Book Give Away!

Alright, so I'm a bit new to all these giveaway, book contest things. In fact, I never really knew that blogs do these sorts of things until I signed up for BS and realized that it's quite huge. Who knew!? So, here I am jumping into the fray to let my followers (does anyone else feel odd saying that? I feel like I'm calling them my minions and you aren't. I'm so happy to have anyone tracking this book blog, so thank you) know that a fellow Canadian who happens to be an amazing author is doing a Canadian sized give away. Kelley Armstrong, author of my favorite book Bitten, has got some serious loot at Maybe Tomorrow's July Giveaway. Despite the giveaway I'm so happy to have found this blog because YAY for Canadian bloggers!

You should all head over, it's open for Canada, US & International. For those that haven't dived into Armstrong's work I must ask, why? Her writing is brilliant and her book Bitten is probably one of the best for werewolf stories. Ever.

Twice Bitten - Chloe Neill

TITLE: Twice Bitten

AUTHOR: Chloe Neill

SUMMARY: Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene-and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals-not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries-old master vampire. - From Publisher

REVIEW: A fast paced story that once again lands Merit in deep waters as she tries to figure out what side she should be fighting for and how to deal with the politics of Pack & Houses.

I am not sure how Neill managed to take shape-shifters and write them in a way that I wasn't fully expecting. Sure, she kept to lots of what we know but I liked that while much was he same she tossed in little things, like the pack not submitting to Gabriel fully. They seemed okay with showing their rage and potentially attacking. In other shape-shifter books one may challenge the Alpha but it's always done in such a political calm way, these guys aren't quite like that. Even the characters from this Pack were fun and I found myself immensely loving them and wondering if at some point Neill was going to throw a curve ball and have little flirty-flirt between Merit & Pack.

Along with bringing in the Pack we also got some good reveals and within the first two pages my anxiety sky rocketed. We finally find out who has been sending her, Merit, those mysterious letters and what is asked of her is shocking. Plus, it never fully resolves itself until the last moment, so, through out the whole story I was simply waiting for the other shoe to drop. I love that Neill never writes her character as cookie cutter. Merit is a complex character and with each book I love that she not only grows but when she challenges Ethan I love that she often makes a good point. She is independent without it ever rubbing one the wrong way. She's a smart chic. And makes a point of not becoming what others before her have become.

Of course we get lots of Merit & Ethan moments, which are wonderful. Not so much Morgan in this book but I'm okay with that, only because I'm not sure what side he's on at the moment. Celina is still a worry for me and while I loved the moments we got with Merit & Morgan (in this book & previous ones) I worry that his allegiance is still to the old Master of the House and if push came to shove he'd support Celina and that it would crush Merit if they were involved. Of course with that said Ethan can be such a douche at times that I just want Merit to find someone who isn't into playing games or using her as a weapon. Neill is one author where there was a potential love triangle and still is but I don't feel like either guy could win and who knows, another one could come in and steal my heart. She's done a fabulous job at balancing and not having one fully win, which in my opinion is smart. I hate when in a series you instantly get a pairing and they are just happy happy. Again, Lisa like tension, pulling and pushing and longing but refusing... *le sigh*

Oodles to twists & turns and I naturally loved the fight sequences, especially when Merit is in training. There's nothing about this series that I find irksome. Neill has really found a fabulous rhythm and has created a 'verse that I just want more and more of.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Raised by Wolves - Jennifer Lyne Barnes

TITLE: Raised by Wolves

AUTHOR:Jennifer Lynn Barnes

SUMMARY: Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn''t mean that she''s averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian''s basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents'' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she''s shaped? - From Publisher

REVIEW: A definite must read for Were fans.

I stumbled across this book over at Katie's Book Blog and decided that due to my love for the werewolf genre I should request it from my library. I'm so glad I did!

The story kicks right off with establishing that Bryn is a bit of a trouble maker and definitely not one to submit to her Alpha, in fact she seems to enjoy pushing him as much as she can, especially since she's not actually a were. I think that element is what I found so intriguing about this book is how Barnes meshed her humanity with what she knew from being raised in a pack. The blend wasn't anything like I've ever read and really made for some crazy twists. However, at times Bryn's annoyance at the Pack grated me on, especially when she flipped from one side to the other. After reading the book I understood where Barnes was going but for a bit there it seemed OOC for what we knew about Bryn.

I would love a best friend like Devon. He's theatrical, good in a bind and very protective of Bryn. At the beginning I though for sure he would be the potential love interest OR that he'd be the "Jacob" of this ya/teen story. Thankfully that never happened and I applaud Barnes for not having to make me choose. I would love to read a short story about him & if Barnes does continue this then I'd be up for some Lake/Devon shippy-ness.

My biggest complaint with this story would be near the end. Without giving too much away I felt that Barnes was on the ledge of poorly written super-hero stuff. You know, like if you read BAD fanfiction and the character is so extremely awesome you automatically cringe. Thankfully it was just for a moment and one could over-look it, but it did sorta irk me a bit.

All around I really enjoyed this book. There's a few dull spots but after finishing it I'm really glad I listen to Katie and picked this one up.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

To The Brink - Cindy Gerard

TITLE: To The Brink

AUTHOR: Cindy Gerard

SUMMARY: Working on highly sensitive diplomatic affairs, Darcy Prescott is a natural target for terrorist kidnappers. But when she's mysteriously plucked off a street in Manila one sultry night, Darcy's disappearance isn't what it seems.

The moment Special Forces soldier Ethan Garrett laid eyes on Darcy, he knew she was the woman he would marry-and he did. But when their marriage fell apart, Ethan never really recovered. Now a highly paid bodyguard, Ethan quickly slips back into combat mode when he learns of Darcy's disappearance and calls in old favors to assemble a rogue rescue team..

Tracking Darcy all the way to the jungles of the Philippines, Ethan knows every move he makes could mean the difference between life and death. His love for Darcy burns stronger than ever. But when he learns the true reason for her abduction, it may be too late to save her-or himself. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Finding romantic/suspense writers that become addictive are a rarity for me. I find myself often cringing at some of the cheesy lines when it comes to the characters declarations of love. Anyways, I've been wanting to read Cindy Gerard's The Bodyguard series for awhile. I like bodyguards, they fit into my alpha male love so I was eager to read this series. Got my hands on this book through my local used bookstore and now I must track the rest of this series down. Immediately.

Gerard most definitely did her research. When it came to Ethan and his team I felt that the dialogue and actions where true to life, that the men could easily be non-fiction rather than fiction. I love when an author does their research, they end up adding those little details that, for me, make a story pop and often suck me into the world they've created. Along with all those fine delicious details that Gerard added for reading the books out of order I never felt lost. Each character was given a little back history to make a new reader become in the loop, yet at the same time I never once felt like I was getting an over-whelming amount of information. Enough that I wasn't scratching my head wondering why Ethan trusted this group of guys. Each was unique and I'm looking forward to getting the two previous books read before I continue on with this series.

Even the plot was engaging. Gerard did bounce back and forth from present to past, but it was always clearly marked, which I loved (sometimes I just don't want to get pulled out of rhythm wondering where I am in the time-line of event). I think the fact that we were shown past events make Ethan & Darcy's connection and love much stronger. Plus, it really showed how much each of the characters had grown during the time apart and made me fall more into what they were going through. Generally I find when authors jump around in the time line I get confused and can't seem to get my rhythm, I'm glad that didn't happen with this book. Gerard pulled it off flawlessly.

Definitely a perfect book for an enjoyable fast past read that will keep you hooked until the very, very end.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

unchartered terriTORI - Tori Spelling

TITLE: uncharted terriTORI

AUTHOR: Tori Spelling

SUMMARY: Welcome to Los Angeles, birthplace and residence of Tori Spelling.

It's not every Hollywood starlet whose name greets you on a Virgin Airways flight into la-la land. But Tori Spelling has come to accept that her life is a spectacle. Her name is her brand, and business is booming. Too bad when your job is to be yourself, you can't exactly take a break.

Tori finally has everything she thought she wanted-a loving family and a successful career-but trying to live a normal life in Hollywood is a little weird. With the irresistible wit, attitude, and humor that fans have come to love, the New York Times bestselling author of sTORI telling and Mommywood is back with more hilarious, heartwarming, and candid stories of juggling work, marriage, motherhood, and reality television cameras.

Tori comes clean about doing her time on jury duty, stalking herself on Twitter, discovering her former 90210 castmates' "I Hate Tori" club, contracting swine flu, and contacting Farrah Fawcett from the dead. Like many mothers, she struggles to find balance (Stars, they're just like us!)-only most women don't have to battle it out with paparazzi at the grocery store. She talks openly about the darker side of life in the spotlight: media scrutiny over her weight and her marriage to Dean McDermott, her controversial relationship with Dean's ex-wife, and her unfolding reconciliation with her mother.

Having it all isn't always easy-especially when you're a perfectionist-but with the help of her unconventional family and friends, an underwear-clad spiritual cleansing or two, and faith in herself, she's learning to find her happy ending. Because when you're Tori Spelling, every day brings uncharted terriTORI.***

Just when you thought sTORI time was over, the beloved Hollywood starlet has so much more to say. ***"My life has changed dramatically in the past several years. I married Dean; we moved several times; we had two children; we created a show that has gone into its fifth season on the air. I have love. I have a family. I have a home. I have work. It's all I ever wished for. But trying to be a perfect wife, mother, and mini-mogul has its challenges, especially if, like me, you want to be perfect at all of them at the same time." -from uncharted terriTORI - From Publisher

REVIEW: I can't seem to get enough of this girl. I find her writing so amusing and I adore how honest she is. It's funny to read about the missteps she's made and that she's okay with sharing them.

The tone of this book is very different from the tone of the first one. You can tell that her popularity has spiked with doing the show and her various projects she's dived into. It's not often that a married celebrity couple admits to faults and rifts between them. I liked that she didn't try to project that they had a perfect marriage, of course at the same time portions of this will fuel the paparazzi but at least she's being honest with her fans. Marriage is hard and it is work and after having kids and diving into projects it can put a strain on the marriage, in fact more often it does than not. However, she still has a positive attitude and it's real. It felt like talking to a friend. Having a girls night out and just dishing and venting and being able to walk away knowing that I'm not the only one.

All around another enjoyable book from her and I'm looking forward to more.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Spirit Bound - Richelle Mead

TITLE: Spirit Bound

AUTHOR: Richelle Mead

SUMMARY: Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong.

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true, Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. Only this time, he won't rest until Rose joins him; forever. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Clearly the most epic and riveting book in this series thus far. It grabbed me from the start and refused to let go even after I finished. In fact I'm tempted to try and break into Mead's computer just so I can know what's going to happen. In fact, December 7th cannot come fast enough for this avid fan.

Doing this review without spoiling the crap out of you all is going to be impossible. So, perhaps if you haven't read this book yet, don't read further. If you've never checked out this series I must ask why the frak not? Go pick it up, don't read this, just go to the nearest bookstore/library and start reading, you won't regret.

Rose just can't seem to help herself when it comes to Dimitri and trouble. Admittedly I'm cheering for Adrian, which I know is now turning into an epic argument just like who Buffy should end up with is, but I seem to like cheering for the one that is least likely to occur (oddly I was all about Angel & Buffy). I love how Adrian never hides how he feels, he's willing to make concessions and compromising to make the relationship healthy, he's head over heels for Rose and I find him just book hot. Of course, I'm not blind to that fact that by the time this series wraps up I'm sure Rose will be with Dimitri. *sigh* Not that I don't love Dimitri, because I do I just can't help it. I'm a Jacob lover as well, so you can see my problem.

So much happened in this book Rose's journey in trying to discover if it's possible to turn Strigoi back was intense and I loved that it wasn't the only huge issue going on in her world. Mead has done a beautiful job of balancing all the various HUGE exciting plots all at once. There's lots going on and I never got confused or felt like she was trying to fit too much in. And while some issues were wrapped up others weren't. This book is complex in the best ways. Nothing fits in its peg properly and just when you think you've got a character figured out Mead pulls the rug out from under you.

The next book is going to be so intense. With the fallout from Rose losing Vicktor; I'm sure that guy isn't just going to disappear into nothing, he's a major player and I can't wait to see what all happens with his plot line. You've got accusations for murder, which really? *dies* Is clearly going to be epically awesome especially with Mr. Mobster himself in the folds. Then you've got Adrian & Dimitri and you all know how I feel about that little triangle.

I cannot say enough about my love for this book. While I was reading it there were moments where I had to get up and step back because I didn't want it to end and I was just eagerly searching for someone to squee about it with. I may have to get my sister-in-law hooked in this series.

Pick up this book, read & the comment and we can gush about it together. EPIC people EPIC!

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Succubus Shadows - Richelle Mead

TITLE: Succubus Shadows

AUTHOR: Richelle Mead

SUMMARY: From the author of the hugely popular Vampire Academy series comes this sexy, suspenseful, and witty urban fantasy that features Seattle-based succubus Georgina Kinkaid who discovers that her dreams are not what they seem. - From Publisher

REVIEW: I've loved this series, until this book. I felt like nothing really happened and I sorta feel like we've hit a slump. *ducks flying objects*

Before you start a mob, let me explain and please keep in mind that I adore Mead's work, I think she's brilliant and a fantastic writer with a unique voice. The whole drama with Seth is done. I've past the delicious tension portion of these two and am now just over them. I think the next book or two needs to have Seth barely mentioned and for us to focus on the real excitement, *SPOILER WARNING* the double contract... well and maybe the whole relationship with Roman, who I'm just really loving more and more with each book, so I'm just waiting for that to never happen. (Oh sarcasm, my lovely friend) *face palm* But seriously, I'm done with the Seth drama and he needs to just sit back, get his crap in order and our beloved Succubus needs to get the full 411 on the shifty details.

This book just felt so repetitive. Even the flashbacks weren't all that exciting and more often than not I found myself bored with them. Perhaps this was a filler for what's to come but I felt like the majority of this book didn't bring anything new to the table until the end and a certain kiss.

Maybe I'm the only one that felt this way and others loved the back history, and yay for you all, I wish I was one of you. As for her romance interests I just feel like I've been beaten over the head with Seth (much like how I'm beating my opinion about him in this review) and I want something new. Give her Roman, of course I've got a theory about that. *THEORY SPOILER WARNING* Her and Roman will end up together cause she'll realize that Seth needs to be with his family and sort through that whole drama. I'll fall more in love with Roman and then when she gets out of her contract due to having two... blah, blah, blah and she becomes human she'll got for Seth and I will be mad. So... maybe Roman could die in the fight(?) and then I wouldn't have to know he's suffering while watching the two of them together. Love triangles are EVIL especially when generally they never end up how I'd like them to.

That's my two cents on the book, if you are reading this series, you probably should read this because yay for Mead but also because the teasing with the 'stuff' and Roman is really well written and you may enjoy all the back history and creepy ways of torture (I did enjoy the torture and pain and heartbreak that this book did provide, shocking, I know) that Georgina endures.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Stray - Rachel Vincent

TITLE: Stray

AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent

SUMMARY: I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.

Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays--werecats without a Pride--constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back...for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever--and whoever--I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays--'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them.... - From Publisher

REVIEW: I've seen this book on various friends shelf over at Shelfari but for some reason never wanted to pick it up. I don't know my full reason for. I remember being worried that it was going to be a bit over the top. Female shape-shifter a bit ditzy, perhaps I should blame it on the summary, which I don't think does the book justice and makes it sounds bad. Or it could be that I'd read a review and combined with the summary I cringed and continued on, who knows what goes on in my crazy mind. Whatever had stopped me from initially picking up this book is obviously evil because I loved this book, in fact, I chewed through this book in a night and it was awesome!

The story kicks off with a good jump kick in regards to plot. I loved how we were tossed into our leads world, we got information but there was so much left up in the air. Kudos for authors not laying down the full 411 within the first 20 pages. There's gotta be some intrigue and mystery in regards to characters past that keep a reader engage. It's a tricky balance to keep us in the loop but at the same time not showing the full hand.

Generally I enjoyed the character of Faythe, there were a few times that I felt like she flipped and flopped a bit too much. However, I notice that often with the first book in a series the female leads aren't fully established and I'm always willing to give a little for what I consider to be missteps. All in all I enjoyed her, I liked how stubborn she was and how that often ended up getting her into trouble. The romance in the book was well written I only hope that as I read this series Vincent stays clear of the guy that Faythe ends up with doesn't become boring and mooshy. I loved all the tension in this book, the push & pull. (For those that have read my reviews know that I love tension and am always okay if the decision isn't made within the first book of the series. I love the tug-of-war.)

The biggest argh moment I had with this one was some of the heavier content, not that it was included in the book just that I'd like there to be more repercussion for them. I believe Briggs (author of the Mercy Thompson series) has been the only author that has really followed through with any sort of assault issues. I'm okay if an author treads there but I want it to be written properly and I felt like some of the characters bounced back too quickly. With that said I suppose one could argue that being a were gives a different take on it, but since I'm not a Were I hope in the second book we get a bit more of the consequences from this book.

All in all I loved this opening book and I've already got the rest of the series in my possession and I'm eagerly awaiting to read them. The series is sorta reminding me of Mercy Thompson series & Kitty Norville series, both of which I love.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Bro on The Go - Barney Stinson

TITLE: Bro on The Go

AUTHOR: Barney Stinson

SUMMARY: From the mind of New York Times bestselling author Barney Stinson comes the ultimate companion to The Bro Code - a handy reference guide crafted for today''s active Bro. With new rules, inspirations, and wisdom, coupled with classics staples from the original Code, Bro on the Go is designed to quickly aid a busy Bro in any situation he might face - at the beach, on the job, at the game, or with the ladies. Plus, it looks good stuffed in your pocket. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Another humorous read for fans of "How I Met Your Mother". While much of the content is the same from the first book it's still enjoyable and still very Barney Stinson. Which is why I love these books. I can never seem to get enough of Mr. Stinson and his Bro Code.

So, for those of you that haven't read The Bro Code what are you waiting for? And once you're finished it please pick up the Bro on the Go.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Voices of Dragons - Carrie Vaughn

TITLE: Voices of Dragons

AUTHOR: Carrie Vaughn

SUMMARY: On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.

Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.

But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon inter­actions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?

In her young-adult debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn presents a distinctly twenty-first-century tale of myths and machines, and an alliance that crosses a seemingly unbridgeable divide. - From Publisher

REVIEW: Alright, it's no secret that I love Vaughn's Kitty Norville series. I think for an adult series she's done such a good job of written character driven stories and while in her adult series there is romance it's never the sole focus of the books. So I knew going into Vaughn's first dive at a YA book that I was going to love it. And, I did!

The story starts off with giving us some general information for the book but pretty soon we are pushed into action and really, it doesn't slow down. The pace was even, spiking at certain key points and going back to a steady enjoyable stride. I loved that at no point while reading this did I get bored or bogged down. Vaughn managed to give us history and knowledge while never it turning into a history lesson and I loved that she pulled some unexpected twists.

When a story is character-driven I feel like it can't go wrong. And Vaughn has grown so much as an author that focus' on characters. Kay was the sort of girl that I'd like my daughter to read about. She was strong willed in a non-bratty way and yes, because I'm traditional I loved that she wasn't following her BFFL's lead when it comes to sex. I know it's a big topic with authors, readers & parents but I felt like Vaughn wrote it so well and really, with everything that she had going and what we knew about Kay any crazy focus on romance would have seemed out from left field.

The book had some beautiful scenes and I found the story to be extremely compelling. A delight to read and I really hope Vaughn decides to continue with this 'verse and makes a series out of it.

RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥