A LOVE UNTAMED BY PAMELA PALMER

A LOVE UNTAMED BY PAMELA PALMER (FERAL WARRIORS #7) ~V^^^V

BLURB:  The newest member of the elite Feral Warriors brotherhood, Fox is eager to prove himself on the front lines of battle against the Daemons. When paired with the legendary Ilina warrior, Melisande, he expects the fierce beauty to quickly fall under the spell of his quite considerable charm. Instead, he finds himself spellbound by a woman who's his match in every way.

Beneath Melisande's brittle exterior lies centuries of pain and a violent hatred of all shape-shifters—a hatred that slowly crumbles after they're caught in a deadly and cunning Mage trap and she glimpses a surprising depth in her far-too-seductive partner. Their survival demands unconditional trust—and their salvation surrender to a wild, untamed love

MY THOUGHTS: The reason I gave this book three stars was because of the side stories. I was far more interested in Kara being found and the situation with Grizzly. I haven't liked Melisande since the first time I read of her. That didn't change in this book. Yes I felt sympathy for her but the book failed to convince me to care about her. I also didn't like Fox from the start either. He was and is far too arrogant and just plain annoying. I hated that he called Melisande, "Pet" and pretty much everything else about their romance. It was just a gateway book for me, just a link between old characters and new. I REALLY hope the next book is more romance and less action. ~MICHELLE 

POISON PRINCESS BY KRESLEY COLE

POISON PRINCESS (ARCANIA CHRONICLES #1) BY KRESLEY COLE ~V^^^^V

BLURB:  She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side

MY THOUGHTS:  This book was REALLY hard to review. Here are my issues first and foremost. This is definitely a teen book. The characters act very immaturely and they thought patterns made me want to strangle them. Of course in the case of all teen book series, this has to end with a cliffhanger. That is my NUMBER 1 BIGGEST ISSUE with YA! I think these books could be ended better, all of them. My last thought was that I picked this up thinking it was Teen Urban Fantasy but it is really more of a horror novel. 

So setting my issues aside I will say that the story was pretty good. I found parts a bit slow and other parts vaguely covered. I was very lost until nearly the end as to why were had this other point of view. I will say that the way it was dialogued by the male character I felt very much like it was copied from American Psycho, Patrick, which bothered me. But back tot he point, I think the concept, world, characters and story have a great potential. I am hopeful that they will all become a little more likable soon and if Evie, is going to be the main character, she needs to toughen up. ~MICHELLE 

Tasty Tuesday

Happy Tuesday Ya'll

INTO THE WOODS KIM HARRISON

Into the Woods by Kim Harrison ~V^^^V

BLURB:  For centuries, the woods have been a pivotal part of the wonder and danger of fairy tales, for once you enter anything can happen. Elves, druids, fairies - who knows what you will find once you dare step into the forest?
And now, New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison ventures into these mysterious, hidden lands of magic and mystery in her first short-story collection. Into the Woods brings together an enchanting mix of brand-new, never-before-published stories and tales from Harrison's beloved, bestselling Hollows series.
The tales her include an original Hollows novella, Million-Dollar Baby, about Trent Kalamack's secret elven quest in Pale Demon; two original short stories, "Pet Shop Boys" and "Temson Woods," that explore just what happens when humanity and the supernatural collide; and two novelettes, "Spider Silk" and "Grace," set in new worlds of imagination and adventure. Into the Woods also contains all of the previously published Hollows short stories - together in one volume for the very first time.
Step into the woods and discover the magic for yourself. Original.

MY THOUGHTS:  I read some of these anthologies in their previous releases and some I read for the first time. I am going to give a review of all the Hollows stories old and new but I am skipping the other stories for now. 

The Bespelled- This was the story of how Ceri came to be in Algaliarept's keeping for such a long time. I enjoy a peek into Al's mind as well as the little glimpse as to how it all went down. This was quite short and still enjoyable. 

Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel (Holidays are Hell)- This story gives us insight into young Rachel's family relationship. We see how she interacted with her brother and mother. We are also first introduced to Pierce, who has many appearances in later stories. The setting is Christmas and a bit whimsical and light for Rachel Morgan really. I liked this one.

Undead in the Garden of Good & Evil (Dates from Hell)- This story is an Ivy story, her life as an investigator with the I.S before she left with Rachel. Though I really am easily confused by the vampires in this series, I liked this story. The glimpse into Ivy's life and with her voice was very interesting, it really opens up a new level of understanding in her and Rachel's relationship. 

Dirty Magic (Hotter Than Hell)
This is the first introduction to the Mia, the banshee. She is struggling to raise her baby, Holly. Its really a rather sad story and to be honest it really didn't do to much for me. 

The Bridges of Eden Park (For a Few Demons More)- This was just a little side story of Kisten and Rachel together. They try to help Kisten's sister with an ex-boyfriend who is trying to get custody of their son. There really wasn't a whole lot to this story, just felt like a side note. 

Ley Line Drifter (Unbound)- Who doesn't love a Jenks story? This is merely a side story with some insight into Jenks beyond Rachel and Ivy. It was a fun story.

Million Dollar Baby (Pale Demon)- This is the story of Jenks and Trent going to recover Trent's daughter. The story takes place along side Pale Demon and is really more of a deleted scene. Nonetheless I felt that this story really added depth to Trent's character and was very heartfelt. I would almost say it is a must read. ~ MICHELLE 

Lord's Fall

Lord's Fall (Elder Races #5) by Thea Harrison ~V^^V

BLURB:  In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them…

Before she met Dragos, half-human/half-Wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now she’s mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyrs’ frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners—in more places than just the bedroom.

In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the Games heat up, Pia’s negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear.


MY THOUGHTS:  This book has REALLY high ratings and almost all the reviews are gushing but I have to say I am not seeing it.


Well after completion I can say that I found it disappointing. Pia and Dragos are not together for the first half of the book and then after that it was really just blah. There were two different stories happening and it was just not working. I could have really cared less about either. I really would rather have had more Pia and Dragos living life together, not dealing with everyone else. I also found the birth of "peanut" to be very short and not as good as it could have been. 2 stars at best. ~MICHELLE 

PORTLANDIA: A Guide for Visitors

PORTLANDIA:  A Guide for Visitors by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein ~V^^^^V 

BLURB:  Thinking of visiting Portlandia? Discover all that this magical, dreamy city has to offer with PORTLANDIA: A Guide for Visitors. Inside you'll find:


A comprehensive guide to all restaurants and food carts, including extensive use of symbols to signify Vegan, Freegan, Sea-gan, Wheelchair-Accessible, Skateboard-Accessible, Segway-Accessible, Clothing Optional, Polyamorous, LGBTQ, Dog-Friendly (No cats), Cat-Friendly (No dogs or mice) Mouse-Friendly (No cats or elephants), For Dogs (only), Regionally-Sourced Food, Regionally-Sourced Waitstaff, and House-Sourced Food (Born/dies on plate).
A guide for dogs and dog owners, including a detailed map of the numerous dog parks the city has to offer. Very numerous and passionately maintained.
An up-to-date guide to shopping, schools, and entertainment.
A city activities guide for older adults who are stuck in perpetual early twentysomething-dom.
A guide for getting around, either by foot, or by bicycle, the official car of Portlandia. Featured also are the 9 official bicycle rules of the road, drawn up by Spyke and his bike comrades. Not to be ignored!
Come see Portlandia for yourself and see what inspired the hit show currently airing on IFC!

*Please note, and point out to your best friend, that this book is printed on 130% recycled paper in a peanut-free, smoke-free plant by local workers in a friendly and fair environment, free of sudden noises and unnatural light.

MY THOUGHTS:  Exactly like the television program. I love the show, one of few that I actually make an effort to watch in fact. This book covers all the same topics and has the same humor. Notes and recommendations from show characters are also included. I can't tell you the number of times I laughed out loud. ~Michelle 

Twice Tempted Available Tuesday

3/26/13

Highly anticipated break off series from Jeaniene Frost. I have been a Vlad fan since the first pages, hell since I was a pre teen. ;-) Twice Tempted comes out on Tuesday, March 26. I find myself torn though. On his own, Vlad's story was a bit blah for me. Perhaps its Leila. Maybe she doesn't do it for me. What ever the cause the result is the same, disappointed. I truly hope that this next book shows Vlad and Leila hitting their stride and giving us a new "Cat & Bones" to root for. Although I don't think anyone will ever be the same as those two. ;-)

So who is getting it?

Lover at Last, FINALLY on Tuesday

3/26/2013

SOOooooo Lover at Last comes out on Tuesday.... not sure if I will be reading ti right away. It appears as though a whole lot of people got early releases on it for Nook or something, there are plenty of reviews online already. I was looking at one of JR's pictures and the book looks huge again. Frankly that concerns me because I suspect there will be a whole lot of other side stories. I am anxious for this book but I am NOT paying hardcover prices nor will I pay that much for it in ebook. At this point I am going to request it from the library and wait it out. I do have high expectations but to be honest the last several books in this series have let me down. I don't know, what are your feelings?

TASTY TUESDAY

I know it's not Football season anymore but come on.

Tasty Tuesday

Hooray for Tuesday!!!

Tasty Tuesday

Have a Good One!