REVIEW: Maisey Yates – The highest price to pay (4/5)

Cover:

Genre: Contemporary romance

How did I get it: I won it via Maisey Yates’ website

This is the book for you if you like:

- Enemies-turned-lovers stories
- Stories about people overcoming their insecurities about their appearance

Summary: “While it has been reported that I’m missing my own soul, I have no interest in yours. This is about money.”

When Ella’s failing business comes wrapped up as part of Blaise Chevalier’s recent takeover, he plans to discard it – as is his usual way with surplus goods. Then he meets Ella! Cast from the same fiery mould he is, she makes an intriguing adversary. Perhaps he can have a little fun with his new acquisition…

As proud and strong as she is beautiful, Ella is determined to prove Blaise wrong about her business and her worth. As long as she hides her hint of vulnerability and denies the flicker of attraction between them when she catches her enemy’s eye….

(from Maisey Yates’ website)

Thoughts on covers: I can’t help it, but I really, really hate the cover. While I love the fact that Mills & Boons wasn’t too scared to put an interracial couple on the cover, I just can’t stand the way they’re looking. Why do they look so angry? Why don’t they look at each other? And why, oh why, is all of Ella’s scarred side covered up in this cover? It’s such a big part of the book and it’s just stupid that it isn’t on the cover.

Title: The title fits and I like how it’s kind of misleading when you’re reading the first part of the book. At first it’s so much about money and you think you know what the title is referring to…

Characters: I loved Ella. I really, really love the fact that Yates chose a physically scarred (Ella has been in a fire) woman to be the heroine. Aside from that, Ella is a tough girl, who knows what she wants and is doing everything she can to get it. I really like that about her.

I wasn’t so sure about Blaise, though. The book does a great job of trying to make us see that there is more to him than meets the eye and even though I believe that he’s a good person at heart, I’m just not sure he’s the right man for Ella.

Setting: Most of the book is set in Paris, which seems kind of odd to me (though that’s probably just me – I’ve got trouble picturing people in a country where they speak a different language than the language the book is originally written it). It is, of course, both the fashion and romantic centre of the universe, so in that way it makes sense. Parts of it is also set in Malawi, which was my favourite part. I love how the exotic atmosphere of that setting heightens the charge between Ella and Blaise.

General story: I liked the way the story was set up; Blaise starts out to be some kind of problem in Ella’s life, but in the end, she’s made a bigger dent in his life than he in hers. I like how Blaise soothes Ella’s insecurities about her scars; those were the parts in the book where Blaise just made me melt.

I would have liked the book to be just a little longer; the ending felt quite rushed.

Will I read other books from this author? I probably will.

Overall rating: 4 stars

Teaser Tuesday (#6)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

MY TEASER:

Oh sweet Lord in Heaven, I lifted my chin, held my ground and stood up to Nelson again. Told him I was going to meet my critique group for drinks. It’s a scary move for me to make. Nelson’s dander is up, up, up about this. I’m not backing down, no matter what he says. And no matter what he does.

In My Mailbox (#6)

Changing my IMM time to Sunday this year means today it’s time for “In My Mailbox"! This meme is brought to you by The Story Siren and the idea is to post about books you've bought, gotten from the library, received for review... books don't have to arrive via your mailbox.

As usual, I’ve been going crazy with Amazon’s free Kindle offers…

Still available for free – the titles lead you to the amazon.com pages:

	Ice Man by KyAnn Waters, the first book in the Blood Slaves series. Feeding and sex go hand in hand when you're a blood slave to a vampire. It's like a drug and Rowan is hooked. With the vampire Theron, Rowan has never wanted for more than his next fix. Until he meets Brett. Brett is hot, the sex is incredible and he's human. Brett is looking for kinky sex when he goes to The Catacombs, an exclusive fetish club for men. Flair bartender Rowan, also known as Ice Man, is sexy and mysterious. Brett isn't ready to complicate his life with a lover outside The Catacombs and Rowan isn't interested in club-scene sex but coming together and giving in never felt so good. Rowan's dark secret could destroy everything. He must never allow Brett to learn of his symbiotic relationship with the vampire. He has to choose-tell Brett the truth or remain a blood slave. He can only hope that Brett will trust in love enough to forgive him.
	Unholy alliance by Haley Yager and Lacy Yager A vampire with a conscience and a mission. The young man bound to destroy her. Forced to unite—will they open their hearts? Forever seventeen, vampire Maggie Wells has spent the last 150 years seeking redemption by helping troubled teens. Born to destroy vampires, Shane Campton is clueless in dealing with his two younger sisters, whom he is responsible for. When Maggie and Shane—who should be mortal enemies—are forced to work together to save Shane’s family, sparks fly. But will they ignite a forbidden love or incinerate both of them?
	Not what she seems by Victorine E. Lieske When billionaire Steven Ashton couldn't stand his high society social life anymore, he left the stress of New York on a vacation for his soul. The need to meet real down to earth people lead him to a small Nebraska town he remembered visiting as a child. He didn't want to lie about who he was, but he couldn't exactly tell them the truth. Emily could have easily fallen in love with Steven, under different circumstances, but her past was catching up with her and she needed a new life. If the authorities found out about her, she could lose the one thing that meant everything, her four year old son.
	The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos, the first book in the Talisman series To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.
	Marked by Kim Richardson, the first book in the Soul Guardians series Sixteen year-old Kara Nightingale’s ordinary life is suddenly turned upside-down when she dies in a freak accident, and she wakes up in a strange new world with a new career—as a rookie for the Guardian Angel Legion. Kara hurtles towards dangerous missions with the help of her Petty Officer and friend, David. But when she discovers a Mark on her leg, the entire Legion accuses her of being a Demon spy. Angels are dying, and David begins to pull away from her. Can Kara prove her innocence as she becomes the Legion’s only hope? It’s going to take a miracle to save the Legion, and Kara’s luck has just run out...
	The ultimate sacrifice by Talia Jager, the first book in The Gifted Teens series Kassia is a 16-year-old girl just trying to have a normal life. This is somewhat difficult because she has the ability to inflict pain on others with her mind, which is why she was sent to a special institute for kids with various gifts. It is here Kassia met her best friend Mira. Their lives will change forever after Mira is attacked and Kassia finds out her talent is much more powerful when she saves her. Little did she know that this act would attract the attention of demons. Suddenly she is on the run from them with her boyfriend, Mira, and a few of their close friends. Realizing she can’t outrun the demons, she seeks the guidance of a shaman. The shaman tells her the heart breaking news that the only way to protect her friends and the institute is through her own death.

Not available for free anymore:

Demon Hunter and Baby by Anna Elliott, first in a planned series  Her boss is a fairy, her ex-lover is a Knight Templar, and she spends her days fighting the demons that plague London’s streets.  But what’s really complicating Aisling McKay’s life is being a single mother to a nine-month-old baby girl. Ever since the End Times, magic has been leaking into our world.  Magic and demons, shadowy beings that possess humans’ bodies and destroy their souls.  The Monastic Order of the Knights Templar have revealed themselves to the world as guardians and defenders of the veil between the demon world and ours.  But the Templar Order is growing weaker, and the veil is starting to shred and tear.  Often all that stands between humans and complete demonic possession are professional demon fighters, Hunters like Aisling McKay. Aisling already has enough to handle between her day job, her (very unplanned) baby daughter, Willow—and avoiding Kieran, Willow’s father and a Templar Knight.  But now a new danger is abroad in London—and facing it will set Aisling on a collision course with the past she thought she’d escaped for good.

The Realms of Beliar: The Sword Myndarit by Andrew Arrowsmith In a world where magic rules, the benevolent Empire of old is challenged by the upstart Alliance run by greedy, bloodthirsty tyrants. Life, pleasant and prosperous under Empire rule, faces a bitter end as the Alliance closes in. But the gods are not above interfering, and four young, inexperienced people may hold the key to the continued future of the Empire – with a little help from a talking sword.

You've got murder by Karin Tabke Six mystery writers who exchange emails, instant messages and texts discussing plotlines, sex and murder for their books, get a dose of non-fiction when one of their own is suspected of doing in a wife-beating killer. The heat cranks up when another member's crooked literary agent is killed, and their newest member's husband is looking more and more like a serial killer. Flesh-eating pigs, New York skyscrapers, quadruplets, a feisty grandma, a husband on Viagra and a sexy Italian detective are just part of the mix as the Shady Ladies plot like their lives depend on it… Because it does...

Chosen by Sheri Peckover, the first book in the Dark Girl series Hidden by a name to conceal her identity as a Child of Light, The Dark Girl bravely faces a world where light cannot be seen except through filters of refined Chandra...or can it? Meet Kamshay, a stubborn and courageous teen, as she pursues her search to save the People of Light, and in the midst of adventure falls in love for the first time.

The Charm by Alana Siegel, the first book in the Olivia Hart and the Gifted Program series  When shy, sixteen year old, Olivia Hart, witnesses the actual rainstorm her ex-boyfriend, Max Smarr, creates in her high school cafeteria, she’s convinced she’s lost her mind. Nothing will prepare her, however, for the discovery of her own special Gift. Olivia Hart has always been satisfied living in the shadows of her peers, and so high school doesn’t get any easier when her charismatic brother goes off to college and her relationship with her edgy boyfriend comes to an end. When she comes across an antique charm, she finds out that she can compel people with her mind and hiding is no longer an option. With the help of her friends in the Gifted Program and each of their special Gifts, what happens next in this young love and coming of age story will force Olivia into the spotlight, test her friendships, and cause her to question her role in a society.

Broken hearts, damaged goods by Jack Gunthridge Sometimes the people that we love the most, end up hurting us beyond repair. When Jack and Liselle find themselves alone after having been cheated on, they decide to use each other to help get over the pain and heartache. Their plan was to make sure that nobody else would be hurt by love as they tried to rebound. As they start to develop feelings for each other, they must come to terms with their past and all of the damage their exes have done to them. With broken hearts and mixed emotions, they try to put themselves together again as a lover that somebody would want. Will they be able to heal themselves in enough time to admit their feelings for each other?

I’ve already started reading You’ve got Murder, and it’s so good!

REVIEW: Neil Gaiman – Stardust (3/5)

Couple of covers:

 

Genre: Fantasy

How did I get it: I borrowed it from a friend

This is the book for you if you like:

- Original fantasy stories
- Love stories without an emphasis on the romance

Summary: In the tranquil fields and meadows of long-ago England, there is a small hamlet that has stood on a jut of granite for 600 years. Just to the east stands a high stone wall, for which the village is named. Here, in the hamlet of Wall, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester. And here, one crisp October eve, Tristran makes his love a promise -- an impetuous vow that will send him through the only breach in the wall, across the pasture... and into the most exhilarating adventure of his life.

(from Neil Gaiman’s website)

Thoughts on covers: The covers are, in order, for the following editions: paperback 2009, paperback 2001, kindle. While I really love the colours of the 2009 cover, it doesn’t seem to really give you a feel of the book. I really adore the 2001 cover; I think it captures the atmosphere of the book perfectly.

Title: Seeing as the star is the centre of this book, I think the title fits perfectly. More than that, I think it’s a title that easily grabs your attention and that is easily remembered.

Characters: I had trouble connecting to Tristran, the main character of the book. This made especially the start of the book pretty tiresome for me. I did, however, really, really like Yvaine and she was the sole reason why I finished the book.

Setting: The book is set in Fairy, a land right next to the world we know, but where everything is different. There is magic all around and nothing is anything like what we know. I loved discovering Fairy throughout the book.

General story: I had a particularly tough time getting through this book, though I can't really pinpoint why. I had tried to read it once before and back then, I put it away when Tristran had just entered Fairy. I think my inability to connect to the boy was one of the reasons, as was the fact that I couldn’t stand Victoria from the moment she was introduced and it was hard for me to invest in a quest that was all for her benefit. Also, some parts of the book (especially the parts about the Lords of Stormhold, which seem to be entirely unrelated to the rest of the book until you’ve finished reading the entire story) just bored me.
But this time around, I did finish it. I especially liked the idea of the star being a person and I wanted to know everything there was to know about her. My favourite part of the book might just have been the part where Yvaine and Tristran are on a ship above the clouds, harvesting lightning. It had such a tranquil and lovely feel to it. I also really liked the epilogue.
This is actually one of those books that I would like to see in movie format; maybe it'd be one of those occasions where I prefer the movie to the book.

Will I read other books from this author? I might.

Overall rating: 3 stars

REVIEW: Carrie Vaughn – Kitty and the midnight hour (5/5)

Series: Kitty Norville #1

Couple of Covers:

Genre: Urban Fantasy

This is the book for you if you like:

- Kickass heroines
- Werewolves
- Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series.

How did I get it: I got it via Bookmooch

Summary: Kitty Norville is a midnight-shift DJ for a Denver radio station - and a werewolf in the closet. Her new late-night advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged is a raging success, but it's Kitty who can use some help. With one sexy werewolf-hunter and a few homicidal undead on her tail, Kitty may have bitten off more than she can chew?

(from Goodreads)

Favourite cover: The covers are, in order: Paperback cover, German cover and Kindle cover. I really dislike the Kindle cover (even if I do like that font), though that’s probably at least partly due to the fact that I don’t really like to see faces on my covers – I feel like it forces some kind of imagination upon me. I don’t seem to have that same trouble with backs, however, as covers like the paperback cover, which show a girl from behind, really do grab my attention. I also really love the details in the paperback cover, like the small patch of red in the ribbon in her hair. But I think I like the German cover best; it breathes such a mysterious atmosphere.

Title: For some reason, titles that have this template, of [Name] and [Actual Title] sound a bit like child’s books for me. But apart from that, The Midnight Hour seems to fit both because Kitty’s show has that name and because it sounds fantasy-heavy to my ears.

Characters: I love Kitty. She’s exactly the type of spunky heroine that I like; she was thrown into this life, but she has decided to make the best of it. I love how she has the guts to go on with her late night talkshow, even if the entire paranormal society is against it. She fights for the ability to have her life as she wants it and I like that in my heroines.

Cormac is such a delightful mix of badassness and a well-hidden heart. I really look forward to exploring him and his relationship with Kitty more.

There were quite a few minor characters in this book, but I felt like I got to know them all, at least a little bit. I really love Matt, her assistant at her DJ job. I also have a soft spot for TJ.

Setting: The story is set in Denver, a city with a pretty big supernatural population; both werewolves and vampires roam the town.

The integral part of the setting was the radio station where Kitty hosts her late night show. I really love the fact that it’s based on this show and that we get to see a lot of it. Too often a book starts with such a great premise and then lets it go in favour of all the excitement or romance, but this book really went back to that radio station.

General story: I loved this book. I devoured it.

I have to admit, I’m usually more of a vampire kinda girl. Werewolves have never really been able to interest me and more often than not, when I read a book about werewolves, I walk away with a feeling that it reaffirmed my preference for vampires. Kitty, however, is a book about werewolves that grabbed my attention and didn’t let it go again. The werewolf hierarchy is a big part of the book, but in a way that had me emotionally invested. I really liked the way the scenes in which Kitty was a wolf were described: not only were they in italics, they also were from a third-person point of view, while the rest of the book was in the first-person point of view.

At no point in this book was I bored or thinking that it should have been written differently. I liked the mystery in finding out who the rogue was, I loved the scenes in the studio, I liked the cult-like story of Elijah Smith, I loved how high the excitement was in the final part of the book.

Will I read other books from this author? Yes.

Will I read the next instalment in this series? Definitely.

Overall rating: 5 stars