Wickedly Charming Review

Wickedly Charming

By Kristine Grayson

Summary

Cinderella's Prince Charming is divorced and at a dead-end in his career, so he opens a bookstore and travels the land ordering books and discovering new authors. Still handsome and still charming, he has given up on women, royalty, and anything that smacks of a future.

Mellie is sick and tired of being called the Evil Stepmother. She did her best by her stepdaughter Snow White, but the girl resented her to no end and made all kinds of false accusations.

Neither of them believes in happily ever after anymore, but both of them believe in happily for the moment... 

What I Loved 

Retold Fairy Tales

The fairy tale doesn't stop with 'happily ever after' in fact it is just the beginning of the story or in the case of our prince an the end of a hasty marriages and unhappily ever after. I love any version of retold stories be it fairy tales, Greek mythologies, or just revamped tales using characters from other classics like Shakespeare, Jane Austen etc... When I won an ARC of this book from Casablanca Authors I was so excited. Happy endings didn't really happen for THE Prince Charming of Cinderella's story and the "evil" stepmother of Snow White isn't so evil after all she just got some very bad press. 

The World

The worlds are all separated and and accessible through portals. 

The Greater World our world where mystical creatures are just fairy tales. Were people like the Brothers Grimm took the stories and embellished upon them, falsifying and unjustly labeling characters.

The Kingdoms there are a few different ones up to 6 (I believe) containing their own things like talking mice, unicorns or flying monkeys

Theme of Books

What is hotter than prince charming loving books and admitting to being a book nerd! But he is also physically still in shape with middle age man hotness and valuing his daughters above all else! Charming has a book store and goes to a book fair convention and he get stacks of books, that made me drool. The theme of the book is based around books and what type of impact they can have on society. Perfect for any book lover.

Characters

Charming is his birth name, his name while he is over here in The Greater World is Dave Encanto. As I stated above he is a book lover and a good writer to boot, but a very passive man that doesn't like confrontation. He let his ex-wife Ella (CinderElla) walk all over him. You feel very sorry for this book loving geek with amazing charming abilities. 

Mellie for short Melvina the female version of Melvin. She has been dealing with a lot of lies and bad press her whole life and tired of it. She tries protesting but that doesn't work so Charming suggests she write a book and change the image of stepmothers that way. Like the vampires did from Bram Stokers truer version of vampires to Twilight's version of sophisticated polite creatures. The power of books. Mellie is a not a damsel in distress, but a doer and strong willed woman that won't let herself be labeled and archetyped any longer.

Romance

A romance that neither of them are ready to admit to and they don't know if the other is feeling the same thing. Some times these romances are very annoying and frustrating and it was, but I completely enjoyed their slow romance. 

Recommendation

If you love any version of retold fairy tales this is a must read. If you love the different type of twist that authors will put on your favorite tales and make it their own, you got to check it out. 

Release Date

Sunday May 1st 

Amazon $6.99 or ebook $5.49/ Borders $6.99 or ebook $5.49/ B&N $6.99 ebook $5.59

Information

Other Books

Utterly Charming

Completely Smitten

Simply Irresistible

Absolutely Captivated 

Totally Spellbound

Thoroughly Kissed

Charming Blue

Most of these are being reissued between now and 2012. All of them are stand alone novels. Check out the website for a comprehensive reading guide to the series

http://www.kristinegrayson.com/grayson-series-guide/

She also writes under a different name as well in a different genre

Another book that tells the story through the POV of Snow Whites evil stepmother is Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen by Serena Valentino. This is another interesting take on the stepmother persona.

What is your favorite fairy tale?

Cinderella is my favorite princess and I love Disney's version, so I was kinda said when Ella was the selfish idiot that she was in this book, but I got over it and enjoy this different version.

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My Massive To Read List

My adult and YA reading list

Many of these books are part of a series that I have already started, some are a new series that I want to start, popular books that I should read and some are ARCs that have a certain read date and I hope I don't forget them. In all actually I didn't list everything that I haven't read on my bookshelf, I stopped myself at 60 per each section. These are all one my shelf currently that haven't been read. This is not even counting my list of books that will be coming out that I will need to buy. Wow I have a terribly wonderful addiction. I wrote my list because I was reading and commenting to Fiktshun My 2011 Top Ten List of Unread Books 

I was saying that I have 100 on my list to read, might be able to narrow it down, but it will be really hard. 

So I just decided to write my 100 list, well it turned out out to be 125 list and I did skip a few books that I am just now remembering. I also added my little Kindle list as well.

The books are in alphabetical order because I just went in order on my shelves. 

My Adult 60 List

Undertow by Cherry Adair

Women of the Underworld series by Kelly Armstrong all 13 I have an ARC of Spellbound, time to finally read the series 

Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur

Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur this is the final 2 books to the series, I want to know what happens

Mercy Burns by Keri Arthur book 2 in her series, book 1 to this series introduced me to this author

Mammoth Hunters by Jean M Auel on page 255 of 645 re reading to be refreshed for the conclusion

Plains of Passage by Jean M Auel

The Shelter of Stones by Jean M Auel

The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M Auel on page 325 of 757 going to go back to reading the rest of the books then finish this book (confusing I know)

Raven Duology by Patricia Briggs

Hurog Duology by Patricia Briggs

The HobT by Patricia Briggs

Siamin trilogy by Patricia Briggs I want to read EVERY thing of hers

Divine by Choice by PC Cast

Divine by Blood by PC Cast I love her adult books, I have read book 1 in the divine series and I loved it. Need to finish the rest of the series

Deaths Mistress by Karen Chance read book 1 need to read the second book

Unmasked by Colette Gale this is a Phantom of the Opera erotica book, I have never read erotica, but it is the Phantom book

Blood Wyne by Yasmine Galenorn I will read this probably before I see her in May

The Laurentine Spy by Emily Gee

The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M Liu

A Wild Light by Marjorie M Liu

Darkness Calls by Marjorie M Liu I have been collecting this series to read

Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead

Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead

Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead

Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead

Storm Born by Richelle Mead

Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead I haven't read any of her adult line and I really really want to, almost all of them are signed

Men of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter I love her books and I need to read this series as well. I don't have all the books 10 books

Mermaid: A Twist on a Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgon

Godmother: A Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgon I love retold fairy tales

Deeply, Desperately by Heather Webber

Absolutely, Positively by Heather Webber Read book 1 in the series now I need to finish the rest of the books

My YA 60 List

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

Elphame's Choice by PC Cast

Brigid's Quest by PC Cast

Burned by PC Cast and Kristen Cast

Awakened by PC Cast and Kristen Cast I'm waiting till the rest of the series is published till I finish read the series

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright I want to read the book and see the movie

Matched by Ally Condie won a signed copy of this one

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare Need to read this spin off series

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins No I haven't read the series yet, but I got it for Christmas and I need too

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Nightshade by Andrea Creamer

The Singing by Allison Croggan This is the final of this series and I need to read how it ends, started it over 6 years ago

Misguided Angel by Melissa De la Cruz

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn another re told fairy tale

Everlasting by Angie Frazier

The Eternal Sea by Angie Frazier this book gets released in June so I will read book 1 and 2 around that date

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Hourglass by Claudia Gray

Afterlife by Claudia Gray now that the series is finished I just need to find the time to read it

Shadows of the Moon by Rachel Hawkins book 4 in the series

Crusade by Debbie Viguie and Nancy Holder

Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

Nocturne by Christine Jonson this one comes out in August so I will read book 1 and 2 by this date

House of Many Ways by Diane Wayne Jones I believe this is the conclusion to the series 

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Iron King by Julia Kagawa

Iron Daughter by Julia Kagawa

Iron Queen by Julia Kagawa

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton won a signed copy of this one

XVII by Julia Karr I won this and I need to read it

Wildfire by Karsten Knight out in July

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore but I might wait till more books come out

Mercy by Rebecca Lim ARC out in the summer

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr another series I need to really finish reading

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

Night Star by Alyson Noel the series is almost finished and she will be signing so Ill finish the series soon

Radiant Shadows by Alyson Noel

Simmer by Alyson Noel

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Spells by Aprilynne Pike she will be signing in the summer so I will be reading soon

Intertwined by Gena Showalter need to read her YA line

Betrayals by Lili St Crow

Jealousy by Lili St Crow

Defiance by Lili St Crow I will probably re read book 1 when I get around to reading this series

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

Steel by Carrie Vaughn

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

My Kindle 5 List

Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason I started this but I put it down because I was a little confused and not feeling it at that moment

Vampire Dimitri by Colleen Gleason

Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross out in May so I need to read it

Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

I would have posted pictures of each book and linked up each book, but that would have taken me hours and the post would have been a mile long. So if you are curious about some of the books that aren't as familiar to you copy and paste to my favorite book search engine http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

What books do you have on your shelves that you haven't gotten to that you want/need to?

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Hush Giveaway

CLOSED
Want to win a signed personalized copy of Hush?

I loved this book and want to help spread the word about this awesome action packed book

Check out my review of Hush to see what I liked about the book

If you are a fan of Cherry Adair and want a signed copy or a reader that hasn't yet delved into Cherry's books yet, here is the perfect chance.

Rules

US only

18+ older due to the very steamy adult content 

(I don't want to get in trouble with parents)

You don't need to be a follower

Comment with your answer 

Question: What is your favorite book of Cherry's?

or/and

What crazy death defying stunt would you like to do in your life time?

For an additional entry in a separate comment

Spread the word on any or all venues

  For an extra additional entry in a separate comment 

Follow Cherry on Facebook and/or Twitter

Or

Add her books to your to-read lists

(If you already have done this, add your comment)

Don't forget to leave your contact info in at least one of the entries. It can be your email or twitter tag

Contest ends Tuesday May 3rd 

11:59pm Western Time

CLOSED

WINNER is Jamie Kline @ Bookerella

Winner has been emailed

If you didn't win I hope you will get a copy of Hush for yourself and read the book.

Hush Review

Hush

By Cherry Adair

Summary

National bestselling author Cherry Adair introduces an edgy, sexy new suspense series with this exhilarating international tale of hide and seek.

A reckless adventure in a deadly paradise.  

Thrill seekers Zakary and Gideon Stark travel the globe in search of extreme adventure, but a trip to Venezuela to jump off the world's highest falls catapults them into a perilous game of life or death - where they don't know the rules.  

A one-night stand that will change his life forever.  

Kidnapped with a woman Zak knows nothing about, the brothers are held prisoner deep in the jungle. A risky, deathdefying escape separates them and nearly claims Zak's life . . . until his recovery reveals a baffling new sixth sense.  

An unexpected diversion with lethal consequences.  

Now, to find his missing brother, Zak and the mysterious Acadia Gray will have to out-smart, out-gun, and out-maneuver not just the brutal kidnappers but also a new player who joins the adrenaline game: a ruthless opponent who wants the Stark brothers dead - at any cost.

What I Liked

Never a Dull Moment

The book starts off with the first paragraph of Zak waking up with from a one night stand, an erection and "the cold hard metal of a gun barrel pressed to his temple." This is an action packed book from beginning to the end. Kidnapping, bullets flying, cars blowing up, racing for their lives, backstabbing at every turn and you don't know who the instigator of the whole situation is till the end. As soon as they get a break something else happens and a new life threatening situation is upon them.

Undeniable Attraction

What was suppose to be just a one night stand turns into a wrong person at the wrong time. Zak and Acadia are very hot and heavy for each other even through the life threatening situations. Cherry has no closed door policy for her writing, she writes exactly what the characters are feeling and what they are doing to each other in the heat of the moment(s). 

Characters

Acadia: At first I was thinking she was going to be this dumb blond whining and crying through the whole book, but I was happy to find out that is not what the character was going to be like. She held her tongue through the grueling escape through the rainforest and more than pulled her weight with her handy hidden pocketed vest that held everything. She also has a sharpy witty attitude and wouldn't let Zak push her around. 

Zak: I love this male type. The brooding, hurt male character that needs the right woman that will help him heal from the wound of his dead wife and guilt over his inability to save her. He has a death wish and willing to risk anything besides the safety of his brother.

Reading Time

I read this in just over a day. I really didn't want to put it down, it was just too exciting and action packed to ever find a "good" stopping place.

What I Didn't Like

Nothing. Even having no magic or fantasy type stuff didn't bother me at all.

Recommendation

You have got to read this book. A lot of adult content. A traditional romance story with lots of action and a great storyline.

Release Date 

Today April 26, 2011

Amazon $7.99/Borders $7.99/B&N $7.99

Information 

She has written lots of other books

Check out this website to get a list of all her other books in the easy comprehensible series grouping and reading order.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/cherry-adair/

Check back tomorrow for a giveaway for this book. I'm communicating with the author currently for a signed personalized book for the winner. It will be US only. 

Have you read anything by Cherry Adair?

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In My Mailbox #6

IMM #6

A Powell's Excursion

(I behaved myself)

In my mailbox is a meme hosted by The Siren Story. To find out how to participate and for official details got to the IMM Page. Anyone can participate telling about what they bought, received or borrowed.

Bought From Powell's Book Store

Left: Mercy by Rebecca Lim ARC

Center: Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

I have the second book that comes out this summer

Right: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Received from Cherry Adair

Personalized and with some swag 

Hush gets released this coming Tuesday

It will be my next book to start, once I can finally sit down to read

I'm very proud of myself with my trip to Powell's. I only got things that I needed, I restrained myself very well! I have to say I was really excited to find a copy of Mercy.

This Weeks Outlook

I just need to read now that I am done with my scrapbook project. I miss my books

What was your favorite book you got this week?

 

 

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Jean M Auel Book Signing Event

Jean M Auel

Book signing

Portland, Oregon

4/19/11 at 7:30pm

Powell's Book Store

My cousin and read the Children of the Earth series back in 9th grade (11 years ago). I was so excited around a year ago when I finally found out when the final book was going to be released, I had been checking every 4-6 months and updating both my cousin and my Grandma. Since she had done past tours I figured she would be doing one again and if she didn't come up to Seattle she lives in Oregon and that is a very do-able drive. So we had the release date, the tour date and the hotel booked for this event.

If you have read some of my other book reviews and know that I always talk about the lead female character and liking if they are strong or disliking them because they are weak and whiny is because of this character Ayla. She is a very head strong female that has been put through many trials, but overcomes them all.

Okay, so now to the fun stuff. We left for our little trip around noon on Tuesday and headed down towards Portland. We stopped at this little town for lunch and we saw this sign on a building staying "Kalama A Twilight Location". We were thinking, "what the heck does that mean?", so we decided to ask the barista and she said the school where Bella went to in Forks was filmed just up the hill. We decided what the hell, we are here lets just go check it out. It was so funny pulling into the school because it was the school, so of course we took some pictures. We just had to.

(Left) My cousin standing in front of the school.

(Right) The parking lot where Bella almost gets hit

Now back to Jean M Auel signing stuff. We got to our hotel Mark Spencer, which was only a block away from Powells. The hotel had a complimentary wine tasting for an hour so I had a glass and a half and that is the most alcohol I have ever had, but I was eating cookies with it so I was fine.

It was recommended to us to get to the signing at least an hour before because they were expecting it to be pretty crazy. They said they would close the room at 300 people, there would be both seating and standing room (if you didn't get there early enough). We got there an 1.5 hrs early and there was already 50 people sitting waiting, so we were glad we got there extra early. 45 minutes till the start there was only standing room with an occasional individual seat here and there.

The event consisted of a her telling about her inspiration and process of the book. She figured we could all read so we didn't need to be read too. She had a lot of great information. 

The series originally was going to be a "short" story, well it didn't end up to be any short story. There will only be 6 books, the series is finished. She has no plans for other books, but she could possibly writing something else.

She also never expected to be a writer at all, it kinda just happened for her. 

Almost all of the caves that Ayla visits in the final book Jean has also visited them as well.

Jean took some classes about eating of the land, so she did get some first hand experience foraging for food and tasting the food. These books make me realize how disconnected I am from my natural environment and if I were put in the woods and told to survive I would be very screwed! 

The Mother's Song took her 6 months to write, because she wanted to get it just write since it is very important to her characters way of life. 

Ayla's name was inspired by a chant that she heard of Native American people rowing

The female names of the clan all start and end with a vowel Uba, Iza...

The male names all end and start with consonants Brun, Bran, Greb...

Many of the names are just her own creations that sounded right

A man was able to do the double sling throw that Ayla does, originally she just created it.

Jean is well respected in the pre-historic community and a lot of things she wrote about are actually being proven. 

There was many other tid-bits of  information that I can't remember. The signing line was one big cluster of people. They should have signed by row, figuring that the 1st people there were probably the ones in the front row, but no they didn't do that. So everyone rushed to get as close and they could or some other submissive/nice people went to the back of the line. My cousin and I figuring we were there for 1.5 hours there was NO way we were going to the back of the line so we kinda just melding in the line up near the front. It still took us 40 minutes to get our books signed, but it was so worth all the wait. We also got our Grandma a book signed for her and I know she will love it.

Me (Left) Jean (Center) Erin (Right)

After the signing event we went to dinner and back to the hotel to hang out and play some cards. On Wednesday the next day we hung out and shopped around in downtown Portland. And of course we had to stop at the famous Voodoo Doughnuts and get doughnuts covered in Oreos, Captain Crunch and bacon.

That was our little trip. It was a lot of fun and some great time spent with my cousin. I can't wait for my next book signing trip down to Portland for the YA Supernatural event. I still need to find someone to go down with me. 

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My Kindle Review

My 1st Reading Experience On My Kindle 

I'm going to talk about what I initially thought about eBooks, what I like, what I don't like and my preference. These are my personal opinions, feel free to agree or disagree with me as you want

My eBook Opinion

Initially I was dead set about NEVER getting an eBook, unless that was all that was offered for book formats. I was convinced I would never have one, but I figured when I had kids they would probably have them because that is the next generation, electronics attached to the body.

Why was I so against getting one you might ask? Well both my boss and my brother-in-law were constantly bugging me about how much they loved them, how convenient they are and every book reader has to have one! You can store so many books on there with out the size that comes with books, yada yada yada.... so on and so forth.  My argument was "I love my physical books, you can't get an eBook signed and I don't want to buy a eBook ie a file and than buy the physical book it is a waste of money". 

With someone shoving things in your face and telling you what you need to do I was getting annoyed. Do you ever become a stubborn ass and have no desire to move an inch?! Well that was me! Everyone was telling me you need to get this I didn't like it and I completely refused to listen to their arguments about it. 

So what made me decide to get an eBook? Well I looked into NetGalley.com and I requested a few books, not quite understanding what it was. When I got the approval to read some books that I really wanted to read and found out they were only giving out eBook formats I kinda realized that if I wanted to do more reviews I just might have to cave. I had no desire to buy a new eBook for $100+ so I was going to start looking and asking around for a used one to buy. Well I only got to asking one friend and she offered her old one, stating it was a little bigger than her new one, but of course I really didn't care because I was getting it for free. So I loaded it up with a few galleys and read my first book The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (click the title to view my review).

What I Like

~ You don't have to hold the book open and it can just sit on your lap while you read. No sore thumbs

~Don't have to worry about breaking the spine, corners folding or things getting messed up. No awkward tilting the book 

~ Can store around 1000 books (I think), lots of book choices if you change your mind on what to read. Takes up very little space

~ Smaller than a hardback 800 page weapon of a book. Can easily stick it in your purse

~ Getting free ARC galleys or .99 cent books for review

What I Don't Like

~ I can't flip through the book with ease.

Read the summary again

Look at the map of the created world

Scan the end of the book to make sure this character is dead, those two are together...

~ The satisfaction of reading a huge book and proving what I just got through

~ Can't get them signed, I love my signed books!

~ Can't add it to my amazing bookshelves (I want the Beast's library and to accomplish that I need the physical books)

~ The eBook pages are so short I am constantly pressing the button

~ No page numbers, just percents, kinda annoying 

~ eBooks can be the same price as the physical books!!! For a fucking file!!

~ They don't have "used" eBooks

~ No beautiful colorful covers to admire and stroke :)

My Preference

As you can obviously tell my preference is still the physical book format, but the convenience of an eBook I totally understand. If you are the completely opposite of me and don't want to take up your space with books, don't want to keep every single book that you liked, don't go to signings or just like electronics the eBooks are fantastic for those people. I will stick to how I am currently using my eBook, reading free or -$1.00 books to read and review and buying my beloved physical books. Until the day comes when paper books are no longer available I will weep and then I will get book files

What are your views on eBooks?

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Goddess Test Review

Goddess Test 

By Aimee Carter

Summary

 It's always been just Kate and her mom-and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld-and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy-until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

What I Liked

Greek Mythology

I loved the use of Greek mythology, I love reading any book that presents this within their story. I especially love the use of Hades as a good tortured character. I didn't like the Percy Jackson version of Hades nor the Clash of the Titan's version of Hades. In this story Aimee uses a present version of the mythological characters, Hades has taken a new modern name Henry. The other main 13 gods and goddesses do make an appearance in the book as well

Characters

Henry/Hades: I do really love this character. I love the brooding, dark, mysterious and aloft male character. He is very broken and just needs the right willing female character to help him heal. He is perfect, but like I said before I really do love the Hades character when he is portrayed as the ruler of the dead not a world dominating psycho path like others like to paint him as.

Kate: I love that she doesn't do the typical love at first sight he is "the one" that YA has been doing a lot of. She is a willing character to give up anything to help others, she completely loves and is devoted to being with her mom and place the time with her mom above all else in her life, a self sacrificing character. She isn't demanding, weak or whiny, she learns to except the situation she is in and go with the flow and make the best of it.

Conclusion
I really was surprised with the ending. It did a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming at all. When you thought things had finally settled down another ball was thrown at you. I definitely loved how it ended, it came to a good ending, no major cliffhangers but I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book.

What I Didn't Like

???? I'm really racking my brain and I can't think of anything!

Recommendation

Yes, a book for any Greek mythology lover to read! I will be getting a physical copy of it since I read it as an ebook from netgalley. 

Release Date is tomorrow April 19th, you have got to get this book!!

Amazon $9.99

Borders $9.99 but if you have 33% off coupons, you can use it

Barnes & Noble $9.49

If you are like me and love Greek mythology and Hades stories check out these books as well:

Goddess of Spring by PC Cast

This is part of a series called the Goddess Summoning Series, but each book is about a different God or Goddess and doesn't need to be read in order. Adult romance

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman YA

Information

This series will be a trilogy, I love trilogies!!

Goddess Test #2 Goddess Interrupted out in February 2012

Goddess Test #3 Untitled out in November 2012

 Do you love reading Greek Mythology?

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Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

Cassandra Clare and Holly Black's

Book Signing Event

Thursday 4/14/11

7pm @ Third Place Books

I was hoping to be able to tell a lot about what questions were asked and answered, but I can't really tell too much. The set of for the Reading and Q&A was done on the stage which is located right infront of a little food court and since I was seated near the back (traffic was worse than I thought) I had issues hearing. Almost all the questions answered I couldn't hear and they didn't always repete the question so I could get the gist of what had been answered. But the event was still really up beat and very entertaining. 

The question I do remember is "Why the brother sister relationship, why do that to the readers?"

Anwser because she thought it would be entertaining to do that to the readers. She had also seen this show about a couple that had been married for years and they decided they want to try and have kids. They were going to get some tests done since both of them had been adopted and the test results came back showing that they were brother and sister. Cassandra thought that would be a great idea, but to make a happier ending.

When she was signing my book she asked me what I thought of City of Angels and I said I really enjoyed it, but I can't wait till Clary and Jace get a break, but it does provide some great drama and entertainment. She said that wasn't going to happen till book three. I think she really loves torturing those two!

I brought with me a huge stack of books, what can I say I love getting my library of books signing! The bag was really heavy and I thought it would break but thankfully it didn't.

The signing line was very well organized and fair. If you bought the book there you got a ticket that had an A or B, A's went first than B's and than anyone else who didn't buy the book there. We waited in line for a little over an hour and we couldn't take posted photos only candid.

They also both had a bunch of different swag items. 

Holly Black has the rubber bracelets that you could pick, I got Luck Worker, but this was a jinx for me and did the opposite. Cops do pull over and ticket you for being on your phone at a stop light! 2 postcards and a booklet that has an excerpt of book 3.

Cassandra Clare had a set of postcards that were from Alex while they were on their travels of the world. Also a booklet of the preface of Clockwork Prince, which is what she read for the reading at the beginning.

This was a very fun event and I hope they will come back to Washington for future tours

Were you able to go to the Cassandra Clare & Holly Black's event?

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In My Mailbox #5

A Week of Signatures 

IMM #5

IMM is a meme hosted by Siren Story. To find out how to participate and official details check the IMM Page. Anyone can participate telling about what they received, bought and/or borrowed. 

I Won

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton: Signed book, signed bookmark and signed post-it notes

I got this book from Steph over at Paper Cut Reviews, thanks Steph. When I got this I was really suprised, I guess I missed the memo saying this was coming from the author and that is would be signed. When Steph notified me that I had won a copy of the book I was really excited and than when it came from the author and it was signed with some swag included I was super excited for it. Thanks to Kelly

I Bought at Third Place Books 

an awesome new and used bookstore

Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

White Cat by Holly Black

Red Glove by Holly Black

I decided to get both of Holly Black's the Curse Worker books when I was at the signing event of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, I have been hearing a lot of good this about them and I want to try them.

Not sure when I will get around to reading them, but I will eventually. Both are signed

I did pretty good this week. I'm trying to not buy too many books, I have so many books that need to be read. So I'm only getting books that are a need to have for signing or currently coming out that I just have to have, or if they are a really good deal. We will see how this goes. I'm going down to Portland tomorrow for another book signing at Powell's and oh man I'm in trouble!!!

This Weeks Outlook

Tuesday I'm going to Portland with my cousin to Jean M. Auel's book signing

I have to finish a scrapbook for my Mom so I won't be able to read as much :( sad

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In My Mailbox #4

A New Way to Read

IMM #4

IMM is a meme hosted by The Siren Story. To find out how to participate and official details check the IMM Page. Anyone can participate telling about what they received, bought or borrowed.  

Books I Won

Left: XVI by Julia Karr

I won this from Fikshun's quick draw contest check out her website http://www.fiktshun.com/fiktshun/ Thanks Rachel for the book, I look forward to reading it

Right: Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie this is a signed copy :)

I won this from Sarah on her 1st Blogoversary Giveaway http://www.feelingfictional.com/ Thanks Sarah, I can't wait to read it 

Bought From Borders

Another location is going out of business, thankfully my old location is still safe. Romance was 40% off, Literature 30% and YA only 20% 

1) The Fallen: Raziel by Kristina Douglas

She spells her name the same way as me, how cool is that!

2) A Wild Light by Marjorie M. Liu

3) Wages of Sin by Jenna Maclaine 

I complete destroyed my 1st copy, so I decided this was a good time to replace it

4) Cruel Enchantment by Anya Bast

5) Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon

6) Blood Wyne by Yasmine Galenorn

I just wanted to get a 2nd copy to get signed, we will see what I decide to do with it :)

7) Crusade by Debbie Vigiue and Nancy Holder

I had to get this since it was signed, but now I'm really disappointed that I didn't know they were coming to town to do a signing I would have made the availability to go

Given to Me

A Kindle

 

So I was talking to a friend saying that I think I might finally cave and get a used ebook somewhere for inexpensive because there are some books I want to get from NetGalley, but they are all ebooks. So she tells me you can my mom's old one, she isn't using it and it is just sitting doing nothing. I'm really excited to try this thing, it took me a little bit just to figure out how to get NetGalley stuff onto it but I managed. I'm not sure what addition it is, but it works and that is all that matters to me :) 

From NetGalley and the book's publisher, thanks

YA

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Out April 26th

Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Out May 24th

Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

Adult 

The Vampire Voss

Out Now

The Vampire Demitri

Out April 19th

The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

Out May 24th

Do you have some sort of electronic reader? How do you like it?

This Weeks Outlook

This week on Thursday I'm going to Cassandra Clare and Holly Black's book signing and I'm so excited. So far I have 2 others coming with me, I working on 1 more person :) I'm still debating if I want to get any of Holly's books, I haven't read any of her books so I'm still thinking about it.

I need to finish reading The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel by next week because Tuesday the 19th I'm going to another book signing in Portland. Yay for that one as well I think it will be freaking crazy, but I'm hoping it won't be too bad.

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City of Fallen Angels Review

City of Fallen Angels

By Cassandra Clare

Summary 

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. And when Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

What I Liked

The first thing that needs to be stated is, damn Clary and Jace cannot ever catch a break! They seem to be destined to be kept apart, poor young lovers. Although it does make for some heart wrenching drama and that kept me entertained and intrigued throughout the entire book.

Characters

Clary: In the earlier books I was always swinging back and forth with her, at times I really liked her and other times she really drove me nuts. In book 4 she is starting to learn how to fight, finally!  She isn't as whiny and she is more confident in herself and her capabilities.  I am definitely looking forward to her continued grow of her character in both her physical abilities as well as  growing up to become a  young woman and knowing her responsibilities.

Simon: He is still so lost and confused about what he is and how to be what he is. He is creating some interesting situations for himself being all powerful, but not having any idea how to use those abilities to the best of his advantage. I do really like the development of Simon's personalities and his strengths are finally starting to show now that he isn't being so depressed about not being Clary's love.

Jace: Poor guy he can't seem to get out of the shadow of his "father" I still love his dark, mysterious, intense and self loathing ways.

What I Didn't Like

As much as I love the drama of Jace and Clary's love life I really just want them to be able to finally be together without things coming between them. 

The book ended as a major holy shit cliffhanger!! A whole new set of issues have arisen for these last 2 books.

Recommendation

Yes, you have got to go get the book(s) now. If you haven't read the series you really should do so. 

Information

The Mortal Instruments

1. City of Bones: In both hardback and quality paperback

2. City of Ashes:  In both hardback and quality paperback,  check out My Review  

3. City of Glass: In both hardback and quality paperback, check out My Review   

4. City of Fallen Angels: Hardback only

5. City of Lost Souls: May 2012

6. City of Heavenly Fire: September 2013

Spin Off Series

Infernal Devices: Prequel Trilogy

1. Clockwork Angel

2. Clockwork Prince: September 2011

3. Clockwork Princess: December 2012

Check out her tour page to see if she will be coming to a city near you. She will also be touring with Holly Black

http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/appearances

Have you ever wondered what the ruins looked like that they put on their skin? I sure have, here are a few
http://bhanesidhe.deviantart.com/art/Tattoo-Runes-I-89820280

Do you have CoFA in your possession or on your to buy list?

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The Peach Keeper Review

The Peach Keeper

By Sarah Addison Allen

Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Chased the Moon welcomes you to her newest locale: Walls of Water, North Carolina, where the secrets are thicker than the fog from the town's famous waterfalls, and the stuff of superstition is just as real as you want it to be.

It's the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam - built by Willa's great-great-grandfather during Walls of Water's heyday, and once the town's grandest home - has stood for years as a lonely monument to misfortune and scandal. And Willa herself has long strived to build a life beyond the brooding Jackson family shadow. No easy task in a town shaped by years of tradition and the well-marked boundaries of the haves and have-nots. 

But Willa has lately learned that an old classmate - socialite do-gooder Paxton Osgood - of the very prominent Osgood family, has restored the Blue Ridge Madam to her former glory, with plans to open a top-flight inn. Maybe, at last, the troubled past can be laid to rest while something new and wonderful rises from its ashes. But what rises instead is a skeleton, found buried beneath the property's lone peach tree, and certain to drag up dire consequences along with it. 

For the bones - those of charismatic traveling salesman Tucker Devlin, who worked his dark charms on Walls of Water seventy-five years ago - are not all that lay hidden out of sight and mind. Long-kept secrets surrounding the troubling remains have also come to light, seemingly heralded by a spate of sudden strange occurrences throughout the town.

Now, thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery, Willa and Paxton must confront the dangerous passions and tragic betrayals that once bound their families - and uncover truths of the long-dead that have transcended time and defied the grave to touch the hearts and souls of the living.

Resonant with insight into the deep and lasting power of friendship, love, and tradition, The Peach Keeper is a portrait of the unshakable bonds that - in good times and bad, from one generation to the next - endure forever.

How I Found This Author

I normally would never have picked up these books because they aren't my typical read, but I'm so glad I did. A few years ago when I use to work at Borders they had Garden Spells ARC for us to read, I was debating it for awhile but then I decided what the hell I'm not paying for the book I might as well give it a go. Low and behold I absolutely loved the book and when we got in an ARC of Sugar Queen I took that one as well and now I keep an eye out for all the rest of her release dates. I also have a hardback copy of each book.  

What I Love About This Author's Amazing Books

I would have to say the best comparison and way to describe these books would be Simply Irresistible with Sarah Michelle Gellar, they have that really down to earth true life characters with problems and an imperfect life mixed with a little touch of magic. Just a touch tough to make it seem completely plausible. 

I also love that these book are stand alone books, in a sea of series it is refreshing to have independent books. Although they do slightly connect, some previous characters will make a short cameo in the current book. You could read this out of release order if you wanted to. 

What I Liked About The Peach Keeper

POV

This book follows many different characters and it will jump to each characters perspective, but I have never gotten confused nor annoyed with this, I love getting to know what each person is feeling and learning their issues. Sarah does well with giving the 2 main female leads an adequate amount of page time, but also including their love interest as well as a few family and friends giving their page time so they can tell about what they are seeing or know about the situation. 

Lessons To Be Learned

I always feel I have gained a few little life lesson after reading these books

Friends are important and support your friends when they need you

Figure out what makes you happy in life and don't let society or others hold you back

Live, learn and grow

Life is too long to have regrets

Storyline

I love the tug of war, we are great friends and I don't want to ruin the relationship we have to try for something that might not be there. The whole finding long buried bones under a peach tree and what happened all those years ago between their grandmothers? I love the flashbacks of what the characters use to be in high school and how they have tried so hard not to be what they were.

What I Would Love to See

Even though I love the fact that these aren't series/sequel books, I can't help but want to read more about the characters and what happens after the book ends. But I am completely happy with getting other stories that she writes.

Recommendation

Yes, get all these books, if you haven't read them you need to try them, step out of your normal/typical reads and pick these up.

This is a wonderful feel good book that can be read in 1-2 sittings.

Information

Garden Spells: Trade and quality paperback as well as hardcover

Sugar Queen: Quality paperback and hardback

The Girl Who Chased the Moon: New in paperback and hardback

The Peach Keeper: Hardback only, just released a week ago

She is currently working on book 5 publish date TBD

Have you read any of Sarah Addison Allen's books?

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