18 and Over Book Blogger Hop #69

18 and Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. 

The 18 Over Book Blogger Follow is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 and over crowd, and make new friends!

How to join in:

You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 and  Over adult reads should be your majority.

Make a separate post for the 18 and Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.

Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.

List and answer the ‘Question of the Week.’

Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post

Visit the other blogs on the list. If you like what you see make sure to leave a comment and follow so the blog owner knows you stopped by and can return the favor. Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. It’s always nice to spread the 18 and Over Book Blog love!

Question of the Week: Who is your current hero? Find an image that represents the sexy hero in the book that you are currently reading and share him with us!  

Lucas Davenport and Kidd from Silken Prey by John Sandford. 

Hmm I can't seem to find pictures of anyone that remotely looks like Lucas or Kidd, sorry everyone!  Lucas is 49 years old, intimidating with a scar on his face and one on his throat.  Kidd is 50 years old, use to be a wrestler and a couple inches shorter than Lucas and is pretty intimidating himself.

Follow My Blog Friday #150

If you are new to the FF fun, Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, myself of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

Now to make this FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link above FEATURES and Features and Follow Friday and get on the waiting list!  It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

This Meme is hosted by Rachel from Parajunkee's View and Alison from Alison Can Read on Fridays.

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1.  (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee and Alison Can Read}

2.  (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers

3.  Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.

4.  Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.

5.  If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed

6.  Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”

7.  If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love … and the followers

8.  If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Our Feature is The Fiction Conniption

When did you start blogging?

July of 2012, so not quite a year ago.

What is your favorite part of book blogging?

Making connections with other bloggers and readers. I’ve always loved to read but everyone I knew either didn’t read or read in different genres so I was never able to really connect over the books that I loved.

Once I got into an online bookclub and started blogging all of that has changed. Not only am I able to discuss the books that I love, but I’ve made a lot of great friends.

What type of books do you mainly blog about?

My main genres are paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but my reading habits are pretty eclectic so I’ve been known to throw in a contemporary romance, thriller, or mystery when I need a break. Basically, as long as the story is good, I’ll read it.

What is your favorite book(s)?

I have a list a mile long and I tend to fall in love with series more than stand-alone books. At the top is Harry Potter, Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters.

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

Actually connecting and talking with authors. Before blogging I never would have dreamed that I would ever have the chance to speak with any of the amazing people who create these amazing worlds. Now to have them not only know my name but to chat either on FB, Twitter or email is just incredible. I have to admit that every time it happens it just makes my day and I do a little fangirl dance where no one else can see.

Our Feature - The Fiction Conniption

1. When did you start blogging?

I began blogging in July of 2012, though I recently had to take a bit of a hiatus, so I'm making a bit of a comeback now!

2. What is your favorite part of book blogging?

I love the community (duh). I know everyone says that - but it's cause it's the truth. It's an incredible group of people, who for the most part are incredibly friendly, helpful, and awesome.

3. What type of books do you mainly blog about?

Anything YA, lately I've been leaning heavily towards Dystopian and Science Fiction. Woo!

4. What is your favorite book(s)?

Splintered by A.G. Howard. Oh how I love it!

5. What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

I've met a few incredible people that I never would have gotten the chance to otherwise. It also gave me the courage to attend book events and interact with authors that I've idolized forever. It's given me a place to be the book nerd I truly am at heart, and that's been invaluable.

Q: What blogger would you most like to meet in real life? Tell us about him or her.

I would love to meet Cecile from All I Want And More because she's so friendly and helpful.  She's a mother and also a great friend to her daughter.   She's the one I go to for my SMUT recommendations.

I would also love to meet Alexia from Pages of Forbidden Love because we seem to enjoy reading the same series or authors and she's so friendly and easy to chat with.  I also would like to meet Johnny her boyfriend because I really enjoy reading his posts and I get comic book recommendations which I can pass onto my brother.  I also would like to meet Bianca her co-blogger because I really enjoy reading her book posts and manga recommendations.

RS Review: Calculated in Death [Hardcover]

I've finished "Calculated in Death" the 36th book in her Eve Dallas series by J.D. Robb.

Product Description

On Manhattan's Upper East Side a woman lies dead at the bottom of the stairs, stripped of all her valuables. Most cops might call it a mugging gone wrong, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows better.

A well-off accountant and a beloved wife and mother, Marta Dickenson doesn’t seem the type to be on anyone's hit list. But when Eve and her partner, Peabody, find blood inside the building, the lieutenant knows Marta's murder was the work of a killer who's trained, but not professional or smart enough to remove all the evidence.

But when someone steals the files out of Marta's office, Eve must immerse herself in her billionaire husband Roarke's world of big business to figure out who's cruel and callous enough to hire a hit on an innocent woman. And as the killer's violent streak begins to escalate, Eve knows she has to draw him out, even if it means using herself as bait.

About the Author

J.D. ROBB is the pseudonym for a number-one New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including the futuristic suspense In Death series. There are more than 400 million copies of her books in print.

Product Details
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Putnam Adult; 1st Printing edition (February 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399158820
ISBN-13: 978-0399158827

My Review:

Marta Dickenson death seems like a simple mugging gone wrong but to NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas clues don't add up.  As she and her partner Detective Delilah Peabody gather evidence it points to the accountant's murder.  When there is a break Marta's workplace and her files are stolen Eve knows she has to divulge into the corporate world to pinpoint the killer.  With the help of her multimillionaire husband Roarke and her team of fellow cops she will dig into the corporate world of a killer who ordered the senseless murder of a woman.  Marta is only the first murder among many more each one more brutal than the last.

I really enjoy how Eve and Roarke play off each other it's very entertaining and fun.  They work well together and they somehow figure things out or come up with ideas.  The interplay between Eve and Peabody is very funny and hilarious. 

4/5

Wednesday Wish List

Please list the books/manga/manhwa/yaoi manga from your wishlist that you are hoping to add to your shelves in a comment, thanks.

Books, Manga, Manhwa, Shonen-Ai and Yaoi I'm Waiting For:

Affliction (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) [Hardcover]

Product Description

Some zombies are raised. Others must be put down. Just ask Anita Blake.

Before now, she would have considered them merely off-putting, never dangerous. Before now, she had never heard of any of them causing human beings to perish in agony. But that’s all changed.

Micah’s estranged father lies dying, rotting away inside from some strange ailment that has his doctors whispering about “zombie disease.”

Anita makes her living off of zombies — but these aren’t the kind she knows so well. These creatures hunt in daylight, and are as fast and strong as vampires. If they bite you, you become just like them. And round and round it goes.

Where will it stop?

Even Anita Blake doesn’t know. 

Darkness Unmasked: A Dark Angels Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description


Half-werewolf, half-Aedh Risa Jones is beginning to believe that the only way to find the keys she’s been searching for and save her friends is by dying. And when Wolfgang Schmidt, the lover of her boss at the vampire council, is found dead, her worst fears are confirmed. With the first portal of hell permanently open, the energies of the dark path are leaching into the world.

Searching for Schmidt’s killer and the keys at the same time, Risa and reaper Azriel track a shape-shifting spider spirit capable of changing her form into a seductive woman. But when they finally find the second key, the Aedh Lucian snatches it and disappears.

Risa is intent on finding Lucian and fighting him to the death — for in her mind, she knows that neither can remain while the other lives.

Tiger Magic (Shifters Unbound) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

He was once a captive, but his urges were never caged. Now he’ll release them on a beautiful stranger whose own secret desires are longing to be sated.

He doesn’t have a name. He doesn’t have a clan. The humans who held him prisoner for forty years have taken them away. He knew nothing but captivity until nearly a year ago, when he was released into the light. Now Tiger lives in the Austin Shiftertown, where he struggles to belong and searches for an identity.

Carly Randal thinks her fabulous life is complete — until her car breaks down on the side of the road, and a wild-looking Shifter is the only one to help her. Tiger takes one look at Carly and knows instantly—she will be his mate. As Carly is drawn into his Shifter world, she risks everything she has for that forbidden something she still wants: passionate love.

Phantom Wolf (Harlequin Nocturne) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Some fires still burn when star-crossed lovers reunite

When a dangerous mission leads him deep into the jungles of Honduras, Navy SEAL Sam Shaymore is confronted with his fiery past in the form of Kelly Denning. Once their romance had been forbidden because of class differences. Then a tragedy drove them apart. But the minute he looks into her eyes, Sam knows he's never forgotten the sultry kisses and luscious curves of the beautiful Enchanter Mage. Nor can he turn his back on helping her.

Sam's unit has been charged with arresting Kelly. But if he can believe her, Kelly needs his help now to save some kidnapped Mage children and to stop a conspiracy with far-reaching implications. Threatened with being kicked off his SEAL unit if he does not follow his orders, Sam must risk everything even his heart!

Stolen (Lucy Kincaid Novels) [Mass Market Paperback] 

Product Description

Nothing is more important to private investigator Sean Rogan than his relationship with FBI trainee Lucy Kincaid. But when his past catches up with him, Sean faces an ultimatum: clear his name and help the FBI take down a rogue agent, or go to prison and lose everything he holds dear. With only Agent Noah Armstrong as his back-up and forced to keep Lucy in the dark, Sean steps back into his old world. But the longer he’s undercover, the more dangerous the game becomes. More than Sean’s future with Lucy is at stake — so is his life.

Lucy can’t imagine Sean would keep secrets from her — until an FBI agent casts doubt about who he really is and who he used to be. Why did Sean quit his job with his brother and move to New York? Why hasn’t he told her anything about his new job? With more questions than answers, Lucy doesn’t know who to believe or who she can trust. All she knows is that Sean is in grave danger, and this time, it’s personal. 

Manga:

Demon Love Spell, Vol. 3 [Paperback]

Product Description

A supernatural romance by the creator of Ai Ore! and Sensual Phrase

Miko is a shrine maiden who has never had much success at seeing or banishing spirits. Then she meets Kagura, a sexy demon who feeds off women's feelings of passion and love. Kagura’s insatiable appetite has left many girls at school brokenhearted, so Miko casts a spell to seal his powers. Surprisingly the spell works — sort of — but now Kagura is after her!

Shrine maiden Miko has sealed the powers of the sexy incubus Kagura, who has vowed to protect her. Miko finds herself suddenly popular with the boys at school and starts getting asked out. Has falling in love with Kagura made her more attractive to the opposite sex, or is some other mysterious force at work?

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen plus audiences.

A Devil and Her Love Song, Vol. 9 [Paperback]

Product Description

A moving coming-of-age story that showcases a fierce, dynamic heroine who speaks her mind.

Meet Maria Kawai—she’s gorgeous and whip-smart, a girl who seems to have it all. But when she unleashes her sharp tongue, it’s no wonder some consider her to be the very devil! Maria’s difficult ways even get her kicked out of an elite school, but this particular fall may actually turn out to be her saving grace...

Unable to tell Maria his feelings for her, Shin decides to channel all his energy into playing the piano. His hard work pays off when he lands a role in a big concert, but will Maria even be there on the day of the show?

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration, Vol. 1 [Paperback]

Product Description

A condensed retelling of the beloved samurai tale -- one of the best-selling manga series of all time—released in conjunction with a new live-action movie.

During the violent upheaval of the Bakumatsu era, Hitokiri Battosai was a feared and ruthless assassin. But now that the Meiji Restoration has begun to heal the wounds of civil war, Battosai has taken up a new name…and a new calling! He is now Himura Kenshin , a rurouni wanderer who has vowed to only draw his sword to protect those in need. But not everyone is pleased with Kenshin’s new direction, and enemies from his dark past have vowed to bring him down!


Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal, Vol. 3 [Paperback]

Product Description

The latest Yu-Gi-Oh! series; includes an ultra-rare trading card that is highly valued by collectors.

In a futuristic city, augmented reality Duels are all the rage. Duelists, using devices called D-Gazers, can interact with their environment and their opponents as never before. With more awesome monsters and unbelievable cards, the future of Yu-Gi-Oh! starts right here!

In the Heartland theme park, Yuma (with a little help from Astral) has managed to defeat Captain Corn in an amazing duel, but there are more challenges yet to come! Mr. Heartland is out to capture all of the powerful Numbers cards and destroy Astral’s world. If Yuma and his friends won’t join him, Mr Heartland will crush them!

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura , Vol. 10 [Paperback]

Product Description


A supernatural fantasy from the bestselling creator of Full Moon and The Gentlemen’s Alliance +!

Sakura is the granddaughter of a mysterious moon princess who slew demons with her Blood Cherry Blossom sword. All her life Sakura has been forbidden to look at the full moon without knowing why. Then one night, unhappy over her impending marriage, Sakura gazes up at the moon, only to see a demon attacking her...

Rurijo captures the smitten Hayate and uses moon spring water on him. Princess Yuri, betrothed to Lord Fujimurasaki, seeks the private company of another man. And Princess Sakura is taken hostage by the emperor...

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 10 [Paperback]

Product Description

A New York Times’ bestseller with gorgeous, eye-catching art and a romantic storyline that’s addicting to read.

Princess Nakaba of Senan is forced to marry Prince Caesar of the enemy country Belquat, tantamount to becoming a hostage. While Caesar is pleasing to the eye, he is also selfish and possessive, telling Nakaba outright: “You are my property.” With only her attendant Loki at her side, Nakaba must find a way to cope with her hostile surroundings, her fake marriage...and a mysterious power!

Princess Nakaba of Senan and Prince Caesar of Belquat married each other for the sake of peace between their warring countries, yet the two find themselves drawn to each other even as political forces threaten to tear their world apart. In Lithuanel, Nakaba desperately searches for a way to save both her friend Akhil and his brother Azhal. Unfortunately, her visions show that only one of them will live. Meanwhile, Caesar’s return to Belquat may mean the end of his relationship with Nakaba…

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

Armchair BEA: Blogger Development and Genre Fiction

Today's topic is how we developed ourselves as a blogger?

I mostly review on my blog Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews but I do rate/review on Goodreads too.

Since last year's BEA I have scheduled more blog tours with Goddess Fish and Pump Up Your Book Promotions and I have also accepted more book reviews from authors. 

In the future I want to change my blog template, add a drop down link bar, change my blog button and add more cookbook reviews.

The second topic is Genre Fiction which I love.

My favorite genres are paranormal, manga/manhwa/yaoi, mystery suspense and romantic suspense.

Some of my favorites from each genre are:

New Releases 2013 (May 28)

 

New Releases 

Leopard's Prey (A Leopard Novel) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

From a tough stint in the armed forces to stalking the unknown as a bayou cop, leopard shifter Remy Boudreaux has been served well by his uncanny gifts. And right now, New Orleans could use a homicide detective like Remy.

A serial killer is loose, snatching victims from the French Quarter with pitiless rage and unnatural efficiency. But something else is drawing Remy into the twilight — a beautiful jazz singer bathed night after night in a flood of bloodred neon.

Sultry, mysterious and as seductive as her songs, she’s luring Remy deeper into the shadows than he ever imagined. And as their passions swell, his keen instinct for survival will be challenged like never before. By a killer — and by a woman.

Forever: The World of Nightwalkers (World of the Nightwalkers) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank returns with the sizzling second book in her sensual new series set in the World of the Nightwalkers — where alluring entities known as Bodywalkers face the ultimate threat.

After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one — none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.

While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire.

 

Darkness Avenged (Guardians of Eternity) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Ivy delivers the 10th book in her popular Guardians of Eternity series, in which the search for a traitor leads to a dangerous seduction. Includes a bonus novella. Original.

The Night Is Watching (Krewe of Hunters) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

The dead of night

The Old West town of Lily, Arizona, is home to the Gilded Lily, a former theater and bawdy house. These days, it offers theatrical productions geared to tourists, but the recent discovery of a skull, a real skull, among the props and costumes shakes everyone up.

So, who do you call? The Krewe of Hunters, a special FBI unit of paranormal investigators. In this case, it's agent Jane Everett. Jane's also a talented artist who creates images of the dead as they once were. But the Krewe always works with local law enforcement, and here that means Sloan Trent, former Houston cop and now sheriff. His great-great-grandmother was an actress at the Gilded Lily and she's not resting in peace.

Then more remains appear in the nearby desert. As they search for answers, using all the skills at their disposal, Jane and Sloan find themselves falling into danger — and into love. 

Manga:

Durarara!! Saika Arc, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

Product Description

I want to see Shizuo. Soon, soon, soon

A mysterious serial slasher has struck in Ikebukuro.

The username "Saika" appears in online chat rooms in sync with the attacks. Saika - the name of the demon blade that appeared in Shinjuku years and years ago...

In its chat room posts, Saika repeats one name over and over again, as though singing the praises of its beloved: Shizuo Heiwajima, Shizuo, Shizuo.

Are You Alice?, Vol. 1 [Paperback]

Product Description

A disillusioned young man in search of "something" stumbles into the weird and wacky world of Wonderland, where, as "Alice," he is thrust into a murderous game of "Kill the White Rabbit" by command of the ruler of the land, the Queen of Hearts. But while Alice rails against the role that has been forced upon him, he has little choice but to comply. For in Wonderland, not sticking to the script can have deadly consequences.

Armchair BEA 2013 - Introduce Yourself

Since I can't make Armchari BEA again this year I decided to join the online Virtual Conference from my room using my desktop surrounded by my big comfy warm bed and piles of books.

1.  Please tell us a little about yourself: Who are you? How long you've been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?

I've been blogging since 2008 and I got into blogging because I wanted to connect with book bloggers since I love to read.

2.  Where in the world are you blogging from?  Tell a random fact or something special about your current location.

I'm blogging Canada where it's quite cold, dreary and wet.  Summer I can't wait until you are here!

3.  Have you previously participated in Armchair BEA? What brought you back for another year? If you have not previously participated, what drew you to the event? 

Yes I participated last year and I came back because everyone was friendly and I would like to communicate more.

4.  What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2013? 

I'm currently reading "Calculated in Death" by J.D. Robb.  My favorite book I've read so far in 2013 is "Lover At Last" by J.R. Ward.


5.  Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.


I'm an avid survival-horror gamer and I also love to sing and dance.
 
6.  Name your favorite blog(s) and explain why they are your favorite(s).


Some of my favorite blogs are listed in links on my blog.
 
7.  Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?


One of my favorite post that I've written is my review of "I Can See You" by Karen Rose.

8.  If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?


I would love to eat dinner with Zarek from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series and Zsadist from J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series.   The reason why is they are both sexy and I have a thing for tortured souls redeemed by love. 
 
9.  What literary location would you most like to visit? Why? 

I would love to visit Egypt, anywhere in the Caribbean and Chichen Itza, because they sound like fascinating places to visit and I really like learning about other cultures and I'm interested in archaeology.


10. What is your favorite part about the book blogging community?


My favorite part about the book blogger community is networking with other bloggers, authors or publishers and to get reading recommendations our learning about upcoming books.
 
11.  Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?

No I wouldn't change anything!

Shonen-Ai Review: Loveless, Vol. 3: 2-in-1 [Paperback]

I've finished "Loveless Vol. 3 2-in-1" by Yun Kouga.

Product Description

The long-awaited continuation of the best-selling series, a masterpiece tale of intrigue and innocence lost.
Ritsuka Aoyagi is alone in the world — never fitting in at school and alienated from his own past by a fragmented memory. When his beloved older brother is brutally murdered, Ritsuka is heartbroken but determined to find answers. His only lead is Soubi, a mysterious, handsome college student who offers him an intimate link to his brother’s other life: a dark and vibrant world of spell battles and secret names.

Ritsuka’s determination to find answers brings dire consequences. While he’s confined to a chair at home by his abusive mother, Soubi uncovers a truth so shocking that it completely shatters his fragile sense of self.

*Contains volumes 5 and 6 of the series, along with never-before-seen bonus comics, artist commentary, and interviews.


Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

About the Author

Yun Kouga began her career as a doujinshi author and debuted in 1986 with the original manga Metal Heart, serialized in >Comic VAL. She is the creator of the popular series Loveless and Earthian, along with many manga and anime projects, including character design for Gundam 00. Her works Crown of Love and Gestalt are also published by VIZ.

Product Details
Paperback: 446 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (April 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421549921
ISBN-13: 978-1421549927

My Review:

This volume opens with Soubi recovering from his serious injuries and is in great pain despite his training.  Unable to handle the pain he goes to Ritsuka but before he can treat Soubi he takes off after having an unstable erratic episode.  This causes Ritsuka to be confused and tortured but he manages to decipher the codes that Sleepless left him and he visits one of the Septimal Moon members.

This series has intriguing and hilarious characters, magic, spells and danger, cat ears and darker storytelling.

3/5

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this manga to review, greatly appreciated!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 27)

What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last week I read:

1.  One Day in Apple Grove - C.H. Admirand
2.  The Magic of I Do - Tammy Falkner
3.  Incidental Daughter - Val Stasik
4.  Last Chance Book Club - Hope Ramsay
5.  Sweet Tea Revenge - Laura Childs
6.  Sleeping with the Entity - Cat Devon
7.  Loveless Vol. 3 2-in-1 Yun Kouga

I’m currently reading:

1.  Calculated in Death - J.D. Robb

Books I’m planning on reading this week:

1.  Edge of Dawn - Lara Adrian
2.  Silken Prey - John Sandford
3.  Dead Ever After - Charlaine Harris
4.  Very Very Sweet Vol. 7 - Ji-Sang Shin and Geo
5.  Very Very Sweet Vol. 8 - Ji-Sang Shin and Geo

Here's the link:

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-190 

Cozy Review: Sweet Tea Revenge (A Tea Shop Mystery) [Hardcover]

I've finished "Sweet Tea Revenge" the 14th book in her Tea Shop series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Agony of the Leaves, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning may always be a bridesmaid, never a bride, but this groom is never going to make it to the altar.

Theodosia Browning’s dear friend, Delaine Dish, has asked her to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. But when the big day arrives, everything seems to be going wrong. First, a massive storm is brewing over Charleston. A bad omen? Second, Delaine’s maid of honor is late for the ceremony. And finally, the groom not only has cold feet — his whole body is cold. A murderer has crashed the wedding.

As Theodosia comforts a devastated Delaine, she needs to sort out the suspects on the groom’s side from the suspects on the bride’s side. One thing soon becomes apparent — revenge won’t be the only dish served cold at this wedding. And if Theodosia doesn’t watch her step, a cold-blooded killer may have a rude reception in store for her.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About the Author

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and the Scrapbooking Mysteries. She is a consummate tea drinker, scrapbooker, and dog lover, and travels frequently to China and Japan with Dr. Bob, her professor husband. In her past life she was a Clio Award–winning advertising writer and CEO of her own marketing firm.

Product Details
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover; First Edition edition (March 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425252884
ISBN-13: 978-0425252888

My Review:

Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is a bridesmaid for her friend Delaine Dish's marriage to attorney Dougan Granville.  The wedding day has arrived but the groom is missing so Theo goes to get him but finds him dead with an unknown powder around him.  It is soon known that it was not an overdose but a homicide.

Detective Burt Tidwell arrives and Delaine becomes the prime suspect.  Delaine asks Theo to do a little detecting and soon ghost hunters Jed and Tim Beckman arrive at Ravencrest to film a segment for their show Southern Hauntings.  They are extremely happy to hear that a death has occurred because they believe it will help them make contact with the spiritual contact.

Max Theo's boyfriend makes an appearance and they seem solid but she seems to be noticing a P.I. who she thinks is attractive.  Hmm not really like her at all!

I find it quite funny when she goes investigates and she runs into trouble or things happen to her.

I love the yummy recipes at the end with suggestion for staging your own tea parties.

3.5/5

Contemp Review: Last Chance Book Club (Last Chance, Book 5) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Last Chance Book Club" the 5th book in her Last Chance series by Hope Ramsay.

Product Description

After a painful divorce, Savannah White wants nothing more than to find her happy place. So when she gets the chance to pack up her life -and her son - and move to the idyllic town where she spent childhood summers, she jumps at the opportunity. Last Chance is just as charming as she remembered. She's even invited to join the local book club, where talk soon turns to Savannah's plan to bring the ramshackle downtown movie theater back to life. A new challenge is just what Savannah needs to move forward.

Dash Randall wants to put his fortune to good use, but he remembers Savannah as the bratty "princess" who descended upon him each June, causing no end of trouble. But the teenager he remembered has grown into a gorgeous and generous woman, and it isn't long before Dash finds himself wanting to make brand new memories with Savannah. But first, Dash and Savannah will need to make peace with their pasts to find a new chance for love.

About the Author

Hope Ramsay grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you'll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. She's a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart and is married to a good ol' Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.

Learn more about Hope and Last Chance at:
HopeRamsay.com,
Facebook.com/Hope.Ramsay
Twitter, @HopeRamsay

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (March 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455522295
ISBN-13: 978-1455522293

My Review:

Savannah White has survived a very painful divorce and she has decided to move to Last Chance a place she visited in her childhood with her 12-year old son Todd.  She finds it as charming as she remembers and hopes her son will enjoy it there.  She hasn't told anyone especially her ex-husband, ex-mother-in-law and her mother because they would protest and fight her for Todd.  She was truthful when she told them she wanted to attend the funeral of her uncle and to check on her Aunt Miriam.  The real reason is she wants to start a brand new life there and to restore The Kismet a movie theatre that she inherited from her uncle.  She is shocked at the deterioration and she didn't expect that her kissing cousin Dash Randall is living with her Aunt.  In their childhood they were sworn rivals for the affections of her grandfather attention.

Of course they start bickering again like in their childhood because Dash keeps trying to keep her son in line with his trash mouth and suggestions on the renovations of the movie theatre.  She becomes mad at herself for his interference and her growing attraction to him.  The more she denies her feelings for him the more she wants him.  As they finally find themselves in reach of getting everything they wanted a fire at The Kissmet and the interference of her ex endanger their happiness.

In the first part of the book Dash is still pining after an unrequited love (I wish he would have moved on and realized sooner that she wasn't interested in him - she just scratched an inch with a bad boy).  Glad that he finally got over his pining and realized that he was falling in love with Savannah.

4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

ARC Review: The Magic of "I Do" [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "The Magic of I Do" by Tammy Falkner.

Product Description

Desperately Seeking Excitement

With the temporary prohibition on magic on the land of the Fae, Claire Thorne might as well go back to the Regency world. The haut ton has just as many annoying rules as her world, but at least they have parties and dances. Plus, the roguish Lord Phineas "Finn" Trimble is there.

When the feisty faerie tumbles into his room through a magical portal, Finn can't believe how completely unpredictable she is. Even before the two stumble into a dangerous intrigue that threatens both their worlds, Finn discovers that his hitherto carefree life is about to go up in smoke.

About the Author

As half of the Lydia Dare writing team, Tammy Falkner has co-written ten books, including A Certain Wolfish Charm and In the Heat of the Bite. A huge fan of Regency England, her new series explores the theory that the fae can walk between the glittering world of the ton and their own land. Tammy lives on a farm in rural North Carolina with her husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two. Visit her website: www.tammyfalkner.com.


Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 4, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402268157
ISBN-13: 978-1402268151

My Review:

3.5/5

Thanks Sourcebooks for sending me this ARC to review, greatly appreciated!

ARC Review: One Day in Apple Grove [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "One Day in Apple Grove" by C.H. Admirand.

Product Description

Welcome to Apple Grove, Ohio (pop. 597), a small town with a big heart.

Caitlin Mulcahy loves her family. She really does. But sometimes they can drive her to her last shred of sanity — from her dad ("I'm not meddling, I just want what's best for you") to her eight-months-pregnant older sister to her younger sister, who will do just about anything to avoid real work. Cait just needs to get away, even if for only an hour.

When she sees someone in need of help on the side of the road, of course she's going to pull over. She might even be able to fix his engine — after all, the Mulcahy family is a handy bunch. She's not expecting that former Navy medic Jack Gannon and a little black puppy named Jameson will be the ones who end up rescuing in her. 

 

About the Author

 

C.H. Admirand was born in Aiken, South Carolina, but grew up in New Jersey. She has published nine bestselling novels. Welcome to Apple Grove is her second series for Sourcebooks. She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes' best traits, in New Jersey. 

 

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 4, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402269021
ISBN-13: 978-1402269028

 

My Review:

 

4/5

 

Thanks Sourcebooks for sending me this ARC to review, greatly appreciated!

In the Mail Saturday 2013 (May 25)

Bunny Express Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received these in the mail this week.

Won:

 

Falling Blind: The Sentinel Wars [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect a strong-minded woman from an incredible evil.

A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile — unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight — or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.

Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her.

Follow My Blog Friday #149

If you are new to the FF fun, Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, myself of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

Now to make this FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link above FEATURES and Features and Follow Friday and get on the waiting list!  It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

This Meme is hosted by Rachel from Parajunkee's View and Alison from Alison Can Read on Fridays.

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1.  (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee and Alison Can Read}

2.  (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers

3.  Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.

4.  Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.

5.  If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed

6.  Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”

7.  If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love … and the followers

8.  If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Our Feature is ~ Bookingly Yours 

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging in July or August 2008 – in Multiply. I transferred my posts to Blogger a few months after because of Multiply’s limited features. The reason why I started blogging was to keep a list of my bought books. For three years, I only read and blog every Friday night to Sunday morning because of my hectic schedule at work. It was only in 2011 that I had more free time to read and blog because I changed career (now working as a college instructor, teach and go style).

What is your favorite part of book blogging?

Reading, promoting new books and knowing the authors behind those books. And of course meeting awesome bloggers!

What type of books do you mainly blog about?

I am an eclectic reader, I enjoy reading different genres but I prefer paranormal romance, horror and young adult books.

What is your favorite book(s)?

LOTR – all-time-favorite! I even named my kids after the LOTR characters. Named my
7 yo son, Elessar Andrei, after King Elessar (Aragorn) and my 4 yo daughter, Eowyn Audrey after Princess Eowyn, niece of King Theoden of Rohan.

Next is Vampire Academy and Georgina Kincaid series, so in love with these two written by Richelle Mead.

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

I love to read other posts and reviews of other bloggers, I realized that there are too many great books from unknown/new authors. Before I started blogging, I tend to stay away from unknown authors. I never browse books whenever I’m inside the bookstore. It’s like I go to specific aisle and would only look at books written by famous authors.


Our Feature - Book Junkie Joint

1. When did you start blogging?

I started blogging a long time back but only started a book blog last year, October 2012.

2. What is your favorite part of book blogging?

Free books definitely! And getting to know lots of authors and other book bloggers. Whenever I exchange emails or even get a response from my favorite authors, I could be such a huge fan-girl! LOL.

3. What type of books do you mainly blog about?

I have eclectic taste in books so I don't have a preferred type. So far though, most of the books I've blogged about since I started are under Young-Adult or Contemporary Romances.

4. What is your favorite book(s)?

That is a tough question. Seriously. But just to name a few, I love the Harry Potter Series, A Walk to Remember, Back to You, The Perks of a Wallflower, The Fault in Our Stars, The Temple Dogs and The Bourne Series.

5. What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

Personally, I'm still fascinated by the publishing industry. And so far, the best thing that has happened to me because of book blogging is that I get to see what goes on behind the scenes in the production of books. I want to be a published author someday so book blogging has given me so much insight on publishing.

Q: The #FF is 150 weeks old! And we want to hear from you! What would you change about the hop? What do you like about it? Or just suggest a question to be used for next week!

I wouldn't change anything but I would suggest that bloggers type what kind of genres they mostly review beside their blog names on the linky list.

For readers who read m/m would you read m/m manga or manhwa?

18 and Over Book Blogger Hop #68

18 and Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. 

The 18 Over Book Blogger Follow is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 and over crowd, and make new friends!

How to join in:

You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 and  Over adult reads should be your majority.

Make a separate post for the 18 and Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.

Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.

List and answer the ‘Question of the Week.’

Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post

Visit the other blogs on the list. If you like what you see make sure to leave a comment and follow so the blog owner knows you stopped by and can return the favor. Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. It’s always nice to spread the 18 and Over Book Blog love!

Question of the Week: Cliffhangers. Love them, hate them, want to commit bookicide afterwards? 

I wouldn't say that I love or hate cliffhangers or commit bookicide aftwards (LOL)!

It depends on the series I don't mind cliffhangers but if it's a favorite series of mine I'm disappointed but I anticipate the next books release.

Val Stasik Incidental Daughter Blog Tour with Review

I am so excited to have Val Stasik here at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

Thanks Val and Pump Up Your Book Promotions for allowing me to join your Incidental Daughter blog tour!




ABOUT VAL STASIK

Val Stasik shares a home in eternally sunny Santa Fe, NM, with her aging mixed terrier, Sugar, who allows her to sleep in his queen-size bed as well as sharpen her culinary skills for his benefit. Stasik spent many years as a writing teacher, helping other writers find their voice and tell their stories, and is a consultant for the Northern Virginia Writing Project. INCIDENTAL DAUGHTER is Stasik’s debut novel.

Stasik studied drama and English at the University of Pittsburgh and then transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with high honors and a B.S. in Secondary Education, Communication. The year she attended graduate school was filled with student protests, bomb threats, and military helicopters.

Stasik became an editorial assistant for THE PHARMACOLOGIST in Bethesda. She then moved to Harpers Ferry where she taught for five years and participated in the Old Opera House Theatre onstage and behind the scenes.

In Harrisburg, PA, she became a groom and mutuels clerk at Penn National Race Track and, later, a commercial lines underwriter for Pennsylvania National Mutual Casualty Insurance Company. Right before her son was born, Three Mile Island happened. So far, neither glows in the dark.

In Virginia, Stasik enjoyed the enriching experience of teaching writing and literature in the Loudoun County Public School system, instructed other teachers in assessing student writings, and helped develop various English curricula. She also participated in the Fauquier Community Theatre on and off stage. From 2002-2004, she developed a part-time hypnosis practice. She then retired to Santa Fe where she has been writing — a few film scripts that have been produced (Café Destiny, on the Web, Spring 2013, www.cafe-destiny.com) and a couple of award-winning play scripts.

Stasik is currently a member of the New Mexico Book Association, the New Mexico Book Co-Op; Southwest Writers; the Independent Book Publishers Association; the Small Publishers’ Association of North America; the Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network; and Pennwriters.

Visit her website at www.ValerieStasik.com.

Connect & Socialize with Val!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK


Please follow the rest of the blog tour here:

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/04/13/pump-up-your-book-presents-incidental-daughter-virtual-book-publicity-tour

I've finished "Incidental Daughter" by Val Stasik.

Product Description

Readers who would enjoy a family drama interwoven with romance, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal will find it hard to put down Val Stasik’s break-out novel, Incidental Daughter. When successful publisher Liz Michaels’ marriage to blue blood, Addison Tiffin Payne, fails after the loss of their baby and his growing alcoholism, she pours all her creative energy and passion into her work and finds comfort in her friendships and the appearances of the spirits of her Polish mother and grandmother, who never speak except in dreams she cannot remember. Only her feelings from those dreams linger. When her ex-husband plans to stage her suicide by pushing her off the balcony of her high-rise home, he topples to his death instead. When the police arrive, the potential victim becomes the prime murder suspect. She meets Pittsburgh Police Detective Jim Shannon, who may threaten her freedom or possibly gain her love. Her swirling feelings are complicated by the simultaneous appearance of a talented, familiar-looking intern at her workplace. Internal conflict is soon compounded by external threats created by her ex-husband and his mother as well as someone seeking revenge on Shannon and his partner. Wll Liz be destroyed by this vortex, or will she use the crisis to open the door to a second chance at love and family?

Product Details
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: Armery & Hallquist Publishing (January 12, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0988584700
ISBN-13: 978-0988584709

My Review:

Liz Michaels is a successful publisher whose marriage to blue blood Addison Tiffin Payne falters after the loss their baby and his alcoholism.  She's haunted by the rejection of her father and his family and now her crumbling marriage.

This book had believable characters, an intriguing murder mystery, twists and turns and a sense of place.

3/5

Wednesday Wish List

Please list the books/manga/manhwa/yaoi manga from your wishlist that you are hoping to add to your shelves in a comment, thanks.

Books, Manga, Manhwa, Shonen-Ai and Yaoi I'm Waiting For:

Darkness Avenged (Guardians of Eternity) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Ivy delivers the 10th book in her popular Guardians of Eternity series, in which the search for a traitor leads to a dangerous seduction. Includes a bonus novella. Original.

The Night Is Watching (Krewe of Hunters) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

The dead of night

The Old West town of Lily, Arizona, is home to the Gilded Lily, a former theater and bawdy house. These days, it offers theatrical productions geared to tourists, but the recent discovery of a skull, a real skull, among the props and costumes shakes everyone up.

So, who do you call? The Krewe of Hunters, a special FBI unit of paranormal investigators. In this case, it's agent Jane Everett. Jane's also a talented artist who creates images of the dead as they once were. But the Krewe always works with local law enforcement, and here that means Sloan Trent, former Houston cop and now sheriff. His great-great-grandmother was an actress at the Gilded Lily and she's not resting in peace.

Then more remains appear in the nearby desert. As they search for answers, using all the skills at their disposal, Jane and Sloan find themselves falling into danger — and into love. 

Manga:

Durarara!! Saika Arc, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

Product Description

I want to see Shizuo. Soon, soon, soon

A mysterious serial slasher has struck in Ikebukuro.

The username "Saika" appears in online chat rooms in sync with the attacks. Saika - the name of the demon blade that appeared in Shinjuku years and years ago...

In its chat room posts, Saika repeats one name over and over again, as though singing the praises of its beloved: Shizuo Heiwajima, Shizuo, Shizuo.

Are You Alice?, Vol. 1 [Paperback]

Product Description

A disillusioned young man in search of "something" stumbles into the weird and wacky world of Wonderland, where, as "Alice," he is thrust into a murderous game of "Kill the White Rabbit" by command of the ruler of the land, the Queen of Hearts. But while Alice rails against the role that has been forced upon him, he has little choice but to comply. For in Wonderland, not sticking to the script can have deadly consequences.