Review: Shadow Heir - Richelle Mead

Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead
Series:  Dark Swan #4
Release Date:  December 27, 2011
Publisher:   Zebra Books
Page Count:  352
Source:  Amazon, via my own wallet
Buy the book at: Amazon  

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld. . .
The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice. . .

I have mixed feelings about the final, yes final, book in the Eugenie Markham Dark Swan series.  I was compelled to read the Dark Series after starting the Vampire Academy books and wanted to devour anything that was Richelle Mead.  I loved insomniac Eugenie as she struggled with the knowledge that she was a somewhat evil Fairy King's daughter and that she will fulfill a prophecy that would change not only the Otherworld, but the human world as well.  She fought off otherworldly creatures as they tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to wreck havoc in our world, while dealing with the repercussions (mainly inheriting 2 Fairy Kingdoms) of her jaunts into the Otherworld.  In addition, she tried her damn hardest to make sure that no unwanted pregnancy came from her relationships with Dorian or Kiyo, her shapeshifting ex-boyfriend.  She's determined to set her own course, prophesy be damned.

In this final installment, Eugenie is still smack dab in the middle of Gentry politics and determined to find a safe place to stay until she gives birth to the prophesied evil spawn (her son Issac, as well as his twin sister, Ivy).  Eugenie makes a decision she thinks she must, but I was left wondering if that decision was truly for the best.  Sure, she was able to receive the human medical care that was needed for both herself and the babies, but living her life constantly looking over her shoulder really didn't give her anymore sense of peace than living at either hers or Dorian's kingdoms.

Of course, Eugenie can't give birth to her babies and then live a life of serenity.  Soon after their birth, she's forced to return to the Otherworld to help rid a magically blight that has infected the majority of the Otherworld.  She had Dorian at her side, but she's also forced to have Kiyo assisting them.    While the groups journey to ridding the blight is intriguing and entertaining, what I enjoyed the most of this part of the story is Eugenie's understanding of her relationship with Dorian.  Yes he manipulated her.  Yes he lied to her and used her.  But Dorian is always at Eugenie's back, no matter what.  He's proved this to her time and time again, but it took this journey for her to finally see what I had personally be hoping for her to realize...Dorian was her better half. 

I would have been ok with the story ending here, with the blight resolved and Eugenie and Dorian getting their HEA.  But the ending took a strange turn, finding out Eugenie father, the Shadow King, had actually had heirs other than Eugenie and her sister, therefore absolving Eugenie's children from being said prophetic evil spawns.  And I won't even get started on the revelation that Kiyo decides to share with Eugenie.    That little speech had me rolling my eyes and thankful that Kiyo was a fictional character, otherwise great acts of violence would have ensued.

Despite the ending, I enjoyed the last book in the series.  I almost wish there would be a fifth book or perhaps a novella, which could tie up some of the looser plot points from this one (meaning what happens with the babies and Eugenie and Dorian, but I can live with how things ended.

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Blog Tour Promo and Giveaway: Farsighted - Emlyn Chand

We're spotlighting Emlyn Chand's Farsighted today, plus giving away an ebook copy.  Keep reading to be introduced to the world of Alex Kosmitoras.

BLURB:

Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still "see" things others can't. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.
Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.
Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.

EXCERPT:
“Did Dad tell you? A new tenant moved into the old pharmacy next door.”
“Really?” I ask, not letting on I already know. If I feign ignorance, Mom’ll divulge all the details. “What is it?”
“It’s a psychic shop,” Her voice crackles with excitement like a fire that’s just beginning to burn. “The All-Seeing Miss Teak. Isn’t that cute? Miss Teak, Mystic. Ha, I wonder if that’s her real name.”
I laugh. “That is funny. Never had a psychic in town before. What’s she like?”
“Oh, she’s very friendly. Why don’t you go over and say ‘hi.’  I’m sure she’d like to meet you.”
“Okay, I think I will.” I’m incredibly intrigued, because first off, it’s a psychic shop—how weird is that?—and second, its presence made Dad super uncomfortable—also very cool. I waste no time heading next door to check out the scene.
As I step cautiously into the new shop, a recording of soft, instrumental music greets me. I can make out chimes and a string instrument I don’t recognize but for some reason reminds me of snake charmers. The smell of incense fills my nostrils, which explains the burning I detected earlier.
“Hello?” I call out into the otherwise quiet room.
Nobody answers. I walk in deeper, sweeping my cane out in front of me in a metronome fashion. This place is new to me, so I need to be especially careful while moving around.
Thump! Despite my precautions, I stub my toe on something hard, big, and made of wood. Just my luck to stub the same toe twice in one day. I reach down to press my fingers into my throbbing foot to alleviate some of the pain. Something teeters before rolling off of the chest and across the floor; the sound it makes indicates a curved path. Suddenly, the object stops. Somebody’s stopped it.
“Hello?” I call again.
“Hello,” a deep, feminine voice responds, placing more emphasis on the first syllable than the second.
“I- I’m sorry I knocked that thing over. I didn’t mean to…” I hope she’s not angry. Probably not a good idea to get on a psychic’s bad side.
“That wasn’t just a thing, it’s a crystal ball,” she says as she walks over, sending my blood pulsing through my veins. I sense her looking at me for a moment before she places the ball back on top of the chest.
“Can it see the future?” I ask, allowing my curiosity to outweigh my uneasiness.
“No.” After a pause lasting several beats, she continues. “But I can see the future sometimes when I look into it.”
“Oh, okay.” I tighten my hand around my cane and turn to leave. It may not be the most polite thing to do, but all of this hocus-pocus stuff is freaking me out more than I would’ve guessed.
The psychic lady speaks again, stopping me cold. “Don’t run away, Alex Kosmitoras.” She must’ve spoken to Mom earlier today. That must be how she knows my name.
“I’m not running away,” I say meekly. “I’m just going back over to Sweet Blossoms.”
“Don’t run away,” she repeats—this time she speaks louder and with more energy. “Don’t run away from your abilities. They are gifts.”
“What?” I ask in confusion. What abilities is she talking about?
“You already know. Watch. Listen. Be open to your gifts.”
I turn to face Miss Teak, but find she’s already gone, returning to wherever she was before I got there.
Is it safe to leave? I trail my fingers across the wooden box I ran into earlier; a thick coat of dust clings to the tips as I pull away. If this shop just opened, why is it already so dirty? I wipe my hands over my shirt to get the gritty substance off. Shivers rock my whole body. Something about this place is wrong, and I’m not sticking around to figure out what. Tapping my cane along the floor, I’m able to find the exit without knocking into anything else.


GIVEAWAY
As part of the blog tour, we're giving away an ebook version of Farsighted.  What do you need to do to enter?  Complete the Rafflecopter below and leave a comment letting us know which "super" power you'd like to have.  The winner will be chosen, at random, on January 6th,

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Follow My Book Blog Friday

Q: The New Year is here — and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

A:  This is a really, really, really good question.  Here's my answer:

• To dig myself out from under the pile of books that I have to review.
• Get some traction to the meme feature I started (Hottest Couple of the Week).
• Host more special events

How about you?  

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Blog Tour Guest Post and Giveaway: The Vampire, The Witch and The Werewolf - Louisa Bacio

Louisa Bacio is stopping by Cocktails and Books today as part of her virtual book tour for The Vampire, The Witch and The Werewolf Chains of Silver.  She's guest posting with us today about the Green Fairy.  Help me in welcoming Louisa to Cocktails and Books!

The Green Fairy

Do you believe in fairy tales? How about the paranormal realm of vampires, werewolves and witches? The mystical city of New Orleans makes many people believe in the unseen, and a little bit of “liquid courage” goes a long way.

We’re coming upon New Year’s Eve, which heavenly lands on a Saturday this year, and if you’re really lucky work-wise, that means you get Monday off, too. Cocktails and Books seems like the best place to discuss the mingling of literature and good cheer.

My erotic paranormal series The Vampire, The Witch and the Werewolf is set within New Orleans, and several of the books feature cocktails. In book 2, Chains of Silver, there’s the Vampire’s Kiss, a tasty martini that mixes vodka, champagne for a bit of sparkly and the raspberry liquor Chambord. The “Green Fairy,” a term for absinthe, comes up in the recently released prequel The Vampire & The Werewolf: A New Orleans Christmas.

First, despite the allure of being an erotic writer, I’m not all that wild. I don’t do drugs and I have so many allergies to regular life that I’d be afraid to have a bad reaction my first time attempting to do something. So on a recent trip to the Big Easy, let’s say I was more than hesitant to try something new … especially something as scary sounding as absinthe, which had been banned for goodness’ sake! A little bit of research, though, explains that the current drink served in the United States doesn’t compare with the one originally banned. They’ve stripped out some of the “badness” that was known to cause problems, but at the same time there’s also a lot of controversy about the unnecessary deletion. The “real” stuff can be purchased outside the U.S.

Absinthe does, though, contain a high alcohol percentage, so must be sipped cautiously. The coolest thing about the drink is the mixing ritual of dripping chilled water over a sugar cube, and into the glass. At the Pirates Alley Café and Absinthe Bar in New Orleans, the bartender places a green light under the glass in order to cast that telltale Green Fairy.

The liquor itself strikes fast, and left me with a numb tongue and throat. (We’ll not get into the potential beneficial effects of that side effect with the concept of erotic writing.) Fortunately, we stayed within walking distance of the bar. Some say that they feel more creative and free afterward, and I can attest to some wicked, realistic dreams that evening.

So tell me – Ever tried a new, intoxicating drink? Have a perfect suggestion for a New Year’s Eve cocktail? We’re looking low-key this year, but will ring in the New Year with some style.

Here’s a look at two recent releases.

Book 2: The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf: Chains of Silver 

Adopted at birth, Silver Ashe discovers her blood-brother Trevor Pack is a werewolf, with a vampire and witch for lovers. All her teachings about the evils of the paranormal Others come into question. She runs to a family friend, Nick, for help.

Nick Stake takes his hobby as a vampire hunter personally. He strives to rid the world of evil bloodsuckers. When his best friend’s “kid” sister comes to him for advice, Nick discovers Silver’s more than grown up. He battles his growing desire for Silver and blindly holds true to his convictions.

Once Silver reaches her sexual maturity, she’ll inherit her full genetic heritage and turn into a werewolf. When death comes calling, Silver and Nick must face their darkest fears in order to break free from the chains that bind.

Prequel: The Vampire & The Werewolf: A New Orleans Christmas

Vampires and werewolves don’t mix … or do they?

Before there were three, there were two. When a vampire swoops in to save Trevor from a rogue gang’s blood sport, the werewolf must fight his own inhibitions. The magic of New Orleans and the holiday season bring together these two unlikely lovers.

Grazie!
Louisa Bacio


Giveaway
Louisa is giving away an ebook copy of any book from her back list (found here).  To enter, complete the Rafflecopter form below and tell us about an exotic, intoxicating drink that we might be able to try over New Year's Eve.  The Winner will be chosen, at random, on January 5, 2012.

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Review: Head Over Heels - Jill Shalvis

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
Series:  Lucky Harbor #3
Release Date:  December 1, 2011
Publisher:   Forever
Page Count:  400
Source:  NetGalley
Buy the book at: Amazon  

Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

I haven't found a Jill Shalvis book that I haven't instantly fallen in love with the characters in the book.  This Lucky Harbor series is no exception, but out of the three books in the series I have to say that this one is my favorite so far.

Chloe spent the majority of her life living in the moment and leaving for her next adventure whenever the whim hit her.  It was the only lifestyle she knew, until her mother died and she started up the B & B with her sisters in Lucky Harbor.  For the first time in her life, Chloe has a reason to set down roots and start to build a life in one town.  Opening a day spa at the B & B is the first step, which is able to do with ease.  The next is a little harder for Chloe and that's admitting that she loves and needs her sisters.  She was raised around people who threw out "I love you" like it was nothing, but Chloe knew those 3 words had a deeper meaning and was adamant she wouldn't use them unless she truly meant them.  Chloe coming to terms with her feelings towards her sisters and being able to say "I love you" were some of the funniest and heartwarming parts of the story.

Sawyer is a complex man.  Left by his mother at a young age, he rebelled in his teenaged years choosing a life of petty crimes and drinking.  When his out of control ways lead to him being sent to juvie, he straightened his life out.  Unfortunately, he went the complete opposite direction of his youth to a man who walked the line and never deviated from it.  He went out of this way to do what he thought he needed to do to make reparations to the town, his father and even a bit to an old friend for his misspent youth.  The one person he didn't forgive was himself.  It took living on the edge Chloe to knock Sawyer from that line and make him realize that despite what he may have done when he was younger, people love him for the man he is now and he should too.

Despite their differences, Chloe and Sawyer fit together like puzzle pieces.  She loosens him up (the drunken painting party is one of my favorite scenes in the book) and he, while sometime very bossy with her, is always there behind her to catch her no matter what.

As with any Jill Shalvis novel, you will alternate between laughing out loud and grabbing for a tissue to wipe at those pesky escape tears, but you will always close the book with a smile on your face.

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Hottest Couple of the Week

<center><a href="http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com" target="_blank"><img alt="/Cocktails and Books" src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb326/CocktailsNBooks/HottestCouple-1.jpg"/></a></center>

The Hottest Couple of the Week is a weekly feature hosted by Shannon at Cocktails and Books.  We love to read our romance books and some of those books have a couple that burn up every page you read.  It's in their honor that we have this feature.  Each week, we'll feature a couple who's set a book we read on fire.   You can play along too.  Join our linky, grab the button and share who your hot couple is for the week.  Then post a comment below so the rest of us can add this scorching couple to our TBR pile.

My hottest couple this week is an easy one:  Chloe and Sawyer from Head Over Heels.

"It's good to be inhaler worthy," he said.

She grinned.  "I didn't even need it, not during, not once."

Reaching up, he tugged on a strand of her hair, mouth quirking into a smile.  "I noticed."

And if that little tidbit hasn't convinced you, then how about this picture to the right.  Jill Shalvis has posted a few times that this is her Sawyer.

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Review: Blood of Anteros - Georgia Cates

Blood of Anteros by Georgia Cates
Series:  The Vampire Agape Series #1
Release Date:  September 21, 2011
Publisher:   Georgia Cates
Page Count:
Source:  Provided by Author
Buy the book at: Amazon  

I was tantalized by the mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of her essence didn’t entice the monster within, so what did that make her? I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained.

Cruel circumstances turned Curry Brennan into the wretched monster he hates and refuses to accept, but when an expected turn of events releases him from the bond of his obsessive maker, he returns to the home he knew 161 years earlier and finds the return of happiness and joy in something he didn’t know existed. Puzzled by his growing attraction to Chansey Leclaire, a human, he is unable to resist the captivating relationship that threatens to reveal his existence as a vampire. He eventually discovers the reason he was destined to find what he didn’t know he searched for and is faced with the cruel realization that the living and the immortal undead will always be separated by one thing. Eternity. 

This was an interesting twist on a vampire tale.  Vampires who have a God chosen soul mate who will return that vampire's humanity while being the vampires biggest weakness.  An awesome premise and to have this story introduced by a vampire who hates what he is was a perfect start to the Vampire Agape series.

Curry Brennan was turned against his will by a sadistic woman who wanted nothing more than to own him.  Own him she did for 139 years until one fateful eclipse released Curry from their bond.  Curry is an introverted man who has done his best to keep to himself for most of his existence.  But when he finds himself renting an apartment from the family that now owns the home he built in Mississippi, he can't help but be drawn in by their Southern hospitality and their granddaughter, Chansey Leclaire.  Curry knows nothing about agapes or their special meaning to a vampire when he fights the draw to Chansey, but he soon finds out that the will of the Gods is much more than any mere mortal or vampire can fight. 

What makes this a great story is the fact that it's told in Curry's point of view.  He's a man..err vampire, who truly hates what he is and that hatred has shaped who he is.  While he claims to have accepted what he is, you can tell that he really hasn't and that makes his choices when it comes to Chansey heartbreaking. 

I'm not very fond of the ending to this story as it leaves you hanging for the next book.  It was kind of like being privy to a conversation and suddenly having the door slammed in your face.  But I won't hold that against the book, because I did enjoy it and will cross my fingers that Georgia Cates has something wonderful in store for us in the next installment to this series that gives us the continuation of Curry and Chansey's story.

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Author Interview and Giveaway: Riversong - Tess Hardwick

Please welcome Tess to Cocktails and Books.

Tess, tell us about yourself.
First, thanks so much for having me.  As for me, I’m a mom of two little girls and live in a suburb of Seattle, Washington. I started my artistic pursuits as an actress, trained at USC in the early 90’s, then turned to directing, then playwriting and finally found my true calling as a novelist.

Describe Riversong in 140 words or less.
When Lee Tucker’s husband commits suicide, he leaves her pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a loan shark. Out of options, she escapes to her deceased mother’s dilapidated house located in a small Oregon town that, like her, is financially ruined, heartbroken and in desperate need of a fresh start.  Lee’s resilience leads to a plan for a destination restaurant named Riversong, to new chances for passion and love, and to danger from her dead husband’s debt as her business blooms.
A surprising mix of romance, humor, friendship, intrigue and gourmet food – Riversong entertains while reminding you of life’s greatest gifts.

What would you do if you found out your husband left you a million dollars in debt like Lee’s did?
Great question.  It was actually the impetus for Riversong, thinking about what I would do in a similar situation. Like Lee, I would definitely be inclined towards home and also to disappear off the grid, so to speak. I can’t imagine how I would do it with two little girls to take care of, which is similar to Lee, in that she’s pregnant. But the human spirit is resilient, and I’m sure, as real life women do every day, I would figure out a way to make through.


Lee opens a restaurant in Riversong.  Do you like cooking?
I do love to cook and at one time spent a lot of creative energy doing so.  I’ve found it more challenging now that I have children, as I just need to get food on the table in order to keep the angry mob from a riot. But my husband and I have many close ‘foodie’ friends and we all spend way too much time planning meals and choosing the wine that accompanies them, and then eating and drinking the fruits of our labors.


When did your interest in writing start?
It started a love of reading, as it is for most writers. It’s hard to explain why any of us are passionate about any one thing, but as a child I remember feeling inspired by all different kinds of art, music, movies, plays and novels and feeling a need to put my own thoughts and feelings into words. Some of us are simply born artists, and we must follow this path, no matter how difficult it can be at times. Until I started taking writing seriously, I was lost.

Who most influenced you?
As a writer, everything I’ve ever read influenced me, whether it was literary fiction, poetry, plays or commercial fiction.  I believe, more than anything, writers are informed and influenced by what they read, both by the masterpieces and what we used to call dime store novels and everything in-between.

On the personal side, my mother has been the greatest influence on me. Writers must have grit and determination and perseverance. We have to work harder than we think we have in us, on down days and up days, between day jobs and babies and paying mortgages. This profession makes no sense in practical terms. You make little money and receive a lot of criticism, including from your own inner critic. Once your get close to mastering the craft and have something worth publishing, you then have to figure out how to market it. But my mother taught me that if you want something, you have to endure no matter what obstacles are in your way. She demonstrates this to me each day, as she makes her way through life after suffering a spinal cord injury back in 1995, with dignity and pure grit.


What words of wisdom would you share with aspiring writers?
Study the craft. Read everything on writing you can find. Go to workshops and classes. At the same time, sit in your seat and write. Write some more. Let a few people you trust read your work. Take their feedback, filter it with your own gut instinct, and then get back to work. Keep writing until you find your voice and the kinds of stories you want to tell. Never give up. Oh, and write some more.


What’s coming next for you?
I just finished edits on a second novel; historical fiction set in the south in the 1934, along with a first draft on a third novel about adoption fraud.

I’m also partnering with a young and extremely talented writer named Tracey Hansen on a group of essays called “Write For the Fight”; we’ll be featuring 12 writers, including Tracey and me, answering big life questions in short essay form.  We’re extremely excited about the project, as all writer proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

 ~ Giveaway ~

We're giving away a copy of Riversong.  To enter, complete the Rafflecopter entry form below.  The winner will be chosen, at random, on January 2, 2012.

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Review: Riversong by Tess Hardwick

Riversong by Tess Hardwick
Series:
Release Date:  March 30, 2011
Publisher:   Booktrope Editions
Page Count: 278
Source: Publicist
Buy the book at: Amazon    

Author Tess Hardwick assembles a colorful cast of endearing small-town characters and takes you on a journey that will make you believe in the possibilities of life - even in the face of overwhelming adversity and unimaginable grief.Lee Tucker is the kind of woman you find yourself rooting for long after the last page is read. When her husband commits suicide,he leaves her pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a loan shark. Out of options, she escapes to her deceased mother's dilapidated house located in a small Oregon town that, like her, is financially ruined, heartbroken and in desperate need of a fresh tart. Lee's resilience leads to a plan for a destination restaurant named Riversong, to new chances for passion and love, and to danger from her dead husband's debt as her business blooms.
A surprising mix of romance, humor, friendship, intrigue and gourmet food, Riversong entertains while reminding you of life's greatest gifts.

As a kid, I hated when an adult would always point out a morale to what every story I was engrossed in, whether it was TV or a book.  When your nine, you really don't want your parents having the sex talk with your after watching an episode of Joanie Love Chachi.  So now being the adult, I find myself doing the same damn things to my kids and asking them what they learned from that episode of Fresh Prince of Bel Air or Sponge Bob.  I cringe each time I do it, but sometimes you can't let those little tidbit go by without pointing them out.

What does this have to do with Riversong?  This is one of those books where I feel compelled to pass out to all those that complain how bad their life is yet do nothing to change it.  Lee Tucker encompasses that life lesson of "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps".  Sure she got everything tied up in a pretty bow for her in the end, just like those TV shows of my youth, but she went through some pretty hellish stuff to get that pretty bow and I think she earned it.

The plot points aren't perfect (the loan shark/mafia hit man was a little too over the top for me) but where certain plot points may bug you as a reader, the others more than make up for.  The best one for me was Lee coming back home again and finding the place she thought was full of ugly memories was the one place that could make her happy. 

Second chances and coming home is what Riversong is all about and I think Tess Hardwick did a good job in bringing those points across.    I liked the book and think it's a thought provoking choice for book clubs to read in 2012.

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Immoral Views Anthology

Immoral Views is a deliciously dissolute anthology of voyeurism!
Sweetmeats Press proudly presents FIVE titillating tales from erotica's sultriest mistresses!

In THE CIRCUS, the line is blurred between spectator and performer in a theatre of pleasure and pain!

Then, adventurous Izzy searches two continents for her perfectly perverted Prince Charming in INSIDE LOOKING OUT.

In ALLOTTED VIEWS a nosey gardener is treated to a raunchy ritual through her bedroom window.

PAINTED PUSSYCAT sees an innocent student welcomed into the Circle of Ink where tattoos, bondage and exhibitionism are all part of her initiation.

And finally, a young policeman risks his reputation and his job for the adrenaline rush of sex alfresco in CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

It may not be polite to stare.....but it's certainly a lot of fun. Slip inside these pages to celebrate your secret voyeur, and it will be our perverse pleasure to share our Immoral Views with you!

Edited by Kojo Black, and containing stories from Kay Jaybee, Lexie Bay, K D Grace, Rebecca Bond and Lucy Felthouse. Illustrations by Florian Meacci are only available in paperback editions, and eBook edition from Waterstone's.

Available from:

Sweetmeats Press (print)

Amazon UK (print)

Amazon UK (Kindle)

Amazon US (Kindle)

Barnes & Noble (Nook)

Diesel eBook Store

eBook Eros

Sony Reader Store

Kobobooks.com
Smashwords

Waterstone’s (print)

Waterstone’s

WHSmith (print)

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Review: Can't Help Falling In Love - Bella Andre

Can't Help Falling In Love by Bella Andre
Series:  The Sullivans #3
Release Date:  December 2011
Publisher:   Bella Andre
Page Count:
Source:  Provided by Author
Buy the book at: Amazon  

He ran into a burning building to save a mother and daughter...and ended up falling in love.

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to one of his fire victims ever again.

After Gabe saves Megan Harris and her seven-year-old daughter from a deadly apartment fire, Megan knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything. Everything except her heart. Because after losing her navy pilot husband five years ago, she has vowed to never suffer through loving - and losing - a man with a dangerous job again.

Only, when Megan and Gabe meet again and uncontrollable flames of desire ignite between them, how can he possibly ignore her courage, determination, and beauty? And how can she deny not only his strong bond with her daughter.but the way his sweetly sensual kisses are challenging her to risk everything she's been guarding for so long?

This winter, if one - or both - of them aren't careful, they just might end up falling in love.

Megan Harris is a woman who avoid risks.  Since her first husband died in a plane crash, leaving her to raise their toddler daughter, she does what she can to ensure she and her daughter won't have to deal with that type of heartache again.  Unfortunately, she can't control everything and she and her daughter are caught in a horrible apartment fire hiding in the bathtub.

Enter Gabe Sullivan, firefighter extraordinaire.

Gabe has always had a fascination with fire, so firefighting is the perfect fit for him.  He never loses his cool in a fire, but when he rescued Megan and Summer during their apartment fire he was bound to break his rule of never dating a fire victim.

Megan and Gabe are perfect for each other, even if they fight their instant attraction for each other.  Megan doesn't want to put hers and her daughter's hearts at risk on an adrenaline junkie who might not come home and Gabe doesn't want to be with someone who only sees him as her rescuer.  But when the two of them stop fighting each other, they find that what they feel for each is much deeper and much stronger than anything they felt before.

Their road to happiness would have been much easier if Megan was able to let go of her past hurt earlier, but you can see how already losing one husband in a senseless accident would make one gun shy.  The problem was, she wasn't really seeing past Gabe's job to the man who was responsible at work and would never purposefully jeopardize himself.  Once she was able to do that, she was able to fully open herself to this wonderful man.

And ladies....Gabe is one hot man.  For me, Gabe is now tied with Chase as the hottest Sullivan brother.  He's funny, thoughtful, a fireman (hello!!) and sexy as hell.  Who wouldn't love a man like that. 

A fantastic story about two people burned in the past but learning that you can't paint everyone with the same broad brush stroke.

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Review: From This Moment On - Bella Andre

From This Moment On by Bella Andre
Series:  The Sullivans #2
Release Date:  August 20, 2011
Publisher:   Bella Andre
Page Count:
Source:  NetGalley
Buy the book at: Amazon  

For thirty-six years, Marcus Sullivan has been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly ordered future he's planned for himself turns out to be nothing but a lie, Marcus needs one reckless night to shake free from it all.

Nicola Harding is known throughout the world by only one name - Nico - for her catchy, sensual pop songs. Only, what no one knows about the twenty-five year old singer is that her sex-kitten image is totally false. After a terrible betrayal by a man who loved fame far more than he ever loved her, she vows not to let anyone else get close enough to find out who she really is...or hurt her again. Especially not the gorgeous stranger she meets at a nightclub, even though the hunger - and the sinful promises - in his dark eyes make her want to spill all her secrets.

One night is all Nicola and Marcus agree to share with each other. But nothing goes as they plan when instead of simply tangling limbs, they find a deeper connection than either of them could have anticipated. And even though they both try to fight it, growing emotions - and sizzling attraction - keep drawing them closer together.

Close enough for them to wonder if stealing one more secret moment together can ever be enough?

Marcus Sullivan, oldest brother of the Sullivan family, is the caregiver of the family.  It's been his role since his father died when he was a teenager.  He's taken care of his mother and his seven brothers/sisters to ensure they are all happy.  The only person he hasn't really taken care of was himself.  He found a woman who he though fit his mold of the perfect wife/mother, but never stopped to consider if that was really what he wanted until he discovered her cheating on him.  From that moment, Marcus' life took a complete turn from where he thought it was going.  Marcus can be a stubborn ass and often speaks/acts without completely thinking things through (which tends to have somewhat disastrous results), but he still at his heart is that person who wants to take care of everyone he loves, including a sensitive pop star.

Nicola, aka pop sensation Nico, has trust issues and is tired of living her life as her on-stage persona rather than herself.  When she sets her site on Marcus in a club, she figures she'll have a one night stand and act like everything thinks she should.  But what we realize is that Nicola is not some hardened woman who can sleep with someone without an emotional connection.  And no matter how hard she tries to fight it, she starts forming an emotional connection with Marcus, which leads to her being hurt (pretty badly at times) by the one man she wants to trust.

If you thought Chase and Chloe were hot in Sullivan #1, prepare to be hosed down from the flames that fly off Marcus and Nicola.  It's always those stuffy suit types that will shock the hell out of you in the bedroom and Marcus will not disappoint.  

Bella Andre has created wonderful characters in this new series that will suck you into their story from the very first paragraph.

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Review: The Look of Love - Bella Andre

The Look of Love by Bella Andre
Series:  The Sullivans #1
Release Date:  June 13, 2011
Publisher:   Bella Andre
Page Count:  182
Source:  Barnes and Noble, via my own wallet
Buy the book at: Amazon  

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be too good to be true. Or is he?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women, and whenever he’s home in San Francisco, one of his seven siblings is usually up for causing a little fun trouble. Chase thinks his life is great just as it is—until the night he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley. Not only has he never met anyone so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes she has much bigger problems than her damaged car. Soon, he is willing to move mountains to love—and protect—her, but will she let him?

Chloe vows never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Only, with every loving look Chase gives her—and every sinfully sweet caress—as the attraction between them sparks and sizzles, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the only exception. And although Chase didn’t realize his life was going to change forever in an instant, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether…for Chloe’s heart.

I'd heard a lot about this series and had bought this book a few months ago. Unfortunately, it sat on my Nook app just waiting for me to find the time to read it.  After reading it, this is one of those times where I'd like to slap myself for not reading this sooner.

Bella Andre has created a family of wickedly handsome men and gorgeous women in the Sullivan's.  This first installment has middle son Chase falling for a woman he finds stranded on the side of the road during a rainstorm in Napa.

Chase, a photographer who has seen and had his share of beautiful woman, instantly falls in love with Chloe.  What was refreshing was the fact that he wasn't afraid of his feelings and falling for someone so fast and so hard.  Chase was one of those men that mortal women dream about because everything he did centered around Chloe.  He was even willing to let Chloe go, knowing it would kill him, in order to ensure that she healed and came back to him. 

Chloe is a woman who has been jaded by an abusive ex-husband.  She determined to never feel like she needs to depend on another man and to make it on her own.  When she meets Chase, she's on the side of the road with a wrecked car and no way to get in touch with anyone to help her.  For Chloe, this was the worst possible scenario.  To make matters worse, her body and her mind were in a constant struggle with what to do with Chase.  She was wildly attracted to him, but her mind was telling her to run as far away as possible.  She has a hard time reconciling what she wants now and in the future against what kind of life she had in the past.  Until she deals with her past, she's unable to deal with Chase except in bed.

In bed (or the tub, the kitchen, etc) these two are scorching HOT!  From the minute these two meet each other, we were treated to some very erotic moments between a bit of voyeurism, the hours the spent in Chloe's bed and their foray into breakfast sex.  You'll be spraying yourself with some water to cool off with these two.

An excellent start to the Sullivan series (there are eight Sullivan kids, so we'll be lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time with this family).  This is definitely a book and series you'll want to pick up.

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Blog Tour Book Spotlight: Four Beneath the Mistletoe - JL Olier

Lt. Sara Jane Yeager, felt alone one the large space station on which she served as liaison officer. When three sexy Reignites arrive looking for more insight into the human traditions, she could never imagine how “interesting” things are about to get or that these three alien warriors might just have the answer to what this season is all about.
Coming to the space station to explore humanities take on various holiday observances, Lord Azek and his omega’s Turku and Pharos discover they have found the perfect holiday gift for themselves, a human mate. As they learn all the various means in which human kind pay homage to the season, can they seduce the lovely Lt. Yeager into their bed and into their lives? A bit of mistletoe might just have the answer.

Four Beneath the Mistletoe Excerpt:
"The guy in the big red suit is Santa Claus," Sara Jean informed them as one of the serving staff brought around cups of some frothy sweet crème for them to enjoy.
"We have heard of your Saint Nicolas. He travels with flying animals and visits all the children in a single night," Pharos said as he took the drink offered him and made a face at the taste. Sara laughed aloud before covering her mouth and apologizing.
"An apology is not needed. Your laughter is every bit as sweet to our ears as the children's below." Azek's words brought a bright flush to her face, making her even more luminously beautiful then before, something he thought impossible.
"How could one man possibly be so many places so quickly? It is illogical," Turku said, sipping his own cup.
"It's all just part of the magic; on Christmas all things are possible," Sara Jean replied with a twinkle in her eyes.
As they stood to depart this area, the scene made Azek wonder what magic it would take to put the sexy woman in their bed.
"Perhaps you will show use more of your human traditions tomorrow evening, once I have completed my meetings with the commander?" Azek asked her, leaning forward to run his fingers across the bare skin of Sara Jean's arm.
"We'll all go to the Holograph deck around six tomorrow evening, then." She swallowed hard but did not move away from his touch. "I thought I might show you a few different celebrations taking place around the station before we parted ways."
"If you wish." Azek licked his lower lip, thoughts of tasting her dancing in his head.

Sara Jean's heart pounded so loudly in her ears she felt certain everyone in the room could hear the rapid thumping. The intensity of Azek's gaze coupled with the sensuality of his touch put her in a state of meltdown. His powerful omegas were looking at her with a mirror of the same intensity. At this rate, Sara thought she might need to stop somewhere on the way back to her quarters later this evening and wring out her undies. One thing was for certain: BOB, her battery-operated boyfriend, would be paying her a social visit tonight.
After a quick trip down two floors to deck three, Sara Jean led the group into yet another crowded common room. This one contained several large fans angled upward to cre
ate a steady wind current in which the room's occupants flew numerous, colorful kites.
"This is all part of the Hindu Makara Sankranti, celebrating the movement of the sun during the winter solstice. Traditionally it was held around January 14th, but the federation felt it was in the best interest to combine all the various religious holidays into a single timeframe lasting about a week. I think they might have been worried about constant disruptions to the normal function of the stations," Sara told her guests as they watched the vibrant kites dance above them.
"These are very beautiful," Pharos said appreciatively as the group turned to depart. "Nearly as lovely as our hostess."
A heated blush spread across Sara’s face and she stumbled a moment to respond. "Th-Thank You."

About the Author
JL Oiler grew up in the mountains of West Virginia where she still lives with her husband and children. She is a graduate of Fairmont State University in Fairmont West Virginia, and holds a Masters degree from Ball State University in Muncie Indiana. She always possessed a passion to create stories to entertain her friends and family, but life led her on a variety of paths before she found the opportunity to return to the dream of writing stories to share.

JL currently has stories with Rebel Ink Press and Silver Publishing. She enjoys the Erotic Paranormal genre, but has dabbled in other areas of romance as well. Her first release came in January of 2010, since that time she has had multiple individual releases as well as the opportunity to work on several anthologies. She can often be found chatting about upcoming events or releases on Facebook or Twitter.

Website / Facebook / Twitter 

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Follow My Book Blog Friday

RULES
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1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read} 
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3. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you. 
4. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI” If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. 
5. Spread the Love…and the followers If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog! 

Q: If you had to spend eternity inside the pages of a book which book would you choose and why?

My Answer:
Any of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books.  I love the brothers, especially Zsadist.  I'd want to hang out at the mansion or the Pit, and see what it's really like living there in Caldwell, NY!

How about you?

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Review: Small Town Christmas - Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay, Katie Lane

Small Town Christmas by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay and Katie Lane
Series:
Release Date:  November 1, 2011
Publisher:   Grand Central Publishing
Page Count:  136
Source:  NetGalley
Buy the book at: Amazon  

Three heartwarming holiday stories
to prove that love is the greatest gift of all

Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

I'll Be Home for Christmas
After ignoring the advice of Miz Miriam Randall, local matchmaker, Annie Roberts expects another hum drum holiday in Last Chance, South Carolina. But when a stray cat arrives in the arms of Army sergeant Matt Jasper, a calico named Holly just may be the best matchmaker of all.

O Little Town of Bramble
All Ethan Miller wants for Christmas is to celebrate in Bramble, Texas, with family and friends. But when his childhood neighbor, Samantha Henderson, comes home for the holiday, Ethan realizes that the girl-next-door could be the girl of his dreams.

I'm not generally one for anthology stories.  They're too short for me (I need substance!!), but I got this one because I had to know what happened with Logan after Tara and Ford got back together in Jill Shalvis' Kissing Santa Claus.


For the Jill Shalvis story, this was Jill Shalvis crammed into a tiny box.  I love Jill Shalvis, but I need Jill to have lots of space and pages to let the story flow.

Logan and Sandy had some "stuff" to work out before they could get their HEA, but I guess with a Christmas short we can bypass all that messy stuff and skip right to the I love you's and want to marry you's in front of the entire town having Christmas breakfast.

That said, it was Jill Shalvis so I enjoyed it.

The other two stories we further proof that I don't like anthologies.  I'll Be Home For Christmas was so rushed that I didn't feel like I could connect or care about any of the characters.  And in O Little Town of Bramble I felt like I just walked into the middle of a tornado.  There was so much thrown at you so fast without any time to really get a fell for why things were happening that I threw my hands up and said "whatever".

If you're looking for some quick holiday stories, this may be for you.  Me, I truly need to stay away from the anthologies because they just don't work for me.

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Review: All I Want For Christmas - Ros Clarke

All I Want For Christmas by Ros Clark
Series:  
Release Date:  December 6, 2011
Publisher: Flirt (Entangled Publishing)
Page Count: 38
Source:  Publisher
Buy the book at: Amazon  

Last night, Anna Gardner was the life of the office Christmas party—right up until she threw herself at gorgeous advertising executive playboy, Hugh Munro. Again. Last year, Hugh let her pretend their passionate kiss never happened, but this year he’s determined to make Anna admit she wants him as much as he wants her.

Except, Hugh doesn't know the office party is the only night of the year his friend lets her hair down. That every hour she’s away from the office is spent caring for her sickly mother. That her mother’s condition, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, is hereditary.

When Hugh finds out what she’s been hiding, he’s forced to do some serious soul-searching. It's not fair to Anna or her mother for him to get involved casually, but casual relationships are all he knows. Can he prove to himself—and to Anna—that she’s all he wants for Christmas?

I wasn't sure what to expect with this quick one.  An office christmas party, drinking, karoke and a kiss.  Things could go many directions.  What I wasn't expecting was to find myself on the verge of sobbing at a Christmas story!

This is a story that pulls at your heartstrings.  You've got a young woman who has made the decision to be the primary caregiver to her mother with Alzheimer.  While it's still in it's beginning stages, we're given a glimpse of what Anna will be dealing with as the disease progresses.  It's all consuming and it breaks your heart to see the wonderful relationship Anna and her mother have and know that it will soon be something much different.  To add to Anna's grief, there's the knowledge that the disease is hereditary so if her mom has it, there's a good chance she'll have it.  She chooses to be by herself, almost like she doesn't want to inflict the disease on whomever may choose to spend their life with her.  

Hugh is a man that you love instantly and can see why Anna would be attracted to him.  Even after being rejected by Anna three times, he still pursues her.  When he finds out about her mother's Alzheimer's and the possibility that Anna may have it, he doesn't run as far away as possible.  Instead, he researches and understands and then plans his course of action.

This was a wonderful story.  Any book, no matter what length, that can make me cry is always a winner in my book.  But this was exceptionally written and gives everyone a little hope that love can conquer anything.

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Review: Holly's First Noel - Faye Robertson

Holly's First Noel by Faye Robertson
Series:
Release Date:  December 6, 2011
Publisher: Ever After (Entangled Publishing)
Page Count:  78 
Source:  Publisher
Buy the book at: Amazon  

Music teacher Holly Jones is in a festive predicament. Her boyfriend just dumped her the week before Christmas, so why is she only depressed he made off with the mince pies? When the charming science teacher next door overhears the dreaded call and suggests she accompany him on his Scottish holiday retreat, she accepts, eager to spend a quiet week rediscovering herself.

Noel Coward‘s wife died on Christmas Eve three years ago. To bury the memories of that day, he spends the holidays getting drunk and watching action movies---which makes him perfect company for a fellow teacher in need of solitude. Except, instead of wallowing in his grief, Noel finds himself comforted by Holly’s presence, fascinated by her mind, and after one innocent kiss, on fire for her touch. As the snow piles up outside, the temperature inside soars, while together, they discover the human heart’s amazing capacity to heal...and love.  

I really enjoyed both Holly and Noel.  Even though they had worked together for the past year, they both steered clear of the other, Holly being intimidated by Noel and Noel not sure what to make of Holly.  But once those barriers were down, they were absolutely perfect for each other.

Holly was one of those characters that was "out there".  She spent a lot of time in her head and then would inadvertently ask questions or statements related to whatever conversation she had been having with herself internally.  Most people, including myself, would find that incredibly annoying.  But Noel seemed to understand Holly's quirk and was able to roll with it, even if he couldn't figure out who or what she was talking about.

Noel seemed to spent a lot of time apologizing to his dead wife for making strides towards having a life without her.  After three years, he finally felt something for a woman.  He wanted the wife, the kids, the whole package.  But at the same time, he felt as if he was betraying his wife and kept apologizing.  It makes you love Noel for being that type of man, but also infuriated that he would think his wife wouldn't want him to have those things after she was gone.


This was a really cute and sweet Christmas story about two people finding the right person in less than perfect conditions (having your long time boyfriend dump you a week before Christmas and still mourning your wife's death three years before definitely fits the "less than perfect condition" bill).  But sometimes when you least expect it, the best thing falls in your lap.

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Guest Review: Love Potions - Michelle McLeod

Love Potions by Michelle McLeod
Series:
Release Date:  September 23, 2011
Publisher:
Page Count:  116
Source: Author Provided
Buy the book at: Amazon  

An incompetent witch, a cursed elf, and the wizard who wants to kill them.

Witch-in-training, Marion, is about to flunk her Potions class because of a serious case of 'love block'. If her love potions keep exploding like stink bombs, she won’t graduate to the magical defense classes she really wants to take. A problem because her ex-boyfriend is out of prison and wants to pick up where they left off...with his hands around her throat.

When Marion learns she’ll never make a love potion if she doesn’t fall in love, she takes a risk on Aidan, a handsome, charming elf with a heartbreaking secret.

Love Potion is a 30,000 word count novella with a touch of humor and a side of hot sex

Marion a college student at witch university. Marion’s past dating experience  have scarred her and  afraid of getting close to men.

Aidan a fey. An Honor guard to the fey queen. Sent to a club to find a less the perfect woman has punishment for a thoughtless comment.

The romance between Marion and Aidan is fast pace and action packed. Marion at first is shy and skittish, Aidan wants to banish the  ghosts from Marion’s past and protect her from her ex. The secondary characters are great. Especially Marion’s roommate Raven a  party girl. Who wants to pull Marion out of her hermit lifestyle.

The romance between Aidan and Marion, was a lot faster paced then I normally like. But for this book, I think it worked really well. The sex scenes were steamy and exciting. The descriptions were amazing.

The characters interactions  I think were a little far fetched in some of the situations. I felt Marion was a little to trusting with Aidan considering she barely knew him.

When I started reading I was really excited about a witch and fey aspect.  But Love Potions doesn’t  really delve very deeply into the world of witches and the fey.  

Love Potions also seemed to end quite abruptly. I really enjoyed the book but the way it ended left me very disappointed.

Guest review by

 

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Dirty Little Secrets

 

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us! 

To participate in the meme all you need to do is:
1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
3. Answer the question we propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Then add your link below.

Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!

We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

"Only three days (3 sleeps!) to go until Christmas, what are you hoping to find in your stocking this year? " 

My Answer:
I have pretty much every gadget I could want, so those won't be in my stocking.  Those books I've wanted are patiently waiting to be read in my ever threatening to fall TBR stack.  Oh I know...I'd like some sort of magic device that let's me stop time so I can get caught up on everything I'm behind on!
And maybe that guy Annie had in her answer, as long as he can sneak past my DH!  LOL!

Happy Holidays everyone!

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