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Friday, December 17, 2010

Quick Update - and Bon Jovi 2010


I am sorry that I haven't been around much the last month or so ... so many things happening and just not enough hours in the day. And now with Christmas just about on us, there probably won't be alot of posts done between now and then. Believe it or not, I haven't really had much time to read these last couple of weeks.

FINALLY ... got to see Bon Jovi in Melbourne at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday Dec 10th. It was the most amazing concert ... but for me, all Bon Jovi concerts are amazing!
We had really good seats which is always an added bonus.
The video posted above ... says it's the first 10 minutes of the Rod Laver show ... it's not - the band opened with LAST MAN STANDING with Jon on a small stage at the back of the floor ... but thought that I'd share this with you anyway. Just brilliant!

We were meant to go on the Saturday night as well, but unforseen circumstances stopped us ... not happy about it, but am already saving for the next tour ... whenever that will be.
ENJOY!

Her Bodyguard by Mallory Kane


MILLS AND BOON ... Intrigue Series
First Published in 2010

Always stubborn and independent, Angela Grayson thought she could take care of herself. Lucas Delancey knew better. Someone was stalking his best friend's little sister, and Lucas wasn't going to leave her side until he knew she was safe. Even though that meant he'd spend torturous hours resisting the curve of her lips.

Angela didn't want a bodyguard. Especially one who'd rejected her after one soul-melting kiss a lifetime ago. But she was in over her head. And she knew she could trust Lucas to protect her. She just didn't know if she trusted him not to break her heart again....

Okay - so I have been disappointed with the last few books I've read, so thought that I would try a totally different genre ...omg what was I thinking????
This book didn't have much to keep me reading except that I hate to say that I couldn't make it right through to the end of the book. Predictable - in a nutshell ... right down to when this couple would make it in to bed, and how they would end up together. Throw in a dodgy wannabe criminal trying to prove himself to daddy dearest who is on trial - need I say more?

Now I know why I stopped reading these books years ago.

RATING : 4/10

Blood Heat by Maria Lima


First Published in 2010
by Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster

Paperback : 351 pages

ISBN : 978 - 1 - 4391 - 6777 - 9

The summer heat wave that’s hit Rio Seco, Texas, has even the vampires complaining, but now that Keira–the Kelly Heir–is home from Vancouver, the weather isn’t the only thing too hot to handle.

Keira should be setting up her court and planning the big reception at which she and her consort, vampire ruler Adam Walker, will receive the magical leaders from the local area, but pomp and circumstance just aren’t Keira’s thing, especially not with trouble smoldering in her domain.

A werewolf couple has mysteriously gone missing from a local pack, and when Keira is asked by their leader to investigate, she finds that some dissatisfied neighbors may have been taking, well, strong action against the wer community–action that could be repeated and could involve Keira and those she loves.
With the reception looming and danger fast blazing out of control, the pressure is on Keira to keep Texas safe for supernaturals. Sometimes, it’s just not that great to be Heir….

I was soooooo looking forward to this book coming out ... when I read the other 3 in the series, I loved every minute of them. The story line had me hooked from the beginning, and through every page right to the end.

With this new installment, I kept turning the page thinking maybe something interesting would happen and captivate me ... but to be honest it didn't. It was only at the end, when they finally got to the reception and began to meet the supernaturals that attended, and then whammo ... something that I didn't see coming - pity there wasn't a few more pages to really wet my appetite.

Personally I think there were way too many 'mind' conversations, long glimpses into thoughts and over length explanations about the history of some of the characters in the book.

I can only hope that when the 5th installment is finally out and I buy it, that I am not disappointed like I was this one.

RATING : 5/10

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr


First Published in 2010
by Harper Collins

Paperback : 340 pages

ISBN : 978 - 0 - 00 - 736273 - 8

Hunger for nourishment.

Hunger for touch.

Hunger to belong.


Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.


Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.


Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?


Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.


Okay - I am going to be short and sweet with this ... I didn't like it at all ... I don't mind there being more than 2 or 3 characters that are integral to the story line, but to totally deviate away from the central characters from the other 3 books ... well, let's say I got bored with it. I tried, I really did, but have to say that I wouldn't read it again.


RATING : 4/10

(and I don't care if it is a best seller)

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr


First Published in 2009
by Harper Collins

Paperback : 389 pages

ISBN : 13 - 978 - 0 - 00 - 726721 - 7

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.


Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.


In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.


I enjoyed this book ... the devotion of Seth, to do anything to spend eternity with the love of his life Aislinn, who is the Summer Faery Queen. And to watch Keenan watch her suffer, knowing where Seth is, in the hope that she will fall for him and forget about Seth, and make their union an untouchable force in the Faery Kingdom .... well, it happens in real life doesn't it?


I loved the story between Seth and the Faery Queen ... how she takes him under her wing and looks on him as the son she never had.


The downside, well I felt that the story had drifted from the other 2 books ... and was a little disappointed in that aspect of it.


RATING 6/10

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Ink Exchange by Melissa Mar


First Published in Great Britain in 2008 by Harper Collins

Paperback : 313 Pages
ISBN : 13-978-0-00-726717-0

Images cluttered the page, but one tattoo set her nerves on edge; inky-black eyes surrounded by wings like shadows coalescing.

Mine. The need was overpowering. Leslie looked up. "This one," she said. " I need this one."

But the image is more than just tempting art, and it draws Leslie into a world of shadows and desire ... into the world of Faerie.

The 2nd book in the series and it was a nice change to find that the focus was moved to Leslie, one of Aislinn's troubled friends. Leslie's home life can only be described as horrid, and when she finds herself being drawn to the tattoo shown to her by Rabbit, she has no idea that the home life she is trying to leave behind, is only the beginning.

Irial has chosen Rabbit to tattoo those that find themselves drawn to the mystical art. And when Leslie finds herself latching on to the tattoo ... she finds out that it not what she bargained for. Irial is King of the Dark Fae and he wants Leslie, he can feel the tattoo working to strengthen the connection between the two of them. Leslie begins to wonder what is happening to her and why Irial is the one 'person' she feels herself being drawn to.

Must be hard when your best friend begins to get caught up in all the Fae goings on .. but Aislinn finds a way to protect her friend the best way that she can, not totally filling Leslie in on everything, in the hope that they can break the bond between Irial and Leslie and let her get on with her life.

Unfortunately, things don't always go to plan ... for Leslie or Irial. As things unfold, things will happen that you won't see coming, but you will be pleasantly surprised.

This story ... even though centred more around the Dark Fae ... is not boring, story once again flows well, and leaves you with hope for Leslie and Irial ... this is worth reading.

RATING : 7/10

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

First Published in Great Britain in 2007 by Harper Collins

Paperback - 328 pages
ISBN - 13-978-0-00-726307-3

RULE 3 : NEVER STARE AT INVISIBLE FAERIES.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world.

RULE 2 : NEVER SPEAK TO INVISIBLE FAERIES.
One of them, a beautiful faery boy named Keenan, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

RULE 1 : DON'T EVER ATTRACT THEIR ATTENTION.
Now it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King and is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost. Without her, summer itself will perish ...

Considering I had this book on the shelf for ages, and I kept putting off reading this, I really expected not to like it. First mistake I made ... reading the prologue, I had a preconceived idea of how the book would finish.

The more I read, the more I enjoyed the story. The characters all seemed strong and their continuity flowed well throughout the book. We have the lovers ... Aislinn and Seth, her strong saviour ... and Keenan and Donia, to me a tragic love story.

When reading this book, ask yourself would you make the sacrifices that these couples do ... for the sake of faery and mortal alike? Nice to see that Melissa shows that there can be compromise on everyone's part ... lesson in life alot of us should learn.

Good story, well researched, nice writing style - on to the next book in the series,
INK EXCHANGE

RATING : 6/10

Saturday, November 6, 2010

:The Dark Divine by Bree Despain:


First published by Egmont USA in 2010

Paperback : 372 pages

ISBN : 978 - 1 - 4052 - 5458 - 8

~~~~~~~~~~
Daniel looked up at me. His dark eyes searched my face. There was something different about those too-familiar eyes.
Maybe it was the way the orange light from the streetlamp illuminated his pupils.
Maybe it was the way he stared without blinking.
His eyes made him look ... hungry.

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I had no idea what this book was about when I bought it - which is a refreshing change. So as I started to read, I began to form a picture in my head of each of the characters. Nothing unusual there. The story moves along ... we have a good girl, from a good family, with a hot guy after her, what more could you ask for.
Enter Daniel ... and you know from the moment he says hello to Grace, you know that the nice smooth life she has is going to change.

As I continued to read, I remember thinking that I had it all sorted - I knew exactly how the book was going to end ... WHAMMO I was wrong ... maybe the signs were there, but I became too involved with Grace & Daniel, so I would have missed them. There was a nice twist to this book ... so you won't be disappointed when you read it.

I love the way that Bree wrote this story ... her descriptions at times had me reading faster as things started to happen, and then I could sit back and read leisurely when things quietened down.

RATING : 7/10

:Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer:


First Published in 2008 in Great Britain by Atom
Paperback - 702 pages
ISBN : 978-1-905654-30-7

When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life--first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse--seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?

The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.

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Finally ... the last book in the Twilight Saga ... and a totally brilliant way to finish the story. We all know what a phenomenon this story has turned into ... and how Edward Cullen is adored by everyone ... well just about! But we should really remember, this is Bella's story ... from the very beginning, she has overcome every hurdle thrown at her, to be with the man she loves - Edward Cullen. And she has succeeded.

Bella has grown ... and it shows more than ever in this book. Emotional struggles - the way she is prepared to sacrifice her life for her unborn child, and the thought of having to send her away to save her life, while she, along with all the Cullens, and their witnesses may perish at the hands of the Volturi.

I found myself swooning when I was reading about the wedding, and even more so when they reached Isle Esme (I am really looking forward to those scenes in the movie!) and could totally understand her possessiveness over her baby, and her fears.

Travelling on the journey with Bella, it is nice to see her be more positive about herself, especially when her special talent (shield) is given a name and she is taught how to use it.

Bella and Edward ... 4 books long, but not long enough for all the die hard Twilight fans, me included. Undying love, self sacrifice ... it's in all the books ... personally, I could have kept reading another 4 books ... and totally wish that Stephenie would finish off MIDNIGHT SUN ....

In case you hadn't noticed ... I haven't rated any of the Twilight Books ... cos for me (even New Moon) they all get a 10/10 ... but I guess you would have thought that anyway.


NOTE : I have heard and read alot of rumblings over the last few years that this is just another romance, where everyone lives happily ever after ... blah blah blah. And I even have one friend who has refused to read the books because of that!

All I can say is this ... happily ever after is what we all spend our entire life searching for ... so no one should have been surprised that is how the saga finished. If it had ended with the death of Bella and Edward trying to kill himself because he couldn't live without her, everyone would be debating "If only Bella had lived .. that would have been a better way to end the story"


Thursday, November 4, 2010

: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer :


First Published in 2007 by Little, Brown and Co
Paperback - 629 Pages

ISBN : 978 - 0 - 316 - 03255 - 1

In the dead silence, all the details suddenly fell into place for me with a burst of intuition.
Something Edward didn't want me to know.
Something that Jacob wouldn't have kept from me ... It was never going to end, was it?

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This is the 3rd book in the Twilight Saga, and once again Stephenie has kept everything moving along smoothly - with lots of action and romance thrown in. I like the way that Stephenie writes ... not alot of senseless descriptions of scenery, or useless information that isn't relevant to the storyline.

The beginning of a comraderie between Edward and Jacob, their sole purpose to keep Bella safe, once they realise that the newborn Vampire Army has been created to kill her ... is interesting and funny at times.

Edward's undying love shines through once again ... and Jacob's love for Bella really comes to the surface for the first time in my opinion. And also as we get to see in insight to other characters in the book - Seth and Leah especially, I really liked that. And Bella - watching her become aware that she loves Jacob - not the way she loves Edward - it is portrayed with great emotion.

The Vampires and Werewolves working together is brilliant - just showing in real life, opposite sides can work together for the greater good.

Once again, I found myself totally swept away with the story - and the emotions also kicked in during certain parts of the book - well done yet again Stephenie.

This book transitioned into movie form really well too. As always ... you are never going to get everything into a movie exactly as it appears in the book - but they really did do a great job with this one.

Breaking Dawn is the next book in the saga ... with the movie currently being filmed now - Part 1 not released until November 2011 ... soooooooooo far away for this addict.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

: New Moon by Stephanie Meyer :


First Published in the US by Little Brown in 2006
Paperback - 563 pages
ISBN :978-1-905654-35-2

'Shoot,' I muttered when the paper sliced my fingers. I pulled it out to examine the damage. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut.

It all happened very quickly then.

'No,' Edward roared ... Dazed and disorientated, I looked up from the bright red blood pushing out of my arm - into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires.

For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself : Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may just be beginning.

Passionate, riveting and deeply moving, New Moon, the compelling sequel to Twilight, irresistibly combines romance and suspense with a supernatural twist.

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Right we all know that I love the Twilight Saga - so as soon as I finished reading Twilight, reached for New Moon and started reading. In the beginning, I loved it ... and then totally felt Bella's pain when things started to turn sour in her life. I felt her pain when Edward left ... and totally loved the few pages with the months only printed on them. That in itself said it all.

I loved the way that Bella connected with Jacob ... reaching out for a friend, but part of me was screaming at her "Don't do it ... it's going to be the beginning of something you can't stop". Reading through this book - feeling Bella's never ending search for Edward ... any way that she could connect with him, through acts of danger ... just brilliant.

But - for me ... I didn't overly enjoy the Bella and Jacob story ... all I wanted was for it to skip ahead to where Bella find that connection with Edward again ...

Stephenie did an amazing job of this book, the emotions were felt with each word I read. Very powerful writing. I could feel the impatience within Bella as she travelled to Italy with Alice, and the desperation to find Edward before he revealed himself, meaning sure death by the hands of the Volturi.

Out of the series of books ... I like this one the least ... is it because I am a true die hard Edward fan? Am I looking for the eternal forever, the love story to be just how I want it? True right I am ... but that said, each time I read this series of books, I give this one a shot again ... Stephenie, you rock - you threw in alot of different things I wasn't expecting, and had me reaching for Eclipse by the time I had finished. That is yet another story ... lol

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer :



First Published in 2006 in Great Britain by Atom
Paperback - 434 pages
ISBN : 978-1-904233-65-7

About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him - and I didn't know how dominant that part might be - that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.


When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizinf voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn't realize is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back ...

Deeply seductive and irresistibly compelling, Twilight is an extraordinary love story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

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Before I hear you start groaning "Not another Twilight Review, it's been done already" ... well, yes everyone else has done a review on it, except me ... and as I have just finished reading this for the 14th or 15th time, I thought why not?

By now - everyone knows the story, so I will not go into it - I think that Stephenie Meyer did a wonderful job writing this book .. it's fresh, and not once do you find yourself getting bored with it. The characters are all believable and loveable - Bella's love for Edward, and Edward's undying love and devotion to Bella, comes through so strongly in the book, that young girls and even more mature women around the world have sat back and said "I want love to be like that".

As we all know - life and love brings ups and downs ... which are shown in the story - and seeing the way that each issue is dealt with is interesting. And the whole Cullen Clan - it really turns your head around and makes you rethink everything that you ever thought about vampires. And the 'sparkle in sunlight' condition that would expose the Cullens to the humans ... brilliant ... it's a nice way to show them as being different, apart from their beauty, their skin and their cool touch.

Charlie is an interesting character in the book - ever bending to please Bella, and would dearly love to know what is going through his mind.

I don't know that Stephenie had any idea what a phenomenon she was unleashing on the world when she sat down and wrote this and the subsequent books, but I am so glad that it happened in my time, and I have been able to read the books, and see the movies - and walk away feeling good and content.

Comparing the book to the movie - I don't know that you can. I loved them both for what they are ... and yes, naturally there is a lot of things that have been left out in the movie - as usual, artistic writing and direction are responsible - but it happens with the best of book to movie transitions. All I can say is that when I sat down to watch the movie, I didn't take my eyes off the screen ... loved every single minute of it ... and will not reveal how many times I have seen it so far ... you may just get me locked up ... hehe. The only thing that I will say about the movie - I wish they had been more consistent with the way that Edward looked.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

: Mid week Chatter :

I have been sadly neglecting things here ... so sorry.
I have so many book reviews I want to get up - along with some film reviews ... so I should be posting up a storm over the next couple of weeks.

And ... I collected a couple of boxes of books from a lady through Freecycle ... not alot in there that I wanted to read, but I did manage to score a few books - they aren't new, but still worth reading. Guess now it's my turn to put them back on Freecycle and see if anyone wants to take them from me.

My Tag forum has been going nuts the last couple of months, as well as stuff with real life ...birthdays etc. My hubby's 50th birthday party is this weekend ... so lots to get organized.
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It's always exciting to hear that you have won a competition you entered on another person's blog ... but then very disappointing when you never receive the prize. I allowed a month (and yes, this lady lives in Australia) then contacted her ... she quickly got back to me to say that she would send it off, she'd forgotten about it.
Another month goes by and I contact her again - nothing. Give it another week, then message her letting her know that I am disappointed that I haven't received it and if I don't hear back from her, she won't hear from me again, and I'll just assume that I'm not getting the prize.

You guessed it - she never got back to me! I allow for real life stuff ... but she's around ... posting on her blog and facebook! Guess you're always going to come across it aren't you? Why even bother holding a contest, announcing a winner, and then not sending it off? All I can tell you is that I won't ever ever enter a contest on that ladies blog again! And no, I won't name her ... but hope that none of you end up in the same position as me.

So, with that said ... I'd appreciate an update from anyone receiving their prizes from me ... just so I know you got them and enjoy them.
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I stood in front of my bookcase last week trying to work out what to read next ... you know what it's like - you pick up one book ... nah, put it back and pick up another ... nah ... and so it goes on. In the end I gave up and walked through the lounge room saying "I might as well read Twilight again" (youngest son rolls his eyes) ... so I did ... omg, I never get sick of reading it. And I know I said that I wouldn't do a review on it cos it's been done by so many people, but guess what? I LIED ... hehe ... yep ... I've read the book at least 14 times now and I owe it to myself to review it.
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Hoping you all have the best of days ... and that you have an amazing book in your hands.
xoxoxoxoxo

: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey :


This edition published by Penguin Group (Australia) 2010

Paperback : 351 Pages

ISBN : 978-0-14-320403-9

Marrying a Vampire definately doesn't fit into Jessica's senior year 'Get A Life' plan.

Enter a bizarre new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu, who claims Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth, and he's her long lost fiancé. He's arrogant, officious, embarassingly overprotective, and well, incredibly hot.

Armed with a copy of Growing Up Undead : A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health and Emotions, Jessica tries to imagine the transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire Princess. But just when things start to heat up with Lucius, a devious cheerleader sets her sights on him.

Soon Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war ... and save Lucius's soul from eternal damnation. All of which leaver her to wonder : Wouldn't life be easier if she could just fall for a nice normal boy?

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Basically all you need to know is written above ... I bought this book and then let it sit for quite awhile before I decided to read it ... and I have to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised once I started to read.

The story is well written - the story behind Jessica's parents death and how she came to be brought up as a normal American teenager by the most loveable hippy style parents .. it's believable. Come on ... you never know what is out there hiding in the shadows!! :)

Lucius comes across as arrogant and just trying to fulfill his duty, as you will discover as you read the letters he writes home to his uncle. But, as time passes, you can see both Jessica and Lucius having a change of heart ... and the attraction begins to grow.

Read the book ... I don't think you will be disappointed - I wasn't.

RATING : 7/10

: Spells by Aprilynne Pike :


Published in Australia 2010
by Griffin Press
Paperback - 426 Pages

ISBN : 13-978-0-00-734700-1

"I just can't storm in and proclaim my intentions. I can't 'steal' you away. I just have to wait and hope that, someday, you'll ask," Tamani said.

"And if I don't?" Laurel said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Then I guess I'll be waiting forever"

In this extraordinary tale of magic, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this follow up book to WINGS ... the story continues to grow and the emotional attachment to the characters remains strong.

Laurel is summoned to Avalon to go to school to learn all the essentials a Fall faerie needs to know ... and she finds it hard to walk away from her boyfriend David, even knowing that she loves him and wants to be with him, but is scared that the attraction she has to Tamani may grow to cause her more heartache.

School for Laurel is a challenge ... and on the odd occasion, Tamani comes to escort her around Avalon - showing her the sights and introducing her to his family. Laurel finds the lessons at school hard but step by step, she begins to improve, and when the summer is over and she can return to David and her family ... she also brings along a lot of homework that she needs to do - perfecting spells is something that she is taking her time getting used to.

Tamani doesn't give up trying to encourage Laurel to leave David, and she finds herself torn for awhile ... not sure what she wants to do, as she is becoming more aware that she is in love with both of them. It's only when she is faced with David leaving her, that she decides to stay and asks Tamani to go away.

The trolls are back and causing havoc again - for her, David, their friends and even her family. At one point, Laurel is unsure if her mother even cares for her anymore as their relationship has changed since it was announced she was a faerie.

The ups and downs, the highs and lows ...you can enjoy the story and the connection with the characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

RATING : 7/10

Thursday, October 7, 2010

: Graphic Novels Online :

Do many of you read Graphic Novels online?
Sharing 3 links here ... if you don't already know about them
http://www.junglestudio.com/roza/



Wednesday, October 6, 2010

: Wings by Aprilynne Pike :

First Published in 2009
Paperback - 360 pages
ISBN - 13-978-0-00-731436-2

Laurel has always lived as an
ordinary girl ... but now something is happening
to her. Something magical.

In this enchanting tale of magic,
romance and danger, everything you thought
you knew about faeries will be changed
forever.



Yes ... it's true ... a book on faeries that has some truly original elements to it.
We follow the story of Laurel ... leaving the comfort of home schooling and attending high school - and finds herself being befriended by the most gorgeous guy in the school.

The awakening of Laurel as a faerie, and the way she deals with it is done nicely. And true to form, as her relationship with David has blossomed into teenage romance, she decides to let him in on her little secret, scared that he may leave her and hoping that he doesn't.

Laurel finds herself caught between David (human boyfriend) and Tamani (fae boyfriend from the past). She is still so caught up in her human existence and her very strong feelings for David, but can't quite dismiss what she feels for Tamani either.

So ... back to normal everyday life, which includes ups and downs with family and friends (not telling - you have to read it for yourself) and then throw in some trolls who are trying to gain control of the land that their previous house lives on ... as they want to find the gates to Avalon.

I enjoyed the story - loved the originality of the blossom, and loved the little love triangle. I felt the emotions throughout the book and also could vividly conjure up a picture of the trolls in my mind - not a pretty sight!!!!

The story flowed well, and being the first of a series of 4 books, I think this series has alot of potential to expand the story in a few directions ... Avalon, her family, her feelings for David compared to Tamani etc

I enjoyed this and think you will find this nice reading.

RATING 7/10

Monday, October 4, 2010

: September Giveaway Winner :

Sorry that I haven't been around ... it's been crazy around here lately ... but will try to get back into posting some reviews real soon.

Anyway ... onto the important part of this post - the winner of the September Giveaway.

And the winner ... chosen at random.org is ...

NOMES

Congrats .. I'll be sending you an email shortly.

Thank you to everyone who enters the giveaways ... I always appreciate the comments/feedback. It's nice to know what others think, or read

The October Contest will be posted soon ... so keep your eye open for it.

Monday, September 20, 2010

: September Giveaway :


SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY COMPETITION

This is open INTERNATIONALLY.

The Prize? Your choice of Book up to $20.00 value - to be chosen from the BOOK DEPOSITORY website, and delivered by them directly to you, so before you enter ... make sure you check their site and see if they deliver to your part of the world.

Now all you have to do to enter ... is tell me what you prefer to read about .... Vampires, Werewolves, Fairies or Angels ... and if you feel like it ... tell me why! :)

Winner will be chosen by random.org ... Giveaway closes on October 1st.

Good Luck and looking forward to your responses.... this was a popular Giveaway last month!

: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto :


First Published in 2010 in Australia
Paperback - 484 pages
ISBN : 978-0-7322-8989-8


Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.

Archangel Gabriel and his sisters Ivy and Bethany come to Venus Cove - to help bring the light back into people's lives, and send the darkness packing. That in itself should tell you that there will be some issues, as the dark never goes peacefully.

This story was interesting - as much as it falls into the category of everyone wanting to have the next 'Twilight' hit on their hands, but it has it's own little bits and pieces that set it apart, nothing major but enough to keep you reading.
We have the female lead ... makes a change from the male being of the supernatural world. And we see the modern day lifestyle that the 3 angels have to learn to deal with - Bethany's complete fear of trains made me laugh - something we take for granted, but frightened the heck out of her.
And we have the inevitable love story - between Bethany and Xavier. Her feelings for Xavier, and her honesty take her to a place where she feels if they are to stand a chance together, he needs to know what she is.
So ... just when everything is going fine ... along comes Jake, the new kid in town ... good looking and a sense of the bad boy surrounds him. Bethany feels it from the first moment she meets him, but doesn't understand just the amount of danger that she is in, or the danger her actions can have towards her friends.
The story flowed really well ... it never once bored me, but on occasion there was way too much description of the surroundings. Thankfully, that doesn't happen too often. The story has been left with some unanswered questions but true to form, that means there has to be a second book and maybe a third.
You won't be disappointed if you read this book - but if you are looking for a lot of action in the storyline, you won't find it ... until the very end of the book.

The one down side to the story, from my point of view is that the confrontation between Jake and Bethany reaches it's fever pitch and then fizzles out too quick for my liking. As much as we all like a happy ending, we all seek that thrill of the chase, the fight and the hero at the end. For me, that just came and went too quick.

RATING : 7/10

Friday, September 3, 2010

Friday Chatter - September 3rd 2010

Ahhh ... it's been one of those days ... thankfully now I can sit back and chill out.
I have done the grocery shopping, held the Meditation Class and very soon, will be zipping out to get my son from the train station.

I have spent the last couple of days trying to get my Denz Designz blog updated with a new layout ... what a nightmare - nothing would work right, but finally it all came together this morning. Head on over and check it out if you like ... no books/movies/music there ... it's all Paint Shop/Tag related.

The exercise program is going well ... eating healthy and feeling a bit better for it.
My footy team the Western Bulldogs play in a final tomorrow night - keep your fingers crossed - we are playing the top of the ladder Collingwood, and my team has more injuries than fit players!

BOOKS I'VE BOUGHT THIS WEEK

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Tomorrow When The War Began by John Marsden
(I have read this before but it was a borrowed book - plus there are other books in the series)
TWTWB has just been released as a motion picture - opened September 2nd ... here is the trailer if you want to check it out.



My Friday " Book Share "
Feel free to share back with me ...
Just open your book up - and post a sentence or two (a little more if you want) ... from anywhere in the book. Oh, and share the book title and author please! Thanks xoxoxo

Those first weeks were spent hibernating and getting our bearings. We took stock, waited patiently as we adjusted to having a physical form and immersed ourselves in the rituals of daily life. There was so much to learn and it certainly wasn't easy. At first we would take a step and be surprised to find solid ground beneath us. We knew that everything on earth was made up of matter knitted together in a complex molecular code to form different substances : air, rock, wood, animals. But it was very different experiencing it.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto ... Page 5

Thursday, September 2, 2010

: August Competition Winner :

Sorry that I was late getting to this ... but the winner has been selected

The winner is .....
ANONYMOUS

That's right - no name left, but I do have the email addy to contact them.

The winner will have 48 hours to get back in touch with me, or a redraw will be done.

This seemed like a popular giveaway ... so will probably do the same thing for September

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl :


First Published in the USA by Little, Brown 2009
This edition published by Penguin Group, Australia 2010
Paperback - 563 pages
ISBN : 978 - 0 - 141 -32608 - 5

In Ethan Wate's hometown, there lies the darkest of secrets ...
There is a girl. Slowly she pulled the hood from her head ... green eyes, black hair - Lena Duchannes.

There is a curse. On the sixteenth moon of the sixteenth year, the book will take what it's been promised ... and no one can stop it.

In the end - there is a grave.

Lena and Ethan become bound together by a deep, powerful love. But Lena is cursed, and on her sixteenth birthday, her fate will be decided. Ethan never even saw it coming ...


I read this book quite quickly - and that was because I enjoyed it. It made a change to be reading from a male's perspective - and there were a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming. The whole growing up and being different, and having to confront a group of girls who continually point it out ... was dealt with quite well in the book. The connection between Ethan and Lena was nice - up's and down's - normal teenage stuff - NO ... but they dealt with everything together, a united front.

I liked this story - and really look forward to Beautiful Darkness when it hit's the shelves.
And I think that this book would make a good 2 part mini series or movie ...

RATING - 7/10

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Official Vampires Suck Trailer - August 28th 2010

Has anyone seen this movie yet?
My daughter in law saw it last night - and she said she didn't laugh once ... would love to know what other's that have seen it think ...

: Club Dead by Charlaine Harris :

First Published in Great Britain in 2004
by Little, Brown

This edition published in 2009 byGollancz
Pages - 274 Paperback

ISBN : 978-0-575-08940-2

Sookie Stackhouse always found it difficult to date - she's cute, but not many guys are comfortable with her mind-reading abilities. But vampires have no problems with Sookie's talent - she can't pick up much of anything from the undead.

But there's only one vampire Sookie Stackhouse is involved with - at least voluntarily - right now, and that's Bill. But recently he's been a little distant - in another state distant. His sinister and sexy boss Eric has no idead where to find him, and next thing Sookie knows, she's off to Jackson, Mississippi, to mingle with the underworld at Club Dead. It's a dangerous little haunt where the elusive vampire society can go to chill out and suck down some Type O - but when Sookie finally finds Bill, he's not only in trouble, but caught in an act of serious betrayal. Should she save him, or sharpen some stakes?


I enjoyed this book - the interraction between Sookie and Eric, and also Sookie and Alcide - she really has found herself in a little quartet hasn't she? The situations that Sookie finds herself in when she gets to Jackson, dealing with werewolves and Lorena, along with trying to find Bill and fighting the attraction with Eric - makes this chapter in the series of books really interesting.

Looking forward to the next book ...

RATING - 7/10

Friday, August 27, 2010

T.G.I.F. - August 27th 2010

WOW - how did another week go by so quickly? The days just seem to fly by so quickly lately ...

I've started my exercise program again ... at the moment I am doing at least 45 minutes on the exercise bike, and on alternate days I manage to do a yoga session ... I am going to get rid of this weight that I have put back on. Might only be a few kilos but I notice the difference.

While I am riding the bike .. I watch an episode of Big Love - only half way through Season 2 at the moment. This show caught me by surprise ... for the first few episodes, I wasn't thinking I'd get through a season and now I am addicted.

And as for Hot ... how amazing is this Rolling Stone cover for True Blood?

BOOKS I HAVE BOUGHT THIS WEEKHaven't read anything about this book ... so will be interesting that's for sure.

My Friday " Book Share "
Feel free to share back with me ...
Just open your book up - and post a sentence or two (a little more if you want) ... from anywhere in the book. Oh, and share the book title and author please! Thanks xoxoxo

Behind the mansion, there was indeed a smallish swimming pool, covered for the winter by a huge black tarp. It had weighted edges that extended far beyond the actual perimeter of the pool. The tiny pool house was completely dark. I moved silently down a pathway created with uneven flagstones, and after I passed through a gap in a dense hedge, I found myself in a paved area. With my enhanced vision, I was able to see instantly that I had found the courtyard in front of the former stables.
(Club Dead by Charlaine Harris - Page 189)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

:Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris :


First Published in Great Britain in 2004
by Little, Brown

This edition published in 2009 byGollancz
Pages - 279 (Paperback)
ISBN - 978-0-575-08938-9

When a vampire asks Sookie Stackhouse to use her telepathic skills to find another missing vampire, she agrees under one condition: the bloodsuckers must promise to let the humans go unharmed.



I am surprised ... after the first book, which I was disappointed in, I found this book to be better than expected. The writing seemed more fluent, and it definately flowed alot easier. I didn't find it gripping ... I could put the book down, walk away and pick it up a day later - but every time I did spend some time reading it, I found myself enjoying the story a lot more. And yes, I still did compare the book to the 2nd HBO True Blood series ... and truly wish that they would keep the books and shows alike - makes it easier ... lol.
After finishing this book - I am looking forward to reading CLUB DEAD.

RATING - 7/10

: AUGUST COMPETITION :

AUGUST GIVEAWAY COMPETITION

This is open INTERNATIONALLY.

The Prize? Your choice of Book up to $20.00 value - to be chosen from the BOOK DEPOSITORY website, and delivered by them directly to you, so before you enter ... make sure you check their site and see if they deliver to your part of the world.

Now all you have to do to enter ... is tell me what book you would like to see make it on to the big screen.

Winner will be chosen by random.org ... Giveaway closes on September 1st.

Good Luck and looking forward to your responses.


Friday, August 20, 2010

: Fantastic Friday - August 20th 2010 :

WOW ... time sure has flown by - haven't barely had a chance to get in here and do any posting.
Thankfully the end of another week, and I have not long come back from having lunch with my girlfriends and doing the weekly shop - that never ever changes.
My son Beau has been down with tonsillitis this week ... so no school, except for today, when he miraculously seemed so much better and managed to drag himself there. Now - do you think the weekend coming around has anything to do with it???
One of my friends is waiting on test results - love you heaps and hope that it is all positive news.
And my dad ... he and mum head off for a month on the Gold Coast, and dad ends up in hospital. Thankfully, he is out now, and doing better but won't be happy until he is home again here on Monday.
As for the weather - you can keep it! It's cold and miserable - and even when the sun does come out, there is NO warmth in it. I am done with winter ... bring on spring.
GOOD NEWS - I am alive and healthy - doesn't get any better than that!!! LOL

I can just imagine me reaching out to grab a drink of cool water as I lay on the beach in Fiji - getting a tan, breathing in the clean air ... aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.

************************************************************
My Friday " Book Share "
Feel free to share back with me ...
Just open your book up - and post a sentence or two (a little more if you want) ... from anywhere in the book. Oh, and share the book title and author please! Thanks xoxoxo

So Re-Bar had his dream job. Working with vampire, working for vampires, and being around them every night. For someone who had gotten fascinated by the undead, Re-Bar had hit a lucky streak. 'What could he do if a vampire got rowdy?' I asked, out of sheer curiosity.
(Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - Page 93)

Oh, and by the way
****COMPETITION GIVEAWAY POSTED TOMORROW****

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

: Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris :


Published : First published in 2004 by Little, Brown
This edition published in 2009 by Gollancz
Pages : 326 (paperback)
ISBN : 978-0-575-08936-5

Sookie Stackhouse is a small time cocktail waitress in small town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much. Not because she's not pretty. She is. It's just that, well, Sookie has this sort of disability. She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill : he's tall, dark and handsome - and Sookie can't 'hear' a word he's thinking. He's exactly the type of guy she's been waiting for all her life.

But Bill has a disability of his own : he's a vampire. Worse than that, he hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, with a reputation for trouble - of the murderous kind.

And when one of Sookie's colleagues is killed, she begins to fear she'll be next ....


Right, where do I start? I have had this series of books sitting on my shelf for ages ... and I have only read this book so far, and that was months ago. You might be wondering why ... maybe it's that I watched TRUE BLOOD the series first, and when I picked up this book, I will admit I was just a bit disappointed.

As I was reading this book, I was thinking to myself that the writing seemed very simplistic ... I'm not sure what I was expecting. I found myself getting a little bored and hoped that there was going to be more in the book that hadn't been incorporated in the TV series. But there wasn't ... so I don't know what to tell you apart from I have now picked up LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS ... and plan on reading it now. I feel like I am the only one that doesn't love this series of books so far.

RATING 6/10

: Parenthood - TV Series :

Anything involving Ron Howard ... has just got to be good.
This series is great ... for those that haven't watched it - make the effort .. you will love it

: The Pillars of the Earth - Mini Series :

Anyone watching this fantastic 8 part mini series?
I have seen 4 episodes now and love it - it's brilliant.

: Heaven by Virginia Andrews :

Published by Pocket books (1985)
Pages : 410 (Paperback)

Of all the folks in the mountain shacks, The Casteels were the lowest -- the scum of the hills.

Heaven Leigh Casteel was the prettiest, smartest girl in the backwoods, despite her ragged clothes and dirty face... despite a father meaner than ten vipers... despite her weary stepmother, who worked her like a mule. For her brother Tom and the little ones, Heaven clung to her pride and her hopes. Someday they'd get away Align Centerand show the world that they were decent, fine and talented -- worthy of love and respect.

Then Heaven's stepmother ran off, and her wicked, greedy father had a scheme -- a vicious scheme that threatened to destroy the precious dream of Heaven and the children forever!

Deep in Her Heart, Heaven Dreamed....

Pa didn't come home for an entire week. I sat on the porch steps late one night and stared at the stormy sky. There had to be a better place than here for me. Somewhere, a better place. An owl hooted, followed by the howl of a roaming wolf. The autumn wind from the north shrieked and whistled around the forest trees, whipped around the trembling cabin and tried to blow it away....

I stared at the moon -- the same moon that rode high over Hollywood and New York City, London and Paris. Someday I'd like to have a real bed of my own to sleep in, with goosedown pillows and satin comforters. I'd have closets full of new dresses, and shoes by the dozen, in all colors, and I'd eat in fancy restaurants where tall slim candles glowed... but right now I had only a hard cold step to sit on. And tears were freezing on my cheeks and lashes....

This is my favorite Virginia Andrews book from the vast library that she has released.
From the beginning, if you are like me, you will have the mental images running around in your head from the very start of the book. You will feel the poverty and desperation, and also the sense of love that Heaven has for the children she spends so much time looking after.

And just when Heaven doesn't think things can get any worse, she finds herself sold off to a couple that promise her the world, but only deliver her a new kind of hell.

For me, this story kept getting better and better every time I turned the page. All sorts of emotions from downright sorrow to total elation are felt while reading this book, and when you get to the end, you will be reaching for the next book in the series DARK ANGEL.

RATING : 9/10