My Hobbies

Reviews to come

2009-10-16T08:42:00.002-04:00

Here is a list of upcoming reviews that if all goes accordingly will be posted by weekends end. But we all know how sometimes life has different plans...lol.
so here goes.
1. Another Faust
2. Cracked Up To Be (Looking to pass this book on to someone. First person to email me at bgale11@aol.com will get the book).
3. Pale Assassin

My Biggest Regret by Dina Nayeri (Guest post and co-author of Another Faust)

2009-10-08T19:07:00.007-04:00

My Biggest Regret
by Dina

I suspect there are a lot of high school and college students reading this post, so I'll talk about one of the things I wish I had known when I was starting college. It doesn't matter one bit to your future career what major you choose in college. You can study whatever you like, anything that sparks your passion, and still take a job in business or fashion or writing or...Well, pretty much anything.

I know this sounds like a big lie, but I spend a lot of time doing admissions advising and career advising and I can tell you without a shred of doubt that, if you are attending a liberal arts college, you can choose to study any subject and you can still go into any unrelated field.

Of course, there are a few caveats:

1) Pre-med, Pre-law, and pre-anything do not count as "majors." These are supplementary credits that you have to achieve if you want to go into those fields. But it's very possible to be pre-med and an Art History major at the same time.

2) You'll have to do some extra work (write a better resume, do more internships, conduct more research) if you want to study, say, Sanskrit and then go into, say, business.

3) You might have to go to graduate school. If you follow your passion of studying Russian Literature and then decide to be a vet, yeah, you'll need more school, and you'll need to convince that school that you're serious. But that's not a hard thing to do. And hey, you will be a much more interesting person than a vet who doesn't know anything about Russian literature!

3) Your dad will tell you that everything I'm saying is crap. That's because he is risk averse and he doesn't want to pay for your grad school.

My biggest college regret (besides that time I wore white underwear under a black dress and took like a thousand photos) is that I didn't major in English. At the time I wanted to go into the business world and I thought the only way to get there was to major in Economics. So I did. Granted, I took a ton of English classes at the same time. But I wish I had taken more!
I wish I had written my thesis in English and joined like a dozen reading groups! Now, looking back, I realize that the company I wanted to work for hired students from all types of majors. Preparing for the interview wouldn't have been much harder and I could have still gone to business school. Sure, I still became a writer. But that's not the point. What about those four glorious years that could have been spent reading Rushdie and Chabon and writing poems instead of calculating internal rates of return?

Back in the swing of things.

2009-10-08T19:05:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone,
Back from vaca and I am now back in the swing of things. Need a vacation from my vacation. Anywho to start things off I have a guest post from one of the co authors of Another Faust. Another Faust was a great book and my review of that will be posted shortly. But to get things off the guest post.

Day 3 in Florida

2009-09-26T08:13:00.002-04:00

Hello again.
Day 3 started with poor Julia getting sick. Julia hung back with Heather and the rest of us went to Epcot. Started off with the ride in the great big ball (can't think of the name right now). Anywho you start by pushing the place where you live... Marcus was with my mom and i and we ended up being from Louisville Kentucky..lol From there we went on a ride called Soarin where you feel like you are flying and you get to see the sites of California. This ride was amazing. And at each location where they show you you can smell the scene, for example they showed us orange trees you could smell oranges, surfers you could smell the salt water. Definitely a ride you must check out if ever in Epcot. After Soarin some went on test track while others waited and Marcus and Josh played in the water.

After the water play Jason, Josh, Meghan, Hannah and I went on Mission to Mars. My loving brother that he is choose the more intense ride. This ride was equipped with barf bags. Ahhh.... that right there should have been a warning. lol The ride itself was great but there were times that I was not feeling to well with the ride. But we all made it off. After that the family all went on the Figment ride. Another nice ride. went on later with Marcus as he was asleep the first time around. After that ride we headed over to a large disney store and shopped til our dinner reservation.

At dinner we got to see Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale. We also had our own show with Marcus. He danced and sang for us while we were all eating. Marcus loved the characters. Night ended with the girls and I going back to the hotel. Today we are heading over to Disney Hollywood Studios.

Day 2 in Florida

2009-09-24T16:25:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone,

Day 2 found us getting up real early to catch a bus to have breakfast with the Characters at Animal kingdom. All in good spirits this am. Dad had a scooter delivered to him last night so he wouldn't have to do the walking and it was a new toy for him. While getting on the bus to Animal Kingdom Dad put on a show for everyone waiting as the scooter didn't want to work and then would speed off at the touch of a button. He almost ran over the two employees helping him.... Once secured on the bus we were off to Animal Kingdom. There we had Breakfast at Tusker Restaurant. It was a buffet style breakfast and it was delicious. They served this juice called jamba juice and it was mango, papaya and some other juice mix it was really good. The characters at this breakfast were Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Donald Duck. The kids all loved them and well if any of you know me I went for Goofy. lol.

After breakfast we all went on the safari ride. which was very enjoyable. Then the some of the gang went on a rapid ride and was soaking wet afterwards.

Hannah and I jetted out early from the park to come back to the hotel to find the rug by the bathroom torn up. Here is the story as to why that came to be and why we call our old room Lake 721.

Upon checking into the hotel and getting to our room we noticed the rug in front of the bathroom was sopping wet. Called the front desk and they sent out someone to use a wet vac to soak up the water and told us that the rug should be fine. So we went to bed woke up this morning at four am and stepped on to the floor to find that the floor was still sopping wet. Not my idea of a nice wake up call. So I stopped at the front desk and told them. While out at Animal Kingdom they sent someone over to take care of it. Upon arriving back at the hotel we found the rug torn up in two locations. And three people stopping in at the room to apologise and figure out what was leaking. But as it is we have moved to another room in another building away from the rest of the family. Pictures will be posted later tonight.

Photos from first day in Florida

2009-09-23T20:37:00.004-04:00

Family Florida Vacation Day one

2009-09-23T20:28:00.007-04:00

Okay so we all landed safely yesterday, checked into the hotel and relaxed. While relaxing at the hotel I came to realize I had forgotten one important piece of equipment... my cell phone charger... not a good thing as I watch my battery life drain. As many of you know my cell phone is a life line to the outside world and my friends. One can often find me texting people to stay in touch. So far I have had to have my phone off more then it is on. Not a fun thing for me. This morning began at 7:30am with breakfast at the food court at the hotel where I decided I was going to see if my wonderful friend taking care of my cat could overnight my cell phone charger. So when it got later in the morning and we are at Magic Kingdom I called her and she is the best she said she would do it for me. (Jen you rock) with that crisis almost resolved on to the rest of the day.

Day one: Magic Kingdom and Dinner at the Wilderness lodge.
We arrived at Magic Kingdom before it opened so we were able to catch the morning show they put on to open the park. It was cute. Once in the park we went to the rides. My two nieces and I began with the ride snow whites scary adventure. Scary for one niece not for the other. Then we decided to split from the family for a little while. The two girls and i made our way to frontier land on the way stopping to go on It's a Small World and Haunted Mansion.

Entering into frontier land the girls went on Thunder mountain and Splash mountain. Got to chat with a very nice employee there while waiting for the rest of the family to show up as that is where they said they were coming next. However, that all changed and the girls and I had to venture over to Tomorrowland to meet up with the group.

We ended our day with dinner at the Wilderness Lodge where the waiters were hysterical. they began by throwing straws on the table and napkins. Ten minutes into dinner we all had to get up and do the hokey pokey. As they were having us stand up my dad was finishing his salad and the waiter came over and shouted "put the fork down the food isn't going anywhere." After that one of my nieces asked for ketchup and the table that had it last brought over about 20 bottles of ketchup to our table which we then had to deliver to the next table that asked for ketchup. Also during this meal the younger kids got to go on a horse ride using the wooden horse head on a stick. It was a great evening and a fun evening which helped lift the spirits of my family as we were all getting tired and cranky. Yes I know only day one and we were already cranky can you imagine day 7...lol.

Florida Vacation

2009-09-23T19:51:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone,
I know this isn't really a book review or book related topic but I felt the need to share the adventures that will be had while on vacation with my entire family. All 14 of us. So let's begin
first day was yesterday we began by arriving at the airport at 12:30pm for a 3pm flight. Early yes I know but the statement I got from the parental unit (father) was you don't know how much traffic we will hit on the way there and we need to be there 2 hours before the flight. so we arrived and waited for the plane.

News

2009-09-18T07:55:00.003-04:00

Okay folks as my vacation trip draws closer I need to decide how many books to bring with me.
One I am bringing is Pale Assassin as it is an early reviewer and I must finish it and review it this month. But how many more should I bring? Here are the books I have in mind. And as My friend Gail did I am going to ask you to vote on which books you think I should bring with me. The two with the highest votes will go with me.

The hollow by Jessica Verday
Faerie Path by Frewin Jones
Staked by J.F. Lewis
Never slow dance with a Zombie
Ghost huntress book 2

And of course my e reader "Gavin" will be joining me on this vaca.

And for those of you who don't know I am going with my entire family. Should be an adventure. So as part of this trip I will be posting stories each day (hopefully) on the events of that day.

List of books to be given away

2009-09-16T19:45:00.002-04:00

Okay everyone,
here is the start of the list of books I will be giving away.
A signed copy of Gray Apocalypse by James Murdoch
Pure Heart by Rita Hsu Syers
Vampire Beach Blood Lust by Alex Duval
first four books in the sookie stackhouse series
dead until dark
living dead in dallas
club dead
dead to the world
(the others will be available as I finish reading them)

Cracked up to be by courtney summers
Wicked Lovely by mellissa marr
Handcuffs by Bethany Griffin
The astonishing adventures of fan boy and goth girl by barry lyga

The winner is

2009-09-15T18:10:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,
Sorry about the delay worked later then I planned. The winner for the Hush Hush giveaway is
The Book Vixen. Thank you all for entering. Wish you all could have won. Stay tuned for more giveaways to come.

Hush Hush Giveaway

2009-09-15T07:29:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone,
Thank you all for entering into my first contest. The winner will be announced this afternoon around 4pm. Good luck to you all.

Give Away update

2009-09-13T22:02:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone,
So my first official giveaway is winding down and I am so excited about the response. The next give away I have lined up will be in a four parts. First part I am currently compiling a list of books I have that I have read and would love to pass on to others. Second I will post list of the books I have and third you guys tell me what books interest you. Fourth I hold a contest. And hey if there is a book only one person is interested in I will gladly send that book directly to you.

Give aways

2009-09-07T17:39:00.001-04:00

With the positive response I will compile a list of books that I will be giving away that way you can enter on the books you would like to win. It will take me a day or two to compile the list but should be posted by Wednesday night.

Giveaways

2009-09-07T13:00:00.001-04:00

Okay so have a question for all you fellow book lovers. I know we like to get advanced copies of books through giveaways but is there interest in winning a book that has been out for a little bit. I ask because I have all these books that I have read that I would like to find a new home for. So would anyone be interested in getting those books through a contest? Thoughts?

Screw Cupid the sassy girl's guide to picking up hot guys by Samantha Schofield

2009-09-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

Title Screw Cupid the sassy girl's guide to picking up hot guys.

Author: Samant6ha Schofield

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

in Screw cupid, Samantha Schofield shares first hand stories of experiences she had in the dating world with the reader. This I found would be useful for others because one is more apt to take advice from someone who is giving the advice from first hand experience. There were some stories I could see people relating too. And some I found amusing.

Schofield presents different scenarios throughout the book and gives feedback from guys. This could be helpful for those that are seeking and following her advice as many will tell you guys should come with a handbook on understanding them. Schofield gives some insight into the dating world.

What I found difficult to swallow was that a woman would actually use the pick-up lines she heard used by a guy that worked. Many women would be to shy or nervous to approach a guy and say something like “Can I buy you a drink.” Not that I feel there is anything wrong with that. But in today society most women sit back and wait for the guy to make the move. Hence the point of Schofield’s book, why wait for the guy to make the move, women can also take the horse by the reins and hit on men. Is this likely to happen? Possibly. For those women who are tired of sitting back and waiting for the man to make the move then I recommend they read this book and get some advice in that area.

Demons Not Included by Cheyenne McCray

2009-08-30T15:04:00.003-04:00

Title: Demons Not Included
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Demons Not Included is the first book in a new series for McCray. This being the first book I have read by McCray I was impressed how she the story flowed and each aspect of the characters presented will fleshed out in the story line. McCray introduces you to a half-human half-Drow woman named Nyx During the day when she does most of her work with the human world she is a blonde haired human nothing out of the norm. However at night Nyx becomes as she states it several times an amethyst (NOT PURPLE)-skinned, dark-haired Drow.

Nyx gets her strong will and strength from her dad and her daytime human form from her mother. The difference between Nyx and other Drow is she would rather live in the human realm and she is a female warrior. Nothing that the male drow's look favorably on.

While in the human realm she finds that others are being killed by a demon and with the help of her co-worker and a cute police officer who knows about the paranormal they set out to find out who is committing the murders.

McCray's writing grabbed me from the beginning of the story and had me routing for Nyx and her cute cop friend. The story never got dull with me and at the end had me wanting the next book in the series to be out. I hope the wait for the next book in the series is not a long one as I want to continue the story McCray has started for Nyx.

This book has everything in it that I could ask for love and romance, mystery and action. Great job by Cheyenne McCray

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

2009-08-30T14:58:00.003-04:00

Title: Living Dead in Dallas
Author: Charlaine Harris
Rating: 4 out 5 stars

Just when Sookie thinks things are settling down for her and Bill she is requested actually demanded to go to Dallas by Eric Sookie agrees to go as long as Bill is there with her. And so the next adventure in Sookie’s life begins.

Upon arriving in Dallas an attempt is made to capture Sookie but is unsuccessful. After getting to the hotel and checking in Sookie discovers that there are other telepaths in the world. She is not alone. When meeting with the vampires of Dallas Sookie comes to learn her job. There is a vampire missing and they want Sookie to find out if the fellowship of the light is responsible. Teaming up with her is a man by the name of Hugo who is also dating a vampire.

What happens next can come as a surprise to the reader. This book was a nice sequel to the first in the series Dead Until Dark. Harris does a great job of keeping the same characters prominent in the book while telling a new story building on the last book.

The only problem I had is if you are watching the series True Blood you will find the similarities of the first season and the first book end just there. Season two is based loosely around book two.

I recommend that one read this series as just that a book series not a series that a tv show is based on less you maybe disappointed.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

2009-08-30T14:32:00.003-04:00

Title: Dead Until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris
Rating: 4 out of 5 started

I originally picked this book up a year ago and never read it. I gave the book to a friend and thought nothing of it until I started watching the HBO show True Blood and found out that it was based on the series by Charlaine Harris. So I purchased a box set of the books. Books 1-6 I believe. Usually I like to read the books first that a show is based on but I did it in reverse order. For all you True Blood fans season one closely follows book one in the series.

Dead Until Dark you meet Sookie Stackhouse a young girl living in Bon Temps and working as a waitress. However, Sookie is not your average girl. Sookie possesses a power that allows her to hear what people are thinking. This causes Sookie to viewed as an outcast. Sookie's life is thrown upside down when she meets a gentleman by the name of Bill Compton. He is different then the others in town for the fact that Sookie can't hear his thoughts. The world is quiet when she is around him. Sookie soon finds out that Bill is not your average man, he is a vampire.

Sookie soon falls in love with Bill and together work to solve the mystery of the murders being committed in Bon Temps. While trying figure out who is behind the killings Sookie is asked by another vampire, Eric, to help find out who is stealing from him. Eric knows of Sookies powers and wants to use her to help him out.

Harris does a good job of tying all the story lines together by the end of the book. She keeps the story going and makes the reader look forward to the next adventure in Sookie's life.

Upcoming reviews

2009-08-24T19:29:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone,
Here is the scoop going to take a break from the reviews momentarily of books that I have purchased in order to get caught up on reviews for ARCS. the following ARCS will be reviewed and posted by the end of next week. (Fingers crossed.lol)

Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliiott
Screw Cupid by Samantha Schofield (this will be posted September 3 as part of a blog tour)

FIRST OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY CONTEST: Hush Hush

2009-08-16T11:14:00.009-04:00

Hello everyone so after much thought and planning and help for ideas from my friend Gail I have decided to hold my first giveaway. So here it is.

I am giving away an ARC of Hush Hush. I have read and loved the story and my review can be found here. So to continue on with the details of the giveaway.

Rules.

This contest is open to everyone.
One entry if you leave a comment here on this post.
retweet the contest on twitter placing @bgale11 in the post.
mention the contest on your blog and leave a note with the blog address so I can go check it out. (sidebar is okay with link back to this post)
Send me a message on facebook ( forgot to include my name on facebook for those of you that don't know me. you can find me here)
This giveaway will end on September 15.

Good Luck everyone.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2009-08-04T14:48:00.003-04:00

Title: Hush Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Release date: October 2009

While scrolling through an email from Shelf awareness I came across an add for this book. I read the idea behind the book and thought this is a book I could really enjoy so I requested an early reviewer. After requesting the Arc I went about my days not knowing if I would get a copy. Came home one day and to my surprise I had a copy waiting for me. I was sooooo happy. Any who I have read the book so on to the review.

Becca does a wonderful job of throwing the reader right into the story from the very first page. At first I was like what do the first couple of pages have to do with the plot but as I read the book and more came about each character I understood why the book began the way it began.

Meet Nora Grey a high school student who has no idea how her life is going when meeting a guy named Patch. Patch has a mysterious side to him and lets out information that he feels is needed and nothing more. Nora at first wants nothing to do with Patch and is horrified when she is teamed up with him in biology class. She tries her best to get it changed but with no luck.

As Nora gets to know Patch the more she has feelings for him however, she is told by others that she should avoid Patch at all cost. Although she wants to not like him he is the one she calls when she is in trouble. Then one night Nora finds out more about Patch's past and fears arise.

What will happen next will the truth come out as to who Patch is and if he can change his mysterious ways?

Hush Hush one of the best books I have ever read and recommend it to others who want a book that keeps you guessing until the end.

Current List of books to be reviewed

2009-08-01T10:39:00.003-04:00

Wish you were dead 5 out of 5 (was asked by author to wait until book is released to post review as some things have changed from the ARC I received)
Midnight Cravings. 5 out of 5
Handcuffs 4 out of 5
Going to Far 4 out of 5 stars (How could I have forgotten this one)
Intertwined 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/29/09)
Demons Not Included 5 out of 5 stars (added 7/6/09)
The last of the Red hot Vampires (added 7/11/09)
Strange But True America Weird Tales From All 50 States 3 out of 5 stars (added 7/15/09)
Dead Girls Are Easy 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/19/09)
Dead Until Dark 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/31/09)
Cracked Up to be 4 out of 5 stars

The Astonishing Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

2009-07-30T15:17:00.002-04:00

Title: The Astonishing Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl
Author: Barry Lyga
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Meet Fanboy a high school student who well like most his age dislike school. He doesn't have many friends and the one friend he has doesn't hang out much with him in public. Fan boy feels he is all alone especially since his mother is pregnant with the child of his step dad whom he can't stand.

Fanboy spends his time reading comics and working on one of his own. Then one day he meets Kyra also known as Goth Girl. She too dislikes school and the jocks that go with it. And an added bonus for fan boy is that Kyra likes comics too.

Barry Lyga weaves a great story of the struggles in high school and how with a friend you can overcome it. I must say he also has such great detail that you can picture the things he is saying. for example when he described dodgeball in gym I could literaly in my head see the game going on.

I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more by Barry. And I must add He is really nice to talk to. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Barry when I attended the Book Expo America back in May.

The Devil Inside By Jenna Black

2009-07-27T08:28:00.005-04:00

Tittle: The Devil Inside
Author: Jenna Black
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

So I was walking around Borders one day thinking to myself that I wasn't going to by any books. Yeah right. Who knows me to go into a bookstore and not walk out with at least 4 or 5 books. So while looking at the books I picked this one up and read the back it had a interesting premise.

Morgan Kingsley is a demon exorcist that is called into to exorcise a demon from an 8 year old girl. Once that has been accomplished the folks that called on Morgan to help believe she herself is possessed however she asks that another exorcist be called in and she is cleared. Morgan leaves and the story begins.

Morgan begins to find strange notes written in her handwriting upon walking up. Telling her that someone is inside her. Morgan doesn't believe the notes and goes to her friend for help. Morgan begins to dream upon falling asleep and meets Lugh who she finds out has invaded her body but can not control her while she is awake. Uncommon for demons who possess humans. What Morgan finds out is the demon that possesses her is the King of the Demons, Lugh. The story progresses with Morgan trying to find out who would want the Demon to be stuck in a humans body.

I thought the story had a good baseline and developed nicely. The only thing is at times I thought some of the story could have been left out as it did not really have any backing in the whole Demon possession story. With that in mind I do feel it is a good book and an enjoyable story line.

What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles

2009-07-27T08:10:00.004-04:00

Title: What Happened to Cass McBride
Author: Gail Giles
Rating 4 out of 5 stars

I bought this book about a year and a half ago and started reading it then but couldn't get into so I put it on my shelf of books to read. So I picked it up again yesterday and was able to read it in one day. Even though the book bounced around from the main characters the story was easy to follow.

Gail Giles did a wonderful job of tell Cass's story from all the viewpoints of the people involved. Gail Giles brings the reader in and holds her until the story ends. At times you feel bad for Cass and at other times you can sympathize with Kyle.

What Happened to Cass McBride is a story of one individuals struggle to accept what his brother has done, one individual trying to figure out why she is in the position she is in. And the last question will Cass be found before it is too late?

A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

2009-07-25T22:25:00.004-04:00

Title: A Circle of Souls
Author: Preetham Grandhi
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A circle of Souls is Preetham Grandhi's break out novel and I must say it is a great way to start a writing career. Grandhi introduces the reader to many different characters but through out the story you see how each person's story ties together for the main story.

There is no time waisted by Grandhi in getting the reader into the story. The story jumps off from the beginning. The characters you meet along the way only help tell the story better.

First meet Janet a young girl who goes missing and is later found brutally murdered. Then meet Naya a seven year old girl having dreams that no one can explain. Her parents bring her to the hospital for help when they see her trying to jump off her balcony. At the hospital we meet Peter Gram a child psychologist who takes Naya on as a patient. He wants to find out what is causing Naya's dream and by doing this gets pulled into the mystery of what happened to Janet.
Agent Leia Bines an FBI agent called into help solve this murder mystery.

Grandhi does a wonderful job tying all the characters and their individual stories together and solving the mystery of what happened to Janet.

I definitely recommend this book to others who like a book that keeps you guessing until the very end.

When Snowflakes Fall by Carl R. Sams, II

2009-07-18T20:37:00.002-04:00

Tittle: When Snowflakes Fall
Author: Carl R. Sams II
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book was sent to me from the publishers that I also met at the BEA 2009. I spoke to them about the books they had and how I thought the photos were amazing. After talking with them I then left their booth with a catalog of their books to look through so it was a great and happy surprise when they emailed me and asked me to review this book.
I found this book to be an easy read that young children would enjoy. The story tells about what different animals do when snow begins to fall but the thing that in my view is astounding are the actual photographs that they use to tell the story. Each page has a wonderfully taken photo to help tell the story.

I highly recommend this book and others by this author for the photos alone. They are amazing.

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

2009-07-18T20:17:00.004-04:00

Title:Everyone Poops
Author: Taro Gomi
Rating: 4 out of 5

This book was sent to me by the publishers that I met at the BEA 2009. It is a children's book that tells kids how everyone poops not just them. Some poop is big some is small. They also share that some will move around as they poop while others don't. I found this book to be interesting and thought children would probably love to read it as most kids like to talk about poop.

I found the illustrations where well done and the short story flowed nicely. I recommend this book for any young child who is getting ready to be potty trained.

Currently reading

2009-07-17T07:47:00.007-04:00

These are the books that hold a spot on my nightstand. Each so far are a great read.

Current books to be reviewed.

2009-07-11T14:55:00.014-04:00

Slowly but surely I am plugging away at all the books to be reviewed below. I know I need to review them but I just keep getting great books to read. But I am going to try my best and get these books listed below reviewed.

Wish you were dead 5 out of 5 (was asked by author to wait until book is released to post review as some things have changed from the ARC I received)
Midnight Cravings. 5 out of 5
Handcuffs 4 out of 5
Going to Far 4 out of 5 stars (How could I have forgotten this one)
Intertwined 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/29/09)
Demons Not Included 5 out of 5 stars (added 7/6/09)
The last of the Red hot Vampires (added 7/11/09)
Strange But True America Weird Tales From All 50 States 3 out of 5 stars (added 7/15/09)
Dead Girls Are Easy 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/19/09)
Dead Until Dark 4 out of 5 stars (added 7/31/09)

Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009-07-09T08:08:00.002-04:00

Title: Evermore
Author: Alyson Noel
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

I will be honest I bought this book and then it sat in my too be read pile for a while. Then my friend Gail asked to borrow it because a friend of hers said she must read it. So i let her borrow it and then she said I must read it. Once returned I began reading it and enjoyed the storyline and the way Alyson developed the characters in it.

Meet Ever a young girl who is the soul survivor of a car crash that took the lives of her parents, sister and dog. Ever would have joined her family on the other side however she stopped to "smell the roses" so to speak and was called back into her body. Since that fateful night Ever can hear voices and see things ghosts and auras around people. To hide this gift or punishment as Ever views it she hides herself in sweatshirts and listens to her ipod. This all stops when she meets Damen a new student at school whose very touch or presence seems to quiet all the voices that Ever hears.

Upon meeting Damen she also meets another woman. A woman who she thinks is Damen's girlfriend but turns out she is something else and is not a good thing for Ever.

Noel does a wonderful job of fleshing out the storyline between Damen and Ever, the story progresses nicely and to slowly. By the end of the book I was wanting more. Gladly Blue moon the second book in the series has been released. I look forward to reading it soon to see what happens to Damen and Ever.

Necking by Chris Salvatore

2009-07-04T14:38:00.004-04:00

Tittle: Necking
Author: Chris Salvatore
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

If you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you that I love vampire books so it should come as no surprise that when I saw this book I picked it up and brought it home to join the other vampire books I have in my collection.

Gia Felice just your average woman working as a publicist for a firm. Well that is what most would think but the firm she works for are publicists for supernatural authors like aliens, vampires, werewolves and witches. Gia's best friend Lola is a werewolf and worries about her.
Gia’s current client is a vampire by the name of Belladonna Nightshade. How much trouble can Gia get into you ask well let's begin.

First: Gia falls for Bella's manager who you may have guessed is a vampire.
Second: Bella has asked Gia to find the vampire who turned her a dangerous mission for anyone who takes it on.
Third: Gia has to decide when she becomes involved with Johnny, Bella's manager, on whether or not she wants Johnny to change her. Even if she decides to let Johnny change her the question is does he want to change her..

Of course in the book you have Gia finding herself in dangerous places and needing at times to be saved for her own good. The story was good some of the jokes thrown out by the characters were at times unnecessary, Gia's fate is predictable from page one however, it is a nice read that I enjoyed.

Salt and Silver by Anna Katherine

2009-07-04T14:09:00.004-04:00

Tittle: Salt and Silver
Author: Anna Katherine
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Before I review this book I must say I loved this book from start to finish. From the minute I picked it up to the moment I put it down. I read this book in a day.

Meet Allie, a young woman who work's at Sally's Diner and lives right above it. Her mother has run away with her tennis instructor and has taken Allie's trust fund with her leaving Allie with nothing. Allie doesn't think her life can get much worse until she and her friends chant a made up spell asking for money, luck, and love. What they didn't ask for in the spell was to open a Doorway to Hell.

In walks Ryan a Stetson-wearing demon hunter dressed in leather. His job to watch the Doorway to Hell and kill anything that tries to escape. So begins Allie's adventures with Ryan and all that has to do with the doorway she and her friends have called up.

To Ryan and Allie's amazement one day the doorway in her basement just disappears and of course Ryan thinks that Allie had a hand in the door disappearing.

After some research done on Ryan's part and a meeting of other demon hunters Ryan realizes there is something much bigger happening. Ryan also finds that the other doors that they check on call Allie by name. This could be an advantage or disadvantage. The only way to solve this mystery and what is behind the doors disappearing Allie and Ryan with some others must enter a doorway and go through hell themselves.

Can Allie's new found feelings for Ryan survive a trip through hell? Can they find the person responsible for the doors disappearing and save the world?

Red Headed Step Child by Jaye Wells

2009-07-04T13:43:00.003-04:00

Title: Red-Headed Stepchild
Author: Jaye Wells
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

While walking through the bookstore one day I found this book sitting on the self staring at me. At first I thought while the cover looks good not sure if I want to get it but while picking a book up next to it to read the back Red-headed Stepchild jumped off the shelf (yes, it jumped didn't fall just jumped off the shelf) so of course I had to bring it home with me.

I will admit I didn't read it for a while after purchasing it but once I picked it up I enjoyed the story. It had its moments where I found myself laughing out loud as I read it. Really loved the first line of the book.
And well I have to say I loved the demon that was sent after Sabina Kane the main character in the book. Done with my pre-babble now onto the review.

Sabina Kane is half mage and half vampire. She was born from a forbidden love affair and will never become a full fledged member of the Dominae, the vampires’ governing council. Sabina is their trained assassin. Sabina's grandmother raised her to only follow vampires and hate all other dark species (mage, fairy and demon), all descendants of Lilith.

Sabina's life is fine until she is ordered to become part of a rival cult whose leader is Clovis Trakiya. Clovis is half demon and half vampire. Once in the cult Sabina soon realizes things she once believed are false and is no longer sure who she can really trust. As she delves deeper and deeper into Clovis's cult and their mission she begins to question her grandmother's orders. Thus putting her in a difficult situation.

Throughout her adventures Sabina realizes she is being stalked by a mage one of her kind. She also has inherited a demon called up by her mage stalker. As hard as she tries she is unable to get rid of the demon so when going on her mission to Clovis's cult she changes the demon into a cat.

Jaye Wells did a nice job of telling the story of Sabina but at times I wished there was a little more build up to the climatic scene in the book. All in all though the book was enjoyable and I plan on reading the next in the series.

The Season by Sarah MacLean

2009-06-22T18:23:00.003-04:00

Title: The Season
Author: Sarah MacLean
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Okay before I share my review I must admit I was a little hesitant to read this book. The whole regency era thing not my speed but a friend of mine kept telling me how much I would love this book because she did. (we don't always see eye to eye on books) So to get my friend Gail (also known as Irish) off my back I bought the book. I began reading the book and at first was like okay it isn't that bad I can probably finish it but as the book went on I become more engulfed in Alexandra's adventures with her two friends.

The book starts off with Alexandra (called Alex by her friends) totally not wanting to join in her season. She doesn't want to be married off to the highest bider. Alex wants to marry for love but her mother makes her attend the balls and shows her off to the eligible men. While attending one of the balls a mystery begins that involves her, her friends and her childhood friend Gavin. Let me just interject here I love Gavin. In my opinion he helped push the story along.

Others that help make the story fun are Alex's brothers. they taunt her but also have to take the same punishment as she does. Her mother feels in some cases that her brothers need to watch out for her. The dialogue between brothers and sister at times is hysterical and make you laugh out loud.

The Season is a wonderful love story with a mystery twist. I highly recommend it be read.

Reviews to come.

2009-06-18T17:09:00.008-04:00

How do I get so far behind on my reviews. I mean I just caught up on them or so I thought here is the list of books I have to review. Please bear with me while I catch up on them. I will however rate them so you can get an idea of what I thought about them while you sit patiently for the review. lol

The Season 5 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
Red Headed Step Child 4 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
Salt and Silver 5 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
Necking 4 out of 5 (reviewed 7/4/09)
Evermore 5 out of 5 (reviewed 7/9/09)
Wish you were dead 5 out of 5 (was asked by author to wait until book is released to post review as some things have changed from the ARC I received)
A collection of 6 werewolfe romance stories. 5 out of 5
Handcuffs 4 out of 5
Everybody Poops 4 out of 5 (children's book)
When Snowflakes fall 5 out of 5 (for the photographs)(children's book)
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/22/09)
Going to Far 4 out of 5 stars (How could I have forgotten this one)
Intertwined 5 out of 5 stars (added 6/29/09)
Demons Not Included 5 out of 5 stars (added 7/6/09)

Gray Apocalypse by James Murdoch

2009-06-10T17:52:00.003-04:00

Title: Gray Apocalypse
Author: James Murdoch
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Gray Apocalypse is a sci-fi thriller, told from the beginning from two different view points. One of a man whose job is to save the earth from an asteroid and the other a scientist who has been watching the very same asteroid that the other is trying to stop.

James Murdoch jumps right into the action from the very first page. At first I questioned why would you start with one character and jump to another but as the story progresses you see the two stories merging into one.

Gray Apocalypse is a great sci-fi thriller for those of you are into sci-fi. James Murdoch grabs you from page one and keeps your interest til the very end.

Autism and Me Siblings Stories by Ouisie Shapiro and photos by Steven Vote

2009-06-08T18:57:00.003-04:00

Title: Autism and Me Siblings Stories
Author: Ouisie Shapiro
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Autism and me is a wonderful way to introduce people no matter what their age to individuals with Autism. Each page in the book is a short story written by a sibling who has a brother or sister with Autism. Each child shares how they view Autism and what it means to them.

So many times people are afraid of the unknown. And individuals with Autism act differently then those individuals that do not have Autism. Some children may not talk, while others exhibit behaviors while in restaurants or malls. The children in this book show a better understanding and acceptance for Autism.

Ouisie Shapiro did a wonderful job of getting the stories from the families and presenting them in this book. Definite must read for children and adults.

Bedtime with Rollo by David and Seth Bier

2009-06-02T20:05:00.005-04:00

Title: Bedtime with Rollo
Authors: David Bier and Seth Bier
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Like I mentioned in an earlier post I met two very nice gentlemen at the BEA they were the co-authors of Bedtime with Rollo and helped keep the peace in my family by giving me not just one book but three. Anywho, I brought two of the books over to my niece and nephew this afternoon with the stuffed Rollo dolls and let me say they absolutely loved the book. The minute I gave it to them they opened it up to look at it and were so excited to see that each book was addressed to them. They also immediately wanted to hear the story so me being the good auntie sat down on the couch with them and read them the story. As I read the story they each held their Rollo stuffed toy and listened. They laughed at the part where the father says he snores. They found that funny and said like daddy. Guess their daddy snores...lol As I read the book I found that it is great way to help children with nightmares. My niece and nephew laughed and had me read the book to them twice that shows me they loved it. And my niece said to me as I was leaving Thank you aunti for Rollo I am going to have him sleep with me tonight to keep the monsters away.

So David and Seth if you read this you have written a great story that I think will help children feel safe again when going to bed.

Thought I would add the website for the Book that way if anyone wants this great book they can check it out at http://www.nightsprytes.com/sd_Home.html

Like watching book trailers? Why not make your own.

2009-06-02T19:15:00.004-04:00

While attending the BEA I had the opportunity to attend a Geektastic Party put on by Little Brown Books, there I got to meet lots of amazing bloggers and authors. One author met was Barry Lyga author of the upcoming book Goth Girl Rising due out in October. While chatting with Barry he shared a contest he is having.

Wondering what Barry writes well check out his books here. Now I know the scoop on this contest becuase Barry Lyga told me about it himself. Very exciting. The rules for his contest can be found at Goth Girl Rising Trailer Contest .

Oh one more thing deadline for Barry's contest is July 31. And make sure that you post on Barry's page Where he can see the video. Good luck everyone.

And the best part yet Barry shared with me that everyone who enters will win a prize and the winner will make the book trailer for the upcoming book Goth Girl Rising

News to come later

2009-05-31T08:20:00.002-04:00

Okay Folks here it is the BEA has come to a close for me as I a catching a train at 12 and need to fit some books into my suitcase my arms are gonna disown me now...lol feet disowned me yesterday.

So I will share with you all the fun I had last night at the Geektastic party put on by Little Brown, Barry Lyga's contest he is having and a recap of lasts night cab ride where I had to sit in the front with the cabbie. Scary Scary Scary. Let's just say if you need to sober someone up whether it be you or a friend let them ride in the front seat in a NYC cab. That will fix anyone. will also tell you about the bouncer I met at the Lucky Strikes bowling alley. for now I am signing off.

Day 2 of the BEA

2009-05-30T16:49:00.003-04:00

Day two of BEA 2009

First my poor feet have disowned me. I have never made them do this much walking in one day in a very long time. But it is a very good tired and very good sore feet. Another wonderful day at the BEA.

Before I forget I realized this morning that I had forgotten to list out a couple of books I had received at the Authors breakfast those books were:

Strega Nona Harvest by Tomie DePaola
Air Head by Meg Cabot.

Now on to today's list of books that were autograophed.

James Van Praagh for Unfinished Business: What the Dead can Teach us About Life

Brenda Jackson for Temperature Rising

Frank McKinney for The Tap

Frank McKinney and his daughter for Dear Fred, Flying Lunchboxes and the Good Luck Circle

Daniel and Dina Nayeri for Another Faust

Hannah Friedman for Everything Sucks

Janet Lord Leszi for A Pebble to Polish

Jeannette Franfou Ramnarine for The 4 Little Pigs

Jess McCann for You Lost Him at Hello

Carrie Silver-Stock for Secrets Girls Keep

Todd Strasser for Wish You Were Dead (which I have begun to read already)

George Mann for The Affinity Bridge

Ouisie Shapiro and Stephen Vote for Autism & Me:Sibling Stories

Leigh Brescia for One Wish

Francine Prose for Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife

Those were all planned signings but as I was walking through the various booths I picked up a couple more books signed by the author and they were:

Is It Dumb To Suck Your Thumb by Paul M. Krammer

Maggie Goes on a Diet also by Paul M. Krammer

Sniper Bid by Rick Robinson

Bedtime with Rollo by brothers David and Seth Bier (Here I must take a minute and tell you how awesome these two gentlemen were not only did they give me one book and one stuffed toy of Rollo but they gave me a total of three books and three stuffed toys and signed all three books. They are helping me keep the peace with my nieces and nephews. These two gentleman were awesome and I think everyone should have a copy of their book.)

Other books picked up but not signed are as follows:

A golf Book (spacing on the title and already shipped it home so it will have to come later)

Juliet Naked by Nick Hornby ( given to me by a fellow attendee who didn't want it. How nice is that)

The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison

Pals in Peril: Jasper Dash and the Flame PIts of Delware by M.T. Anderson

Being Nikki by Meg Cabot

Allie Finkle's Rues for Girls Stage Fright by Meg Cabot

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott

Oh wait almost forgot, I got books this am at the author breakfast I attended and they are:
Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel by Jeannette Walls

American on Purpose: A Memoir by Craig Ferguson

This days total of books is: 29 b00ks not counting the two books I forgot yesterday.

I have had a wonderful time at the Bea and plan on attending next Year. This time though I will pack short sleeve shirts ans better shoes. lol

First Official Day at the BEA 2009

2009-05-29T19:59:00.005-04:00

Began my day at 3:45am. Yes, Yes you read correctly. Crazy you say, why yes I would have to agree with you on that one. lol However the reason for my craziness to get two orange tickets for authors signing later in the day, one of which I gave to a fellow tweeter and blogger who could not get up that early and one to get books signed for my mom... aren't I sweet...lol.
The first event of the day was they Children's book & Author breakfast. The authors there were Meg Cabot, Tomie DePaola, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and the well know and love Julie Andrews. Much to my surprise at this breakfast was to find free books were on my seat when I sat down. What a wonderful way to start the day. then from there I began the day long event of getting authors' signatures.

So in review here are the authors I saw and got autographs from.
Jordan Summers for Crimson (also was given another book but at the moment at a loss for the
tittle.)

Sarah MaClean for The Season

Laurie Faria Stolarz for Deadly Little Lies

Jennifer Leigh (PsyD) for Laid or Loved? The secrets Guys Wish You Knew About Being a
Dream Girl instead of a Just-in-his- jeans Girl. (here she gave out a keychaing
attached to a zipper book mark. Very cool message and with the bookmark.
Should you be curious and want to know just ask me and I shall tell you. =).

Heather Graham for Dust to Dust

Two books for my mom
Carol Higgins Clark for Cursed
Mary Higgins Clark forJust Take my Heart

Bridie Clark for The Overnight Socialite

For the nieces and nephews
Chris Van Dusen for Circus Ship
Ted Lewin illustrator for The Longest Night
Lynnette Murray-Gibson for The Magical adventures of Clara the Cleaning Woman: Clara Meets
Mr. Twiddles (She was nice enough to sign two books for me so they cherubs wont fight)

Back to my books
Walter Krumm for Diary of a Dead Man (sadly he did not show up to sign it but still got a copy)

Lev Grossman for The Magicians

Darryl Hagar for The Man Overboard

David Lubar for My Rotten Life:Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie

Then I went to a couple of Publishers booths and picked up a couple more autographs they were
Anna Leonard for DreamCatcher

Gena Showalter forVampire's Bride

Maria Synder for Storm Glass

Rachel Vincent for Pride

Along with the above books a publisher asked me to review a children's book that is quite
popular and will be sending the book my way the book to be reviewed is Everybody
poops. (yes folks you read it correctly...lol ) Look forward to getting it and posting about
it here.
Also picked up School of Fear (blanking on the author. Sorry) and a friend picked up a vampire book for me (wasn't that nice of her?)
Too other locations I went to were a booth selling massaging insoles. The company is Best Soles Inc. They had me try on the insoles and lets just say my feet were thanking God that the Guy pulled me into the booth to try them. walked out buying a pair and they are quite comfortable. The website if you are interested is www.MassagingInsoles.com
And finally I stopped at a booth for Carl R. Sams PhotoTgraphy Inc. where I was shown a book about being lost in the forest. The photographes used in this book were exsquiste. It had a nice story line and was educational. Highly reccomend if interested in books on animals Another book shown too me had oil paintings for the illustrations again the pictures were exquiste. The webpage to find them at is www.strangerinthewoods.com

So at the end of Day one I managed to pick up 23 books, 24 counting the one being mailed to mre.

Well that is all for me for tonight. My feet are hurting and my have sore muscles that I never knew I had. But the above books eith the exception of three were shipped home and hopefully will arrive this week. So excited.

Happy reading.

Book Expo America day one

2009-05-28T21:37:00.004-04:00

Well really it is not the first day of the expo but it is the first day in NYC. Arrived in NYC at Penn Station at 5:00pm grabbed a cab and headed over to the Roosevelt Hotel. Man it was a fast ride and I had my eyes closed for half of it. Never take a New York Cab ride if you are faint of heart. Checked in to the hotel and headed out to meet some fellow tweeters at the Strand. The strand for those of you that don't know (cause I didn't) is a huge and I mean huge book store. You would need a whole day to look through everything they have on their shelves. But FYI where light weight clothes as it is very hot. Could have been inpart due to the two mojitos I had at dinner but the store was hot. After spending about two hours in the strand I left having spent 124.00 dollars. Way more then I planned on especially cause I am do to get some books at the BEA this weekend but who I tell you can resist half price books or books that are just $1.99. (apparently not me) Anywho, day one in NYC is over and I am heading to bed as I have a early wake up call 4 am so my friend and I can go get tickets for an authors signing. so night all and more to come tomorrow.

Reviews, reviews and more reviews

2009-05-18T19:27:00.003-04:00

Just when I think I am getting caught up on reviews I can add 3 more books to the list.
The Season
Red Headed Step Child
Salt and Silver

reviews left to be done

2009-05-16T13:24:00.000-04:00

Okay I am almost caught up on my reviews I only have two reviews left and they are:
1. Necking
2. Evermore

Breathers A Zombies Lament by S.G. Browne

2009-05-16T13:10:00.003-04:00

Title: Breathers A Zombies Lament
Author: S.G. Browne
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

For all you zombie lovers Breathers is a must read. This book provides a very different take on how Hollywood presents Zombies. In Hollywood Zombies can't talk and want to eat people. S.G. Browne presents a different kind of zombies.

The Zombies in Breathers all can talk at the most part and are not out to eat people but want to co-exist with them. Meet Andy the main character in Breathers. Andy came to be part of the undead after a car accident where he lost his wife, his human life and his daughter moving in with his in-laws.

Andy was pronounced dead after the accident but after being prepped for his funeral Andy cam back to life. Andy however can't talk as the funeral parlor had sewn his mouth shut. So to communicate he writes on a board hung around his neck.

Andy is part of a support group of other zombies, zombies that are trying to find their new place in a world that will not accept them. In their new world they need to be careful where and when they go out as the humans or also referred to as breathers will torment them and beat them up. Even though the zombies are being tortured by breathers they themselves can not retaliate against the breathers for risk of being arrested and either sold to a zombie zoo or have their body parts sold for research.

Breathers A Zombies Lament is a story of rebirth, love and determination to fight for ones rights. S.G. Browne does an excellent job of telling Andy and the others stories and how they survive in a world that does not accept them.

Willow by Julia Hoban

2009-05-16T12:51:00.002-04:00

Title: Willow
Author: Julia Hoban
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Willow is a book that covers a difficult topic to talk about, Cutting or self mutilation. If you never have never known someone who is self abusive this book can give some insight into what individuals are thinking and what is behind the cause for one to self mutilate.

Julia Hoban does a wonderful job of describing the feelings that Willow has before she is cutting, during and also after she has cut herself.

Willow is a young girl who blames herself for her parents death. Since her parents death she has moved in with her older brother and his wife and daughter. Willow also feels that her brother blames her for the death of their parents and now for having to play a parent role for his younger sister. When Willow experiences all these emotions of loneliness, depression and guilt she cuts herself. Willow feels that she is all alone until she meets a boy named Guy.

Guy showing interest in Willow finds out that she is cutting herself and for the first time in her life Willow lets Guy in and tells him why she cuts and the purpose that it serves.

There are parts of the book that are difficult to read and aren't for the faint of heart but overall Julia Hoban does a wonderful job of showing an outsider what it is that drives an individual that feels the need to cut.

Willow is a heartfelt story that shows how one girl can overcome her past.

Ghost Huntress: The Awakening by Marley Gibson

2009-05-15T17:53:00.004-04:00

Title: Ghost Huntress: The Awakening
Author: Marley Gibson
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Ghost Huntress follows Kendall a 16 year old who moves from Chicago to a quiet town in Georgia with her family. It is in this quiet town where she begins to hear voices. Not only does she hear voices she sees ghosts, and she can sense other people's thoughts and pains. A chance encounter with a local New Age businesswoman helps Kendall to see and understand that she's experiencing an awakening of her psychic abilities. Just what she wants now she gets to add extrasensory perception/sensing the dead to her list of things to worry about, along with making new friends and fitting in at her new high school.

It isn't long before she finds some new friends who are interested in the paranormal, and together the form a Ghost hunting group and take on the case of the ghost haunting Kendall's father's office.

Marley Gibson does a great job of telling the story of Kendall and has done her research on the paranormal and the equipment used. I am definitely looking forward to the second book in the series.

The Pregnancy Test by Erin McCarthy

2009-05-15T08:40:00.004-04:00

Title: The Pregnancy test
Author: Erin McCarthy
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

In the Pregnancy Test you meet Mandy who was told by a physic that he saw pastries around her. Mandy couldn't think of what the heck that physic meant until she finds out that she is pregnant and that it is not a business she will be doing but she has a bun in the oven literally.

Could things get any worse? But of course. Mandy's boyfriend leaves her saying he can't take being a father again as his children are grown. So Mandy is left to be a single mother to be and in desperate need of a job. In walks Damien who she applies for a job to. However, all the employees call him Demon. He is the boss that makes every assistant he had cry.

Mandy knows she needs this job and also knows that she must hide for her current boss that she is pregnant and thus the story between Mandy and Damien begins.

The Pregnancy Test is a well written story that in the end does have a underlying meaning. What that is can be different for each person who reads it.

Death's Daughter by Amber Benson

2009-05-15T08:28:00.002-04:00

Title: Death's Daughter
Author: Amber Benson
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Meet Calliope Reaper Jones just your average woman, right? Well think again. Calliope is the daughter of death who for a while forgot about her family by casting a forgetting charm. Well that charm is no longer working when she sees a large monster in her building. Thus begins her adventure back into her families world.

Calliope returns home to find out that she must take her father's place as Death as he has been kidnapped, however becoming death is not so cut and dry as Calliope comes to see.

Calliope needs to complete three tasks given to her by the board before she can become Death. And so begins her adventure in Hell where she finds out more about herself and her family.

Death's Daughter is a great story and has many laugh out loud moments as Calliope goes on an amazing adventure.

Before I Wake by Kathryn Smith

2009-05-13T16:09:00.003-04:00

Title: Before I Wake
Author: Kathryn Smith
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Meet Dawn to the human eye she is a normal woman working in a Dream lab helping others understand their dreams. What you don't know is that she is the Daughter of the King of Dreams Morpheus. This makes her a nightmare in the dream world but not a full fledged nightmare as her mother is not from the Dreaming Realm. Dawn has done her best to avoid her destiny but in walks Noah.

Noah is a patient in Dawn's study on dreams and shares with Dawn he feels that his dreams are trying to kill him. Dawn hopes she can help him but doesn't know how to share with him that she is not your typical human. Through helping Noah Dawn comes to accept her heritage and trains with the man who is her father.
Will Dawn be able to help Noah fight the person in his dream from killing him and also save herself.

Kathryn Smith does a great job telling the story of Dawn and how she comes to accept who she is.

Books needing to be reviewed

2009-05-09T16:43:00.003-04:00

Ghost Huntress: The Awakening
Willow
Necking
Evermore
Breathers A Zombie's Lament

will hopefully get them done this weekend

Fade by Lisa McMann

2009-05-09T16:02:00.003-04:00

Title: FADE
Author: Lisa McMann
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Once again we are with Janine as she enters others dreams. This time it is to find out what faculty member is taking advantage of his students. There are ideas but no one knows for sure and so Janine is asked to see what she can find out.
With the new assignment Janine begins to notice changes in herself. Not only does she notice but her boyfriend Cabel notices too. Janine now needs eyeglasses when before she didn't. As these changes takes place she is given a journal written by Martha Stubin another individual that was able to enter others' dreams.
In this journal Janine will find out things about herself and the gift she possesses.

Janine continues going into peoples dreams but this time she is learning how she can pause the dream and help the dreamer change the dream. Janine wants to help others with their dreams and also can't help being pulled into the dreams but at what cost to herself.

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

2009-05-09T15:37:00.004-04:00

Title: At Grave's End
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

At Graves End by Jeaniene Frost Bones and Cat are fighting one evil vamp. This one however is different then the rest as she is related to Bones' grand-sire. However his grand-sire understands the need to vanquish her. He himself cannot do it but will allow Bones to. Bones alone is not powerful enough and so he joins forces with his grand-sire sharing their blood with each other. By sharing their blood the are able to share each others powers. Bones and his fellow vampires team up to fight this evil vampire. Many die but Bones will not let the fight die with his fellow vampires. He calls apon all those that the evil vampire killed to help find her. While Bones and Cat fight this battle Cat is also looking to find her father, the one who created her and wants to end his life. Again Frost as done a wonderful job in telling Bones and Cats story.

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

2009-05-09T15:36:00.002-04:00

Title: One foot in the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Ratin: 5 out of 5 stars

In One foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost again we find Cat battling vampires except this time it is with out Bones but with a special force team. Cat feels leaving Bones was the only thing she could do to keep him safe. However Bones finds her and they once again team up to hunt evil vampires. Another great story by Jeaniene Frost. One Foot in the Grave brings Bones and Cat closer together in the search for Cats father.

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

2009-05-07T16:32:00.004-04:00

Title: Breaking Dawn
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The fourth book in the Twilight Saga is Breaking Dawn here we find Bella still pressuring Edward into changing her. She wants to be like him. She wants to live forever by his side and not age . What Bella doesn't know is how her life will change when and if she becomes a vampire.

Bella is torn though because of her love for Jacob who is a werewolf and has vowed that if the Cullens turn her they would be breaking the treaty made with the wolves.

Although Edward doesn't want to turn Bell he knows that if he doesn't the Volturi will come for them. Can he risk this?

One of the conditions that Edward had with turning Bella is that first they would be married. This promise Bella completes and they go away on their honeymoon. What takes place there changes everything.

Bella becomes pregnant and as the child grows needs to make a decision that will affect not only her unborn child but herself and the family she has amrried int

The choice that Bella makes is somewhat predictable but the repercussions of that choice are not what one may expect.

PureHeart By Rita Hsu Syers

2009-05-07T16:25:00.004-04:00

Title: PureHeart
Author: Rita Hsu Syers
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

We have all read books on good versus evil, Angels vs. demons but Rita Hsu Syers puts a spin on the age old story of good vs. evil. In PureHeart it is not the humans fighting the evil demons it is a dog. yes you read correctly a dog named Jake. Rita Hsu Syers pulls you into the story from the very begining with the tail of how Jack's mother came to live in the little New York town and the powers Jack poseses. Jack's owner knows that he and his sister are special because they are born of a dog who was spaded. How can a dog who was spaded give birth to two dogs? Brownen (Jack's mother) shares with Jack that she was told by a voice that her pups were special one would be a healer the other a warrior and the fate of the world would placed on one of them. Jack knows it is him.

In Pure Heart the author takes the time to introduce you each character and also give you background of the characters. Often you are reading the same story but from different point of views. I feel this worked well as you got to see how all the characters interact with each other and how perceptions of one act can be different from every person you talk to.

PureHeart is a must read for anyone who enjoys the age old battle of Good vs. Evil. PureHeart shows you that not only humans can save the world.

Review status

2009-05-06T18:35:00.006-04:00

The following books have been read and are due for a review fingers crossed I will be have them completed by weekends end. Wish me luck. The books are
1. FADE
2. Ghost Huntress the awakening
3. Willow
4. Breaking Dawn
5. Evermore
6. One foot in the Grave
7. At Grave's End

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

2009-04-30T18:42:00.004-04:00

Eclipse
by Stephanie Meyer
rating: 4 out 5 stars

This is the third book in the Twlight Saga and Bell has saved Edward from the Volturi, however the Volturi have told Edward that Bella can not stay human she must be changed or killed. This plays well for Bella because she wants to become a vampire. Although Bella wants to become a vampire it would cause a war between the Cullens and the pack of wolves Jacob is part of as a pact was made that the Cullens would not turn any human to a vampire.

In Eclipse once again we find Bella in trouble rouge vampires newly turned are wreaking havoc on the town and are lead by Victoria who is out to find Bella and kill her for having her lover killed. With Victoria getting closer the Cullens and the wolves work together to stop Victoria and the young Vampires.

reviews still to come

2009-04-15T19:23:00.004-04:00

I know I have been a little laxed on reviewing some books I have read previously so here are books that still have reviews to come.
1.One foot in the Grave (Jeaniene Frost)
2. At Graves End (Jeaniene Frost)
3. FADE (Lisa McMann)
4.Eclipse (Stephanie Meyer)
5. EverMore (Alyson Noel)

another review to add to my list
6. Ghost Huntress The Awakening (Marley Gibson)

How did I get so far behind?

Faith and Honor by Robin Maderich

2009-04-09T18:39:00.003-04:00

Faith and Honor is a love story based in revolutionary times. The main character is Faith a young woman whose husband has passed away. Faith is part of a group that does not believe in what the British are doing. She and many others are helping the men fight against the British. A close friend to faith is Ezra and elderly man who has known her since she was a child. Ezra loves Faith but knows that Faith does not return the same love. He know she loves him like a father not a husband.

Faith has her honor and will do everything she can to fight the Red coats. However, a wrench is thrown into her life. A wrench by the name of Fletcher Irons. Fletcher is a Red Coat and Faith does everything in her power to not fall for a man which she and every body else deem the enemy.

Faith although in love with Fletcher helps smuggle pellets to men fighting against the British. These same batch of pellets she later finds out causes injury that could have killed Fletcher. When she realizes this she feels guilty and takes him to her home to care for him.

Faith and Fletcher's love for each other grow but is put to the test many more times. Fletcher is called back to war and leaves Faith. Time goes bye and Faith comes to realize that she is pregnant with Fletcher's child. A child she thought she could never have.

Can this child bring Fletcher home to her? Will Fletcher leave his army to live with her and raise their child?

One can also ask is love truly that strong that one can fall in love with their enemy? Can one put their difference aside and what they stand for and truly love another individual?

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaskey

2009-03-30T12:11:00.002-04:00

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside was a very well written story of a High school girl Jessica coming to realize what her destiny holds for her.

Meet Jessica a senior in high school in a small town in Pennsylvania. Jessica is you everyday average girl who is looking forward to graduation from high school has a crush on a boy and has a group of friends. But all that changes when a foreign exchange student named Lucious Valduscu shows up at her school and home claiming to be her fiancee. Jessica can not believe what Luscious is telling her. He also claims that her real name is Anastia and she was betrothed to him at birth so their dueling families would once live in peace.

Jessica does not believe Luscious and the kicker to it all is that Luscious claims to be a vampire and that she is a vampire princess. Jessica thinks that Luscious is crazy and continues to pursue her crush Jake.

As life goes on Jessica begins to realize more about Luscious and begins to believe in the unimaginable. She realizes that she has feelings for him, but is it too late. Has Luscious decided he no longer wants her as his betrothed. Can the war between the families end?

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

2009-03-26T19:15:00.002-04:00

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is a well written book. Ryan does a wonderful job of telling the story of the various characters in the book. The story primarily focuses on Mary a young girl who loses both her mother and father to the Unconsecrated. First her father and then her mother. When her mother is turned Mary's brother writes her off. He blames her for letting her mother decide to enter the Forest of Hands and Teeth rather then being killed. Once this happens Mary is shipped to the Cathedral to become one of the sisters.

While at the Cathedral Mary does a lot of looking into the Unconsecrated and learns there is more to the outside world then the Sisters want people to know.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is not only suspenseful but has an underlying love story.
How far will Mary go to see the ocean that her mother talked about? How much will she risk to see the ocean? Ryan has you routing for Mary through out the book.
Ryan also leaves the reader asking themselves what would you do if you were faced with a world and the Unconsecrated?
I give this book 5 oout of 5 stars.

Dead City by Joe McKinney

2009-03-22T20:44:00.002-04:00

Dead City talks place in San Antonio. After recovering from 5 hurricanes in three weeks Eddie Hudson finds things are not normal in his city. He is called on an assignment with another cop when he realizes the people are not like normal people. He and the other cop tell them to stop and freeze but they don't. Eddie and the other cop shoot the people and none of them die. This begins the longest night for Eddie.

Eddie has realized that the people are no longer people but zombies. Zombies that eat the flesh of other living humans. Hence the night of Eddie fighting his way through zombies to see if his wife and child are safe and alive.

Through out the night Eddie runs into a fellow officer Marcus. Marcus is the comical relief in tense situation. Will Eddie find his family? If Eddie does find his family will his family be alive or turned into zombies?

Half Way to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

2009-03-18T08:27:00.002-04:00

In Halfway to the Grave Frost introduces you to Cat a woman who is half vampire half human. Cat isn't like other woman. She spends her days going to school and her nights hunting vampires. Cat hunts the vampires because her mother has told her that all vampires are evil that the one who fathered her is evil and needs to be found and killed.

While Cat is out patrolling one night she is taken by surprise by a man that she is trying to kill. Cat is then captured and brought to a cave. Here Frost introduces you to Bones a vampire who is on a mission. Bones decides that Cat would be a big help in his mission as vampires would be thrown off by her beating heart. So Bones trains Cat for several months and the two of them team up to hunt vampires.

While the two fight vampires they also begin to form a relationship. A relationship that will help save each other many times over.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

2009-03-15T18:59:00.003-04:00

Wicked Lovely starts off by introducing you to a girl named Aislinn at first glimpse she is a normal girl goes to high school and has a group of friends to hang out with but what many don't know is that Aislinn can see faeries.

Aislinn lives with her grandmother and follows a set of rules set forth by her grandmother to follow when dealing with the faeries they are:

1. Don't stare at invisible faeries
2. Don't speak to invisible faeries
3. Don't ever attract their attention

But Aislinn does just that. She stares at the faeries although she tries not to and she attracts the attention of the Summer King. Hence she breaks rule number two because she speaks with the Summer King Keenan to get him to leave her alone. Aislinn doesn't want anything to do with Keenan she is intersted in her close friend Seth who admits to Aislinn he loves her and has for seven months. Knowing she can't tell her grandmother of the events that have transpired she turns to her friend now boyfriend Seth and tells him about faeries and everything she sees hoping he doesn't think she is crazy.

Keenan shares with Aislinn that he needs her to join with him to over through the Winter Queem or everone including her will die. He pleads with her and hopes that she will change her mind.

Aislinn continues to turn to her boyfriend Seth. Seth with the information given to him from Aislinn begins researching the faeries to see if he can do anything to help her out. As Aislinn is trying to get rid of Keenan she realizes that she can't that she is bound by fate to work with him but can she give up everything she knows, school, her grandmother and most of all Seth to join forces with Keenan?

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

2009-03-12T18:56:00.001-04:00

New moon by Stephanie Meyer finds Edward having left Bella and Bella being distraught. Bella spends her day sulking around not wanting to go anywhere or see anyone. Her father Charlie tries to get Bella to go out with her friends and visit Jacob but often times fails. Bella doesn't want to do anything. I found this a little hard to swallow. I mean yes when a relationship breaks up one will be upset but I felt that Stephanie Meyer dragged it out longer then it had to be.

Once Bella begins to live her life again she strengthens her friendship with Jacob. he helps her restore two motorcycles. As their friendship deepens something happens to Jacob that can change both their lives forever.

Jacob has joined their pack on his reservation. While he goes through this change Jacob stops seeing Bella as he is unable to tell her what is happening. When Jacob finally sees Bella he tells her that he can't tell her what happened but she could guess.

So Bella and Jacob play a game of 20 questions. By the end of it Bella finds out what jacob has become.

Bella wanting to take risks on day decides to go cliff diving. This leads to the reappearance of the Cullens. Alice who has visions shares her vision with Edward that she say Bella jump off a cliff and not seen again. What she doesn't see is Jacob save Bella. So Edward thinking Bella is dead goes to Italy to get himself killed.

And once again as things are resolved Bella blames herself for what Edward wanted to do.

Wake by Lisa McMann (book 16)

2009-02-26T08:15:00.003-05:00

Book 16 Wake by Lisa McMann

At First I found this book a little difficult to get into. The main character Janine jumps into people's dreams with out wanting to. The story at first was too jumpy for me with the various dreams she went into and the flashbacks.

However, as I read more and more into the book I enjoyed it. I enjoyed how pieces of her awake life helped Janine in the dreams that she was pulled into. For the longest time Janine did not know why the individuals in the dreams were asking her for help. How could they see her? And although she wanted to help them she doesn't know how.

As the book progresses you see Janine meet a fellow student whom she slowly develops a relationship with. Slowly because she feels that he is keeping things from her. But soon finds out what the underlying story is for him.

Wake I feel is a good book to get you thinking on what it would be like to be pulled into other people's dreams. Would you see their biggest fear or things they want to do.

I am looking forward to getting the second book in the series Fade by Lisa McMann.

The Shadow Within. (book 15 in 50 book challenge)

2009-02-25T18:19:00.002-05:00

The Shadow Within by Jenine Wilson

The beginning of the story you meet Jessie A high school student who only wants to make it through her day unnoticed by two students that have a locker on either side of her. This however never happens. While she is at her locker Jessie runs into Amber and Reese and is ridiculed by them. One day of the teasing Jessie trips and is about to fall when out of nowhere a boy catches her and prevents her from falling. This boys name was Wesley. From that point on you can see a friendship grow.

After becoming friends with Wesley, Jessie realizes that strange things happen. First he is found outside of a house where a man is found dead. Could he have killed him? Second nobody seems to remember him. Teachers speak to him but then act as if they didn't see him. How could this be.

It is not until Wesley shares his secret with her that she understands why he is forgotten by everyone around him but she doesn't understand why she never forgets him.

With story of his past shared with Jessie Wesley also shares with her that there is an evil force in town called a shade and he is the one possessing humans and killing them due to humans not being strong enough to house the shade.

Through out the book you notice a change in Reese he goes from ridiculing Jessie daily to attacking her and then befriends her.

The Shadow Within is a well written and enjoyable story of a teenage girl who only wants to be left alone but gets herself involved in so much more.

I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a story that incorporates growing up, making friends, falling in love and dealing with the supernatural.

A great read.

House of Night Novels

2009-02-18T19:42:00.018-05:00

I will try not to do this often but I am going to cover the first four books in the House of Night series in one review as I read them back to back. and they all blended into one in my reading. I hope no one minds that it wont be 4 separate reviews.

The House of night series books are the following
Marked:House of night , Betrayed:House of night , Chosen:House of night and untamed:House of night .

Marked begins with the reader meeting a young girl named Zoey. She attends a regular high school and wants nothing more then to fit in. However one day Zoey gets marked with a crescent moon on her forehead. The means she needs to leave her family and friends and begin attending school at the House of night. Zoey finds since she has been marked that people who she thought were friends desert her and her family disapproves that she has been marked.

Zoey only thinking of one person she can turn too drives off to see her grandmother. She has an accident and her grandmother takes care of her and brings her to the house of night. There she meets Nefert the high priestess who will be her mentor. Zoey jumps right into her classes and begins making friends. However even as a soon to be vampire she is different from everyone else. Her mark is filled in which doesn't usually happen until a teenager becomes an adult vampire. With a filled in mark this draws more attention to Zoey.

In Marked Zoey meets Aphrodite who is the leader of the group called Dark Daughters and Zoey's worst enemy.

Betrayed begins a little after Marked ends. In Betrayed Zoey becomes the leader of the Dark Daughters as Aphrodite is stripped of her title and also no longer considered a priestess in training. In Betrayed we learn that not all will make the change to an adult vampire. Zoey sees three people in her school not make it through the change. And one has a profound effect on her. Zoey's life changes the day one of her classmates doesn't make it through the change. However, ZOey finds that something is amiss at the House of Night. In Betrayed you see Zoey and Erik get closer and closer. Zoey however is torn between her growing love for Erik and her long lasting love for Heath her ex-boyfriend from her previous school.

Zoey, unlike her classmates, develops adult vampire traits before they do. When Heath and another of Zoey's old friends come to rescue her Heath cuts his finger and Zoey can smell his blood and does what no fledgling is supposed to do. She tastes his blood. Fledglings are not supposed to drink blood from anyone human as it can form an imprint with the human. Zoey doesn't feel this has happended until Heath begins texting her continously. Zoey goes and shares this happening with her mentor Nefert.

As Zoey continues with her duties as the leader of the Darl Daughters she feels something is off at the school but doesn't know what exactly it is. Through out Choosen Zoey begins to have a better understanding of her nemisis Aphrodite. Could friendship beforming between the too?
With Zoey's friend who represents the earth element gone Aphrodite steps in to much of the complaining of her other friends.

The last book Untamed finds Zoey and her friends trying to save the school from the dark one rising. Aphrodite conitinues to have her visions and shares them with Zoey. Zoey calls her grandmother in for help but tragedy strikes and her grandmother ends up in the hospital unable to help her. Zoey must take this battle on with just her friends. In Untamed Zoey finds out that the person she is supposed to trust at the school is behind all the bad things happening.

The question now is can Zoey and her friends save the school and stop the evil forces from rising?
I look forward to book five to see what happens next.

Kiss Me Forever

2009-02-16T20:04:00.004-05:00

Book 9 in my 50 book challenge is Kiss me forever by Rosemary Laurey And guess what it too is a vampire book. =) which brings my vampire challenge to 7.

Kiss me forever begins with a young woman named Dixie Lepage flying to London to look at a house that was left to her by her great aunts. When she arrives things go from bad to worse. When she lands in London she finds out that the train workers are on strike and nothing is running so she needs to find an alternate mode of transportation. She rents a car and is on her way.

When she arrives at her destination the gentleman who is supposed to help her puts her up in a bed and breakfast where his gal can keep an eye on him and report back everything Dixie does.

Through the course of her stay she meets a man by the name of Christopher Marlow who she doesn't know is a vampire. The two form a bond and soon fall in love with each other all along Dixie not knowing that Marlow is a vampire even though they talk about witches and werewolves. Dixie doesn't believe in them and Marlow tries to get her to believe. It isn't until Marlow is put into danger that she realizes the truth.

There are many twists and turns in this book as Dixie and Marlow fight to hold onto the items in her aunts house and find out that the gentleman supposed to help her with the house is out to hurt her.

The story is an enjoyable and nice flowing read.

More book reviews to come

2009-02-15T19:14:00.003-05:00

So here is the list of all the book reviews to come as I have read the books but haven't had a chance to type up the reviews.
the books are
1. Kiss me Forever
2. Marked: A house of night novel
3. Betrayed: A house of night Novel
4. Chosen: A house of Night novel
5 Untamed: A house of night novel

All these will reviews will be posted within the next few days.

Book reviews to come

2009-02-12T07:41:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,
While being out of work sick for the past two days I got to do some reading. I still have two books to post reviews for those will be coming either this evening or tomorrow. The reviews to be posted are marked bye PC Cast and Kiss me forever by Rosemary Laurey. Both are vampire books bringing my vampire book challenge to 8 and my 50 book challenge to 10.

Kiss and Tell by Sandy Lynn (book 8 for the 50 book challenge and book 6 in the vampire challenge)

2009-02-11T10:36:00.002-05:00

Okay book 8 for my challenge is another vampire book. Apparently I am on a vampire kick...lol Book 8 is Kiss and Tell Bloodmates Book 1 by Sandy Lynn.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a very steamy romance between a vampire and a human.

Kiss and Tell starts off with a woman named Willow, who loses her job, going out with her sister and friend to get her mind off things. At the bar they go too the women decided to play a game. Willow is to choose one guy in the bar go over to him ask if she can join him and sit on his lap. While sitting on his lap she has to ask him one question and this will determine whether she gives him her name and number or just a kiss and walk away.

The questions she has to ask is "Boxers or Briefs" little did she know when she asked this question the answer would be neither. This then leads into the very steamy Romance between Willow and Seth whom she doesn't know is a vampire.

Once Willow finds out that Seth is a vampire and the marks on her neck that she thought was a hickey is really tooth marks she freaks out and leaves Seth.

Since Willow leaves Seth is upset and tries to drink from other donors but never gets his thirst quenched. When Willow returns to the bar to confront Seth she hears his stomach growl which is uncommon for Vampires. She helps him back to his apartment and lets him drink once more from her. While willow is asleep Seth leaves and calls his mom. Yes Vampires have moms. He asks her to tell him the story she used to tell when he was a child so she tells the story of a vampire who finds her bloodmate and discovers only his blood will quench her thirst. Seth realizes that Willow is his bloodmate and only her blood will quench his thirst but he doesn't want her to be with him out of pity.

The story plays out very nicely and I feel that if some wants to ready a steamy romance book then most definitely pick this book up.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (book 7 in 50 book challenge and book 5 in my vampire challenge)

2009-02-10T08:09:00.002-05:00

Book 7 Twilight
Okay with all the mixed reviews I read about Twilight by Stephanie Meyer I felt I needed to read it for myself. While my friend Irish did not enjoy the book I myself thought the book was not too bad. It was long and at times I got tired of Bella swooning over Edward but I viewed most of the swooning as a young teenager in love for the first time. I can remember my first crush you want to be and see that person all the time. That is how I viewed Bella wanting to be with Edward all the time.

I do have to agree with Irish on it being a bit freaky that Edward watches her sleep in her own house and bedroom. And at times is she obsessed by Edward yes but again I viewed it as a first time crush.

I thought the story flowed nicely from Bella landing in Forks and settling in to a new school and new friends, up to the very end.

Another point that I agree with Irish on is the fact that when Bella is almost injured and Edward saves her he tells her he needs to be alone so he can calm done. This I felt was wrong but, then if you look at it if he stayed he could have done more harm to her he is a vampire and all.

Twilight left me with mixed reviews. As I enjoy a vampire story I did feel some things to be better left out of the book then put in. I will most likely pick up the next book to see if my review of the series will change.

The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle (book 6 in my challenge)

2009-02-08T14:45:00.002-05:00

Book 6 in my 50 book challenge is a graphic novel lent to me by my friend Irish. it is [The Dresden Files; Welcome to the Jungle] by [[Jim Butcher]]. I loved all the other Dresden books so reading this one I thought I would feel the same.

The story was good but I am not sure about the graphic novel. I have always had a picture formed in my head of what all the main characters looked like and the drawings in this book didn't meet my idea of each character. The story line was great and Dresden still had the same sense of humor he has in the other Dresden books just not to sure about the graphics.
with that in mind I wont write off graphic novels complete as they are a fast and easy way to read a story and are enjoyable.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes the Dresden series.

Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready (book 5 in my 50 book challenge and book 4 in my vampire challenge)

2009-02-08T09:24:00.003-05:00

Book 5 in my 50 book challenge was Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-ready.

Wicked Game had me pulled in from the first chapter. The main character Ciara is looking for an internship for her school. She finds an internship at Radio station WVMP. There she meets a group of Djs like no others. each DJ is dressed in period clothing that matches the music they play. Odd? Ciara thinks so. She is also given a manual to read on her first night to help familiarize herself with the station and also give her information about the DJs. What she doesn't realize is that like herself they have something to hide.

Ciara reads the pamphlets given to her and read that the DJs all play the music from the time that they were turned to a vampire. As the story progresses we see that the DJs need to fight to keep their radio station. This is where Ciara comes in. she develops a marketing plan to play on the truth of the DJs which to the world will not be believed. She lets people know the DJs are vampires and that is why they know so much about the music that they play.

Along with the fight to keep the radio station Ciara falls in love is reunited with her father and is kept hostage by another group of vampires.

What happens in the end? Well that is something you can find out reading the book. I don't want to give the whole story away. =)

Girls that Growl (book four in my 50 book challenge and book 3 in the vampire book challenge)

2009-02-05T19:45:00.003-05:00

So I had the day from heck at work today and came home and wanted a little escape so I picked up the following book: [Girls that Growl] by [[Mari Mancusi]].

let me tell you this book took my mind off everything that happened today.

Girls that growl is the second book int the Rayne MacDonald the vampire vampire slayer.

This book picks up with Rayne looking at her relationship with her boyfriend Jareth. Jareth saved her life in book one and they become bloodmates. Because of the virus that Rayne was given that Jareth saved her from he too was infected and had his power striped. This allows Jareth to go out in the daylight. With this new freedom Jareth becomes a surfer dude.

Rayne because she has become a vampire is no longer employed by Slayers Inc. officially but is held on to help out when needed. With that said Rayne is asked to join the cheerleader squad because Slayers inc. felt that they were all werewolves. This is where the story becomes funny. Picture a girl who wears goth clothing trying out to be a cheer leader. The story goes one with Rayne and Jareth going off to England to see if they can find an antidote for the cheer leading werewolves.

Girls that Growl is an easy read that can help take your mind off of a hard day.

It's all about books...: Vampire Challenge

2009-01-28T21:00:00.003-05:00

Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic: Vampire Challenge -site to go to if you want to sign up.

I have joined in a challenge right up my alley. I love vampires so this challenge should not be too difficult for me. Have to thank my friend Irish for the info.
So, because I have already read two books on vampires I am increasing the number to 10 books. I will keep you posted on the how the challenge goes.

Here is info on the challenge:

What?
For the Vampire Challenge you will read books with vampires - romance, YA, paranormal, mysteries - anything, as long as there's a or two (or more) vampire in it.

When?
The challenge will start January 1, 2009 and end December 31, 2009.

How?
The goal is to read 2+ books with vampires in 2009, that's it. It's fairly easy, I think. For some inspiration check out cosymurders post on vampires in books.

72 Hour Hold (book 3 in my 50 book challenge)

2009-01-28T20:07:00.003-05:00

Book three in my 50 book challenge was 72 Hour Hold by Bebe Moore Campbell and have to say I really enjoyed. As I work supporting individuals with varying disabilities some even having a mental illness I could relate to a lot of what was being said.

Often times a mental illness is looked at as Taboo people don't want to admit they have a mental illness never mind there child does.

I felt Bebe Moore Campbell did a great job of showing what it is truly like for a mother to fight the battle of helping her daughter get help for her mental illness, while dealing with others views of the illness and fighting her ex-husband who feels that their daughter is not sick while fighting her own battle of guilt.

Bebe Moore Campbell tells a story that pulls you and has you pulling for Keri, a mother with a mission she is going to help her daughter no matter what it takes. Keri goes as far as getting help from a group that takes any means necessary to help an individual with a mental illness even as going as far as kidnapping them.

From the beginning you root for Keri to get the help for her daughter Trinia. 72 Hour Hold definitely shows people that a mother will do anything to help her child even when her child curses her and calls her the devil and hits her. 72 Hour Hold absolutely demonstrates the saying that a mother will always love her child no matter what.

Zen and the Art of Vampires (book 2 in my 50 book challenge)

2009-01-22T18:15:00.003-05:00

Here is book two in my challenge this year. Now normally I don't like to read a book in a series if I haven't read the first book but when I picked this one up I didn't realize it was book six of a series. Although this is book six you do not need to have read books 1-5 to enjoy this book.

Zen and the Art of Vampires is a well written book about a woman who everyone can relate to. From the beginning you like her and want her to succeed.

There are several mini plots that combine for the large plot of the book.
One plot you meet a 40 year old woman, Pia, on a tour of Iceland with her friends. You learn of how she despises a co-traveler and what she will do to avoid her.

Another plot you find Pia being confronted by ghosts. Ghosts that only she can see as she has purchased an item that attracts the ghosts to her. With this item she takes the role of a woman called a Zoroya in the Brotherhood of the light. A role which she does not want at first.

Then yet another plot Pia meets a tall dark stranger and takes him home with her. Later she finds that this man she has been with is a vampire and in the dark ones group the sworn enemies of the brotherhood. Here is where the main story begins. By having the item that attracts the ghosts she learns of the role she is deemed to play. One that will help those who have died crossover to Ostri but to cleanse those referred to as the Dark Ones.

The story continues as Pia tries to balance her role as a Zoroya and still fall for one of the Vampires she meets along the way.

The ending is an ending one may not expect, but I will leave that for you to find out.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes romance and vampires.

Stake that by: Mari Mancusi (first book of my 50 book challenge)

2009-01-22T07:36:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone,
So I came home yesterday and after a long non-stop day at work I decided I needed to read a book that was an easy read so I picked up the Stake that.
This book pulled me in from the very first page. It focuses on a high school girl whose one dream is to become a vampire.

The main topic of the book:
A young adult supernatural read about a common girl in high school whose one dream is to become a vampire.

A little bit about the book:
Rayne MacDonald is a high school girl who has joined a vampire conven and is completing the process to become the mate of Magnus the coven leader. However, nothing goes according to plan for Rayne.

Sunny her twin sister is initiated into the coven as the mate of Magnus instead of Rayne and the story goes from there. Rayne also keeps a blog and updates her fans on what happens in her day to day life since her sister became the mate of Magnus.

The one things Rayne wanted most was to be a vampire and one day she is told that she is the next vampire slayer. Not what she planned.

Stake that shares with the reader the life of Rayne and how she uses her new found job to help rid the world of the bad vampires and along the way find romance.

2008-11-22T13:56:00.004-05:00

Hell Bent by William G. Tapply is a well written book. The story line was well thought out and developed nicely through out the book. When reading this book you are introduced to one story and then quickly brought into another story line all long not losing the first group of characters introduced.
Once Tapply begins to expand on the main storyline involving Brady Coyne you would think that the previous story would be pushed to the wayside however that is not true. Tapply does a wonderful job of not only bringing a conclusion to the main topic but also a conclusion to the beginning story line.

Hell Bent is a story that will keep you guessing until the end. The story grabs you from the beginning and keeps you interested until the very end.

Hell Bent has a little bit of everything to offer the reader from romance to mystery and suspense. Tapply also does a superb job of describing each character so it is as if you know them and in they end you are pulling for the main character Brady Coyne to come out on top and happy.

I highly recommend this book for others to read.

2008-08-02T16:06:00.002-04:00

Tan Lines by J.J.SALEM is a must read for the summer. The way Salem intertwines the story lines of three friends is amazing. Liza, Billie and Kellyanne are all characters you can relate to. While each woman has their own story line their lives intertwine in the summer they share together.
As you read about each woman you begin to feel their pain, their happiness and see their dreams. Each woman has a story to tell. Their stories make you love them, feel for them and yes at times dislike them. You have Liza who speaks up for herself through out the story, Kellyanne who has lead a tough life in acting and makes a few mistakes only to change her direction of life, and Billie who everyone loves to hate. Billie alone pulls pain, addiction and life's struggles together for an amazing story.

Tan Lines is a book that pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you interested until the very end. An end which one may not expect.

Tan Lines is a must read for me.

2008-07-08T08:07:00.001-04:00

Review of Charanavi

I recently received Charanavi by Masahiro Tsurumoto from Lisa Roe. When I first received the book I wasn't sure how accurate it would be.

Finding what animal you were was easy Other personality books I have read have difficult equations to find out which personality you are. This one was simple and to the point. Once I found my number I matched it up to the animal and began reading about the animal that describes my personality. I have to say the animal to a strong degree described who I am. After reading about my personality I moved on to finding out the personality of my friends and family. And as I read about them I found it to be very accurate on them also.

This book is a great way to find some idea as to why some people act the way they do. I also found it a great add where it listed out other numbers and animals that I would be compatible with. it opened my eyes to why some do th things they do.

I highly recommend this book for those that would like a little insight into the actions of others. All you need to know is the persons birth date and the book will tell you the rest.

Book reviews

2008-06-16T20:05:00.000-04:00

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson is a story about ones man journey of healing. During his healing he finds a woman that shares with him religion, a story about various cultures and histories and most of all a love story.
Each story told by Marianne is a story that comes full circle with the main character. Marianne is a spirited woman who feels that she has lived many past lives and shares stories of the people she had known. The most important story that is carried through out the book and elaborated on until the very end is the love story between the main character and herself. It starts off slow with the main character not fully believing in what Marianne is telling him. He doesn't understand how she feels that they have know each other before. He not believing in past lives feels that she is crazy and researches various mental disorders until he finds the one that best fits her.

All through out the story Marianne takes you on a ride sharing stories of various cultures but one underlying tie, Love. each story she tells talks about an undying love. Marianne shares the story of their past life through out the book and keeps you wanting more until the end. The ending is one that is unexpected at first but a fitting ending to all the stories that were shared through out.

The Gargoyle is a story about an undying love between two characters across the test of time.

A must read.

My First ARC

2008-06-09T12:43:00.003-04:00

So I have recieved the package I have been waiting on since receiving the UPS notice on Friday. In the package was my first ARC that I ever received. The book that came in the mail today was The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. I look forward to ending my work day and being able to go and start to read it. Look for a review in a week or so.

2008-06-08T13:30:00.006-04:00

Went into Borders today to pick up a book by a new author that a friend of mine at work recommended. couldn't find that author but left with five books. Above are the five books I left with. =) One of which I realize now is the third in the series. What does this mean... Well it means I have to go and buy the two previous books in the series before i can read the one i currently have.