Top 5 Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!
Since today is Thanksgiving Day I decided to make a list of my top 5 books that I've read so far and that I'm Thankful for this year!! So, here you go:

1. "Hard Bitten" [Chicagoland Vampires Series, Book 4] by Chloe Neill: 5 out of 5 stars!!! ::::WARNING----THIS BOOK HAD ME IN TEARS BY THE END OF IT:::: I loved Merit as always! Her relationship with Ethan takes some major turns ... some I loved and some I royally hated especially since I really want them to end up together in the end. And WOW .... the ending has a twist I NEVER expected! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
   
   
2. "Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire: 5 out of 5 stars!!!! THIS WAS A WONDERFUL NOVEL!! The author put together a story full of romance, friendship, and the links some would go to just so they could be a part of the person they love’s life. Abby is an intriguing character who had a great back-story, and the author took that story into turns that I never expected. But I absolutely LOVED the friendship and respect that Travis and Abby shared for each other, no matter what happened between them, they were there for each other no matter what. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
   
   
3. "The Iron Knight" [The Iron Fey Series, Book 4] by Julie Kagawa: 5 out of 5 stars!! "The Iron Knight" wraps up this wonderfully awesome series, and I was captivated and entertained so much in this story that I didn't want to put it down!! This book kept me jumping from the beginning from all of the twists that the author throws in it!! I was SOOO surprised with how it gives you multiple endings, in a way, that leave you reeling because your not sure if that's definitely going to happen or not. [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
   
   
4. "Until There Was You" by Kristan Higgins: 5 out of 5 stars!!!!!! Oh My Goodness!!!! This is a wonderful, funny, and sweet novel that I could not get enough of!!! It is by far the best novel I have read of Kristan's, just topping out my old favorite of hers "Too Good To Be True!"
   
   This is the FIRST novel of Kristan's where you get to read from both points-of-view of the main characters, Posey & Liam, and I have got to say I was SOOO Happy about that!! As I love to be able to see what the guy thinks! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
   
   
5. "Raised By Wolves" [Raised by Wolves Series, Book 1] by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: 5 out of 5 stars!! I have to agree, completely, with Melissa Marr when she said, "Quite simply, the most compelling YA werewolf book out there." And Ms. Marr is soo right! This novel/series takes on a new meaning in and of itself. Even though I've only read the first novel, thus far, but it was so heart-warming, intriguing, and mysterious that I didn't want to put it down even when I had too! [Read more of Jess' Review for this book HERE]
   
   

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"Waiting On" Wednesday: Redwood Bend

Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"Redwood Bend" [A Virgin River Novel, Book 18] by Robyn Carr
Expected Publication Released Date: February 28, 2012

Author's Book Description:

CAN CHANGING A TIRE CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

Katie Malone and her twin boys’ trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie doesn’t have the first clue about putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the site of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

WELCOME BACK TO THE RIVER.

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Teaser Tuesdays: Soul Search

Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Soul Search" by Amber Scott

Book Teaser:

“A peace offering, huh? I didn’t realize we were at war.”
Offering him the bread basket, she quirked an eyebrow. “You’re as friendly with everyone as you have been with me?”
“These days, even less friendly.” He took a crusty roll. “But I accept. Peace it is. After today, I’d know better than to tangle with you, anyhow.”
“Scared I know your secret and that I’ll run to the nearest ear willing to hear it?” she said, glancing at Beatrice and Nick a few feet away, engrossed in conversation themselves.
“Nah. No one would believe you.” He gave her a crooked grin. ~ within Chapter 9

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Fierce Dawn | Soul Search

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All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

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Made the Grade: Soul Search by Amber Scott

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 345 KB | Release Date: September 2011 | Publisher: Tholden Press | Obtained: Amber Scott

"Soul Search" by Amber Scott

My Book Summary : Based in the 1930 ...

Leigh is hoping to use her talents as a medium to help Beatrice and Beatrice's brother, Grant, find Beatrice's son, Tristan, who got kidnapped over three-years-ago and also as a way to get back home (in California) from a disastrous situation in Paris. Grant has been searching for his nephew ever since he was kidnapped and that night when his life changed by him being turned into a wolf shifter. However, he doesn't like his wolf-side since he always loses control and is unsure what happens when he shifts into it. That is until he meets Leigh, as something about her calls to his wolf-side.

Now they are all heading back to California, to where the kidnapping took place, in hopes they'll find out something helpful at the location and with Leigh. Nevertheless, during the journey, Leigh's life turns upside down when her "angel" begins a fascination to Grant and so does she (in a different way). Will this fascination get the better of her and throw off the investigation?? Or could it help them all in the long run?

However, it seems there is more to the kidnapping and Grant turning into a shifter then he originally thought. Will they be able to find Tristan before it's too late?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars!! This is an intriguing story with a new twist on the "shifter" theme. Clever, mysterious, and captivating!! I really enjoyed reading about Grant---his past, the wolf inside him, his dealings with the supernatural world---and how deals with all of the changes to him and the things around him. Jacob is an interesting character because you barely know anything about him, and yet he is in the whole story as more of a main character than anyone else is, so you can never quite tell what he'll do next. The relationship that Leigh and Grant share is definitely unique for the time period, or at least it seems that way to me, which makes it all the more interesting.

I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of paranormal books based in an earlier time setting and/or to those who are fans of authors like: Amber Scott, Dana Marie Bell, or Sandra Edwards.

My Previous Review(s) for these Author : Fierce Dawn

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

He’d killed that man. No question there. No man could survive that bite. No matter how many times he remembered the stolen soul he’d set free, he’d killed a man. He’d ripped his throat out. Grant was a murderer. An animal. Maybe he’d saved that woman, too. Maybe two rights were worth the single, terrible wrong.
Jean-Paul had acquiesced.
This man hadn’t.
Grant didn’t even know his name. ~ within Chapter 13

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Amber, then please check out her website.

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** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

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Made the Grade: You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 413 | Release Date: September 2011 | Publisher: David Fickling Books | Obtained: Pasquotank-Camden Library

"You Against Me" by Jenny Downham

My Book Summary : If you were told that your sister was raped you would do anything to protect her and get revenge for her, wouldn't you?

If your brother was accused of raping that girl you would do anything to defend him, right?

Those are the questions that Mikey & Ellie are dealing with now, while each of their worlds are falling apart. Both try to find out the truth of what happened between their siblings --- whether by looking into the others family with plans to hurt the man who did it or trying to look into ones self and go through their memories.

When Mikey & Ellie meet their worlds collide and nothing that they once believed will be the same.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This story is intense, thought-provoking, and endearing while having a romantic edge. It definitely makes you think about people in those situations. Also, it makes you wonder about what you might want to do if it were you. However, the situation in the book surrounds this merging love between two people that, in the eyes of their families and the law, should have nothing to do with each other but can't seem to stop being a part of each others lives.

I recommend this to whoever is a fan of YA contemporary romance novels!

Author Book Trailer :

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Author Book Interview(s) :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.
Book Teaser(s) :

Another said, 'How's your brother?' And when Ellie told him Tom was fine, he said, 'Shame.'
Three girls who would never acknowledge her any other day came up.
'How's Tom managing?' they asked, all soft-voiced and concerned, as if he had many wives.
'Um, he's OK.' ~ within Chapter 10

'So, you're called Tyler?'
He looked down at himself and frowned. 'It's not my real name.'
Tom said Karyn McKenzie was a liar. Obviously the whole family was, since everything about this boy was fake. He'd targeted the party, rather than stumbled across it, he'd deliberately chatted her up because he knew who she was. Even now, as he looked her up and down, his eyes warm and flirtatious, it was only an act. ~ within Chapter 18

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jenny, then please check out her Amazon Page.

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** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

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Made the Grade: Hearts of the Anemoi Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 234; Kindle Edition - File Size: 803 KB | Expected Release Date: November 1, 2011 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley

"North of Need" [Hearts of the Anemoi Series, Book One] by Laura Kaye

My Book Summary : It's been two years since Megan's husband passed away, and she is still grieving for him along with dealing with the guilt she holds involving his death. This year Megan decides to stay at her cabin (that has always meant a lot to her husband and her) during the anniversary of his death (which happened on Christmas), thinking spending it there will give her some of the tranquility she lost since his death. However, tranquility is the last thing she gets, especially after building a snowman family in front of the cabin, everything that she went through bottles up, spills out, and she has a breakdown outside on her snowman.

Owen is a God of Winter who comes to earth to help Megan, which he does in flying colors. From their snow antics, to their igloo picnics, to their happy chatter with each other and more, Megan is the happiest she’s been in the past two years. Nevertheless, even with everything going so well for them, their time together is cut short when the snow starts to melt. Now Owen just has a few days left to prove to Megan that they need each other and that they are good together, before there is no snow left, because if Megan can't give her heart to Owen before the snow melts, then he won't be able to stay with her. However, is Megan willing to face her fears and give her heart to Owen before it's too late?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! After just reading a few chapters of "North of Need" it reminded me of the movie Jack Frost [Amazon Movie Link / IMDB Link], even though this book has a different story line, I think it was the whole snowman-coming-to-life thing that made me think it. Anyway ...

This is a wonderful book!! Also, I say that while admitting that at first glance I was a bit skeptical of it but I am sooo happy that I choose to read it!! It's endearing, sizzling, and a fun novel! Not long after starting this book you get wrapped up in Megan's past and then even more so with Owen's happiness about everything!

There is only a few chapters about 3/4's of the way in when I wanted to smack Megan upside the head for how she acted. However, I did like the way the author took the storyline from that part and made the book even more interesting!!

I wonder if all the gods in this series will be as captivating?? Well, keep a lookout for "West of Want" in March 2012 and we'll both find out! =0)

Book Teaser(s) :

She smiled. "Well, come on."
He frowned, winced.
"You're going to join me, aren't you?"
He knelt down next to the tub and rested his arms on the edge. "I can't."
She scooted closer, the water carrying her weight to where he was. "Why?" Then it hit her. "It's too warm for you."
He nodded. "Yes, for now. It's cold showers for me." He winked. ~ within Chapter 14

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Laura, then please check out her Amazon Page.

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** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

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When & Where Are You? Thursdays: North of Need

When & Where Are You? Thursdays is a weekly meme, hosted by Jess from From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. This is open for anyone & everyone!! To participate here's what you need to do:

• Based on the book your currently reading -- tell us when and where you are in your book, and possibly what your doing or who you are with.
• It doesn't have to be long, just two sentences or so.
• Try not to include spoilers!!!
• Be sure to share the book information [title, author and/or book cover] so if someone likes what you write they can add that book to their TBR list.

Here is 'When & Where...' I am this week :

Right now ...

Owen and Megan are at a local ski resort enjoying the snow and as much time together as possible. During that time Owen is still trying to prove to Megan how good they would be in a relationship together, if only Megan can get past her fears.

In: "North of Need" [Hearts of the Anemoi Series, Book 1] by Laura Kaye

Now ....

When & Where are YOU??
Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own 'When & Where...' entry on your blog, and leave your link below**!



** If you don't have a blog, then please comment with your own 'When & Where...'!

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All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

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"Waiting On" Wednesday: Catch Me a Cowboy

Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"Catch Me a Cowboy" [Deep in the Heart of Texas Series, Book 3] by Katie Lane
Expected Publication Released Date: March 27, 2012

Amazon.com's Book Description:

Shirlene Dalton has it all: a dream marriage to a man who spoils her rotten and the most outrageous mansion Bramble, Texas, has ever seen. But when her husband unexpectedly dies, Shirlene finds herself right back where she started-in a rundown trailer on the wrong side of the tracks. Never the type to let a little bad luck and a whole heap of heartache get her down, Shirlene is ready to prove to the local gossips she can make it on her own . . . until she ends up living next door to the most tempting cowboy in town.
Billy Wilkes has a score to settle and a plan to wipe Bramble right off the map. But when his sexy, redheaded neighbor figures out what he's up to, his good ol' boy charm won't be enough to save him. With the town on his tail, Billy will have to come clean quick-or kiss Shirlene goodbye.

My Previous Review(s) for these Author : O Little Town of Bramble

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All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

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Made the Grade: Children of the Undying Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 242 KB | Expected Release Date: November 29, 2011 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Moira Rogers

"Demon Bait" [Children of the Undying Series, Book 1] by Moira Rogers (aka Bree & Donna)

My Book Summary : The world has changed ... the apocalypse has happened (years ago) and now demons roam the earth and most people (humans) blame it on those people who have summoner blood (magic in their blood).

Marcelle (Marci) just happens to be a summoner who has been trying to hide herself by living among humans in different underground compounds throughout most of her life. Soon she is found out during the compound's lockdown by a man who is visiting, Gabe, and says that he can protect her from the demons. Therefore, during their time together in lockdown Gabe tries to convince Marci to leave the place she's at to go to another compound that would allow her to live without fear. Only there is a catch... since he is a halfblood demon himself she would have to be marked by Gabe, which would make her vulnerable to him for the duration of their escape from the compound their in to the one they are heading to. However, will Marci be able to trust him enough to be marked by him and put her life in his hands??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. Adventurous, seductive, and sweet are the three words I would choose to describe this unique apocalyptic romance book!! Marci has grown up believing she has to hide who she is, even though her magic is just simmering under her skin wanting to get out. Gabe is fierce and sweet, and just the type who you'd love to be seduced by!! I could not get enough of this book!!

My only problem with this book was what happened once they were found. I mean I understand the necessity for what happened but it seemed to mess up the flow of the book for me, I guess. Otherwise, I like how the book did wrap up at the end!

I recommend this to whoever is already fans of Moira Rogers and to those who like adventurous paranormal romance books!!

My Previous Review(s) for these Author : Crossroads | Moonshine | Sabine

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

Gabe sighed. “How would volunteering the information have helped? I could have let you out into the unprotected hallways and...what? Pried open another door so everyone on the other side would know I wasn’t human?”
“And ruin how hard you worked to get me stuck with you in the first place, right?”
His jaw clenched, and he looked away.
Trip didn’t. “If there’s something going on...”
“There’s not,” Gabe snapped. ~ within Chapter 5

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Moira (aka Bree & Donna), then please check out her/their Amazon Page.

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** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

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