Tuesday, March 31, 2009

City Dog by Allison Pace

First thing upon waking up this morning was to discover I won a signed copy of this book! Isn't that fantastic? Yes, one of my favorite authors, Brenda Janowitz, has chosen little ole me as the winner in her book giveaway contest held on her blog at http://brendajanowitz.blogspot.com/

This book appeals to me on so many levels. As a lover of all things Scottish and books involving puppies, how could I resist passing this one up? Just look at that face....awwww!

I told the Scottish Guy that this adorable little guy would look great in a tartan sweater and bearing the name Angus.

I'm doing the happy dance today here in sunny Chandler, Arizona!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

My Rating: 10*'s

Description: Eleven thousand years ago, a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. But the strongest steel is forged from the fires of hell…

Acheron’s human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, he became the sole defender of mankind. Only it was never that simple. For centuries, Acheron has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence. Now his survival—and ours—hinges on hers, and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both. War has never been more deadly...or more fun.

My Thoughts: Just when I think this series is nearing it's completion, a book like ACHERON revives it into high gear. Ash's long awaited story fulfills every fan's need to know who Ash was before there were Dark-Hunters. A man who strikes fear into demons and Daimons, his army of Dark-Hunters know very little about his past and where he comes from.

At times, I found this story very disturbing as the often horrifying events of his life are played out in graphic detail beginning with his birth over 10,000 years ago to the present. And in spite of every betrayal, here is a man who is compassionate and bearing a great capacity to love and a deep desire to be loved and accepted.

So rest easy, Dark-Hunter fans, I think there will be much more to come. Personally, I want to see a happy ending for Nick and Artemis to be turned into a toad.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Veiled Threats by Deborah Donnelly

Veiled Threats by Deborah Donnelly

My Rating: 7*'s

Description: A WEDDING TO DIE FOR

When love is in the air, Carnegie Kincaid is not far behind. A wedding planner who works out of her Seattle houseboat, Carnegie makes magic --- usually --- with fractious families, brimming brides, and cantankerous caterers, to give loving couples the wedding they've always wanted. So why is her dream job turning into a perfect nightmare? It started when Carnegie agreed to plan the wedding of one of Seattle's most prominent families --- who happen to be going through a high stakes, headline grabbing legal war. Before she can get her bride to be into just the right dress, a murder and a kidnapping plunge Carnegie into a mystery of extortion and violence. With a shadowy figure stalking her, a rich lawyer wooing her, and an annoying reporter pursuing her, Carnegie is putting all wedding plans on hold. In an explosion of sheer terror, she must hunt down a killer --- till death do her part...

My Thoughts: A little predictable, but overall a decent story with some very interesting twists. Carnegie is a strong character, though I did get annoyed a little at the way she jumped to conclusions about certain events. I'm curious to find out who she is with, relationship wise, in the next book as this one leaves it wide open. I enjoyed the premise of a wedding planner as the protagonist in the book. Don't think I've read anything similar so I found the change quite refreshing.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison

For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison

My Rating: 10*'s

Description: Despite dating one vampire and living with another, Rachel Morgan has always managed to stay just ahead of trouble . . . until now.

A fiendish serial killer stalks the Hollows, and no one living in or around Cincinnati—human, inhuman, or undead—is safe.

An ancient artifact may be the key to stopping the murderer—a mysterious relic that is now in the hands of Rachel Morgan, fearless independent bounty hunter and reckless witch. But revealing it could ignite a battle to the death among the vast and varied local supernatural races.

Rachel's been lucky so far. But even she can't hide from catastrophe forever

My Thoughts: Love this series! Each story brings the reader deeper into Rachel's world of witches, demons, vampires, pixies, werewolves and elves. Old characters return with many surprises and some unfortunate events occur which makes the reader eager for the next story. Jenks steals practically every scene he is and I'm always looking forward to what he says or does next.

Monday, March 02, 2009

New Additions To The TBR Pile in February

It didn't seem like I added very many books to the teetering pile that is the TBR avalanche waiting to happen. Genre wise, quite a variety. Would love to know if any of these have already been read and made it to your best list.

The Quickie by James Patterson

Description: A STOLEN KISS

When she sees her husband with another woman, Lauren Stillwell's heart nearly stops beating. Her marriage was perfect, she has a great job, she loves her life. But his betrayal turns her into someone she never imagined she could be–a woman lusting for revenge.

IS HER FIRST CRIME

Determined to even the score, Lauren seeks to have her own affair. It was supposed to be a quickie, but Lauren's night of passion takes a shocking turn when she witnesses an unexpected, unbelievable, and deadly crime. Now her horrifying secret threatens to tear her life apart, pitting her need to uncover the truth against her fear that the truth may be too horrible to bear. And whichever choice she makes may cost her dearly—her job, her marriage…or even her life.

IT WON'T BE HER LAST


Sketching Evil by Donna Anders

Description: When an attempted rape in her city apartment leaves artist Abby Carter deeply shaken, she flees to the beautiful Victorian house she recently inherited in a tiny town on the upper Hudson River. But rumors of ghosts from generations past, and an unsolved murder, are unsettling... while handsome local homicide detective Bud Williams investigates a brand-new rash of violent crime.

Empathy with a terrified victim leads Abby to use her artistic skills to capture the face of a local serial rapist. But when the portrait leads to an arrest, Abby starts receiving threats and anonymous phone calls, and the house she believed to be a refuge becomes instead a place from her worst nightmare. Bud vows to protect her, but Abby knows she must look into the face of evil herself, because failure could mean her life.


Just One Bite by Kimberly Raye

Description: She puts the after in happily ever after.

THE STAKES HAVE NEVER BEEN HIGHER.

Lil Marchette, vampire extraordinaire and owner of Manhattan's hottest hook-up service, is an expert at matching up the lonely and desperate (and sometimes dead). And thanks to the popular local reality dating show Manhattan's Most Wanted, Lil has plenty of fresh blood to add to the mix -- including the biggest, baddest vampire in the Big Apple. Vinnie Balducci, Brooklyn representative for the Snipers of Otherworldly Beings, is making Lil an offer she can't refuse: find him the perfect woman or she's going to be swimming with the fishes.

But Lil may not be the only one taking the plunge. The three hunky demon Prince brothers are poking around Lil's office -- hot on the trail of a rogue spirit trying to escape the land down under (*not* Australia) by possessing some poor, clueless human soul. Then Lil makes a startling discovery: The oblivious human vessel is none other than her loyal assistant, Evie. Between saving Evie from eternal damnation and saving herself from Vinnie's lethal ultimatum, Lil is sure to be in for the most hellish ride of her afterlife.


Irish Girls Are Back In Town by Cecelia Ahern, Patricia Scanlan, Gemma O'Connor, et al

Description: You thought you'd heard the whole story?

They painted the town green in the acclaimed international bestseller Irish Girls About Town.

Now Irish Girls Are Back In Town

...and their unique charm resonates throughout this high-spirited gathering of first-rate short fiction! So cozy up with some of today'sbest Irish women writers -- many favorites from the first Irish Girlscollection and some lively newcomers -- as they spin nineteen all-new tales ranging from poignant and heartwarming to provocative and outright hilarious.

Against the madcap setting of a bingo hall, Cecelia Ahern conjures a woman's memories of her domineering mother in "The Calling"...Patricia Scanlan unwraps the truth behind "Façades" when two friends reconnect at the holidays. Are they as happy and successful as they appear?...A resolute widow pieces together a shocking betrayal -- and vows to outdo her competition -- in Gemma O'Connor's deliciously twisted "Dinner with Annie"...Sarah Webb reveals "How Emily Got Promoted" -- and how a little bit of luck can make a working girl's day.

Plus other wonderful entries from

Una Brankin · Marita Conlon-McKenna · Martina DevlinClare Dowling · Catherine Foley · Áine Greaney · Suzanne Higgins · Rosaleen Linehan · Joan O'Neill · Julie Parsons · Deirdre Purcell · Morag Prunty · Tina Reilly · Mary Ryan · Annie Sparrow


Happiness Sold Separately by Libby Street

Description: Life doesn't come with a money back guarantee.

Dream boyfriend not included.

When she moved to New York, Ryan Hadley imagined living the big-city-sitcom kind of life with all the trimmings -- great apartment, dream job, and a swept-off-your-feet, how-awesome-is-this-guy love. Of course, her real life is only so-so: not outstanding, nor bad enough to require medication. Ryan spends her days at a dreary data-entry job with wannabe-rocker Will, nights at her favorite dive bar with pals Audrey and Veronica, and her spare time daydreaming about the ideal -- but sadly, fictional -- man: if only Mark Darcy wasn't claimed by Bridget Jones.

Some assembly required.

But two promotions and a record deal later, Ryan's three closest friends are suddenly moving on up -- while Ryan seems to be treading water. Then Charlie, her college ex and super hottie, appears out of the blue with a success story of his own and more than a little baggage in tow. In a New York minute, Ryan realizes that one doesn't live off a maxed-out credit card and a year's supply of squashed Ho Ho's without learning a few important life lessons. She's ready to squeeze a five-year-plan for success into just a few crazy months. After all, why be a big-city girl if you're not going to dream big -- and reach for the stars?


For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison

Description: Despite dating one vampire and living with another, Rachel Morgan has always managed to stay just ahead of trouble . . . until now.

A fiendish serial killer stalks the Hollows, and no one living in or around Cincinnati—human, inhuman, or undead—is safe.

An ancient artifact may be the key to stopping the murderer—a mysterious relic that is now in the hands of Rachel Morgan, fearless independent bounty hunter and reckless witch. But revealing it could ignite a battle to the death among the vast and varied local supernatural races.

Rachel's been lucky so far. But even she can't hide from catastrophe forever.


Cold Feet by Heather Swain, Pamela Ribon, Tara McCarthy, Elise Juska & Lisa Tucker

Description: There goes the bride....

Say "I do" to five surprising stories of women grappling with love and marriage and whether to walk down the aisle or run away.

In Elise Juska's "Perfect Weather for Driving," Megan and Joel's sunset fender-bender makes for a great drunken story at his friend's wedding, but the reality is hardly romantic. Stuck in a New England hotel waiting for the verdict on their Volvo, the two are forced to take stock of their own damaged relationship -- and whether it's too late to fix it.

In Tara McCarthy's "Losing California," engaged surfer Alison is convinced that Michael Madsen -- a member of her favorite band -- is her soul mate. Unfortunately, he's not her fiancé. So Alison flies to Nova Scotia, where Michael lives, because she's either right or she's wrong -- and she better find out before the wedding.

The bride-to-be in Pamela Ribon's "Sara King Goes Bad" has always done the right thing but decides it's important to know what it feels like to be reckless for once. And so two weeks before her wedding, she indulges in an unforgettable night of sex, drugs, and petty crime.

In Heather Swain's "The Happiest Day of Your Life," Annie and Ben plan a simple ceremony at an apple orchard. But when Annie loses perspective -- and everything that can go wrong does -- she's forced to rethink why she wanted a wedding in the first place.

The "Emily & Jules" of Lisa Tucker's story are two lonely people who meet on an online bulletin board for agoraphobics. But when Emily is invited to her estranged brother's wedding -- and it's clear across the country -- both she and Jules may be forced to change their ways.

Will any of these heroines get to the church on time? Cozy up with Cold Feet and find out.

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I am not a professional reviewer, but I love to read and share my opinions on my reading with others who are interested. I work full time but my ideal perfect day would be to curl up with a good book. The majority of the books I review here are from my private collection and my reviews are provided purely for entertainment purposes. I receive no compensation whatsoever for sharing my thoughts and review on any book. If you would like me to review your book, please email me at sharalsbooks@yahoo.com Happy Reading! :o)