Weekly Wrap Up(05/28/11)

reviews

The Deadliest Bite

Mercy

How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf

South of Salem

The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf
Kiss of Midnight

my week

Another week closer to S-U-M-M-E-R!! I am loving the warmer weather! I am not one of those women that could move to Alaska. Nope, me, I'd want to go where the temperature is a nice warm 78 year around. So today is Saturday and Jim & I are heading to Turkey Run State Park today to hike some trails. Turkey Run has great trails, a big suspension bridge that scares the holy moly out of me when we walk across. But I still love it! This week I read: South of Salem, Mercy, How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf, The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf and Kiss of Midnight. I also finished listening to Rapture In Death on audio

and started Ceremony In Death on audio. I have been offered a JOB (as long as I pass my background check & physical) that will be taking up quite a bit of my time so I won't be blogging as much. I'm thinking I might try to find someone to read & review here along with Sharon & myself. What do you think? And...
How was your week?

Kiss of Midnightby Lara Adrian

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

my thoughts~
I would love a Lucan of my very own! He seems to be smoking hot! The dark hair, the fangs, yum! I've been wanting to read The Midnight Breed series for awhile now and had just not had the opportunity. Since I've taken on the philosophy of reading only what I want, when I want, well perfect time to start the series! I really enjoyed reading Lucan & Gabrielle's tale and look forward to seeing them in the books I still have to read. It always makes me laugh when I'm reading a book and the hero or heroine or even both fight so hard to NOT be together. Sometimes I catch myself (like in this book) talking to Lucan in my head, telling him to just give it up. He was toast!
The Breed are vampires that are descended from 8 ancients that came from another world and decimated whole villages & towns (ever hear of the Mayan's? mmmhmm) and they could only breed with women with certain DNA, thats what makes the women Breedmates. And the offspring are only male and Lucan is one of the last few of first gen vampire and he is fighting everyday of the bloodlust that turns their kind Rogue. I really enjoyed reading Kiss Of Midnight and have eagerly started reading book #2, Kiss of Crimson.

The Art Of Seducing A Naked Werewolfby Molly Harper

Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone's throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley's pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can't seem to convince Nick to leave . . . and even worse, she can't convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can't afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous. . .

my thoughts~
The Art Of Seducing A Naked Werewolf was a fast read for me at 224 pages (ebook). I enjoyed trying to figure out who was causing the problems for the Crescent Valley Pack, and I enjoyed Maggie's snarky attitude, and Nick's determination to win Maggie over. There were several laugh out loud moments (not as many as in How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf) but there were still quite a few. Over all I enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that there is a third book to look forward too!

South Of Salemby Janni Nell

My mother thinks my job is crazy. I’m a paranormal investigator; she’ s Nancy Reagan crossed with Martha Stewart. She’ s always preferred my sister, Lily, who is following in her perfect footsteps.

But this time Mom needs my special skills. She believes my stepfather is possessed. I admit he’ s not his usual dapper, charming self, but sleepwalking doesn’t sound that weird. Until the sleepwalking spreads through the family and cousin Donna walks right out of her apartment window to her death. Then my sister goes missing and I have to find her and solve the mystery before Lily and her unborn child are harmed.
Normally I would have assistance, but my right hand, a hunky angel I’ ve nicknamed Casper, has business of his own to take care of business that might take him out of my life forever. The stakes are too high for me to lose, but I’ m not sure I can do it alone…

my thoughts~
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! I thought South of Salem was a fun, quick, quirky read! I sat down and read this book in about 3 1/2 hours! I couldn't put it down. I was even late to my sons girlfriends graduation party! I haven't read book #1, but you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one. But I am certainly looking forward to reading book #1 and any future books!

How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolfby Molly Harper

Northern Exposure
Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.
For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.
If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .

my thoughts~
I listened to How To Flirt With A Naked Werewolf and it is hilarious! The way Molly Harper spins a tale is wonderfully funny and I loved 'meeting' Mo & Cooper, Evie & Buzz, and the other residents of  Grundy. I loved the dialogue, it was believable (except you know there were werewolves) and (I'm going to say it again) hilarious. The quirky saying that Mo came up with had me rolling! The audiobook was so great, I've requested the book from the library (there is a waiting list!) just so I can read it! Next up on my audiobook list: The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf, which is about Coopers little sister, Maggie!

Mercyby Rebecca Lim

A fallen angel haunted by her past. Yearning for her immortal beloved. Forever searching for answers. Who will show her Mercy?
Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.
But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.
Will Mercy be able to harness her true self and extraordinary power in time?
The first in a dazzling new series, Mercy masterfully weaves romance, mystery and the supernatural into a spell-binding tale.

my thoughts~
How to start? I guess at the beginning. The first chapter put me off a bit, the way the story started out. BUT. There is a reason it starts out this way and once I got into the rhythm of the story telling, it all made sense. And while I understand how/why the book ended as it did, I can't help but wonder what happened to the characters once Mercy left to find another body. All in all, I thought Mercy was a quick & easy read that left me wanting more! 

The Deadliest Biteby Jennifer Rardin

I have two choices. Carve Brude's name into Hell's bile-encrusted gates. Or lose my soul.

After an assassination attempt on Vayl, I find myself pulled into a tangled web that takes the gang to Romania. So how will I save a ghost, rescue a demon, and cheat the Great Taker out of a soul he's slavering for while defeating my nastiest foe yet so that Vayl can, at last, cherish a few precious years with his sons? With careful planning, major violence, and one (hopefully) final trip to Hell.



 from the authors website~

I’ve spent all my life in the Midwest, which has certainly shaped my perspective on all kinds of issues, from the question of whether or not we really have an accent, to the many and varied uses of corn.

I was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 28, 1965. Mom tells me almost every year what crappy weather it was that day. However I like to think of my birthday as the first frost-free date for my planting area. See what happens when you grow up around farmers? Scary, huh?

After a youth spent up to my eyeballs in fairy tales, nordic myths and supernatural legends I made the solid and practical decision to go to college and major in English. After which I never really held a well paying job until this gig came along! Which is why my kids love to sing that song to me from the musical “Avenue Q.” The one that begins with the line, “What do you do with a B.A. in English?”

Once I figured out the answer to that question, I wrote Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Now my laptop is my constant companion. We reside in an old farmhouse along with my husband and our two teenagers. No pets since the cat died last winter, but the birds seem to appreciate his absence. They come to feast at the feeders while I write on the back porch in the cool of the morning. Lovely.

Jennifer Rardin passed away on Monday, September 20, 2010.

my thoughts~
I'm left incredibly sad that this is the last book in the Jaz Parks series. But I'm incredibly happy with the way the series ended. The Deadliest Bite has everything I've come to expect when I am reading these books. It's action packed & quick witted. I was happy to see that all the characters I had come to enjoy were back in Jazs final adventure. Cole, Dave & Cassandra (and there's a surprise here!), Bergman, Raoul, Jack & Astral. It was a great ending to a great series.

Devil Without A Causeby Terri Garey

Idle hands are the devil's workshop
Temptation and seduction are the tricks of the Devil's trade, and when offered the chance to regain his wings by playing guardian angel, he's hell-bent on doing things his way . . .
Faith McFarland is in need of a miracle. So desperate to save her sick child, she's willing to make a deal with the Devil: steal a ring worn by Finn Payne, the bad-boy rockstar who long ago sold his soul for rock 'n roll. Temptation and seduction become necessary evils, yet Faith's salvation means Finn's damnation . . . because the ring is all that stands between him and Hell. Falling in love was never part of the bargain, but now that they've tasted heaven in each other's arms, can they convince the Devil to give up his due?

my thoughts~
This was the first book by Terri Garey that I've read, but I'm checking into her backlist! Devil Without A Cause if the first book in Ms. Garey's new series DEVIL'S BARGAIN. I found the book to be a quick read at 213 pages and I enjoyed every single page! I thought there was a great mix of humor & horror that kept me turning the page, anxious to see what happens next and how Faith & Finn's story would end. I can't wait to read book #2. Hope it comes out soon!

Blogger vs Wordpress...

I've noticed more & more lately that people are leaving Blogger & going to Wordpress. So, I went over and set up a blog there (just in case, you know, I liked it better) but call me a creature of habit, or whatever, but I like Blogger better! I think it is easier to use, costs less to have your own domain ($10 for Blogger vs $17 for Wordpress), and it's easy to create your blog design! I don't know, maybe I'm missing something? Does anyone have a reason why Wordpress is better?

Weekly Wrap Up(05/21/11)

reviews
Buddy's Tail
Bitten In Two

posts

In My Mailbox 

Teaser Tuesday 

Waiting On Wednesday

my week

Well, as I said previously, now that the weather is improving, I will be reading less! This week I read Bitten In Two & The Deadliest Bite by Jennifer Rardin and listened to Immortal In Death by J.D. Robb. I helped out at my friends day care a couple of days (whew! that was exhausting!) and rode my bike whenever I had a chance! It was my MIL 81st birthday, so we had a nice dinner & birthday cake on Wednesday. And that's about it really. How was you week?

Buddy's Tail By K. Anne Russell

Buddy Boutonnier, a big-hearted Standard Poodle, subsists in the bare backyard of a tract hme in the desert city of Yucca Dunes. MacKenzie, a Border Collie, and Javier, a Chihuahua, provide Buddy with companionship and bring him food scraps when his neglegtful owners forget to provide for him.

When Buddy's owners decide to move, Buddy meets a wonderful lady who visits his house with prospective buyers. The poodle's humans try to sell their dog and Buddy goes through a series of unsuitable living situations. The final family returns Buddy to the tract home not realizing the owners are out of town. His only lifeline, MacKenzie, is killed by an evil Hummer driver while bringing him food. Tiny Javier tries to support Buddy with the aid of Dumb Derek, a Rottweiler whose brain is damaged from years of guarding a chemical dump. The two are unable to help the poodle.

Buddy dies, but is brought back to life by Sonny, the Good Shepherd. Sonny grants Buddy's wish to go live with the wonderful lady, in return for his promise to go with Sonny when he comes back for him. Buddy has a happy life with the lady and her dog, Skootch. Together they rescue abandoned Leroy and abused Roxanne. Years later, during Skootch's fifteenth birthday party, Sonny comes for Buddy. True to his word, he goes without complaint.

Sonny takes Buddy to Haven, the canine paradise, where he is reunited with MacKenzie. Sonny explains the rules in Haven; dogs acquire free will and give up their role of caring for humans. Their only responsibility is to help guide other dogs to Haven. Buddy excels at guiding, but on a mission to bring back a bomb dog from Afghanistan, Buddy breaks the rule and helps a human, the dog's Marine partner.

The residents of Haven are furious with the poodle and he is exiled to the perimeter of paradise. There he meets a young girl who died of cancer and befriends her, another infraction of the rules. He is dragged before the communal tribunal, where MacKenzie defends him. With the help of the marine and the girl, MacKenzie convinces the judges that Buddy is not an offender, but a hero.

Buddy's story teaches young readers about the bonds of love and friendship, the role of free will in building character, the importance of responsibility in our lives, especially as it relates to animal welfare, and the acceptance of death as part of life's journey for ourselves and our pets.

My thoughts on this book.....

I loved it!!! I will be reading it to the children in my family and encouraging everyone I know to do so also.

Bitten In Twoby Jennifer Rardin

Jaz Parks here. I. Am. Pissed. Just as Vayl and I arrive in Morocco to secure an ancient artifact, he wakes up calling me by another woman’s name. And it’s not even a good one. But since any form of argument transforms him into an unholy terror, I’m forced to play along until the gang and I can figure out what kind of power has so vastly altered his perceptions.So it’s time for me to do what any well-trained assassin in my position might do. I attack. What follows is a hair-raising, breath-taking bullet train ride to the finish as the crew battles on multiple fronts. I now know what I have to do – I must return to hell one last time.



my thoughts~
I had a hard time with this book. I didn't know if it was the book or the fact that I knew after this one, there would only be one more and so I was wanting to drag this one out. It had all the things I loved in the previous 6 books. Jaz. Vayl. Cole. Bergman. I enjoyed reading the book, when I actually sat down to read. But still, it took me 4 days!  I would read a little and stop to do something else. In the end, I loved it. But I am sad knowing that I only have one more book to read in the series. 

Waiting On Wednesday(05/18/11)

Word has leaked to Anita Blake that hit men are headed for St. Louis- and that she, Jean-Claude, and Richard are the targets.

Publishing Details

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated

Date: June 07, 2011

ISBN13: 9780425241134

ISBN: 0425241130

BINC: 3266068





I know that I've said that I have issues (and skipping) most of the s-e-x scenes the later books have had. I've heard that Hit List is close to LKH's earlier writing (but with the sex included). So, I look forward to reading Hit List and seeing for myself if the reviews I've read hold true!

Audiobooks...do you listen?

Recently, I've began listening to audiobooks. I've tried on various occasions, but always found them hard to follow for some reason. A month ago, I bought a bike and thought I would get a book on CD from the library and listen while I ride. It's FABULOUS! I love listening to someone read the book! I listen while I clean house, garden and of course ride my bike! In the last month, I've listened to Halfway To The Grave, Naked In Death, Glory In Death and I just finished Ceremony In Death! (I know, I've already read these books!) I'm addicted, I think! So my questions to you... do YOU listen to audiobooks? Do you count it as 'reading' a book?

Teaser Tuesday (05/17/11)

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading! It's a great way to check out what your fellow bloggers are reading. Anyone can play! Here are the rules:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from the page. PLEASE DON'T INCLUDE SPOILERS!
• Share the author and title of the book so that others can add it to their TBR list if they want.

my teaser~

Relaxed Ra.ul was a whole different guy. Like somebody you'd want to go bowling with, because between frames you knew he'd have you rolling with stories about when he and his buddies had once hung a gigantic sign lined with old-lady bloomers from the high school roof that said NOW WE KNOW WHY NOBODY BAKES LIKE GRANDMA!

Bitten In Two by Jennifer Rardin
page 79

In My Mailbox05/15/11

audiobooks from the library~
Glory In Death by J.D. Robb
The first victim was found lying on a sidewalk in the rain. The second was murdered in her own apartment building. Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas had no problem finding connections between the two crimes. Both victims were beautiful and highly successful women. Their glamorous lives and loves were the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with men of great power and wealth provided Eve with a long list of suspects--including her own lover, Roarke. As a woman, Eve was compelled to trust the man who shared her bed. But as a cop, it was her job to follow every lead...to explore every secret passion, no matter how dark. Or how dangerous.

Immortal In Death by J.D. Robb

It is 2058, New York City. Lieutenant Eve Dallas uncovers a world where technology can create beauty and youth, but passion and greed can destroy them.She was one of the most sought-after women in the world. A top model who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted -even another woman's man. And now she's dead, the victim of a brutal murder.Police lieutenant Eve Dallas puts her life on the line to take the case when suspicion falls on her best friend, the other woman in the fatal love triangle. Beneath the facade of glamor, Eve finds that the world of high fashion thrives on an all-consuming obsession with youth and fame-one that leads her from the lights of the runway to the dark underworld of New York City, where drugs can fulfill any desire, for a price
Rapture In Death by J.D. Robb
When the autopsies of three suspicious suicides reveal small burns on the brains of the victims, Eve's investigation turns to the provocative world of virtual reality games--where the same techniques used to create joy and desire could also prompt the mind to become the weapon of its own destruction.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.
the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.
the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished. As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body, but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....

reviews

Termination Orders: Code Name Cobra

posts

Teaser Tuesday

Waiting On Wednesday

my week

Oh my! The weather this week has been FABULOUS! I am loving it! Sunday was Mothers Day and this is what my wonderful kids gifted me with!

From Matt~ A delicious Cookie Cake!

And from Brittni~These beautiful flowers!

The rest of the week I spent riding my bike (19.9 miles!) and getting my few tomato plants in. I haven't read much, mostly listened to audiobooks while I'm riding or working outside! How was your week?

Termination Orders: Code Name Cobra By Leo Maloney

Leo Maloney, former Black Ops contractor, penned this action thriller novel as a quasi-memoir about the dark but arguably necessary side of intelligence that the government officially denies. The book spans the late 1960's through 2001 depicting events witnessed first-hand by the author embodied in the hero, Dan Morgan. It is a masterly blend of Black Ops intrigue interwoven with imaginative sequences of fiction. The reader must guess which accounts are real and which are merely storytelling.

Termination Orders: Code Name Cobra races the reader through a twisting plotline, populated by memorable characters who make their way through a tangled web of ethical questions, personal priorities, and suspense. The storyline is comprised of counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and target reconnaissance, in a crescendo of events set across three continents from a fireside ambush at a Kandahar village pig roast, to the vast inner halls of the CIA, to a window-ledge view through a sniper scope aimed at Gaddafi in Libya.


My thoughts:

I really liked this book. From page one, it kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next. The characters were believable and easy to like or hate, depending on whether or not they were the good guys. I would love to see this book made into a movie. It was an easy read with chapters that weren't too long, and written so that someone who doesn't know a lot of "military speak" could understand.

Waiting On Wednesday(05/11/11)

the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night.  Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side – and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.But is Zoey really safe?  Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (November 8, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312650256

Teaser Tuesday (05/10/11)

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading! It's a great way to check out what your fellow bloggers are reading. Anyone can play! Here are the rules:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from the page. PLEASE DON'T INCLUDE SPOILERS!
• Share the author and title of the book so that others can add it to their TBR list if they want.

my teaser~
Devlin's gaze met mine again and I felt a deep shudder go through me. "Then we'll have to let her lead us to the killer." 
"Her?"
"The victim. The dead have a lot to say if you're willing to listen."


The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
pg 57 (eBook)