From Me to You ... Video, Photography and Book Reviews

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Made the Grade: Valentino's Love-Child by Lucy Monroe

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 210 KB | Release Date: May 2009 | Publisher: Harlequin Presents

"Valentino's Love-Child" by Lucy Monroe

My Book Summary : Faith & Valentino (Tino) both have had hard times in their lives that have lead them to where they are and their unique relationship. However, even though they both agreed to a exclusive but quite relationship to a point that Faith could be called Tino's mistress (not that he would dare call her that to her face), they've agreed that they are friends but they don't plan on going any further then that.

Well ... things are about to change when Faith finds out she's pregnant! She is so excited since she wasn't sure if she would ever be able to conceive again. However, she's scare to tell Tino since even though she knows that he will love the child, she also knows that he will insist that they marry, and she doesn't want to marry him or anyone without love. Plus, Tino has told her before that no matter how much he cares for her things between them won't get anymore committed. Will Tino change his tune? Will Faith do what she feels is right or will she do what's best for the baby?

My Book Review : 3.8 out of 5 stars!! I know it's an unusual scoring but this book was SOOOO much better then "Made the Grade" but not quite a "Feasted On." =0) I really loved the twists and turns in this book from Faith's relationships with Tino's family that he wasn't aware of to how they decide to work out their situation.

It makes me all giddy just thinking about it!! *heheee*

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Billionaire's Pregnant Mistress | The Greek's Pregnant Lover

Book Teaser(s) :

"Nonna said I could invite you for dinner."
"That is very kind of her."
"Only, Papa said you probably wouldn't come."
"He did?"
Gio looked at her with pleading eyes only a heart of stone could ignore. "Why won't you come again? I thought you and Papa were friends."
"I didn't say I wouldn't come." ~ within Chapter 6

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

** 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.
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Related Posts :

Made the Grade: Traditional Greek Husbands Series, Book 2	Feasted On: By His Royal Decree Series, Book 1	Made the Grade: Million-Dollar Love-Child by Sarah Morgan	Made the Grade: Love Is... by 40+ authors from the Romance Divas writing community	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ M ~ Authors

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Made the Grade: Dark Series, Book 21

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 342 | Release Date: August 2010 | Publisher: Berkley

"Dark Peril" [Dark Series, Book 21] by Christine Feehan

My Book Summary : Dominic is a Dragonseeker, a powerful Carpathian warrior, who will do anything to protect his family and the Carpathian people. Even if it means ingesting parasitic infested vampire blood to get in behind enemy lines, find out what their plans are, and then go down fighting. However, he never expected to find his lifemate while in the mists of his plans.

Solange is one of the last of her kind -- part jaguar, part human and a 100% royal pureblood -- she will do anything in her power to save the woman of her species that are being beaten and abused by the hands of her father (the ruler of the jaguar people) and the men that follow him. Her plans also include finding a way to kill her father, a man who slaughtered her whole family, by any means possible.

For the past couple of months Dominic and Solange have been having dreams of one another, thinking that the other person wasn't real. However, they suddenly find out that isn't true when Solange runs into and aids Dominic while he is fighting some vampires while in South American jungle.

Will they decide to stay on their paths which might end up killing one or both of them? Or will they decide being together no matter what is better then being separated for good?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, not quite what I expected but I still enjoyed this latest novel in the Dark series. Basically what got me so into this book is that I usually like 'shifter' characters and I really liked how Solange was worked into the Carpathian world. I'm curious as to what the future will hold after Solange and Dominic's secret comes out (if it comes out) to the Carpathian community.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 8 | Book 12 | Book 20

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Burning Wild

Author Book Trailer :

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

"Should you need blood," Solange said, "call to us."
Dominic didn't protest, but he was never going to allow such a risk to her again. Fighting vampires was one thing, but walking into the very fangs of a Carpathian on the verge of turning was something altogether different. His heart was still pounding, the sound drumming in his veins. He looked at her, this woman who was such a miracle to him. ~ within Chapter 10

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

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"Waiting On" Wednesday: Awakened

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

"Awakened" [House of Night Series, Book 8] by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Publication Released Date: January 4, 2011

Author's Book Description:

At the start of Awakened, the pulse-pounding eighth installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey has returned, mostly whole, from the Otherworld to her rightful place as High Priestess at the House of Night. Her friends are just glad to have her back, but after losing her human consort, Heath, will Zoey—or her relationship with her super- hot Warrior, Stark—ever be the same? Stevie Rae is drawn even closer to Rephaim, the Raven Mocker with whom she shares a mysterious and powerful Imprint, but he is a dangerous secret that isolates her from her school, her red fledglings, and even her best friends. When the dark threat of Neferet—who is coming closer and closer to achieving her twisted goal of immortality—and Kalona returns, what will it take to keep the House of Night from being lost forever, and what will one desperate girl do to keep her heart from being irreparably broken?

I LOVE this series!! I can't wait to read this book once it comes out! YAY!!!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tempted | Divine By Blood | The Avenger | Burned | Elphame’s Choice

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Feasted On: Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 4

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 555 KB | Release Date: April 2009 | Publisher: Onyx

"Curse the Dawn" [Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 4] by Karen Chance

My Book Summary : Now that the geis is broken Cassie has grown closer to Mircea, the master vampire who she shared the geis with, but now she isn't fully sure of her feelings for him -- are they a side effect of the "love" spell or are they her true feelings. Of course even though the spell has broken between them Cassie was claimed by him, and he is doing everything he can to protect her, even if that means to chain her to things -- which tends to get in the way of her position as the Pythia.

However, even though she has the support of the vampire Senate for her role, she is still the main target by those who are supposed to support her. The Circle isn't looking at the big picture. They just see someone (meaning Cassie) as an unfit person to hold the title and plan to kill her at all costs, while they don't understand that if they kill her it'll have a negative effect on what they are meant to do -- which is protect the world from a force that they have kept away for hundreds of years.

And even though Mircea and others tries to protect Cassie from anything they can, not even a master vampire or those trying to help can stop an angry god from getting to her, or can they?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This one was a bit harder to imagine then the others, for me at least, mostly because of the happenings in the "ley lines." I just couldn't create what they would look like, I suppose. But I loved the plot! I wonder how the author plans write the next one about since this one is a mystery right up until the very end! I'm also curious as to whom Cassie will finally choose Mircea or Pritkin?? Plus ... whom is that mystery girl in the photo album Cassie saw? And whoever she might be I hope the knowledge won't hurt her when she finds out.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3

Author Book Trailer :

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

TEASER #1

"Yes?"
One of the blank-faced masters was there, radiating disapproval. "The Consul wanted to be sure you received her message," he rumbled.
"Tell her I will be with her momentarily," Mircea snapped, and slammed the door in his face.
"Marco says you can't do that to the older masters," I informed him as he dried off with abrupt, angry motions.
"You shouldn't take Marco's advice too much to heart. He is one of those he spoke to you about--one who has reached the farthest limit of his power. He is having, I think, some trouble accepting that."
"It still wouldn't hurt to be polite." ~ within Chapter 14

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

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Feasted On: Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 2	Feasted On: Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 3	Teaser Tuesdays: Curse the Dawn	Feasted On: Araneae Nation Series, Book 5	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ C ~ Authors

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Feasted On: Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 3

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 365 KB | Release Date: April 2008 | Publisher: Roc

"Embrace the Night" [Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 3] by Karen Chance

My Book Summary : Even though Cassandra (Cassie) has now accepted her destiny as the Pythia, she still has those who plan on killing her since they don't believe she is a good fit (even though they know nothing about her), while others just want her dead for their own reasons. However, while fighting for her life, right now her main goal is to brake the geis that is on her and a vampire master named Mircea before they either stop fighting it and complete the spell making one of the a "love" slave of the other one or they stay apart until one of them dies because the spell making them going insane. The only way to save both Mircea and her life is to find this Codex Merlini, an ancient text of spells that is said to have the counter curse in it. However, the Codex has been lost years ago so she will have to travel into the past in search of it. In addition, as she searches she comes to realize that even though it may help her to find that spell there is more to the Codex then she knows and everyone is willing to take it from her no matter what the price.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! So far this is my favorite book out of the series, especially since it grows Pritkin, Mircea, and Cassie's characters ... along with growing Cassie's relationships with both men!!

I wish I could say more but then I'd probably give away good things about the book. READ IT!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 2

Book Teaser(s) :

"You can think at MAGIC, where it's safe."
"You know," I said savagely, "considering how often I hear that word, it's amazing how frequently I end up almost dead!"
"That will not happen tonight," he said firmly, and took my hand. I stared at him in horror, waiting for the electric sizzle that would tell me I'd just managed to kill us both. But other than the faint tingle the geis always gave off, there was nothing.
Nothing except a sweet, cloying odor, like flowers on the verge of rot. Where had I smelled that before? ~ within Chapter 11

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

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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Teaser Tuesdays: Curse the Dawn

Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Curse the Dawn" [Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 4] by Karen Chance

Book Teaser:

"I don't care. Right now, anything I can put my mouth on is fine."
"Oh, honey, if only you were a boy," she sighed, and pulled me into the madhouse of Main Street. ~ within Chapter 11

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Touch the Dark | Claimed by Shadow

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Feasted On: Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 2

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 465 KB | Release Date: April 2007 | Publisher: Roc

"Claimed by Shadow" [Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 2] by Karen Chance

My Book Summary : Cassandra (Cassie) has just became the Pythia, however not many want her to have that title and are doing anything they can to kill her. In addition, Cassie is having a little problem with her powers controlling her instead of her being the one in control of them. The problem with that is there is only one way to make sure her powers work but she has a "love" spell, called a geis, on her that counter acts what she needs to do to seal her powers. However, thinking she can avoid all of accepting her powers while looking for someone to take her place instead. Cassie plans to hunt down the vampire who killed her parents and also see if she can take down the girl who was supposed to receive Cassie's new powers originally before this girl decides to get creative and take matters into her own hands.

It's a lot of pressure for someone who doesn't want her new powers in the first place. Will she be able to succeed in finding them and maybe accepting what she's become along the way?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, I'm finding that this series is addicting as soon as I put one book down I had to read the next one, especially with all of the cliffhangers that end the books. This one I liked because you got to see the growth between Cassie and her new friends along with finding out how she can fit into a world (the human and supernatural world) after being raised in the vampire community. It's a HIGHLY intriguing book.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

Book Teaser(s) :

"If the Circle knows the gargoyles killed their men, why are they blaming me?"
"I don't know." Billy looked puzzled. "I saw the bodies and they have claw and teeth marks all over 'em. I guess it gives the Circle an excuse to brand you a dangerous lunatic."
"Shit."
"Yeah, that about sums it up. So like I said, I'm whacked. I hate to be a pain---"
"Since when?"
"Very funny, Cass. I spend half the day gettin' top-quality info for you and---" ~ within Chapter 6

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

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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Feasted On: Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 271 KB | Release Date: February 2007 | Publisher: Roc

"Touch the Dark" [Cassandra Palmer Series, Book 1] by Karen Chance

My Book Summary : Cassandra (Cassie) has been on the run for a few years and has thought she was doing well, until she finds a warning on her office computer screen saying that she will die that night, as she has the vampire who raised her (also he's the one that she betrayed last) after her as he plans to kill her. Once she sees the warning, she plans to make a run for it, but she has to take a detour to the club she works part-time at because her roommate works there, and she feels a responsibility to warn him not to stay at their place for a while and to inform him that she's leaving town. But soon her world is in for a BIG twist when she finds out that her roommate has been keeping secrets from her, she finds she isn't who she thought she was, and more "people" are out to get her then she originally expected. What's a girl to do?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! This story isn't like anything I expected ... it's set in a world not that much different then some of the other books/series' that I've read before, however her abilities are completely different and constantly changing (it seems).

The only thing I had an issue with for this book was that because of all of the background history, her time travel, etc. it is a slow moving book. However, if you can get past that then I think you'll enjoy this book as much as I did!!

Book Teaser(s) :

Jimmy licked his muzzle with a long, pale tongue, and his little rat ears twitched. "You'd say anything to get her back, then kill me or let them do it. Besides, if I don't take her to Tony, I'm dead anyway."
I sneered. "Since when do weres take orders from vamps? I can't believe you toadied to him all these years!"
Jimmy squealed; I guess I hit a nerve. "There's a new order coming, vampire, and lotta things are about to change. You may be taking orders from us soon!"
I backpedaled. I wanted to hit his pride, not goad him into doing something stupid. ~ within Chapter 7

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

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Sunday, October 10, 2010

Guest Post :: Beautiful Inspiring Book Cover Art

Beautiful Inspiring Book Cover Art
This guest post was contributed by Love Reading

"American Nerd: The Story Of My People" by Benjamin Nugent
This book explores the word “nerd”, what it means, who it pertains to, where and how it began and where and what it means now. The cover has the words “American Nerd” and many items in picture frames that belong to nerds. It frames the “nerd” items like proud art and signifies that being a nerd is now a proud thing.

"Can They Do That?" by Lewis Maltby
This book is on how the average American workplace is run so that its workers actually have little to no rights. It is made to seem as if the workers have their own set of rights but through privacy invasion and other methods those rights are broken. This ties in well with the cover because it shows a man sliding along a wall avoiding a video camera.

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 324 | Release Date: April 2010 | Publisher: Walker Publishing Company

"Rules of Attraction" [Perfect Chemistry Novel, Book 2] by Simone Elkeles

My Book Summary : After his older brother, Alex, got himself shot and kicked out of his gang Carlos, his mother, and younger brother moved back to Mexico. Now two years later Carlos is being sent from Mexico to Colorado to live with his older brother (who he hasn't seen in two years), as his family hopes will straighten him out and get him away from the gang he joined while living in Mexico. After he lands in the USA and sees his brother he soon realizes that Alex has changed and has turned more into a straight and narrow type of person then Carlos ever wanted to see, as he grew up idolizing his brother (with the gang label and all). However, even though Carlos considers himself a rebel he isn't the one who involves himself into the local gangs once he's back, instead one of the higher-ups in the local gang sets him up with the law. Which he is told that where his brother is living, he isn't allowed to stay, so Alex makes arrangements for Carlos to live with a professor's family that he knows will help out. Much to Carlos' secret intrigue it just happens to be Kiara's home too, a girl who is a miss good-two-shoes, who is unique all on her own, and even though she isn't the prettiest girl in school or the most popular Carlos can't stop thinking about her.

However, just when his life seems to be going good, the gang who set him up contacts him, tells him he's going to be joining their gang and basically threatens him and those he cares about if he doesn't go along with what they tell him. Will he change his life -- be like Alex -- and step away from that kind of life, will he go along with their demands just to make sure those he loves will be okay, or will he take option number three and just run away thinking that if he’s gone then everyone else will be better off?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Perfect chemistry is a fact with this book!! The characters were great! I loved that this story didn't just develop Carlos' character but also the characters and relationship of Alex and Brittany! PLUS --- Kiara was a great addition to the romance .... a complete 180º from how Brittany was originally portrayed in the first book!!

Basically if you liked the first book, then you should definitely check this one out!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

Author Book Trailer :

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

Maybe if I annoy her enough she'll want to pack up and leave.
But after five minutes I can tell my strategy isn't workin'.
Time to change tactics. "Want to make out?"
"With who?" she asks, not bothering to look up.
"Me."
She lifts her head from her book just long enough to give me a once-over. "No, thanks," she says, then goes back to her homework.
She's fuckin' with me.
She's got to be fuckin' with me, right? "Because of that pendejo Tuck?"
"No. Because I don't want Madison's leftovers."
Wait. Un. Momento. I've been called a lot of things before, but . . . ~ within Chapter 25

For more information on this book, series and/or any other books by Simone, then please check out her website. Also, check out PerfectChemistryTheBook.com.

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