Book Birthdays: New Titles This Week (17)

I keep a Google calendar of all the books releasing each week that are on my radar. With all of the many books I am excited about it is so easy to lose track of when things come out. Since I'm already doing this research for myself, I thought you guys might like it if I shared.


Releasing 12/31-1/6  

Black Fallen by Elle Jasper

Dark Ink Chronicles #4

 
There’s only one thing more lethal than a vampire.
A Black Fallen. Rather, a fallen angel engulfed in the blackest of magic.

And three of the most dangerous have descended upon Edinburgh…

Tattoo artist, RILEY POE, has changed. After surviving the bites of three potent Strigoi, she has acquired traits from each that parallel those of the most lethal of vampires. Her strength, speed, hearing are unmatched. She’s a stick of dynamite, fuse lit. She’s about to put those unique powers to good use. And she’ll need them.

Now that the rogue bloodsuckers plaguing the Lowcountry are under control once more, and Riley, along with her guardian vampire, ELI DUPRE, Riley’s brother, SETH POE, and Eli’s brother, PHIN DUPRE, and Strigoi vampire VICTORIAN ARCOS agree to join JAKE ANDORRA’S elite WUP team. Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon takes cases too powerful and dangerous for mere humans to handle. Comprised of vampires, humans with tendencies, immortal druids, werewolves and witches, there aren’t many situations the WUP members can’t handle. But there are unholy, lethal disturbances in the ancient city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Riley and the others accept the mission.

Amazon          The Book Depository

Blessed by a Demon's Mark by E.S. Moore

Kat Redding #3

In a job like this, there’s no retirement plan

Kat Redding’s life is dangerous enough when she’s hunting the rogue vampires who prey on Pureblood humans. But now that Kat is thinking of getting out of the killing business, she’s faced with a slew of new problems. Like the demon Beligral, who offers help at an escalating cost, and the werewolf cult with whom she’s entwined professionally and personally. And then there’s Countess Baset—the terrifying vampire who wants Kat to become her personal assassin.

It’s no wonder that Kat has been seeking refuge in the mysterious town known as Delai, a place where she can shed her Lady Death persona and live a life that’s as close to normal as she’s ever known. But even in this haven, something feels askew. Delai is a little too serene. And the more she discovers, the more Kat realizes that the only choice left to her is not whether to do battle, but which side she’ll risk her life to defend…

Amazon          The Book Depository

The Essence by Kimberly Derting

 The Pledge #2

“Danger, dread, mystery, and romance” (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within. 

Amazon          The Book Depository

Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson
Weird Girls #1

Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls—with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy—or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

Amazon          The Book Depository

Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland
Kara Gillian #5

Kara Gillian is in Seriously Deep Trouble.
She's used to summoning supernatural creatures from the demon realm to our world, but now she's the one who's been summoned. Kara is the prisoner of the demonic Lord Mzatal, but quickly discovers that she's far more than a mere hostage. He has his own plans to use Kara and keep her from Rhyzkahl-the demonic lord she is sworn to serve. However, waiting for rescue has never been Kara's style, and she has no intention of being a pawn in someone else's game.

Yet intrigue and treachery run rampant amongst all lords, and Kara is hard pressed to keep her wits about her. Her abilities as a homicide detective are put the the test as she seeks the truth about FBI Agent Ryan Kristoff, Rhyzkahl, and herself. But, the answers she finds only raise more questions. She soon discovers that she has her own history in the demon realm-one that goes back farther than she could have ever imagined. But that history may yet spell her doom as she’s faced with a peril beyond mortal comprehension.

She’s going to need all the strength and tenacity she’s developed as a cop and a summoner, or the hell she endures may well last forever.

Amazon          The Book Depository

It's Monday What Are You Reading (128)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Reviews for the past week:


Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi (Early Review)

Kirsten's Book of the Week:


To Catch a Vampire by Jennifer Harlow (Review)

Other Posts:

Book Birthdays featured 4 new releases on my radar

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi was featured for Waiting on Wednesday

Let's Talk is all about goals and resolutions this week.

We received 5 books in the past two weeks. Check out my Stacking the Shelves to see which ones.

Upcoming List:

Othermoon by Nina Berry (Early Review)

Stacking the Shelves (18)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Here's the books that I have received in the last two weeks:

For Review:

Thank you Ace, & Roc!!

From Netgalley:

Thank you Ace!!
From Edelweis:

Thank you Pocket!!

Early Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me #2

tick, tick, tick, tick, tick it's almost time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life. 

Now that Juliette is finally free from the Reestablishment she had hoped her life would be a bit easier, but that just isn't in the cards. It seems that even amongst people like her at the Omega Point compound, ones with abilities, she still can't escape the stares of fear. It would seem her reputation has preceded her, and she finds herself unable to fit in. The only bright spot in her day is the little bit of time she gets to spend with Adam, but even that seems to be less and less as Adam becomes further involved with the Omega Point rebel movements. And there's still the looming threat of Warner over her head, as he is a man possessed and on a mission to find her. Her mettle will be tested more than she ever could have realized as she will have to decide just how far she's willing to go to protect the ones she loves. A war is coming and Juliette will be in the middle of it all.

Juliette is such an amazing character, which only became more apparent in UNRAVEL ME. She's always at war with herself as she tries to suppress a staggering amount of power. Not only is her touch deadly, but she has the ability to utter destroy anything with a mere touch. Yet, she doesn't want to have this power, she'd rather hide it and pretend to be an ordinary unassuming girl. Considering what she had been put through in her life, it's a wonder she hadn't turned hard and utterly destructive. She's so very vulnerable and incredibly socially inept, and yet she holds such an incredible amount of power at the same time. Take about an insane juxtaposition. Although I will say that I started to see a change in her, especially by the end of the book where she realized that she doesn't have to go into auto-shut down mode over her abilities. That she could learn to harness them and use them to help the people she has come to care about. She's still got a long way to go, but I'm definitely proud of the path she is on now. Once she fully learns to embrace who she is, she will be a force to reckoned with, and I cannot wait to see the Reestablishment get what they deserve!

After reading SHATTER ME I was fully team Adam as I just couldn't see myself getting over my utter dislike of Warner. I mean I really despised him to the point where he made my skin crawl. He was just so cruel and heartless, I just didn't understand how anyone could possibly root for him. Then I heard that a lot of people warmed up to him after reading DESTROY ME. So, I gave it a shot, but while it showed that Warner wasn't as heartless as I thought, I still didn't see him as a love interest at all. So imagine my utter surprise that while reading UNRAVEL ME that my opinion of him slowly started to change. So slowly in fact that this change of heart towards him crept up without me even noticing. So now, due to some rather interesting plot twists, I am a utter mess about which team I am rooting for anymore. It isn't rare for the to be no clear cut choice in a love triangle, but it doesn't often happen that my "choice" will change without that particular guy doing something major to dissuade me from his side. So imagine my surprise that I find myself almost leaning towards Warner when I can't even figure out when that changed started to happen. All I can say is that this is how love triangles are supposed to be written. You are supposed to be torn up about the choices ahead, and I really feel the need to tip my hat to Tahereh Mafi for the incredible skill it took to pull this crazy triangle off.

I am in sheer utter awe at the incredible range and mix of emotions that I felt while reading UNRAVEL ME. Between the love triangle messiness and the horribleness that is the reestablishment, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. There is just something simply magical about the way Tahereh's words come across the page. I mean the writing is beautiful, eccentric, lyrical all at once and I can quite honestly say I've never read anything like it. UNRAVEL ME is an utterly refreshing read that is simply not to be missed. I know I'll be counting down the days until the final installment is released.

Rating:

Pre-order:



Other Reviews:

• The Readers Den
• The Nocturnal Library
• Some Like it Paranormal

Previous Books:
      1.  Shatter Me
      1.5  Destroy Me

Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (9)

Welcome to the Let’s Talk weekly discussion meme!

Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another!  Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!  
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here. 

This week's question:

What are your New Year Resolutions? Or, what goals have you set for yourself in 2013.

In all honesty I'm not one for resolutions. Whenever I've made them in the past, it's never quite worked out how I wanted it too and things generally fall through. And I cannot stand to not hit goals that I've made. In fact I get panicked whenever I think I won't be able to do something I've set out to do. So I've found it's just better for me to make changes one step at a time rather than trying to make a hard and fast goal. That being said, I do have a few goals when it comes to this blog that I want to continue to work on/add onto throughout next year.

As many of you may know based on my site policies and my constant tweeting, I started working for Entangled Publishing as a publicist back in July. It has definitely been one crazy roller coaster ride and I can honestly say that I have found the perfect career. That being said I have been having a hard time balancing my blogging/working/family time. In fact I would say the split right now is 60% work, 30% family, and 10% or less on my blog. Since my time for blogging has been so drastically reduced, I've had to learn to better manage my time. I've also reduced my reviews per week from 3 down to 2, which has been a huge help. I'm also learning to really make the most of any free time I get, and try to get weeks worth of posts ready at a time. I also now use templates and cheat codes for all of my posts which is a huge help. So, like I said making my blogging time count is a huge goal for me, and I hope it continues to work for me.

On a more personal level, I am determined to make it to the gym at least two days a week. As much as I don't like to drag myself out in the cold, I really do feel better once I start keeping a regular schedule at the gym and I have a lot more energy. So, gym going must happen!

Finally I want to make the most of every moment with my kiddos. Because when it comes down to it family is what matters the most in the world. :)

Kirsten Reviews: To Catch a Vampire by Jennifer Harlow

To Catch a Vampire by Jennifer Harlow

F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigations #2

CLASSIFIED: F.R.E.A.K.S. Do Dallas

Beatrice Alexander, telekinetic special agent, is still adjusting to life among the F.R.E.A.K.S. while wiping out zombies and other supernatural threats. When Bea learns about her "special assignment" investigating a series of human disappearances with Oliver Montrose, her gorgeous but annoying vampire co-worker, she reluctantly agrees to go undercover. Disguised as a married couple, they infiltrate the gothic vamp scene in Dallas. While sniffing out clues, Oliver's convincing public--and not so public--displays of affection have Bea swooning in her bustier and fishnets. Between contending with her fake husband's ex-lover Marianna and feeling guilty for hiding the mission from her werewolf crush Will, Bea discovers she's not the only F.R.E.A.K. keeping secrets. Clubbing with the undead turns bloody when Oliver's old enemy, the Lord of Dallas, decides to seek his revenge. Caught in the crossfire, Bea is up to her neck in blood-sucking trouble.

To Catch a Vampire by Jennifer Harlow is the sequel to Mind Over Monsters, and is the second book in the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation series, and picks up not long after where the previous book ended.

Beatrice Alexander has settled into her role as member of the F.R.E.A.K.S., but there’s a problem that keeps her from really enjoying herself. She can’t talk to anybody outside of the Squad about what she does at work. On top of that, Will, the werewolf that she is attracted to is on vacation. But, since she doesn’t want him to cut his time off short for no reason, she takes on a job concerning the disappearance of several humans. This puts her squarely in contact with the vampire in this love triangle, Oliver, who annoyed Beatrice so much in the last book.

Where the first book saw Beatrice figuring out how to be a member of this team, To Catch a Vampire puts her front and center. Oliver takes on the role of mediator with the vampires, and lets Beatrice do the legwork to try and solve the case. The partnership might have worked smoothly, if there wasn’t the small matter of something from Oliver’s past coming up to interfere.

The trend of vampires using an endearment for their human lovers, or female friends is getting old, and Oliver’s use of ‘Trixie’ as a nickname for Beatrice, as well as ‘my darling’ got old fairly quickly, and he seems even more condescending for using it.

Another aspect of the writing that is hard to take is the fact that Beatrice never seems to truly get scared. When faced with danger, she says things like ‘oh, crud,’ instead of reacting more dramatically. Having a heroine that adjusts to her new role in live is one thing, but when they act as if they are bored by danger, it seems unbelievable. At the same time, Beatrice is still finding the best way to make herself an invaluable part of the team, and so the contrast in attitudes was confusing at times.

The relationship between Oliver, Will, and Beatrice continues to develop, and there’s no doubt that it will continue to be a thread in future books.

In general, the book feels stronger than its predecessor, and with future works, the author will hopefully find the balance between using stereotypical supernatural plot elements, and something with more of the world that is starting to be developed.

(Received a copy from the Author)

Rating:

Order Links:



Other Reviews:

• Paranormal Haven
• Dark Faerie Tales

Previous Books:

1. Mind Over Monster

Waiting on Wednesday (127)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Through the Ever Night - Under the Never Sky #2

by Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: January 8th, 2013

Pre-Order:

 

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Merry Christmas!

 From

 

& 

Book Birthdays: New Titles This Week (16)

I keep a Google calendar of all the books releasing each week that are on my radar. With all of the many books I am excited about it is so easy to lose track of when things come out. Since I'm already doing this research for myself, I thought you guys might like it if I shared.


Releasing 12/24-12/30  

Blood-Kissed Sky by J.A. London
Darkness Before Dawn #2

There's nowhere left to hide.

I thought vampires were our enemies - they controlled our lives, isolated our cities, and demanded our blood - until I met Victor. With Victor taking over as the new Lord Valentine, things were supposed to get better. Instead, they're worse than ever.

Day Walkers, a new breed of vampires who can walk in the sun, are terrorizing the city. Blood supplies are low, and if Victor's vampires don't get enough, they will become infected with the Thirst - a disease that will turn them into mindless killers.

To stop it, I must journey across the desolate wasteland to the very place where the sickness began. I can only hope that the answers that await me are enough to save us all . . . before it's too late.

Amazon         The Book Depository

Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep
Mythos Academy #4

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…

Amazon          The Book Depository  

Full Moon Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
Full Moon #3

Beware of the full moon.

A werewolf wants to take you into his world. Forever.

Celeste and Brandon know that Nash in werewolf form is bad news. But a new prediction from psychic Dr. Meadows has Celeste wondering: Which of them wants to turn her into a werewolf?

Still on Celeste's and Brandon's minds is the "cure" from Brandon's father. Brandon must face one dilemma he hadn't anticipated—if his dad's serum really does work, is he willing to give up being a werewolf for good? Is Celeste willing to give up her heroic werewolf boyfriend? And when Nash finds out there's a cure, will he try to take it from Brandon as they continue to deal with their rivalry, their competing affections for Celeste, and their struggles with their werewolf identities?

Amazon          The Book Depository

Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter
Otherworld Assassin #1

The breathtaking first novel in New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter’s new paranormal romance series, Otherworld Assassins, featuring a black ops agent who is captured and enslaved…and the beautiful deaf girl who holds the key to his salvation…

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE…

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test.

Amazon          The Book Depository