Quantcast
Girls*Heart* Books: June 2012

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Review: UnGuarded by Ashley Robertson


Guardian angel Selene was so close to becoming an archangel—the supreme of all beings—until she fell in love with Cole, a forbidden dark one. Once she discovers her vampire lover has been kidnapped and the only way to save him is by abandoning her number one priority—Caitlyn, her human charge—there really is only one answer in Selene’s mind, even though leaving Caitlyn unguarded will most likely cause Selene to fall from grace. 

But her choice to save Cole doesn’t come without a price…and now Selene is racing against time to not only save her dark lover, but find a way to keep Caitlyn alive as well.

With the help of a new vampire ally, Luke, Selene will push her diminishing angel abilities to the point where her very existence lies in the balance. Now threatened with the chance of becoming a fallen angel or even dying, Selene can only pray she’ll have enough time—and good grace—to save the ones she loves.

UnGuarded, I will say, has potential. The plot is intriguing, the drama is thick and runs through the entire novel, and the writing is well done. I also very much enjoyed the chemistry between Luke and Selene; when it was the two of them, I was sucked in to the story, watching these two visibly pulse with electricity. It was very fun for me! Finally! A love story where the girl/guy doesn't immediately fall in love and forget everything else in the world just because their animalistic urges spoke up... How long have I been looking for this? And even when Selene had a flashback of a moment with Cole, it was adorable and easy to see they were in love.

However. The main character frustrates me beyond belief. As she is an angel, her one care and priority should be Caitlyn, her charge-- this isn't just my opinion, it is in every story with an angel in it I have read, and even some lore --and all Selene cares about is Cole. Now, maybe if you'd met Cole before you hit the half-way mark of the book, or if their was a book before UnGuarded where you saw Selene having to make that decision to not become an archangel, to stay with Cole, then I might be able to deal with her easier. But honestly! She mentions several times how she is willing to die for Cole, because he's worth it, but when the same idea is offered to save her charge's life, she isn't sure. This made me blink and wander off a few times, just because I needed a break from Selene's strangeness. I love angel stories, so I... wasn't thrilled with this change. 

Though, I will say, I did like how God wasn't a major WHAP in the jaw for this book. Obviously the matter was mentioned; we are talking angels after all (even though Selene didn't seem like an angel to me and more like a teenage girl, but), but there wasn't a big attempt to rub everything religious in your face. Personally I can't stand that crap, and I'm very glad it wasn't here.

The world crafted here has a lovely little air about it, and though it didn't blow me away, I do think it was a nice little read (even if the characters made me angry, they at least made me feel something, right?). I enjoyed it.

My Rating:


'Endure' by Carrie Jones: Review


Need Book #4 
Endure
By Carrie Jones
It’s all-out war (and no-holds-barred romance) in the climactic conclusion to Carrie Jones’s bestselling series.

Zara is at the center of an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Evil pixies are ravaging Bedford, and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends; she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king . . . (from Goodreads)


Endure is the fourth and final book in the Need series by Carrie Jones.  The story picks up right after we left Zara at the end of Entice. I cannot tell you how sad I am to see this wonderful series end. However, Endure was a phenomenal read and I loved how it all ended up in the finale.

I honestly don't have a single complaint with this book or the series, for that matter. Jones  expertly tells Zara's story with humor and heart. Action packed from beginning to end, Endure is also full of emotion, both happy and sad. It's so well told, the story just flies by. The twists were truly gasp-worthy, I almost threw my book across the room at one point I was so angry at one character. Can't say more than that, though, without giving too much away. 

Jones' characters are the glue that holds this story together and make it amazing. Issie and Betty are my two favorite semi-secondary characters in the story. They are so solidly on Zara's side regardless of what she is or what happens and I think that makes them priceless.  Also, Betty's spunk is the stuff of legends. Issie is invaluable as the lone completely human character who is right in the thick of the action. 

I have to admit that Astley completely won me over in this book. I was staunchly Team Nick before but Astley is just so good for Zara, in my opinion. He lets her be strong and is there to back her up without trying to change her or be over-protective of her. He simply supports her regardless of her choices and you have to love him for that.  Lastly, we have Zara. I adore her character and the growth she's endured since the beginning of the series. If you look back at Zara in Need and compare her to Zara in Endure, she's matured. Definitely, she has changed in some ways, but in her heart, who she really is is exactly the same. This makes me happier than anything else in this series has. It's very satisfying to see a beloved character go through the ringer and come out with her true self still intact. 

Endure is full of romance, action and heartbreak and is superbly written by Carrie Jones, as usual. It really is the perfect ending to this fantastic series. 

My Rating: 

Friday, June 29, 2012

'Before I Wake' by Rachel Vincent: Review



Soul Screamers Book #6 
Before I Wake 
By Rachel Vincent
I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school... Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life...(from Goodreads)

Before I Wake is the 6th book in the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent.  Let me warn you all that if you haven't read If I Die yet, you should not be reading this, there will be spoilers, I'm sorry, it's unavoidable.  Let's get down to it now. I came home from a LONG day at work last Friday and found this book in my mailbox from the lovely folks at Mira Ink. There was some jumping up and down, I can admit that without shame.  I love this series & Rachel Vincent. I'd been counting down the days til the book released here in the US and  as a lovely late birthday present and I got it for free & by surprise. It was serendipitous. 

The story picks up a month after If I Die ends and we find Kaylee struggling to accept some pretty massive changes in her life. Not just Kaylee, either. It seems everyone who loves Kaylee (or loves someone who loves her) is battling some literal or figurative demon. No one is having an easy time of it.  Kaylee continues to be one of the most interesting characters in the young adult genre today.  She is just one of the many reasons why I can't get enough of  this series. 

So much happened in this book I'm glad we don't reveal spoilers on this blog because I honestly wouldn't know where to begin.  I was on the edge of my seat through the entire thing. I caught myself biting my nails at least three times. Twice, I scared my husband by gasping out loud.  I went from crying to laughing and back to crying all within a few chapters. This might be the most emotionally charged installment of this series yet.  I didn't want it to ever end.

I mentioned how much I love this series already; each book is better than the last. It was impossible to put this book down. I keep waiting for the story to get stale (like it has with other series I've read) and it never happens. Kaylee grows more with every installment and you can't help but but admire her strength of character as you follow her story.   The depth and vitality of each and every character is amazing to me and I'm simply in awe of Vincent's brilliance in her craft. She weaves spellbinding stories with intriguing, suspenseful plots that are riddled with wit, humor and romance.  She has writing the 'perfect' novel down to a science. 

Kaylee's strength, loyalty, bravery and just flat out goodness make her an amazing character. I have been saying it since the first book, and I'll say it again, we need more heroines like her. When she gets into trouble, she doesn't look to the men in her life to save her. She does her damnedest to save herself and anyone else who may be in danger. She is awesome. 

While Kaylee is definitely my favorite character, there are others who have grown quite interesting through the progression of the series. First off, there's Tod. I loved getting to see more of his true character. His strength and devotion are sweet, yes, but he is more than that. He is the one person who can make Kaylee truly feel like herself during this transition in her life.  Next, and I really can't believe I'm saying this, but Sabine has really grown on me.  The depth of her love for Nash  shows how truly vulnerable she is. Not that she'd ever admit to being vulnerable, of course. It's there, though.  She's always good for comic relief as well.  

If you read Never To Sleep, you've already met Luca. I am sort of in shock; he makes Sophie more human, in my opinion and brings out the good qualities she does possess. You have to like him for that! He's also funny and dependable and a wonderful addition to an already stellar cast of characters. Sophie hasn't quite grown on me as of yet, but the possibility is definitely there. 
Before I Wake is an expertly crafted blend of action, romance, humor and terror.  Vincent is a master storyteller and I have yet to dislike something she's created.  This is what I consider a perfect book. 
My Rating: 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Treasured Thursdays: Twilight Style Part 4

Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This month, as you all know by now, we are ALL about the Twilight Saga! So this week our topic is our most treasured couple (excluding Edward, Bella or Jacob). 


This was a hard question for me to answer, honestly. I love Alice and Jasper so much, the way they are so completely in sync with one another is fantastic. BUT, I have to say my most treasured couple would have to be Carlisle & Esme. 
They may be the best parents EVER who've never actually given birth to their children. They are endlessly supportive, loving and kind to everyone. They are a true embodiment of happiness and that's kind of hard to compete with in my opinion. 
If anyone saw “favorite vampire” posted earlier this month you can all probably guess who my favorite couple is (even though Alice and Jasper almost made it on here for me).  It is...
…Rosalie and Emmett.

Because honestly, they’re perfect for each other. Emmett is fully devoted to Rosalie and I have no doubts about that; she’s his entire world, and makes it obvious, more so than any other couple in this entire saga (*cough*Bella/Edward*cough*). And Rosalie is a much better person with Emmett; he brings out the best in her, and after the past she’s been through, she deserves someone to treat her like a queen. 
They are by far my favorite couple; for Twilight and probably just in general, all fandom’s considered! They’re just perfect. :3 






 MY answer is simple! Alice and Jasper! Holding hands in the car in twilight; the airport in New Moon (which didn’t make it into the movie &*&^%); “You never have to be that person again.” In Eclipse……… they are soul mates and it’s evident and I love that! Their dance scene in BD1 was greatness; they compliment each other perfectly in every way in every book. 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

"Waiting on" Wednesday: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super excited about. This week, my pick is:


The Mark of Athena
Heroes of Olympus #3
By: Rick Riordan
Publication Date: October 2, 2012

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six—who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?

The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophesy remains a mystery. . . .

With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan. (from Barnes & Noble)

I have loved every single book I have read by Rick Riordan, especially the Percy Jackson series. I was so happy when I learned he was planning a spin off series. They have been just as amazing as the original series & I am anxious to see what happens to these demigods next! 

That's my 'waiting on', what's yours? 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Guest Post with B.C. Brown



Today we'd like to welcome author, B.C. Brown to our blog! 


About B.C. Brown:
B.C. Brown was born with six fingers on each hand endowing her with super powers, thus enabling her to fight crime. When a freak Cuisinart accident severed the additional digits and her powers, B.C. was forced to fall back on her secondary talent -writing. Now she lives between the pages of a book - whether she has written it or not. Since she has not found the surgeon to restore her fingers and powers, she has published three novels to date and contributed to one anthology. She enjoys writing mystery, paranormal romance, science fiction and fantasy but is always in the mood for a challenge to branch out. You can follow her crime fighting or writing at twitter or facebookor Goodreads. Her blog is www.bcbrownbooks.blogspot.com.


Many of my friends are authors. As writers, they (mostly) are voracious readers. And each of their tastes is as different from one another as fingerprints are on a person. One of my best friends delights in suggesting books I should read. Why should I read them? Because he liked them. Do we have anything in common when it comes to book preferences? Uh, not really. Why does he proceed to suggest books to me, even though we don't share the same tastes? Not a clue.

My question is, how do you pick what you read?

A recent debate of the value of reviews has popped up on some of my writing forums/groups. Several authors are beginning to question if having reviews for their books helps in the overall purchase factor of a book for readers? They wonder, does having a fellow author read and review their work really benefit them? Or does the average reader think we're all merely patting each other on the back to pad sales?

One way or another, I can't definitively say. What I can state with certainty, however, is that (of the titles I have published) those with more reviews have sold more copies than those with fewer reviews. Were the reviews better on the titles with more? In my case, yes. But I'm not so sure that would be the case for everyone's book. In this particular title's mitigating circumstances, it has been published longer and, therefore, had more time to accumulate sales than the other titles with fewer reviews.

The question is, does the average reader use reviews as a means for deciding what to buy and what goes on the "wish list"? As an author, I know I do. I look for works with multiple reviews, read through most of them diligently, and then decide (after reading the book blurb and, if available, the "Look Inside" program) if it's worth my hard-earned dollars. I am, after all, a starving artist. I need to watch every dime I have. And a book with bad reviews that turns out to be as awful as the reviews said is a waste of my money, my time, and my energy.

My aforementioned friend has excellent taste in literature. And he is an excellent writer. Do I read the things he suggests? 2 out of 10 - maybe.

But word of mouth advertising is the best advertising a writer can get right?

Look at the success of Fifty Shades of Grey. This is an instance where word of mouth advertising certainly seems to have worked well for the author. Indeed, she's rich off of the right person telling the right book club at the right time. But the question remains, how much of this success was word of mouth? How much was reviews? And how much was advertising/promotion?

Any of your own stories about reviewed vs. non-reviewed you'd like to share? Tell us a little about what makes you decide to spend your money on a book.

Recent purchases I've made off studying book blurbs and reviews?

• Imperial Bedrooms, Bret Easton-Ellis

• Irish Moon, Amber Scott

• Mama Does Time, Deborah Sharp

• The Werewolf's Wife, Michele Hauf

• Tails of Love, (anthology) Lori Foster/editor

• Hello Kitty Must Die, Angela Choi

Recent purchases I've made based on recommendation alone?

• Not Quite Wicked, (anthology) Bronwyn Green/Mia Watts/Dakota Rebel/Brynn Paulin

• Strange Neighbors, Ashlyn Chase



Buy now on Amazon! 
Abigail St. Michael, a former cop, has joined the recently growing ranks of metaphysicals, individuals with abilities outside that of normal human nature. When a murderer stalks her town killing children, Abbey uses her ability of touch clairvoyance to hunt him down. Her only roadblock is that her murderer seems to have his own unique talent, the ability to 'wipe' his victims and their surroundings of any metaphysical energy. With little physical evidence and no supernatural evidence, Abbey is forced to rely on instinct and luck to solve the case. However both Abbey's luck and instinct seem to have taken a permanent vacation as the victims keep piling up with the killer's escalating blood lust.  (from Amazon.com)


For more information on B.C. Brown & her work: 
Goodreads




Monday, June 25, 2012

Group Book to Movie Review: Breaking Dawn (Part 1) by Stephenie Meyer

When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life-first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse-seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?

The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.
(From Amazon.com)



Now that you've all heard our thoughts on Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse it is obviously time to move along to the big old finale, Breaking Dawn. We will be dealing with part 1 and then revisiting the series in November when part 2 hits theaters. We hope you've enjoyed Twilight month! 

Breaking Dawn is the 4th and final book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Let me start by warning everyone that even though I loved this book, there was a LOT I didn't like about it.  Little things and big things. But it was still the 'perfect' ending to a beautiful love story and for that I really HAD to love it. 

I absolutely loved the first part of this book.  The wedding and honeymoon were just perfectly written and I thought it fit so completely with the characters; Edward trying to play it safe, Bella's safety always his first priority and then Bella trying to break down those walls in her Alice-wear lol. I laughed right out loud, couldn't help it.  I also enjoyed getting a more in depth look at how the Cullens lived day to day.  That was something I'd wondered about and seeing it from Jacob's perspective made it that much more enjoyable for me. Getting to know Leah a bit more was fun and Bella & Edward being able to be parents was phenomenal, in my opinion. So Bella really COULD have it all.  And of course we have Charlie, he always provides us with quality scenes.  The awkward goodbye between he and Bella left me teary-eyed and then his 'lost puppy' routine at the wedding was classic. 

My very favorite part of this book, though, was Jacob. And I'm Team Edward all the way. I just loved getting to see inside Jake's head, even if he was wallowing in self pity through the first part of the book. I thought he deserved to wallow a bit. When he left Sam's pack, I did a happy dance, loved every second of it. He FINALLY admitted that he was born to lead, not follow.  I thought Jacob grew SO much in this book, really becoming a man, as totally cliche as that sounds. He grew up, he learned to reign in his temper and think before acting. 

Now for the things I wasn't so crazy about..I'll try to be brief. My very biggest complaint is Jacob imprinting on Nessie. I really felt that he got shafted. Imprint on a baby. Ok. Well, yes, that clears up the whole the other wolves are gonna try and kill her thing. It also kills any hope of a continuation of Jake's story, which I was really hoping for. He deserved more than to be just a means to an end.  And does no one else think it's creepy that he was in love with her MOTHER!? Or is that just me? That's not something I think I would ever get over. And secondly it's the baby's name. Renesmee. Really? I'm NOT trying to be mean or offend anyone, but what the heck kind of name is that? Ick. I know the moment I read it I wrinkled my nose in disgust and thought, "Oh that poor child." 

Overall, I did love this book and I was sobbing and laughing, sometimes at the same time as I read it. 
My Rating:

And now on to the movie! I was soooo very impressed with it! They finally managed to find a good balance for book to movie adaptation.  As always, there were ups and downs but for once, I felt the ups were more numerous than the downs. 

The wedding and all the preparation for it was all beautifully done, in my opinion. The dress was absolutely perfect, the scene with Charlie and Renee while she was getting ready started me crying and I don't think I stopped until they were in South America on their honeymoon.   When Flightless Bird, American Mouth started playing and the rest of the wedding party went away, I literally gasped out loud. It was just so moving. Really and truly beautiful. I loved the wedding toasts, with the exception of Jessica's. Honestly, I can't stand that girl and it bothered me that they would even let her get up there knowing she wasn't going to say anything nice. And yes, Renee's singing was sweet but it kinda set my teeth on edge. Charlie's by far, was the best, "I know things." I was cracking up in the theater.  Isle Esme was so perfect! I mean, down to the last detail, they got it right. I thought the wedding night was very tastefully done. When Bella wakes up in the morning to the wreckage of the bedroom I was laughing almost hysterically. It was PERFECT! And when she's in the bathroom picking feathers out of her hair and remembering everything from the night before, the music was amazing and it was just thoroughly well done. 

When Jacob runs to tell the rest of the pack about Bella, I LOVED that! The chaos he was feeling and then hearing all  the wolves through his mind. It was intense and fantastically done, exactly as I pictured it in my head when reading. And when he stood up to Sam and left his pack, I was kinda jumping up and down in my chair. Just a little, I know, I'm weird. The makeup people need to be given a HUGE hand. Bella looked absolutely grotesque when she was pregnant. It was chilling and again, exactly as I had pictured it. The birthing scene was probably my favorite part of the movie. I was SO glad they kept the horror of what happened there. Now, don't misunderstand me, I do NOT like gore, at all, BUT, I think in order to be true to the story, you had to witness what they all went through in those moments to grasp the enormity of the situation.  The way they portrayed the birth and then Edward's venom working it's way through her system while she was held still by the morphine was terrible in it's perfection.  I knew what was going to happen and I was crying! I was very happy with where they chose to end this movie. Honestly, it was the natural place to pause in the story. Bella's human life is over and it's time for her new beginning. 

Now, I only have two complaints with this movie. First and foremost, WHY did they feel the need to add the scuffle with the wolves and the Cullens?? It wasn't in the book, more drama and action were NOT needed. WHY? What good reason can they give for messing with the story like that? I was mad. But it didn't last long because then they moved back to Bella's transformation. The second was Edward's story the night before the wedding. Maybe if Catherine Hardwicke hadn't butchered Twilight, that would have made it into the first movie where it BELONGED. So really, my gripe is not with Bill Condon, but that woman who destroyed one of my favorite books. Ahem, sorry, I'm done now.  

Overall, this movie was amazing, seriously, the best yet. I only hope they show the same dedication to the book in part 2! 
My Rating: 






Finally we reach book four, Breaking Dawn, the BEST book in this entire saga. And no one can argue that with me—It’s 100% truth.

Breaking Dawn is the fourth novel in the Twilight Saga and even I will admit—This is really where Jake needed to give it a rest. Mind you, I think their friendship was adorable, and I love how Edward finally got his head out of his @$ and asked for help, but really. Take a chill pill, put a shirt on, and accept that Bella is too stupid to think up a life without Edward, okay, Jake? Especially when she’s walking around with that honking ring on her finger.

Alice was adorable here, I have to say. She was just so hyped up about Bella’s wedding I can almost see her buzzing around and chirping throughout the entire thing. And Charlie and Renee made me cry a couple times.

And the honeymoon? Oh, hot dayum… I don’t even like Edward and Bella, but I loved how she was so persistent about you-know-what, and how Edward finally acted like a teenager, not a 100-year-old. Lemme summarize—he broke a headboard and ruined some fantastic pillows. I think it’s obvious he likes Bella… A lot.

Now, not to sound totally insensitive, but I was actually amused by how Bella figured out she’s pregnant—eating a whole chicken only to vomit it back up… All right! Nice.

Jacob was great here, I think. He had the right reaction, and even though Edward and he were non-stop arguing (it’s them…) they actually felt the same way about this kid; like it was the devil tearing up the woman they both loved. Which is actually kind of sad, when you think about it…

Speaking of Jake, I liked how we got to go in HIS perspective for a while. I don’t really like when POV’s switch (don’t get me started on the book that did that for me…) but it was nice to see how he felt about everything going on.

My favorite part? Renesmee Carlie Cullen. I absolutely loved her, and how much drama and torment happened because she existed. I loved how insane the Volturi got over and this, ladies and gentlemen, this was a real war. It was terrifying and wonderful and I was flipping through page after page, needing to find out what was going to happen to little Nessie.

And honestly? I don’t really find Jacob imprinting on her THAT creepy. I do think it was a cop-out, because how else can we NOT kill the little girl right off the bat, but I don’t think it was so pedo-esque (which I see online when looking for spoilers a LOT)… I mean, they showed that someone else in the wolf pack imprinted on a little girl, and they were like big-brother/little-sister there.. Just my opinion, I know no one will agree, but I like Jake/Nessie. I wouldn’t mind reading a story about those two, once Renesmee is older.

All in all, I loved Breaking Dawn. It was my favorite book out of the whole series!

My Rating: 




For Part 1 of the movie, I think THIS was the best adaption of them all.

Esme Isle was exactly how I imagined it, Bella’s attempt to be “sexy” so Edward would stop being all cautious (it’s your honeymoon, vampire, do something!!) and feeling somewhat awkward about it seemed so perfect (she’s a teenager, after all), they showed you how terrible the bed looked in the morning and even though you couldn’t see Bella looking at herself stark in the mirror (PG-13) you got to see how bad Edward felt about “hurting” her… Bella didn’t seem to care though, just sayin’.

Another thing I loved was how actively protective Rosalie was over Nessie, no matter what, and Nikki Reed portrayed it beautifully! Her desire to be a mother came through loud and clear and slapped you (or Jake) in the face. She was the only one TRULY on Bella’s side here, with not wanting to kill “It” and save Bella. Mind you, I think her mindset was “baby-baby-baby” and had nothing to do with Bella’s wellbeing, but still.

And Taylor Lautner captured Jacob BEST OF ALL here, I think. Angry, scared, defeated. It all fit! This was BOSS.

And finally I can say, GOOD JOB to the make-up crew. Bella looked like death warmed over throughout the entire pregnancy and I was forcing myself not to clap in the theater. It was MARVELOUS and I am anxiously awaiting part two, where the action shall begin ;)

My Rating:





LOVED this book, cover to cover, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it. I finished Eclipse at 11 PM on a Friday night and thought; I’ll just read the first few chapters of BD; well.. 4AM I had to make myself go to bed, slept 2 hours and was buried back in my book again. This is the most interactive book I’ve ever read! I was laughing and crying and screaming; at one point I was literally standing up in the middle of my bed cussing at a particular character, I then threw the book out my bedroom door bouncing it off the hall wall with such force I took out a couple of pictures in the process. I then ran out into the hall and grabbed said book, retreating back to my bedroom. My mother appeared in my doorway with one eyebrow arched asking what that poor book had done to me to deserve such a beating. She has since read the book 9 times!

The depth of these characters grows tremendously in this book; we really have watched these characters grow from awkward teens into accomplished adults throughout this series. For me it’s one of the things I loved most not only about BD but, about all the books in the Saga. Let’s address the haters “Meyer you should be ashamed promoting teen sex” F**k you, they are married! “Bella Swan is the most unlikeable, whiney, weak characters ever written” say that to my face and I will slap you! She becomes one of the strongest written female characters to ever grace the pages of a novel. THAT is the intrigue with Bella’s character; that she starts out Awkward and unsure in Twilight then hits rock bottom in New Moon then becomes a young women in Eclipse and ultimately an adoring wife, protective mother and fiercely loyal sister/friend in BD.

Meyer was genius with this last installment, the way she showed the events leading up to the wedding and Bella’s reluctance just before and how she was immediately and completely certain the second she laid eyes on Edward. In the book though, Isle Esmee was one of my favorite parts. It was very well written with descriptions that take you to this magical island. The growth between Edward and Bella, watching their relationship bloom even more so as they spend this time alone; and yes, the sex was a welcome addition! The headboard, The feathers and the Eggs for breakfast were all so realistic and believable; the headboard.. WOW! I was wondering how Meyer was going to evoke their first time; Edward is a vampire with super human strength and a virgin so he is experiencing this for the first time right along with Bella, it was a perfect way for Meyer to express what Edward was feeling and his almost inability to control it. When he bit that pillow and growled, oh my god, I needed a cigarette!!

“We’re going to get that thing out before it can hurt any part of you. Don’t be scared. I won’t let it hurt you.” “That thing?” My heart broke a little right here, really Edward, a bit more insensitive jackass. Immediately I was yelling at Bella (as if she could hear me!) CALL ROSE, CALL ROSE NOW! You can’t imagine the elation when I turned a few pages … “Hello” “Rosalie? It’s Bella. Please. You have to help me.” YES!!! And then at the airport when she ran into her arms and the family was watching, quizzically, I was laughing through the tears. Of course, I’m bias, I adore Rose.. the bitchier the better! It made perfect sense for these two to come together with what Meyer had already written; any other way wouldn’t have made sense or been believable.

My favorite part of BD1 is Book Two/Jacob. Oh my god, the chapter titles alone are hysterical! Chapter 10 – Why didn’t I just walk away? Oh Right, because I’m an idiot! LMAO.. The internal struggle for Jacob during these chapters is gut wrenchingly fantastic. “Tell me what the point was then, Bella! What was the point of me loving you? What was the point of you loving him? When you die?!” And that about sums it up; he doesn’t understand, he cannot comprehend her need to give life to this child when it will probably kill her. It isn’t until he imprints with Renesmee that he finally comprehends, until then he is just treading water hoping and praying that the women he THINKS he loves survives. Another thing I liked about BD1 was the conversation between Jacob and Alice and Carlisle’s realization about the similarities between Jacob and Renesmee and his theory on why Alice can’t see them. And oh my, the comic relief with the doggie bowl; I could close my eyes and see Rose in the kitchen ripping and tearing the bowl into submission to etch FIDO into it. And then Jacob zinging it at her head “You.Got.Food.In.My.Hair!” oh wow; it was perfectly written into an otherwise tense scene bringing us back down to earth.

I have to tell you, I really thought we’d lost Bella. Until book 2 ends and Jacob can hear the heartbeat I was balling like a baby, I couldn’t see through all the snot. Again I liked that Meyer kept the realism during the birthing scene with Edward “biting” her to get the baby out and Rosalee almost losing it with the sight and smell of all that blood. Again, Meyer was genius adding in Jacob’s dry sense of humor to ease an otherwise horrifically horrible moment in the story “Jacob, take her.” “I don’t want that, throw it out the window!” It allowed us just a moment to smile, which was needed, at that moment.


My Rating:


And now on to Breaking Dawn part 1 the movie. We certainly hit the ground running! Bella wants to go barefoot “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” oh Alice. The night before when Edward visits her bedroom for the last time to check for cold feet and Bella asks about strippers, you can just barely hear Emmett “BORING!” too funny. “Go before they break my house.” Too cute. Then it’s the wedding day, probably one of the most anticipated movie moments of the past decade! When Charlie and Renee give her the hair piece and Renee mentions her children’s children; Niki Reed nailed that scene, the look on her face was unforgettable! “Just don’t let me fall Dad.” “Never” OMG the waterworks have commenced! That dress was exquisite; I absolutely adored it and think it was absolutely perfect. The first person we see when they round the corner is Stephenie Meyer, that was fantastic. You could tell by her face she was having a hard time keeping it together; I can only imagine the feeling of satisfaction to have written this story and basically handed your children off to the masses and to know have come full circle and literally watch her baby walk down the aisle. It was probably one of the most satisfying, humbling moments in Meyer’s life and I was crying like a baby! (take that all you haters!!)

My absolute favorite part of this movie is probably going to shock most of you. When they are exchanging their vows and everyone else disappears and Flightless Bird, American Mouth starts playing; THAT is my favorite part! It encompasses everything! When Bella first asks him for forever at the prom; and here we are having witnessed such growth and so many struggles for these two young lovers and they are finally getting their happy ending. Then the speech Edward gives at the reception “No amount of time would be enough with you, so let’s start with forever.” GAH!!! Then that blonde hose beast disrespects not only the Wolves (our precious little Seth) but Bella as well, on her goddamn wedding day. I can’t wait to watch her die! Most of the speeches were hysterical; and then we have Jacob “The best man didn’t have time to get a tux.”

Honeymoon, Headboard, Feathers! FABULOUS! I think that they relayed this part of the book on screen as accurately as possible without making it an Rated R movie, they left in the coyness Bella develops while attempting to seduce her husband prancing around in all those outfits compliments of Alice. I was upset that they didn’t leave in the airport scene, when she rushes into Rose’s arms but, we can’t have it all. I was also upset that they cut my FIDO scene, that wouldn’t have been difficult to include. I loved that the way they showed Jacob’s emotions when he left and kicked the motorcycle and then morphed, the wolf pack coming to him immediately and him shaking off the bonds of Sam!

The minutes leading up to the birthing scene were very well delivered and they left in Jacob’s rant “What was the point, of me loving you and you loving him.” Thankfully. Our characters don’t even realize that they are building a bond at this point and it plays out perfectly on screen. When we come to the actual birth, whoever came up with the idea to use a life size robotic doll of Bella was genius; with this they were able to show certain things that would have been otherwise impossible using just Kristen Stewart, she is breakable you know. And the way they shot it, from her POV and her insides as the venom was flowing through her, again spot on. And the buckets of blood, perfect, had they cleaned that up it wouldn’t have been as good; it was a bloody yet necessary part of the story. It was so well played that I almost forgot what happens next momentarily as Jacob runs outside and breaks down, then concludes what he must do. Oh and Seth, our dear sweet Seth “She didn’t make it” *more tears*. When they show the imprinting it was very similar to what I’d envisioned in my mind while I was reading it, what Renesmee would become.

To conclude, I think they did an excellent job making this book into a movie, probably the most in line with the books actually. Twilight is still my favorite of the movies, but don’t get me wrong I adore them all and cannot wait until November for the exciting conclusion! But that’s just my two cents.

My Rating: 



And now for the giveaway!
* Remember, you MUST complete ALL mandatory tasks or your entries WILL NOT COUNT! All winners have 24 hours to respond or they forfeit their prize*


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Tammy's Two Cents with Donna Milward, Author of Thoeba: Interview, Review & Giveaway



Thoeba is a creature of light. As all things must be in balance, when the Energy created her kind it also created the darkness.
Theoba’s world fell to darkness forcing her to flee. She came to Earth to protect the Energy, losing everything in the process.
Darkness has found a way to follow her and threatens to take this world as well.
With only humans as allies, can she succeed?
Fasten your seatbelts please, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!  This book hit the ground running, or the water, I should say.  Thoeba is an Angel, A Warrior that has fled her home to protect “the energy”,  as the Demons (darkness) destroyed it and most of her kind.  Peter, a human, is out on the lake for a nice quiet day of fishing until something (or someone) falls from the sky and crash lands in the water.  All this takes place in the first chapter!  
I LOVED this refreshingly, unique new twist on Angels and God, it is unlike anything else.
Thoeba flee’s the heaven’s to save The Energy only to wind up on Earth without her wings; she has always loathed humans believing that the way they live and squander what God has given them makes them week and unnecessary, to a fault.  Darkness has followed her to this realm and will not stop until it has destroyed everything in it’s path; humans, Thoeba and The Energy included.  Thoeba must trust her newly found foe’s, the humans she so dislikes quickly become her allies and most trusted adversaries.
She sets out on her journey to save not only The Energy but the humans she has come to love and mankind in it’s entirety.  Having lost her sword (her “Holy Weapon”) she fashions herself a new one by attaching The Energy to an Axe.  I could just vision this Blonde haired, gold eyed, wingless, Warrior woman wielding the Axe and slicing random demons in half!  It was Fantastic!!  Milward has given us a literary Gem here; her take on Angels and God is like nothing I’ve ever read!  Again, we have ourselves a strong leading lady, probably one of the strongest I’ve ever seen on paper.  Milward adds to her strength and likeability as a character by giving her weakness that she must overcome as well, making her story that much more intense.  I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about this book, Fantastic, Exciting, Entertaining, Page Turning, Addicting Read!!  The perfect balance of Drama, Suspense, Intrigue and Mystery (with a dash of Romance and Some Serious Ass Kicking!) Our Warrior Angel must learn to trust herself, her God and her humans if anyone is to survive.  I will share one of my favorite excerpts from the book….
"Peter..."
He glanced askance at Thoeba, but her gaze wasn't on him.
She brought her weapon up in a fighting stance, never taking her attention off the air. Both hands flexed on the axe handle. She resembled a baseball player poised to swing.
Her eyes determined pain for her adversary.
"Here they come."
5 Quills guys (I really wish there were 6); Must Read; the BEST book I’ve read thus far this year!  And I’ve read a LOT of books this year J



You know I had to get into the mind of this Wonderful writer; here is my Interview with Donna Milward, Author of Thoeba (giveaway details to follow.)
*Tell me a bit about yourself.  I live in Alberta, Canada with my troll of sixteen years and two cats named Freya and Sully.  Besides writing, I am passionate about gardening and Christmas.  In my spare time I volunteer for my local food bank and act as Client Care Consultant for Edmonton Paranormal.
*Where were you born and where do you call home?  I was born here in the city of Edmonton, but my family bounced around northern Alberta before settling in Fox Creek. Then I bounced around for a few years. I didn’t move back to Edmonton permanently until I was in my mid-twenties.

*What was your inspiration for Thoeba?  Thoeba came from a vivid dream I had when I was fourteen. I actually dreamed I was an angel hiding in a garden clutching a crystal necklace. A man and his daughter tried to coax me out, but I could see demons circling overhead, looking for me. I couldn’t let them find me, because if they did, they would destroy God…who was in the crystal. I wanted to tell them to leave me alone, but I couldn’t speak.  All I could say was “Tho-BAH!”
*How are you liking your partnership with Staccato Publishing?  I LOVE it! I am so lucky to be working with Heather Savage and her team. They are easy to deal with and great to get along with. They’ve been working so hard, I know they want to see Thoeba successful as much as I do. It’s only the beginning and they’ve already surpassed my expectations.
*For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Thoeba, how would you introduce it?  I like to think of Thoeba as an adventurous paranormal romance. When it becomes a movie, it’s going to be the chick flick your boyfriend/husband wants to see. It’s for the outdoorsy girl, the eternal tomboy…The girl who hates pink, but will wear it to fight against cancer. Or just for the woman that wants something new and exciting. That’s why people will like it.
*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?  My favorites are “This is not a cookie-cutter book.” and “Classic good versus evil, but that’s where the familiarity ends.” For me, the ultimate goal is to write things people haven’t read before. I want more than anything to be original, and it looks like people are really getting that.
*What brought you to this particular topic and what research did you do to get to the finished product?  I’ve been researching the paranormal for thirty years. I have studied religion and reincarnation from a personal viewpoint even as a child. Thus creating a myth for Thoeba and her kind as well as the Energy was really easy. My father was a recreational pilot and shared his love of aircraft and flying with me, so that part was easy too. The only part I needed to research was the Canadian military, which my old friend Dave helped me with.
*Whom in your life would you say has influenced you the most?  My father. I was always such a Daddy’s Girl, I went out of my way to be like him. Many of his interests and beliefs are mine as well. My father is a risk-taker who plunges in with both feet.  He’s a self-made man who ran his own business based on his reputation alone, and retired on his own terms over twenty-five years later. My father would rather face an abysmal failure than allow fear to stop him from trying. I share that particular trait. I never want to look back at my life and wonder what I could have done if I’d only tried.
*Who is YOUR favorite Author?  There are so many! I have to go with Ray Bradbury, just because he’s been influencing my writing and my point of view ever since I read Fahrenheit 451. His writings are still being imitated and it’s freakish how Fahrenheit 451 predicted reality TV. I think Bradbury had a sharp eye on society, and it reminds me to be observant and to listen rather than talk.
*What are you reading right now?  (Groans) I wish I could tell you I’m reading Melissa Marr or Dean Koontz, but I’m doing research. I’m reading the Basic Writings of Nietzsche. Sometimes he’s a genius, sometimes he sounds like a drug addict, but it’s a slow, dry read for the most part. I’m not even sure how much of it I’ll need…or if I can even use it. But thanks for the reminder…I think it’s been far too long since my last visit to the bookstore.
*Tell us your latest news.  My second novel, “Aphrodite’s War’ is complete, and I’m working on ‘Chasing Monsters’.  (Thus the Nietzche studies) I’m also writing an erotica. As always, I’m still writing and working with Edmonton Paranormal and we are fundraising for “Entities Unknown” but instead of a pilot, we’re thinking documentary.
*Where can our blog fans "stalk" you? Haha! They are welcome to friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. @DonnaMilward. I also have a blog at arthtothoeba@blogspot.com
And thanks very much for the interview!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


The usual rules apply guys, complete all ‘required” steps below and the winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize or forfeit.  Good luck guys!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

The GUY'S Perspective: Dark Heirloom by J.D. Brown

Mel's Book Blog is proud to introduce our newest addition to the team! 
 The Guy's Perspective with David. 

Dark Heirloom (An Ema Marx Novel)

Nominated "Best Paranormal Fiction" in the 2012 Global Ebook Awards and 2013 EPIC Ebook Awards.
"You're a vampire" is so not what Ema Marx wants to hear when she wakes from a two-day coma in a cryptic yet exquisite castle in northern Finland. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like why she's able to see in the dark and walk through solid objects. What she doesn't understand is why the other vampires expect her to have all the answers. It's their fault she turned into one of them...right?
Jalmari's hatred for his old-man intensifies when he's ordered to bring that troublesome girl to their castle. He has a clan to run; there's no time for babysitting newborn vampires no matter how they were converted to their culture. But when a two-thousand-year-old premonition threatens to take the crown and his life, Jalmari sees no other choice than to take out the catalyst, Ema Marx. Fortunately for Ema, she could also be the clan's only savior.
The race to figure out her vampiric origins is on. And maybe she'll get the hang of the blood-drinking gig along the way...
*Warning!! This book has some sexuality so probably not appropriate for minors.
And it adds a new meaning to the term blood lust!*
Ema Marx is a 23 year old redhead living in Chicago.  Viciously attacked she becomes comatose for two days; After she regains consciousness she discovers she is not in Chicago anymore and that she is a“guest” of the man that held a knife to her chest.  Having been taken to a remote castle on an island in Finland, escape seems impossible. It doesn’t take long for her to discover that her captors are not human and that she is, in fact, no longer human either.  As if trying to get over the shock of the attack and kidnapping was not enough her captor, Prince Jalmari, demands to know who created her.  Jalmari would have killed her because she is of Romani descent but the demon inside of him has told him to spare her; and when the demon commands him he must obey. 
Ema is told she is only a guest but she knows different. Jalmari’s brother Jesu befriends her and helps her to discover her powers.  Jesu gives Ema a tour of the massive castle and then convinces her to move into her own room rather than stay in the “guest” room; he says it is more private and the room is soundproof.  Meaning the other vampires will not be able to hear what she says or does. Jesu teaches her restraint and control of her thirst for blood, only allowing her a sip at time.  She befriends a black cat that she finds in the big castle.  Something is strange about the cat since everyone at the castle says there are no pets there.  After her tour she explores the castle and discovers a library; the cat seems to be picking books for her to read, is that real or did she imagine it?  Since the books seem to answer some of the questions that have been nagging at her, it's probably not her imagination. 
Once, when she is alone in her room, she takes her frustration out on the wall hitting it as hard as she can.  But when she tried to pull her hand back she couldn’t; it was stuck!  Now what was she to do?  The room was soundproof so yelling was out of the question.  Perhaps trying to relax her muscles might free her hand; she free's herself alright, but not exactly how she thought!     
The book starts off a touch slow but after the first few chapters you will be hooked.  Looking back now, the slowness and not quite understanding what is going on just reflects Ema’s state of mind.  The author feeds you just enough information to keep you wanting more.  Learning the clans and the powers they have, Ema pieces together the clan's she must be part of.  There are a lot of twist and turns in the book.  Some things were predictable and others not so much!  The idea of Vampire/Vampyre clans each having some different powers is interesting and definitely adds to the story for this book.
Pleasure to read and I look forward to the next in the series.  Just like the last episode of the season on a TV show the book ends at the beginning of the next book with a big question waiting to be answered!  I would recommend anyone that likes vampire books to read this series or at least “Dark Heirloom”