12 Days of 2012: Day 5 Best Villain

BEST VILLAIN 

This year I got to read about a lot of interesting characters. Superheroes, cowboys, cowgirls, secret agents, doctors, schoolteachers, accountants, lawyers, wizards, elves and some other categories that I can't remember what they're called. Some were good guys, some were bad guys. Out of those bad guys I read about, some stuck with me. So, here you have my top 5 villains:

1. Graham from The Syrenka series by Amber Garr - the sneakiest bad guy I've ever read about. And the most surprising. 
2. Mab Monroe from Elemental Assassin by Jennifer Estep - the most psychotic and the most cruel woman 
3. The false King  from The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa - the most ironic situation ever and the most shocking.
4. Voldemort from Harry Potter by J.K Rowling - the most cruel villain ever
5. Saruman from Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien - the most devious

Now, don't say that the last two aren't fair. In my defense, I did reread both those series this year and I had fun doing it :D

What about you? Did you read about any "good" villains?

Happy Holidays!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you have a great day and that you're surrounded by the most important people in your life and that Santa brings you lots of presents, joy and love.

I'm sorry I've been missing, but I managed to injure my hand in the most idiotic way imaginable: while cooking. Don't ask, 'cause I'm just too embarrassed to say anything about it. Just know that I couldn't type with just one healthy hand, which also happened to be my left, non-dominant one. But I'm better now and I promise to go back to the normal program starting tomorrow.

Now go have fun and open lots of prezzies :D

12 Days of 2012: Day 4 Best New For Me Authors

BEST NEW FOR ME AUTHORS

At the end of 2011 I decided to sign up for a lot of reading challenges. One of them was New Author Reading Challenge hosted by Jackie @ Literary Escapism. I had a very good time completing that challenge. I discovered a lot of great authors through it. These are my top 10 new for me authors:

1. Julie Kagawa
2. Amber Garr
3. Richelle Mead
4. Resa Nelson
5. Kelley Armstrong
6. Mary Parker
7. Helen Smith
8. Marissa Meyer
9. L. Filloon
10. Sherri Hayes

If you want to see the complete list of the new authors, go here. As always, keep in mind that there are many other authors from that list that won me over with their stories :D

15 Opening Lines - My Favorite Books

A few days ago I saw a list with 21 classic opening lines in books and out of all the books mentioned I've only read 2: Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter. I wonder, why doesn't someone make a list like that with books I actually love? Not that the two I've read from that list aren't good and among my favorite, but there should be more. Anyway, I decided to make my own list, though a tad shorter (just 15 books). I've included both YA and adult books and I'll have a +18 for books with explicit language. Feel free to add more if you want:

1. "This story is about a man named Eddie and it begins at the end, with Eddie dying in the sun" -  The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
2. "Amy Jo Foster had loved Cord McKay her entire life" - Cowgirl Up and Ride by Lorelei James (+18)
3. "Pippin looked out from the shelter of Gandalf's cloak" - The Return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien
4. "Zarek leaned back in his seat as the helicopter took off" - Dance With The Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon (+18)
5. "I am the vampire Lestat" - The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice (+18)
6. "What fresh humiliation does this day bring?" - Lothaire by Kresley Cole (+18)
7. "He hated the forest" - Stolen by Kelley Armstrong (+18)
8. "Still in bed, Lucas eyed the screen on his furiously blinking pager" - Seven Days for an Eternity by Marc Levy
9. ''It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.'' - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
10. "The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane" - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling
11. "I found the note taped to my door when I got home from work." - Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris (+18)
12. "I never thought I would beg for death." - Arise by Amber Garr
13. "Goddamn it, Zsadist! Don't jump—"- Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward (+18)
14. "From the river, it looked as if two suns were setting over London " - Interred with Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell
15. "Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies, with Uncle Henry, who was a farmer, and Aunt Em, who was the farmer's wife." - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

12 Days of 2012: Day 3 Best Book Couples

 BEST BOOK COUPLES

Hey everyone! Today is a new day of lists *yay*. As you know, I'm a big fan of anything romance. I'm not ashamed to say it even in real life and I never hide the book I'm reading (if I get weird looks, I always respond with "hey, at least I'm reading".) But that's not the point.

Over the course of this year I've fallen madly in love with some couples. They make me laugh, cry, cringe and sometimes very, very mad. But mostly happy. I read about them and my day just gets better. I'm going to share the top 10 couples that I've read about this year. Before I start, I'll let you know that I'm only going to talk about the main characters of the book/s or series. I'll leave secondary characters and couples alone (even though there is one couple of secondary characters that I adore, but I'm afraid that would be spoilerish). Oh, one other thing. I know I say "top 10" and they're all numbered, but believe me when I say that: 1. the order is completely unimportant, I love them all like crazy and 2. there are so many more couples that I loved to read about in 2012, but I can't list them all, sorry.

So here it goes:

1. Rose & Dimitri - Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy) by Richelle Mead - She's funny, smart, sarcastic, he looks great (at least in my imagination) and he has GREAT taste in music. What more can you wish for? (read my review here)
2. Elena & Clayton - Bitten (Women of the Otherworld) by Kelley Armstrong - I love werewolves. I have other reasons to love this couple, but I'll keep it simple :D (read my review here)
3. Keely & Jack - All Jacked Up (Rough Riders) by Lorelei James - The wild McKay girl finds her match! I've reread this book many times, but I can never get tired of it. 
4. Anna & Kai - Sweet Evil (The Sweet Evil Trilogy) by Wendy Higgins - They complete each other in a way that is so cute and sexy at the same time. (read my review here)
5. Gin & Owen - Venom (Elemental Assassins) by  Jennifer Estep - I love them together. And Owen is a really great guy, unlike "Look-at-me-I-have-no-spine" Donovan Caine.
6. Eviana & Kain - Arise (The Syrenka) by Amber Garr - I was surprised by this couple, because I didn't think they were a great match in the beginning. But now I have to say that I couldn't have imagined a different ending to their story. (read my review here)
7. Jaime & Jeremy - No Humans Involved (Women of the Otherworld) by Kelley Armstrong - Do I need to say why? I know it will surprise you, but I really love Jeremy *giggles* That is, in case you didn't know already :P (read my review here)
8. Mana & Vaughn - A Feast of Souls (Araneae Nation) by Hailey Edwards- Can't say the whys,  because this book just came out yesterday and not many managed to read it so fast, I think. It's just that their story has a favorite element of mine :D (read my review here)
9. Ellie & Lothaire - Lothaire (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole - Lothaire *drool* And Ellie was very funny and smart. And she kept the big, bad-ass vampire on his toes :D (read my review here)
10. Sidney & Adrian - Bloodlines (Bloodlines) by Richelle Mead - I might not have liked Adrian so much in the Vampire Academy series (I had eyes only for Dimitri), but he's growing on me in Bloodlines. And I think he's perfect for Sidney.

What about you? Do you have a favorite couple or two or three that you read about this year?

12 Days of 2012: Day 2 Best Books from my TBR pile

Best Books from my TBR pile

I'm only sharing the top 5, because I haven't really managed to read too many books from my TBR pile this year. Then again, my TBR "pile" has now become a small island *sighs* And my wallet is sobbing. I can actually hear the poor thing sobbing whenever I enter a bookshop.

Anyway, here's my list:

1. Blood Promise - Richelle Mead - As I've told you before, I finally gave in and read this series. I loved it all, but since I have to choose, I have to say that this was my favorite from the entire series.
2. Eternal Rider - Larissa Ione - Ah, Ares... I can't express how much I loved him. I loved the entire series and (as I've said in the review for Rogue Rider) I loved Thanatos more. But I'm choosing Ares' story, because it's the first one in the series. Just know that I loved the entire series :D
3. Bitten - Kelley Armstrong (read my review here) - I actually have to thank Carmel from Rabid Reads and Lucy from Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf for reading this series. I loved it so much and I'm sad that it's finished. I'm also a little bit angry with myself that I wasn't there from the very beginning. I love this series so much it's not even funny. Yes, I'm obsessed with it :p
4. Spider's Revenge - Jennifer Estep - So far, I feel like this is the best book of the Elemental Assassin series. I loved it and I could finally see some of the things I was hoping for to happen becoming reality in this book.
5. No Humans Involved - Kelley Armstrong (read my review here) - Jeremy and Jaime. But mostly Jeremy. Nekkid Jeremy *le sigh* 

If you'd like to see what other books from my TBR monster-pile I read in 2012, head here. I haven't finished all the reviews for them, sorry for that. 

So, what books from your TBR list did you love more?

Book Review: Web Of Lies by Jennifer Estep

Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #2
Publisher: Pocket Books
Release Date: May 25th 2010
My Rating: 3.5 cups
Blurb (from Goodreads):

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.

I'm Gin Blanco.

You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coalmining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man . . . dead or alive.

This was an interesting continuation of Gin's story. I'd really like to start by showing the middle finger to a certain annoying character. But more on that later.

I like that we learn more about Fletcher's past. We start to understand more about him. I have a feeling it would have been nice to have him around, to have more time with him. I'm still pretty sad that he had to die *pout*

Finn is always such an entertaining character. He's very funny and I like how he's constantly flirting with each and every woman around him. I kind of want to see if he'd have what it takes to flirt with Mab Monroe. That would be an interesting scene, right? Anyway, he's always fun and easy going and I love him to death.

I want to know more about the Devereaux sisters. I think there's a big mystery behind them and I want to find out what that is. But I like how Jo-Jo always has advice for everyone. And she always gave me the impression of... the wise old lady. Not that she's old (at least in the series) but she's very wise. Her sister is still a big mystery to me. I'm waiting for that to be unveiled.

Here comes the not so fun part of my review. First, I said I wanted to show the middle finger to a character. That would be Donovan "Spineless" Caine. I hate him. It's really difficult to actually hate a character, but I do. I don't want to ever, ever, ever read about him again. Ever!

One thing that bugged me a little while reading this book was that there were so many repetitions. I understand the need to remind readers of what happened in the previous books, but there is such thing as too much reminding. It did pull me a little from the story. I know what you're going to say, "skip those parts". I've had some other people say that to me many times. But you see, it's the same thing, really, because I know why I'm skipping a paragraph. It still pulls me out of the story and it still kind of ruins the moment if it makes sense. I would be so much happier without the repetitions.

The last thing that I'm still waiting to happen is for Gin to "look" like the big, bad-ass assassin she claims to be. I didn't feel like this was shown as much as it was told. Like we should take it for granted that she is one of the best assassins out there. She might be a bad-ass assassin, but I want to see her being one. I hope that makes sense.

Anyway, I'm starting to like this series. I know it doesn't seem like it, but I do. And (since I'm ahead with my reading) I am actually looking forward to what happens next in the series (can't tell you, because those are major spoilers ;) )

12 Days of 2012: Day 1 Best Covers of 2012

I don't know if I said this before, but I love lists. I didn't use to make lists when I was a kid or a teenager, but about the same time I discovered I was obsessed in love with reading I started making lists. Looong lists. So I though I'd share the lists I made for this year. It has to do with books, I promise not to share any other lists. Anyway, for the next 12 days I'll share my "best of" things book related lists. It's about everything from best covers to best couple to anything you can imagine. So, let's start with Day 1.

BEST COVERS OF 2012

In no particular order, here are 10 of the prettiest covers I've seen this year (yes, it's for books published in 2012):

Paul Marron with red, vampire-ish eyes. I don't need a better reason than that. :D 

Lothaire - Kresley Cole (my review here)

Cowboy boots. Oh, and I'm sure I've mentioned the fact that I luuuuurve cartoon covers. I do, I love them.







Death On Heels - Ellen Byerrum (my review here)

Like when I first saw this cover, the bleeding eye is enough reason for me to love his cover. It's perfectly creepy, if it makes any sense. And the book is good :D






The Immortal Rules - Julie Kagawa (my review here)

I always love a pretty cover that makes the crafty side of my brain go "Ah-HAH!". That's what the design made me feel like when I first saw this cover (have I ever mentioned how much I love jewelry? Not necessarily gold, just jewelry in general and also, not the pricey stuff. I'm okay with any material, even plastic, as long as it's pretty and funky and unique)

I haven't yet read the book, so I don't know if my wish came true about one of the characters (I hope it did though). Anyway, it's a very cool cover :D



Thirteen - Kelley Armstrong 

Another cartoon cover, I know. It's just that they're so pretty! I love them.

Oh, and if you haven't yet read the book, you should. It's very funny :D





I've Got Your Number - Sophie Kinsella (my review here)

This is a very cool cover. The entire series has cool covers. I like the fact that it's all blue and white and maybe a tad black. But mostly blue and white. (I love blue)








A Feast Of Souls - Hailey Edwards (read my review here)

That is a very pretty...horse *grins* The horse is gorgeous! The male model isn't that close to how I pictured Reseph, but he comes very close  (*laughs* no pun intended. No, really, I'm serious)







Rogue Rider - Larissa Ione (read my review here)

Even though I didn't finish this book, I have to admit that this is a very, very pretty cover.






Velveteen - Daniel Marks

I think I stared at this cover a lot. It's very beautiful. I love the fact that there's a link between the cover art and the title. I haven't read the series yet, but the cover makes me want to.

A Beautiful Evil - Kelly Keaton

Maybe I've said this before, but this cover is so awesome. The more I look at it, the more I think about one of the promo posters for the TV show Revenge. And I love the fact that every time I look at the cover, I see new details. 

Something Strange And Deadly - Susan Dennard

There are many, many more books with amazing covers that were published this year. I can't list them all, because this post would never end. But trust me, I loved a lot of covers. 

What covers did you like this year? What's your Top 10 list?

Obsessed With Covers #2

Y'all know how much I love a pretty cover. I think about...40% of the books that end up on my shelves (be they physical or digital) do so because of the covers. Call me shallow but you have to admit that a pretty, shiny cover will catch your eye faster than a dull, boring one. Two, simple rules that I'll follow:

• 1, 2 or 3 (no more than 3, though) covers per week;
• books should be new-ish; no more than 2 years old.

Oh, before I share the covers that made me drool or want to stare at them for hours and hours, I have to say something. This is a semi-original idea. Why semi? Because almost every book blogger has something similar. The only thing I came up with was the title. If by any chance there's another blogger with a similar feature with the same title, I assure you I'm not stealing your idea. I'm just THAT bad with titles. Believe me, I'd love to be smarter and have a witty name for this feature, but I don't. So, no copyright infringement/theft/steal or anything of the sort was desired. All I can say is sorry :P

So, here are the prettiest covers I've seen this week.

This series has such pretty covers. The dress is absolutely gorgeous and I like that there are many, many mirrors behind her. Makes the entire cover look mysterious.


The Elite - Kiera Cass

I love her outfit. I have a thing for corsets. And I'd love to have hair like that, that is wavy without looking like I had a meeting with an electrical wire and I lost.

Oh and for some reason, she kind of reminds me of a young Annie Lennox. I don't know why, but the cover model looks like her, don't you think?



The Girl With the Iron Touch - Kady Cross











What covers caught your eye this week?

Book Review: Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

Author: Karen Marie Moning
Series: Fever #2
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: October 16th 2007
My Rating: 4 cups
Blurb (from Goodreads):

I used to be your average, everyday girl but all that changed one night in Dublin when I saw my first Fae, and got dragged into a world of deadly immortals and ancient secrets. . . .

In her fight to stay alive, MacKayla must find the Sinsar Dubh—a million-year-old book of the blackest magic imaginable, which holds the key to power over the worlds of both the Fae and Man. Pursued by assassins, surrounded by mysterious figures she knows she can’t trust, Mac finds herself torn between two deadly and powerful men: V’lane, the immortal Fae Prince, and Jericho Barrons, a man as irresistible as he is dangerous.

For centuries the shadowy realm of the Fae has coexisted with that of humans. Now the walls between the two are coming down, and Mac is the only thing that stands between them.

I have to start with a confession. I probably would have given this book a very different rating. But, being the curious little creature that I am, I was checking out some discussions on this series and I found out that there's a short story called The Alpha Alternative: JZB Sex Scene. Because I'm me, I had to check it out. And I did. While I wasn't very impressed by it (I wanted the dirty details, what can I say? *shrugs*) it helped me see Barrons in a very different light. So, even though we get the events from Mac's POV, I know that there's always something else behind Barron's behavior (usually his tendencies to act like a jackass). So yes, he's not as bad as he seems or like he wants Mac to believe. He's still a mystery to me, but he's not so... insufferable as before.

Mac is as sarcastic as ever and I like that about her. Sarcasm is always good in a character. And I like that she's still scared of the world, even though she knows what's out there. But there's something else I see in her. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. She seems a little... naive at times. Maybe I'm wrong, but it's the feeling I get. But yes, I do like her all in all.

Besides that, I liked that there's more mystery surrounding the world. I liked that there's also more darkness and more tendencies towards horror than in other paranormal books. It's one of the reasons why I like the series. Oh, I still don't know what to make of some of the things that happened, and V'Lane still gets on my very last nerve, but the horror, the frightening feeling some of the scenes have are what keep making me want to go on with the series.

Speaking of V'Lane, I know a lot of you like him and I've had people telling me to be patient, that eventually I'll get to liking him. I'm still waiting for that to happen. Honestly, I have yet to see something "likeable" in him. Maybe his "death-by-sex fae" status is what makes my expectations so high? I don't know, but I have yet to like him. He actually made me want to smack him in one scene in this book.

If you asked me if you should read this short scene before going on with the series, I'd say I have no idea. I know it changed my perspective. It depends on how you saw the first book and how you want to go on seeing the characters. I don't have an honest answer, but I do know that my view of Barrons is a lot changed. And I know that I will keep reading the book.

Obsessed With Covers #1

Y'all know how much I love a pretty cover. I think about...40% of the books that end up on my shelves (be they physical or digital) do so because of the covers. Call me shallow but you have to admit that a pretty, shiny cover will catch your eye faster than a dull, boring one. Two, simple rules that I'll follow:

• 1, 2 or 3 (no more than 3, though) covers per week;
• books should be new-ish; no more than 2 years old.

Oh, before I share the covers that made me drool or want to stare at them for hours and hours, I have to say something. This is a semi-original idea. Why semi? Because almost every book blogger has something similar. The only thing I came up with was the title. If by any chance there's another blogger with a similar feature with the same title, I assure you I'm not stealing your idea. I'm just THAT bad with titles. Believe me, I'd love to be smarter and have a witty name for this feature, but I don't. So, no copyright infringement/theft/steal or anything of the sort was desired. All I can say is sorry :P

So, here are the prettiest covers I've seen this week.

 This looks like a painting. There's this artist that does paintings like this (can't remember his name, no matter how much I try), but this cover reminded me of some of his art. And I love the purple sky and the icy blue snow. Have I ever told you how much I love snow?



Christmas on Mimosa Lane - Anna DeStefano

 This is a situation in which I hope I never find myself: trapped under a mountain of snow. Then again, if this comes with heat, all-you-can-eat buffet, study-free days and my huge mountain of TBR I wouldn't complain at all...



Trapped - Michael Northrop

I love this cover. It's so pretty with all the branches and holly. And I love the far, far away landscape. And the house. And the lovers kissing under said holly. Though I kind of wish for a snowball fight *grin*



Romancing The Holiday - Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon, Christi Barth

Early Book Review: A Feast of Souls by Hailey Edwards

Author: Hailey Edwards
Series: Araneae Nation #2
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Release Date: December 18th 2012
My Rating: 5 cups
Source:ARC/review copy offered by the author
Blurb (from Goodreads):

The only way to save her is to bind their souls as one.

Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, few things take Mana by surprise. But when a canis lopes into her life, announcing himself as the long-dead father of a childhood friend, she’s shocked. To make matters worse, he has a dire message that she alone can deliver.

Now Mana must face Vaughn, the male who inspired one too many girlish fantasies, and impart the spirit’s message—without acknowledging her source—so the soul can be laid to rest.

With rumors of a burgeoning clan war setting his nerves on edge, the last thing Vaughn needs is for an innocent to get caught in the crosshairs. But the woman he remembers as an awkward girl refuses to leave his side until he’s heard her out. That’s not the only change in her that calls to him. Her kindness soothes his battle-scarred soul—and he craves her in ways a warrior shouldn’t.

When they are both captured, they learn of an even greater threat. The plague devastating the southlands has come to his clan home. And his best—and only—chance to keep his people alive is the female who walks among the dead.

 

I loved this book. So, so much. For me, it was one of those situations when I look at the clock and it's about 10 pm and I say to myself "Okay, I'll read a few chapters. No more than 4". And then read and read and when I look at the clock again I have one of those "oh, crap" moments because it's about 3 am and I have to wake up in about 4 hours and, surprise, I'm way past the first half of the book. Though it might not sound like it, I really love it when a book does that to me, 'cause then it means it's that good :D

I liked Vaughn a lot. I have no idea what is it about arrogant, strong heroes, but I just love them. Vaughn is such a strong character. Strong enough that even the mention of his name commands attention. He's had a rough past and at times I just felt the need to get inside the book and give him a hug. A big bear hug. I liked his strength and his dedication towards doing what was right. I also liked how he believed and respected what Mana was doing, her ability to talk with the dead. I think it made him even more perfect for Mana, the fact that he respected it and that he didn't try to make it sound like some hallucination or something like that.

Mana is one cool heroine. Just the fact that she can spirit walk makes her cool. And she's good for Vaughn. She made him a better person and I felt like for the first time Vaughn was trying to be better for someone. I really liked those two together. And I liked their flirting and teasing.

As with A Hint of Frost, I liked the fact that there isn't an abundance of descriptions, because I could use my own imagination to create some of the aspects of the world. I also liked that there's a little mystery surrounding the plague and where it comes from. I'm very curious to see what happens next and about the various new creatures there are in this world. I'm ready for book 3.

So if you haven't yet read the first book of the series, A Hint Of Frost, start now. You won't be disappointed! 

Sunday Book Soundtrack #5: Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

Sunday Book Soundtrack is a weekly feature at Ruby's Books, where I share some of my bookish soundtracks. Since I discovered my passion for reading years ago, I've discovered that more and more of the songs I loved remind me of certain books. So I thought I'd share my playlists with you. If you want to listen to the songs, I'll post a link to a Youtube video for each and every title. No copyright infringement intended! I'll try to find the official videos for each song. There's no set number for each playlist, sometimes I might have 10, sometimes 5, sometimes if I'm one of my moods I'll have 15. If you want to read more about this feature, click the "show more" button below. 

I read with music. If there's no music, I can't read. And not just read, but almost anything, like studying of cooking or doing chores around the house. The only time I don't have music is when I sleep. And during exams, but that's a different story.

Sometimes it happens that a certain song and a book or a scene from the book I'm reading sort of... click. It's like they were made for each other. At least for me. And so I will almost always think of that particular book when hearing that song. I thought I'd share my book soundtracks with you.

Keep in mind that I have a very... weird taste in music. You'll find mostly rock music, country or the 80s-early 90s music in these lists. I might use some "contemporary" songs from now and then, but don't bet on it being something other than those particular genres. Also, not always the songs will be in English. If I have a link to a translation for the lyrics, I'll post it. If you like a song I'm using, that's fine. If not, that's fine too, just don't say I didn't warn you.

The songs aren't always on a book's playlist for their lyrics. Sometimes they're there for an instrument or for a feeling I get when hearing them. Also, I won't always mention what scene I used them for. If it's not a spoiler, I'll share the scene, if it is a spoiler, I'll let you guess.

Anyway, I hope you like my playlists :)

This week's book soundtrack is Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione (read my review here). I thought since this book was just released that it would be a good idea to publish my soundtrack for it sooner rather than later. That and the fact that I've had a really boring class last week helped :D (But shhh, don't tell on me, okay? I need to look like an innocent, responsible student *snort*)

1. Sully Erna - Sinner's Prayer - I just discovered this album (I have no idea what took me so long) but the moment I heard the lyrics I thought this song was perfect for Reseph. Especially the part with "Heaven's closed for what I've done"
2. The Pretenders - I'll Stand By You - The only thing I can say without giving away too much is that there's this scene with Reseph and Jillian in the bathroom (nothing sexual or hot in that scene, trust me) and the scene right after that and for some reason this song popped into my head. 
3. Brad Paisley & Keith Urban - Start a Band - I can't say why. But there's a very good reason for this song, trust me :D
4. Shinedown - Cry for Help
5. Cher - Turn Back Time - Now, you might ask how is it this song fits here. This one is for Reseph too. But I can't say more. Sowwy!
6. Maroon 5 - One More Night - Again, can't say why. If you've read the book (or when you will read the book) you know (or will know) why.

Book Review: Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Author: Karen Marie Moning
Series: Fever #1
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: October 31st 2006
My Rating:3.5 cups
Blurb (from Goodreads):

MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens.

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death–a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae….

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane–an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book–because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands…

There are moments in my life as a reader when I am kind of scared to read a book/series. Not because of the subject, but because of the number of great things I hear about it. It kind of makes me afraid of being the only one that doesn't exactly like it and like I'm the only one who doesn't get it. I had that fear with Darkfever. Almost every blogger I follow and every person from the reading forums and groups I'm on have read and loved this series. So there was a bit of a pressure when I began reading this book.

The world building is fantastic. I love the history and the way the Fae are described. And I liked that some are hideous like a nightmare. Even I thought they were a little too ugly. But that's good. Again, it's always a good thing to break away from the usual track of things.

Mac was... unique. It's not that I didn't like her, I did. And I liked that she likes nail polish just as much as I do (I'm a girly girl like that *blush*), though I tend to stay with the darker shades myself. I think she's so unique especially because she really is a girly girl. I don't think I've read about a heroine that loves to dress up or wear make up or nail polish so much. I liked that soft side of her. I also liked the fact that she tries to maintain her idea that anything supernatural is just a fairy tale. I liked that she doesn't just get on board with anything, no matter how scary or real things may seem.

The thing I could have done without was the constant "I didn't know it back then, but I would soon find out the truth" thing. Sort of like she's already gone through all that and she's just remembering it. And the more she remembers things, she tries to put two ideas into one. I would've wanted to have this broken into more scenes. Something like "Hey, remember when I said so-and-so did this and that? Well, this is what actually happened". It would be nice to have some more mystery surrounding things and keep me in the dark when it comes to certain aspects of the story. Knowing beforehand that things aren't what they seem makes it a little difficult not to want to jump inside the book and shake Mac a little and tell her the truth about stuff.

Then Barrons came. See, I was sure I would be instantly head-over-heels in love with him. Instead I found him too bossy sometimes and sometimes he kind of pissed me off. Not too much, but enough to want to see Mac smack him. Gibbs' style (on the back of the head for those of you that don't watch NCIS).

The book ended so abruptly I didn't know what hit me. I will be reading Bloodfever, at least to satisfy my curiosity and see if we get some between the sheets action. And maybe Barrons will grow on me. Can't say my opinion about V'Lane, because we haven't seen him so many times yet. Anyway, I'll keep reading.

Day 29 – A book everyone hated but you liked

Umm... I have no idea? I could answer the reverse question, which book I hated that everyone loved. But this one has me kind of blocked. To be honest, I don't really pay attention to that. I usually see if other people with similar tastes in books recommend a book and if I like it then I'm like "Yay, they weren't wrong". But when I "branch out" and try something for myself and I like that book, I don't really check to see if I'm alone or if there are other fans. I just know that I liked the book.

What about you? Do you have a book that you loved but everyone hated?

Early Book Review: Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

Author: Larissa Ione
Series: Lords of Deliverance #4
Publisher: Piatkus
Release Date: November 20th 2012
My Rating: 5 cups
Source: Netgalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

Oh boy. I know I didn't review the other books from this series, but I just can't wait. Let me start by saying that I was oh so very surprised by this book. I didn't expect to love Reseph as much as I did. And I also wasn't expecting to love his book almost as much as I loved Than's book (Lethal Rider). 

In case you haven't read this series (shame on you!), Reseph has been the bad guy for almost the entire series. It wasn't until the very end of Lethal Rider that he gets to become one of the good guys again. Even in his bad I'm-going-to-kill-anything-that-moves state, I didn't hate him as much as I should have. Probably because I knew that his story would come and because I was going to get to read his story really fast (see, there's a good part to this whole late to read a series thing I have going on!). I was hoping for something big for his story and I wasn't disappointed. From the tortured hero to the strong heroine and ending with some surprising news and turns and twists, Rogue Rider has it all. I'll be honest and say that I loved Thanatos out of all three brothers more. Now, before you call me names let me say that yes, I KNOW there's a sister, Limos, as well, but honestly, how can you not love her? Plus, I was just talking about Ares, Than and Reseph. 

Even if I loved Than more, I think Reseph is really close to becoming my second favorite (Ares is trying to hold on with all his power to that title). There's this scene that made me want to grab Reseph's brothers and sister and smack them upside the head. Hard. I know what he did while he was the bad guy was...well, bad, but let's be honest, he wasn't himself. Plus, the guy has an amazing sense of humor.

I loved Jillian. There was this small fear of mine of her character. You know how sometimes you get the scarred heroine that is not strong and too afraid of her past that you want to shake really hard? I was so relieved Jillian isn't one of those female characters. What she's been through in the past was very difficult to overcome, but she made it. She became stronger, partially on her own and partially thanks to Reseph, but she did it. She didn't let fear become her second nature. And I liked her for Reseph. She's a very good influence. And it was cute to see how a "mere human" could be stronger in some occasions that an ancient warrior. 

We get to see Reaver some more and boy, is he one sexy angel. You'll find some curious things about him. And his book is next *squees* 

Bottom line is that I am oh so happy that I got to read this series as well (besides the Demonica series, I mean). I'm also sad that I finished it so fast *pout* If you haven't read this series yet, do it. NOW! Go, buy it and read it. Oh, and remember to read the Demonica series first :D You'll love that one too. Anyway, read it! Just maybe not as fast as I did, so that you won't be in misery waiting for Reaver's book *sigh*

Sunday Book Soundtrack #4 - Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Sunday Book Soundtrack is a weekly feature at Ruby's Books, where I share some of my bookish soundtracks. Since I discovered my passion for reading years ago, I've discovered that more and more of the songs I loved remind me of certain books. So I thought I'd share my playlists with you. If you want to listen to the songs, I'll post a link to a Youtube videos for each and every title. No copyright infringement intended! I'll try to find the official videos for each song. There's no set number for each playlist, sometimes I might have 10, sometimes 5, sometimes if I'm one of my moods I'll have 15. If you want to read more about this feature, click the "show more" button below. 

I read with music. If there's no music, I can't read. And not just read, but almost anything, like studying of cooking or doing chores around the house. The only time I don't have music is when I sleep. And during exams, but that's a different story.

Sometimes it happens that a certain song and a book or a scene from the book I'm reading sort of... click. It's like they were made for each other. At least for me. And so I will almost always think of that particular book when hearing that song. I thought I'd share my book soundtracks with you.

Keep in mind that I have a very... weird taste in music. You'll find mostly rock music, country or the 80s-early 90s music in these lists. I might use some "contemporary" songs from now and then, but don't bet on it being something other than those particular genres. Also, not always the songs will be in English. If I have a link to a translation for the lyrics, I'll post it. If you like a song I'm using, that's fine. If not, that's fine too, just don't say I didn't warn you.

The songs aren't always on a book's playlist for their lyrics. Sometimes they're there for an instrument or for a feeling I get when hearing them. Also, I won't always mention what scene I used them for. If it's not a spoiler, I'll share the scene, if it is a spoiler, I'll let you guess.

Anyway, I hope you like my playlists :)

This week's book soundtrack is for Frostbite by Richelle Mead (read my review here)

1. Adele - One and Only - This song reminded me of Rose and Dimitri. But especially Rose. Can't say more because that will be spoiler-ish for those of you who haven't read the book. 
2. The Beatles - Yesterday - I can't say why I put this song on the list, because that would be a major spoiler. But I feel that it's perfect for a specific scene in the book. 
3. The Buggles - Video Killed The Radio Star - If you've read the book, you know why this song ended up here. Though it wouldn't be my favorite choice for that scene, I can't think of a better one. That and I really like the song.
4. Roxette - How Do You Do
5. Big Mama Thorton - Hound Dog - This is for Adrian. I just couldn't help it. I see this song as his ultimate theme song, at least for Adrian as we know him in Vampire Academy. We'll see if I change my mind after I read the Bloodlines series (judging only by the first two books, I'd be tempted to change the song. Not yet though, I'm still waiting to see what he has planned next :D )

Day 28 – Favorite title

I... don't have a favorite title. Not that I know of. But I usually like that the book I'm reading has memorable titles. If they're stand-alones I don't have many preferences. But if they're part of a series, I kind of like to see some sort of consistency in the title. For example, most of the books in J.R Wards's Black Dagger Brotherhood start with the word "lover" (except the first one which ends with it). So I like that there's a pattern and something common to the titles of each of the books in a series. Especially if the author you're reading writes multiple series at the same time and you need to pinpoint a certain book into a series. (Yes, you can say that I have a little OCD *blush*)

Book Review: Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

Author: Larissa Ione

Series: Demonica #2

Publisher:Forever

Release Date:March 1st 2009

My Rating:4 cups

Blurb (from Goodreads):

Pleasure is their ultimate weapon . . . 

Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn't resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy. 

A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he'd seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever.

As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts-or succumb to a madman's evil plans. 

I thought long and hard about this review, most of all on how to start it. So, after many hours of brainstorming, I've decided to go forward with brutal honesty. I'm sorry in advance if I ruffle some feathers.

When I first read about Shade, in Pleasure Unbound, I didn't like him very much. I didn't understand him at all. The way he acted with women, the way he talked about them... Yes, I understood that as a Seminus demon his needs were more...particular. But I can't say that I accepted him all that much. That, combined with the fact that I really wanted to read Wraith's book, didn't exactly allow me to be ecstatic about reading Shade's story. I am now ashamed of myself. For those of you who might judge Shade before you get to his and Runa's story, let me tell you that you have to wait. I get where you're coming from, but have patience. 'Cause Shade will surprise you. He's so not the shallow, uncaring guy I thought. He's so sweet and sexy. And he's also a tad tortured. He's a great brother and he's very protective of those he cares about. After reading his story I can honestly say that it's impossible not to like him. He also had a kinkier side :D

Runa was amazing. I think she's perfect for Shade. Brave, stubborn, she's able to calm Shade a little, while keeping him on his toes. I was so heartbroken after we get her story. And I liked that her brother tried to protect her after she gets bitten by a werewolf. I liked her brother a lot and I am hoping that we'll get a story for him too.

We get to learn more about the creatures in this series and we get to learn more about the brothers' history. And there's this super hot subplot with a certain half-demon and a human warrior *shivers* It's impossible not to love those two. I just wished they'd get a book just for them. I feel like they need more time in the spotlight.

If you haven't read this series, do stop waiting. It's good and it's a breath of fresh air. Like I said before, I believe that demons are the new vampires :D

Sunday Book Soundtrack #3 - Blade Song by J.C. Daniels

Sunday Book Soundtrack is a weekly feature at Ruby's Books, where I share some of my bookish soundtracks. Since I discovered my passion for reading years ago, I've discovered that more and more of the songs I loved remind me of certain books. So I thought I'd share my playlists with you. If you want to listen to the songs, I'll post a link to a Youtube videos for each and every title. No copyright infringement intended! I'll try to find the official videos for each song. There's no set number for each playlist, sometimes I might have 10, sometimes 5, sometimes if I'm one of my moods I'll have 15. If you want to read more about this feature, click the "show more" button below. 

I read with music. If there's no music, I can't read. And not just read, but almost anything, like studying of cooking or doing chores around the house. The only time I don't have music is when I sleep. And during exams, but that's a different story.

Sometimes it happens that a certain song and a book or a scene from the book I'm reading sort of... click. It's like they were made for each other. At least for me. And so I will almost always think of that particular book when hearing that song. I thought I'd share my book soundtracks with you.

Keep in mind that I have a very... weird taste in music. You'll find mostly rock music, country or the 80s-early 90s music in these lists. I might use some "contemporary" songs from now and then, but don't bet on it being something other than those particular genres. Also, not always the songs will be in English. If I have a link to a translation for the lyrics, I'll post it. If you like a song I'm using, that's fine. If not, that's fine too, just don't say I didn't warn you.

The songs aren't always on a book's playlist for their lyrics. Sometimes they're there for an instrument or for a feeling I get when hearing them. Also, I won't always mention what scene I used them for. If it's not a spoiler, I'll share the scene, if it is a spoiler, I'll let you guess.

Anyway, I hope you like my playlists :)

This week's book soundtrack is Blade Song by J. C. Daniels (read my review here)

1. Godsmack - Voodoo - This song seems perfect for Kit for some reason. Not just Kit, but her sword also. Plus, I love the drums in this song :D Intoxicating (in a very good way)
2. Davit Guetta - Titanium - I know, it has nothing to do with the previous song. But I love Titanium. And it reminds me of Kit in a way.  
3. The Kills - Sour Cherry 
4. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bad Moon Rising - I really don't need a reason to put this song on this particular playlist. I love their music and Bad Moon Rising is like...let's just say everytime I read about a shifter or were-creature I hear this song :D
5. Skid Row - Monkey Business - Spoilers, so I won't say why :P 
6. Nickelback - Side of the Bullet - Fighting scene. And I love the guitar :D

Promo Post - Touching Evil by Amber Garr

With one touch, Leila can see it all.

Leila Marx is trying to put her life back together after her fiancé is murdered. When Detective Garrick Pearson enlists her help with a difficult case, she is thankful for the distraction and the opportunity to use her talents as a touch clairvoyant. Leila and Garrick quickly delve into the mystery behind a series of missing teenage girls and mummified corpses while discovering their own growing attraction to each other. 

Conner Hoffman is an intriguing lawyer and striking half-demon who enters Leila’s life unexpectedly.  Although her visions are terrifying, she is fascinated by his charm and his legacy. When it becomes evident that the murders are linked to a paranormal event, Conner introduces Leila to a world unbeknownst to ordinary society. She suddenly finds herself immersed in supernatural politics, sorcery, and danger as she becomes the killer’s next target. 

Staying alive will mean relying on friends, accepting the unbelievable, and trusting in her heart again.

Buy at Amazon or Smashwords.

Visit Amber's website to read an excerpt, watch the trailer, and meet the characters.

In celebration of the release, Amber's holding a giveaway!

Open to everyone. Yeah!

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Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of The Syrenka Series and The Leila Marx Novels. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

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