Sunday 31 March 2013

Temptation by Selena Kitt

THIS BOOK IS FOR 18+ ONLY AND CONTAINS TABOO CONTENT.
This review will consist of (mostly) just the review. I'm not going to give a whole lot of info about the book. Like I usually would.



Title; Temptation
Author; Selena Kitt (She is one of my favourite authors)
Series; Under Mr Nolan's Bed, book one
Source; Amazon, was free at the time.
Format; Kindle
Publication Date; March 25th 2013
Description; “Lead us not into temptation…”

What happens when you fall in love with your best friend’s father?

Leah is a good, Catholic girl, and she and Erica have been best friends since their first communion. Sure, Erica’s father is handsome and charming, but Leah spends so much time at the Nolan’s—just Erica and her famous, photographer father now, since Erica’s mother died—that she’s practically part of the family.

Both girls have led privileged, sheltered lives and are on the “good girl” track at St. Mary Magdalene’s Preparatory College, Leah pursuing her love of dance and Erica sating her endless curiosity as editor of the newspaper. Neither of them could have ever imagined that one fateful discovery will not only push the boundaries of their strict, repressive upbringing, but the bonds of their friendship as well.

Leah certainly never could have imagined finding herself torn between her best friend and her best friend’s father. Sure, Leah’s mother had always talked about Mr. Nolan as “a catch,” but Leah herself had never thought of him as anything other than just Erica’s dad—until the girls discover something darkly erotic under Mr. Nolan’s bed, a deep, shameful secret that will not only lead them into temptation, but will deliver them into a far greater revelation than any of them could ever have imagined.

If you read the original Under Mr. Nolan’s Bed, you will find this retelling a richer experience with deeper secrets to reveal—and don’t miss Under Mr. Nolan’s Bed: CONFESSIONS, the second installment in the three-part series!

Word Count: 75,000

Review; Real Rating; 4.5*s.

I have read three versions of this book so far. I read Under Mr Nolan's Bed (Revised) last year, and earlier this year I read Under Mr Nolan's Bed (Original).
So far, this one seems to be my favourite.

Why?
Well, it's written better for a start. Or it seems to be anyway.

There is still the taboo factor, but it is not as bad as the original Under Mr Nolan's Bed. It is not...quite as shocking.
Okay, so it will still be a MAJOR shock if you have not read the Original Under Mr Nolan's Bed, or maybe some spoilers for it...

ACTUAL SPOILERS ARE HERE, DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE ORIGINAL UNDER MR NOLAN'S BED; You know, I always think of the father/daughter thing within Leah and Mr. Nolan's relationship, when all is revealed, but I just realised yesterday that...Erica is her sister too... She really does like to keep it in the family. I'm sorry, I just had to say that.

I'm actually quite glad that Selena Kitt released these books as a trilogy. I've wanted to know more about the book and where things went from there for a rather long time now. And now I finally get to do that. Once my book buying ban is over, or I decide to break it. Which is very likely for this book's sequel.

I'd recommend this book to fans of Selena Kitt, those who liked, or could at least bear the original Mr Nolan story. And I'd also recommend it to those who know they can handle their taboo.

Can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel! :)

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Captive in the Dark (The Dark Duet #1) by C.J. Roberts

Warnings About The Book; WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.



Title; Captive in the Dark
Author; C.J. Roberts
Series; The Dark Duet, book one
Source; Amazon, Paid
Format; Kindle
Publisher; C.J. Roberts (self published)
Publication Date; July 20th 2011
Description; Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

Goodreads Average Rating; 4.17*s
My Rating; 5*s
Would I recommend this book? For sure.
Would I read anything else by this author? Definitely. There's no question about it. And not only the sequel either!
My Review; This book confused me. Not because of the writing or the story, because both of those things were amazing. What confused me was...Caleb.

Do I like him?
Do I hate him?
What?
I just don't know.

I feel like I'm supposed to dislike him because of who he is and what he does...but, there's just something about his character that I like. I'd find myself smiling at something he said and then instantly forcing the smile down. And then I'd just be confused, because I'd feel disgusted with Caleb and yet...somehow I also find myself liking things about him.

IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME?
Am I super sadistic too, or is it just his character?
I just don't know any more.

Because this book was told from alternating point of views...I just feel...more for both of the main characters.

Poor Olivia. I feel so bad for her.
She seems like such a strong person and life just keeps throwing things her way.
She's innocent in a way, but at the same time she's not.
Which I doubt makes any sense to anyone who hasn't read the story. Or maybe not even to those who have.

And this is just the characters.

What about the story?
And the writing?

Well, the writing was damn amazing, I could have totally highlighted so much in this book. And I probably would have if I didn't want to keep reading. I seriously found it so hard to put this book down. And that's saying something considering how many books I have started and put down recently.
I've been starting about 5 books for every one that I finish, but I didn't put this book down once.

The story, it was full of so much that I didn't expect. This was my first dark erotica after all.
This story probably had the most depth of any erotica I've ever read. This book is confusing and amazing all at the same time.

I cannot wait to buy the sequel of this book when I have time to read it. I need to know what happens next.

This is a dark and addicting read, definitely one I'd recommend to you if you were over 18.

I'm still having trouble sorting out my thoughts, so that may not entirely make sense. The review I mean. But all you need to know is that this book is worth your time. Well, if this book is your kind of thing anyway.

Monday 25 March 2013

Vacant (Adult Version) by Evelyn R. Baldwin - Blog tour review.




Title: Vacant

Author: Evelyn R. Baldwin

Source; CBL Book Tours

Format; Kindle

Publisher; Mayhem Erotica

• Released:  Young Adult Version - December 23, 2012
Adult Erotica Version - February 23, 2013

 • Genre: {There are two versions of this book} Adult Erotica & YA Romance


Synopsis:

Ethan Parker gets up every day, surviving the only way he knows how—alone.

Orphaned as a child and forced into the child welfare system, he knows better than to depend on anyone but himself. He’s learned trust is a word used all too often, but rarely earned.

Ethan believes that his best chance for maintaining a simple and solitary existence is to live by a simple mantra: Don’t get involved. Keep things simple.

Take care of yourself!

When a young woman moves in next door, Ethan is forced to reevaluate his beliefs. He tries to keep his distance, but his new neighbor’s infectious smile and outlook on life leave him struggling with the decision of living the life he knows, or taking a chance on the unexpected.

As Ethan develops a relationship with his new neighbor, Emily, he realizes nothing is simple and learns that life is about more than just surviving… it’s about living.

Goodreads (YA): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17342293-vacant
Goodreads (Adult): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17409269-vacant-adult-version

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.72*s
My Rating; 5*s
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Who would I recommend it to? Everyone
Would I read anything else by this author? Yes, I would.

My Review; This book may be short but it is emotionally heavy.

Altogether this book took me about an hour or two to read, if that, but it still made me cry so much. I got so attached to Emily and Ethan in that short amount of time that became 14 years of their life.

I recommend this book to everyone. Whether you read the adult or YA version of this book, I don't care, you should read it.

There are problems with this book, sure, just as there are with more (all) books. Some people might find Emily annoying on occasion. Or they'll find something else to flaw. And that's okay. But I loved this book in spite of its flaws.

The book is worth the read despite its flaws in my opinion.

I'd tell you that I wish this was a full length novel, because I wish to know more of their story, see more of their moments, but I can't. Because as much as I do wish there was more to this story, I can't help but feel that the way it was written was perfect for the story.
It gets the story and message across.

I'll admit, when I first started this novella, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. Ethan seemed, I don't know, I just felt I couldn't really connect with him at first, but, as I read more and more of the story I just couldn't help but fall in love with these two unfortunate characters.

Definitely a book I'd recommend. I think it deserves the five stars I am giving it. Flaws or no.

Excerpt:

As my arm swings with the rhythm of my feet, I brush Emily's fingers with my own. It’s an innocent accident, though the sudden warmth in my chest is anything but. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep up this ruse, playing her brotherly protector. While Emily has never spoken about boys in her class or voiced interests of the romantic sort, I know it’s inevitable. She has blossomed into a beautiful creature who has no idea of the devastation her beauty wreaks upon me and, surely, the boys around her. Her smile is infectious, and it’s only a matter of time before a suitor comes knocking at our door. I kind of feel sorry for the poor boy, as my first time meeting him will most likely be ugly. I’m a fierce guardian where Emily is concerned, not just because it’s my duty to protect her but because seeing Emily with another guy will end me.

I want to reach out and take her hand in mine as we walk, but I don’t. I have calculated the difference in our ages. Five years doesn’t seem all that much when she is twenty and I’m twenty-five. However, she is seventeen and still a minor, which is the only important difference, no matter how hard my libido begs to differ. I have to prepare for her to have romantic feelings for someone her own age, not a twenty-two year-old guy who has to act like her older brother.

Sisters rarely hold hands with their brothers.

Guest Post Short Q&A:

Q: What made you become a writer?

A: There was a creative writing course with the final class project being an autobiography. I had kept a journal since I was about 10 and figured “final Project complete!” Easy A. Through the semester, my teacher encouraged me to enter some contests, and I won one a small monetary prize. Having reached literary greatness at 18, I hung up my pen and moved on to the Behavioral Sciences. Realistically, the seed was planted to pursue writing in college, but my conservative family felt that majoring in the “arts” was silly. To quote my father, “that’s what hippies do.”
After Twilight was done and I’d read them all 2-3 times, I wanted more and googled “twilight addiction.” It led me to someone’s blog who then spoke about twi fanfic. I started reading all the stories and said, “Hey, I can do this!”

So yeah, I wrote a story. It was popular. It validated my writing prowess, AGAIN . That was 4 years ago. I began to read other stories that were popular, and I didn’t think they were that well written and it really made me second guess myself as a writer, so I drifted away. It wasn’t until recently (last 6 mo) that I felt like this was something I could do without “Edward & Bella.

Author Bio:

Evelyn R. Baldwin was born in the Midwest and spent her childhood on a horse ranch. As an only child, Evelyn was often forced to entertain herself with the family's horses as companions, and her imagination the only limitation.

After moving to St. Louis to attend college, she earned a degree in Education. During her Master’s program, Evelyn discovered her fascination with behavior and psychology.

Her first professional job experience was as a juvenile counselor, which led her to venture into other human sciences, eventually making a career with Behavior Analysis. While writing is a hobby for Evelyn, she often uses her experiences with human behavior to guide her characters.

She’s written short stories since childhood but only recently began exercising her real writing muscles. While she does not consider herself a professional writer in any sense of the word, she continues to polish her craft and hopes for success in her writing ventures, even if they are just as a hobby.

Author Contact Links:

Website: evelynrbaldwin.com

Twitter: EvelynRBaldwin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6871363.Evelyn_R_Baldwin

Free Anthology: (**ADULT) https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/288657

Buy Links: 

YA Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Vacant-ebook/dp/B00BJXRXJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362872530&sr=8-1&keywords=Vacant

YA Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Vacant-Evelyn-R-Baldwin/dp/1475155875/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362872530&sr=8-2&keywords=Vacant

Adult Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Vacant-Adult-Version-ebook/dp/B00BK6M0J2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362872530&sr=8-3&keywords=Vacant

Saturday 23 March 2013

Ivy in Bloom by Vanita Oelschlager, Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)




Title; Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring from Great Poets and Writers from the Past
Author; Vanita Oelschlager, Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)
Source; NetGally, in exchange for an honest review
Format; eBook
Publisher; Vanita Books
Publication Date; April 1st 2009

Description; Ivy in Bloom captures the weariness of a young girl tired of a long winter. "I stare out the window," she says on the first spread of brown and gray, "looking for birds or flowers / or even warm showers / but I don't see any such thing." But then Spring comes when "March is out of breath snow melting to flowery waters and watery flowers spring rose from its wintry rest." And Ivy's "heart dances with daffodils." As these words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color.

Ivy in Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.61*s
My Rating; 3*s
Would I recommend this book? Sure
Who would I recommend it to? People with young children, for their children.
Will I read anything else by this author? Probably not. Not because I didn't enjoy this quick read, but just because I don't read children's books/poems very often, though that may change soon enough with my little sister. So, who knows?

My Review; If I were still a child I would've loved this little book/poem. I loved poems as a child.

This little poem was a very quick, fun little read. I would recommend it as something to read to your children.

What I like about this poem is that it was put together from older poets work, and it shows you what lines were used from which poems in the book.
So whilst it is just a quick, fun read about spring it also give you a chance to teach your child about other poets.

3*s, I'd recommend it to those of you who have children, for your children. Young children.

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Hunted by Lorenz Font - Blog Tour



Title; Hunted
Author; Lorenz Font
Series; The Gates Legacy, book one
Source; Publisher in exchange for honest review as part of the blog tour
Format; PDF/On my kindle
Publisher; Renaissance Romance Publishing
Publication Date; March 5th 2013

Description; Deep in the heart of New York City’s netherworld, a horrible disease is ravaging the vampire community. The Vampire Council is on a crusade to obliterate those infected, and Harrow Gates is target Number One. The unwitting source of the plague, he suffers from the same nightmarish symptoms as his victims. The world he'd been thrust into was cold, cruel, and intent on eradicating him, and the legions of afflicted vampires he created with his bite.

A bounty hanging over his head, satisfying his hunger has become an enormous challenge for Harrow. The less he feeds, the more hideous and painful his lesions become. Constantly running for his life and learning new tricks to survive, Harrow is in no position to refuse when Pritchard Tack offers him a unique opportunity. Pritchard not only gives Harrow a new beginning, but also a purpose and a chance to rectify the chaos he created in the vampire world. However, the multi-billionaire has an agenda of his own.

Jordan is a reluctant new vampire and a woman on a mission. After the demise of her family and her own transformation at the hands of Goran, the ruthless leader of the Vampire Council, her only focus is revenge. Constantly faced with one frustrating dead-end after another, a stroke of luck leads her to an underground facility that she suspects is the lair of the monster for whom she is looking.

Upon learning more about the truth behind the secret bunker, Jordan must fight against her growing feelings of friendship and concern for the facility’s inhabitants. One man in particular threatens to pull her heart away from her sworn mission. There is something behind Harrow’s dark lenses that unsettles the hardened female. Once again, she trembles and hungers for something other than red-stained revenge. Is love strong enough to override her hate-fueled thirst for vengeance?

Goodreads Average Rating; 4.78*s
My Rating; 4.5*s
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Who would I recommend it to? Those looking for something new to read, something with unexpected twists.
Will I ever read anything else by this author? Yes, I will

My Review; This book has great characters, and a great plot. When I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. It just...sucked me in. Unfortunately sleep called and so it took me a bit longer to read the book, but it was still a great read.

This is a great first novel and I am expecting to see a lot more of Lorenz Font.

Hunted has a different take on vampires. Sure, you've all heard that before, but this book is different and it's awesome and I think you should read it.
Especially if you are a fan of vampire books and you are looking for something new.

I cannot wait for more from this author, and more from this series!

An amazing début and an interesting take on vampires. Definitely one I think you should all check out.

With vampires, a great plot line, and awesome character, well, what more could you want?

Tuesday 19 March 2013

Men At Work: Why Women Live Longer Than Men by Cheezburger Network



Title; Men At Work: Why Women Live Longer Than Men
Author; Cheezburger Network
Series; Not part of one
Source; NetGalley, in exchange for honest review
Format; Kindle
Publisher; Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date; April 16th 2013

Description;  From the New York Times best-selling author/website Cheezburger Network, a hilarious compilation of over 100 photos featuring the heights of male incompetence and showcasing the feats, follies, foibles, and questionable DIY activities of men at work in the home, the office, and just about anywhere.Men at Work showcases dozens of original full-color photos based on the popular websites There, I Fixed It and FAIL Blog, two of the most trafficked Cheezburger sites. From precarious ladder placement and jungle gym scaffolding to questionable balancing of two-ton mechanical equipment, Men at Work dares to offer a possible reason for why women live longer than men.

Picture after picture offers valid explanation as to why this life span gender bias exists. It seems that whether they are washing windows, paving roads, or attending to questionable DIY repairs at home, men at work tend to balance risk with reward. If the ladder isn’t tall enough, turn it into a scaffold by using a picnic table as the base and then add some plywood, along with a concrete cinder block and paint can — voilà!, problem solved. Or, if that 50-story skyscraper lacks a window ledge, create one yourself with a carefully placed 2 x 4. This rollicking collection offers dozens of full color photographs that illustrate the notion that to live longer, perhaps men just need to work a tad bit smarter.

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.75*s
My Rating; 2.5*s
Would I recommend it? Maybe, I'm not sure. Probably not. But maybe to someone who loved the Cheezburger Network
Who would I recommend it to? Cheezburger Network die hard fans
Will I read anything else by this author? I might try one or two more books, but I don't know yet...

My Review; I was honestly kind of disappointed by this one. I saw this book on NetGalley and I saw that it was published by the same people that published Sorry I Barfed On Your Bed (Review Here), and so I thought I'd lucked out and found another book that would make me laugh out loud and smile all the way through...

I was wrong.

This book is...okay. I guess. It just...wasn't as funny as I was hoping it would be. I mean, there were a few part where I smiled, maybe gave a small laugh, but overall, my enjoyment level of the book was...not that great.

Which sucks.

I mean, it's not like the book was entirely terrible, and I might recommend it to a few people, those who like the Cheezburger Network sites and such, but, I think this book was kind of a let down.
Not really that funny at all.
Not even the pictures were all that great.

Sorry if you feel differently, but...I just, I'm disappointed.

Sunday 17 March 2013

It's been a while...

I know it's been a short while since I've written a post. I'm reading several books at once and not finishing too many, and those that I am finishing...I just haven't been writing reviews for. Sorry about that. I should really stop that, I should write reviews for every book I read... Now, that's an ambition for another time!

I'll try to post more, but until then here's what I'm reading...

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/11451886-claire-gamblin?shelf=currently-reading

(17 books at once? Eeek.)

Thursday 14 March 2013

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead



Title; Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound, Last Sacrifice.
Author; Richelle Mead

Description of first book; St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Ratings; 
Vampire Academy - 5*s
Frostbite - 5*s
Shadow Kiss - 5*s
Blood Promise - 4.75*s
Spirit Bound - 5*s
Last Sacrifice - 5*s
Overall rating; 5*s (Really 6 or more stars.)

I recommend these books and will be reading probably everything by this author. 

A kind of Review; I didn't write a review for the first book in this series and so I wasn't going to write a review for any of these books...but, after finishing them all, I feel like I should say...something about them.

This isn't really a review, this post is sort of...promotional? I don't know. All I know is that I loved this series. From the beginning to the very last page.
These books made me laugh!
These books made me cry!
These books made me sigh happily!
These books made my sigh sadly!
These books are...beyond amazing!

Now, there were times when I was mad with the characters, when I was mad with the author, and the books altogether. Especially at the end of the third one...

The conclusion to these books...is...eh. Like, after everything that had gone on I was expecting something a bit...more for the end. But, there is Bloodlines, the series that ties in with this one... So, maybe that's why it ended the way it did.

Anyway, you need to read this books. Yes. Need to.

The characters are awesome.
The books are awesome.
Richelle Mead is awesome.

Lash by L.G. Castillo - Cover Reveal!





Book Info:

Expected Release Date:
June 24, 2013

Title: Lash (Broken Angel #1) by L. G. Castillo

Genre:
New Adult Paranormal Romance

Goodreads Link:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17306427-lash

Book Synopsis:

Decades after being banished from Heaven for saving a life he shouldn’t have, seraph Lash is given a chance to redeem himself. His mission: protect Naomi Duran, a young woman who has lost her faith. The assignment proves to be anything but simple when his superiors, the Archangels, withhold key information about Naomi and refuse to restore Lash’s powers. When an unexpected source reveals centuries-old secrets, his trust is shaken to the core, and he begins to doubt those whom he had once considered to be his greatest allies.

Determined to avoid anything that would risk his chances of returning to Heaven, Lash struggles with the greatest obstacle of all—his growing feelings for Naomi. But when her life is threatened by an unknown source, Lash questions the wisdom of the Archangels and his ability to keep her safe.

Soon, Lash will have to choose where to place his faith—in the home he has fought so hard to regain or in the forbidden love he can’t bear to lose.

----------------------------------

• This Will Be a Trilogy

TBN (Broken Angel #2)
Release Date: Fall 2013

TBN (Broken Angel #3)
Release Date: Spring 2014

-----------------------------------

Author Bio:

L.G. (Linda) Castillo wrote her first story when she was ten and has been writing ever since. She took a break from writing fiction and poetry to focus on obtaining her Ph.D. in counseling psychology. She is now a licensed psychologist and currently works as a professor at a Texas university. Although she has published her psychological research in several professional journals and books, her dream is to publish a novel.

It wasn’t until she found the world of fanfiction that she became inspired to write stories again. She uploaded her first fanfiction novel under the pen name Lacrimosa Moon. With the support and encouragement of her readers (and lots and lots of caffeine), she wrote the first book of the Broken Angel trilogy, Lash, during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo 2012).

When she’s not writing, she scours the Internet collecting frequent flyer miles and uses them to travel with her husband throughout Europe.

Author Photo:









Author Contact Links:

Website:
http://www.lgcastillo.com

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/LGCastilloAuthor

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers #1) by Tara Sivec



Title; Seduction and Snacks
Author; Tara Sivec
Series; Chocolate Lovers, book one
Source; Amazon, paid
Format; Kindle
Publisher; Self published
Publication Date; June 11th 2012
Description; Claire is a twenty-something, single mom that grudgingly helps her best friend sell sex toys while she attempts to make enough money to start her own business to give her foul-mouthed, but extremely loveable (when he's asleep) toddler a better life.

When Carter, the one-night-stand from her past that changed her life forever, shows up in her hometown bar without any recollection of her besides her unique chocolate scent, Claire will make it a point that he remembers her this time.

With Carter's undisguised shock at suddenly finding out he has a four-year-old son and Claire's panic that her stretch marks and slim to none bedroom experience will send the man of her dreams heading for the hills, the pair will do whatever they can to get their happily ever after.

Warning: contains explicit sex, profanity and enough sarcasm to choke a horse.
Goodreads Average Rating; 4.39*s
My Rating; 5*s (maybe 6...)
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Most definitely.
Who would I recommend it to? All of you that like to laugh.
Would I read anything else by this author? For sure.

My Review;

Initial Reaction; Oh, I should have read this book sooner! Talk about laugh out loud! I highlighted so much of this book.

Actual Review; This book. This book was hilarious. I can't believe I waited so long to read it! Okay, so that there was pretty much my initial reaction, but it's true. I laughed out loud several times, enough times that people kept asking what was so funny. I'm glad I read it at home, I may have gotten some funny looks otherwise.

Claire, she was so real. And if you know me, you know how much I love characters that seem real.
She got all of this stuff thrown at her, and she took it so well, and she was hilarious and just kept pushing through it all.

Gavin was probably the most hilarious child. Ever. Certainly a handful and the most entertaining four year old I've ever heard of.

Carter. Carter, he was funny, he was nice, he was pretty awesome.

My favourite character is between Gavin, Claire, and Liz.
Liz was definitely one of the funniest characters, and she wasn't a terrible friend either.

Oh, this book. You need to read this book. It is one I could read again already. I just...did not expect it to be that funny!

Okay, enough gushing. But seriously, read this book, if you have the right sense of humour you won't regret it!

I can't wait to read the sequel, which is waiting for me on my kindle because I downloaded it straight after finishing this book!

Drama Queens With Love Scenes by Kevin Klehr - Promo Blitz




{Giveaway is international and is for either a nook, kindle or paperback copy of the book - winner's choice}

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Book Info:




• Title: Drama Queens With Love Scenes

Author: Kevin Klehr

Release Date: December 21st, 2012

Genre: Speculative Fiction / Gay Romance

Synopsis:

Close friends Allan and Warwick are dead. They're not crazy about the idea so to help them deal with this dilemma are Samantha, a blond bombshell from the 1950s, and Guy, an insecure angel.

They are soon drawn into the world of theatre - Afterlife style, with all the bitchiness, back-stabbing and ego usually associated with the mortal world. Allan also has a secret. He has a romantic crush on his friend, Warwick, but shortly after confiding in his new angel pal, his love interest falls for the cock-sure playwright, Pedro.

Not only does Allan have to win the heart of his companion, he also has to grapple with the faded memory of how he actually died.

GR Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16111156-drama-queens-with-love-scenes
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GhHlCK9J-jM

Excerpt:

The music had become upbeat since we entered. Nellie gently swung her hips while one hand snapped in rhythm to the beatnik-like tune. The drummer and the guitarist played it hip in dark sunglasses, as if posing for a fashion shoot. The spiky haired bass player soulfully strummed his instrument like it was an extension of himself. I wanted to be his groupie ready to take on his deep throbbing melody.

Around us, groovy patrons found their swing. With arms waving and bodies gyrating, they crowded the floor.

“Is this jazz feel too cool for you, Guy?” I asked.

He propped his chin on both hands, staring at us through blurry eyes and gesturing more gracelessly as the orange liqueur took hold.

“In this state,” he mumbled without moving his jaw, “I could even listen to Barry Manilow.”

He downed his drink as if it was water waiting for a marathon runner.

“Come on guys,” I said. “There’s a party in full swing. Why aren’t we dancing?”

I shuffled my feet into the crowd, holding hands with my drinking companions. We oozed into the jumbled rhythmic pulse of the bodies twisting and spinning around us. There was no Warwick or Pedro here to make me sad, just a group of friendly strangers sharing the beat.

Guy created his own tempo as his hands clapped out of synch. Even his wings got into the act, making him look like a seagull caught in a fishing net. Maudi’s upper half gyrated back and forth, yet still poised like the cultivated lass she was.

I danced with them but somehow in my own space, wanting to shed my skin and take the joy of this party home with me, albeit with just the bass player. The primal pulse of his talents would inject the same life into me as he was to his instrument. We’d come alive, sweaty, breathless, ecstatic!

“Allan, darling,” said Maudi. She leaned over to my ear like Mata Hari about to share a password. “That bass player is sober. You are drunk.”

“So?”

“So if you approach him you’ll look like a sleazy rogue.”

“How did you know I was interested in him?”

“Sweetheart, nobody here can miss your unsavory curiosity. You’re slobbering over him like he’s a juicy peach.”

“And how I’d love to nibble on that peach. And that banana as well.”

“Dear, take the matter in your own hand. No one will get hurt.”

“What about friction rash?”

She shook her head. As she pulled away, Guy gazed at me, clawing his hand and purring like a tiger. Was he sending me up or saying he was horny as well? I considered it. My sex life was on life support, but would I go to hell for sleeping with an angel?

From that moment on, the rest of the soirée was a bit of a blur. I recall being chatted up by a sexy bald headed gent in a white safari suit, or at least I’d like to think he was chatting me up. Guy danced on one of the tables to a jazz version of “Shaft.” Hearing Nellie croon “Shaft” was equally bizarre. A dreamy guy was sung “Happy Birthday” while blowing out candles on a cake.  Some poor elder tripped backward onto the cake. I think a group of girls helped him scrape the baked delights from his shirt, but they seemed a little anorexic so perhaps they were just hungry. I believe a man was dancing in white boxers, or maybe he was a stripper?

“Here, try this.”

While my head was filled with delightfully twisted fantasies of me and the bass player, the birthday boy sidled up and shoved his finger in my mouth. Rich gooey white chocolate melted down my throat.

“Is that the sample pack?”

“If you play your cards right. Besides, I have a mad desire to show off my birthday suit.”

“Do I get to blow out the candle?”

He grabbed the back of my head and pulled my mouth to his moist lips. Our tongues swam, locking us to each other. An addiction I didn’t want to break. I could hear the bass urging me to take this man home. Its sensual strum wouldn’t lead me astray. But this man would, with all the right moves.


Author Bio:




Kevin lives with his long-term partner in their humble apartment (affectionately named Sabrina), in Australia’s own ‘Emerald City,’ Sydney.
From an early age Kevin had a passion for writing, jotting down stories and plays until it came time to confront puberty. After dealing with pimple creams and facial hair, Kevin didn’t pick up a pen again until he was in his thirties. His handwritten manuscript was being committed to paper when his social circumstances changed, giving him no time to write. Concerned, his partner, Warren, snuck the notebook out to a friend who in turn came back and demanded Kevin finish his novel. It wasn’t long before Kevin’s active imagination was let loose again.
His longest running passion is a weekly radio program he produces with Warren for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander station, Koori Radio. Since 2004 they have been discovering music, both new and old, and interviewing local artists and community leaders. Every Friday night, The Rhythm Divine is heard across Sydney and via the world wide web.
Author Contact Links:

Website: http://kevinklehr.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4298144.Kevin_Klehr
Twitter: kevinklehr


Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/Drama-Queens-With-Love-Scenes/dp/1936185903

Thursday 7 March 2013

Surprise Giveaway! (Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines)


Hey guys, so, you remember my review of Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines sometime last week? No? Well, here's a link for you. My review. And basically I was just a gushing pile of goo... So, I decided to have a giveaway of the eBook. This giveaway is International. It is for one eBook copy of Fallen Too Far. It's in Kindle format as I have already purchased another edition of the book for y'all.
To enter just fill out the rafflecopter bellow.



IMPORTANT NOTE; Please make sure you spell everything right, especially your email address. Otherwise I might have to give the book to someone else.

The winner will be contacted on the closing date and only after they have gotten back in touch will I send the eBook. If you do not reply within 24 hours I will have to pick a new winner! Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Donations and Giveaways

Yes, I am aware that this is my third post today within less than an hour. Sorry about that.

This time I am telling you that I have set up a donation button. You can see it on the top left-hand side there. Basically, if you make any donations they will go towards giveaways. And occasionally, if I have been asked by you lot, to review a specific book I will possibly buy it from donations. Though I won't do that a lot. Or maybe not even at all.

So, basically, your donations will go towards giveaways. If you make a donation maybe you'd like to email me about giving away a specific book? You can find my email address in the Review Policy part of my blog.

If you would like more giveaways but can't afford to donate money, or don't want to (I understand both there,) you can help get more giveaways by clicking the Ads that you see on the sides of the page. Every time you click an add I get a tiny bit of money for it, once that money gets to £60 I can receive it in check form. And have some giveaways.

Thank you if you do donate or click on the ads. I understand if you don't. Thank you anyway. :)

I FORGOT!!!!!

Delirium stories, the paperback that includes Anna, Hana, and Raven, was published the other day! How could I forget!!!!! I am in dire need of this book. I mean, I've read Hana, and there is a review of it on this blog, but I haven't read the other two yet. And I mean, to own them in paperback. I...just can't believe I forgot!!!!!!
Now the question is whether I can afford it at the moment or not... Sigh.

Just an update...

Sorry I've been a bit MIA these past few days. I've been reading about 15 books at once and not really finishing any. Except for book one and two in the Experiment in Terror series, but I decided to not write reviews for them. Although I did really enjoy them and I would recommend them.

What have you guys been reading lately?

You can browse my currently reading list here.

I've been thinking up some giveaways for the future lately. Mostly eBook and eVouchers because it's cheaper and then I can do international giveaways. It is hard to choose what to giveaway though, and I have to put my own money into it. I'm thinking about setting up a donation thing on the side. Would you guys donate money to the blog? For more giveaways and things. I mean, obviously you don't have to, I'm still going to try and do giveaways but it would create a chance for more giveaways and things.

Happy reading.
Claire. :)


Monday 4 March 2013

Never Too Far - Bonus Chapter

This short short/bonus chapter/introduction to the next book can be found on Abbi Glines website by following the link below. You should NOT read this bonus chapter until you have read Fallen Too Far and Never Too Far because it contains spoilers.

http://www.abbiglines.com/2013/03/673/

This short story has just made me want to read the third book more. Can I have the third book, like now?

Never Too Far (Too Far #2) by Abbi Glines

There may be slight spoilers for the first book in this review, though I doubt it, but I thought I'd warn you anyway. 


Title; Never Too Far
Author; Abbi Glines
Series; Too Far, book two
Format; Kindle
Source; Paid, Smashwords
Publisher; Simon & Schuster UK
Publication Date; February 25th 2013
Description; He had held a secret that destroyed her world.

Everything she had known was no longer true.

Blaire couldn’t stop loving him but she knew she could never forgive him.
Now, she was back home and learning to live again. Moving on with life… until something happened to send her world spinning once again.
What do you do when the one person you can never trust again is the one that you need to trust so desperately?

You lie, hide, avoid, and pray that your sins never find you out.

62,776 word count
Goodreads Average Rating; 4.37*s
My Rating; 5*s
Would I read anything else by this author? Yeah
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Who would I recommend it to? Those who have read and liked the first

Review; I loved this book. But, just, not quite as much as the first. But I only liked it slightly less.

I'm not really sure what I didn't like so much about it. I don't think there were as many swoony scenes, and it felt a bit rushed, I guess.

Now, don't get me wrong, like I said, I still loved it, and I did read it within about 5 to 7 hours. I guess, it just felt slightly predictable. Like, I totally saw some of it coming, and the relationship went so quickly considering they'd known each other for, like, four months. It was unrealistic, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.

I rate books based on enjoyment, mostly, and so this book still gets the full five stars from me, and if you liked the first book I'd totally recommend this to you, and I'm also really excited that there's going to be a third Blaire and Rush book because I just love them both so much, and now I'm rambling.

This book was enjoyable. I loved it and it definitely kept my attention. I didn't put it down once, even in the car, when the reading was straining my eyes, so, it's obvious that I liked it, and I could definitely reread this book.

I'd recommend it to those who have read, and liked, the first.

Friday 1 March 2013

A New Winner...

Unfortunately Amber, one of the winners for the The Love of My (Other) Life giveaway didn't get back to us yesterday after we were unable to send her an email. Because she didn't get back to us within 24 hours I had to pick a new winner.

And that new winner is;

Chinyere Ezinwanyi

Sarah Miniaci should be sending you an email soon. (Please say it's the right email this time!)