What do Last Sacrifice and Ice Cream Have In Common?

What do these two things have in common? They are my evenings entertainment! I have been sick with a cold this past week and ordered by my doctor to drink lots of fluid, eat chicken soup and ice cream and get lots of rest. I have been in an absolute reading lull for a few months.  I have my reasons which I will reveal soon but I am hoping that Last Sacrifice will pull me out of my funk and back into the wonderful world of books. Hopefully I will down this book in record time and post a review asap and get this book blog back on track! For those of you still hanging out on my site thank you for sticking around.  There are times I suppose when life takes president over everything else. Happy Reading!

A Kind Of Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Published: July 21, 2007
Format: Hardcover ($23.76 CDN)
Age Group: Young Adult
Copy: Purchased by me at a midnight release party!

Cool Web Sites:

Mugglenet
The Noble Collection
Alivans Wands
Official Movie Web Site
J.K. Rowling



Synopsis:


Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing--if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfil the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him with? Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort''s remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him ... In this final, seventh instalment of the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling unveils in spectacular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.

My Review:

Last week I finished HPDH for the fourth time and I loved it as much as I did the first time I read it in July of 2007. Has it really been almost three years since us HP fanatics waited in line at midnight dressed up in our witch and wizard finery for our very own copy of Deathly Hallows? I will never forget the excitement of that night and how awesome I thought it was to see fans young and old dressed up and discussing what they thought would become of our beloved friends and there equally lovable family.

While I always aim to do spoiler free reviews if you have not read the novel but are as eager as I am to see the movie this Friday then please stop reading here.  I say this somehow believing maybe just maybe you don't know what happened. Is that even possible?!?

The book is to epic to do a review that won't take you ten minutes to read so instead of analyzing this novel piece by piece I will tell you what I loved the most and what brought me to tears on more then one occasion. Opening each novel is like a long awaited reunion with some of my best friends and even knowing what was about to happen I turned the pages as rapidly as I could read them, eagerly soaking up the vivid descriptions and dialogue.

The amount of times I cried in this novel is ridiculous. I realize its a battle of epic proportion however did so many beloved characters have to die? Dobby.....Hedwig.....Fred....the wizarding world will never be the same. I think what I love most about this series beyond my attraction to all things magical and the whole concept of Hogwarts is the bonds of friendship that develop so early on in the series and become such an important part of the final novel.

I really can't wait to see how they portray Dumbledore in the movie. While I lost a little faith in him along the way I never doubted that he had a good heart. I loved that someone we looked up to so much in the first few novels was exposed in DH as a flawed and human individual who made choices both good and bad that shaped the wonderful man he became. In one of the final scenes where Harry is talking to the portrait of Dumbledore and tears are running down past his half moon spectacles.....well lets just say I was crying along with him.  

Never has there been a series that has captured my heart more then this one. I realize that at times my love of this series borders on an unhealthy obsession but are not all of us book bloggers and bookacholics just a little bit obsessed with all of our favorite characters? I mean its not going to far if I only dress up as a Hogwarts student once or twice a year right?

Clearly this isn't a typical review for me and I have done nothing more then for the hundredth time express to you how much I love this series but with HPDH part 1 set to come out in just a few short days how could I not pre-gush about HP?

I can't wait to see the movie and be enthralled once again with the magical world that Rowling created well over a decade ago. What a journey it has been!

Good night all! Happy Reading!

My Rating: (Like you even have to ask!) 10000 x infinity/5

HP Trailer: It's Worse Then Being a Kid on Christmas Eve

When you were little did you have a favorite stuffed bear or blanket that made you feel safe whenever your fear of the monsters in your closet got to be to great? Is there a favorite book that you escaped to whenever reality just wasn't enough? Did you ever let yourself wonder for hours in fantastical daydreams just because you felt like it?

When I was younger I had a stuffed bear named, Bear (how original) who kept watch by my shoulder ready to alert me at the first sign of monsters but it wasn't until I read Harry Potter years ago that I finally found THAT series of books that allows me to escape whenever I feel link into a world that is so magical it takes my breath away. The books and movies alike have become my security blanket. I am 28 blah blah, there are no monsters under my bed (yes there are)......Well the point is if I haven't stressed it enough over the past nine months of blogging is that I love Harry Potter. I watch it when my husband is away on business just so I can sleep, I pick up the very first book just so I can hang with Potter as he discovers the magical world of Witches and Wizards in Diagon Alley, I dress up as a Hogwarts students occasionally just because I feel like it and I often find myself daydreaming that I grew up in that world and I am now a professor at the school or a dark magic catcher.

The entire point of this post is that I found another HPDH trailer. With just 20 days to go I am beyond excited and if this trailer in addition to the others accurately represents the quality of the film we are in for a treat. I think it may just be the best of them all. I promise you that your going to get sick of my HP posts. I just started reading the final book in preparation for watching the movie. I believe I do a pretty good job of separating the books from the movies but I still like to have a "refresher" before the movie comes out.  Either way it is my intention to do a post about how much I love the book at some point in the next two weeks. Also when the movie comes out I plan to do a (hopefully) gushing post on how fantastic it is.

Enough of me without a further waste of your time I give you the newest HP trailer (if you haven't already seen it).

Title: Immortal Beloved 
Author: Cate Tiernan
Publisher: Little Brown Books For Young Readers
Published: September 7, 2010
Format: Hardcover $18.99
Age Group: Young Adult
Copy: Provided by publisher


Click here to browse inside this book


Synopsis:  

Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

My Review: 

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan was a captivating coming of age story but with a unique and intriguing twist.  Somewhere within the first few chapters I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the main character Nastasya or "Nasty" as she is known by her friends, is actually a 400 year old immortal not just another teenage vampire.  The concept of immortals in this novel is slightly difficult to explain but the best comparison I can think of is immortals of the likes you find in the Highlander series. 

As a protagonist Nasty is witty, sarcastic and childish despite the four centuries she has under her belt.  In the beginning I didn't find her altogether believable or likable but I was so captivated by the story that I couldn't put the book down.  As the novel progressed and I learned more about Nasty's history, I began to invest in her as a character and chapter by chapter she grew on me. 

The vast majority of this novel takes place in a rehab facility for immortals and the characters you meet there are quite interesting.  I enjoyed the magical element that is introduced while Nasty is at the rehab center and as she is taken by visions of her past and the truth about who she was/is is slowly revealed my love of Immortal Beloved solidified.

I would be remiss in my duties as a book reviewer if I didn't mention the romantic element of this novel.  Reyn is an interesting love interest in that he sends very mixed signals about his interest in Nasty a la Bella and Edward.  There relationship becomes much more complex as the mystery of their past relationship is revealed through Nasty's visions. 

My only bone to pick with this novel is the same one I have to pick with all books about immortals written for young adults. Although they may be incredibly entertaining the amount of teenage angst present in the young adult "immortal" characters is not believable because I believe that after centuries of life experience (love, loss, death, joy, pain, etc) you likely would not be an angsty childish individual. With that said without the angst what would there be for us to identify with and alas the book would not appeal so much to young adult and myself. Its a bit of a catch 22.

If you are looking for a novel that has something other then vampires, werewolves and faeries to offer this is the next book for you. The ending of this book left things wide open for the next installment.  I look forward to reading more about Nasty's unique history and if after discovering the truth about her heritage if her personality begins to reflect the maturity that should come with the life experiences she has endured.  

My Rating: 4/5

Interview With Anne Fortier (Juliet)

I am excited to post my interview today with author Anne Fortier, author of the fantastic novel Juliet.  Thanks very much to Shannon at Harper Collins for arranging this opportunity. For more information about the author please see the authors web site, for my review of Juliet click here and to brows inside the book and read the first few chapters please click here.


The Book Guru sends out a big warm welcome to Anne Fortier!


TBG:  It is my understanding that the research for Juliet was a collaborative effort between you and your mother.  With half of your novel taking place in 1340 and the other in present time I can hardly imagine the volume of research you had accumulated in addition to your own ideas for the story.  How did you keep yourself organized through the writing process?  How long did it take to write the book from the initial idea to the last revision?  Was it an emotional journey for you?

Anne: I can’t tell you how many times I have been rifling through boxes and stacks of paper in search of some important article or research note from my mother, which I knew was somewhere … It’s true that a lot of research has gone into the book, but the ratio of research that did not make it into the book is even more frightening. I would say it’s at least 20:1. I started writing the book in 2005, but most of that year was spent doing initial research; through 2006 and 2007 I wrote the bulk of it, and in  2008 I entered the editing process with my agent. So, if I got the idea in March 2005, and made the absolutely final corrections by June 2010 … that means the book was underway for over five years. And yes, it was quite emotional, especially when I had to say goodbye to characters along the way.

TBG: After reading Juliet I was struck how fluid the transitions were between the chapters that took place in the past and the chapters that took place in the present.  Was it difficult to weave together your tale of the “true” story of Romeo and Juliet with the story of Julie Jacobs?

Anne: I always knew that if I were to write a novel that went back and forth between different story-lines, it would have to be a big priority for me to make the transitions smooth, and to make sure both narratives were easily accessible and instantly appealing, so that the reader wouldn’t skip chapters along the way. I confess I am a chapter-skipper myself, and it always annoys me, so I was very determined to address that problem. What is interesting is that it was actually surprisingly natural for me to switch back and forth, probably because both narratives are set in Siena, and because a lot of the characters are “mirrored” across time. That said, I did tend to write a few modern-day chapters in a row before going back and picking up the 1340 storyline. I found it quite hard to flip from writing flirtatious banter between Julie and Alessandro to going back and describing the bloody events in the “original” Romeo & Juliet-story.

TBG:  I have read that growing up you spent a lot of time reading curled up in an armchair.  Who are your favorite authors/novels and does any of the material you have read over the years inspire the types of stories you like to write?

Anne: I always loved treasure hunts, and some of my favorite books growing up were Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” and books of the “Famous Five”-variety. But I also liked alternative worlds such as the Narnia-book by C.S. Lewis. However, I think it was a very good thing that I also read very wholesome, down-to-earth books, such as “The Little House on the Prairie” and all the very wonderful books by the Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Apart from “Pippi Longstocking” Lindgren wrote a lot of very wholesome books about children growing up in small towns and farming communities, and her stories really add to my own fond memories of childhood. As an adult, I have been inspired by books such as John Fowles’ “The Magus” and Umberto Eco’s “Foucault’s Pendulum”, as well as Katherine Neville’s “The Eight”. And lately I have discovered Jane Johnson’s “The Tenth Gift”, and can’t wait to read her new book, “The Salt Road”. Most of these books straddle several genres and can best be classified as “adventures” – my favorites!

TBG: The characters in your story leapt right off the page for me and by the end of the novel I felt as though the protagonist Julie was a dear friend.  Are any of your characters inspired by real people?  If so are they aware which character is inspired by them?  If not what how do your characters come to be?

Anne: There is no question all the characters are inspired by real people, but only rarely are they modeled after one person in particular. I was probably always a bit of a “collector” when it comes to people-watching; I have a pretty expansive mental archive for voices and human behavior, and this is what I draw on when I write. In my first novel, which was published in Denmark in 2005, one character was a potent mix of my mother, my grandfather’s house-keeper, and my wild imagination, and I remember my mother being somewhat disgruntled, because she could recognize herself in the character, but felt I had made her too shrill and ridiculous. It was very difficult to explain that, yes, it was her, but no, it was also not her, and so I definitely learned a lot from that experience. In JULIET the characters are such composites that I hope no one will recognize themselves, unless, of course, it is a compliment.

TBG: There is a growing trend of books being made into movies and for the most part I love watching my favorite novels come to life on the big screen.  Have you been approached by any production companies regarding turning Juliet into a movie? If you have not, would this be a direction you would like to see Juliet go? And because I am curious, if you have thought about this, is there any particular actress/actor that you have imagined playing Julie, Romeo, or Giulietta? 

Anne: Right now there is a producer in Hollywood who is trying to get a JULIET film off the ground. Her name is Cathy Konrad, and she is married to the director, James Mangold, who recently did “Knight and Day”. I am hopeful they will find a screenwriter soon, and would absolutely love to see JULIET on the silver screen! I think someone like Anne Hathaway would be a fantastic Julie, and I would love for Alessandro to be played by the Italian actor, Raoul Bova, who starred in “Alien vs. Predator” of all things. I imagine Andy Garcia would make a great Umberto, and of course, I wrote the part of Eva Maria for Sophia Loren. As for the 1340-narrative, I think it should be enacted by an all-Italian cast speaking Italian. But we shall see.

Review: Juliet by Anne Fortier

Title: Juliet
Author: Anne Fortier
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: August 24, 2010
Format: Hardcover (29.99 CDN)
Age Group: Adult


Copy: Provided by publisher
Extra: Click here to browse inside


Synopsis: 


When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure.Soon she is launched on a precarious journey into the true history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo turned medieval Siena upside down. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse -- “A plague on both your houses!” -- is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems the only one who can save her from her fate is Romeo . . . .but where is he?

Full of sleeping potions, secret processions, and the glorious Italian countryside,Juliet is at heart an epic romance that proves that love is strong enough to conquer even death.

My Review: 


I came upon this book by chance while browsing the shelves of my local book store back in February 2009. After reading the synopsis of the novel I beelined it to the front of the store only to discover that the book had been left out by mistake and was not for resale as it was an advanced readers copy.  Upon seeing my disappointment the owner of the store told me I was welcome to take the book home if I truly wanted it.  


With a cup of tea and a warm blanket wrapped around me I began to read Juliet.  From the first chapter to the last I was ensnared in an epic story of  love, hope, tragedy, mystery, betrayal, history and magic. 


In Juliet, Anne Fortier takes the traditional Shakespearian tale of Romeo and Juliet, turns it upside down and re-tells it in an unique and modern way. The story beings in America where the protagonist Julie Jacobs discovers a family mystery that takes her across the world  to the romantic Sienna Italy where her life will be forever changed. Here she begins a journey that will uncover the truth of her family heritage and that of what really happened long ago between the true Romeo and Giuletta. 


The story of Julie/Giuletta unfolds in two centuries, Julies own and that of the original Romeo and Giuletta.  As a protagonist Julie is full of depth, heart, courage and tenacity but she truly came alive for me when she discovers her modern day Romeo.


I was impressed by how fluid the transitions were between chapters, centuries  and narrators. Her ability to weave a romantic and mysterious love story captured my heart within the first few chapters. This novel crosses genres and should be a must read for anyone who loves mysteries, love stories and historical fiction. 


Thank you to both my local book store for loaning me my first copy of Juliet and to Harper Collins for sending me a copy of my very own.

My Rating: 5/5

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy 

Author: Kiersten White

Publisher: Harper Teen

Published: August 31, 2010

Format: Hardcover ($18.99 CDN)

Age Group: Young Adult

Click here to browse inside the book

Copy provided by publisher

Synopsis: 

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

My Review: 

My favorite thing about Paranormalcy was Evie.  She's genuine, honest, funny, sassy, loves pink and names her weapons.  She is also lost and a little bit flawed which makes her all the more believable and lovable as a character. My second favorite thing about Parnormalcy is Evie's new love interest, Lend the shape-shifter. For most of us paranormal/urban fantasy junkies, the term "shifter" usually refers to a person who can turn into an animal but in Parnormalcy this is not the case (I am not giving anymore about Lend away you'll have to read it to find out for yourself!). 

Kiersten White's character description has enough depth to make the characters believable and kept me turning the pages one after the other until suddenly the book was over. After checking out Kiersten White's website I may not be far off in saying Evie's sass and humour are at least in part a reflection of Kiersten's own personality.

I love the little twists that Kiersten does on "traditional" paranormal myths and I was left wanting a little more description of the world she had created in Paranormalcy. With that said a lot of readers find that to much description actually takes away form the story and they become bored with it. I on the other hand usually enjoy a thorough description of EVERYTHING.

To sum it all up, I love the plot, the characters, the flow of Kiersten's writing  and  Kiersten's twist on the paranormal but I want more of all of it. Lucky for me there are two sequels to follow with the next installment, Supernaturally due out Fall 2011.

My Rating: 4/5

011.

Extras: 

Bursting With Excitement!

My heat nearly bursts with excitement over this film!  Its time to start getting my costume ready for the opening night.  I am having a HP inspired party next July in celebration/mourning of the final film.  Words can not express how much I love all things Harry Potter.  Anyway the point of this post is I came across a new trailer for HPDH Part 1 and though that if by chance you had not seen it yet you would be as excited as I was upon discovering it.  Enjoy friends!

Review: Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink

Title: Phrophecy of the Sisters (Book 1)
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Little Brown Books For Young Readers
Published: August 1, 2009
Format: Hardcover ($19.99 CDN)
Age Group: Young Adult
Copy: Provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Click here to browse inside the book

Synopsis: 

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-
One good...
One evil...
Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents'' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets. 

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can''t trust each other.

My Review:

The Prophecy of the Sisters is a well written novel with a complex and mysterious plot that slowly begins to unravel after twin sisters Lia and Alice's father dies and a peculiar mark of a snake eating it's tail begins to form on Lia's wrist. The reader is introduced to a creative tale of an ancient prophecy involving generations of twin sisters and good versus evil when Lia's beau James discovers an ancient text and shares his discovery with her. Michelle Zink's description of the two main protagonists, Lia and Alice, allows the reader to clearly visualize their vastly different personalities. As the story progresses the reader begins to connect with Lia on a deeper level due to her genuine and caring personality while simultaneously being drawn away from Alice due to her secretive and dishonest actions.

While I did not find myself unable to put this book down the story began to slowly weave itself into my unconsciousness and I found myself dreaming of mysterious prophecy's and pondering how much of life is actually within our control and how much is predestined.

For those of you who have read and enjoyed, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (the first novel in the Gemma Doyle series) then I believe you will enjoy this series as well.  Both books take place in the late 1800's and involve young women in events that were set in motion before their birth as well as share similar themes of prophecy, magic, clairvoyance, friendship and rivalry.

What I look forward to most about reading the second installment of the series, Guardian of the Gate, is furthering to unravel the secrets of the prophecy and witnessing Lia's struggle to fulfill a destiny she was unprepared for.

I have included a book trailer for The Prophecy Of The Sisters below and if you are interested in learning more about the author or the novel please check out the links at the top of this post to both the authors web site and a link to browse inside the novel.

My Rating: 3.5/5

I'm Back & Its Contest Time!

Ok friends things have finally settled down in my world.  Its been a few weeks since I have done some regular posting and I wanted to start things off again with a bang so I am hosting a contest! I have chosen a few books/authors that I would like to highlight so the winner of the contest will be able to select one book out of the bunch.  This contest is international so everyone can enter!  I have listed the contest rules below.  Good luck to everyone and I look forward to getting back to regular posting!

• Contest duration: 2 weeks
• You must be a follower of The Book Guru
• Please leave a comment with your email address
• This is not a contest where you need to tweet or do a blog post for extra entries but I would very, very, very much appreciate it if you did as the more people that find their way to my blog and follow me the more contests I can bring to you!
• If the word does get passed on and my readership goes up I would be more then happy to thank you by adding a second winner to the contest
• This contest is international 
• After two weeks a winner will be randomly selected and I will contact you to inquire about which book you would like and the address you would like it sent to
• Some of the selections I have included are a part of the series.  If you have already read the first one as long as the price is reasonable I would be happy to send you one in that series that you don't already have

And the selections are:

Young Adult 

Adult 

Thank you for entering!

That Movie SUCKED

I recently posted the trailer for Vampires Suck because it was slightly amusing.  My expectations for the movie were pretty low to begin with but I assumed like all spoof movies I would get in a few chuckles.

I was not amused and I did not chuckle but I did walk out after the first 10 minutes and asked for my money back.  The complaints are to many to mention but first and foremost this is a PG 13 rated movie and there is no way I would want my 13yr old daughter to see it.  The father comments on the size of his daughters breasts using the "t" word, they highlight an overly large bulge in "Edwards" pants and at one point "Edward" gets naked and a sparkly disco ball is in the place of where is man parts should be.  Its overly sexual, beyond immature and not even remotely funny, which coming from a girl who enjoys crude humour from the likes of comedians such as Dane Cook that's saying something. 

This movie took things to a whole new level of stupidity and it was an absolute waste of time.

Long time no post!

Hello friends :)  Sorry its been a few since I last posted (a week Wednesday).  I have been at my cottage, getting prepared for a new job, celebrating my birthday and working!  I got some fabulous books in the mail these past two weeks which I can't wait to tell you about in my next mailbox vlog.  I also finished reading Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan and once again I was sucked right in.  I have been really lucky with my summer reading/review choices as their really hasn't been a time this summer where I struggled through a book.  There are a few I have picked up and put back down because I wasn't in the mood for that particular genre however when I finally picked one I couldn't put it down.

I can't wait to get back to blogging and reviewing the great books I have been reading as well as catching up on my own google reader!

Adult September 2010 New Releases

Mob Rules by Cameron Haley

September 1, 2010

I'm Domino Riley, an enforcer for Shanar Rashan.

Like most mob bosses in L.A., he's a powerful sorcerer, battling for control of the city, gathering up the magic of violent and powerful emotions and storing it for his own use. Back in the day, Rashan saved me from the streets and made me his lieutenant. You could say I'm his go-to girl.

When a fellow gangster is ritually executed, I have to find out which of Rashan's enemies was behind it—and why. The cryptic messages I'm getting from the Beyond tell me it wasn't a simple hit.

With the bodies piling up, I need to win an occult gang war, take out the supernatural traitor within our outfit and, oh yeah, deal with the mixed messages I'm getting from the boss's son….

Cold Magic by Kate Elliott

September 7, 2010

From one of the genre's finest writers comes a bold new epic fantasy in which science and magic are locked in a deadly struggle.

It is the dawn of a new age... The Industrial Revolution has begun, factories are springing up across the country, and new technologies are transforming in the cities. But the old ways do not die easy.

Cat and Bee are part of this revolution. Young women at college, learning of the science that will shape their future and ignorant of the magics that rule their families. But all of that will change when the Cold Mages come for Cat. New dangers lurk around every corner and hidden threats menace her every move. If blood can't be trusted, who can you trust?

Animal Attraction (Halle Pumas) by Dana Marie Bell

September 7, 2010

Patience is a virtue. Good thing these men aren''t virtuous. Coping with a devastating injury is hard enough for Belinda "Belle" Campbell. Forced separation from her destined mate while she heals is almost more than she can endure. Until she is strong enough to take up her duties as Luna of the Poconos Wolf Pack, however, the safest place for her is Halle. Now, after months of being alone, she is more than ready to be claimed. But is the pack ready for a Puma Luna?

Blood on Silk: An Awakened by Blood Novel by Marie Treanor

September 7, 2010

The debut of a seductive new contemporary series of vampires, lust, and revenge. 
While in Romania researching historical superstitions, Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk comes upon the folk tale of Saloman, a seductive prince staked centuries ago, legend's most powerful vampire. Now, in the ruins of a castle crypt, Elizabeth discovers supernatural legends that have come alive. Her blood has awakened him. Her innocence has aroused him. But Elizabeth unleashes more than Saloman's hunger, and it's going to unite them in ways neither could have imagined.

Atlantis Betrayed by Alyssa Day

September 7, 2010

Another Warriors of Poseidon novel for romance lovers to dive into... 
What could Christophe, powerful Warrior of Poseidon, have in common with Fiona Campbell, the notorious jewel thief known as the Scarlet Ninja? Answer: The Siren, a legendary Crown Jewel that Fiona has targeted for her next heist. It's said to be worth millions, but to Christophe it's invaluable. For the Siren also happens to be one of the missing jewels from Poseidon's trident. But breaking into the Tower of London is a two-person job, and Christophe and Fiona must team up to commit the crime of the century.

Chains of Fire by Chrstina Dodd

September 7, 2010

Samuel Faa is a Gypsy lawyer with the power to control minds. Isabelle Mason is wealthy, privileged, and refined, and has the gift for healing. Two of the Chosen Ones, they share a past filled with love and betrayal, and a future denied by fate-until the day they're trapped underground. No way out. No way to deny the passion that still burns beneath the surface. And when danger threatens, Isabelle has only one choice: to place her trust in the power of the one man she could never forgive...or forget.

Cross Your Heart: A Broken Heart Novel by Michele Bardsley

September 7, 2010

Even vampires can be afraid of ghosts... 
After the death of her husband-and her dreams of motherhood-Elizabeth Bretton returned to the family estate in Broken Heart, Oklahoma. Little did she know she would also give up her life as the Silverstone heiress. 

But escaping the past isn't that easy-especially with a vengeful ghost trying to kill her, a 150-year-old mystery to solve, and an outrageously hot were-jaguar named "Tez" trying to get into her boudoir...

Cruel Enchantment by Anya Bast

September 7, 2010

The "Dark Magick" series continues from this "New York Times" bestselling author. 
To keep her fae race from being eradicated, Emmaline Gallagher must retrieve an object of fae power from a locked ancient box. Only Aeric O'Malley has the forging skills to create a key. But will their tumultuous past stand in the way?

Dust by Joan Frances Turner

September 7, 2010

What happens between death and life can change a girl. Jessie is a zombie. And this is her story... 

Nine years ago, Jessie was in a car crash and died. After she was buried, she awoke and tore through the earth to arise, reborn, as a zombie. Now Jessie's part of a gang. They fight, hunt, and dance together as one-something humans can never understand. There are darkplaces humans have learned to avoid, lest they run into zombie gangs. But when a mysterious illness threatens the existence of both zombies and humans, Jessie must choose between looking away or staring down the madness-and hanging on to everything she now knows as life...

The Grimrose Path by Rob Thurman

September 7, 2010

Bar owner Triva Iktomi knows that inhuman creatures of light and darkness roam Las Vegas-especially since she's a bit more than human herself. She's just been approached with an unusual proposition. Something has slaughtered almost one thousand demons in six months. And the killing isn't going to stop unless Trixa and her friends step into the fight..

No Mercy by Sherrilyn Kenyon

September 7, 2010

Live fast, fight hard and if you have to die then take as many of your enemies with you as you can. That is the Amazon credo and it was one Samia lived and died by. Now in contemporary New Orleans, the immortal Amazon warrior is about to learn that there’s a worse evil coming to slaughter mankind than she’s ever faced before.

Shapeshifter Dev Peltier has stood guard at the front of Sanctuary for almost two hundred years and in that time, he’s seen it all. Or so he thought. Now their enemies have discovered a new source of power- one that makes a mockery of anything faced to date.

The war is on and Dev and Sam are guarding ground zero. But in order to win, they will have to break the most cardinal of all rules and pray it doesn’t unravel the universe as we know it.

Vampire Trinity by Joey W. Hill

September 7, 2010

Vampire hunter Gideon Green never intended to become a vampire's servant. But when Anwyn, a woman with whom he shared an unforgettable night, is turned by a vampire pack, Gideon is forced into an uneasy alliance with one of the most terrifying vampires he's ever encountered: the mysterious Daegan Rei. 

Daegan has a vested interest in Anwyn. As Gideon and Daegan shepherd Anwyn through her dangerous validation with the Vampire Council, it's clear they must learn to trust each other. But as boundaries erode, Gideon realizes he has become irreversibly changed-by a bond with the two people in his life he can't survive without: vampires.

Veil of Shadows by Shiloh Walker

September 7, 2010

A rebel army has been established to win back the land from demons-and a ne soldier named Xan has appeared out of nowhere to join them. Beautiful army captain Laisyn Caar is shocked by the powerful, all- consuming desire she feels in his presence, but when she discovers the dark secrets of Xan's agenda, she'll have to determine whether the man she's starting to love is a friend of her people-or a dreaded enemy.

Immortal Sea by Virginia Kantra

September 7, 2010

From a chance encounter...Morgan of the finfolk does not normally waste his attention on humankind, but while in Copenhagen, he meets a young woman who captures his interest, if only for a night. On sojourn in Europe before starting medical school, Elizabeth is intelligent, attractive...and eager for a little adventure...A memory kept... Sizteen years later, Dr. Elizabeth Rodruigez is called to the island of World's End to become its only doctor.  There, she hopes to reconnect with her troubled son Zack, who has become withdrawn since her husband's death.  She has no idea that World's End will also reconnect her with Morgan... And a future about to be born... From the moment Morgan lays his eyes on young Zack, he suspects the boy is finfolk-and his own son.  As he and Liz clash over Zack's fate, they discover their desire is as strong as ever.  But proud Morgan's loyalty has always been to the sea, while Liz's responsibilities lie on land.  Will their reignited passion be enough to bring them together? Or will their secrets force them apart?

Healer's Choice by Jory Strong

September 7, 2010

The author of "Spider-Touched" and "Ghostland" continues her tale of a postapocalyptic world where the afterlife has come to life... 

Born into a world of violence and paid-for sex, Rebekka longs for a family of her own and dreams of freeing those trapped in the shapeshifter brothels of the red zone. A witch's prophecy claims she'll one day use her gift to heal the Weres made outcast by their mixed human-animal forms. 

But Rebekka knows that everything comes at a cost. A plea to save five children sends her into the arms of Aryck, a Jaguar enforcer-and into territory controlled by pure Weres. It's a place where humans and outcasts aren't welcomed, where plague threatens and the fate of the Weres hangs in the balance. And where the choices Rebekka and Aryck make are paid for with their hearts...if not their souls.

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

September 14, 2010

Life in Marblehead has had a pleasant predictability, until Diesel arrives. Rumor has it that a collection of priceless ancient relics representing the Seven Deadly Sins have made their way to Boston’s North Shore. Partnered with pastry chef Lizzie Tucker, Diesel bullies and charms his way through historic Salem to track them down—and his criminal mastermind cousin Gerewulf Grimorie. The black-haired, black-hearted Wulf is on the hunt for the relic representing gluttony.

Caught in a race against time, Diesel and Lizzie soon find out that more isn’t always better, as they battle Wulf and the first of the deadly sins.

With delectable characters and non-stop thrills that have made Janet Evanovich a household name, Wicked Appetite will leave you hungry for more.

Trinity by Lauren Dane

September 14, 2010

One witch, one cat shifter. Add one wolf. Blend. Safety glasses recommended.

 

Renee Parcell loves her life. Her smoothie/coffee cart business is successful, and she’s deeply in love with her boyfriend, Galen. He makes her laugh, he’s gainfully employed, and he satisfies her as only a sexy cat shifter can. He even puts the toilet seat down.

 

Yet they both sense something in the air. An anticipation that leaves them both unsettled.

 

Tall, blond and gorgeous Jack Meyers, Enforcer of National Pack and one of the most beautiful men Renee and Galen have ever seen, stumbles into Renee’s life and the riddle of their expectation is solved—Renee is Jack’s mate. What surprises them all is when the three of them touch, magick creates an unexpected triple bond of witch, cat and wolf.

 

Even as they learn to navigate the steamy intricacies of their bond, a threat looms over Renee. First in the form of resurrected memories, then in the shape of darker magicks someone is aiming at her. Set on stealing her inherent powers—even her life.

 

Renee can stand to lose almost anything, except her mates. But there seems to be no talking them out of laying everything on the line for her…

Esperanza by Trish J. MacGregor

September 14, 2010

Tess Livingston met Ian Ritter at a roadside stop high in the Andes, waiting for a bus to the mysterious town of Esperanza.

Tess is an FBI agent who remembers being on the track of a group of international counterfeiters. But she doesn’t remember booking a trip to Esperanza. Ian is a journalist who was planning to vacation to the Galapagos Islands. He, too, isn’t quite sure why he has a ticket to Esperanza.

Their meeting will change their lives forever. For they have been brought together because they hold the key in a mystical war between the kind spirits of the dead who guard humanity, and the hungry ghosts who exist only to possess living human bodies, and return however briefly to life.

In the midst of this war, Tess and Ian will find a love that can transcend time, and a cause that not even death will overcome.

Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles by Merrie Destefano

September 28, 2010

Welcome to your next chance.

Chaz Dominguez is a professional Babysitter in New Orleans, helping to integrate the recently deceased into their new and improved lives. Though Fresh Start has always been the only game in town, resurrection isn't all it's cracked up to be. Nine lives are all a person can get—and a powerful group of desperate, high-level Nine-Timers will stop at nothing to possess the keys to true immortality.


Now the only hope for Chaz and his family—and the human race—lies in the secrets locked away in the mind of Angelique, the beautiful, mysterious Newbie he must protect . . 

Eat Prey Love: Love at Stake by Kerrelyn Sparks

September 28, 2010

Wanted: Bride. Must love children. Mortals need not apply.

Carlos Panterra is looking for a mate, a woman who will love and care for the young orphans he's recently taken under his wing (or paw, as the case may be). When the shape shifter spies the beautiful Caitlyn, it's like sunshine amidst the darkness. At last, he's found the perfect woman, except . . .

Caitlyn Whelan is mortal. Worse, her father is the head of a CIA agency bent on hunting the undead. Still, Caitlyn knows that Carlos is the man for her, shape shifter or not. So she jumps at the chance when her sister offers her a job to work with him, determined to show Carlos their attraction is more than just animal magnetism. But danger lurks in the night, and their unleashed, untamed passion might just get them both killed . . .

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

September 28, 2010

Cerise Mar and her clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands. When her parents vanish, her clan's long-time rivals are suspect. But all is not as it seems. 

Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge-and Cerise's life.

Left for Undead: A Crimson Moon Novel by L.A. Banks

September 28, 2010

Secret government operative Sasha Trudeau earned a long vacation with her lover and fellow Shadow Wolf, Hunter, after the brutal wolf-like attacks that left New Orleans in an uproar. But when her team calls with news of vampire slayings, Sasha knows it’s only a matter of time before another war breaks out among the supernatural denizens of the world …

The vampires are nobody’s ally, but the cold-hearted deaths of their own kind make them even more bloodthirsty than usual. But who is the culprit? With the Seelie and Unseelie courts claiming innocence and aligning together, Sasha’s team is at a loss. Until they discover that they’re facing ancient creatures from the depths of hell itself, bent on unleashing pure fury …

Masques by Patricia Briggs

September 28, 2010

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is-or where he will strike next?

Poison Kissed by Erica Hayes

September 28, 2010

Mina is a banshee whose greatest power lies in her siren song. She's beholden to her boss Joey, a snake-shifter who once saved her life and now employs her as a gang enforcer. She refuses to upset the fragile balance between them by admitting that she longs for him, that his embrace is the only thing she craves more than revenge for her mother's death.

When Mina learns that Joey may have been involved in her mother's murder, fury threatens to spill out of her note by vicious note. She and Joey have always trusted each other to stay alive, but now she's not sure what to believe. The evidence stacked against him-or the one man who haunts her dreams and burns her blood.

Venom (Elemental Assassin, Book 3) by Jennifer Estep

September 28, 2010

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.

Blood Lite II Overbite by Kelley Armstrong, L.A. Banks et al 

September 28, 2010

From the Horror Writers Association comes a brand-new collection of darkly humorous tales!

The Big Questions of Life (and Death)

Can a killer’s basement blood-feast be a tax write-off (under Entertainment)? Not if Vlad the IRS agent nails him first in Heather Graham’s "Death and Taxes."

What does a pack of hungry she-wolves do to solve their man troubles? Ladies Night Out takes a wicked turn in "Dog Tired (of the Drama!)" by L. A. Banks.

How far will an elite call girl go to beat a murder rap? Stuck with a dead client in a luxury L.A. hotel room, she might strike a costly bargain with a woman of unearthly powers in Allison Brennan’s "Her Lucky Day."

Who actually writes those tabloid stories about Bigfoot? Meet a journalist of the unexplained (she’s 50 percent demon) and her boyfriend (he’s 100 percent thief), as they heat up a museum exhibition that’s also a soul-snatching battleground in "Lucifer’s Daughter" by Kelley Armstrong.

Siren Song by Cat Adams

September 28, 2010

Nothing if not resilient, Celia Graves is slowly adjusting to being a half-human, half-vampire Abomination. But her troubles are far from over. Her best friend’s murder is still unsolved, the cops are convinced she should be in jail, and her old lover, the magician Bruno DeLuca, has resurfaced in her life, saying he has something important to tell her.

The vampire attack that transformed Celia kicked her latent Siren abilities into high gear, and now she’s been summoned to the Sirens’ island to justify her existence—and possibly fight for her life—in front of the Siren Queen. Celia isn’t sure she’ll survive to make the trip. The demon she defeated in Blood Song hasn’t exactly gone quietly—he’s left Celia suffering from a powerful curse.

Taken by Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel by Lara Adrian

September 28, 2010

AT THE CROSSROADS OF DEATH AND DESIRE, A WOMAN TASTES A PLEASURE NO MORTAL IS MEANT TO SURVIVE.

In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her, as she struggles to understand—and control—a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal . . . and arouse.

As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself—until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenges their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire.