Mountie9
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Friday, August 6, 2010
And the winner is......
The winner of the $50 CSN Stores promo code is...........
Congratulations!!!!!!!
I am emailing you right now. Please respond withing 48 hours or I will have to pick a new winner.
Thank you CSN Stores for providing me with a promo code to give away
Congratulations!!!!!!!
I am emailing you right now. Please respond withing 48 hours or I will have to pick a new winner.
Thank you CSN Stores for providing me with a promo code to give away
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Scholastic Press; First Edition edition (September 14, 2008)
Goodreads Description:
Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
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I FINALLY had the opportunity to read The Hunger Games, the first book in the series that everyone seems to be talking about. It is a favorite for many, and that now includes myself. North America is in ruins, but from those ruins arises Panem, a new nation, a capitol that is surrounded by 12 districts. At one time their were 13 districts but there was an uprising. After the Capitol quelled the rebellion and destroyed the 13th district they created the Hunger Games as a reminder to the people of just who was in control. There are 2 competitors from each district, one boy and one girl, who are chosen from a lottery. All the competitors are taken to a location where they are released and expected to kill each other off because there can only be one winner. All the while they are being filmed so that everyone can watch the bloodsport on their televisions. The winner will get a life of ease after the games and their district will be showered with gifts.Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
**************************
The story follows Katniss and her progression through the games. I instantly liked her character. She is intelligent and has a great survival instinct that gives the reader hope for her to win. I am going to have to immediately delve into Catching Fire, the second book in the series, to read what happens after the games. I sense a possible love triangle and am anxious to see how that pans out.
5/5
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Book Review: To Tame a Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning
To Tame a Highland Warrior (Highlander, Book 2) by Karen Marie Moning- Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Dell (December 1, 1999)
Amazon Description:
Only her love could gentle his savage soul--
He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side--into a competition to win her hand in marriage.
Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him--even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both....
****************************
Only her love could gentle his savage soul--
He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side--into a competition to win her hand in marriage.
Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him--even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both....
****************************
I actually enjoyed this book a little more than the first in the series. In this book we find out Grimm's true nature that he has hidden from almost everyone...he is a Beserker. He gets a letter calling him to a place from his past and a women who loves him. The relationship between Grimm and Jillian is pretty intense. I think that most women in Jillian's position would have given up on Grimm a long time ago, especially with the way he treated her, but I suppose love perseveres. Grimm's past before he even came into Jillian's life is extremely interesting and I wish in the end when he faces his past that there was an even more in-depth look into it with more details. I'm hoping that Grimm will appear in other books in the series because I would love to see how his life progresses. There is a little glimpse of Hawk and Adrienne in this story which was nice. I enjoyed To Tame a Highland Warrior and read it in no time because I didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading the next book!
4/5
Waiting on Wednesday #9
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
Haunted Honeymoon (Casa Dracula, Book 4) by Marta Acosta- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Gallery; Original edition (September 28, 2010)
Amazon Description:
THERE’S MORE THAN HER HEART AT STAKE. . . .As the only human to survive vampire infection, Milagro de Los Santos has become quite a celebrity among the blood-drinking elite. Too bad the perks of her condition—increased strength, super-fast healing—don’t pay her condo fees. There are other complications too. She’s feeling guilty about her fling with enigmatic Vampire Council member Ian Ducharme, and pining for her ex-fiancé, Dr. Oswald Grant . . . the fabulous man whose kiss changed her life. It’s when Milagro—irked by Ian’s attentions to his neighbor—travels to London and enjoys a sexy flirtation of her own, that the blood really hits the fan. Suddenly, those around her are dying gruesome deaths and Milagro’s being interrogated. Who would kill to set her up as a murder suspect? Milagro just wants to turn back the clock and have another chance to make things right, but no sooner has she escaped to Oswald’s ranch than an accident obliterates her memory. Will the murderer come after her now? And will amnesia spark a romantic do-over with Oswald—or will she make all the same mistakes before she ever gets to say "I do"?
THERE’S MORE THAN HER HEART AT STAKE. . . .As the only human to survive vampire infection, Milagro de Los Santos has become quite a celebrity among the blood-drinking elite. Too bad the perks of her condition—increased strength, super-fast healing—don’t pay her condo fees. There are other complications too. She’s feeling guilty about her fling with enigmatic Vampire Council member Ian Ducharme, and pining for her ex-fiancé, Dr. Oswald Grant . . . the fabulous man whose kiss changed her life. It’s when Milagro—irked by Ian’s attentions to his neighbor—travels to London and enjoys a sexy flirtation of her own, that the blood really hits the fan. Suddenly, those around her are dying gruesome deaths and Milagro’s being interrogated. Who would kill to set her up as a murder suspect? Milagro just wants to turn back the clock and have another chance to make things right, but no sooner has she escaped to Oswald’s ranch than an accident obliterates her memory. Will the murderer come after her now? And will amnesia spark a romantic do-over with Oswald—or will she make all the same mistakes before she ever gets to say "I do"?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Book Review: Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander, book 1) by Karen Marie Moning- Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
- Publisher: Dell; Reissue edition (March 9, 1999)
Amazon Description:
He would sell his warrior soul to possess her. . . .
An alluring laird...
He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart--until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length--but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.
A prisoner in time...
She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . . .
************************
He would sell his warrior soul to possess her. . . .
An alluring laird...
He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart--until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length--but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.
A prisoner in time...
She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . . .
************************
Beyond the Highland Mist involves a sexy man in a kilt, time travel, fae mischief, and romance...what more could a girl ask for? I do feel that some parts of the story were rushed but despite that I couldn't put the book down. The author has created characters that are easy to fall in love with and that is what truly makes this a great book. Hawk has a reputation as a sex god. He is gorgeous and that is the reason the fae mischief maker (Adam Black) chose Adrienne to be Hawk's bride. Why? Because she loathes gorgeous men. She fights her feeling for Hawk and even goes so far as to make him think she has a thing for the smithy. Hawk is determined to make her feel for him what he feels for her.
I was excited to read this since I love Karen Marie Moning's Fever series and had a feeling I would enjoy this one too. I can't compare it to the Fever series because that would be like comparing apples to oranges, but this book was a great start and I can't wait to read more.
4.5/5
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Book Review: Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
- Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Spectra; Original edition (March 23, 2010)
JUSTINE KNOWS SHE’S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW.
Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem.
Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.
********************************
Mind Games is a truly unique urban fantasy read. The main character, Justine, is a hypochondriac who is in a downward spiral until she meets Sterling Packard. Sterling has found people with extreme emotional problems and given them a way to release those problems into other humans. They are called disillusionists. Everyone has a weakness, and the scum they target are no exception. The disillusionists exploit certain vulnerabilities in their targets to disillusion them as a way to rehabilitate them. Justine is new to the crew and is in a bit of turmoil over whether what they do is really the right thing. She is also determined to figure out what her boss, Sterling, is hiding from them all.
Mind Games is like a breath of fresh air in the urban fantasy genre. It has actually been one of my favorite reads this year and I am excited to read the next book in the series, Double Cross, which comes out in late September.
5/5
Mind Games is like a breath of fresh air in the urban fantasy genre. It has actually been one of my favorite reads this year and I am excited to read the next book in the series, Double Cross, which comes out in late September.
5/5
Book Review: Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
- Hardcover: 400 pages
- Publisher: HarperTeen (September 28, 2010)
GoodReads Description:
Now a fully trained unicorn hunter, Astrid Llewelyn is learning that she can’t solve all her problems with a bow and arrow. Her boyfriend has left Rome, the Cloisters is in dire financial straits, her best friend’s powers are mysteriously disintegrating, and her hope of becoming a scientist seems to be nothing but an impossible dream.
So when she’s given the opportunity to leave the Cloisters and use her skills as part of a scientific quest to discover the Remedy, Astrid leaps at the chance. Finally, she can have exactly what she wants—or can she? At Gordian headquarters deep in France, Astrid begins to question everything she had believed: her love for Giovanni, her loyalty to the Cloisters, and—most of all—her duty as a hunter. Should Astrid be saving the world from killer unicorns or saving unicorns from the world?
*****************************
Ascendant, which is the sequel to Rampant, was not what I was expecting. Rampant was filled to the brim with action whereas Ascendant was more filled with emotions and introspection. It wasn't JUST an entertaining read...it really made me think about the ethics of it all (killing unicorns, experimenting on them, capturing them). I believe Phil really has it right to want to change how the unicorns treated and find a haven for them to live freely. They are deadly animals, yes, but they are living beings who are just following their natural instincts. Is that really any different from tigers, lions, and other wild animals?
Astrid begins to connect with unicorns on another level which begins her questioning her dedication to hunting and living the life that she was thrust into. There are some moments that truly made my heart feel heavy. It is easy to sympathize with Astrid. All the hunters have had to give up so much, but Astrid is expected to live up to the Llewellyn name and it seems an impossible task. This book isn't just about killer unicorns, it is about strong women who are finding themselves and learning to fight for what they believe in.
Overall, Ascendant was a great read. It took me awhile to really get into the story but once I got on a roll I couldn't put it down. The way the book ends really leaves me wanting more...it feels like Astrid's story just isn't over yet. As far as I can tell though, there aren't any definite plans for more books in this series. I am hoping this changes...keeping my fingers crossed!
4.5/5
Preorder on Amazon
Now a fully trained unicorn hunter, Astrid Llewelyn is learning that she can’t solve all her problems with a bow and arrow. Her boyfriend has left Rome, the Cloisters is in dire financial straits, her best friend’s powers are mysteriously disintegrating, and her hope of becoming a scientist seems to be nothing but an impossible dream.
So when she’s given the opportunity to leave the Cloisters and use her skills as part of a scientific quest to discover the Remedy, Astrid leaps at the chance. Finally, she can have exactly what she wants—or can she? At Gordian headquarters deep in France, Astrid begins to question everything she had believed: her love for Giovanni, her loyalty to the Cloisters, and—most of all—her duty as a hunter. Should Astrid be saving the world from killer unicorns or saving unicorns from the world?
*****************************
Ascendant, which is the sequel to Rampant, was not what I was expecting. Rampant was filled to the brim with action whereas Ascendant was more filled with emotions and introspection. It wasn't JUST an entertaining read...it really made me think about the ethics of it all (killing unicorns, experimenting on them, capturing them). I believe Phil really has it right to want to change how the unicorns treated and find a haven for them to live freely. They are deadly animals, yes, but they are living beings who are just following their natural instincts. Is that really any different from tigers, lions, and other wild animals?
Astrid begins to connect with unicorns on another level which begins her questioning her dedication to hunting and living the life that she was thrust into. There are some moments that truly made my heart feel heavy. It is easy to sympathize with Astrid. All the hunters have had to give up so much, but Astrid is expected to live up to the Llewellyn name and it seems an impossible task. This book isn't just about killer unicorns, it is about strong women who are finding themselves and learning to fight for what they believe in.
Overall, Ascendant was a great read. It took me awhile to really get into the story but once I got on a roll I couldn't put it down. The way the book ends really leaves me wanting more...it feels like Astrid's story just isn't over yet. As far as I can tell though, there aren't any definite plans for more books in this series. I am hoping this changes...keeping my fingers crossed!
4.5/5
Preorder on Amazon
*Thanks to HarperTeen for providing me with this review copy. Any opinions expressed are my own.*
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