Book Review: Another Kind of Dead by Kelly Meding

Another Kind of Dead by Kelly Meding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a seriously fast paced, moving in crazy directions and non stop action. It did not stop. Granted, this meant there wasn't as much character/character relationship development as a whole. It was just this intense gut twisting story line.

I do think that Evy needs to get in shape or stop whining about. Though I think she's a bit softer/nicer in this book compared to previous ones. Still sharp and fiesty, but now with a hint of a smile. I would love it if Wyatt had a more umph to him.

Overall, it was a great installment in the Dreg series. I can't wait to read the next one!

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Book Review: My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley

My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I did like this book, though I must say this novel frustrated me.

I wasn't as happy with Emily, the lead female character, because she was so - well she was basically a door mat - for a lot of this. Yes, she would do anything and everything for Drake, and I get that she was completely devoted to him. I just wished that she was a stronger person for herself as well.

Drake wasn't whole and so I can see where he would have a hard time dealing with any emotions, but it was almost a little much. Drake was playing a deep game in this novel, some of which it seemed like he wasn't even sure himself which way things would go. I actually liked that part of it.

It was well written, you certainly don't get bored with this novel (or even this series) but this book felt like it was held back a notch. I wanted something more from the couple, a deeper spark that really ignited things.

I think my favorite part was the end, where everything *luckily* worked out. I liked that you weren't sure and it was a little bit touch and go. And there will be consequences for many of the characters.

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Book Review: Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

Cold Days by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Dresden Files has been one of my favorite series for a long while.

Cold Days does not disappoint in any way. It was FULL of the Awesome, it was amazing and I might actually be able to read it a second time (which doesn't typically happen for me). Honestly, it was brilliant. I never quite know how Jim Butcher is going twist things and throw something in from left field that then totally makes the whole situation expand and explode and just get intensly more complicated. Love it.

The humor, the emotional smack downs, and well just everything was absolutely and incredibly divine in this novel. I want MORE. I wish I had the words to really convey how much I loved this book.

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Book Review: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews

Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am disappointed that there will not be any more Edge books, because I have really enjoyed this series and the characters within it. Though I am holding out hope that there might be an off shoot of the series.

Ilona Andrew's world building skills are amazing. In this series, the Edge is unique and in a unusual position. It's like a dumping ground and spring board at the same time. The characters you want in your own family and when you read this series/book you *want to know* what happens.

As this is the last book, the author did end it on a positive note, and even though I still want to know what is going to happens to certain characters.

It was full of action, multiple plots and situations (which I love) and you don't always know what is going to come of it, that is until it all comes together and you can breath once more.

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Book Review: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a deliciously good read. Fun, witty & smart, full of romance. And compelling. You feel compelled to read the book from start to finish, as soon as you pick it up.

It's a sweet and easy read and not complicated in the way some novels are. And it's nice to have a lead character, Callie, be utterly perfect in all ways physically. All the characters, lead and secondary, were well written. The story was unique compared to the other novels I've read in this genre.

Totally recommend for those who love (or like or haven't even read it before) romance!

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Book Review: The Dark-Eyes War by David B. Coe

The Dark-Eyes' War by David B. Coe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think this would have been a better read for me if I was able to read it not too long after reading the 2nd book in this series. It took me a few moments to get really caught up in the story line again.

Dark-Eyes War was the final book in this series. I do love how Coe is able to build worlds, make them real and have everthing fall into place. His characters always are well written, have depth and the relationships well worked out. I do wish this particular trilogy were a bit more complex like his other series. For me, his writing is even better the more complicated it gets!! That would have been a 4-5 star for me.

Highly recommend this author and series for those who enjoy fantasy that's original. Also recommend to read his Winds of the Forelands series first though.

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Book Review: Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison

Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really, really liked this book.

It was fast paced, funny, action packed and full of sexy-ness.

Pia and Dragos are learning, together. Gaining understanding, balance in their relationship which I appreciated. I loved how Pia is assertive and in better control. I really enjoyed Dragos thinking ahead more because of Pia, and how things are changing due to Peanut!!

I do wish there were more scenes with the Sentinel Games. There were, overall, good twists and turns in the story, suspense until the very end. It was well worth reading and waiting for.

I am really looking forward to the next release in the Elder Series.

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Book Review: The First Confessor (The Legend of Magda Searus) by Terry Goodkind

The First Confessor by Terry Goodkind
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is basically the Prequel to his Sword of Truth series. It was also a seriously incredible read.

The story was intriguing, the characters such a good blend that you fell into the book and became part of it along with them. I could not put it down. I didn't want this book to end. I want more!

Terry Goodkind showed he is a master story teller once again in this novel. He draws you in and hooks you on the amazingly entertaining and moving story and you can't but help become wrapped up and woven into it.

This is the type of book that makes you want to read more.

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Book Review: Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I actually read this book first, out of the series, by accident. Even though I could tell that there were some history with the other characters, it certainly didn't take away from this story.

The leading female character, Jesse St. James, strong-independent-smart, but also annoying. The leading male character, Cian, is a 9th century somewhat cave man-ish but hunky male. I liked how he was selfless about what needed to be done, but not how he sometimes treated Jesse.

I did like the fact that Jesse was immune to his and others magical charms. That part of the plot worked for me and I think made the story more interesting.

It was an easy, magical romantic read with some action thrown in. It didn't seem like an amazingly written must be read book, but it was very enjoyable.

Now I just need to read the rest of the series.




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What I'm Currently Reading

Dark Expectations (Soul Sisters, #2) by Janiera Eldridge - here's hoping it's better than the 1st :)

The Never King by George Tyson

Fire (Elements of Power, #1) by Heather James

Lord's Fall (Elder Races, #5) by Thea Harrison



I am excited by all of them really :) The first 3 are part of Goodreads requirements and the last one I have been patiently waiting for.   I also have 4 more library books to read as well.   Good times :)

Book Review: My Scandalous Viscount (Inferno Series) by Gaelen Foley

My Scandalous Viscount by Gaelen Foley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This historical romance was both good and bad.

The Good: Closure in my many ways in the series (but still more to come!!). Finally get these 2 main characters into the marriage bed. The author writes well - she does get you drawn into the story. The secondary characters are interesting and you want to hear about them.

The Bad: The trust issues between Beau and Carissa really bugged me. This caused their relationship to suffer (as trust issues always will) and it was just so frustrating that I wanted to scream or spank them until they got a clue. Also, it felt like the Inferno Club should have been more protected/protected it's own for what it represents in the series.

The Eh: This particular book felt a little bit predictable. It was great to get some of the characters relationships in order but it felt just like a place holder in the series.

I do like the Inferno Club series, it's intriguing, funny, well written and you have romance and danger. Who could want more.

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Book Review: Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George

Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the third and final book in the Princess series by Jessica Day George.

I have really enjoyed this series, enchanted by the story line and characters. It was an easy read, something for those lazy days where you don't want to think too hard but still really enjoy what you're reading.

It was very well written, as most of her novels have been. It was neat how it incorporated aspects from classic stories like Red Riding Hood and Robin Hood, perfecting blending it into her Princess story.

All loose ends were stitched up nicely, though I still wonder how/what happened to those living in Under Stone at the end.

Highly recommend this book and series for anyone in the mood for an easy and quick read - it's a lovely, innocent and adventurous Princess story.

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Book Review: Soul Sisters by Janiera Eldridge

Soul Sisters by Janiera Eldridge
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review via GoodReads**

I was really excited to receive this book, based on the synopsis and some of what others have stated in their reviews.

The idea behind the story I really liked. It's unique and has quite a lot of potential to be a truly impacting story for the Vampire genre of paranormal books.

However, how it was presented left me wanting. If it had a little more time in development, where it could have been fine tuned and had more character/character relationship depth it would have rocked 5 stars easily.

This book was hard for me to read through, mainly I kept hoping that the writer was going to more articulate with Ani and Dana (the main characters), especially since they had been around for over a 100 years. I was expecting them to be sharper and stronger characters.

I am hoping that her next novel in this series shows up on the promise that this first one is hinting at.



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Yummy Products

I was thinking about my Dad this morning so I decided to check and see if Amazon has any of his products listed.

Yes, yes it does. Granted it's going through one of the customers he sells to, I don't care, I just think it's cool they are listed :)

Here are a few that I use (ok I use a lot of his shit) -

 

The B-Healthy is awesome, especially if you have PCOS.

Love me the Facial Wash, I have sensitive skin and this stuff keeps it clear.

I like the Age Defying lotion, not because it's age defying so much, but the orange scent makes me think of summer and happy thoughts. Plus, this stuff is thick and absorbs into my skin like nothing. Which is really really good because the winter air here is DRY DRY DRY and I need some damn moisturizer!!

Book Review: Magic on the Line by Devon Monk

Magic on the Line by Devon Monk


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


More like 4.5 Stars

I want to say that so far of this series this has been one of my favorites.


Yes, Zay has changed. Yes, Allie is changing. To be honest, most of the characters are becoming more complex, even Alli's Dad. I think these things are expected and I would be more upset if the characters didn't change! And I totally feel for them all because there is no rest for the wicked in this series. It has been one major mojo after another, but this is why we read books - the thrill of the story. And this story is getting bigger, deeper and more impacting.

I am liking the series the more I read it. Can't wait to get my hands on the next installment.





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Stainless Steel vs. Non Stick - Part 1

We currently have Non Stick pots and pans.

The (now Ex-)husband knows that when we need to buy new ones (which will be sooner rather than later) and I am pretty sure I want the Stainless Steel set. I have been looking into this for a quite a while now, before the holidays even.

It's a good investment since it will last a lifetime. Health wise, studies are showing the Non Stick/Teflon has fumes that aren't the healthiest, plus I hate how the non stick coating is flaking off on our pans right now.


I know some people who have mostly Stainless Steel but will keep 1 - 10" skillet that is Non Stick for things like eggs or whatever requires a more delicate cooking touch. All I wonder with that is, people 30 years ago didn't really have this Non stick option, and they were able to cook eggs and whatnot (chefs, I'm sure, did all kinds of delicate cooking miracles) so do I really need to even keep that 1 skillet?

I do have 1 cast iron skillet. Maybe I should start using that for now instead of my non stick...hmmm...

I also think I will do a little bit more research before I try to convince the (now Ex-)husband about this investment.
Here are some interesting links so far:

http://missvickie.com/howto/cooking101/secret.htm

http://www.amazon.com/forum/cooking?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx211KPGGBLHNC6&cdThread=TxYA21ALTW36NR

http://environment.about.com/od/healthenvironment/a/safecookware.htm

Book Review: Primal Law by J.D. Tyler

Primal Law by J.D. Tyler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First, I must say that to me this author and story line has a lot of potential. I will be reading the rest of this series, but I am hoping that the both gain more depth as it goes on.

This book seemed to move a little too fast in some ways. I felt rushed reading it, and then would hit a spot with details that showed how much more it could have been all the way through.

In part, it was harder for me to accept that Kira just went so easily with everything that happened, coming from a background with no paranormal history. That part was a hard sell. I also wish there was a bit more of the story developed before the characters were jumping into bed with each other. A little more tension and pull first. That antipation would have helped increase the enjoyment, as would have a litle bit more character development.

Overall, it wasn't bad, it wasn't awesome, but it good enough I want to see what happens with the series!

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Book Review: Magic on the Hunt by Devon Monk

Magic on the Hunt by Devon Monk


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Book 6 of the Allie Beckstrom is starting to finally get closer to the nut of this series. You learn more about what's really been going on and how what was thought as the big picture, well, it wasn't quite big enough!

I like how Allie seems to be finally be growing deeper as a character. She's not as whiny and always hating on life, she's more a team player and even though she still gets the crap beaten out of her, it's not all about her in this segment.

There is a lot of really good tension, change and action in this novel. I feel like it's better than #5 in this series. Yes, Allie still has a lot of questions and she's slightly behind the curve on the history of the Authority, but there is better fluency between her and the other characters.

I also loved reading more about Shame and Terric. Personally, I am a bit in love with Shame's character.

Overall, I am more excited to read the rest of the novels in this series now :) This was a great kick it up a notch book!

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Book Review: Touch the Dark by Karen Chance

Touch the Dark by Karen Chance


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Having read the Dorina Basarab series by Karen Chance prior to this start of the Cassie Palmer series, I think really helped me understand the whole plot and world better. I was already familiar with many of the characters, but this novel definetely helped me get a better scope on some of them.

I liked it, quite a bit. Very magically creative and though it took just over 200 pages for the Senate to tell Cassie what they wanted, it was worth it. The action was basically non stop through out the whole book, one situation rolling into the next, that you practically held your breath for half the book!

I really liked how Cassie always stood up for herself, didn't let herself get distracted from what SHE wanted/needed to get done. Gotta love a heroine that knows what she's about, even if isn't what she had wanted.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!




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Book review - Deerskin by Robin McKinley

I am in the process of updating my Goodreads (see, I have over 1,000 books read and I need to associate what date I've read them so that my stats update - fun times) and just had to write a quick review of this book.

Deerskin by Robin McKinley


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was intense. In that, it was so incredibly powerful and painful and amazing. I didn't think I was going to love this book the way I do. Perhaps this book is not quite for everyone because it is so gutwrenching and has dark tones to it. However, I would recommend it to any and all of my friends because it is so profound.

It is an emotional read, one that you find at the end that you realize how incredible this book is.




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