Review: Unhinged/Atrás do Espelho - A.G. Howard

Unhinged (Splintered #2) 

by A.G. Howard

      I read this book during the Read Along held by Michelle the Escapist. :) I used my own hardback copy.

     So, in this book we first find Alyssa very confused with the strange things happening when her blood touches her art, creating mosaics with what appear to be scenes of the future. Jeb is back from London to visit and to go to prom with her, but of course things will not go exactly as planned...

     Morpheus comes to ask her help, seeing as Wonderland is a wreck after Red escaped, and is Alyssa's job to defeat her. Enter some family struggles and dark secrets, along with the return of Jeb's memories and sh*t really hits the fan.

     Unhinged was an excellent second book!!! So, so exciting! A real roller coaster of feelings. AG Howard is a very talented author. When you start to think you've got the hang of things, she surprises you and you discover you actually knew nothing. LOL. I love it when this happens. All her characters are SO well developed and multi-faceted, which is such a refreshing thing in YA, where everybody is usually portrayed as being "black or white", good or evil.

    I keep falling deeper and deeper in love with Morpheus!!! But Jeb also manages to touch my heart, that cutie. Poor Alyssa, you really have your work cut out for you. AND WHAT WAS THAT HUUUUGE CLIFFHANGER???? ARGH, MY HEAAAAAAAAAART!!!

    I am in serious need of a new Wonderland dose. I need Ensnared!!! GIMME!!! (I'm getting violent and abusing my caps lock and punctuation. I should go.). Oh, just one more thing: I LOVE THOSE COVERS!!! Okay, now I'm done.

Neste segundo volume, encontramos Alyssa muito confusa com as coisas estranhas acontecendo quando seu sangue toca a sua arte, criando mosaicos com o que parecem ser cenas do futuro. Jeb voltou de Londres para visitá-la e levá-la à festa de formatura, mas é claro que as coisas não vão acontecer exatamente como planejado...

     Morpheus aparece no mundo real, pedindo a ajuda de Alyssa para "consertar" Wonderland depois da fuga da Rainha Vermelha, já que é obrigação dela derrotá-la. Adicione a isso algumas brigas em família e segredos obscuros passados, juntamente com o retorno das memórias de Jeb e tudo vira uma nhaca só.

     Este foi um excelente segundo livro!!! Tão, tão emocionante! Uma verdadeira montanha russa de sentimentos. AG Howard é uma autora muito talentosa. Quando você começa a pensar que está entendendo as coisas, ela te surpreende e você descobre que, na verdade, não sabia nada. RI MUITO. Eu adoro quando isso acontece. Todos os seus personagens são tão bem desenvolvidos e multi-facetados, o que é muito refrescante em YAs, onde todo mundo é geralmente retratado como sendo "preto ou branco", bom ou ruim.

    Eu continuo me apaixonando mais e mais pelo Morpheus!!! Mas Jeb também consegue tocar meu coração, que gracinha. Pobre Alyssa, você realmente tem uma escolha difícil a fazer. E esse cliffhanger???? ARGH!!!

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.

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.

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

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

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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: Womb of the New World by Mira Noire

Womb of the New World 

by Mira Noire

Synopsis: In a post-nuclear future, the lush pleasure cyborgs of Earth have become powerful, fearsome mutants known as Wroks who rule the wild, desolate Fallout landscape. The Wroks and their leader, Yoevin, desperately hunt for a female capable of mothering a cyborg's child. As the years pass, they struggle while fighting to hold on to the intelligence and humanity granted by their makers centuries ago.

Hidden deep in caverns below, Imogenne and her people survive by cultivating the earth, making rare forays above ground for supplies and fresh resources. But Imogenne is not like the rest of her people. She is wild, sensual, and strangely independent -- like her mother, who disappeared years ago in a Wrok attack. On the verge of being betrothed to a man she does not love and facing the rest of her life underground without adventure or freedom, she is haunted by darkly erotic visions that promise something more beyond the world -- and biology -- she knows. 

When she is captured in a night Wrok raid, Imogenne hopes to escape her new masters and survive by her wits. But she then discovers a horrifying truth: Her body has a will of its own, one that may very well leave her no choice but to become a mother of the New World.

___________

Words: ~19,000. This title contains graphic sexual scenes: m/f, captive sexual submission, voyeurism, mutant cyborg and human intercourse. Do not read this work if you find such themes offensive.

Review

       So... just by looking at the cover you can tell this is not going to be your ordinary book. And, well, it suits different tastes. I, myself, have been known to enjoy all kinds of sick perverted weird unusual genres/characters/plots/body parts. Which is why I decided to give 'Womb of the New World' (love the title!) a try. :) At first I thought they were demons or something, but they're actually cyborgs.

       I won't get very deep into the story of the Wroks, and the post-nuclear world setting much, because it's well enpugh hinted at in the synopsis. What I can say is: this is the kind of crazy science fiction I find most interesting: when machines and humans get too close. How can something inorganic want to be, and feel, human?

      I really, really enjoyed this quick, hot read! Imogenne was a different kind of heroine (not just physiologically. LOL). She was strong, clever and confident in her sexuality.That alone is a refreshing view, when compared to the thousands of virgins in romance these days... *rolls eyes*. The scenes of her with Rolley, the guy she "had some fun with" first, were pretty hot. But the things that happened after, with Yoevin... oh, boy.

      My only problem with it was that it was too short, and the explanations were kind of vague, but I liked how it ended, even if it was a bit predictable.

      The writing was very good, very fluid, with two different POV's. I would definitely read more from this author. Hopefully it'll become a series? :)

Warning: if you're not very open-minded, you should know there are some seriously hot scenes involving forked tongues and extra appendages... (fun! LOL)

*I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review*

Quickie Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

  

 Fire by Kristin Cashore

   I enjoyed Graceling, but Fire... Fire was simply fantastic. She was the kind of character we were all supposed to hate. I mean, she's pure perfection, simply gorgeous, amazing hair, everybody wants her, the king and her super handsome best friend are crazy about her, blablahblah... but we just can't hate her. Because she's also beautiful on the inside. (YES, I know how corny it is, I can hear myself inside my head, thanks). The thing is, it's true. She too cool, too funny and too nice to be just another Mary Sue. Oh, and her love interest is a simple guy, plain in appearances, but with a huge heart. Have I mentioned he has a young daughter? So, YUP. So many non-cliche stuff in this book. I was enchanted by this world, very different from the graceling one, even if we have a terribly frightening little psycho with a red eye. (that little creep freaked me out, seriously).

    Oh, and there's a dog, a fiddle, evil fathers who can be good to their daughters, weird and fascinating monsters who know when Fire is menstruating and young people getting pregnant while others get sterile, and the royalty washing their dirty laundry twenty years after the scandals... it's so much amazeballs. And let's not forget: the cover is gorgeous, and actually has a connection to the story..

I could't put it down.

Review: The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway

The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway 

   I started this book mentally prepared to hate it. I mean, a guy that treats a girl like crap for years then turns out to lurv her? I wasn't so sur, even though I simply ADORE this author and after Painted Faces and Still Life with Strings I have started to think she can do no wrong. Well, turns out I was right. No, not about hating it, but in saying that Cosway really can do no wrong.

   If it were any other author, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to BELIEVE in the hero's feelings of love, regret and, well, cruelty/remorse for his actions, or to even accept his side in things. But (I might be repeating myself, and NO, I'm not being paid to say these things), in this case, with this author, things just... fit, their relationship felt true and real and palpable (it also doesn't hurt that the chemistry between them was immense), I could almost SEE them together, hear them an feel what they were feeling, it was so perfectly and realistically written. (their characters always have something that makes you feel a connection with them, be it their sexuality, their problematic backgrouds, their daddy/mommy issues, their health problems, suicide attempts, diabetes... how can you not fall in love with stories like these?).

It looks like 2014 is the year I break my snobbish book rules.

1) I will not read and/or enjoy books with assholes for heroes. CHECK

2) I don't care much for contemporary romances. CHECK (This has to be the fourth or five I've really enjoyed so far this year, and the third one by L.H. Cosway alone).

3) I don't like older heroes. CHECK (Well, in this case the age difference is only of 2 years, so... but still... well, let's keep going).

4) I don't care much for heroes with brown eyes and hair. (Okay, I know this may sound just a tad bit prejudicial to you, but in my country it is extremely rare to find people with light-colored eyes, so EXCUSE ME for fantasizing about something 'rare' in my life, okay? Besides, I have had terrible experiences with men with these characteristics, so it is possible I'm transferring stuff here. But I digress). CHECK (Robert was so hot I quickly got over his appearance.

5) ... I can't remember other examples of book snobbishness (is that a word?) and other weirdness of my part right now, but I'm sure I'll come back with something. I keep getting bitchier with my old age. XD

Anyways, this book really got me by surprise, proving to me that if it's from a good author, even stuff you expect not to like will manage to get to you and change your expectations and perspectives on things. I was afraid to start this title and then feel disappointed... now I'm sad I finished it. >.<' LOL (Good thing "Six of Hearts" is out!!). *runs and grabs a copy*

Review of Shattered by Kevin Hearne

Shattered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #7)

by Kevin Hearne

CAUTION. Several exclamation points ahead.

#fangirling #squealing I LOOOOOOVE Atticus and Oberon!!! Kevin Hearne is definitely my favorite author in the whole bookniverse! Everytime I check my Facebook I am FORCED to go look at whatever it is he's talking about at the moment. And it always makes me laugh! :D I mean, TACO CHURCH, you guys? Need I say it? Count me in.

And seven books later (I gulped them all up like a dehydrated dog in the middle of the summer. It took me less than a week to finish them all. I need a refill here, Mr, Hearne. But no pressure. Just a bit.), things just keep getting better! I was prepared to hate his archdruid, I truly was (turns out I just sort of dislike him now, alternating with moments when I kinda do like him. It's pure insanity inside my head, so go figure.). It gave me unexpected pleasure to see him struggling in the modern world. I kept laughing out loud, to which my mom and dog kept sending me "WTF" looks. They still have no idea what they were missing. Just saying.

I do like the changing POVs, I do. And more importantly, I see how they are needed now, buuuut I sort of miss just 'listening' to Atticus and Oberon. (and I mean 'listening' to them in my head, like a normal crazy reader, thank you very much, and not like an audiobook thing, 'cause I don't care for those). So. Yeah. I miss those days. Like I still miss the Morrigan. Huh. I was so excited at the beginning of this review, now I'm getting bitter. And waaay off track. Let me get back on the horse. (speaking of which, the new chapter title designs -wolfhound, bear and horse- were amazing!).

Granuaile (Yes, I know what you're thinking. And for your info, I DID have to check my spelling. I always feel like I'm missing a couple of consonants. :P) going out into the big bad world on her own was very interesting to see. I felt super sorry for her, what with her dad and all, 'cause I like her as well (I HATE THIS BITCH, STAY AWAY FROM MY ATTICUS OR I'LL STAB YOU WITH YOUR OWN SWORD, AND I AIN'T KIDDING!) and her new irish wolfhound is so seriously adorbs as well (I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO MY DOG LIKE THAT!!!!!!). BTW, if you're not a dog lover already, after these books, you WILL BE.

It always suprises (and amuses) me to see what all the other gods are up to (usually nothing good, as it appears) in Atticus' world . Poor thing. Thankfully you weren't alone this time, huh?

Aaaand watch me digressing yet again.

Did you read all that? I know you didn't, so here's what it's all about:

KEVIN HEARNE IS A GOD , GO BUY ALL HIS BOOKS, YOU WON'T REGRET IT. Just make sure you start reading them very early in the morning, during a lazy weekend or your vacations, 'cause that's all you'll do all day. Promise.

Now, shoo. I have to go get me some Imortali-tea. Oh, and I have to scrape up enough money$$ to buy these pretties:

Atticus's Necklace

&

Granuaile's Iron Necklace

(So, if you're feeling generous... :P)