Waiting On Wednesday (10)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

"My name is Gin, and I kill people." 

My name is Gin Blanco. They call me the Spider — the most feared assassin in the South (and a part-time cook at the Pork Pit BBQ joint.) As a Stone elemental, I can hear the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet and feel the vibrations of the soaring mountains above me, though I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride. 

After a ruthless Air elemental double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way. I may look hot in a miniskirt, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble when irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine agrees to help. The last thing a coldhearted killer needs when she's battling a magic more powerful than her own is a sexy distraction ... especially when he wants her dead just as much as the enemy.

Out in January from Pocket and I cannot wait! Spider's Bite sounds awesome.

Review! If I Must by Amy Lane

If I Must

Amy Lane

Dreamspinner Press, LLC

Pages: 69 pages 

ISBN-13: 978-1-61581-337-7

Joel Martinez, a practical and organized computer programmer, is roommates with Ian Cooper, a certified IQ-in-the- stratosphere mathematical genius who literally can't find his own underwear in the mess of his day-to-day life. When Joel uneasily leaves Ian for the holidays, he ends up telling stories to his sister and discovers he feels much more for Ian than he thought. So when Ian calls, distraught because the only other thing in his life that loves him (a half-feral cat named Manky Bastard) is going to have to be put down, Joel hurries back home hoping that opposites really do attract.

I started this book with big reservations. I had never read a M/M book ever and I admit, I might have been a little wary. Right off the bat, the story hooked me up. Joel and Ian are absolutely adorable together and the perfect fit. Joel's rational and neat and very linear while Ian's forgetful and pretty much a slob even though he's a genius and they balance each other out nicely. Ian was my absolute favorite, I loved how, no matter how much of a genius he might be, he was so vulnerable.

There were tender moments that had me tearing up, really hot sex that had me blushing, and funny scenes that made me laugh out loud. It's surprisingly good paced considering it's such a short story - only 69 pages! Yet not at any moment did I feel the story was rushed or too slow at all. And the M/M part? Absolutely didn't bother me one bit! If anything but.  

All-in-all, If I Must is a wonderfully tender story about two characters finding each other and I absolutely recommend it! 


P.S.: There's a cat called Manky Bastard in this book. Based on that alone, you should totally read it!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Read Last week:

And Falling, Fly by Skyler White - My review won't be posted until at least February,  I think. 

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain. (Review)

Currently Reading:

I started Unholy Ghosts this morning. I'm sorry, I have NO self-control when it comes to books!

Reading Next:

Damn! My copy doesn't have that smexy cover! I need my eye-candy when reading, people.

In My Mailbox! {17}

First, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Mine was okay, I had to work but what can you do.. Anyhoo! On to my IMM post:


Hooboy. My mailbox this week pretty much ROCKED MY WORLD. I have no words, only pictures.

Wheee!

Torn by Julie Kenner (Thanks to my friend Rachael!)
Blue Moon by Alyson Noel (Another one from Rachael! I love Christmas presents!)
Firespell by Chloe Neill (Thanks to the smexy Mandi from Smexy Books for letting me borrow it!)
Accidentally Demonic by Dakota Cassidy
Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane (The new cover is soo much better!)
And Falling, Fly by Skyler White

More squeal-inducing goodness.

Roadkill by Rob Thurman
What I did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Warrior Ascended by Addison Fox


And of course, Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh but you already knew that!


No words, just squeeing. That's all.




-- IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

Review! The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

The Dark Divine
Bree Despain
EgmontUSA 
December 22, 2009 
ISBN-10: 1606840576
ISBN-13: 978-1606840573

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes. 

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

On the surface, Grace has the perfect life. As daughter of the town's pastor, she is expected to have the best grades, follow the rules and pretty much be the perfect little daughter. But there's one thing - or rather, one person - that haunts her. Daniel Kalbi. They grew up together, and while Grace and Jude had the most caring parents, Daniel's weren't. Until one day, Daniel disappears, the same night when Jude almost dies.

Now, three years later, Daniel is back and Grace's feelings about him just come tumbling back, as well. She's torn between wanting to be close to him and staying away as her brother wants her to. But the pull is too strong and as she gets closer to Daniel, she's bound to find some hard truths. Some of which might threaten her family and her very life.


The Dark Divine left me with conflicted feelings. It's not that I hated it, I really didn't. The beginning was great, the middle did fizzle out a bit but the ending picked up enough - in a very unsuspecting way - to leave me with a good feeling, albeit, not exactly what I wanted. 


I feel that Grace at time was incredibly naive thinking that she could fix anyone - anyone! - with a few flicks of her hand and some words. That highly annoyed me. I just couldn't relate to any of the characters, even Daniel, who admittedly, quickly became my favorite. 


I'm a sucker for the damaged boys. 


All-in-all, it's a good story and I'm sure other will highly enjoy it. For me? Grace was two-dimensional, Daniel was the only highlight in the book and unfortunately, The Dark Divine just didn't do it for me. 

Book Heaven. [Raphael = Nom nom nom]

Hi -


I might be a wee bit MIA lately as I got this baby in the mail: 

Look at the hotness. Must touch.

And I haven't stopped squeeing since. I have some alone time to spend with a certain Archangel.


I'll be back later with my reading adventures and reviews!


Wish me luck! [Although, someone better get lucky in this book.. Heh]

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Read Last week:

Only one. I did work six days in a row though so I was half-dead come Sunday.


Currently Reading:

I started both but haven't read much. Not in a reading sort of mood. Sleep. Sleep is good. Me want sleep.

Reading Next:

I'm definitely looking forward to reading these two books!

In My Mailbox! [no. 16]

So, what did I get this week?

 

My bed looks deceptionally made.

Lead Me On - Victoria Dahl

My shadow is so sexy.

 And I got the coolest surprise ever! An ARC of The Dark Divine by Bree Despain with a bottle of purple nail polish! It made my day!

Good god, that's a hell of a column.

And while this isn't book-related (Although it is 'cause she review books and we just did a joint one and she's awesome, too) I got a Christmas  present from Queen B! I totally love it! In case you don't know, polyuria is when you pretty much can't stop peeing so that's a bit of nurse humor.




-- IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

My first dual review!

I really like this picture.

Hey guys!

I'm a little late but I did a dual review with the brilliant Queen B over at her blog about Nalini Singh's (awesome) Angels' Blood yesterday. Go ahead and check it out, we bring out the funnies like whoah! Hope you enjoy!

Waiting On Wednesday (9)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating


It's been months since I last did a WoW! I've found dozens of books that I can't wait to get my hands on, especially this one: 

Touched by An Alien

Gini Koch

How can a sexy marketing manager join forces with an Alpha Centauri male in Armani to save the planet-using hairspray, a Mont Blanc pen, and rock n' roll? 

Easy... 

She's Touched by an Alien 

Marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt steps into the middle of what appears to be a domestic dispute turned ugly. And it only gets uglier when the man turns into a winged monster, straight out of a grade-Z horror movie, and goes on a killing spree. Though Kitty should probably run away, she springs into action to take the monster down. 

In the middle of the chaos a handsome hunk named Jeff Martini appears, sent by the "agency" to perform crowd control. He's Kitty's kind of guy, no matter what planet he's from. And from now on, for Kitty, things are going to be sexy, dangerous, wild, and out of this world.

Don't tell me that doesn't sound awesome! AND I flat-out love the cover. Another winner by Santos. Touched by An Alien comes out April 6th from DAW and I can't wait!

Secret Santa!

Kate from The Neverending Shelf set up a Secret Santa for book bloggers and I, of course, joined in the fun and this week I got my presents! Let me just start by saying that.. I LOVE YOU, SANTA*.

First I received a lovely card and this adorable little thing that honestly, I had (and still don't) no idea what it is. I'm thinking it's some kind of smelling thingamabob, like you hang it on something in a room to make it smell good? Sounds plausible. It smells like cotton candy and I love it!

Even though I still don't know what it is. (I tried to get my mom to take a bite out of one the marshmallow thingies. She almost kicked me in the shin. Never mind, then)

Then! I got the books. TWO awesome books. Two books that made shriek in joy and jump like a maniac. That's right. I admit it. And there are...

Perfect Chemistry by Elkeles Simone and Evermore by Alyson Noel! I've wanted these books for ages and LOOK! They're so pretty and smell awesome (Not that I, uh, smell them. Ahem) and I can't wait to read them!

I don't know who my Secret Santa is but thank you so much! I love my presents.

*At first, I wrote Satan. Oops.

In My Mailbox! [15]

I'm super happy with the books I received this week!

The Highlander's Sword by Amanda Forester (More Highlander love! How could I resist?)

Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Doubleblind by Ann Aguirre (Thank you, Heather!)

Scorched by Sharon Ashwood (Thanks to Signet Eclipse!)

Don't they look awesome? I think so! I also got my Secret Santa gifts but those will be showed in another post. One word: OMGYESILOVEYOUSANTA.

That's all!



-- IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Review! What I Wore to Save the World by Maryrose Wood

What I Wore to Save the World
Maryrose Wood
Berkley Trade
December 1, 2009 
ISBN-10: 042522967X 
ISBN-13: 978-0425229675

Third in the fabulous series that started with Why I Let My Hair Grow Out 

Senior year's coming up fast and Morgan still has no clue about college, or a career-the whole rest of-her-life thing is basically a blank. Maybe it's because she spent her junior year obsessing about Colin, the hot Irish guy she fell for last summer (that was right around the same time she discovered she's a half- goddess from the days of Irish lore... you had to be there). She even saved Colin from a nasty enchantment, but he doesn't know that. Colin doesn't believe in magic, not even a little. 

But then a mysterious message reunites her with Colin, who turns out to be caught up in the biggest faery-made disaster ever. We're talking the end of reality-not just reality TV. To save the world, she's going to have to tell Colin the truth about her half-goddess mojo. But if he doesn't believe in magic, how will he ever believe in her? 

Senior year is almost here for Morgan but instead of thinking about what colleges she wants to apply to or what she'll wear to prom like any other normal junior, Morgan's too busy dreaming about Colin, the hunky Irish guy she met the previous summer. Mind you, she hasn't seen him in months but that hasn't stopped her from wanting to move across the big pond to Ireland to be closer to him. They met while Colin was under an enchantment and Morgan saved him but Colin doesn't know that Morgan's a half-goddess nor does he believe in magic at all. This might pose a problem.

After Morgan receives an email from Colin saying he needs her help, she pretty much drops her entire life to go to Ireland under the pretenses of visiting Oxford University because her parents would understandably freak if they found out she was actually going across the world to see a boy. What she soon finds out is that Colin didn't send the email but someone clearly wanted her to come to Ireland for a reason, but why? Turns out, there's a faerie disaster brewing and Morgan's the only who can stop it.

What I Wore to Save the World is the third book in this series and since I hadn't read the previous books, I was a little worried about being utterly lost. However, there was enough back-story that I understood what was going on. There are really funny moments and I found myself laughing out loud. But I wasn't a big fan of Morgan, all she cared about was seeing Colin, enough that she travels half the world for him and really, she seemed like if he told her to jump off a building, she'd do it with bells on. I didn't like that, is it too much to ask for a little self-respect? Apart from thinking that Morgan was too easy, I did enjoy What I Wore to Save the World, it's a quick read with some really funny parts and interesting characters.

Review! Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant.

Dangerous Highlander (A Dark Sword Novel)
Donna Grant
St. Martin's Paperbacks
December 29, 2009
ISBN-10: 0312381220
ISBN-13: 978-0312381226

First in a breathtaking new series, the bold and passionate Lucan MacLeod—one of three brothers cursed by dark magic for eternity—is driven by desire for the one woman he dare not let himself possess…

 He is magnificently strong—and dangerously seductive. One of the fiercest of his clan, Lucan MacLeod is a legend among warriors, inspiring fear in man and woman alike. For three hundred years, he has locked himself away from the world, hiding the vengeful god imprisoned in his soul. But then, a young lass caught in a raging storm awakens his deepest impulses…and darkest desires.

 Cara doesn’t believe the rumors about MacLeod castle—until the majestic Highland warrior appears like a fiery vision in the storm, pulling her into his powerful arms, and into his world of magic and Druids. An epic war between good and evil is brewing. And Lucan must battle his all-consuming attraction for Cara—or surrender to the flames of a reckless, impossible love that threatens to destroy them both...

I have to start by saying that I can count in one hand the number of Historical Romances I've ever read so needless to say, I very rarely read these books. However, when I first read the blurb for Dangerous Highlander, it immediately called to me, it just sounded so good I couldn't pass it up and I'm so glad I didn't. Lucan is cursed, he has a god inside of him that at any moment can turn him into a monster. As such, he and his brothers, Fallon and Quinn, who also are cursed, have been hiding in a half-crumbling ruined castle for hundreds of years.

Cara lost her parents when she was a little girl and since then has lived in a nunnery in this little village. She's always felt disconnected from everyone else, even the nice nuns who took her in. Especially because everyone thinks the castle at the edge of the sea is haunted and she's never believed that. Until one day she gets caught in a raging storm and right before she almost falls over the edge to the rolling waves below, someone saves her. Turns out that someone is Lucan MacLeod.

From the beginning, Lucan and Cara feel this incredible attraction to each other that soon becomes hard to resist. But the thing is, Lucan and his brothers are in a middle of war and are being hunted by a witch and Cara could be in danger, and not just because of being close to Lucan. But he's willing to do anything to keep her safe and that could very well mean his death.

Dangerous Highlander is an absolutely must read! From beginning to end, it's an incredible ride. Lucan and Cara's chemistry just comes right off the page and I loved reading every word. I found myself thinking about the book even when I wasn't reading it. But it's not only Lucan and Cara, Fallon and Quinn are amazing characters on their own, as well. I felt so heartbroken about Quinn's misery and Fallon's fear but I just fell in love with Lucan. He was so caring about Cara and willing to do anything to protect her.

I really liked the plot being the brothers being cursed. They have this god inside of them that make them immortal and way stronger than a simple human. Whenever a warrior lets a certain god out, he sort of takes the characteristic of that god. For example, Lucan has part of the god of vengeance in him so when he lets him out, his skin turns black as night and his fingers into claws. This happens to every warrior that has a god in him. I thought that was really original and engaging.

All-in-all, I loved reading Dangerous Highlander. It's got everything - hot steamy loving, a great plot and wonderful characters. I'm so glad that I took a chance out of my comfort zone because it completely paid out and I can't wait to read the next Dark Sword Novel!

Review! Confessions of a Demon by S.L. Wright

Confessions of a Demon
S.L. Wright
Roc
December 1, 2009
ISBN-10: 0451462327 
ISBN-13: 978-0451462329

After accidentally stealing the life force of a dying demon, Allay became the only human-demon hybrid in existence. Demons feed on human emotions, so Allay decided the safest way to satisfy this need-and still retain some semblance of her humanity-was to open a bar. Here she can drink from, and ease, her patrons' pain, which has helped her to stay under the demon radar...until now. 

When Allay is attacked and nearly killed by another demon, a human comes to her rescue. Theo Ram is tall, handsome, and mortal-and Allay feels a connection to him she didn't think she'd ever know. But that bond is tested when the demon community in New York begins to rise up, and two opposing clans fight for power. Now Allay is caught in the middle, and she must decide where her loyalties lie.

Years ago, Allay stole a demon's essence and due to that, she became the first human-demon hybrid ever. Now, she steals emotions off humans, that's her substance. Most specifically, she steals relief, hence the name, by just a simple touch. Her job as a bartender at the Den on C is pretty much perfect for what she must feed off. So far, Allay has managed to stay off the other demons' radar, she tries to keep her interaction with them as few as possible because some of those demons would gladly steal her life force.

No matter how cautious Allay is, she's soon attacked by a demon right in front of her bar. The only thing that saved her was a human named Theo Ram who suddenly showed up and got the demon, named Pigue, to get away. Theo's insanely hot and Allay feels attracted to him, and believe me, Theo's got the hots for her too.

However, before Allay and Theo can further explore their feelings, something is going on in the demon world and Allay soon finds herself right in the thick of it and if she doesn't choose a side - and fast - she might not get a chance to get to know Theo at all.

Confessions of a Demon is a exciting Urban Fantasy story unlike any I've ever read! Allay is very strong, kick-ass heroine and  I easily found myself rooting for her. I felt that plot about demons that are named after the emotions that is their substance was awesome, like there was Shock, Glory, Vex, and tons more! I really loved this and it's incredibly original. A great set of characters combined with a riveting plot makes Confessions of a Demon a must read and I can't wait to read more of Wright's future books!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Read Last week:

I finished my Bones-a-thon and it was AWESOME. I cannot wait for First Drop of Crimson, which is Spade's book!

Currently Reading:

If you follow me on Twitter or we're friends on Goodreads then you probably have noticed that since I started reading this one, I've been swooning over Lucan aka sexy highlander!

Readin' next:

I was one of the lucky book bloggers chosen to get an ARC to review and I can't wait to start this book!

In My Mailbox! [14]

Another week, another awesome book loot!

I suck at photography.

Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant.

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent.

Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast.

The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson.
Hook & Jill by Andrea Jones [Review]

I've never read any of Pearson's books but they look interesting! And I can't wait to read Vincent's and Bast's.


That's all!




-- IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren! 

Review! Hook & Jill by Andrea Jones

Hook & Jill
Andrew Jones
Reginetta Press
August 2009
ISBN-10: 0982371497
ISBN-13: 978-0982371497

In this startling new vision of a cultural classic, Wendy intends to live happily ever after with Peter Pan. 

But Time, like this tale, behaves in a most unsettling way. As Wendy mothers the Lost Boys in Neverland, they thrive on adventure. She struggles to keep her boys safe from the Island's many hazards, but she finds a more subtle threat encroaching from an unexpected quarter. . . . The children are growing up, and only Peter knows the punishment.

Hook & Jill is absolutely not what I expected. It takes the original Peter Pan story and completely warps it but it somehow works really well. It's pretty much the original story but written for more of an adult audience. When I first read the blurb, I was insanely curious about how Jones had written her own version of this classic and I think she did really well. 

I found myself rooting for Captain Hook, as Peter Pan was a cocky little jerk and I could not stand him. Wendy at times seemed to be the little wife who says anything to assure her jerk of a husband and at one point, I so was over that. As such, there were times when I just found myself utterly bored. I didn't care for Peter Pan or that pesky little Tinker Bell, which honestly, is a major b-word. 

But it was the Captain Hook that made me want to continue the book. I think he was just a little misunderstood. I mean, really? Peter Pan cut his hand off, who wouldn't be pissed about that? I would be! I wanted him to has his happy ending, no matter how bloody it was sure to be. 

All-in-all, Hook & Jill is an edgy story based on a classic. Wendy comes into herself and learns that there's more to life than being a kid with no responsibilities but when you live in a land that Time has no meaning with a bunch of snot-nosed kids, with a jerk for a "boss" and a fairy who is pretty much out to get you, things can get dangerous - fast. Captain Hook was the best character in my mind and I rooted for him throughout the story. I really enjoyed this version of an old classic, it's very nicely written and compelling.

Review! Deep Kiss of Winter

Deep Kiss of Winter
Kresley Cole & Gena Showalter
Pocket
October 13, 2009
ISBN-10: 1439159661 
ISBN-13: 978-1439159668

Two never-before-published paranormal stories to delight the senses and tantalize the imagination!

 KRESLEY COLE delivers a breathtaking tale of a brutal vampire soldier about to know love for the first time...and a Valkyrie aching to be touched.

Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden -- the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in three hundred years. Yet the exquisite Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can't be touched by anyone but her own kind without inflicting pain beyond measure. Soon desperate for closeness, in an agony of frustration, Murdoch and Danii will do anything to have each other. Together, can they find the key that will finally allow them to slake the overwhelming desire burning between them?

GENA SHOWALTER puts a daring spin on a tale of huntress and hunted...and concocts a sensual chemistry that is positively explosive.

Aleaha Love can be anyone -- literally. With only skin-to-skin contact, she can change her appearance, assume any identity. Her newest identity switch has made her an AIR (alien investigation and removal) agent and sends her on a mission to capture a group of otherworldly warriors. Only she becomes the captured. Breean, a golden-skinned commander known for his iron will who is at once dangerous and soul-shatteringly seductive, threatens her new life. Because for the first time, Aleaha only wants to be herself....

Deep Kiss of Winter features two stories by two of my favorite Paranormal Romance authors ever. First, in Kresley Cole's Untouchable, we meet Daniela, also known as the Ice Maiden. She's a Valkyrie who is also part ice fey and as such she can't be touched without feeling unimagineable pain in return. Because of this, she stays far away from anyone, that is, until she meets Murdoch. Murdoch belongs to a group called the Forebears, a group of vampires that abstained from drinking blood from humans.

Soon after Danii and Murdoch meet, they found out that she's his Bride, or the person that's absolutely meant for him, the one who could make his heart beat - literally. However, due to Danii's inability to be touched, and their undeniable attraction to each other, things are more complicated than that because Danni's got assassins on her tail and Murdoch will do anything to keep her safe.

In Gena Showalter's Tempt Me Eternally, Aleaha can be anyone with one touch by changing her appearance. With her latest stolen identity, she works for AIR - the Alien Investigation and Removal - as a hunter. On her latest mission, she's supposed to capture a group of deadly alien warriors coming to Earth. But things go haywire and she's the one who ends up captured by Breean. What neither of them even thought about was the crazy-hot attraction they would feel towards each other and how that would colored their alien/AIR agent relationship. Both Aleaha and Breean have secrets but are they willing go beyond that and maybe discover love?

Deep Kiss of Winter is a very steamy anthology. In Cole's novella, the chemistry between Danii and Murdoch just comes right off the page and Showalter's are pretty hot, too. I enjoyed Cole's story more than Showalter because it seemed to me like it was better wrapped up. I normally don't read anthologies due to the fact that the stories are just too short and it feels rushed to me, and that's what happened with Showalter's novella. With that said, I certainly enjoyed both stories! These two authors are a few of my favorites, with reason. One last thing, there's a mention of Nix in Showalter's story. Now, that might not mean anything to you if you haven't read neither Cole's or Showalter's but they're two completely different series and I thought the mention that was pretty cool and funny, Nix is one of my favorite characters ever! I absolutely enjoyed Deep Kiss of Winter and I can't wait to read more.

Review! Take Me for a Ride by Karen Kendall.

Take Me for a Ride
Karen Kendall
Signet
November 3, 2009 
ISBN-10: 0451228464

A stolen necklace, a hidden family treasure and the Russian mob collide in a sizzling-hot romance from the “witty, irresistible” imagination of Karen Kendall . . .

Art restorer Natalie Rosen is a true romantic, inspired by the world’s great art and literature. But nothing stirs her emotions like the legendary St. George necklace, which once belonged to Catherine the Great. The priceless heirloom was seized by the Nazis from Nat’s family in Old Russia, never to be seen again. When against all odds, the necklace turns up in her office for repairs before auction, it vanishes, along with the impulsive Natalie.

Hard-living recovery agent Eric McDougal is no gentleman, but then he’s never advertised himself as one. McDougal thrives on chasing women — and stolen art. Now he gets a dream assignment to do both, and thinks it’ll be a cinch. But he doesn’t count on his high-octane attraction to Natalie, or that she’ll unwittingly lead them both into a dangerous underworld where falling in love — and staying alive — are part of the game.

Natalie Rosen is in a bit of a bind. She's an accidental jewelry thief. When she first sees the legendary St. George necklace, she immediately knows it was the one her grandma had always talked about and in a fit of temporary insanity, she swipes it from the repairs office she works at and takes the necklace to her grandmother.

What she never even thought about is that her grandma would be adamant in not giving it back to Nat so then everyone, including her boss, would think she stole it.

That's when Eric McDougal comes in. The company he works for, ARTemis, specializes in recovering stolen artand they have been hired by Natalie's boss to found the necklace. He thrives on getting back the pieces of arts he's paid to recover but he's also a big ladies man and when the opportunity to capture Natalie and the necklace presents themselves, he's definitely more than willing to go for it. However, he never counted on the undeniable attraction he would soon develops for Nat.

Because things are never easy, Natalie and Eric end up in the middle of deadly game. Some not-very-nice people want that necklace and they're willing to do anything to get it, including getting Eric and Nat out of the way - permanently.

Take Me for a ride is a complete thrill ride! Eric and Nat have an amazing chemistry that just comes right off the page and it was incredibly entertaining to read. The story has all the right elements - great plot that keeps the reader wanting more until the very end, super hot moments and a wonderful set of character. This is the first book by Kendall that I've ever read and I can honestly say that I will definitely be reading more!

[Check out an awesome excerpt here!]

Review! Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver
Maggie Stiefvater
Scholastic Press
August 1, 2009 
ISBN-10: 0545123267 
ISBN-13: 978-0545123266

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.


Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

I honestly wasn't going to review this book until I heard that a few of you wanted to hear my thoughts on it. I've had Shiver in my TBR pile for months now, even though I had heard how wonderful it is, I guess I wasn't ready to read it yet. I think that for the first several chapters, I was thinking that okay, it's good but yeah, it's not wowing me. Needless to say, I was getting a little paranoid as every single review I had read of Shiver claimed that it was pure awesomeness.

But then it happened, I can't tell you when it was, or if it was a sentence, an expression, a setting. I don't know but I went from thinking oh, it's good to just.. wow. Stiefvater's writing is, it seems to me, poetic. It just flows so well that based on the writing itself I'd have to give five stars to this book. But when you throw in two characters like Grace and Sam, it's perfect.

Grace and Sam are in their own ways completely different yet completely the same. They are absolutely perfect for each other. It's rare to see two characters as well-developed and so easy to fall in love with. There wasn't one moment where I thought "God, she's so stupid." or "Gee, he's a jerk" which admittedly pretty much happens with every single book I read, no matter how much I end up loving it. Sam and Grace have that perfect love that we all want.

Ultimately, Shiver is, in fact, pure awesomeness. The characters are lovely and the plot will keep up at night but I think it's the writing that just stole my breath away. I honestly can't say enough good things about it, it's poetic and refreshing and Shiver is just one of those books that will make you sigh, or smile and laugh or cry. It's a roller-coaster and you'll love it, I absolutely recommend it.

Winner!

First, I want to thank everyone to enter, we had 70 entries and that was 60 more than I thought would enter so it was an awesome surprise! Okay, so the winner, courtesy of random.org is...

Anna ♥ of GOOD ♣ GONE ♣ GIRL!

Congrats Anna! Please email me at thebooklush @ gmail.com [no space] with your addy so I can send you the Fallen ARC!

And if you didn't win, don't worry! We'll have plenty of contests on the blog in the future.