Hey all!

I'm co-hosting an awesome summer readathon along with six other awesome bloggers!  There will be amazing prizes, challenges, and Twitter chats.  You can either read at your own pace or do the 24-hr read-a-thon!  Sign up here!

Throwback Thursday is my weekly feature which I created to post a review that I've written from the past. Every week I will post a review that I've written prior to my blogs existence. I'll be sharing both the books that I think you'd enjoy and the books that I should warn you against wasting your time on! ;-)

Continuing with the theme of "Hot Summer Reads", I chose The Demon Lover. At the time of the review hadn't realized that this book was going to be a series. Apparently the 2nd and 3rd book are published.  If I ever get some room to read something off my TBR list, I'll give the 2nd book a try. On another note, I do really like this cover art. It's really eye catching.

Publisher: Ballantine Books 
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Format: Kindle
Pages: 448
Source: NetGalley, Courtesy of Ballantine Books 
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Original Review Date: August, 17, 2011
Rating: 3 bookmarks 

Synopsis: Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of her having written the bestselling book 

The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she’s found herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.
 
But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: Her incubus is not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the demon, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this supernatural lover from her heart.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a galley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I enjoyed this book. The book starts with an a excerpt from one of the manuscripts of a fictional deceased author, Dahlia Lamotte. Dahlia Lamotte’s story is a large part of the bigger story. She once lived in the newly purchased home of the main character Callie. Callie is an author and a professor among other things. The community of Fairwick and the little College that resides there have plenty of colorful characters who become a part of Callie’s life and adventure.

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Format: Kindle
Pages: 485
Source: NetGalley, Courtesy of Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Dystopian, YA Paranormal
Rating: 5 bookmarks


Synopsis: To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred ofthem—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for…again.

Enter Julie Kagawa's dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins

Disclaimer: I received this book as a galley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I'm happy to report that I really enjoyed this book. The Immortal Rules is refreshing take on a YA vampire story.  Early on, this book reminded me of that Will Smith movie, I am Legend. It's the movie where he was one of the very few uninfected humans left in New York City after at plague changed people into some kind of creature that lurks in the dark and kills living people. Everything from how the rabids are described to the ruins of the cities and towns, those are the parts that remind me of that movie.   The major difference here is that the infected rabids were vampires, not human.  Beyond the state of the world and the rabids, the similarities end there.

Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2)
by Deborah Harkness (Goodreads Author)
(Fantasy/Paranormal/Historical Fiction) 18+

Shadow of Night is the follow up to the book A Discovery of Witches. Originally published July 10th 2012 by Viking Adult, it is now being released in paperback! To celebrate the paperback release of Shadow of Night, Penguin books is giving away one copy of the book with some swag! 

The paperback release date is 5/28, the contest will be open now until then! Good luck!  On a mobile device? Click here to enter!

Synopsis: Historian Diana Bishop, descended from a line of powerful witches, and long-lived vampire Matthew Clairmont have broken the laws dividing creatures. When Diana discovered a significant alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library,she sparked a struggle in which she became bound to Matthew. Now the fragile coexistence of witches, daemons, vampires and humans is dangerously threatened.

Seeking safety, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to London, 1590. But they soon realise that the past may not provide a haven. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy for Queen Elizabeth, the vampire falls back in with a group of radicals known as the School of Night. Many are unruly daemons, the creative minds of the age, including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot.

Together Matthew and Diana scour Tudor London for the elusive manuscript Ashmole 782, and search for the witch who will teach Diana how to control her remarkable powers... 

Check out this awesome conversation with Debroah Harkness!  For more info on Deborah Harkness and the All Souls Trilogy, check out http://deborahharkness.com.

Publisher: Harlequin Kimani
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Format: Kindle
Pages: 224
Source: NetGalley, Courtesy of Harlequin Kimani
Genre: Romance, AA Fiction
Rating: 4 bookmarks

Synopsis: In the wake of political defeat, former mayoral candidate Ainsley St. James does something totally out of character-she has a one-night stand with a seductive stranger. Never expecting to see him again, she accepts a job covering a breaking story in Hilton Head, South Carolina...only to discover that the island's most desirable recluse is the lover she has yet to forget. 

Winston Coltrane can't get that incredible night-or the sexy, sophisticated beauty-out of his mind. The marine biologist is developing a secret formula that could be a major medical breakthrough. But there's something Winston is keeping from Ainsley: his feelings for her have grown beyond the bedroom. Kiss by breathtaking kiss, Ainsley is transforming his oceanside sanctuary into a sensual retreat. Will they be able to turn a passionate fling into forever in each other's arms?

Disclaimer: I received this book as a galley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I've read a few books from Brenda Jackson in the past and she never disappoints. I'd recommend her if you're wanting a fun, light-hearted romance. There a little heat in the bedroom scenes, but the old school way. Nothing over the top or embarrassing to admit that you're reading. Haha! This book was short and sweet, which makes these type of books perfect for summer or vacation reading. If you've read any romance novels, you know that there's a formula that works for these kind of books. If the author doesn't deviate too far from it, the story is always enjoyable. Boy meets girl. Boy sleeps with girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Girl falls for boy. Girl find out boy has a secret and turns out he's a millionaire...etc...

Bachelor Unclaimed was an easy read with a good story and pretty well developed characters, given that the book is so short. I also could believe this romantic fantasy could be real enough. What I mean by that is the story wasn't so over the top that you'd be like "What the hell?!" It's just the right amount of real with the fantasy perfect man and his perfect match.

This book is actually the fourth in a series. But never fear, you don't have to read the others to read this one. They all connect through the Bachelor featured in each book, but the books can be read as a stand-alone story too. If I get some free time, I may go back and read the others in this series.

Going on a beach vacation soon? I recommend taking this along with you.

Happy Reading,
~Tamara

Throwback Thursday is my weekly feature which I created to post a review that I've written from the past. Every week I will post a review that I've written prior to my blogs existence. I'll be sharing both the books that I think you'd enjoy and the books that I should warn you against wasting your time on! ;-)

I chose to this book continuing with the theme of "Hot Summer Reads". Again, this book is near x-rated. 18+ only!

Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 14, 2010
Format: Kindle
Pages: 270
Source: Amazon Purchase
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotica
Original Review Date: June 20 2011
Rating: 4 bookmarks 

Synopsis: Vampire Amaury LeSang is cursed to feel everybody's emotions like a permanent migraine. The only way to alleviate the pain is through sex. When he meets the feisty human woman Nina, a cure for his ailment seems within reach: in her presence all pain vanishes. Unfortunately, Nina is out to kill him because she believes he's involved in her brother's death. And she would succeed if only Amaury's bad boy charm didn't play havoc with her hormones and catapulted her into his arms and his bed every time she was near him. As every kiss brings them physically closer, danger is lurking and threatens to destroy the little trust they have in each other. Warning: explicit sex scenes.

These are times I'm thankful for ebooks because there's no way I'd be holding this book in public. The cover art just screams that it's a bit suspect.

This was pretty good read. Folsom's story line reminds me a little of J.R. Ward's series as far as the vampires mating and having a "blood bond" with human women. Similar yet still different. Again, the love seats were pretty hot. You will be entertained, that's for sure!  If you don't like reading about explicit sex, stay away, this may not be for you!  The good thing about this book is, even though the bedroom scenes are a bit cray cray, there is still a good story there too. So it doesn't seem like you're reading porn.  Maybe, a good story with a side of porn. Haha!  

Happy Reading,
~Tamara

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: First published September 14 2010 / Audio unabridged edition September 14, 2010 by Hachette Audio
Format: Audio MP3
Pages: 340 (Mass Market Paperback) /  Audio Length: Approx 8 hours
Narrator: Rebecca Lowman
Source: Library Borrow via Overdrive
Genre: Romance
Review Date: May 15, 2013
Rating: 4 bookmarks

Synopsis:  When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

This this book was a slow start, but it didn't take long for me to start getting into the story. For a moment, while Katie was flashing back on her time with Kevin and her experience escaping from him, the story reminded me of the movie Sleeping With the Enemy. But the similarities stopped there. There was another vibe there that is uniquely Nicholas Sparks. If you're read him, you'll know what I mean.  Katie, though is a strong woman, it's like she's needy. She has to learn to live all over again while liking this guy she meets in the small town decided to hid out in.  Of course Alex, is pretty much the perfect guy, with the perfect kids. Polar opposite from Katie's crazy husband.  

The story is somewhat predictable up until the last few pages.  What an eerie and somewhat creepy ending! I didn't expect that exactly. I always thought there was something a bit off with Jo, but I didn't know what! How clever! But it all clicked into place for me a half step before Katie revealed it for us. Well played Mr.Sparks! That is an ending that you'll remember.

Once I got adjusted to the fake Southern accents, the narration was fine. It did throw me a bit off when the narrator started speaking because even though I'm not from the South, it sounded fake. I talk to many Southerners and they sound nothing like this narrator.

After listening to Safe Haven, I really want to see the movie now. It's not in the theaters anymore, but it's not on Netflix yet either. It just came out last week for rent on On-Demand and on Google TV. I guess I'll have to pay $5 bucks to watch it on Google TV. I have a feeling just from watching the movie trailer, some changes to the story have been made. I hope it doesn't ruin the book.

Happy Reading,
~Tamara

"Book Haul Tuesday” is my weekly post where I take a peek at the newly released fiction books of the week and post the books which I’ve added to my forever growing “To Be Read” list.  I hope to introduce you to some interesting books and talented authors that you haven't read yet.  Hopefully I'll motivate you to run out and pick up a new release or two for your shelf or reader!  

In addition to my book recommendation(s), of course, I'll show off any books I've hauled in the last week.  My book haul is all about sharing the books I've added to my lovely shelves, which can be physical or virtual.

What's in my book haul?

• Books I've  purchase either in a store or online.
• ebooks I've purchase online.
  
• Books, ebooks and audiobooks I've borrow from my local library (hard copies and downloadable content)
• ARCs and review books (hard copies, ebooks and galleys).
• Books, ebooks and audio books that I've acquired through giveaways and as gifts.

No new releases caught my attention this week. but I did get a few books in the mail in the past week! Yay!

Did you haul any books this week? If so, please share!

Happy Reading,
~Tamara

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: January 21, 2013
Format: Kindle
Pages: 133
Source: NetGalley, Courtesy of Simon & Schuster
Genre: Erotica
Rating: 1 bookmark

Synopsis: You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it’s the dress, much shorter than she’d ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she's ever done with a man before.

It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she’s thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that’s engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality...and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom

Disclaimer: I received this book as a galley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I really thought about what I wanted to say about this book for a little while because I don't like nor enjoy giving critical reviews.  So what that said, I'll keep this review short and sweet. 

First let me point out that the cover art is really nice and reminds me of other recent erotica covers, and in addition to the synopsis, that did draw me in.

This was a pretty short read.  I guess I'd classify it as a short story.  Sadly, this story in general really wasn't that good.  I found it seriously lacking, the characters didn't have much depth.  The story was a bit shallow also.  Not only that, I have real issues with the main character being a cowardly cheater.  I wish she had grown a pair and dumped that boyfriend that she had no interest in.  The story would have been more likable if maybe the boyfriend was an ex gone crazy instead a decent guy turned into a scorned nut case in the last few pages. I didn't really care for any of the characters, and I couldn't relate. At all. Not to mention the bedroom scenes weren't memorable either.

My advice, pass on this one.

Happy Reading, 
~Tamara

Jocelyn Fray/Fairchild from the Mortal Instruments series.  She's Clary's mom and also an ex-Shadowhunter. At first I wouldn't think of her as mom of  the year or anything, but as the series progress you can tell that she's all about protecting her family and it comes to be revealed that she went above and beyond to do so. Once Clary knows who and what she is and starts the good fight against evil Jocelyn steps up to the plate when needed.  She's the typical over protective mom, but beyond that Jocelyn evolves as this series progresses, and I like that about her. 

My second pick is Justine from the Night Huntress series. Justine is Cat's mom. And it's very clear right off that she has serious issues and she seems very mean. But we learn of her past, her struggles and it made me like her a bit more. Then I think around book three, she really starts to make big changes and her character, though still mean and smart mouthy, you can tell that she's transforming. Literally. How she thinks of supernatural beings, vampires and especially and her daughters husband starts to slowly change.  She is another mom who has evolved over the course of the series. I really like her now. She has Cat and Bones back.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Who are your favorite fictional moms? Please share!

Happy Reading, 
~Tamara