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! ;-)

The first book in this series was good, but it wasn't excellent. I did however fell vested enough to continue on, then before you knew it, the Vampire Academy books turned into one of my favorite YA Urban Fantasy series! I'm so glad that I  went on to read book two, because it was worth it!  I'll be posting for the next 6 weeks all of the VA reviews. I read this series in 2011, and it's #2 on my re-read list!

Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: August 16, 2007
Format: Kindle
Pages: 332
Source: Amazon Purchase
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy, Book to Movie Adaptation
Original Review Date: March 29, 2011
Rating: 3 bookmarks 

Synopsis: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

At first I wasn’t sure I liked this book. I noticed a weird vibe in the beginning regarding the friendship between Rose and Lissa. I didn’t care so much for some of the borderline lesbian stuff happening. Even though the book explains it as necessary, why did Lissa have to feed from Rose’s neck…I mean really, couldn’t she had used her wrist or arm just as easily? In my opinion, the level of their closeness seemed a little odd. Even when whole “shadow kissed” thing was explained later on, it was a bit much at times. That vibe started to go away the longer the girls were back at the academy and interacting more with other friends. It lessened a bit more once boys that they both liked entered the picture. 

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! ;-)

This book was amazing.  I didn't have high hopes when I picked it up, but I was most pleasantly surprised.  Like historical fiction? I completely recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet!

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Release Date: January 27, 2009
Format: Kindle
Pages: 290
Source: Amazon Purchase
Genre: Historical Fiction, General Fiction
Original Review Date: December 28, 2011
Rating: 5 bookmarks 

Synopsis: In the opening pages of Jamie Ford's stunning debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Henry Lee comes upon a crowd gathered outside the Panama Hotel, once the gateway to Seattle's Japantown. It has been boarded up for decades, but now the new owner has made an incredible discovery: the belongings of Japanese families, left when they were rounded up and sent to internment camps during World War II. As Henry looks on, the owner opens a Japanese parasol. 

This simple act takes old Henry Lee back to the 1940s, at the height of the war, when young Henry's world is a jumble of confusion and excitement, and to his father, who is obsessed with the war in China and having Henry grow up American. While "scholarshipping" at the exclusive Rainier Elementary, where the white kids ignore him, Henry meets Keiko Okabe, a young Japanese American student. Amid the chaos of blackouts, curfews, and FBI raids, Henry and Keiko forge a bond of friendship - and innocent love - that transcends the long-standing prejudices of their Old World ancestors. And after Keiko and her family are swept up in the evacuations to the internment camps, she and Henry are left only with the hope that the war will end, and that their promise to each other will be kept. cont.

This was one of the best books I've read in the last 6 months. This story is riveting, sad, and heartwarming. I could tell that Mr.Ford did his homework. All of the history seemed so detailed and he brought that era of the 1940's and the late 1980's to life. 

I really felt for Henry and Keiko. They went through so much as young preteens during the 1940's. From dealing with their own individual identities, their families identities and how those meld together as Americans born with Chinese/Japanese heritages, respectively. Even though Henry's father seemed harsh, I could see what he was trying to accomplish with his son. He went about it in an more traditional Chinese manner, in my opinion the wrong way, but I believe that he felt in his heart, he really felt he was doing what was best for Henry.

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! ;-)

Randomly I was thinking about book to movie adaptations that sucked. This was one of them. The book was very good and movie was a major let down. So, if you saw the movie and thought it was "blah", try the book, I'll enjoy it much more.

Publisher: Algonquin Books
Release Date: May 1. 2007
Format: Kindle
Pages: 448
Source: Amazon Purchase 
Genre: Historical Fiction, General Fiction
Original Review Date: April 16, 2011
Rating: 4 bookmarks 

Synopsis:  Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.

Jacob was there because his luck had run out—orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive "ship of fools." It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act—in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival. 

Very good book. It took a chapter or two for me to get into the author writing from an old man's point of view. It was kind of fun reading about circus life in the early 1930's. At first I wasn't sure it would be my thing, but it was entertaining. A good story is a good story, no matter the setting.

Overall, the book was a fast read with an interesting discovery at the end. After reading the first few pages I had one thing in my mind until the event resurfaced again much later in the book...then I understood that it was totally a different situation. I also liked that it had an sort of an happy yet realistic ending, which was nice.

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! ;-)

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.

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

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 post this one because Summer is fast approaching and I thought it'd be fun to cover a few what I call "Hot Summer Reads". You know, basically sexy books aka smut aka borderline erotica that are fun to read while on vacation or while sitting on the beach or even your back deck with a drink in hand! 

Obviously based on the cover art, this book is near x-rated. 18+ only!

Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: May 25, 2010
Format: Kindle
Pages: 270
Source: Amazon Purchase
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotica
Original Review Date: June 14, 2011
Rating: 4 bookmarks 

Synopsis: Vampire bachelor Samson can't get it up anymore. Not even his shrink can help him. That changes when the lovely mortal auditor Delilah tumbles into his arms after a seemingly random attack. Suddenly there's nothing wrong with his hydraulics - that is, as long as Delilah is the woman in his arms. 

His scruples about taking Delilah to bed vanish when his shrink suggests it's the only way to cure his problem. Thinking all he needs is one night with her, Samson indulges in a night of pleasure and passion.

However, another attack on Delilah and a dead body later, and Samson has his hands full: not only with trying to hide the fact he's a vampire, but also with finding out what secrets Delilah harbors for somebody to want her harm.

I read this in one sitting. Very fun and sexy read. If you're up for some light, fun, hot reading check this book out. I'd basically classify this as paranormal romance, heavy  on the sex, including kinky sex.  The story-line is strong and the characters captured my attention.  

This series is starting off similar to other PR series. I can tell that each book will be focused on a new couple. and I'm pretty sure that as the books go along, the stories will incorporate more of the group into each book.  I'm looking forward to reading about the other men in the Scanguard Vampire line up. This should series be fun!


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 post the last J.D. Mason book I read because I enjoyed a few of her other books in the past. They were better than this one, but You Gotta Sin to Get Saved was still pretty good.  Ms.Mason storytelling makes you think about how crazy and messed up the world is. It made me thankful not to have that drama in my life! These characters are screwed up and believable ..totally unfortunate.  Like drama? This may be a good one to check out! ;-)

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: April 1, 2008
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 368
Source: Library Borrow
Genre: AA Fiction
Original Review Date: October 3, 2011
Rating: 3 bookmarks 

Synopsis: Charlotte Rodgers has always wanted too much. Too much love, too much attention, and had too many big dreams.   It was how she ended up abandoning her two daughters, Connie and Reesy to chase after a man and the promise of a dream life.   But Charlotte never anticipated how her world would be irrevocably changed.  Now, twenty-seven years later, her whole world shifts yet again with a letter from one of her daughters.  And the past is about to bust wide open.  

Reesy has always been obsessed with something.  Obsessed with finding her birth mother. Obsessed with her sister’s life. Obsessed with her own adopted daughter never finding out that Reesy is really her aunt.  With a neglected husband, who is unknowingly drifting further and further away, a sister who is trying to escape her well-meaning clutches, and a daughter becoming more and more curious about her true parentage, finding the mother she always dreamed about seems to be an answered prayer to Reesy.  That is until Reesy is brought crashing back to earth to find that her perfect life is in tattered pieces.
Connie has always expected too little. Too little from the man she’s been living with for years. Too little from her modest jewelry business.  And too little from her relationships, or lack thereof, with her daughter, mother and sister. And too little from herself.  Until she discovers she is pregnant again and decides that this time she is keeping her baby, sending her life and her relationship into a tailspin.  And rediscovering the mother who left them behind is the last thing she wants. 
 
Thrown back together again, in a maelstrom of shocking truths, Charlotte, Reesy and Connie will discover on their journey to forgiveness and redemption that you just might have to sin first in order to be saved.

I ended up reading this book for my book club, this was selected by the majority to read. I wasn't thrilled this was picked because I found out that this was the 3rd book in a series. For one thing, I don’t like coming in at the end of a story, so I wasn't happy about that. I remembered reading the first book, One Day I Saw a Black King a very long time ago but I didn't recall the details. Nor did I want to reread that or even read the 2nd book because I know J.D. Mason’s writing is heavy and there is no way I could take 3 of her sad books in one month. Because I’m committed to reading all the books, I went ahead and read the 3rd installment.