It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #26

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey. 

Welcome to It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading?  This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!


I'm Currently Reading:



Finished:

Review posted:

Review: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Next Reads:

_______________________


Most of these books I have been reading for a while, so I forced myself to finish them. LOL. Scars was fantastic. Deadlocked was pretty good, too. :)
How was your reading week?

Stacking The Shelves #8

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!

This new feature is hosted by Tynga from Tynga's Reviews.

This week I got:

From an online store:

 Under the never Sky 

(I actually wanted the other edition, the one with the pink cover, but the book is what should matter, right?)

Candle in the Window 

(I'm developing a strong taste for medieval tales these days.)

Ender's Game 

(I'll finally see what all the fuss is about. :)

The Shattered Rose

(Ditto about the medieval tales)

______________

What did you get this week?

Review: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf #2) by Molly Harper

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf #2)

by Molly Harper

Baring It All

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

Genre: Adult

Publication Date: March 2011

Publisher: Pocket Books

Format: paperback, 336 pages 

Series: yes

Acquisition: bought

_____________________________________

Maggie Graham lives with her family in a very isolated and peculiar comunity in Alaska. What's so special about them? They are werewolves. 


She became the pack leader when her brother turned down the job. She's very good at it, being strong, fierce. She takes her duty as Alpha (pack leader) very seriously and always makes sure everyone is OK and everything is running smoothly. Her relationship with her family and friends is one of trust, animosity and closeness. She's never been a "girly" kind of girl and usually makes fun of her mother and sister-in-law for trying to tame her. Maggie is being pressured into marrying a were to try and keep the genes of her family going, but all of her suitors are really not worth it. They are either too weak or just want to become alpha and take over her. None of them like her for real. 


Everything changes when Dr. Nick, PhDs (yup, he has two), a very hot foklore professor, comes to town convinced that werewolves exist and he will be the one to prove it to the world.

Maggie gets imediately attracted to him, but when she finds out who he is, she tries to make sure everybody knows how much she automaticaly hates him. No matter how hard she tries, Maggie just keeps getting more and more into Nick until they have a truck accident and she realizes how dangerous it is to be around him, not for her safety, but because she can barely control her primal instincts when he's around..  

Even though Nick eventually finds out that they are real werewolves, he's willing to keep it to himselp so he can win Maggie over, now that he's fallen in love with her. But, since Nick's only human, she needs to think about the pack and how much they need to find other werewolves to mate, otherwise the pack will become smaller and smaller and eventually die out. Of course, she could just have a little bit of fun with him, but unfortunatelly, werewolves mate for life, so she had to be very careful of who she'd choose to have babies with, since Nick wouldn't be able to make her bear werechildren.

Decided to get over Nick, Maggie starts going out with Clay, a werewolf from another pack, who came to town with his sister Alice and her two young children to take care of their grandmother Billie, who's got dementia. Maggie had blamed herself for the accident on the old truck, but as she has her office burned down and was then attacked by another werewolf on the mountains (only to be saved by Nick), she realizes that someone has been trying very hard to either to kill or frighten her. 

The book ends with a (not very) surprising revelation about who's behind those attacks, and Clay and Alice's true identities. And, of course, Maggie finally admits she can't live without Nick and agrees to marry him in the most traditional way, despite all her previous efforts against it.

The book was a very light, since the author writes in a easy and captivating way. You imediately feel sympathy for the main character, Maggie, who's funny and unconventional. The way the author describes the community gives you such a homey feeling that makes you wish it were real and that you could meet them. Also, the way Maggie describes to feel when she's in wolf form makes it sound SO fun and liberating! The whole book is filled with great quotes, that surprise you with how clever and fun they are. Nick was so cute! *-* I wanted a viking look-alike like him for myself. ;) Samson, Maggie's cousin sounded really great, too!

This book is a sequel of "How to flirt with a naked werewolf", which I loved! (Mo and Cooper made for such a nice story) and hopefully there'll be a third one, because Molly's writing and imaginative storytelling sure makes us wanting more!

Reviewed by:

Amebugi and Kah_cherub

Sorry, just had to repost it.

Teaser Tuesday #27

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read

       • Open to a random page
      • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
      • Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

Trouble in High Heels 
by Christina Dodd
Paperback, 400 pages


"Brandi's probably going to be some kind of freaking English major and a drain on my wallet for the rest of my life." He sounded so disgusted, as if being good in Englsih were a waste." page 6 from the Mass Market Paperback version.


As you can probably see, Brandi's father is a very charming man. I wanted to break his neck by page 5. LOL. It's funny that the first book I read by Dodd was a complete failure. A DNF. This one also turned out to be a DNF, but only after half the book was gone. I did have fun with it for a while.  
I have a couple of medieval/historicals by her, so let's see if she does better with those than she did with the contemporary ones.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #25

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey. 

Welcome to It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading?  This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!


I'm Currently Reading:



Finished:

Reviews posted:

The Avenger (Time Raiders, #3) by P.C. Cast

Next Reads:

_______________________


I've had a pretty eclectic reading week this time.
Can't wait to start Undead. *-*
How about you? What are you reading this week?

Stacking The Shelves #7

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!

This new feature is hosted by Tynga from Tynga's Reviews.

This week I got:

From an online store:

Wither 

(I got the hardcover version this time)

Fifty Shades of Grey 

(As I read the e-book version before this physical copy could arrive, and didn't love it, I have already appointed a new home for this one. A new home where it'll be loved. :P)

Eat, Prey, Love 

(With this title, I just had to check it out. )

______________

What did you get this week?

On My Wishlist #8

On My Wishlist is a meme from Cosy Books where we showcase the books which are currently top of our wishlists. Old, new or yet to be released titles are all welcome.

Poison Study
by Maria V. Snyder

Published March 1st 2007 by Mira Books

Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison…
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear…
__________________

Oh, the Study series. I have been hearing about it for YEARS. I have read other books by this awesome author, but for some reason I didn't get to this one. But I really want to. And I shall. :)

The Avenger (Time Raiders, #3) by P.C. Cast

The Avenger (Time Raiders, #3) 
by P.C. Cast

Published October 1st 2009 by Silhouette

For Alexandra Patton, the Time Raiders project sends the reluctant psychic back to 60 AD Briton--a world where she can barely understand the accents, let alone its culture of brutality and superstition. Armed only with her "freakish" ability to talk to the dead, Alex must use all her gifts to entice Caradoc, a savagely sexy Druid warrior, into helping her succeed in her mission.

What they discover along the way is pure passion.

Now, torn between duty and the man of her dreams, should Alex return home if given the chance? Or dare she risk everything to begin anew in this strange and mystical land?

Genre: Adult, Science Fiction

Publication Date: October 1st 2009

Publisher: Silhouette

Format: Mass Paperback, 288 pages 

Series: yes

Source: Bought

_________________________________

My Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Everybody is always going on about how you can't judge a book by its cover and all that, but, really. We totally do that. And I couldn't help but do it with this one. Good reviews not withstanding.

This is actually the third volume of a series, but I skipped the first two and it didn't get in my way at all. 

I have to admit that the first few pages did drag a bit... yup, sort of boring, though necessary for the plot. But, quickly enough, things start to get interesting.

I loved the way the story was set in the past! Celt traditions, clothing, way of speaking... the writing made it all so engaging and realistic! (In a good way, of course. There were no references to the bad realistic things, like lack of hygiene and all that. LOL. We really don't need those.). Anyway, the descriptions were so nice they made me wish I could see it for myself.

Queen Boudica was a very strong female character, one I had certainly heard of before, but didn't know so much about. I especially enjoyed the 'built-in' mini history lessons about her and her people. They fit the story so well you didn't even notice you were learning. LOL. It's always nice to know more about important female figures. We don't have nearly enough of them. Go girl power!

Alex and Caradoc were unbelievably cute. And highly amusing. I was cheering for them from the very first moment, but thoroughly enjoyed the slow progress of 'building trust'. None of that 'love at first sight' thing here. Sure, they were instantly attracted to each other and there was this sort of 'meant to be' vibe, but isn't there always?

If you like time-travel romance, historical settings and strong female characters, you'll enjoy this book a lot.

"Waiting On" Wednesday #25

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.


Right now what I really want to read is:




Tears of a Clown
by M.B. Mulhall 


Some girls wear makeup to enhance their natural beauty.
Some wear it to make themselves look sexy and mature, in the hopes to attract the attention of a paramour.


Darcy wears hers as a mask, a deterrent, a tribute of sorts to the musical group who got her through her parents' messy divorce.


Expected publication: 2013
________________


I have no idea what to expect from this book. The synopsis starts making you think it's a drama... but then it starts saying things along 'it's a romantic comedy'. So... I guess I'll have to wait and see.
I HATE clowns, but the premise sounds so good I think I'll need to somehow get over it. LOL


What are you waiting on?

Teaser Tuesday/Recommendation #26

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read

       • Open to a random page
      • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
      • Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

 

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares, page 92:

I lost myself immediately in one of the books, only emerging when the phone rang.

“Dashiell?” my father intoned. As if someone else with my voice might be answering the phone at my mother’s apartment.

“Yes, Father?”

“Leeza and I would like to wish you a merry Christmas.”

“Thank you, Father. And to you, as well.”

[awkward pause]

[even more awkward pause]

“I hope your mother isn’t giving you any trouble.”

Oh, Father, I love it when you play this game.

“She told me if I clean all the ashes out of the grate, then I’ll be able to help my sisters get ready for the ball.”

“It’s Christmas, Dashiell. Can’t you give that attitude a rest?”

“Merry Christmas, Dad. And thanks for the presents.”

“What presents?”

“I’m sorry—those were all from Mom, weren’t they?”

“Dashiell …”

“I gotta go. The gingerbread men are on fire.”

__________________________________________

This book is amazing! I never thought I would enjoy a book written by two people SO much. There's a lot of humor (slightly dry and dark at points, but still quite amusing), mystery, romance and excitement. I want to reach the end so bad to see if they'll get together, but I'm also having so much fun I don't want this to end!!! *-*

Oh, everybody should read this!!! It looks like such a light, meaningless read, but it has so much more complexity of content. This is definitely a keeper. :)

What is your teaser this week?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #24

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey. 

Welcome to It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading?  This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!


I'm Currently Reading:

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Blackwood

Finished:

Reviews posted:

Early Review: All These Lives by Sarah Wylie
Review: Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

Next Reads:


Undead 
____________________________


As you can see, I didn't get to actually have much of a life this week, so I read quite a bit. A lot, really. Now I'm almost sick of reading so much. Nah, just kidding. I don't think that's really possible for me. :P


Well, what are you reading this week? Let me know. :) 

Stacking the Shelves #6

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!

This new feature is hosted by Tynga from Tynga's Reviews.

This week I got:

From an online store:

The Maze Runner
Hounded
(I just keep hearing so much about these two! I have to read them and see what all the fuss is about. LOL)
City of Lost Souls
(This one is so fresh I didn't even have the time to take a pic. I'm being careful not to drool on the cover. ;)

For review, from Netgalley I got: 


Undead 
(You have GOT to love that cover.)
_____________________

What did you get this week?
I got a little bit happier. :P

Review: Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

Hunting Lila 
by Sarah Alderson

Published August 5th 2011 by Simon & Schuster UK

17-year-old Lila has two secrets she’s prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she’s been in love with her brother’s best friend, Alex, since forever.

After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust—her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they’ve found them.

In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone—there are others out there just like her—people with special powers—and her mother’s killer is one of them…

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Publication Date: August 5th 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Format: paperback, 318 pages 

Series: yes

Source: bought

__________________________________________

My Review:

First line: Only when the tip of the knife started to shave against the white of his eye like a scapel about to pierce a boil, did I realise I was the one holding it.


Last line: And I believed him.

When I saw how many great ratings this book had, I was curious to see if it was as good as most people kept saying it was.

And... oh, boy. It was even better.

From the moment I read the first phrase I was completely lost into the story. It was incredibly engrossing. Lila was such an adorable character. Feminine, fragile and, yet, strong. I always had a thing for special abilities, and it was just fascinating to read about her trying to control hers. Usually in books (or movies), those with powers like hers just have total control of everything, so it's refreshing to see someone having some trouble with it. LOL.

Lila was a bit imature and stubborn at times... and that made her somewhat irritating, too. But she was 17-years-old, so... totally understandable. And quite fitting. 

Alex was super hot. And Oh-so-romantic. He did act a bit harsh and dry towards Lila later on in the story, but only because he was having some serious internal battles over what he was told and what he was seeing.

As a matter of fact, all of the characters were very believable. They were so well-written and well-described that it felt more like watching a movie than reading a book. They felt very human, very real. It's difficult to get that kind of vibe from books. Books don't normally make you really care about the characters (they should, but not often manage to), they're usually all about the story or the setting. Hunting Lila is about everything. If that makes sense to you.

That is to say: I just loved this book. I absolutely had to know what happened at the end so bad, I stayed up super late to finish it in one sitting. And when I spoke to the author on twitter (she actually thanked me for the 5-star rating!) I could really see why the book had such a gentle and intense feeling to it. Sarah Alderson is such a dear! She is so nice and polite and... well, humble. I was going to buy the second book (Losing Lila) as soon as it came out anyway, but now that I saw how sweet she is, I just feel even more like doing it. 

Let me tell you, it's authors like that that make you want to keep reading. ;)

If you like paranormal thriller YA's with great characters and a great story, then you'll be hooked by this one.