TASTY TUESDAY

New Releases Tuesday

April 24, 2012

Just two today but one I am VERY excited about.

Under the Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands

Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black

House of Night by P.C. & Kristin Cast

The November Challenge read. Sorry I will not be rereading these. However I encourage you to check them out for yourselves and make a decision of your own. Without further a due, my review of the House of Night Series by P.C. & Kristin Cast.

Marked ~V^^V

Most likely this book was WAY too young for me. The story seemed interesting enough. Zoey is Marked to become a vampire. Which in a way is a great escape from her horrible home life. However she is nervous and unsure about making the move to the House of Night. This book is an introduction to the series and really only covers a few weeks of Zoey's new life. She tries to fit it, meeting new friends and making new enemies. I can say that this book was OK, again it is most likely too young for me....more Most likely this book was WAY too young for me. The story seemed interesting enough. Zoey is Marked to become a vampire. Which in a way is a great escape from her horrible home life. However she is nervous and unsure about making the move to the House of Night. This book is an introduction to the series and really only covers a few weeks of Zoey's new life. She tries to fit it, meeting new friends and making new enemies. I can say that this book was OK, again it is most likely too young for me. The time frame of the story was short and not a lot happened. Though one can't expect too much in just a few days. 

Betrayed ~V^^^V

The second book in the House of Night series was a lot more interesting than the previous. The first book being an introduction didn't have a whole lot of umph. This one however had some serious drama. Zoe is the newest leader of the Dark Brothers and Sisters and this is only one of the issues she faces. Someone is killing teens and the school is under suspicion. She may have imprinted on her human ex-boyfriend, she has a new fledgling boyfriend and the hots for a Vampire. Covering all the basic...more The second book in the House of Night series was a lot more interesting than the previous. The first book being an introduction didn't have a whole lot of umph. This one however had some serious drama. Zoe is the newest leader of the Dark Brothers and Sisters and this is only one of the issues she faces. Someone is killing teens and the school is under suspicion. She may have imprinted on her human ex-boyfriend, she has a new fledgling boyfriend and the hots for a Vampire. Covering all the basics there I can tell you that this book had me in tears and despite the whining of Zoe, I still liked the book.

 Chosen ~V^V

Well. What can I say that hasn't already been said? Where as Betrayed had me crying, Chosen had me infuriated. Zoey has made no progress in maturing, unless you count loosing your virginity and that was NOT mature. The whole scene disgusted me. I was also very bothered my Zoey's inability to just dump Heath and stop and letting him manipulate her with blood. Anyway I was glad there was a bit of a plot to this book and that being Stevie Rae's continued existence. I was also please to see that Aph...more Well. What can I say that hasn't already been said? Where as Betrayed had me crying, Chosen had me infuriated. Zoey has made no progress in maturing, unless you count loosing your virginity and that was NOT mature. The whole scene disgusted me. I was also very bothered my Zoey's inability to just dump Heath and stop and letting him manipulate her with blood. Anyway I was glad there was a bit of a plot to this book and that being Stevie Rae's continued existence. I was also please to see that Aphrodite is becoming a much better person. Now if Zoey and her friends would pull their collective heads out and treat her nicely and quit being "hoes, skanks and bitches themselves. Anyway I think I need a break for a day or two before I can drag myself through the next book.

Untamed ~V^^^V

What made me like this House of Night story was that Zoey finally had to deal with some of the consequences of her actions. In the previous books she had two boyfriends, failed to choose between the two and slept with a professor. That alone was enough to make me think these authors should be slapped. So she got caught and broke her imprinting. But that wasn't all, she also kept some major secrets from her friends. In this story, Zoey has to face those same friends and boys. Heer life isn't an e...more What made me like this House of Night story was that Zoey finally had to deal with some of the consequences of her actions. In the previous books she had two boyfriends, failed to choose between the two and slept with a professor. That alone was enough to make me think these authors should be slapped. So she got caught and broke her imprinting. But that wasn't all, she also kept some major secrets from her friends. In this story, Zoey has to face those same friends and boys. Her life isn't an easy one and BOY does she whine about it BUT it was her own doing so I enjoyed her discomfort.

 Hunted ~V^^V

ARGH! Did Zoey learn from her mistakes and friends' anger. NO! Does this character grow from the experience? NO! I am pretty tired of Zoey being the ONLY one who can save the day, if she manages to pull her head out long enough. She needs to quit hooking up with any boy who looks her way and start to grow up. I know this is still only a few months into her new life but one should learn from these major life experience buy now. My other issue is with every other damn new character dieing. Do we r...more ARGH! Did Zoey learn from her mistakes and friends' anger. NO! Does this character grow from the experience? NO! I am pretty tired of Zoey being the ONLY one who can save the day, if she manages to pull her head out long enough. She needs to quit hooking up with any boy who looks her way and start to grow up. I know this is still only a few months into her new life but one should learn from these major life experience buy now. My other issue is with every other damn new character dieing. Do we really need a death EVERY SINGLE book? Just kill off Zoey and spare us all.

Tempted ~V^V

UGH! So even though she is a High Priestess and her goddess has set her clearly in her favor, Zoey still hasn't learned anything. She continues to play around with several boys and I am expected to believe that even her grandmother would tell her its OK? Really? I am sorry but this story, as in the whole series, is just moving either too slowly or too stupidly. Only a handful of fledglings have enough sense to see through Neferet's lies? No one else can tell she is evil? No one else has put two...more UGH! So even though she is a High Priestess and her goddess has set her clearly in her favor, Zoey still hasn't learned anything. She continues to play around with several boys and I am expected to believe that even her grandmother would tell her its OK? Really? I am sorry but this story, as in the whole series, is just moving either too slowly or too stupidly. Only a handful of fledglings have enough sense to see through Neferet's lies? No one else can tell she is evil? No one else has put two and two together? GAH!!! To top it off the ending was a completely asinine, I really hate when authors feel the need to kill off one main character per book.

Burned ~V^^V

I was happy to read a book that didn't involve Zoey whining for a few hundred pages. Sadly instead it was a book where Stevie Ray whined for a couple hundred pages. Honestly I don't see this series going anywhere. It just seems to be the same thing over and over again. The language is repetitive, the story is repetitive and though the story teller changes their view is pretty much the same as everyone else. I really feel like the authors are just filling a page requirement of their publisher. I...more I was happy to read a book that didn't involve Zoey whining for a few hundred pages. Sadly instead it was a book where Stevie Ray whined for a couple hundred pages. Honestly I don't see this series going anywhere. It just seems to be the same thing over and over again. The language is repetitive, the story is repetitive and though the story teller changes their view is pretty much the same as everyone else. I really feel like the authors are just filling a page requirement of their publisher. I was happy to read the story from some other perspectives though, it seemed like it was the exact same scenarios that Zoey put herself in. Really I keep asking myself why I keep going on, the answer is apparently I am punishing myself for something.

Awakened ~V^V

*SIGH* My main issue today... Who exactly is this series for? The dialogue suggests young teens. The sexual content suggests older teens. The constant deaths of liked characters suggest masochists. I just don't know. Really I feel mentally drained after I finish each consecutive book. The stories are ridiculously slow and the characters, apart from a scant few who are still alive are just plain annoying. As an adult I can't relate to the teen drama, as a UF fan I can't say this offers anything n...more *SIGH* My main issue today... Who exactly is this series for? The dialogue suggests young teens. The sexual content suggests older teens. The constant deaths of liked characters suggest masochists. I just don't know. Really I feel mentally drained after I finish each consecutive book. The stories are ridiculously slow and the characters, apart from a scant few who are still alive are just plain annoying. As an adult I can't relate to the teen drama, as a UF fan I can't say this offers anything new to the genre, and as a mother I can say overall I just find it disgusting on so many levels.

Destined ~V^^V

Par for the House of Night course, not a lot of time passes in this book. I think to date, 9 books in, we have managed to have a couple months pass only. So of course no one has really grown up but clearly they are all hopping into the bed with one another. Neferet is still getting away with murder and not one adult is any the wiser. My main issue is that while the authors seemed to have tried to get me to feel like Zoey was heartbroken over the death of her mother, I just didn't believe it. Nei...more Par for the House of Night course, not a lot of time passes in this book. I think to date, 9 books in, we have managed to have a couple months pass only. So of course no one has really grown up but clearly they are all hopping into the bed with one another. Neferet is still getting away with murder and not one adult is any the wiser. My main issue is that while the authors seemed to have tried to get me to feel like Zoey was heartbroken over the death of her mother, I just didn't believe it. Neither did I feel like Damien was all that upset over the loss of his boyfriend just a week or more ago. They kill off so many characters and then gloss over it. The only death that really upset me and where the characters were believably upset was Stevie Ray's. Along the same lines, hell why not kill off another main character *rolling my eyes*. Honestly this series is a forgettable mess. In conclusion, I have found this book to be nothing extraordinary and I am glad to say that I am caught up to date with the series and can take a LONG break.

Dragon's Oath ~V^^V

This was a bit of a nice change from the normal House of Night story. Zoey whining and the normal teenage bologna was not in this one so that helped. There was the usual amount of repetition and ridiculous chanting. I am so over this series, if I can just get through one more full book and one more novella then I can be done forever.

Lenobia's Vow ~V^^^V

I actually liked this one! Shocking. I think the story being so completely different and set in an area that I am at least fictionally familiar with made it possible. Lenobia is about the only about the only likable character left in the series and her back story was fun. I think the length of the story helped as well. ~Michelle

Full length book number 12: Hidden (10/16/12)

 

 

Friday 56!

Friday 56!

About the Friday 56

• Grab the book nearest you.
  
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like).
• Don't go for your favorite book. THE CLOSEST.

It's my birthday so I am going to pick one of my favorite books and I am not following the rules. I am going to use a quote that I have never forgotten.

“Even the devil may cry when he looks around hell and realizes that he's there alone."
-Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Sisters of the Moon/ Otherworld by Yasmine Galenorn

Sisters of the Moon/ Otherworld
Once again I am going to do this whole series, well as far as I have read, all at once.


Witchling (Book 1) ~V^^^V
I read a lot of reviews that did NOT like this book. The general feeling seemed to lean towards the plot being foolish, not serious enough and basically an over done idea. Well news to everyone, this IS a Fantasy. The are the same basic elements in ALL paranormal books and this book has almost all of them. So I didn't think it was too over the top, seemed pretty par for the course in my opinion Now what I liked. It was nice to have this UF not be SO damned serious and dark. To me a very common element in this genre is that all creatures be dark, emo, or just creepy. Not to mention all the situations have to be so serious that there is never any light-hearted moments. This book didn't seem to fall into that trap. The story of these three sisters, while having some serious aspects, still had time for something other than serious troubles. While they did have work to do they also had more to their lives than just work. The creatures in this series are not all the dark, doom and gloom kind either. The baby gargoyle in a gentler tone was fun as was the Dragon who seems to have a kind, albeit hidden, heart. What I didn't like. The flow of the book was odd to me, some of the situations seemed a little abrupt others seemed to drag. Not everything was explained in the best detail and I am still trying to figure out how these three girls can be sisters, with the same parents but completely different powers. In the end I can say that obviously plenty of people like this book, the publisher clearly contracted for enough books that they seem something good in them. I will continue with the series and hope to see that the Yasmine Galenorn's writing grows and the story becomes more complex. ~Michelle

Changeling (Book 2)~ V^^^V
A few things bothered me about this book. First I understand that the main character is a Were and that she changes into a house cat. BUT I felt it was borderline Bestiality when she mentioned "f*cking" Tomcats when in here cat form. Another issue I have is that her boyfriend is in her thrall, whom she stole from her sister, well kind of. Her sister seems to be an Anita Blake wanna be with multiple boyfriends, who seem to not mind. WTH? Beyond those little things I still don't underst...moreA few things bothered me about this book. First I understand that the main character is a Were and that she changes into a house cat. BUT I felt it was borderline Bestiality when she mentioned "f*cking" Tomcats when in here cat form. Another issue I have is that her boyfriend is in her thrall, whom she stole from her sister, well kind of. Her sister seems to be an Anita Blake wanna be with multiple boyfriends, who seem to not mind. WTH? Beyond those little things I still don't understand how they can be sisters and yet one is a Witch another is a Were and the third is a Vamp. At least the vampire is explained. This book still had a lightness to it, but was a bit heavier than the previous. The three sisters seem to take forever to solve the case and once they have figured it out it seems EXTREMELY simple to solve. That in and of itself is bothersome. Again I will continue with this series just to see where it is going but I don't find myself very committed to the characters. ~Michelle

Darkling (Book 3)~ V^^V
Honestly how many times do I have to relive Menolly's rape, torture and transformation? I got it, it was awful! After I read it once I really didn't feel it was necessary to fill pages and pages with the same scene, just a little more detailed, over and over again. This book seemed to have taken up the torch for Jacquelyn Frank and got WAY TOO long winded. I am still trying with this series but really it's starting to get annoying more than anything. I like minor characters but the main charact...moreHonestly how many times do I have to relive Menolly's rape, torture and transformation? I got it, it was awful! After I read it once I really didn't feel it was necessary to fill pages and pages with the same scene, just a little more detailed, over and over again. This book seemed to have taken up the torch for Jacquelyn Frank and got WAY TOO long winded. I am still trying with this series but really it's starting to get annoying more than anything. I like minor characters but the main characters are blah. ~Michelle



Dragon Wytch (Book 4)~ V^V
Nope. I can honestly say that I pretty much can't stand Camille anymore. The first book was alright, it was world setting and character building. Now I fee like I am being regurgitated the same information over and over and over again. I know Camille is in love with herself, yes she has the "perfect" body and her clothes are fabulous BUT I can not take anymore. Reading this book made me feel like I was being put in my place for my imperfections. Not to mention I got sick of Anita Blake.Nope. I can honestly say that I pretty much can't stand Camille anymore. The first book was alright, it was world setting and character building. Now I fee like I am being regurgitated the same information over and over and over again. I know Camille is in love with herself, yes she has the "perfect" body and her clothes are fabulous BUT I can not take anymore. Reading this book made me feel like I was being put in my place for my imperfections. Not to mention I got sick of Anita Blake's sex life and stopped reading those books because of it; if that is where she is going then I don't have the energy for it again. Furthermore, I found myself rolling my eyes more than anything due to the ridiculousness of this story. Needless to say it is NOT growing on me, if anything I feel it is going the other way. I started out liking it and I fear I will end up hating it.

However since I HATE leaving things unfinished, Yasmine has me hooked in to finish the series. *BIG SIGH* ~Michelle


Night Huntress (Book 5) ~ V^^^^V
I really wanted to give this book a three star because I wanted to slap Delilah for her reactions to Chase. I also wanted to slap both of her sisters for their advice. In the long run I guess I have to go with four because I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. So far I can say that of all the sisters I think I have found Delilah to be my favorite. In this book I can also say that more than any other component of the storyline was the relationship with Chase. From th...moreI really wanted to give this book a three star because I wanted to slap Delilah for her reactions to Chase. I also wanted to slap both of her sisters for their advice. In the long run I guess I have to go with four because I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. So far I can say that of all the sisters I think I have found Delilah to be my favorite. In this book I can also say that more than any other component of the storyline was the relationship with Chase. From that start I knew something was up, from there I was obsessed with finding out what. On the other hand I argued, loudly, with the reactions of Delilah and wanted to choke both her and kick the crap out of Chase. Eventually I was disappointed with the ending and pray this whole thing will blow up in their faces. LOL

OK on to Demon Mistress, hope this isn't more "whoa is me". ~Michelle

Demon Mistress (Book 6) ~V^^V
I didn't pay attention. For some reason I just can't connect with Menolly. Perhaps she is just too emo for me. I do like that she kicks ass and takes names so that is a plus. She talks like a sailor and doesn't put up with bullshit, even though she is tiny. I guess I agree with several other reviews in which they stated that the delivery is odd and the character development is lacking. I get why they are they way they are I just don't care. It never seems to get more in depth is just regurgitates. Honestly I still don't really understand or care about the war back on Otherworld. ~Michelle



Bone Magic (Book 7) ~V^^V
BLAH! Well I am glad that Trillion is back but WTH? He just shows up? No explanation why he didn't come back sooner or anything like that? He was angry with Camille for getting married to two other men in his absence, with due cause but he was cruel. Smoky's father showed up with Smoky's fiancee, which surprise Camille is jealous about; yet none of her guys care that they all share her??? Anyway beyond that the story is just more of the same. Camille is becoming another Anita Blake, screwing anything and everything, it is boring. Honestly how can you make sex boring? By writing too much of it. The D'Artigo father comes off as an ass, I don't like him. Nothing else much is intriguing. All in all I feel like there are far too many things going on and they are being told by too many different people for the overall theme to make any sense to me. *SIGH* Only a few more to go. ~Michelle

Harvest Hunting (Book 8) ~V^^^V
FINALLY! I have been struggling so hard with this series, Delilah is the only sister that I can relate to and from the start the sh*t gets thick. Camille's wedding to Trillian brings tension into the strained relationship between Delilah and Chase leading to one of her "stress" changes. After a run in with a skunk she gets a major hair makeover. After that her life continues to undergo a makeover. In the end I can say that I was finally hanging onto the story line. Anxious to see what would happen next and pleasantly pleased with the end results of this book. The only over all complaint that I really have is just with one character. Why is daddy D'Atrigo such an ass? ~Michelle

Blood Wyne (Book 9) ~V^^^V
So much happened in this book. Hell so much happened in between books too. I think the biggest thing was with Sassy Brandson. She apparently was see by Menolly's daughter, giving in to her predator. This was not the first time and in the end Menolly had to uphold her promise to her friend. Quite sad. Also we see that Menolly is finally becoming a responsible parent and making some decisions that a parent should consider beyond housing and allowing another to do all the parenting. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a vampire serial killer on the loose, Chase seems to be developing powers, hungry ghosts are causing havoc, the Godfather of all vampires has decided to pursue Menolly, she has to make a deal with an Elder Fae, Sparky has been called away and has taken Roz along, Camille and Vanzir have an unexpected encounter, and Morio is nearly killed. And along with all of that Menolly and Nerissa have decided to take their relationship to another level with a commitment ceremony. Now that I have given a really long run on sentence I can sum it up as saying once again. So much happens in this book and I actually enjoyed it. I will be interested to see what happens in Camille's book next. ~Michelle

There are 2 more books that I have not gotten to yet, will add them as soon as I can.

TASTY TUESDAY

Monday Spotlight: Rescue Me Anthology

Rescue Me ~V^^^^^V

Tropical Heat by Cherry Adair (TFLAC #12)

Atlanta Heat by Lora Leigh (SEALs #6)

Desert Heat by Cindy Gerard

FanFREAKINGtastic! All of these novellas written by some of the TOP Erotic Suspense authors of the current era. Lora Leigh is phenomenal when is comes to panty wetting stories. Cherry writes heart stopping intense stories with nearly non stop action. While I am still new to Cindy Gerard I can tell I am going to LOVE her books as well. All three stories are quick reads but they do not lack for anything a full length novel will five you. Without a doubt you need to get this book. ~Michelle

Friday 56!

Friday 56!

About the Friday 56

• Grab the book nearest you.
  
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like).
• Don't go for your favorite book. THE CLOSEST.

I got a naughty one today....

"Tell me, do you still moan and cry when you come?"
-Midnight Sins by Lora Leigh

Wild, Wicked & Wanton & Bound, Branded & Brazen by Jaci Burton

Wild, Wicked & Wanton by Jaci Burton ~V^^^^^V

This is an excellent erotic story. Three short stories combined with one intro chapter. Abby, Blair, and Callie, after a night of drinking, dare each other to live out their fantasies. Two of the friends pick a man for the other woman to have a wild night with. Then they want all the juicy details. Now I know that's a bit cheesy but build up for some intense and very hot stories. I liked them so much that I sought out other Jaci Burton titles. Incidentally she has another very similar book called...





Bound, Branded and Brazen by Jaci Burton ~V^^^^^V

Three sisters are brought together again on the family ranch. When going through some old papers they find a game that they played once as kids. That sparks new life into the three dreamy romances. These three stories while similar to the WWW story are a lot more romance and a little less naughty. Though all stories have plenty of steam. I again recommend this book to everyone who needs a naughty escape. ~Michelle

TASTY TUESDAY