Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Description:

The action and romance continue as the Drakes face a new vampire with a 200-year-old grudge. It’s been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she’s made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That’s if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks.

The clans are gathering for Helena’s royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha’s reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.

This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan’s and Isabeau’s perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

This is the second Book in the Drake series, and I think that this is even better than the first one. Mind you Lucy is still my favourite character. We actually get to see Lucy in this book, but only briefly, but still she is funny as ever.

The second book of the Drake chronicles series is about Logan and Isabeau. This was another cute story and I loved the characters. Isabeau is such a strong character, she takes no shit from anyone. I guess you do learn to be tough when you have a past like hers.
Logan, was also very well developed character, and most time I felt that he was older than eighteen. It was probably the way he acted that made him seem older than he is. But than again it seems that all the Drake boys are like that.
I also enjoyed the development of romance between Logan and Isabeau, it was very realistic and there was a lot of chemistry between the two. Also, it was not taken over the top, which I liked.

Storyline was predictable and almost the same as in the first book. I wish that there were more twist and turns. However I was bit surprised at the ending and the deaths of the certain character (you’ll know who I mean when you read it) which makes me wonder what is in store for the third book.

The only part that I did not care much about was flashes to Isabeau’s past life, I really did not think that entire chapter, actually number of chapters, dedicated to explain how she became a vampire. I felt that that story could have and should have been intergraded with the rest of the story.

Overall, this was a good enjoyable read. Very cute and satisfying read and I am looking forward to the third book in the series.

I give this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Description:

Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servents. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess


My Thoughts:

I have a mixed feeling about this book, I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would.  This retelling of the fairy tale is a hard sell and it was alright, but mind you only alright.  There were so many things that I did not like about this book, but I am only going to tell you about some of them.

First, the main character, her name is lass. Actually lass is not her real name she does not have one, because her mother is a bitch. Anyway, her family calls her lass.
What I do not get, why did not her father give her a name when the mother refused. Also, what is the logic behind not naming your child, whether she has a name or not she is still another person to feed. I will stop talking about this name issue.

Anyways, lass’s character is very naïve, thick and childish. There was many times I felt that she was younger than sixteen (I think that was her age). For the first part of the book, while she lives with Isborn, I just wanted to shake her. I know that asking questions and being curious is good, but I just wanted her to think before she asked a question. I could deal with all the questions at first, it was natural and it is just human nature. But she still continues even after her brother, whom she loves and trust very much, tells her to wait and not to question, she still does it. This was when I really started to loose interest. However, second part of the book my interest was somewhat peeked again and pretty much stayed that way to the end of the book. But for some reason I continued to dislike lass, I could not get to like her.

Other thing that I did not like about this book is the love story between lass and Isborn, it was not realistic. More than three quarters way through the book she and the prince realise that they are in love. Even thought they lived together for six or seven months, they did not spend much time talking to each other. I do not see how they could fall in love.

Overall, I thought I was going to enjoy this much more than I have, but I did not. It was kind of a let down. On the more positive note, I really likes lass’s dog/wolf Rollo.

I give this book 2.5 STARS out of 5 STARs

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Description:

16-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her boyfriend and (now ex) best friend, she's happy to spend the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.

There, Miranda finds new friends and an island with a mysterious, mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, friendship...and reality.

Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined? (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

What do I think of this book?

When I started reading, I thought that it was going to be a good read, however as I progressed through the book my attention started to wonder. I started getting bored with this book.  Like I said, it started of interesting, but it just started to go downhill. It seemed like the story was stuck on the same point and just went on and on in a circle. The mystery surrounding the Selkie Island was interesting enough in the beginning, but it was never explored enough to keep my interest in, it was stuck on the same point. I wanted more, more mystery. 

Miranda’s Relationship with her mother left to be desired. It did not feel like mother daughter, but rather like two strangers. Maybe they were?
Miranda’s character was boring and she did not evoke any emotional reaction while I was reading. To me that is not a good sign, because as I read I get very involved with my characters. But with this book I kept reading it for the sake of finishing the book.  Also Miranda’s relationship with Leo was bla and boring. I did not feel the chemistry between the two.

Overall I did not enjoy this book; I think that It had a chance to be a very good book but it is not. It was underwritten, if that makes sense. Story line should have been more developed, the island mystery should have been further explored, Miranda’s and Loe’s relationship should have been more developed, more chemistry, more mystery surrounding Loe and his ties to Selkie island. More back story about the Island, mermaids and mermen legends. This story had a great potential but it was not fully explored, which is too bad.

I give this book 2 STARS out of 5 STARS.

The Immortal Hunter by Lynsay Sands

Description:

Even vampires need a vacation. But Decker Argeneau's ends abruptly when he's asked to help hunt the group of rogue vampires targeting mortals -- one that might include a defector in his own family. Before he can worry about that, though, he's got to rescue the latest victim. It's all part of the job, including taking a bullet for a beautiful doctor.

Dr. Danielle McGill doesn't know if she can trust the man who just saved her life. There are too many questions, such as what is the secret organization he says he's part of, and why do his wounds hardly bleed? However, with her sister in the hands of some dangerous men, she doesn't have much choice but to trust him.
Except now Decker's talking about life mates and awakening a passion that's taking Dani beyond anything she's ever known. Being undead may not be half-bad...especially if it means spending forever with a man who would love her with his mind, body, and immortal soul (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

Just finished reading another book in Argeneau series and this one I liked very much.

It was cute, romantic and very enjoyable read. Book has a lot of steamy sex scenes and quite a few funny moments. I have to say that Justin was funniest of all characters in this book. I just love him and I home that author writes a book about him,.

I loved the chemistry between Decker and DanI, they hit it right off and their relationship just grew from there. I loved DanI’s character she was down to earth, she cares very much about her sister and wants to save her. Decker on other hand he is series and kind of starts of on a bad food with his life mate, but everything does work out.

As I already said, this is another book of Agreneau series that is very fun, fast and cheese read. If you are in mood for something like that than this book might appeal to you.

I give this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS.

The Rogue Hunter by Lynsay Sands

Description:

Samantha Willan is a workaholic lawyer. She's grateful for some rest and relaxation in cottage country, and after a recent breakup she wants to stay as far away from romance as possible. Then she meets her irresistible new neighbor. There's something strange and mysterious about his eyes. Is it just her imagination, or are they locked on her neck?
Garrett Mortimer is a rogue hunter. His last assignment united Lucian Argeneau with his lifemate, and Mortimer is hoping this one will be less . . . adventurous. He's here to track down a reported rogue, but fun in the sun is every bloodsucker's nightmare. Worse, he can't seem to get his mind off Samantha, especially when he spies her skinny-dipping in the lake. After eight hundred years as a bachelor, is he ready to turn a volatile attraction into a lasting love affair (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

This is another book in Argeneau (Argeneau # 10) series and I have read all of them so far.

I have enjoyed reading this book, but for some reason I did not like Sam very much. I liked the fact that she was a strong, independent and no nonsense female character. But for some reason I just could not get to like her, I do not know what it was. I have been reading this book on and off for some time, it’s not that the book is bad on the contrary, I love Lynsay Sands books.  But for some reason, Sam’s character was just very, very annoying, I mean I loved her sisters, but with Sam I just could not put my finger on what it was that bothered me about her.

Now on more positive note, this book was good, funny, fast read, and had a vampires which I love to read about. Male protagonist, Mortimer who is a Rogue vampire hunter, as you can imagine he is very strong and masculine character. He is smart and funny and just lovable; I wish I could like Sam, believe me I tried.
Book has a lot of funny moments, some of them not realistic, but then again it is a vampire novel. Book has lots of romance, but little action which I found to be disappointing. I mean he is a Rogue Vampire hunter, I was expecting more action. Romance wise the ending was predictable but cute, but action wise let down.

Overall, I am on fence with this book. I liked it and then I did not, however Sam was the major factor why I did not like this book. However, I will be reading rest of the books in the series.

I give this book 3.5 STARS out of 5 STARS.

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Description:

Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds her closet harboring Della Lee Baker, a local waitress who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey’s narrow existence quickly expands. She even bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who is hounded by books that inexplicably appear when she needs them—and who has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. Soon Josey is living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters.

Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

I loved this book, it was great. I took me two days to read it, but that is because I do have to work and sleep and do other things.

As soon as I started reading it I was drawn in, the characters and the plot was interesting and moved at the fast pace. I was never bored reading this book, annoyed yes, bored no.
Protagonist, Josey, straggles with life, her relationship with her mother, if you call that a relationship. Her straggle with self-esteem and independence. I found Josey to be child like even though she was in her late twenties or so. She has no independence, and she is gilt ridden for the things she has done as a child, which I found a bit over the top. However, Josey is still lovable character and some people will find that they can relate to her, whether relating to her relationship with her mother or self discovery. Then you have Della Lee who mysteriously shows up in Josey’s closet; the development of Joseys and Della Lee’s relationship.

I have also enjoyed reading about other characters, Chloe was my favourite. I think she was my favourite because of her relationship with the books. I am so jealous; it would be the best thing ever for a bookworm like me. Chloe’s character was almost opposite of Josey, she was more independent, more assertive than Josey, but still she also straggles with defining herself in the relationship with Jack. The struggle to be herself and to forgive.

Margaret, Josey’s mother is hard character to like, even thought you sympathize with her in some things but then there is her relationship with her own daughter. Margaret is a selfish and bitter woman. She was mean and jealous of her daughter, it is just hard to imagine a parent like that. Even though at the end of the book the mother and daughter are free of each other, which is better for both parties.

Overall this is a very good and enjoyable read; it has touch of magic, romance, betrayal, forgiveness, self-discovery. If you are looking for something light, fluffy and easy to read this could be it, because it is enjoyable read. At the end of the day this book is about making you feel better once you read it, and it that is what you need than you might be in luck with this book.

I give this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS.

Do you Judge a Book by its Cover?

This is one of the books that I am looking forward to. However I do have to say, that the first reason it caught my eye, it was because of the cool cover.

The cover is just awesome, its very beautiful, and intriguing. I do hope it is a good one, I can not wait to get my hands on this book.

What do you think of this cover? Would you pick up this book only based on its cover?
 
Release Date: November 19th, 2010 (Hardcover)

Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

Description:

As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her gowing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?

My Thoughts:

This was a very cute and fun book. I enjoyed reading it very much, and I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

Nikki Donovan is a sixteen year old who just recently moved to a new town and also discovers that she is a Demon Princess, half human and half demon. As the story progresses and she accepts the fact that she is the Demon Princess. This new discovery leads her to her father who has sent Michael to bring her to Shadowland, where he is the king.

The main characters, Nikki and Michael; Michael is such a lovable character. Both Nikki and Michael are both very realistic and believable characters. The supernatural aspect of the story and development of Nikki’s powers is somewhat cliché, but still readable. Also I have enjoyed reading about Nikki’s father, Melinda, Elizabeth and other minor characters in the book. I also hope that there is more to story for these characters in the future books.

For a debut novel this is a fun and exciting book, it has all the elements that makes a good enjoyable read. It has forbidden romance, supernatural elements, enjoyable and realistic characters. This series has a lot of potential and I hope that it gets better.

However one negative thing that I do have about this books is that I was always one step ahead of the plot as I was reading. I wish that the plot was not that much predictable, you will know what I mean when you read it, if you have not already.

Overall this was an exciting and fun read and I give this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS

The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley

Description:

The dark legends of Scotland were an archaeologist's dream. Verity Grey was thrilled to be at a dig for an ancient Roman camp in the Scottish village. But danger was in the air--in the icy reserve of archeologist David Fortune. In the haunted eyes to the little boy who had visions of a slain Roman sentinel. And in the unearthly sound of the ghostly Shadowy Horses, who carried men away to the land of the dead (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

I never read anything by this author before. I was in my local drug store book section when I saw this book.
I had to buy it because :
1. It mentioned horses, and there is not animals that I love more than horses.
2. It was set in Scotland. I love books that are set in Scotland.
3. It has ghosts, paranormal touch to it.

Let me say, I did not regret buying the book.
This is a very good book. It has all the elements that I like in adult fiction. It has touch of paranormal, some romance, mystery, history and of course it’s set in Scotland. I love Scotland (and Ireland as well), I always wanted to move to Scotland or Ireland, but since that is not option I tend to live there through books.

Verity Gray (I must say I love her name) travels to Scotland to take part in archaeological dig, and when she finds what they are digging for she is very sceptical. But as the story progress she becomes less and less sceptical and becomes a believe eventually.
The story line was somewhat slow paced, which I usually do not like in books, but for some reason it works in this book and I did not mind it. I found it hard to put the book down.

I also found the history of the Ninth Legion very interesting, but then again I enjoy anything to do with Roman history. Author blended the history very skilfully, did not overdo it either, which is a plus. One problem that I had with this book paranormal part, for some reason I expected it to be darker, more gothic feel to it, but still is was nicely done. Romance was tastefully done, however if you are reading this book for the romance sake alone you will be disappointed, because that is not the focal point of this novel. Another negative aspect of this book, there was not enough conflict and action, but still author managed it to work somehow in her favour.

Overall this was a excellent book and I have already another book by this lined to read. It was fun, fast read that make a book enjoyable and I would recommend it to all those that like to read about faraway places, ghost, some mystery and some romance.

I give this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS.