notices her. A man in a skeleton mask and a voodoo gang member are also drawn to Adrienne. One is determined to protect her. The other intends to mislead her. Haunted by the mythical Red Man, all are connected to the ancient curse.

Can they overcome their misgivings about one another and prevent the dark prophecy looming over them? Or will they be lured away from each other by evil’s siren song?

Review

I received Cursed in return for an honest review from the author. Adrienne hasn't been to her father’s home since her sister disappeared but with the scholarship for her singing voice it’s the chance to figure out what happened to her sister. Returning to New Orleans means a whole new school, filled with rich kids but when she’s invited to join the cheer squad and the quarterback is showing interest Adrienne thinks things are looking up. When her chance to preform rolls around her voice is gone she knows she’s been cursed by Kimmie the mean cheerleader after all her ex is the quarterback.

Adrienne believes in voodoo after all her family has been cursed for over 400 hundred years and her sister is the latest victim as she searches for answers she’s haunted by the mysterious Red Man. She will find an unlikely friendship in Rene a gang member denying his own destiny. When the quarterback shows an interest even after her humiliation Adrienne is excited yet worried, because her father won’t like it. Jayden has his own secrets he doesn't believe in voodoo even if he does believe that Adrienne can read the cards. As the two are thrust into a dark world will Adrienne make it away safe from the Red Man or will he find her?

I like Adrienne she’s not perfect she’s a little special and she’s not perfect. She speaks like a real person not with perfect grammar which I think makes it easier to connect with her. She seems more human to me and that’s why my heart went out to her when the mean girls cursed her. At first I wasn't sure about Jayden but he isn’t your typical jock his grandmother is crazy cutting off Adrienne’s ear lobe and calling her a white zombie but as we got to know him better I felt he really cared about Adrienne. I also like Rene I almost kind of like the idea of him and Adrienne but I like the gang guy who’s a good guy.

Cursed is a fast paced paranormal novel that captures the imagination and heart. I've only read a few books with Voodoo so the concept is still new and exciting with the authors own unique touches. The characters are memorable your drawn pulled into their lives connecting with them for the emotional ride. I liked all the characters they are well written with real personalities which I find refreshing. I think the author did a fantastic job creating an exciting concept that mixes romance, magic, suspense and the power of voodoo. The story is well written from start to finish it was hard to put down till the very end and all I want is to read the next one. This isn’t my first book by Lizzy Ford she continues to impress me with each book. Can’t wait to see what happens next.  
5 out of 5 stars

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Cover Reveal - Wasteland

Cover Reveal - Wasteland 


Wasteland 
by Lindsay Leggett
(Flight #2)
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Wasteland, the next book in the FLIGHT trilogy, takes place a few months after the ending of book one.

Trapped in a cell and experimented on, Piper Madden’s only hope is remembering Asher. Then, Elder Corp President Rupert Elder gives her new orders: to be a leader in a war against the Harpies. Without a choice, Piper must obey Rupert’s commands or suffer from paralyzing and painful Nanomachines. But the war is just beginning, and Asher has gone missing. The resistance is slowly building, and the upcoming war will be larger and bloodier than anything seen since the Devastation that ruined the earth. Throughout all of this, Piper remembers the time before she ran to Ichton, when David was alive and her hope in Elder Corp was still strong.
AUTHOR BIO:
Nearly every writer struggles to put together information about themselves, perhaps because we’re so used to detailing the lives and ways of others. For the most part I am a writer, editor, photographer, and all-around artist living in the wilds north of Toronto, Ontario. I thrive on the juxtaposition of beauty and grit, enjoy urban crawls, indie everything, and time well-spent in the woods.

Author Links:

Review: The Quiet Professor

Title - The Quiet Professor 
Author - Betty Neels
Genre - Romance 
Published - December 1992
Publisher - Harlequin
(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Megan's perfect world falls apart and her one hope is Professor Jake van Belfield. He seems determined to rebuild her life--but why is he taking such a personal interest in her?

Review

Megan’s life is perfect she’s engaged to a young doctor, she enjoys her job working as a nurse, and she recently acquired a flat of her own away from the other nurses. Yet everything changes on the trip home to introduce her family to her fiance Oscar. He falls head over heels in love with her shy younger sister. At first Megan just assumes he’s being nice spending time with her family but when the truth comes out she finds she’s not as disappointed by the news as she thought. Her heart is cracked but not broken like any other women who had found out her fiance had fallen in love with another woman.

Megan has the attention of Professor Jake van Belfield a pathology professor she just doesn't realize that he’s in love with her. After all he’s a little older quiet, a successful professor what would he see in her. As the professor goes out of his way to visit her, even offering her a chance to work in Holland at an orphanage giving her a much needed change. Megan sees the professor as being very kind and helpful but her mother is sure that he’s in love with her daughter. Will Megan figure out the truth?

I love Megan she’s a strong character not your typical skinny blonde but a real woman with curves. She’s a nurse working in a tough hospital but doesn't let the laundry guy get the best of her. Even after her engagement ends she handles it better than most. Who doesn't love a knight in shiny Rolls Royce rolling into save the day. I love the professor he’s just so dreamy and he cares dearly for Megan it’s so sweet.  

I've been a fan of Betty Neels since I was a teenager thanks to my grandmother leaving me a few boxes of books when she passed away. She left me a good 40 of her books all of which I've read before long ago. When I needed a rich character the first to come to mind are the men of Betty Neels books, the girl are always poorer struggling type. They feel like real characters that get a happy ever after. The Quiet Professor is a Harlequin so it’s a fast paced quick sweet romance novel. These books always make me crave toast and tea it’s because of them I've become such a tea drinker. Anyway I love the characters, love the sweet unsuspecting romance and just love all of her books. These are perfect for a quick afternoon read. Of course I plan to read this as well as the rest of her books again. 
5 out of 5 stars

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday
Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the list and onto our wonderful shelves. 
Hosted by Pen to Paper

My choice this week is a book that's been on my amazon wishlist forever. 

How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days
by Saranna DeWylde
Published August 28th 2012
(Goodreads)

Synopsis

"Got demon? Grace does. She's got more demon than she can saddle. In fact, she's got a sinfully sexy Crown Prince of Hell named Caspian. She's also got ten days to get rid of him or Bad Things shall ensue. See, her Russian mobster ex-boyfriend didn't take kindly to her smutty Mephistophelean contract. It's not that she's conspiring with fiends; that was his idea. It's that she's conspiring against him with outrageous devilry that runs the gamut from embarrassing to a dead hooker turned dominatrix demon gunning for his soul. One should never trust demons, let alone shag them. They don't have hearts. Yet Grace is buying hers some slightly tarnished armor and hoping that once he's been shoveled into it, kicking and screaming, he'll find it's just his size. This damsel in distress needs a dark knight for a Happily Ever After."--P. [4] of cover.

What's on your wishlist?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!! Only 24 hours left

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday October 30th 2013

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. In my case not so patiently waiting for the new releases, which I lack.

I can't wait to get my hands on this one. I've been a huge OZ fan for ages so now that someone has taken the concept and put a unique spin it's a must read. I also hear it's being optioned for a tv show. Could be amazing!!! I can't wait!!!

Dorothy Must Die
by Danielle Paige
(Goodreads)
Expected Publication April 1st 2014

Synopsis

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!


What are you waiting on?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!! Only 24 hours left

W...W...W... Wednesdays

W...W...W... Wednesdays October 30th 2013



W...W...W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Be sure to link up to her so others can see what your reading.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions...

1.What are you currently reading?
2.What did you recently finish reading?
3.What do you think you'll read next?

Books
1.What are you currently reading? The Quiet Professor by Betty Neels (Goodreads)
2.What did you recently finish reading? Have Gown, Will Wed by Killian McRae (Review)
3.What do you think you'll read next? Cursed by Lizzy Ford (Goodreads)

What are you reading this week?


Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!! Only 24 hours left

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Review: Have Gown, Will Wed

Title - Have Gown, Will Wed
Author - Killian McRae
Genre - Romance 
Published - Summer 2013
Publisher - Tulipe Noire Press 
Format - Paperback

Synopsis

Back in college, the bras-before-bros sisterhood decided to live for achievement in the boardroom, not the bedroom. Rosalind Betters embraced that philosophy, pursuing her career and little else. But when her last single friend, Kamakshi, announces her engagement in of all things, an arranged marriage, Rosalind reevaluates the merits of matrimony. In her typical gung ho fashion, she names a date, books a venue, hires a caterer, and picks out a dress, all before finding a groom. Taking a lesson from Kamakshi and too busy to do otherwise, Rosalind hires San Francisco's best headhunter, Xavier Hommes, to find her better half for her. 


At first, Xavier thinks Rosalind is one of those eccentric personalities for which the city is famous. As he comes to know her, however, Xavier finds himself hating his task for reasons he never would have suspected. If Rosalind really wants a man who will make her happy, she need look no further. As W-Day approaches and Rosalind starts falling for someone Xavier himself headhunted, he walks the line between professionalism and passion, trying to decide if competing to become Mr. Betters is worth the risk to his commission, his reputation, and Rosalind's happiness.


Review
I received Have Gown, Will Wed in return for an honest review from the author Killian McRae. Rosalind has been working hard on her career since she graduated from Stanford ending all relationships before anything serious develops. It’s the day that she makes a huge deal for her company that her last single friend Kamakshi informs her that she’s getting married and it’s just around the corner.  Having heard about Kamakshi’s arranged marriage Rosalind decides that it’s time she find a husband.

Not knowing a matchmaker in San Francisco she turns to Xavier Hommes that best headhunter in the area who also found her Carmen her personal assistant. When Rosalind shows up with an unusual request offer to make him a deal he can’t pass up Xavier personally oversees finding her the perfect guy. As Xavier starts to picture the perfect guy for Rosalind he starts seeing that maybe his choice isn't the right one. However as fate would have it she finds the file and calls the guy she used to have a crush on in college thinking he’s the perfect guy. As their relationship progresses Xavier is forced to sit in the shadow without risking his business will he risk it for love?

I love Rosalind she’s so wrapped up in making her business as successful as she can that she doesn’t even think about guys much less marriage. She’s open to the idea of having a husband but only after learning that she’s the only one left without a guy. She’s smart strong independent and has a German shepherd what’s not to love. Oh Xavier he’s just the perfect guy for Rosalind she just doesn't know it yet.

Have Gown, Will Wed is a perfect story. The characters are easy to connect with you end up cheering them on throughout the whole book. Rosalind grows as a character which I enjoy so that work isn't all her life is about. I’m a huge fan of a happy ever after and Have Gown, Will Wed delivered the perfect ending.  I've always been a fan of clean romance that are sweet and innocent this is one of those books that I could see teens as well as adults enjoy. It was a quick read I had a hard time putting down I actually read the book within a few hours. I think the author has done a brilliant job creating a story that captures the imagination. I honestly loved the story it’s quickly stolen my heart and hitting my top ten favorites. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. 
5  out of 5 stars

Diary Entry

Diary Update 
October 29th 2013

Last week I read a decent amount of reading. I have lots of books I plan to read this week. Need to get back into my groove of 5 books a week.

Currently reading
Have Gown, Will Wed by Killian McRae but I'm almost done will be in a hour of two. I also have a teaser for Teaser Tuesday (Here)

Next
I've started a cool monopoly game with another goodreads member from the challenge section. Of course I landed on Taxes so I need to read a book with a rich or poor character. I'm hoping to use a bunch of review books for this challenge.

Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner. This weeks Top Ten is books to read during Halloween. (Here) I didn't get to read as many books as I had wanted but I'm hoping to read a few halloween books before the rest of the year. Next year I'll read all halloween books for the whole month. I'm taking the little one and puppy trick or treating. It should be fun I know she's excited.


Ramblings
I've been blog slacking in part because my routine got broken and I've been unable to get it back. I have plans and every intention of being back in the groove for November. I miss my morning blogging before the kids get up but it seems the little one has been getting up earlier each morning. The puppy has also been sleeping though the night which is kind of funny.

Tv
We've been watching all kind of new tv shows that started this fall. Some have been new must reads while others are meh. The new season of Grimm started which I'm excited about because it's one of my favorites after all I named my puppy after him. I also like Sleepy Hallow and Dracula. New season of Project Runway All Stars. Looks like a another awesome year for the paranormals.

Anywho I have a busy week.
Have a great day!

Don't forget to enter this giveaway with 300 other blogs. Only a few days left.

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!





Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday October 29th 2013

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~Grab your current read
~Open to a random page
~Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on the page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! ( make sure that what you share doesn't give away too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
~Share the title & author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!


I'm about done with Have Gown, Will Wed but I think my teaser is a great one to share. 

Have Gown, Will Wed 
by Killian McRae

  "Ladies."

They turned to find Prashant, dressed in his black sherwani with gold embroidery that made him the perfect match to Kamakshi's more traditional indian garb. He bore a prideful smile and more importantly, bite-sized chocolates. 

"Kamakshi, have I told you yet how much I approve of your choice of a fiance?" Rosalind quipped as she pinched a truffle between two fingers. "Any man whom comes bearing sweets when we only sent him to put our coats away is okay by me." 

Kamakshi giggled as she handed off the second drink she'd been holding. "I knew you would love him."

What's your teaser?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday!
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

This week's topic:
Top ten books to read during halloween 
I'm not a huge fan of the scary I like it in limited quantities.

Any Anita Blake Book by Laurell K Hamilton - It's not halloween without my favorite vampire hunter

The Outside by Laura Bickle - I love this duo scary vampires

Darkness Falls by Jessica Sorensen - I can't get enough of the vampires

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill - Maybe some not bad vampires

A Bad Day For Voodoo by Jeff Strand - Can't go wrong with zombies and humor

Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice - Can't go wrong with Lestat book or movie are both amazing

Feed by Mira Grant - Got to have zombies. I've not read this one but I'm planning on it.

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion - Different kind of zombies but you can never have enough.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl - Can't have halloween without witches

Broken by A.E. Rought - Can't forget the Frankenstein style of story

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter - A Little bit of everything in this series.

Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs - A shapeshifter must

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison - Another werewolf must read
What's your top ten this week?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Cover Characteristic - Hats

Cover Characteristic - Hats
 Hosted by Sugar & Snark

Each week we will post 5 of our favorite covers to go with the theme of the week. 
I'm a huge cover fan so this is a great meme for me.

I love hats so this week has a awesome theme. 
Soulless by Gail Carriger (Goodreads)
Warrior by Zoe Archer (Goodreads)
Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter (Goodreads)
A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard (Goodreads)

My favorite is a classic
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (Goodreads)

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

30 Day Challenge: Day 7

I stumbled across this 30 Day Challenge and just have to participate. 
I got the idea from Ya-Aholic Reviews

A Book that makes you laugh. 

A Bad Day For Voodoo 
by Jeff Strand
(Goodreads)

Synopsis

When your best friend is just a tiny bit psychotic, you should never actually believe him when he says, "Trust me. This is gonna be awesome."

Of course, you probably wouldn't believe a voodoo doll could work either. Or that it could cause someone's leg to blow clean off with one quick prick. But I've seen it. It can happen.

And when there's suddenly a doll of YOU floating around out there—a doll that could be snatched by a Rottweiler and torn to shreds, or a gang of thugs ready to torch it, or any random family of cannibals (really, do you need the danger here spelled out for you?)—well, you know that's just gonna be a really bad day ...


A Bad Day For Voodoo is a fast paced book that kept me laughing till the end. Both the hubby and I read the book one after another. I remember being in bed having to cover my face with a pillow because I was laughing so hard. For sure the funniest book I've read in years and worth it. 

What's a book that made you laugh? 

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? October 28th 2013
Welcome to It's Monday! is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at Bookjourney to share with others what you've read the past week and are planning to read the next.

Another great week of books.

Read this week

Darkness Watching by Emma L. Adams (Goodreads) Have to wait for this review later in the week. 
Shadow Eyes by Dusty Crabtree (Review)
Heartbreak Ranch by Anastasia Ryan (Review)
Permanent Shadows by C.E. Wilson (Review)

Currently Reading
 Have Gown, Will Wed by Killian McRae (Goodreads)


Up Next
Cursed by Lizzy Ford (Goodreads)
The Rising by Terra Harmony (Goodreads)
Northern Bites by Nikki Jefford (Goodreads)
I want to read two more but not sure what the scavenger hunt words will be last two weeks. 

What are you reading this week?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!