Denz Ramblings

The Scent of Shadows by Vicki Pettersson

2012-01-09T11:02:00.000+11:00

First Published by Harper Voyager in 2008
Paperback: 454 pages

ISBN-13: 978-0007270217

When she was sixteen, Joanna Archer was brutally assaulted and left to die in the Nevada desert.

By rights, she should be dead.

Now a photographer by day, she prowls a different Las Vegas after sunset – a grim, secret Sin City where Light battles Shadow – seeking answers to whom or what she really is … and revenge for the horrors she was forced to endure.

But the nightmare is just beginning – for the demons are hunting Joanna, and the powerful Shadows want her for their own…

-------------------------------------------------------

I don't know why I do it - I buy these books and they end up sitting on the book case for ages ... it's like I just keep putting off reading them for some reason, and then when I do WHAM! I can't put them down. This book was exactly like that.

This story centres around Joanna Archer and her undying addiction to protecting those around her, and even the innocents that she doesn't know but she feels a duty to make sure they are safe.

Joanna finds herself in a world that kids read about - good and bad, superheroes with powers and conduits - and it takes her awhile to realise that this is no joke, that it is real, and everyone she loves is in danger of being a target by the Shadow agents, as well as the Tulpa who can reach places without you even knowing.

You will read the book knowing there is more to Joanna's story, which will be revealed in Book 2 and 3 by the way, but you feel her pain and anger at being kept in the dark about her talents and who was behind the assault on her all those years ago. She seeks revenge ... with very sad consequences for her beloved sister, and has to learn who to trust, and how to work with a team of Light Agents, to get to the bottom of all her questions.

Enjoy the read - it's well worth it. This story is well written, with some believable characters and situations.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ = Good Read, you won't be disappointed

FREE - Breathless by Scott Prussing

2012-01-09T10:48:00.000+11:00

www.smashwords.com

Breathless is Book One in The Blue Fire Saga, a paranormal romance series filled with passion, suspense and supernatural danger. Readers have been loving Breathless, call it "fabulous," "amazing," and "a page-turner." "Breathes new life into the vampire genre." ~ Book Fetish.org

Because I'm in a good mood: FREE BREATHLESS ebook at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87871Use coupon code KG84D. Sunday and Monday only. Tell all your friends! ~scott

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-09T10:38:00.001+11:00

Good morning everyone ... I hope that you all had a great time ringing in the New Year, and I hope that it is going to be an awesome one for everybody.

I have to apologise for not being here more towards the end of 2011 ... it was a horrible year for me and I found most of my spare time when not working (which seemed alot of the time) was spent at my Tag Forum.

But I am back ... ready to get some reviews done ... share some freebies and hopefully get some contests happening on here again.

Thanks for hanging around

♥

THE HOLLOW by Nora Roberts

2011-09-15T09:54:00.003+10:00

Published by The Penguin Group in 2008

Pages : 318 (Paperback)

ISBN : 978 - 0 - 515 - 14459 - 8

For Fox, Caleb, Gage and the other residents of Hawkins Hollow, the number seven portends doom—ever since, as boys, they freed a demon trapped for centuries when their blood spilled upon The Pagan Stone...

Their innocent bonding ritual led to seven days of madness, every seven years. And now, as the dreaded seventh month looms before them, the men can feel the storm brewing. Already they are plagued by visions of death and destruction. But this year, they are better prepared, joined in their battle by three women who have come to The Hollow. Layla, Quinn, and Cybil are somehow connected to the demon, just as the men are connected to the force that trapped it.

Since that fateful day at the Pagan Stone, town lawyer Fox has been able to see into other's minds, a talent he shares with Layla. He must earn her trust, because their link will help fight the darkness that threatens to engulf the town. But Layla is having trouble coming to terms with her newfound ability - and with this intimate connection to Fox. She knows that once she opens her mind, she'll have no defense against the desire that threatens to consume them both ....

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I picked this book up as soon as I finished reading the 1st book BLOOD BROTHERS. I already felt like there was a bond, a familiarity with the 3 guys and loved how Quinn, Layla and Cybil were brought into the story.

It's getting closer to that fateful time when the Demon will unleash his power and cause havoc on the town once again, but this time the guys can feel that he is stronger and angrier - and feel that if they don't find a way to end his reign of terror over the town, the people and ultimately their own lives, that it could be the end for all of them.

Their friendships and relationships grow stronger, if that is at all possible - and find that through the visions they are shown, they have to delve back into the past to search for answers and a solution to rid them of the Demon.

Once again - they fight visions that to them feel real - but looking around, they see other townsfolk don't see what they are seeing. As time goes on, they find that some of the townspeople are starting to get physically hurt instead ... and their search for answers at one time reaches fever pitch.

We still have the love stories growing throughout this book - and you can feel the personal turmoil that each one of them goes through, with pain and feelings of protection over each other, as well as finding out more about the childhoods of each of the guys.

BLOOD BROTHERS by Nora Roberts

2011-09-15T09:24:00.005+10:00

First published in the US in 2007 by The Berkley Publishing Group

Paperback : 314 pages

ISBN : 978 - 0 - 7499 - 3843 - 7

In the town of Hawkins Hollow, it’s called The Seven. Every seven years, on the seventh day of the seventh month, strange things happen. It began when three young boys—Caleb, Fox, and Gage—went on a camping trip to The Pagan Stone. And twenty-one years later, it will end in a showdown between evil and the boys who have become men, and the women who love them.

Caleb Hawkins can never forget what happened in the woods twenty one years ago - and neither can Hawkins Hollow. For every seven years, there are a few weeks in July when the locals do unspeakable things - and then don't seem to remember them. The collective madness has made itself known beyond the town borders, and has given Hawkins Hollow the reputation of a village possessed.

It is this modern day legend that draws reporter and author Quinn Black to Hawkins Hollow. She hopes to make the eerie happenings the subject of her next book. Caleb Hawkins, descendant of the town founders, has agreed to talk to her. It is only February, but Cal has already seen and felt the stirrings of evil. He will need help, from his best friends Fox and Gage, and from Quinn. She has seen the signs as well and is somehow connected to the town - and to Cal. Together they will form the cornerstone of a group of men and women bound by fate, passion and the fight against what is to come out from the darkness ....

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This book along with the other 2 books in the trilogy have been sitting on my bookshelf for awhile now - and I have to admit that the reason that I didn't pick them up and read them was because the covers weren't appealing. Poor excuse I know ... but I decided to make a start on them, and I couldn't put them down.

Blood Brothers is a great read - we go back to find out what started the whole terrible Seven, as they call it - and you get a real feel for the way this affected the lives of Cal, Fox and Gage. Each of them find their own way of coping with the horrible events that happen, and try to protect their town and the innocent people that live there, putting their own lives at risk fighting the evil demon trying to destroy them and all that they love.

The action keeps coming with each chapter - just when things seem to have settled down and the book begins to resemble a love story WHAM! ... another incident and the men are on full alert again. They fight as hard as they can, and at times have trouble telling the difference between reality and the mirages created by the demon.

If you haven't read this trilogy of books - give it a shot. Small town life is brought to you in a great read, along with interesting characters, and family lives that grown on you the more that you read. The love story that unfolds is great too!

RATING : ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Morning Chatter ♥

2011-09-15T09:18:00.003+10:00

Good Morning everyone ... and I am sorry for my absence ... it's just been very hectic for us lately with real life.

Real life has been up and down lately - one of my boys has moved back home, which is good as I enjoy his company ... he really can make me laugh. On the downside, my hubby was involved in a bad road rage incident, where he was bashed by some thug - and all the witnesses said that my hubby didn't do anything wrong. Unfortunately, it looks like the guy was driving a car with false number plates, so the police really have their hands tied ... so looks like the mongrel will get away with it.

But that is behind us now ... and things are starting to look up. And with Spring on us here in OZ - and a beautiful sunny day today, it's hard not to be positive about the future

I have been doing alot of reading to help me chill out and will try to get all the reviews posted asap. And I will be doing alot of blog hopping today ... wonder what little treats I will find?

Have a great day everyone ♥

Boomerang Books Giveaway # 1

2011-07-19T11:01:00.003+10:00

Boomerang Books has a great giveaway happening on their site right now until July 22nd

http://content.boomerangbooks.com.au/content/giveaways/giveaway-top-gear.shtml

We've got four Top Gear Boxed Sets to giveaway, courtesy of our friends from Random House. Each boxed set contains three retro Top Gear titles:My Dad Had One of Those, Midlife Crisis Cars, and Crap Cars.

Three great car books from the Emmy and BAFTA-winning Top Gear television series in the UK, presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

You have to be a member of their site, but it only takes a minute to sign up.

(AUSTRALIA ONLY)

Maria V. Snyder Book Signing

2011-07-18T13:58:00.006+10:00

LOCATION : Kinokuniya
Level 2, The Galleries
500 George Street,
Sydney 2000
Australia

TIME : 6.00pm to 8.00pm

WHEN : Monday August 15th 2011

Meet LAUREN KATE - Author of FALLEN Series

2011-07-03T10:35:00.003+10:00

MORE EVENTS

Click here to browse all events >> http://www.facebook.com/fallenbooks?sk=events

GLASS HOUSES by Rachel Caine

2011-07-02T16:05:00.003+10:00

First Published in Great Britain by Allison and Busby Ltd

This edition published by Penguin Group (Australia 2011)

Paperback - 361 Pages

ISBN : 978 - 1 - 9218 - 8006 - 63

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Welcome to Morganville. Just don`t stay out after dark.

Morganville is a small town filled with unusual characters - when the sun goes down, the bad come out. In Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows - one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

For Claire Danvers, high school was hell, but college may be murder. It was bad enough that she got on the wrong side of Monica, the meanest of the school's mean girls, but now she's got three new roommates, who all have secrets of their own. And the biggest secret of all isn't really a secret, except from Claire: Morganville is run by vampires and they are hungry for fresh blood . . .

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Yes - I loved it - this book had a little of everything for me.

Claire, smart and new to town - and picked on by the 'queen bitch' of Morganville.

Michael, mysterious and sexy - and never around when you need him.

Shane, funny and caring - watching Claire's back at every turn.

Eve, insecure and brash - trying to push people away, when she really wants them to hold her in their arms.

Put these 4 characters in the one house, in a town that is run by Vampires ... and no doubt there is going to be trouble. And where Claire goes, trouble seems to follow.

Monica Morrell has it in for Claire, just because she can! And when she learns that Shane and Claire are friends and hanging out together, that only fuels her anger towards Claire even more.

There is a learning period that Claire must go through - who to trust, who not to trust, keeping her eyes and ears open, and whatever you do - do not piss off a vampire. Once Claire finds out what the vampires are really after (apart from blood) she sets out on a mission to deliver it to them for the bargaining price of being able to live in peace. And finding out who the true 'head' vampire is, is proving harder than it looks.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Well written book, with some twists that shocked me - especially towards the end of the book just when I thought that peace had been restored (enter Shane's father, who has a passion to kill off every vampire in the town). And so the pain, the looking over the shoulder, and avoiding being killed will continue on in Book 2 of this series.

I loved it - and can't wait to read the next book.

RATING ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4 hearts = good read)

CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare

2011-07-02T15:31:00.003+10:00

First published in Great Britain in 2010 by Walker Books Ltd

Paperback - 479 Pages

ISBN 978 - 1 - 4063 - 2881 - 3

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still

When 16yo Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and haunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends, and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I knew nothing about this book - but was totally drawn by the cover ... I think it's amazing.

I very quickly became engrossed with the story and felt alot of empathy for Tessa as she finds herself in a horrible situation, all alone and at the mercy of the Dark Sisters - and worried about her brother who no one has seen or heard of for ages.

When Tessa does find a way to escape the Dark Sisters, she finds herself being taken to the refuge of the Shadowhunters, with Will and Jem taking her under their care. Tessa finds her temper matching against Wills, and wondering what is going on with Jem, finding him very sickly from time to time.

The Shadowhunters are aware of Tessa's talent, and understand how the Downworld would like to have her, and use her for their own needs and desires, but they promise to protect her at all costs. And when 'All Costs' nearly does come true with Tessa's life under threat, they also find Tessa's brother Nathaniel - near death and being used by the Vampires.

Many things occur from this point - leading to danger and distrust, and also the attack on her haven, making her believe that her time with the Shadowhunters is under threat. Will and Jem come to the rescue just in time, and things between Will and Tessa change, as he thought that he had lost her to the Magister. And just when you think it's going to be a Happy Ever After ending, think again. You will have to read the 2nd book in the series "Clockwork Prince" to follow the story even further.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I liked this book - found the characters believable and likeable - except for the Dark Sisters, and her servants.

I could clearly picture in my head the different locations, and also the characters - especially Henry, who is very quirky but not silly.

The beginning of a love story between Tessa and Will is always going to be under threat considering the talent that Tessa posesses, and the DownWorld wants. Whether Will can walk away from her, or if he takes that step to make the relationship grow, we will have to no doubt read in CLOCKWORK PRINCE.

The one downside for me was the Angel that Tessa wears around her neck .. I don't know why, but I did expect it to be more prominent in the book (maybe it has something to do with the name of the book) .. but I guess it served it's purpose.

I think you will enjoy this book .. I know that I did.

RATING ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4 hearts = good read)

Freedom Giveaway Hop

2011-07-02T09:56:00.003+10:00

AMAZING Giveaways - 200 Blogs are involved, with quite a few international giveaways

CLICK HERE to enter the blog hop now

And good luck to everyone that enters ♥

WOOHOO ... love the new look

2011-07-01T19:51:00.003+10:00

.... and it's all thanks to my bestest buddy POOKER at Elegant Inspirations

Pooker has made my day - redressing 2 of my blogs and doing an absolutely amazing job too!

THANKS ... you have totally outdone yourself ♥

DARK & DISORDERLY by Bernita Harris

2011-05-16T15:12:00.004+10:00

(E Book from Net Galley)

"I was standing there naked when my dead husband walked into my bathroom..."

Lillie St. Claire is a Talent, one of the rare few who can permanently dispatch the spirits of the dead that walk the earth. Her skills are in demand in a haunted country, where a plague of ghosts is becoming a civic nuisance.

Those skills bring her into conflict with frightened citizens who view Talents as near-demons. Her husband comes to see her as a Freak; so when Nathan dies after a car crash, she is relieved to be free of his increasingly vicious presence. Lillie expects to be haunted by Nathan's ghost, but not to become Suspect #1 for her husband's murder and reanimation.

But what's most surprising of all is the growing attraction between her and psi-crime detective John Thresher. He thinks that Lillie killed Nathan--and Nathan must agree, because his zombie is seeking revenge. Now she and Thresher must work together to solve her husband's murder--before his corpse kills her...

------------------------------------------------

The cover of this book first grabbed my attention - and when I started reading it, I was captivated = for awhile. I think Lillie is strong and vulnerable at the same time - I don't feel that she is like your typical heroine you find in most stories, that tend to be more grit and toughness than showing their vulnerable side.

I found at times that this story lost me - there were pages that I couldn't remember reading - my eyes just wandered over the pages as I got a little bored with the story.

You may read this and disagree with me - but I did enjoy the undertones of a love story ... and would like to see where the author takes Lillie in the future

RATING : 5/10

THE FORTUNES OF RUBY WHITE by Lia Weston

2011-05-16T14:59:00.002+10:00

First published in Australia in 2010

Paperback : 370 pages

ISBN : 9780731814633

Ruby White has burnt her bridges. She has no job, no direction in life, and just enough money to last a month. if she eats only rice and her cat catches his own meals. When her best friend, Anise, holds a dress-up party, Ruby drowns her sorrows and meets Damien, whose vampire costume belies his sweet nature.
With time on her hands, Ruby soon finds herself at a seminar for those who are Hyper-Auto-Aware, a condition she never knew existed, run by the Jaasmyn Empire, a company she's never heard of. To Ruby's astonishment, and that of those who know her, she is offered a job.

Ruby's talent of guesswork and sarcasm propel her through the corridors of power until the final, hilarious climax and Ruby understands what a 'new age' life can truly bring.

For those who secretly suspect that there are a few oddballs in the metaphysical movement, put your feet up and immerse yourself in this laugh out loud, witty and biting novel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This book was right down my alley - I ran mediation classes, have done reiki healing and have had the odd 'vision' and received messages that I have never completely understood. I have come into contact with countless others through the metaphysical work I do - and I tell you - read this book, open your eyes and be very aware. There are lots of people out there that are whacky!!!!!!!!!!!! PMSL.

This book was well researched - the story I feel told truthfully through the eyes of someone who has seen charletons at work ... Ruby was at an all time low, and from that point, she was fair game to all the rogues out there.

Sit back - do put your feet up and enjoy this read. Nice story, with a nice ending. :)

RATING : 7/10

LORD OF LEGENDS by Susan Krinard

2011-05-16T14:47:00.003+10:00

First published in 2009

Paperback : 348 Pages

ISBN : 978-1-921-68503-3

He is Arion, King of the Unicorns. Powerful, seductive, he could possess any female he desired - until now. He is condemned to live as a man, and it is only the enchanting Lady Mariah Donnington's innocence that can release him from his curse.

Abandoned on her wedding night, frightened of her hidden, otherworldly heritage, Mariah is instinctively drawn to the mysterious stranger she discovers imprisoned on her husband's estate. But as the secret of Arion's magical identity unfolds, their friendship burns into a passion that cannot, must not be consummated. For to do so would destroy them both ...

--------------------------------------------------

I haven't read the previous books in this series, and I think that maybe I should have. I did enjoy the story, and could believe the situation that Mariah found herself in - being in a house with her vindictive, nasty mother-in-law, who was always out to find a way that she could get rid of her, and being befriended by women who only wanted her out of the way ... but as for the rest of the story, well, I did find it a little ordinary. At times, I felt like the story really wasn't going anywhere. When things did start to happen, it was all at once, like desperately trying to close the book off.

Read it if you will ...

RATING - 5/10

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen

2011-05-16T14:29:00.004+10:00

First published in the US and Australia in 2006

PaperBack : 394 pages

ISBN : 978 - 1 - 74175 - 295 - 3

When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, swindlers and misfits in a second-rate circus struggling to survive.

A veterinary student, who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that Jacob meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrienne who is married to August, a charismatic but violently unpredictable animal trainer. Jacob also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems unmanageable until he discovers an unusual way to reach her.

Water for Elephants is a story that has it all - warmth, humor, poignancy and passion. It has an energy and spirit like the feeling under a big top when the show is about to begin. It is a novel that will win your heart.

--------------------------------------------------------

I have to agree with this last statement, this book DID win my heart from the first few pages. I loved the way that the story flicks between the present day and the past, with Jacob remembering his time in the circus and his first stirrings of love for Marlena.

I think the story encompasses alot of different issues that we all come across in our daily lives, obviously not in the circus confines, but I think that everyone would find it easy to relate to so many of the situations that Jacob and the other performers face on a daily basis.

The love story - I enjoyed watching that grow, and right up to the end, you could still feel the love bouncing off the pages, reading from Jacob's point of view.

For me, I cannot wait to see this movie - love the story in print, and can only hope that it transfers to the screen with the same intensity of love, passion, pain and experiences.

RATING - 9/10

Sorry for my MIA ...

2011-03-21T12:18:00.002+11:00

Yes, I know that you have heard it before ... but it's been way too long and I didn't plan on staying away this long.

The last 6 weeks have been hectic and emotionally draining ... but it looks like we are finally back on top of things and from here on things can only look up.

My hubby has had a change of job - which was totally necessary, at his age he shouldn't have been doing the physical work he was and his body really suffered for it. Thankfully now, he is back on to a desk job and his body is slowly starting to repair itself. He doesn't have anywhere near the aches and pains that he did a month ago. Downside of the job change - less money, so frantically reorganising financial commitments to see us through until the pay rise promised comes through.

Haven't done anywhere near the reading that I would have liked to get done - also had to deal with my son and the breakup of his long term relationship. Knocked him for 6 and finally now (even though he is holding out hope they will get back together) he is starting to get settled once again and he has all of his family and the friends that matter around him supporting him.

So ... apart from the odd illness that his hit us and updating my pc ... that's about it. I have been slack with my other blogs too ... and plan on getting things happening all over once again.

BOOKS READ

I did find the time to read a few books ... and I doubt that I will have time to get reviews done for them for awhile ... so here's a quick summary.

Shadow of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne (Rating 6 out of 10)

MisGuided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz (Rating 8 out of 10)

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz (Rating 8 out of 10)

Original Sin by Allison Brennan (Rating 8 out of 10)

I am currently reading Luxe by Anna Godbersen ... I have read it before, but after speaking to a few people that loved it, I am rereading it to see what I missed ... lol

Water for Elephants is next on my reading list - interested to hear from anyone else that has read this ... love to hear your thoughts on the book, and coming movie.

Till next time ... xoxoxoxo

Follower Love Giveaway Hop - Feb 8th to 13th

2011-02-08T16:23:00.003+11:00

Head on over right now and check it out - there are over 200 blog giveaways!

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-hops.html

************

Go to BOOK'D OUT ... an amazing book giveaway happening right now

http://bookdout.wordpress.com/

I've entered ... guessing you all will too!

DARK OF THE MOON by Rachel Hawthorne

2011-02-08T15:20:00.004+11:00

First published in 2009 by Harper Collins

Paperback : 262 pages

ISBN : 978 0 06 170957 - 9

Brittany is determined to prove herself to the Dark Guardians. And yet, she's been keeping a devastating secret : She hasn't experienced any of the intense, early signs of change that mark a Dark Guardian's transformation. The only intense feelings that she has are for Connor - and she's kept that a secret too. But she knows she'll never truly have Connor's love if she's not a shifter like him.

At the first full moon after her birthday, her greatest fear is realized : She doesn't transform. Brittany is so desperate to become a wolf that she'll go to extremes she never thought possible ... and put all the Dark Guardians in incredible danger.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Another easy book to read in this series - read it quite quickly, and even though I did, I enjoyed it, but it's light reading. We follow Brittany through trying to keep her secret from everyone, except her friend that she confides in. Together, they are wondering if maybe Brittany's birth certificate is wrong, and she may just have to wait a bit longer. That said, she has to keep her guard up to make sure her secret stays just that, just a little longer.

And once Connor starts to pay her attention, she fears telling him the secret that could effectively end their chance at a relationship. Throw in the 'mad' scientist Mason who is after them, at all costs, to try and make a serum from their blood and be able to transform - no matter what, that is his ultimate goal.

Enjoyable read - with a predictable ending.

Next book in the series is SHADOW OF THE MOON

RATING - 6/10

THE FOREST OF HANDS & TEETH by Carrie Ryan

2011-02-08T15:04:00.004+11:00

First Published in Great Britain in 2009 by Gollancz

Paperback : 310 pages

ISBN : 978 0 575 09085 9

In Mary's world, there are simple truths.

The Sisterhood always knows best.

The Guardians will protect and serve.

The Unconsecrated will never relent.

And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.

Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?

* * * * * * * * * * * *

This book intrigued me from the beginning - and that was before I even opened the cover - the name itself was enough to have me thinking it should be interesting.

The story revolves around Mary, a teenager living in a society that cannot leave the confines of the village. On the other side of the gates, the undead walk and thirst for blood. Mary has seen many people lost to the Forest, and she is about to see alot more. Mary struggles with the belief that there is nothing outside the village - that the world is gone, and all she wants to do is follow her dreams and see the wonderful ocean that her mother told her about growing up as a young child.

Through a tragedy, Mary finds herself in the hands of the Sisterhood, who try hard to break her spirit and make her conform, as no-one stood up and asked for Mary's hand. But nothing will stop her questions, and her thirst for more. When a 'visitor' appears in the Cathedral one night, Mary finds herself pushed to the limit to find out where they came from - but before she gets the chance, the visitor is gone.

As always, there is a love story, which has many twists and turns, and when a small group of them find themselves wandering the path between villages, all the while being stalked by the Undead on the other side of the fences, emotions run high and deep, as they try to come to terms with what has happened to them, and the bleak outlook for their future.

For me, Mary was stubborn and a little more mature I guess than most of the YA heroines we come across in books these days. You will ask yourself if Mary is putting her desires over the safety of the group, and in the end you will see reconnection between brother and sister that you thought was lost for good.

Enjoyed this read, and looking forward to the next 2 books THE DEAD TOSSED WAVES and THE DARK HOLLOW PLACES.

Rating - 7/10

DIVINE BY BLOOD by P.C.Cast

2011-02-08T14:41:00.006+11:00

First Published in Great Britain in 2010

by MIRA Books

Paperback - 392 pages

ISBN - 978 0 7783 0363 3

"You are divine by blood and have power beyond your wildest imaginings"

Morgan bit her lip. Power beyond her wildest imaginings - WOW! That must be some power, because she definately had an excellent imagination.

Conceived in a lie to a goddess plagued by evil and a father that sacrificed himself to stop her. Morrigan is raised as a normal girl in Oklahoma.

Now eighteen, Morrigan is finally learning the truth about her past and discovering an ability to harness magic. Finding her way to Partholon, she hopes to be respected as the daughter of a goddess - she's ready to be worshipped!

But Morrigan is plagued by doubt - are the voices she hears a connection with the goddess of Epona, or the evil that controlled her mother.

* * * * * * * * *

This book took me a little bit to get into ... I wasn't a fan of Morrigan, she seemed like deep down she had the makings of another Rhiannon, which annoyed the heck out of me.

It was like going back to the beginning again, once Morrigan crosses over into Partholon, and she has to be looked after by Brita, who was the High Priestess before she appeared to them. But slowly, I tended to have a softness for Morrigan - how could she not have some of Rhiannon's dark side running through her, considering the circumstances before and during her birth.

The story grew on me, and I came to understand where she was coming from - fighting the ultimate battle - good vs evil. The way the book ends, is just right for the 2 follow up books in the series ELPHAME'S CHOICE and BRIGHID'S QUEST.

Take the chance ... grab these series of books and lose yourself in a mystical fantasy story of love and discover.

RATING - 7/10

DIVINE BY CHOICE by P.C.Cast

2011-01-21T13:15:00.006+11:00

First Published in 2009 by MIRA BOOKS (GB)

Paperback : 377 Pages

ISBN : 978 0 7783 0358 9

Shannon Parker has finally come to terms with life in the mythical world of Partholon. She loves her centaur husband, her connection to the goddess Epona and the pampering that comes with both! She’s almost forgotten her old life on Earth – especially when she discovers she’s pregnant…

Then a sudden burst of power sends her back to Oklahoma. Without magic, Shannon can’t return to Partholon – and so she needs to find help. Trouble is, it might take the form of a man as tempting as her husband. And along the way she’ll discover that being divine by mistake is a lot easier than being divine by choice…

Shannon has started to settle into life in her magical world. She has a husband that adores her, and she adores him right back. He is away tending to the mess left behind from the attack of the Formorians - and she is missing him. Thankfully her trusted friend Alanna is there to guide her, talk with her and do what friends do.

Everything is perfect in Shannon's world - she believes that this world is where she is meant to be - and then suddenly she is ripped away and forward through time to the world she originally left. She is devastated, and with the aid of Clint (who bares a striking resemblance to her husband ClanFinton, the High Shaman Centaur) and the help of her father, they all have to face a battle not expected in their current time - Rhiannon has called on the Dark Side believing that like everything she was ever taught to believe, it would bow down and follow her every command. Shannon must fight her - and teaming with Clint, and the wonder of nature, she is assured that she is the Chosen One and stands against her ... with one aim in mind - getting back to the old world.

I loved it - the story continues in great style - and leaves me reaching for the next book in the series DIVINE BY BLOOD

RATING : 8/10

DIVINE BY MISTAKE by P.C. Cast

2011-01-21T13:00:00.003+11:00

First Published in in 2009 (GB) by MIRA Books

Paperback : 571 pages

ISBN : 978 0 7783 0357 2

The only excitement Shannon Parker expects while on summer vacation is a little shopping. But when an antique vase calls to her, she finds herself transported to Partholon, where she’s treated like a goddess. A very temperamental goddess…

Somehow Shannon has stepped into another’s role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona. And while there’s an upside – what woman doesn’t like lots of pampering? – it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and threats against her new people. Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she’s her double.

Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind…

When I first opened this book, this is what I read on the inside ... something that PC Cast had written to the readers. "I told myself I was going to write The Book I'd Most Want to Read, and that's exactly what I did". I have to say, I thought okay - this is going to be good. I hope it's the book I most want to read to!

The first chapter of the book had me thinking, um hurry up move along, and then it did. With a bang. Changes to everything Shannon had ever known - a whole new world in a whole new time, where she is treated like a princess. And everywhere she looks, all the people close to her mirror people from her life in the 'other world'.

Shannon finds herself very slowly beginning to care about the people around her, and when she is confronted with having to deal with the evil that she visits and sees when the Magic Sleep takes over, she knows that she is bound to this place more than she could ever realise. She is the Chosen One, not Rhiannon who switched places with her.

Read this book- and find yourself transported to a gentler time ... and fall in love with the fantasy that will surround you - especially in your dreams.

RATING : 8/10

NIGHT STAR by Alyson Noel

2011-01-21T12:46:00.003+11:00

First Published in 2010 by Martin's Press (US)

Paperback : 302 Pages

ISBN : 978 0 330 52811 - 5

LOVE & HEARTBREAK BELONG TOGETHER

There are some secrets you're better off not knowing.

But once Ever Bloom is given a glimpse of what Damen is keeping from her, she has to find out more - whatever the cost.

Their past together is not what she thinks - and only he remembers everything. Until now, when a vengeful friend lets her in on his secret. And it may just push Ever into someone else's arms ...

This is Book 5 in the Immortals series.

Damon and Ever can still only truly be together in Summerland ... the spell has not been broken, and they continue in their search for a way to break the spell that was placed on them by Roman.

Haven is on a mission to destroy the relationships Ever has with Damon and Jude and goes out of her way to make life a living hell for Ever. She tells Ever that there are secrets Damon is keeping from her that will change the way she feels. Ever searches for answers and stumbles across something that makes her heart heavy and her mind crazy. At this time, Jude is there to support her, unsure why she is keeping her distance from Damon, but also hoping that it could be the start for them as a couple.

Throughout this book - the story takes many twists and turns - Miles is the surprise, coming back from a summer in Paris, with his mind and eyes open and looking pretty hot if he says so himself!

Read this book - you will feel the love and the pain, and at the end, be looking for the next book - there has to be another one!

RATING : 7/10

BLOOD OATH by Christopher Farnsworth

2011-01-21T12:26:00.004+11:00

First Published in 2010 by Hodder & Stoughton (GB)

Paperback - 390 pages

ISBN : 978 0 340 99814 4

ONLY ONE MAN CAN SAVE US… AND HE’S ALREADY DEAD.

Zach Barrows is an ambitious young White House staffer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he’s partnered with Nathaniel Cade, a secret agent sworn to protect the president. But Cade is no ordinary civil servant. Bound by a special blood oath, Cade has spent more than 140 years in service to the president, battling nightmares before they can break into the daylight world of the American dream.

Immediately Zach and Cade receive their first joint assignment: one that uncovers a shadowy government conspiracy and a plot to attack the Unites States with a gruesome new biological weapon. Zach soon learns that the world is far stranger, and far more dangerous, than he ever imagined . . . and that his partner is the least of his problems..

This book started off more like a spy thriller than a normal Vampire Book that we've read in the past .. and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it grabbed me. The story flowed quite well - as each character was introduced, you were given time to get to know them and have them settle into the story easily. There is a mixture of science fiction, fantasy and mystery mixed in with the supernatural.

This book was great reading - the movement of the old partner to the new - Zach. who actually can't believe that he is now spending every day side by side with a vampire. A real vampire. And when they receive their first assignment, Zach had no idea of what they are walking into and the changes that will happen to him. Because really, he is a snivelling little boy until he is made to grow up and face some realities about the world around him.

Naturally we have the good and bad sides in this book - wouldn't be much of a story if we didn't - and it's interesting watching the way they are dealt with.

This is the first book for Christopher, with the 2nd book in the Series - the President's Vampire to be released in April 2011. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to move away from YA Vampire style of books.

RATING : 8/10

VAMPIRE ACADEMY FANS ...

2011-01-02T16:48:00.000+11:00

*Vampire Academy is being made into a graphic novel!

*Vampire Academy film options have been sold! Read this to learn what's true and what's not--and how you can help get a movie made.

* Want Vampire Academy shirts, jewelry, and more? Click here.

LAST SACRIFICE by Richelle Mead

2011-01-02T16:37:00.004+11:00

First Published in 2010

by Penguin Books Australia

Paperback : 594 Pages

ISBN : 9781921518904

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?

This much awaited final installment in the Vampire Academy series of books does not let you down from start to finish. Rose and Dimitri are on the run, keeping Rose away from Court, while her friends work at proving that she did not kill Queen Tatiana. But as we all know, Rose has a way of letting trouble find her along the way - so she fights Strigoi once more, battles once again with Victor (can she trust him) and gets the last clues which will help prove her innocence, but destroy the heart of one of her closest friends.

Throw in the passion that she sees in Dimitri's face when he looks at her, and meeting up with Adrian in her dreams - she is confused about her feelings. I loved watching the way Rose dealt with it.

This book is brilliant - ties up loose ends, and brings true love together, for a perfect finish to the story.

If you are a Vampire Academy fan - you will love this book - I did.

Rating : 8/10

SISTER by Rosamund Lupton

2011-01-02T16:23:00.003+11:00

Published By: Piatkus
Publication Date: September 2nd 2010
ISBN: 9780749942014
Format: Paperback

Nothing can break the bond between sisters …

When Beatrice gets a frantic call in the middle of Sunday lunch to say that her younger sister, Tess, is missing, she boards the first flight home to London. But as she learns about the circumstances surrounding her sister's disappearance, she is stunned to discover how little she actually knows of her sister's life – and unprepared for the terrifying truths she must now face.

The police, Beatrice's fiancé and even their mother accept they have lost Tess but Beatrice refuses to give up on her. So she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth, no matter the cost.

The bond between sisters - is proven unbreakable in this book.

We follow the story of Beatrice jetting back to London, to help try to find her sister who is missing. And when Tess' body is found, it only pushes Beatrice further to squash the prejudiced verdict that she committed suicide. She knew her best, and refuses to believe that her funloving sister would take her own life.

The book is written in a way - that Beatrice has flashbacks to different times and places and the experiences that she shared with Tess, and at one point she feels like she is losing her mind. She's already lost her job back in the US and her fiancé is just one short step from leaving her for good.

But through all the dramas, hurdles and people that cross her path - she does get the answers - which shock her, but also gives her a peace that she would not have been able to find if she had accepted the original findings into Tess' death.

Read this book - you will enjoy it!

Rating : 7/10

HOMECOMING by Sue Ann Bowling

2011-01-02T16:07:00.003+11:00

Published by iUniverse Books

Paperback : 317 Pages

ISBN : 978 - 1- 4502 - 1315 - 8

Only a single R'il'nian, Lai, is left alive in the Confederation, and he is mourning his lost Human love, Cloudy. Humans are now running the last R'il'nian planet, Central, which has become both the de facto Capital of the Confederation and the hub of the slave trade in the Confederation.

Snowy, a young slave dancer, has a secret, one his mother told him would lead to his being killed if he were ever found out. He feels the emotions of others. More, he is capable of reading the minds of others, making objects move, and even Healing his own injuries and those of his friends. But he does not dare to tell even his slave friends of his abilities, which are frighteningly similar to those of the R'il'noids, and some of his cruelest masters have been R'il'noids.

Not all of the R'il'noids are monsters. Snowy and his friends are sold to Lai's half-brother, Derik, and when Snowy falls ill Derik is able to recognize the disease as Kharfun syndrome, which leaves Snowy totally paralyzed. Could Snowy himself be R'il'noid? His first response is the firm conviction that he is being lied to, though there isn't much he can do about it when he can't even move.

But beyond the borders of the Confederation is Riya, settled long ago by the R'il'nai. Here Marna is the sole survivor of a planet-wide epidemic, kept alive only by her determination to warn off any other R'il'nai who may find the doomed planet. She was on an isolation satellite studying a different disease when the epidemic started, but now the life-support system of the satellite has broken down. Can she avoid being infected, two centuries after everyone she has ever known has died? Does she even want to?

Lai, Marna and Snowy (now renamed Roi) have the potential to keep the Confederation going without turning it into the R'il'noid dictatorship envisioned by Lai's R'il'noid heir, Zhaim, but they will need all of Derik's help, and everything Roi has learned during his slavery, to succeed against Zhaim's machinations.

I knew absolutely nothing about this book when I got it. Into the first chapter, I felt like there was a possibility this book may just be 'over my head' ... we were introduced to a lot of characters and it was a bit of a struggle to keep them all lined up where they belonged. But, as I kept reading, I found that the characters helped me understand certain aspects that normally would have had me scratching my head.

You will fall in love with Snowy (Roi) - we've all known someone like him, and at times it was hard to remember that he was a teenager. But as a mother, I found that his safety and sanity became very important to me throughout the story.

Other characters - Lai, Marna and Derick all found a place in my heart - I think that Roi brought out elements of these characters that they themselves had (a) buried away deep inside or (b) never believed they possessed.

I found so many aspects of this book rang true for me. It should make us all stop and think - to learn to look after our planet and the people we share it with a lot better.

Thanks also Sue Ann - found something useful in there that I plan to use with my Reiki healing - maybe it's what has been missing for me. All in all, this is a good book. It gets hold of you and you will become totally engrossed in the story and characters and you'll actually be sad when you turn the page to find the story has finished. I would love to see this book made into a movie - it would be really interesting.

The only down side I could find to this book was that I struggled to picture the characters and the locations mentioned - but I am sure that was just me.

Do yourself a favor - READ THIS BOOK!

Rating : 8/10

Happy New Year - Welcome 2011

2011-01-02T16:04:00.000+11:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Let's hope that 2011 is going to be an amazing year for all of you.

Lots of great stuff planned for this year - looking forward to whatever it throws my way.

I hope that you all had a wonderful NYE and are looking forward to great things.

Quick Update - and Bon Jovi 2010

2010-12-17T14:08:00.002+11:00

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

2010-12-17T13:54:00.004+11:00

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

2010-12-17T13:42:00.006+11:00

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

2010-12-17T13:33:00.003+11:00

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

2010-12-17T13:21:00.005+11:00

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

Ink Exchange by Melissa Mar

2010-11-23T13:43:00.003+11:00

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

2010-11-23T13:29:00.004+11:00

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

:The Dark Divine by Bree Despain:

2010-11-06T16:51:00.003+11:00

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.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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:

2010-11-06T16:32:00.005+11:00

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.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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"

: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer :

2010-11-04T10:55:00.002+11:00

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?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

: New Moon by Stephanie Meyer :

2010-11-03T08:26:00.003+11:00

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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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

: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer :

2010-10-27T11:36:00.004+11:00

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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.

: Mid week Chatter :

2010-10-20T15:23:00.002+11:00

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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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 :

2010-10-20T14:56:00.004+11:00

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?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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 :

2010-10-20T14:42:00.004+11:00

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.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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

: Graphic Novels Online :

2010-10-07T11:57:00.005+11:00

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/

http://www.meekcomic.com/archives/

http://requiem.seraph-inn.com/

: Wings by Aprilynne Pike :

2010-10-06T16:26:00.003+11:00

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

: September Giveaway Winner :

2010-10-04T13:26:00.002+11:00

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.

: September Giveaway :

2010-09-20T19:13:00.005+10:00

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 :

2010-09-20T18:43:00.002+10:00

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 Chatter - September 3rd 2010

2010-09-03T15:37:00.002+10:00

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

: August Competition Winner :

2010-09-02T14:32:00.002+10:00

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

: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl :

2010-08-31T11:42:00.002+10:00

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

Official Vampires Suck Trailer - August 28th 2010

2010-08-28T13:08:00.001+10:00

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 :

2010-08-28T12:07:00.003+10:00

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

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

2010-08-27T15:27:00.005+10:00

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)

:Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris :

2010-08-21T17:50:00.005+10:00

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 :

2010-08-21T17:43:00.003+10:00

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.

: Fantastic Friday - August 20th 2010 :

2010-08-20T16:53:00.006+10:00

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****

: Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris :

2010-08-11T15:04:00.004+10:00

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 :

2010-08-11T14:18:00.001+10:00

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 :

2010-08-11T14:15:00.001+10:00

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

: Heaven by Virginia Andrews :

2010-08-11T13:59:00.003+10:00

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 and 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

: Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne :

2010-08-11T13:46:00.004+10:00

Publisher : Harper Teen 2009
Pages : 263 (Paperback)
ISBN : 978-0-06-170955-5

Kayla has always felt a kinship with nature. Adopted as a child, Kayla has no idea that she’s inherited the gene that will turn her into a wolf. She can’t understand why she’s so drawn to distant, aloof Lucas...

As the leader of the Dark Guardians, a pack of werewolves that gather in the national forest, Lucas must watch Kayla until she discovers her destiny as his perfect other half. Just when Kayla finally begins to understand her fate, a new danger emerges...one that threatens their very existence.

This book was very easy to read, and it is a book that teens would definately enjoy. The strange attraction that Kayla feels towards Lucas, unsure exactly what is going on in his head, well, I guess we have all been there at one time or another.

The storyline is a little predictable, but it's enjoyable. You get the sense from early on in the book that Kayla and Lucas will end up together, which does happen ... with a commitment made for life.

I guess that I found it a little hard to believe that after capturing the 'werewolf', that they would leave only one person guarding it, that Kayla would be able to sneak up and knock out the guard, and that the lock would be so easy to open, allowing Kayla to save the wolf, and ultimately discover that it was Lucas, after he had shapeshifted.

Teens will enjoy it - this is light reading, and quick to get through. YA & seasoned readers might get a little bored with it.

RATING : 5/10

: Versatile Blogger Award :

2010-08-04T08:35:00.003+10:00

This is my 2nd award, and I would really like to thank BOOKINGLY YOURS for passing this award on to me. Thank you so much for this!

There are some things you have to do when you receive this award:

1.Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award
2.Share 7 things about yourself
3.Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic.
4.Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award.

7 things about myself

1. I am a book, movie and music addict.

2. I run meditation classes.

3. I love to write and have been writing a novel for the last 8 years!

4. I love the beach ... long walks on the sand, sunsets, ocean breeze - everything

5. I love get-togethers with family and friends - good food and drink/company :)

6. I think everyone needs a great belly laugh every day

7. My favorite colors are pink, red, purple and black

15 bloggers that I've found
1- Inkcrush
2 - La Femme Readers
3 - Amina Black
4 - A Musing Reviews
5 - Book Bites
6 - A room without books is empty
7 - Ex Libris
8 - Cleverly Inked
9 - Michelle & Lesley's Book Picks
10 - Wastepaper Prose
11 - The Subtle Chronicler
12 -Insatiable Readers
13 - Reading Extravaganza
14 - Novel Freaks
15 - Daisy Chain Book Reviews

* Thank You *

Bon Jovi - Real Life (Video)

2010-08-03T16:04:00.001+10:00

Counting down now to the Bon Jovi concerts in Melbourne ... I am totally stoked and can't wait for them. So here is a video for you - REAL LIFE by Bon Jovi (boxset)

(Did you know this song is in the movie ED TV?)

Killers - August 3rd 2010

2010-08-03T15:53:00.002+10:00

This movie was a bit slow to get going for my liking - but Aston Kutcher and Kathryn Heigl work so well together ... they both know how to play romantic comedy roles very well. Some other actors it just doesn't seem to come off with the same comfort level.

I don't think there are too many surprises in this movie - you can pretty much guarantee anyone that you come across in this movie, has an ulterior motive - like trying to claim the $20 million dollar bounty put on Spencer's head.

The jokes are pretty much run of the mill ... and so is the story line ... girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl helps save boy, girl and boy live happily ever after. I'm not spoiling anything for anyone - in a romantic comedy, you don't think one of them will die do you? If you want a movie, that is going to give you some laughs ... then you should enjoy this - no heavy scenes at all.

: Inspiration - August 3rd 2010 :

2010-08-03T15:48:00.002+10:00

A life without friends is like a world without color

: Hourglass by Claudia Gray :

2010-08-03T06:55:00.003+10:00

Published : 2009 (Harper Teen)
Paperback : 339
ISBN : 978-0-7322-8969-0

Hourglass (March 2009) After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, an elite group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend--the vampire Balthazar--all her secrets threaten to come out.

Soon, Bianca and Lucas have orchestrated Balthazar's escape and are on the run, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they run, Bianca can't escape her destiny.

Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything--but can it survive what's to come?

In the beginning, I felt this book was slightly different to the others in the series ... so much of the book to start with was about the Black Cross, and their continued unforgiving fight against the vampires.

The romance between Bianca and Lucas is still strong, and the 2 young lovers find they rarely have a moment to themselves - until Raquel and Dana discover Bianca's secret and they are brought before all Black Cross members and taken away to be destroyed. Then their life on the run begins, with the help of Dana.

What they are left to deal with - no money, no home, no safe haven is touching, as well as the very nasty Charity who continues to pop up and have the tribe after them at all costs.

Not going to say anymore - except the way the book ended - the last page had me screaming "NO ... you just can't leave it like that" .... I must admit there were a couple of things I just didn't see coming at all ... so good one Claudia. I hope that AFTERLIFE hits our shelves quickly so that I can continue the journey.

RATING 8/10

: Friday Chatter - July 30th 2010 :

2010-07-30T14:38:00.004+10:00

I just don't know where this week has gone - all of a sudden it's Friday and I am not all that sure what I did this week. LOL ... is it an age thing?
On a happy note - today was my last day of meditation classes at the Healing Centre ... I am now concentrating on holding the classes at home, and building on the wonderful people that already come along and enjoy the relaxation and inner calm from looking inside.

I haven't bought any books yet this week - or received any in the mail ... so plan on going out tomorrow and having a look around, try to find a bargain. I am thinking of trying some Historical Romance for a change - I do miss reading them.
I hope that you all have a wonderful day and weekend ... enjoy the written word!
---------------------------------------
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

Lucas paused and I knew he remained worried. He wanted to ask more questions, and I didn't want him to ask. I wanted to pretend that none of it had ever happened. I needed to pretend that, just for a little while.
(Hourglass by Claudia Gray - Page 226)

: Stargazer by Claudia Gray :

2010-07-30T07:24:00.003+10:00

Published : 2008 - Harper Teen
Paperback : 332 Pages
ISBN : 978-0-7322-8968-3

Stargazer (March 2009) returns to Bianca's story a few months later. Both she and Lucas will stop at nothing to see each other again—even if it means living a life of secrets and lies. But even as Bianca finds herself torn between two worlds, she soon discovers they aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Will powerful forces within Evernight Academy keep her from deciding her own fate, or claim her forever?

I liked the way this story flowed - Lucas is gone for long periods, Bianca feels all alone and strange things are happening around her - within the walls of Evernight Academy. Balthazar is her saving grace, after seeing her being dropped off by Lucas, who is his enemy. Their friendship helps them through a tough time - the long separations from Lucas, and Balthazar's search for his sister Charity. But as usual, things don't go to plan, and the attack by Black Cross member's leaves her with one option - run. Leaving behind the people that she loves, but placing her with the love of her life Lucas, the guy who loves her no matter who or what she is.

I know things are not going to run smoothly - can they conquer their problems and find a way to lead some sort of normal life? Will the wraith's leave her alone once she is away from Evernight? And what will happen to her if she doesn't finally take a life making her a full vampire? No doubt all these questions and more will be answered in HOURGLASS.

If you liked EVERNIGHT ... you will enjoy STARGAZER - the highs and lows, the emotions of teenage love, parental relationships and student friendships. Lies and secrets come crashing down around Bianca, which surely can only make her stronger as she learns to deal with them, and begin a new life.

RATING : 8/10

: Evernight by Claudia Gray :

2010-07-24T07:10:00.002+10:00

Published : 2008 - Harper Teen
Paperback : 327 Pages
ISBN : 978-0-7322-8967-6

When the story begins in Evernight, Bianca has just left the small town where she's spent her whole life. She's a new student at Evernight Academy, a creepily Gothic boarding school where her classmates are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas, another loner, who seems fiercely determined not to be the "Evernight type." There's a connection between Bianca and Lucas that can't be denied. She would risk anything to be with him—but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart... and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed to be true.

This book was a surprise to me. This started out with the typical teen, angry at her parents for uprooting her from her friends and school, and enrolling her in Evernight Academy, where she feels anxiety at meeting new people and wants to run away. Her parents are teachers there, which means they are the one constant thing in her life, which she desperately needs.

I am half way through this book when I have it all figured out - who the vampires and humans are, and then whammo ... I'm wrong. Something happens which I didn't see coming and must admit I am surprised and impressed with the way the story was written so far that I didn't pick it. And the surprises don't end there ... further on in the story, I find out that someone isn't what everyone thought and all I can see ahead is trouble. Bianca and Lucas are in for an interesting time in the follow up book STARGAZER.

Lies, secrets, love, family, deception - for me this book had it all for the YA reader ... and would recommend this book to read.

RATING : 8/10

: Fantastic Friday - July 23rd 2010 :

2010-07-23T14:07:00.004+10:00

No .. we haven't had snow, but it's been cold enough for it. I wish that I would wake up tomorrow morning and see snow everywhere, then I can accept how cold it is. Do you get the idea that I am a sunmer gal??? LOL ... definately!

It's been a so-so week here ... still not 100% well, but alot better than I was. My parents are coming up on Sunday, then I take them to the airport on Monday where they head off for a 1 month visit to the Gold Coast, Queensland. Thinking that I might try and hide in one of the suitcases ... hehe. Hubby is away fishing for the weekend, which will do him good after the week he has had at work.

IN MY MAILBOX
Luxe by Anna Godbersen
(Thanks Penguin books)

BOOKS I BOUGHT
Spells byAprilynne Pike
Dream of Me by Lisa Cach

---------------------------------------
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

At night, I lay in bed and imagined Balthazar kissing me or holding my face in his hands. The images were meaningless: I might as well have been remembering a scene from a movie. Then, as I became sleepier and my thoughts wandered, my fantasies changed.
(Evernight by Claudia Gray - Page 120)

: Meet Stephen O'Connor - July 31st 2010 :

2010-07-22T09:18:00.002+10:00

Steven O'Conner

Come and meet Steven O'Conner the author of EleMental. EleMental is set in Melbourne in the year 2050 and tells the story of three teenagers who are introduced to a strange computer game which interfered with their ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy, and threatens to trap them in a world of virtual reality. An exciting mix of sci-fi, horror and action, EleMental had been likened by one critic as reading 'like Phillip K Dick for teenagers'.

Where: Borders Melbourne Central
Date: Saturday 31 July
Time: 2:00pm

: Win a Feel Good Prize Pack :

2010-07-22T09:07:00.003+10:00

Enter to win a Feel Good Prize pack including vouchers for shopping, hotels and spa treatments worth over $600 from Simon & Schuster, and The Fortunes of Ruby White.

http://www.simonandschuster.com.au/sweepstakes/preview/7

This competition is open to Australian & New Zealand residents only.

: The Stand by Stephen King :

2010-07-22T08:53:00.006+10:00

FROM MY BOOKSHELF
From time to time .. I'll post a review of something that has been read and is now sitting on my bookshelf - waiting to be read again!

Published : 1990
Hard Cover : 1007 pages

One man escapes from a biological weapon facility after an accident, carrying with him the deadly virus known as Captain Tripps, a rapidly mutating flu that - in the ensuing weeks - wipes out most of the world's population. In the aftermath, survivors choose between following an elderly black woman to Boulder or the dark man, Randall Flagg, who has set up his command post in Las Vegas. The two factions prepare for a confrontation between the forces of good and evil.

I first read this book a long time ago ... I think when it was first published. For me, I couldn't put the book down .. it had me from the very beginning .. and made a confirmed Stephen King fan.

The writing is amazing ... there were times when I was reading this book that I actually felt the emotions, and had pictures in my head that were so real that I even felt sick. The struggle between good and bad, dark and light is covered so well in this book - it's scary actually to see how well people can be persuaded over to the dark side. Also, the hope that is experienced by people that they could survive and rebuild everything that was lost is a shining light to all of us to carry through each and every day.

Stephen King, you are an amazing storyteller ... you have a complete grasp on what you see in each book and totally absorb the reader with every word that is written from the front cover to the very last page of the book. This book is one of my all time favorites.

RATING : 10/10

: Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson :

2010-07-22T06:26:00.005+10:00

Release date : May 18th 2010
Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN : 978-1-84738-928-1

Hanover Falls hasn’t had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. Seattle, Copenhagen, Osaka–they’ve had plenty of attacks. But when humans begin dying in Claire Benoit’s town, the panic spreads faster than a rumor at a pep rally. At Claire’s sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. But the big news in Claire’s mind is the fact that Matthew Engle–high-school soccer god and son of a world-renowned lycanthropy expert–notices her. And flirts with her. A lot.

That night, Claire learns that she is the latest in a long line of Benoit werewolves, and that contrary to popular belief, all werewolves are female. Killing humans is forbidden by the code of the pack, but a rogue werewolf has been breaking that law, threatening the existence of Claire’s new pack. As the pack struggles to find and fight the rogue werewolf and Claire struggles with her lupine identity, her heart and her loyalties are torn in two. Claire must keep her new life a secret from even her best friend–and especially from Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt…and with whom Claire is impossibly and undeniably falling head-over-paws in love.

I expected a lot from this book ... and for me, I don't think it delivered. You discover a relationship between mother and daughter, that is somewhat strained, which isn't helped by long absences. Claire has a live in housekeeper/nanny named Lisbeth, who is young, and the closest thing she has to a constant mother figure. A best friend, Emily, and a guy, Matthew, who is interested in Claire, but for the life of her, she doesn't see why. Throw in the changes that are happening to her body, and Claire is in for something ... she just doesn't know what.

The story didn't really grab me - sure there were pages where something interesting happened - but I didn't feel the beginnings of new love between Claire and Matthew, couldn't really see a great connection between Claire and Emily, definately not a lot of love between Claire and Marie (her mother) .. and had already worked out who the rogue werewolf was .. and picked up on a couple of other things that were going to happen in the book. If there is a follow up to this book, I would hope that there would be more time spent on the emotions between the characters, and try to keep the surprises coming - way too many hints in the storyline as you read.

Maybe it's an age thing - a teenager may gloss over some of the things I picked up on and enjoy the read ... but I think the older reader wouldn't.

RATING : 6/10

: Glimmerglass by Jenna Black :

2010-07-18T14:42:00.003+10:00

Published 2009
Paperback - 294 pages
ISBN - 978 0 3304 0378 8

Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but she's in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again…

Glimmerglass is a terrific read - a cross between fairy intrigue and fantasy. Dana finds herself faced with real world problems, and decides that travelling to Avalon to meet her father will solve all her problems. She knows that Avalon is special - where the real world meets the Fae world ... so has grand ideas in her head about how magical it will be, and how wonderful her knew life will be.
How wrong she was! From the moment that Dana enters Avalon it's one thing after another, not knowing who to trust or believe. Knowing that the Seelie and Unseelie want to have her under their control, and that the Queens would prefer her dead, she decides it will be best to leave Avalon and return to the US and try to get back to some sort of 'normal' life - now, that is easier said than done.

I enjoyed this book - a little bit of everything for the reader. Look forward to reading the next book SHADOWSPELL in the Faeriewalker series.

RATING - 7/10

: Vision in White by Nora Roberts :

2010-07-16T19:28:00.003+10:00

Vision in White

Berkley Trade Paperback

ISBN : 978-0-425-22751-0
Released 4/28/09
Bride Quartet — Book One

The first book in the Bride Quartet—following the lives and loves of four friends who run Vows, a wedding-planning company. Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac’s type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.

This book had a nice feel to it from the very first page. You will find yourself feeling very comfortable with Mac, and enjoying the friendship that she shares with her friends, that are also her business partners.

Your heart will break when you come across the relationship that she has with her mother Linda, a woman that is so selfish and thinks that the world revolves around her ... regardless of her daughters needs. Watching the way Mac deals with her throughout the book is interesting, and a great time of growth for her.

And then there is Carter ... the man who she wouldn't have really taken any notice of in high school, but now, she can't get him out of her mind. Seeing their relationship grow from their first meeting (helping his sister with her wedding) to see the tenderness. consideration and trust between them ... something that Mac has never had in her life before. So many situations are covered in this book that no doubt we have experienced ourselves, or seen first hand, another aspect that makes this story seem close to real life.

Great friendship, a thriving business and a love that is totally unexpected - all makes for a great read. I am definately looking forward to reading BED OF ROSES - the next book in the series.

RATING - 8/10

: Friday Chatter - July 16th 2010

2010-07-16T08:52:00.006+10:00

TGIF - it's that time of the week again ... and I am glad to see this week come to a close - mainly because I have been sick but on the road to recovery now - just need to shake this rotten head cold and the headache that won't go away. I am heading down to see my beautiful granddaughters tomorrow ... that's always a good thing.

BOOKS I HAVE BOUGHT THIS WEEK

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black ... I have been wanting to read this for awhile and now have it safely added to the 'to read pile' Check out Jenna's site and keep up to date with what she is doing now ... JENNA BLACK

I hadn't read any of these books by Rachel Hawthorne ... and saw this series on special - so bought the lot!

I have been searching for the full set of these books by Vicki Petterson for awhile now ... and could only ever find Book 1 and 3 - but not this week - all 3 of them jumped out at me from the shelves, so grabbed them ... hehe ... I think my 'to read pile' is starting to shake ... it's getting so big!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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

Neither the car or her mother showed on Monday. On Tuesday, when her patience ran thin, Mac's calls to her mother's house and cell went directly to voice mail.
By Wednesday, she actively entertained the thought of reporting her car stolen. But then she'd just have to bail her mother out of jail.
(Vision In White by Nora Roberts - Chapter 15)

: Inspiration - July 16th 2010 :

2010-07-16T08:42:00.003+10:00

They say a true friend can go long periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship. These types of friends pick up just like they spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how faraway they live...

: Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton :

2010-07-15T23:08:00.004+10:00

Tyger Tyger - A Goblin Wars Book
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date : November 15th 2010
ISBN : 9780547330082

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

This book has it all ... for the young teenager with the active imagination, they are going to have some pretty amazing pictures popping into their heads as they turn the page.

The story never rests - there is always something happening - and you find yourself being taken on a magical journey ... with part of you knowing/hoping that there will be a happy ending.

As Teagan's journey takes them into a magical dark place in search of her father, they find out some news about their heritage that could make all the difference to the budding relationship between Teagan and Finn.

The way the story ended, leaves me with no doubt that there will be ... or should be .. a follow up to this book. And throughout the book, there are underlying messages (well I think there is) regarding trust, promises and naturally, the ongoing battle between good and bad, light and dark, and the choices that we all make as we walk through life.

Well done Kersten .. a brilliant read for the young teenagers, YA or anyone that just likes a good story.

RATING : 8/10

: Full of the Flu :

2010-07-12T12:29:00.002+10:00

So feeling a little sorry for myself right now ... lol
Staying warm and snuggled up on the couch ... reading and watching some movies.

So far .. I have watched Nora Roberts MIDNIGHT BAYOU and TRIBUTE - not bad - both movies remind me of the Danielle Steele movies that I used to watch a few years ago.

Looking for more to watch if this flu doesn't clear up, so feel free to suggest something - anything ... I don't mind.

- Stay Healthy -

: My new Granddaughter :

2010-07-12T09:55:00.003+10:00

Yes, I know I have been missing this last week ... but there has been a really good reason.
The photo above shows me with my granddaughters Harlow (18months) and Amity (3 days old)
Little Amity was born on July 9th weighing in at a tiny 6lbs 9ozs.
Mum and baby are home now ... and doing well.

: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel :

2010-07-04T11:08:00.004+10:00

The Immortals Series - Book 4
First published in 2010
ISBN - 978-0-330-52061-4
Paperback

In this eagerly awaited continuation of the bestselling Immortals series, Ever struggles to help her best friend Haven transition into life as an immortal—trying to keep her from doing anything that puts them at risk, while attempting to gain control over her enemy Roman, so she can finally obtain the antidote that will allow her and Damen to be together. But when the spell she casts backfires, resulting in a strange, foreign pulse that binds her to Roman instead, Ever turns to Jude and dark magick, desperately attempting to break free of the curse, and ultimately risking everything she knows and loves—including her beloved Damen.

I read this book over the course of a day ... it's very easy to read. We follow the struggle that Ever faces trying to get the antidote from Roman, so that her and Damon can be together, and when she resorts to magic, she uncovers a demon that she didn't expect.

Knowingly or not, Alyson actually covers alot of the emotions that teenagers face - feeling bad about themself, not trusting those that love them, trying to handle things on their own and friendships being lost.The story flows perfectly - we have our central characters - and that is basically it. And that is all that the story really needs.

I liked the story ... feeling Ever's struggle, right up to the end of the book. Don't want to give anything away for those that haven't read it - but the story doesn't have the ending that I did expect ... so will be eagerly awaiting the next book NIGHT STAR to see what Ever & Damon face next time.

RATING - 8/10

: Blood Kin by Maria Lima :

2010-07-02T19:44:00.004+10:00

BLOOD KIN by MARIA LIMA

The Blood Lines series — Book 3
October 27, 2009
ISBN-13: 9781439156766
ISBN-10: 143915676X

The perils of power…

Keira Kelly has come into her full powers, and they are frighteningly strong, creating a distance between her and her human friends in her beloved Rio Seco. It is time to obey her great-grandmother Gigi’s orders, and rejoin her family in northwest Canada, where Keira can learn to handle her dangerous new skills. She’ll have friends with her every step of the way—her shapeshifter brother Tucker, his beloved Niko, and, to Keira’s dismay, her cousin on her mother’s side, Daffyd ap Geraint, the Sidhe prince who suddenly appeared in her life and now refuses to leave—but her vampire lover Adam has insisted on staying in Texas. And while there are certainly perks to being Family, such as a private Lear jet for the flight to Canada, and a fabulous penthouse condo overlooking Vancouver, there are threats looming that nobody, not even Gigi, has anticipated. Keira’s Sidhe inheritance from her mother is far more important than anyone ever realized, and the fate of the Clan may depend upon what she does….

Keira and Adam are still together, as is Nicko and Tucker. Things seem to be going well, and then Keira begins to feel the full force of the change, which has her summoned to Canada. Naturally as you can guess, things don't go according to plan and they find themselves trying to solve the mysterious murders of some homeless men, knowing that it has something to do with Keira, or at least the Kelly clan.
I am really happy to say that Maria kept this story going with even more twists and turns that had me itching to see what happened next. I for one felt like everything written about the Fae, Shapeshifters, Vampires etc rang true and felt that Maria gave perfect descriptions of places, people and events. The books flows so well - the story is never boring. If you can even begin to guess what happens to them, then you should be writing books ... lol
The final instalment in this book BLOOD HEAT comes out on October 29th 2010 and I can't wait.

RATING - 9/10

: Paranormal Haven Giveaway :

2010-07-02T15:33:00.002+10:00

Paranormal Haven is having a 450 Follower Giveaway
Great prizes and it's international as well ... so click the button below to go there.
This contest runs for the month of July 2010

: Friday Chatter - July 2nd 2010 :

2010-07-02T15:10:00.003+10:00

Hello again ... getting around to this a bit later than I normally do, but it's been one of those weeks.

At long last the Twilight: Eclipse movie screened - a group of us headed into the Crown Casino to watch Twilight (6.30) New Moon (9.00) and then Eclipse at 12.01am. I have to say Eclipse is by far my favorite of the movies so far ... I think they did the book justice, and all I can say is bring on Breaking Dawn, but I understand it's at least 500 days away :(

That said - I was useless the next day ... but I took my niece to see Eclipse at 10am, and we both enjoyed it so much. Wonder if I can drag anyone else back to watch it with me again? Did you think I am addicted?

My poor little granddaughter Harlow is down with croup and a viral infection - she was coming tonight for a visit, but wisely, they are staying home with her now. Held the Meditation Class this morning ... and then did the Grocery shopping. Tonight my beloved Bulldogs play the Hawks ... so looking forward to that.

IN MY MAILBOX
Rawhide Ranger by Rita Herron (Mills & Boon)
Killer Body by Elle James (Mills & Boon)

BOOKS I BOUGHT
Lord of Legends by Susan Krinard
Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
Dark Flame by Alyson Noel
The Twilight Sage - Eclipse : The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

Busy weekend ahead ... I am trying to get BLOOD KIN by Maria Lima finished ... only about 100 pages to go, so hopefully tonight or tomorrow

Wishing you all the best of weekends ahead - and to all celebrating July 4th - have fun and be safe!

: June Giveaway Winner :

2010-07-02T15:07:00.002+10:00

The winner of the June Giveaway ($25 Amazon Gift Card) was Grace (comment #9) as drawn at random.org

Congratulations ... and I will be in touch very soon.
And a big thank you to everyone that entered ... I will be adding all the books recommended to me in the sidebar.

July contest will be posted soon.

: Blood Bargain by Maria Lima :

2010-06-27T16:13:00.006+10:00

Keira Kelly is coming into her unexpected and unexpectedly awesome powers… and Rio Seco, Texas ain’t ever gonna be the same!

Something is not right at Wild Moon Ranch…

Keira Kelly has settled in with handsome Adam Walker, but happy-ever-after is not so easy when your vampire lover seems determined to deny his true nature. With Adam starving himself of blood and growing weak, Keira needs to work out how to persuade him to take care of himself, something she’s finding difficult to do—even with the advice of her brother Tucker, a millennium-old ex-Viking shapeshifter. And people have started disappearing in the Rio Seco area, making Keira worry about what this could mean, both for her friends in Rio Seco and to the community she and Adam have been creating at the ranch. But her investigation only seems to bring more trouble, especially when a clue leads her to an abandoned cemetery that Keira knew well when she was younger…one that has always been extremely important to her magical family. Evil is definitely walking once again in the Texas Hill Country. Can Keira discover where the danger lies…before danger discovers her?

So the story continues on - Keira has moved in with Adam, Tucker and Nicko have a relationship unlike anything Keira has ever seen from her brother before. Then Adam's condition changes until one day he is in a self induced coma. Keira soon finds out the cause of his problems stems back to her and she is so angry and needs to find a way to bring Adam back.

Following Keira and Tucker trying to find the lost teenagers, thrown in with Adam's coma and her BFF Bea being stalked by Pete, the missing ranch hand and the whispering she hears in her head - things are never dull.

I liked the way the story progressed and pace it moved at. Throughout the book, the ancestry on her mother's side kept popping up and I knew somehow that it would lead to a new direction in the story. Yes - it was the Faery folk that had placed the ward around La Angel statue, and once overcoming that and meeting up with Daffyd, some answers are given to events that had taken place throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book. I love the twists and turns, and the fact that even though there is a love story there between Keira and Adam, it doesn't take over the book. There is so much going on, that you know their story is there, but you enjoy all the other happenings of the book as much. The characters and plots are believable, and the writing is quite intriguing and informative throughout.

I recommend you read this book. I loved it.

RATING 8/10

: Inspiration - June 27th 2010 :

2010-06-27T14:25:00.004+10:00

You can't make all of the people like you all of the time ... as long as YOU like YOU ... that should be enough ...

: Win an ARC of Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulten :

2010-06-27T12:50:00.004+10:00

Would you like to win an ARC of Angelfire?
Click the link below to enter :
http://courtney-allison.blogspot.com/2010/06/angelfire-cover-and-arcs-plus-contest.html

: Matters of the Blood by Maria Lima :

2010-06-26T09:38:00.004+10:00

If you thought your family was strange…

Try being Keira Kelly. A member of a powerful paranormal family, Keira elected to stay among humans in the Texas Hill Country when the rest of the clan moved (lock, stock, and grimoire) to Canada. But family duty means still having to keep an eye on cousin Marty—a genetic aberration who turned out 100% human, poor guy. And recently Keira’s been having violent dreams—or are they visions?—featuring Marty as the victim of a vicious murder. Something sinister seems to be brewing in little Rio Seco. Can Keira get to the bottom of it all while avoiding entanglement with her former lover, Sheriff Carlton Larson? And what does she plan to do about the irresistible and enigmatic Adam Walker? When this old friend shows up as the new owner of a local ranc and wants to get better acquainted, Keira is more than happy to be welcoming…until she suspects that Adam could be intimately connected to the dangerous doings in Rio Seco.

I knew nothing about this series of books ... so no idea what to expect. What I found was a great story ... not pages of describing scenery and emotions - everything moved at a great pace. Kiera is changing ... into what she doesn't know, and thankfully she is lucky enough to have a friend that she can confide in. Being alone by choice isn't easy - and throw in an ex-lover who still wants her, and things are never going to run smoothly. Oh and just to make things interesting - an old friend from London appears on the scene, and Kiera finds her attraction to him once again.

I think this book had a bit of everything - love, lust, suspense - the characters all flowed very easily. And as usual ... I think my plot solving has turned off these days ... I was surprised to find out who the murderer was! Didn't see that one coming. Also - what is Kiera changing into? And how long will the whole process take? Makes you wonder - that must be scary being faced with the unknown.

The story line never stagnates - so if you are looking for a good read ... choose this book.

RATING - 7/10

: Friday Chatter - June 25th 2010 :

2010-06-25T08:23:00.007+10:00

Here we are ... another Friday rolling around. Woken this morning to rain rain rain ... I am over it ...bring on spring and summer. Not alot planned for today ... my meditation class starts at 11am, then grocery shopping (that never goes away) and then a quick visit to my son Jess' house tonight ... wishing you all the best of days!!!!

IN MY MAILBOX

This week I received :
Original Sin by Allison Brennan (Thanks Random House)

Matters of the Blood by Maria Lima
Blood Bargain by Maria Lima
Blood Kin by Maria Lima
(Thanks to Simcha from SFF Chat)

BOOKS I HAVE BOUGHT

Vision in White by Nora Roberts
Evernight by Claudia Gray
Stargazer by Claudia Gray
Hourglass by Claudia Gray
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Yesterday was a historical day for Australia ... Kevin Rudd was ousted as Prime Minister without completing 1 term in office ... and Julia Gillard was announced as our first female Prime Minister. I found this photo of her and thought why not share it ... makes a change from all those stuffy official ones. Wonder if she will be officially voted in when the next election comes around?

: Inspiration - June 25th 2010 :

2010-06-25T08:20:00.003+10:00

Most of us spend our lives as if we have another one in the bank.
~Ben Irwin

: Author Events :

2010-06-24T13:30:00.006+10:00

Bret Easton Ellis - 13/08/2010 - 19:30 Talk - VIC

LA-based author Bret Easton Ellis will be speaking about his latest novel "Imperial Bedrooms", the much anticipated follow-up to eighties cult classic "Less Than Zero". Bookings open July 16 for this event, to be held at the Athenaeum Theatre. This event will be run in partnership with Readings and Melbourne Writers Festival. For more information contact (03) 9094 7800.

Tony Park - 07/08/2010 - Talk - VIC

Come along to the Ebony Quill Food Store to hear local author Tony Park talk about his most recent novel "The Delta". For more information contact Henk at Dymocks Camberwell (03) 9882 0032.

Tony Martin - 21/07/2010 - 18:15 Talk - VIC

The Wheeler Centre presents "A Night of Two Tones: Tony Martin and Tony Wilson". For more information and bookings contact The Wheeler Centre (03) 9094 7800.

James Morton and Russell Robinson - 18/07/2010 - 16:00 Festival - VIC

Russel Robinson will be speaking to Shirley Hardy-Rix as part of the Crime and Justice Festival. Robinson is an investigative reporter at the Herald Sun, and one half of the duo behind "Shotgun and Standover: the story of the painters and dockers". For more information and bookings visit www.crimeandjusticefestival.com

David Hewson - 17/07/2010 - 16:00 Festival - VIC

UK based author David Hewson will be at the Crime and Justice Festival for an in-conversation event with Robert Gott. Hewson is best known for his acclaimed Nic Costa crime series, set in modern day Rome. For more information and bookings visit www.crimeandjusticefestival.com

John Birmingham - 08/07/2010 - 18:00 (TALK - VICTORIA)

Come along to Dymocks in Collins Street to hear acclaimed author John Birmingham talk about his latest techno-thriller "After America".

John Birmingham - 14/07/2010 - 18:15 (TALK - VICTORIA)

Award-winning author John Birmingham will be speaking about his latest novel "After America" at this Wheeler Centre event. For more information contact (03) 9094 7800.

: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert :

2010-06-23T06:17:00.003+10:00

Paperback - published in 2007 (349 Pages)
ISBN : 9780747585664

It's 3am and Elizabeth Gilbert is sobbing on the bathroom floor. She's in her thirties, she has a husband, a house, they are trying for a baby - and she doesn't want any of it. A bitter divorce and a turbulent love affair later, she emerges battered and bewildered and realises it is time to pursue her own journey in search of three things she has been missing : pleasure, devotion and balance. So she travels to Rome, where she learns Italian from handsome, brown eyed twins and gains twenty five pounds; to an ashram in India, where she finds that enlightenment entails getting up in the middle of the night to scrub the temple floor and to Bali where a toothless medicine man of indeterminate age offers her a new path to peace : simply sit still and smile. And slowly happiness creeps up on her.

Mmmm ... where to start. I was expecting a mammoth personal journey for Elizabeth when starting this book, and we certainly experience one with her.

I did struggle through the time she spent in Italy - admit that I put the book down and walked away ... there was way too much food and travel information for me but once she moved on to India, well, the book had me. Her struggle with the 182 Sanskrit verse on a daily basis, scrubbing floors at the temple and her questioning how this meditation she is struggling with is going to ever help her bring peace to her mind and body was captivating. Slowly as the realization that she was going to have to work at releasing all the negativity to bring in the peace and positivity she was searching for is something that we should all be able to relate to. And finally Bali - a place and people that brought everything together for her including love.

I enjoyed this book, but don't pick it up expecting everything to be sugar coated and an easy read. It's about real life and real people. On a side note ... what would the reaction be I wonder, if a man had taken the journey that Elizabeth did? Would this have been a #1 best seller?

RATING - 7/10

: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey :

2010-06-21T19:19:00.003+10:00

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

Within a few pages of reading this book, I was already reaching for a cup of coffee as I knew I wasn't going to put it down. Immediately I felt comfortable with all the characters ... Keri and Joe ... past loves that we've all had and asked the question of 'What if?'

I enjoyed the introduction of Joe's family members, and all the life struggles they were dealing with - it certainly made the storyline come alive. Setting the majority of the story around a 2 week camping holiday only added to the storyline being believable and mirroring real life.

I loved that Keri was strong enough to stand up for what she believed in and honoring her word ... even in the end when it could have repercussions on her career. To be faced with the struggle of love and career is something so many people, men and women, are faced with every day.

I recommend this book - tugged at my heart strings, made me laugh and made me blush ... and in the end, I finished this feeling quite good about love and life's way of making things work out.

RATING - 8/10

: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer :

2010-06-21T14:35:00.005+10:00

Released June 2010
(Hard Cover - 178 pages)
ISBN 978-1-907410-36-9

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.
In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire.
All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.
Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as "her". As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagines, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trus. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?

This book was very easy to read, and from the beginning, anyone that knows the Twilight books, knows how the book is going to end. Geez, I guess even the title gives that away ... lol.

I enjoyed this book - we are given a different perspective of Bree, Diego, and Fred. These 3 vampires could have made a home somewhere and created a nice coven like the Cullen's and their friends. Also, we find out how Victoria and Riley have kept the new young vampires under their control by keeping them in the dark about sunlight etc ... very clever.

I believe that Stephenie gave a whole new perspective on the creation and training of the newborns. And it was nice to have some of the gaps filled in that were missing in Eclipse, from that point of view.

Congrats Stephenie - I think that you could write about anything, and it would be gripping and interesting. As I said before, this is an easy read, you can't get too involved with any of the characters in the book, but well worth reading if you are a Twilight Fan.

RATING - 7/10