IMM - In My Mailbox

This month I got a few new babies from Amazon:

There was this whole mess about the breastfeeding scene in the cover, so OF COURSE I had to buy and read this comic to support Fiona Staples. XD

Oh, and one more Kresley Cole book to my collection!

My L.H. Cosway collection is complete. For now. (There's more to come in 2015! YAY!)

I also got "Waistcoats and Weaponry" AND the omnibus edition with the first three books from the Soulless collection, all from of one my fave authors, Gail Carriger!!! *-*

P.S.: The post-its are my favorite quotes from "Soulless", "Changeless" and "Blameless". :P

(Now I'm waiting for customs/local post office to release my baby deliver my "The Parasol Protectorate, vol. 2 - It contains the last two books of the series, "Heartless" and "Timeless".) I seriously LOVE Alexia and Conall. And Lord Akeldama. And on and on it goes... ^_^

And here's my Schnauzer, yawning, as a cute bonus. :P

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

Short review of a short tale: The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't, the Mummy That Was, and the Cat in the Jar by Gail Carriger

     

The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't, the Mummy That Was, and the Cat in the Jar 

by Gail Carriger

(The title is almost longer than the story. XD)

      I loved to see more of Floote! (I never knew he could talk so much. Alexia would surely faint.) The language/dialogues were just as clever/amusing/well-written as always, but I simply couldn't like Alessandro much. He was incredibly smart, had a dry sense of humor, impeccable style... but he was too... tough, too ruthless, I guess. Maybe we simply didn't have much time to really get to know him? Or maybe it was his support to the Templars that did me in. Even if it was expected. However, I really wish he had lived long enough to see his daughter married to a werewolf. XD Now THAT would be amusing. (Even if I am quite aware she would probably have been raised just like him, being taught to hate/kill everything paranormal).
       The cat on the jar was pretty interesting (the silliness made me smile a lot), but the mummy thing was even more so!! I mean, could there be other types of weres? I was expecting to see a little fling or romance, as well. Leticia didn't sound as bad at that time, either. LOL. It was short, fun tale, but it was lacking something. It made me smile, though, so it's all good. (I dare you to pick up any book by Gail and NOT laugh or at least smile a bit).
       ANYWAYS, now I want to re-read the whole series AND the manga collection. :) It's a win-win situation for me.

Vintage Covers: Love or Hate them?

What do you think about vintage covers? These are from books from the 80's and 90's. I find them pretty to look at (they have this 'artistic' thing going on), but the stories are not usually my cup of tea.
In older romance novels, I have noticed, the hero tends to be old(er), in his late 30s/40s and so (not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not my thing), and the heroine is usually 15 or so, which, (again, in my opinion) is a no-no. That kind of thing didn't bother me when I was younger (go figure), when I read anyhting I could get my hands on, but now that I'm older and more book-snobbish (XD), I prefer modern titles. They suit me just fine, even if they're not as "realistic" as the older ones. I like my heroines strong and my heroes not so rape-ish/caveman-ish, as most of them were. Sure, even now some of them still are like that, but there's something for everyone.

But I'm getting WAY off track here. I was going to talk about covers, and how they were much lovelier back then. Well, most of them. (Don't even get me started on Rejar). What I did notice is that my friends tend to make MORE fun of the covers of the books I read when they're more recent, featuring people.

These, and they agreed with me, look "alright".  They're all medieval romances, but I'm sure that's just a coincidence.

When I read this one, though... well, let's just say they still tell jokes about it, and it's been four years or so:

I mean... where to even start? I can't even... yeah. And if you look at Dara Joy's other covers, things don't improve much. (It's not her fault, though, it's a 90's thing, I think... even if this one is from 1999). :P

I'm glad most writers are starting to not use cover models as much (especially in YA. For some reason, it really bothers me to see close-ups in covers. But I'm weird like that). 

Just look at Julia Quinn's books. All pleasantly model-less (is that a word?).

Yes, I KNOW they still have the old-fashioned couples inside the cover, but at least they're not up front.

Weirdly, though, I don't care much when the cover models don't appear facing forward. I prefer it when they're in profile, or just parts of their muscled bodies show... *-*

These also look fine to me, but the ones with the couples would still make me feel a tad embarrassed to read in public. Which is really stupid, but something I can't help:

In conclusion (even if I didn't really reach one), I guess it all depends on your taste and the quality of the photoshopped covers. And the models expressions and body language. Yeah... >.>

Let's just stick with: Don't judge a book's cover until you've read it. Yes, that sounds about right. AND, if it's published with a new and improved cover, go for it.

TBR Pile for November

A bit late, I know, but life has been crazy. XD

I'm looking forward to reading some of my favorite writers! Amanda Quick, Veronica Rossi, Kresley Cole and J.R. Ward are always winners for me. Or, as most bloggers call 'em, they're in my "insta-buy" list. :)

Lover Mine

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night

The Darkest Lie
Scandal
Into the Still Blue
Paranormalcy
Dualed
The Evolution of Mara Dyer

One of my favorite book quotes

This lovely and touching quote is from The Sterkarm Handshake, one of my favorite books of all time.

This other amazing quote is from the sequel:

"For there's sweeter rest 

On a true love's breast 

Than any other where." - The Sterkarm Kiss

Susan Price, we love you and need the third book! XD Pleeeeeease!! <3

Book Review and Recommendation: Still Life With Strings (5 Stars)

Still Life With Strings

L.H. Cosway

     My first book by L.H. Cosway was Painted Faces, which I LOVED, and so I just had to go and read every single other book she has ever written. That's when I found THIS baby here. I mean, just look at that COVER!!! It gives me chills! Butterflies in the stomach!! Makes my heart squeeze painfully with its beauty/peacefulness/promise.

    Now, let me tell you: the actual book has everything this perfect cover conveyed!! A super talented hottie with a dramatically painful past. I mean, the violin!? THAT IS THE MOST ROMANTIC INSTRUMENT EVAH!!

And our heroine!!! Cosway ALWAYS hits the mark with them! They're ordinary women, but with a TWIST! She "stands still for money". Isn't that intriguing? And admirable. I couldn't do it. :) (But then again I don't have a problematic/charming family to support). ;D

   And when they MEET!!! Woooeh. Sparks flew from my book!! Suuuuuuuuper sexy and unexpected! They are so cute and adorable and difficult and painful together! I simply fell in love with them! Also, let's not forget the music! The way it was described, the things the characters felt while playing/listening to it... it almost brought tears to my eyes! It was as if I was there. :D I've always enjoyed classic music, and the violin was always my favorite (am I repeating myself?), but Cosway made me see things under a different light now. Things just got much more... enjoyable and special.

    Not many books will actually manage to touch you, or to change you a little bit, like this one. I couldn't possibly recommend this author MORE!!!

*I wasn't paid to write this and used my own copy for review. XD*

This book is now available in this special ebook bundle, Rockers After Dark.

Book Review/Recommendation: Dangerous by Amanda Quick

      

Dangerous by Amanda Quick

      This baby here was one of those masterpieces one finds every once in a while in used book stores. :) I've always been a fan of Amanda Quick (strangely enough, I've never cared much for Jayne Ann Krentz. Crazy, I know, seeing as they are one and the same. XD. Anyways...). It hooked from the very first page, something that doesn't happen so often, and managed to amuse and entertain me for hours on end! I admit, and if you've read more than a couple of books by this author you would know what I mean, that there were some clichés/some sort of formula very common in her stories:

       A wallflower/serious studying type of woman+ a DANGEROUS/adventurous sort of man, or vice versa. 

        But the thing is: it WORKED quite well this time! I don't know if Amanda/Jayne was especially inspired while writing it, or if maybe I was the one in a good mood (I've noticed that a reader's mood does reflect on a book's quality/final rating sometimes. :P), whatever it was, it was my favorite among all the other historicals she wrote (and I've read almost all of them).
         The Fallen Angel, Lord Angelstone, was such a complex, intriguing, delicious character! I was already half in love with the guy after only a handful of chapters!! And Prue!!! It's been SO LONG since I've felt a real connection with a heroine! She was actually LIKEABLE! It probably did help, I'm afraid, that she had a terrible sense of style, was way too intelligent for her own good and had a taste for "spectral phenomena", all reasons for her being labeled as an "Original" by the ton. I really adored her!!        And the two of them together were perfection!!
        It's couples like these, that complement each other, having snarky and smart conversations, as well as smoldering intimate scenes (all pretty tame and romantic, but INTENSE!!) that give me some hope (or at least some desire) for a serious relationship of my own. Not that you would care. :P LOL.

Point is: I LOVED the romance in this one!!! I could actually SEE/FEEL the characters falling for each other. So adorable, funny, amusing and touching. A masterpiece!! Please, if you're in the mood for a GREAT book, give this one a try.

David Levithan tells it all. :)

This book, The Lover's Dictionary, is simply amazing. :D This author really has a way with words.

Cover Reveal: Killer Queen by L.H. Cosway

We are pleased to share with you the cover for Killer Queen, the companion novel to Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway (WHICH I ADORED!!!), scheduled for release on October 20th. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue.

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.

The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.

Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

Cover Designed by: Letitia from Romantic Book Affairs











I was immediately happy to be left alone with my most recent object of attraction, and tried to think of a way to endear myself to her. She seemed a little defensive, and I didn’t like it. She was focused intently on stirring a pot of simmering bolognaise, not paying me any notice. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I walked across the room and stepped up right behind her, taking her by the hips and affectionately resting my head on her shoulder.

Sometimes, forcing physical closeness with women worked for me. Not that kind, I’m not completely depraved. Often though, women liked it when I took them into my arms for a hug or pulled them onto my lap to sit. Unfortunately, Fred’s entire body went ramrod straight the moment I touched her. I instantly regretted the move, but at the same time I didn’t. Her supple hips felt good beneath my palms.

“Smells delicious, Fred,” I told her, brazenly giving her a squeeze. It was ridiculously inappropriate, but I wanted a reaction out of her. Needed one. Still, she barely moved and instead gave me a one word reply, “Yep.”

I leaned closer, allowing my breath to whisper across the back of her neck. She shivered and I think I saw her breath hitch, which made me grow a little hard. “The wine cost twenty Euros, and I got it from the off-licence down the road.”

“Oh, very la di da, Viv. You must be a big spender.”

I grinned, liking how she was subtly taunting me by continuing to call me by a woman’s name. “You like calling me Viv, do you?”

“What can I say, feminine blokes really do it for me.”

Enjoying this interaction, I decided to up the ante a level…or twenty. I spoke low and quick into her ear. “I can do that, if it's what you're into. In fact, I can be whatever you want me to be. I don't think it is, though. I think you're the kind of woman who likes a man to take the lead.” Then I pulled her hips back into mine. The feel of her soft arse flush against my cock did wonderful things. Wonderful things. I was having visions of throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her into my apartment so that I could have my wicked way with her. Unfortunately, my forwardness was not taken in the manner I had intended. Pulling swiftly out of my hold, she lifted up her stirring spoon and pointed it at me, as though it were a weapon that would keep me at arm’s length.

“Okay. Listen here, back the hell up or I'll knee you in the balls.”

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

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♥READ THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL!♥
Painted Faces

Amazon | Amazon UK | Goodreads

(It was simply AMAZING! I would've given it 300 stars, if possible!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Heart of Hannen by Fawn Bonning

I'm reposting this review because the book now has a new cover!!! (Much improved!). The plot is really good, so give this baby a try. :) (Remember what they say... don't judge it by its cover.)

The Heart of Hannen
by Fawn Bonning

Paperback, 484 pages

Published March 22nd 2011 by Old Line Publishing, LLC

Christine, a troubled teen with a dark past, is miserable in her small town. Shadowed in shame, she feels destined to live her lonely life as an outcast. She has no idea that her true destiny lies in a different town, in a different world; a most brutal world called Atriia. There she learns the true meaning of misery, the true meaning of loneliness, the true meaning of shame. But she also learns that her bravery is boundless as she battles against a formidable foe, a dark shadow that tries to smother the land. And in the arms of a most unlikely candidate, she also learns the true meaning of love. He is Hannen Fallier, the one they call the foul fraigen dropper, revered by men for his fearless feats, but looked upon by women with open disdain. With a face horribly mauled, he hides behind a mask of shame, deeming himself unworthy of love. That he would seek acceptance from Christine is irony in its purest form. That he would seek her love . . . the ultimate betrayal.

_____________________________

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book! I won it from my first Goodreads giveaway! *-*

I must admit I first judged it by its cover. I thought it might not be so well-written, but I was very mistaken. It was fantastic. I loved the story and the characters.

I really enjoyed seeing how the main character, Christine, grew up! She suddenly finds herself alone in this strange, unknown place called Atriia, where everything is different from Earth. She deals with rude, aggresive, male-chauvinists and strange social costumes, not to mention the weird food and language, but manages to adapt quickly, and very well. I'm not sure I would've been as strong as she was.

Hannen found his way into my heart from the very start. (and when you read it, you'll see exactly what I mean with 'from the very start'). Such a complicated, strong, sweet character. Very well thought of and developed.

I was a bit confused at first with the new 'language' the author introduces to us, but eventually I got the hang of it. (It was only afterwards that I noticed there was a glossary at the end of the book. Silly, slow little me. >.<)

It was a dark, dramatic and sad book, but also very touching. Needless to say, I cried. Hard.

Of course, I wish I could have changed the ending and maybe have seen a bit more of a couple of characters, but it was still great. The book is a bit long, but it's not tiring at all! This one is a keeper. :)

I'm SO glad I had the chance to review it, otherwise I might have never heard of it. Thank you, Fawn Bonning!!!

Now, you! Go ahead and get it, you'll love it too. It's an excellent pick for romance and fantasy lovers.

Gail Carriger wishing me a Happy Birthday!!! XD

I LOVE every single one of her books. She is one my very favoritest authors EVER, so this meant SO much to me!!!  :D

IMM - In My Mailbox

This week I got quite a lot of ebooks, but only one physical book. It's Swans are Fat Too, that I've read in ebook format a few months ago and loved! Here's my review.

Ebooks:

Carrots - Colleen Helme

Like - JA Huss

Uncivilized - Swayer Bennett (great cover, but a DNF for me)

Marking Tume - April White

I was in the mood for some more Wonderland, so... 

Kingdom Collection: Books 1-3 - Marie Hall (freebie)

The Seduction - Roxy Sloane (freebie)

FOR REVIEW:

Lady Beauchamp's Proposal [Kindle Edition] Amy Rose Bennett

My review is here.

What did you get this week?

Review: Lady Beauchamp's Proposal by Amy Rose Bennett

Lady Beauchamp's Proposal

by Amy Rose Bennett 

Synopsis: A runaway countess finds love when she least expects it…but she can’t hide from her past forever.

Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp, fears for her life. When she discovers her dissolute and long-estranged husband has syphilis—and he wants to beget an heir no matter the cost—she flees to a remote part of Scotland to begin a new life as the widowed governess, Mrs. Beth Eliott at Eilean Tor Castle. 

When Mrs. Eliott unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep, the reclusive and recently widowed Marquess of Rothsburgh is both irritated and intrigued. No longer in need of a governess—his young daughter now resides with his sister’s family in Edinburgh—he proposes the beautiful widow fill a position of a different kind…

Torn between staying true to her marriage vows and her wanton attraction to the devilishly handsome marquess, Elizabeth struggles against the temptation to become his mistress. But living a lie is not easy when you have fallen in love. And secrets always have a way of coming out…

___________

My Review

*I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

           I first saw this title on a Book Tour, and the minute I read the blurb and excerpt, I just knew I had to read it. I have never seen a historical romance even mention the great pox, or syphilis, before, let alone use it as such a big and important part of the plot. And that is how we first meet our heroine, Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp. Freaking out about her (drunk) husband's (unexpected) visit to her bedchamber, after a loooong dry spell. We quickly learn that the handsome blonde Hugh doesn't care much for his wife, only mistresses and whores, and it was a letter from one of those that let Elizabeth know for sure what the new "marks" on her husband were. Syphilis. Something he clearly wasn't concerned about, seeing as he, all of a sudden, wanted to try and beget an heir in her. So she did what she could. She ran!!! All the way to Scotland. ;)

            There, disguised as Mrs. Beth Eliott, she starts to work for the reclusive Marquess of Rothsburgh, a dark and sensual man. Soon enough (really, instant attraction) the sparks start to fly. I enjoyed their chemistry a lot. The scenes were hot, but not at all vulgar. Rothsburg was such a touching and unique character! Betrayed and brokenhearted by his terrible witch (no offense to actuall witches) of a first wife, he was left to raise a child from another man, being known as a cuckold and a joke amongst the ton. 

           So, that's the thing. The book started with a bang, the secondary characters were all charming, the dialogues were smart and daring, but at some point I stopped caring about Beth a little. I'm not sure why, she just seemed to have lost her... energy, or courage. I couldn't understand or agree with some of her actions.

            I LOVED the dogs from the castle!!! They were Rothsburgh's only companions. Delightful creatures, very well-portrayed. I was sincerely curious to see how the author would manage their happy ending, seeing as she was still MARRIED to her awful husband... but then we find out some very important things... and it all starts to fall into place.

            Lady Beauchamp's Proposal was a lovely read, full of surprises and interesting themes we don't see much in ordinary romances. That alone is a good enough excuse for you to check it out. :) The romance was really there. I could almost feel their love for each other. Sure, we knew they would fall madly in love with each other, but it wasn't instant. The lust was instant, but the love grew. (Yes, this sounds a but yucky, but I can't help feeling sentimental once in a while). 

             Grab a copy and lose yourself in this amazing tale. 

            .

Review: Angelfall by Susan Ee

Angelfall by Susan Ee

I'm not really a big "angels in books" fan, but damn! That Raffe really was something!

The minute I started reading, I felt myself connecting to Penryn and her sister. I also instantly disliked her mom, despite her condition not being her fault and all that. Anyway, it's sort of bittersweet, much like what Penryn feels for her.

Now, let's talk about that name. THAT WAS A PAIN IN MY TONGUE. Penryn. If I didn't already know for sure her mom was batshit crazy... I have no idea how to pronounce that. I kept trying to read it in my inside voice, but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right...

Anyway... LOVE that Raffe, an ANGEL, was agnostic! I was afraid that a book with angels would be too religious and preachy and stuff, but nope. That was refreshing. ;) It also didn't hurt that he was hot. And had a mysterious sword.

Looking foward to the next book! UPDATE: The second book was even BETTER!!!! I need the third one NOW!!