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

Friday, July 8, 2011

Made the Grade: NY Girlfriends Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 375 KB | Release Date: October 2005 | Publisher: Kensington Books

"The Pregnancy Test" [NY Girlfriends Series, Book 1] by Erin McCarthy

My Book Summary : All in a short time span Mandy's life has changed ... she closed her toy shop, her boyfriend broke up with her, and she found out she is pregnant!! Now she really needs to find a job with good benefits, so she doesn't live off of her parents funds, and so she can take care of her child. Thankfully her roommate was able to set her up with an interview as an assistant. An interview where she definitely makes a lasting impression, by puking in his wastebasket in front of him (which is located between his legs at the time), and gets hired for the job. Now she just has to contend with working for a man, Damien, who has a nickname of Demon, who asks like an ogre, who has made his previous secretary cry, and who has some baggage of his own to deal with.

These seemingly different people are about to find that one person who could make everything better, only if they can trust each other and get over their pasts/baggage ... is it possible?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. A sweet, hot, and funny story where you root for the two main characters from the beginning!! Mandy is a great character .... her plot about being pregnant (and everything that goes along with that) is really well written and thought out. Where Damien's past is revealed in a way where you want good things for him and it makes you wish you could help him out too. The chemistry between these two just sparks off of the pages!

The only reason this novel didn't get a better/higher rating was because of how Mandy's roommates try to get involved and meddle things up .... it was very annoying and unnecessary for the plot.

Book Teaser(s) :

I was thinking about Cecilia for a girl and Simon for a boy.
Her heart swelled a little at the thought of giving a name to her child. Giving him or her an identity.
I don't know...those sound very British.
All the good feelings she'd been having fled.
I am British!
"Bloody idiot." ~ within Chapter 17

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

** 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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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Dark Predator

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

"Dark Predator" [Dark Series, Book 22] by Christine Feehan
Publication Released Date: September 6, 2011

Author's Book Description:

An immortal comes to the end of a long and violent journey and finds a far more dangerous threat in this dark and thrilling novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian series.

As brutal as the undead he hunted, executioner Zacarias De La Cruz’s savage journey is over. After a thousand years in a gray world, he has accomplished everything he set out to do. His brothers are safeguarded, and each has a woman who completes them. But with centuries as a killing machine now left to the past and without a hunt to define him, Zacarias wonders, for the first time in his life, who he really is.

The answer awaits him in the vengeance of an old enemy, in the consequences of a bloody family legacy, and in Marguarita, a woman he once saved—his lifemate, his deliverance, and the greatest risk yet to both their lives.

Christine's novels are usually always compelling and with the Dark series she rarely strikes-out each new installment! I can't wait to see what she will turn out next!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Dark Melody | Dark Legend | Burning Wild | Dark Slayer | Dark Peril

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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Feasted On: Alpha Series, Book 3

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 184 KB | Release Date: January 2007 | Publisher: Loose Id LLC

"Home" [Alpha Series, Book 3] by Treva Harte

My Book Summary : When you live in a small pack, your one of the lowest in that pack, and your not mated/claimed yet .... means you have to do things that you might not really want to do. Like be given to another pack in the prospect of getting pregnant by one of their unmated males, with little to no input from yourself. This is the situation that Mia soon finds herself in.

To make matters worse ... the chosen male that she is told she will plan to have sex with in hopes of becoming pregnant by is Grey, who as of late has more interest in guys then any girl. So, there is little hope that Grey will find Mia even attractive enough to have sex with, let alone get her pregnant.

However, there might be hope if Rome (another male in Grey's pack) can help the two out. Since Mia has always had a crush on Rome and is kinda scared of Grey, Grey has only had eyes for Rome for years now, and Rome just happens to really like them both. This may work out as long as Mia's other "male suitors" don't end up getting in the way or killing them ....

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars ... this was a VERY cute and HOT story!! It has a GREAT plot, so if you don't read the other books in this series (like I didn't) then you still won't be left out, and it kept me intrigued to the very end about what would happen next.

Book Teaser(s) :

Grey looked at one grinning were and then the other. "You two are beyond crude. You're freakin' perverted."
Mia slurped her dessert this tome. Rome began to peel another banana.
"Want some, Grey?" Rome offered. "There's plenty more where that came from. You probably need to keep your energy levels up."
"Sick and not ashamed of it," Grey growled.
"Maybe Grey would prefer to see...a cucumber." Mia leaned against the counter and tilted her head back to catch a stray spill of her confection. Rome snorted. ~ within Chapter 3

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

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Friday, July 1, 2011

Made the Grade: Pitcher Perfect by Devina Douglas

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 496 KB | Release Date: April 9, 2011 | Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

"Pitcher Perfect" by Devina Douglas

My Book Summary : This is the sequel to Devina's "What A Catch" novel ... which if you haven't read then don't worry as you can catch up on all of the back story within this one.

So .... in this novel, you read what happens during two years of Alyssa (Allie) and Alex's lives. It starts off with Allie being recently dumped by Alex's best friend. Running into each other not long afterwards, they start a friendship between them that wasn't that strong before. Then in an unexpected twist of fate, Alex moves into Allie's apartment, and over a period of time stepping up their relationship from just friends to best friends.

Alex and Allie get so close, over the months of living together and other circumstances that they knew more about each other than they've ever told anyone else, which gets very hard for the multiple relationships that they get into with other people.

After a while, Allie learns that her feelings for Alex are stronger then the platonic loving sisterly friendship that she's been having with him, and doesn't know how to proceed. However, things turn their relationship/friendship to the worst when Alex says and does things that could irrevocably change everything they have between them. Will Alex give up the one person who has been there for him the most or will he be able to save everything and win her back??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars .... I loved this book but why it didn't get 5 stars was because I think Allie was too undecided about her relationship with Alex after the fallout between them happened. Otherwise it was a great book ... from the baseball antics to the minor character's story lines!

Book Teaser(s) :

"Will someone tell me where Claire went?" Alex tried again when he felt he could get a word in edgewise over the cacophony.
"Scott broke up with her for you," Sandy replied, trying to regain her composure, yet still hiding behind her drink.
Still towering about them, Alex seemed baffled by the idea. "You did what?"
"You're kidding?" Allie hissed. "No, seriously. Where are they?"
Katherine leaned forward in her seat and smiled matter-of-factly. "Scott broke up with her. She left." ~ within Chapter VII - titled 'MARCH-MAY, ONE YEAR AGO'

To: AllieReid@rocketmail.com
From: Alex Whitfield
Date: August 26, 1327 EST
Subject: Paul Astor?

Paul Astor? Paul Astor? Of all the fucking people to hook up with, you end up with Paul Astor? Fucking Paul Astor? You have got to be fucking kidding me.
A ~ within Chapter XXI - titled 'SEPTEMBER'

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

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Feasted On: His Eyes by Renee Carter

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 198 KB | Release Date: 2009 | Publisher: ??

"His Eyes" by Renee Carter

My Book Summary : Tristan has won numerous horse show-jumping competitions, competing and riding his horse is just about his favorite thing to do. However, he never expected to have an accident, while competing, that would completely change his view of the world and leave him blind. Since then he has been unsure of who he is and doesn't want to accept his new reality ... basically he has withdrawn himself from his friends (not that they really put much of an effort to see him), family (who will stop at nothing to get him out of this slump), and everything he use to enjoy.

Thinking of a way to get him to accept the new changes in his life, his mother hires a "babysitter" named Amy who is the same age as he is (a senior in high school just about to graduate).

Amy is from the complete opposite side of town from Tristan's rich-boy life, but she's not sure she would change anything. Well ... except trying earn enough money so she can go to her top college, that her parents won't be able to afford. So, getting this "babysitting" gig sounds great .... until she learns that Tristan is the same age as her .. but with the amount his mother plans to pay her she's definitely willing to give it a shot!

Tristan doesn't want Amy's help, but she tries to make it work between them. But just as things start getting better with them, Tristan's beautiful ex-girlfriend comes into the picture and throws a wrench into everything ....

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. Inspiring, sweet, romantic, and funny ... what more could you ask for in a book .. let alone a YA novel! The chemistry between Tristan and Amy (even if their lives where so different) just sparks off of the page! Also, I loved Tristan's family ... I wished I could hang out with them myself! =0)

Author Book Trailer :

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

I raised my eyebrows. "Yeah? What's your favorite band?"
"Coldplay."
"What?" I cried. "Are you serious? I love them!"
Tristan laughed, "I didn't think you liked any bands from this decade."
"Seriously." I pulled the Camry into a parking spot. "Sting is classic." I switched off the engine. "We're here."
"And the surprise is...?"
I said enthusiastically, "We're at the stables to visit Aeris!"
"Oh." His face darkened. "What makes you think I want to ride?" ~ within Chapter 7

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

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Clockwork Prince

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

"Clockwork Prince" [The Infernal Devices Series, Book 2] by Cassandra Clare
Publication Released Date: December 6, 2011

Author's Book Description:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

I love this author's two series' so far ... and the worlds they are set in! I can't wait to see where she'll take her characters and see who will be together at the end of the journey.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Clockwork Angel

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Feasted On: Mating Heat Series, Book 2

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 352 KB | Release Date: May 2011 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave

"His Purrfect Mate" [Mating Heat Series, Book 2] by Laurann Dohner

My Book Summary : Shannon & Anton's lives are about to be turned upside-down...

Anton is next-in-line to take over his pack once his father decides to step down. He has been groomed for the roll ever since he was young. He knows that there are rules to be upheld and he makes sure his pack follows through with them too. So, when he finds out that some of his pack mates have chased a woman up into a tree with plans on killing her .... he is royally pissed off. He gets them to back off and gets the woman to come down after he promises not to hurt her no matter what. And boy does he stick to that promise ....

Shannon is a quarter-puma-shifter, who has been raised by her fully human mother, and can't shift. She's grown up hearing terrible things about shifters and that if she doesn't keep her bloodlines secret then she'll end up found out and killed. And this just proves her point until a wolf steps into her life and changes her point-of-view.

Will things work out between them? Will they just go their separate ways? Or will they defy everyone around them, and their own instincts, to go in a direction that could be extraordinary?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This story was HOT, intriguing, and passionate! I loved the relationship between the main characters and the minor characters (Anton's family members - minus his mother) were great too.

However -- I will say that there is a detailed almost rape in the book that you'll have to read about. It goes well with the plot but I think that some people might get uncomfortable reading it.

Book Teaser(s) :

"You're afraid of your mommy?" Shannon couldn't help it. She grinned, finding it funny that someone his size and age feared his mother would disapprove of something he did. "Will you get grounded for hanging out with me?" ~ within Chapter 5

She began to hate the way she lost control around werewolves. It was embarrassing. She clung to a wet, naked guy in front of his mother as if she were a terrified child and Anton was a big teddy bear. A sexy, wet one. But I bet I look pathetic. ~ within Chapter 10

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

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Sunday, June 26, 2011

From Book to the Movies: One Day

Over the past year I have seen "One Day" by David Nicholls, on bookshelves and listed on my 'recommend reads' area on amazon.com .... and now I'm just waiting for my chance at it from local library (once it's my time in the queue line). From the book description I can already see why a movie is coming out this year based on this book!!

Movie Release Date :: August 19th 2011

Movie Preview ::

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.
To find out more about this movie then click here!!

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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Made the Grade: House of Night Series, Book 8

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 290 | Release Date: January 2011 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press

"Awakened" [House of Night Series, Book 8] by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast

My Book Summary : This book in the series was a mix of multiple stories that all have a common link to each other, told by 9 different points-of-view.

Zoey is dealing with: Her loss of Heath. Her love and new relationship with Stark. Her feelings about being "whole" again, and where she wants to go and do from here.

Stark is dealing with: Not being completely himself after coming back from the Otherworld. Enjoying his new relationship with Zoey. Learning what being a Guardian is all about.

Neferet is dealing with: Being a bitch as usual. Nyx messes up some of her plans, but Darkness has other plans to help her out.

Rephaim is dealing with: He's dealing with his feelings for Stevie Rae, while dealing with how he can/could possibly stay loyal to Kalona (his father).

Stevie Rae is dealing with: Her love for Rephaim and how she's been keeping him a secret from her friends. Everything that involves being the High Priestess of the Tulsa House of Night while Zoey is gone.

Kalona is dealing with: Neferet's "control" over him and how he could get out of it.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. Basically I went from excited at the beginning to disappointed for the middle and end (even though there were a few good parts in the middle). I really wanted to read this novel when I finished "Burned," but then I got pregnant and not interested in this series for a while, well now that I have read it and just finished reading it I can say I was very disappointed. =0( I mean I liked the relationship that has formed between Zoey and Stark, yet I do NOT like Stark's new development. I really didn't like that a character I really liked dies. I DID like what happens between Stevie Rae and Rephaim.

However, with all I DIDN'T like about this book (part in the series) I know for a fact that I'll be reading the next book in this series, "Destined." Especially with the odd turn of events at the very end, basically throwing one of my fave characters and giving "them" a whole new reality. =0( All I can say is .... I'm scared to know what will happen next.

And I hope that this will wrap up soon since if it gets stretched for too much longer the series will just go even more down hill.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 6 | Book 7

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

Author Book Trailer :

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

"Oh, and maybe one of the me's could take a long bubble bath and listen to my Kenny Chesney while I read the end of A Night to Remember."
"A Night to Remember? You mean that Titanic story I read last year in Lit class?"
"Yeah. We'd just started it when I died and un-died, so I never got to finish it."
"Here. I'll help ya out. THE SHIP SINKS. THEY DIE. The end. Now can we please move on to somethin' more important?" ~ within Chapter 16

For more information on this book, series and/or any other books by P. C. & Kristin, then please check out their website: www.infinitelyinteresting.co.

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