Review: Visions of Heat - Nalini Singh

 Psy-Changeling, book 2

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 2007
Published: 346

Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous-aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her. 

Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take either man or jaguar form, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced-and keep her from Vaughn.

Ok so we have yet another cold Psy woman, this one ice-cold because she has never been touched by any other than medics. She lives in a secluded part of the city, actually so far from it that it's almost changeling land, and she never sees anyone. Then a little jaguar comes along, well ok, a big jaguar. He senses something and some time later he catches a woman in the woods. Faith has decided to leave her fortress of solitude to enter the world, and perhaps try to find her sisters killer, or just hide from the notion that she might be loosing it. And a cat loves to play with his pray, over and over again.

Sadly I didn't like this one as much, perhaps it was Faith because she is very cold. I liked Vaughn because he keeps on touching her and trying to make her understand that she will not go insane by a touch. I can see that he cares, and wants her. But she, like all Psy, cold as ice.

Here they hunt another Psy serial killer on the loose. And Silence and the council is not all what it's cracked up to be. Emotions are starting to pop up. And that is sure what the Psy need, I am looking forward to reading on and seeing how this gets resolved.

We got the action and hunt for a killer. And the tender lovestory about a woman who fears human contact because she fears it will drive her insane. It was nice to see the story evolve around that.

But, big but, Judd showed up for like a couple of pages and suddenly my eyes were all on him, he is sure a Psy too, but I do think I can take a man being cold more. And yay when I noticed that his book is up next!

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: The UK version, I do not like them cos they are all of a man's head, and a scar (of different guys) but still too alike.

Reason for reading: Borrowed from a friend

Final thoughts: Good enough, and it did make me wanna read the next book when I heard who was in it.

Review: Jane Eyre - The Graphic Novel

Genre: Graphic Novel, classic, historical
Pages: 144
Published: 2008

Script adaptation: Amy Corzine
Artwork: John M.Burns

Jane Eyre is a plain, determined and intelligent child. Orphaned and poor, she is adopted by her Aunt and Uncle Reed. The death of Uncle Reed allows her unpleasant aunt to send her away to a grim charity school, where she continues her harsh upbringing, but is given the education that finally frees her. Once old enough, she becomes a teacher and takes the role of governess in a large manor house, where she falls in love with her employer. But Rochester is hiding a secret that, when revealed, forces Jane to choose between following her head and her heart. Both critically acclaimed and immensely popular, Jane Eyre dealt with concepts of class discrimination, morality, equality for women, and freedom of choice. Designed to encourage readers to enjoy classical literature, Jane Eyre The Graphic Novel stays true to Brontë's original vision. The book includes 125 pages of story artwork (by the legendary comic book artist, John M. Burns) and fascinating support material detailing the life of Charlotte Brontë.

In the end I wasn't that impressed by this one. The artwork worked fine for me. Though I do feel that Rochester was too handsome, and St: John was too plain looking.

I love Jane Eyre, the book is glorious. But here it fell short for me. In this version they had crammed in all that "old" long speech in the speech-bubbles. And honestly it was just too much. I'd rather just read it in a book. But they have a different version were they have toned it down, I do think that would have worked better for me. Now it was just those big bubbles and sometimes I didn't know how to follow them, when they moved back and fort.

I prefer the book very much to this one.

Though I do like this idea of making Jane Eyre to a graphic novel, and keeping with the real language. That is admirable.

Midsummer

I have been away celebrating Midsummer this weekend, oh and most importantly bf's 30th birthday, congrats cutie!

Pics removed...

Since I did this thing for Easter I will make a post about Midsummer too. First there is Midsummer Eve (on a Friday) everything closed and it's a holiday. And then Midsummer Day on Saturday and the day after on Sunday.

We always put up small birch trees by the door (I had to choose this pic, look at it, freaky.) This to welcome people.

Many people have a summer home or know someone so they go out to the archipelago or a lake to celebrate there.

You eat, drink and have fun. One thing that is common to eat is the year's first potatoes.

This goes on for a while cos this is Midsummer, it is light outside all night here.

There are many traditions with love, and finding love. One is to go out at night, and pick 7 different flowers, speak to no one and put those flowers under your pillow. And that night you will dream about the man you are meant to be with. Depending on where you live there are different ways to do it, climb 7 fences too, pick 9 flowers, pick 5, put 7 stones in a ring etc.

Midsummer fires are popular, but that is more a Finnish thing. Just as the Maypole thing is a Swedish thing so we are caught in the middle, and here we had neither.

Truth be told this is the real Midsummer ;)

In Theory                                     In reality, lol

Review: A touch of Scandal - Jennifer Haymore

Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 432
Published; 2010

The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he's convinced he's been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett's powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

First it annoyed me so much, secondly I loved it. Haha, yes I seldom think HR is better than ok, but this one, it just sucked me in.

Kate is spying on a man bathing, and has for many days. Then they finally speak, and she is just silly and naive. Telling him she loves him and can feel his heart. Wanting to throw away her innocence right there and then. And later, telling him that she knows he will do the right thing. Well yeah, even your lover can be a crazy murdering rapist when you are not around. But she trust him. That was one thing that annoyed me, how fast this happened and how love was just floating around in the air. Then there was this scene were one was tied up in shackles, and they did some things. In a dirty dungeon, gross.

Ok now I got those things that annoyed me out in the open and I can move on.

When things annoy me I usually do not love the book as much as I did. But the easy language of hers, that just made me wanna read more and more, had me at once. And then there was the story, a good story that made you wonder and turn.

Because Kate is working for her own brother as a servant, a brother that eloped with the duke of Calton's sister. The duke is pissed and after revenge, and seems to enjoy bathing in this little pool. So yes major conflicts at once there. First, can he love his enemy's sister, and then the huge class difference between those two.

Kate is a sweet girl, even though I did find her naive, but hey first naked guy she has sees, and he looks like a god, so of  course some feelings awake in her. And she wants to strip naked too. And Garret, all torn and dark, brooding, and angry. He thinks that she is plain and dressed ugly. But she is what he needs.

I am rambling I think. Ok, I started reading (got annoyed yes), read on, and could not stop. Truly enjoyed this tale. Even with the true love at once and dungeon sex.

I think I am glad that I did not read the book before this one. Where Garrett comes home after 8 years to find his wife married to his cousin. By reading like this I could fall for him, and like him even if it seems he made plenty of mistakes in that previous book that is about his cousin and his wife.

Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Pretty, even if she sure is never playing with a rose, or inviting on a sofa. They do it elsewhere ;)

Reason for reading: Own copy.

Final thoughts: A great romance that has it all, madmen, revenge, love, skinny dipping and scancal.

Review: Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi

I have been watching people around blogland reading graphic novels (not that I know what the difference between that and a comic is), and a friend always talks about the graphic novels she has bought, instead of books like before. So I headed over to the library, yes we have a little English section of books, and among those are a tiny shelf with graphic novels and comics. So I picked some up, they did have many new ones. It is spreading. Dunno how to review it so I will just take it step by step.

 Persepolis - The story of a childhood - Marjane Satrapi

Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir
Pages: 160
Published: 2004

In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran's last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

A story about a little girl who wants to be a prophet, then a revolutionary and throw down the Shah, and then the rebel who wants to listen to music and not wear a veil.

This is sure a map to some big years in Iran. Her family screamed for revolution and a communist regime. It was a difficult time because the Shah's men could arrest them at any time. Then the revolution happened but things did not get better. Instead they got an Islamic dictatorship, and the former fighters turned on that. Now women had to wear veils or suffer in public, all things Western got outlawed. Then comes the Iraqi war, and Teheran gets bombed. All this seen through a young girls eyes. A girl who don't get why things are like they are, a girl who has very strong opinions. All told with sarcasm, and humour, and sadness.

The black and white strips are excellent. They are well drawn (that is I get what they are trying to show), and with not much background or such they tell this remarkable story.

It ends when she turns 14, and I must get book 2 to see what happens then. I know that so many have read this years ago already, but to those that haven't, do read it. And because it was so good (and most importantly nicely drawn, yes I need that), I will read more. Well  at least those few things I can find here.

ARC Review: The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno - Ellen Bryson

Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages:
Published: June 22nd 2010 Henry Holt

Bartholomew Fortuno, the World's Thinnest Man, believes that his unusual body is a gift. Hired by none other than P. T. Barnum to work at his spectacular American Museum—a modern marvel of macabre displays, breathtaking theatrical performances, and live shows by Barnum's cast of freaks and oddities—Fortuno has reached the pinnacle of his career. But after a decade of constant work, he finds his sense of self, and his contentment within the walls of the museum, flagging. 

When a carriage pulls up outside the museum in the dead of night, bearing Barnum and a mysterious veiled woman—rumored to be a new performer—Fortuno's curiosity is piqued. And when Barnum asks Fortuno to follow her and report back on her whereabouts, his world is turned upside down. Why is Barnum so obsessed with this woman? Who is she, really? And why has she taken such a hold on the hearts of those around her? 

I have mentioned that I like books that are a little strange, out of the ordinary. Here there is no magic or things like that. But the characters in this book, it is those that are out of the ordinary.

Bartholomew (let's just call him Bart cos I will never be able to spell that) lives in New York and is apart of P.T Barnum's museum. He sits in a room or he is on stage showing how freakishly thin he is. People come to marvel at him and be disgusted. He has his friends among fellow "freaks" but one day he is awakened and nothing will be the same.

I was not sure if I liked Bart at first, he is such a proud man. He is something special, and he wants to teach people about how things are. He also looks down upon fellow freaks. He is the highest up, natural born curiosities of nature. Then there are the exotic ones, and lowest are the gaffs. People who fake their freakish nature, like the woman who gave birth to dead babyrats. But underneath it all he is human, and he does struggle with things and that is what I learn after reading a while.

His friends at the place is the fat lady Matina, with whom he has a special bond and they are good friends. Emma, the giant, the rubberman, Alley the strong man,  and others that come and go. Like the new act, a woman in a veil and Bart becomes fascinated by her. Who is she? What is her relationship with Bartum? The more he wants to know the deeper he falls. There are many powers of will at this museum. Who the veiled lady is, that you have to find out for yourself.

What was it then that caught my interest? I do feel that it was Bryson's language, it just flowed, what else can I say, she is a great author and because of how she wrote this book I would love to read more by her. She wove a fantastic story, that in reality was just plain truth. But it felt like so much more. The freaks made this story, normal humans that in some cases were made into something else, or just were different. It was a story of friendship, love and most importantly finding yourself. Because in the end Bart is a lost soul.

That people actually paid to see these persons is rather horrifying, after reading for some time I forgot about that and was just swept away by the story. But now when thinking about it, then I am again struck by it. And some of these not normal people, were just that, perfectly normal with a little make-up on.

A fascinating tale about a "freakshow" at the time of Lincoln's assassination, New York in a different era. The perfect setting to this story. This is the author's first novel, and she had done well. I am sure we will hear more from her in the future.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Suits the theme.

Reason for reading: Copy from the publisher.

Final thoughts: A little something extra and this historical novel becomes this fascinating story that I could not stop reading.  4.

Check out the extra material on the publisher's website

Images of real characters from Barnum's museum and more.

Reviewx2: The Eye of the World + The Great Hunt

The Eye of the World

The Wheel of time, book 1

Genre: Fantasy
Published: 1990
Pages: 814

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again.

But one truth yet remains, and what mortal men forget, the Aes Sedai do not...What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

I got the urge to re-read, and when that happen you have to follow. I love this series, and I have read this book a lot of times.

Rand al`Thor lives in a little village and is looking forward to the coming of spring. But the village is attacked by Trollocs, something that they only thought lived in myths. A woman who turns out to be an Aes Sedai singles out him and two of his friends, Matrim Cauthon and Perrin Aybara. The trollocs are after them so they flee together with the Aes Sedai, her warder, a gleeman, and Egwene who also wants adventure. Soon they all will face more things than they ever thoguht was possible, and they will find out who the trollocs and the Dark One wants, and why. The world will never be the same.

"We rode on the winds of the rising storm,
We ran to the sounds of the thunder.
We danced among the lightning bolts,
and tore the world asunder."

I am not gonna go on for long because I have read it too many times. But I love this concept, normal countryboys finding that they are a part of something big. A big bad hero, monsters, magic and a quest for good. A world falling apart, political intrigues and big wars. This kind of epic fantasy is always going to be the fantasy that is closest to my heart, and it will always be the kind I love the most.

And in this one we see the beginning of the quest, all the boys change, Egwene and Nynavene finds their own destinies, and the world is showed before us. And what a world it is.

 

The Great Hunt, book 2

Pages: 705

Published: 1990

The Forsaken are loose, the Horn of Valere has been found and the Dead are rising from their dreamless sleep. The Prophecies are being fulfilled - but Rand al'Thor, the shepherd the Aes Sedai have proclaimed as the Dragon Reborn, desperately seeks to escape his destiny.

But Rand cannot run forever. With every passing day the Dark One grows in strength and strives to shatter his ancient prison, to break the Wheel, to bring an end to Time and sunder the weave of the Pattern. And the Pattern demands the Dragon.

After having finished book 1 I could not stop myself, I needed to know what happened next! Even if I have read it a bunch of times and could recite the book in my sleep ;) But that is what a good book can do, make you wanna read it so bad, even though you have read it many times before.

Here Rand al`Thor is told he is the Dragon reborn, Lews Therin Kinslayer, the man who went mad and destroyed the world. Rand is sure the Aes Sedai wants another false dragon to play with and he wants to escape and forget about it all. But he has also found out that he can channel, use magic, and being a mad that means he will go crazy, and perhaps kill all those he love. Before he can leave the Horn of Valere is stolen and he and his friends leave in search of it. He cannot run from his destiny.

Rand has grown a bit here, but he is scared. Because of what his has learnt about himself, and because he is told he is the Dragon. He is my fav character. It took a couple of re-reads for me to like Nynaneve but now I do like her and Lan. Egwene, well I do confess I tend to read those Aes Sedai parts pretty quick. I did it again, cos I wanted to get to the good parts. Like Rand in Cairihien. Mat, well it took some time to like him too, but now when reading it I do, even if he is moody here cos of a "poison" dagger. Perrin, well he is a very silent kind of fellow, but re-reading this I do love what he becomes, a wolfbrother.

A great series that I do recommend. Unforgettable heroes and quests. A good start.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I like the first one, but even if Moiriane is not that tall she just looks like a kid here. But very fantasy pretty. The second, well I think it's the Uk version and they are all the same. Boring

Reason for reading: Re.-read cos this is LOVE.

Final thoughts: If you love fantasy then read this.

Interview: Ashlyn Chase + Strange Neighbors giveaway *CLOSED*

Today I have the honour to welcome Ashlyn Chase, the author of Strange Neighbours.

At the end of the interview there is a contest of her book, so do not miss that.

Welcome :)

Tell me something about yourself, so we get a better understanding about the woman behind the author.

That’s always such a hard question. I just tell people I’m an Almond Joy Bar. A little nutty, a little flaky, but basically sweet. I simply want to give my readers a scrumptious, satisfying experience.

Before becoming a published author, I worked as a nurse for twenty years. I had always been creative, but jobs in the arts are few and far between, so I did what I had to do to pay the bills. At last I found my chance to do what I really wanted, and since then, life has never been so sweet.

Your newest book is called Strange Neighbours; can you tell me what it is about?

I’m in love with this new series. It’s about an apartment building full of paranormal misfits in Boston’s Back Bay. As you might expect, it’s another one of my romantic comedies. The building is a typical nineteenth century brownstone mansion, converted to six apartments, plus a top floor penthouse.

Our series includes some really fun characters. A were-raven with a morbid sense of humor, an Alpha were-wolf who was kicked out of his pack for being too nice and now drums up business for his security-system business by moonlighting as a thief, two witches with an owl familiar who work as phone-sex actresses, a sarcastic ghost, and an “unofficial” resident in the basement—a vampire who fancies himself the neighborhood watch-dog and vigilante crime-fighter. The new landlord, occupying the penthouse, is a professional baseball pitcher with a secret of his own. But being only half-shapeshifter, he doesn’t have the greatest control over his shifts. He hired his busybody aunt and unemployed uncle to manage and maintain the building.

As they say, birds of a feather flock together, and with the exception of the latest tenant, a very human nurse on her own for the first time, all the hooting, howling, and hollering that goes on drives the busybody building manager a little nuts.

Book one is about the romance between the nurse and the landlord. As soon as she moves out of Apt 1B, her best friend, a lawyer, moves in. Our human lawyer hooks up with the werewolf thief in book two. Book three involves a witch-war over the vampire. Our witches are cousins from opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon Line, and for a while it’s a bit like the civil war all over again.

If you could share a flat with any of the tenants in Strange Neighbors, then who would it be?

What a great question! I love it. Well, I’m sure I’d avoid sharing 3A with the ghost. He likes to play pranks on people! The witches are already sharing a one bedroom apartment across the hall. The Vampire hides in a secret compartment behind a false wall in the cobwebby basement. Yuck. Not for me. The werewolf has a nice place. Loads of books on shelves lining his living room walls. Plus he strong in case I can’t open a jar. Yeah, I’d probably room with Konrad. 

(B: Konrad does sound interesting, I think I'd choose him too. I love books...and werewolves ;)

I must ask, any special interest in baseball, or was that just for fun?

Just for fun. Actually, I’m a football fan, and Tom Brady inspired the series. I had heard that he owned a condo building in Boston and lived in one of the units. Well, I had to change the details enough so that it wouldn’t look like I was actually writing a romantic comedy about him. His wife Giselle probably wouldn’t appreciate that! So I created Jason Falco, star lefty pitcher for the Boston Bullets and apartment building owner. He lives in the penthouse, of course.

Is there any genre you still want to try?

I don’t know. If there’s no romance, there’s no story in my opinion. I tried writing Young Adult once, but without the sex, it was just boring! (Laughs)

I see that you have written a lot of other books. Could you tell me about those?

My other books are erotic romances. Most are flat-out comedy and many are also paranormal. So if you like the hot love scenes between Jason and Merry in Strange Neighbors, you’ll enjoy all of my crazy books. http://www.ashlynchase.com/eroticbooks.html  

Who is your favorite hero or heroine from your books? What makes them so special?

That’s another really hard question. I still love Jake, the undercover cop in Quivering Thighs. And Shane (Crusher) Derby in Demolishing Mr. Perfect. Of course Adrian in Vampire Vintage was fun and drool-worthy. Randy has a special place in my heart in Being Randy as well as Dennis in Oh My God. Most of my heroes are incredibly charming. Usually they have good senses of humor and will put up with anything the heroine throws at them without losing their tempers. They can be rocked off balance though, and it’s fun to see that happen.

Which book of those you have written is your favorite, and what makes it so?

That’s like asking me to choose my favorite kid! (Laughs) I guess I can admit Oh My God might be the most important since it was my first erotic comedy, and that’s when I discovered my voice. I’m also very fond of the book I wrote with Dalton Diaz called Love Cuffs.

Are you working on something new and exciting right now?

Yes. I’m halfway through the third book in the Strange Neighbors series. This time it’s the vampire’s story. He moves into Apt 1B, known as ‘the love shack’ because anyone who moves in there finds the love of their lives before the last box is unpacked. (grins)

(B: Ooooo, I like the sound of that.)

What kinds of books do you read? Any fav authors?

I love reading the few authors that write in my subgenre of paranormal romantic comedy—Mary Janice Davidson, Gerry Bartlett, Katie McAlister…

Any advice for wannabe writers?

Never. Give. Up. It might not be the first book that gets published, or the second. It might be the fifth or the tenth, but keep on writing and submitting. It can’t happen if you quit.

Thank you so much for visiting today Ashlyn. It has been fun :)

And now for the Contest thanks to Sourcebooks.

Rules:

1. Ends June 14th (2 winners)

2. You need to Ask a question, or comment on the books.

3. Open to US and Canada

4. Please leave me a way to contact you if your email is not in your profile.

To the rest, be free to ask questions even if you are not entering :=) The more the merrier.

STRANGE NEIGHBORS BY ASHLYN CHASE—IN STORES JUNE 2010

He’s looking for peace, quiet, and a little romance…
There’s never a dull moment when hunky all-star pitcher and shapeshifter Jason Falco invests in an old Boston brownstone apartment building full of supernatural creatures. But when Merry MacKenzie moves into the ground floor apartment, the playboy pitcher decides he might just be done playing the field…

A girl just wants to have fun…
Sexy Jason seems like the perfect fling, but newly independent nurse Merry’s not sure she’s ready to trust him with her heart…especially when the tabloids start trumpeting his playboy lifestyle.
Then pandemonium breaks loose and Merry and Jason will never get it together without a little help from the vampire who lives in the basement and the werewolf from upstairs…

About the Author
A multi-published, award-winning author, Ashlyn Chase specializes in characters who reinvent themselves, having reinvented herself numerous times. Among her many day jobs, she has worked as a psychiatric nurse, run blood drives for the Red Cross, and now uses her degree in behavioral sciences to avoid writing exhaustive character sketches.  She lives with her true-life hero husband in beautiful New Hampshire.  For more information, please visit http://ashlynchase.com/.

Review: Blood bound - Patricia Briggs

 Mercy Thompson, book 2

Genre: Urban fantasy
Pages: 292
Published: 2007

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

This is the second Mercy Thompson book. She is co-existing with Samuel, and Adam is always nearby. One day Stefan asks her for that favour she ows him, and soon she is in the middle of something big. There is one bad vampire in town, but the thing is that he is no ordinary vampire, he has a demon inside him, and whatever image the fey and wolves are trying to build up can come crashing down as the heatwave of the summer transforms into chaos and violence.

I just love Mercy, sure I have been sitting on this book for a while. but how I wanted to read it. I am glad I have book 3 close, and if I could only get a hold of the rest (working on it, we will see.)

This is urban fantasy at its best. The world is real, and she is real (and pretty kick-ass too). The fay has been know to the humans for a while, and in the last book the wolves came out. it has been 6 months, and Adam has been working on some PR. But there seems to be much more things that go bump in the night, and the humans are not ready.

The wolves are so big and bad, and Adam, oh yes so one of my fav alphas, and then there is Samuel. Forgive me if I melt a bit. The sexual tension in this book is so thick that you could cut it with a knife. Of course I want her to choose Adam, cos he is sweet, and protective. But when Samuel goes saying that yes sure he would love to have her cos she would bring him healthy babies, but mostly it is cos the wolf wants her. I died a little just there. Briggs keeps playing with us, and even if I know how it surely will turn out and hang on every word that they say.

In this book there is also a third surprise, perhaps, I am not telling. Could be, could not be.

The action keeps on coming as they hunt down a killer, and people will get hurt in the process. The sexual tension is as said growing between my fav triangle. And Mercy is as careless, and brave as always. This is a series that makes me wanna buy the next book at once, if I only lived in a better country. It will make you want more, that is a warning, and a promise.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Ok she is obviously working, so why is she showing her bra, wouldn't it get greasy under the car. Icky. Still stunning.

Reason for reading: Own copy.

Final thoughts: If I didn't have this tiny bit of self-control, I could not stop myself from jumping to book 3, but I do have it, and will wait until I have more books.

Review: Clockwork Heart - Dru Pagliasotti

Genre: Fantasy romance steampunk
Pages: 392
Published: 2008

Taya soars over Ondinium on metal wings. She is an icarus, a courier privileged to travel freely across city's sectors and mingle indiscriminately among its castes. But even she cannot outfly the web of terrorism, loyalty, murder, and intrigue that snares her after a daring mid-air rescue. Taya finds herself entangled with the Forlore brothers, scions of an upperclass family: handsome, brilliant Alister, who sits on Ondinium's governing council and writes programs for the Great Engine; and awkward, sharp-tongued Cristof, who has exiled himself from his caste and repairs clocks in the lowest sector of the city. Both hide dangerous secrets, in the city that beats to the ticking of a clockwork heart... 

So yes, fantasy romance steampunk is what I ended up calling this book. It takes place in another world, fantasy, there is a bit more romance so therefore romance. And last, the steampunk bit. This is not sci-fi, it is a society that has moved forward and you could place them sort of at the 19th century. There you have it.

Taya is an icarus, she flies with wings and delivers messages. She can fly freely in a society made up of three classes. The nobility, the middle class and the poor workers. One day she sees a wingferry with broken wires, it is going to fall and kill the people inside. She sets of for a rescue, knowing that her wings can't take that much and if she gets caught in the wires she will fall too. But she saves the day, and the woman and boy she rescues are excalted (the nobility). The ones that wear these huge covering clothes and always a mask. By saving these people she is thrown into another world. There is terrorism in the city because all do not think a big computer should decide everything, and the countries around wants the technology. Who can she really trust?

By saving the woman she gets a thank you from a man she delivers a message too, the woman's cousin. Alister, handsome, a flirt, and a great programmer. And his brother, the dark, brooding, Christof who has given up everything and lives with the poor fixing clocks.

Guess who I fell for, oh yes Christof, I had too, he was dark, angry, brooding, like this Rotchester/Darcy mix without the pride part of course. He yells at people, contradicts, and he is not that nice to her when she tries to be friendly. He has a big chip on his shoulder. While his brother is sweet, nice and such a flirt. Not to mention a total hunk. Taya is of course very attracted to him, but at the same time after meeting Christof a few times, well there is something there. Love triangle, I love that.

When I understood how the city worked then I liked this book. I did get  disappointed half way through, but had a change of heart. But then again at the end, well it kind of dragged, and suddenly there was more to tell. I do not know, perhaps I lost interest for a few pages cos I just wanted to know how the romance would end. That part may have lost the solid 4 I had thought of given this book.

But it still was a great book, and I just read that she is making more. I will totally read that. This is a great standalone novel, but the world is so fascinating that I wanted more. And if that source was correct then that is the case. I want to read more about Taya, and how ever she will choose, or chose, I am not telling ;)

There is murder, a mystery about who is trying to sabotage the big computer, and the program Alister wrote. And do not forget the romance part. The title is the name of the program Alister has written, btw.

Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Now I know people on covers are not real, but the sometimes do look real, this girl just looks like she is from a computer program like Final Fantasy. Oh and Taya would not show her breasts like that.

Reason for reading. Own copy (thanks Amy C for recommending this one!!)

Final thoughts: A fascinating tale about a woman who flies with iron wings. Romance and terrorism. 

Review: Just in Case - Meg Rosoff

Just in case - Meg Rosoff

Genre: Ya Fiction
Pages: 240
Published: 2006

Justin Case is convinced fate has in for him.
And he's right.

After finding his younger brother teetering on the edge of his balcony, fifteen-year-old David Case realizes the fragility of life and senses impending doom. Without looking back, he changes his name to Justin and assumes a new identity, new clothing and new friends, and dares to fall in love with the seductive Agnes Day. With his imaginary dog Boy in tow, Justin struggles to fit into his new role and above all, to survive in a world where tragedy is around every corner. He's got to be prepared, just in case.

I liked this book, but then I am drawn to weird books that do not make much sense, and this one is no exception.

It starts at once. David Case rescues his brother, who get annoyed. His brother tells him (well thinks it) what he wanted to do, of course out of the 1 year olds mouth nonsense comes out. Through out the book we can hear the baby's clever thoughts, and he is sure wondering why no one gets him.

David is dead sure that Fate is out after him, and he has a lot of gloomy thoughts. So he changes his name to Justin, starts wearing new clothes, and thinks that Fate can't find him any more. He also gets a dog, a greyhound, and the dog is of course not real. But he sees him. He gets a new friend, who also plays with the dog. I guess crazy attracts crazy. And then there is the older girl who wants to photograph him, and he falls in love. I think that was all teh crazy stuff.

Or was it? No,  this book has a second POV, Fate with short sentences tells us that he actually is after David.

Why did I then like this book? I didn't think I would but suddenly I was drawn in to it and could not stop. David was so crazy, I guess it made me think of that Gyllenhaal movie with the rabbit. But David, or Justin really believed fate wanted him dead. And soon he saw dangers in everything, and that is not a way to live. His love affair with the girl was doomed, and it was rather painful to read who much he wanted her, when one could see her indifference. Even if she did care for him as a friend. Luckily he did meet Peter, who was great, and his little sister. That family was a pillar in Justin's life, even if they did talk about the dog. Like saying that Boy needed Justin to survive and exist...yes cos he was made up, duh. But then again Justin needed that dog, I think it made him stay sane.

There was the crazy, the weird thoughts, fate showing up and scaring me, first love, friendship and a wonder how this all would end. A great YA book in the end, with some amazing writing in it.

What can I say, I am a sucker for the weird,

Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Pretty, but pretty girl, but yes looks YA.

Reason for reading: library

Final thoughts: I enjoyed this strange tale, about a boy who lost is footing in the world.

Review: Happy Hour of the damned - Mark Henry

Happy Hour of the damned by Mark Herny

Amanda Feral, book 1

Genre: Yikes, Paranormal horror humor perhaps
Pages: 291
Published: 2008

Seattle. One minute you're drinking a vanilla breve, the next, some creepy old dude is breathing on you, turning you into a zombie. And that's just for starters. Now, the recently deceased Amanda Feral is trying to make her way through Seattle's undead scene with style (mortuary-grade makeup, six-inch stilettos, Balenciaga handbag on sale) while satisfying her craving for human flesh (Don't judge. And no, not like chicken.) and decent vodkatinis.

Making her way through a dangerous world of cloud-doped bloodsuckers, reapers, horny and horned devils, werewolves, celebrities, and PR-obsessed shapeshifters--not to mention an extremely hot bartender named Ricardo--isn't easy. And the minute one of Amanda's undead friends disappears after texting the word, "help" (The undead--so dramatic!) she knows the afterlife is about to get really ugly.

Something sinister is at hand. Someone or something is hellbent on turning Seattle's undead underworld into a place of true terror. And this time, Amanda may meet a fate a lot worse than death...

This book, omg, this book. I shouldn't like Amanda, I mean she kills and eats people! But she is so funny, I loved this book!

Amanda Feral is a bitchy, naughty, go-getter, satire and fashion loving woman working at a PR firm that she owns together with two others. She is doing what she loves to do, having an affair with her therapist, and perhaps going on a donut binge now and again. Until on day when she gets the breath. Yes, our fave fashionista is suddenly a zombie. What is a girl to do? Well go clubbing, find a great friend who hunts make.up to cover up her grey face just like Amanda, and then find teh essential gay vampire friend. What a complete triangle. Until one day when one of their friends go missing, the succubi of the bunch. And she is soon in trouble.

So yes, Amanda is a zombie, not to be mistaken for their distant cousins, the mindless braaaaaain zombies. No Amanda has class, and as long as she tries to stay out of trouble and not loose any body parts then she can go on like normal. Well except for that her stomach only can take alcohol, and human flesh. So she hunts and kills. But she has standars, no kids, or animals, and old people sticks in your teeth. But we do ger to see her bite down on people and gnaw on ribs. 

Her best friends are fellow zombie Wendy, as big a naughty pottymouth as she is, and Gil, the male guy vampire. Together they are unstoppable and they love to party. We get to hear how they all were made, and even Liesl's story, the missing succubi. Wendy and Gil are perfect sidekicks, they are funny and all three has this perfect chemistry. The constant bantering is hilarious.

Amanda is not so nice really, she can be bitchy, trash-talking, but hey she owns it. Everything that pops out of her mouth is great, and if she wasn't this fun then this would be a horror story and Amanda would not be liked. But as it is now, it is a book that should not be missed. if you are missing something in your paranormal world then this one is for you. It is weird, freaky and laughs are promised.

But of course if you do not like bitchy (yet funny) eating zombies then this book might take a while to warm up too, the humour is black as the night.

Other than all the alchol and clubbing there is also the mystery part. Finding Liesl adn trying not the get killed as the plot thickens. No one is safe anymore.

I will defintely read more one day, because how on earth is this series supposed to end? She is a zombie, if she gets a big wound in her face, well then is stays like that. How coudl she find a guy, when she could just as well eat him after sex (which is also tricky since not all things are working as she should when you are dead). And last, I would love to find out what things she says or does next. I have read that this has been descrived as Sex and the city meets the paranormal, and that is so true. She is Carrie, loving her shoes, and instead of trolling after a guy, perhaps just eating the guy in a backalley.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Dunno why she is holding that goblet, still liking the cover.

Reason for reading. Own copy.

Final thoughts. One of the funniest books I have read this year, and the best paranormal. recommened

Review: To stand with Angels - Caitlynn C Gabriel

To Stand With Angels by Caitlynn C Gabriel

Genre: Paranormal western
Pages: 348
Published: May 2010 Eternal Press (PB and e.book)

For seven years she's fought her demons, but now a stranger has arrived and the real battle is about to begin... In the wild Wyoming Territory, controlled by an evil cattle baron and his outlaw's guns, one woman is hiding from her horrific crime and one man is seeking revenge. But when a deadly stranger comes to town, Evil takes on a terrifying new face. Now hiding is no longer an option and a revolver cannot kill the supernatural presence that is waiting in the dark city to claim the souls of those foolish enough to stand against it. 

What is this, I reading an e-book, yes crazy right, but I do make exceptions. This time because of the way the author asked me, I liked kind of humour she had in the way of asking, and because she was so nice at a review that was good, but not you know, loving it. This books deserves a good try I thought, and went in, with the horrible job, reading at a PC. *shakes fist against the sky, get an e-reader to my country.. stat, why do we suddenly live at the backwater of civilization.*

Ok after my sometimes going on about things not really about the review thing I will now move on. Oh first I must mention something, I have been watching this Hallmark or whatever Western series movies, and the are sweet, fluffy and the music hits major drama mode when a baby chick is in trouble. You get the general idea. Anyway, Western, so was totally in mood and it helped me see things (and yes I might have pictured the guy as one of the hunks from that said series.)

Rian is living god knows where (Wyoming) and she never sees a living soul. She used to have her brother Jackson with her but he was killed so now it is only her and her nephew Kendall. She is scared, and she is hiding from the terrible thing she has done in the past. She is plagued by horrible nightmares. Then one day a man shows up, but he is wounded and she helps him. But he is hunted and heaven is soon falling down upon her. Especially since there are evil around that will not be stopped.

It has been ages, I mean ages since I read anything set in the 19th century, and I do like cowboys. All that shooting, brothels, saloons, and a certain chivalry. 

Here we have your typical western, a badly wounded man, bad men after him, and a damsel in distress. She patches him up and soon realises, that oh yes he sure is hunky after all. They might just need each other but both are hurting badly. There is shootings, and there is saving.

But the book does not end there, nope, there are demons loose, bad demons bent on corrupting men. Bradyn is not a nice man, no he has done his fair share of mistakes, and the devil wouldn't mind getting his hand on his soul. Around the middle the book changes from it's Western face and takes on this paranormal face and it looks bad for all. There is one scary demon around, and soon there will be more, and angels.

I liked that it was set in the wild wild west, it was pretty cool to find a demon there, and it fits very well with the era. But the way she ended it, I mean it was happy and all but it had this ominous feel to it. There are more stories to tell.

Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: I can't dis it cos I like green.

Reason for reading: Author sent me an e-book

Final thoughts: If you like your western with a slice of paranormal then this one might be for you.....3

Review: Slave to Sensation - Nalini Singh

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Psy-changeling, book1

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 334
Published: 2006

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation"—the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was.

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice- cold Psy is very capable of passion—and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities—or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation. 

I read a short story by Nalini Singh in the book The Magical Christmas Cat, and I just knew that I wanted to read more about these changelings, because they were just so cute, and rough. And thanks to Bookmooch.com and Ladybug @ Escape in a book I got the chance.

But first a friend of mine read it, and let's just quote her first. LOVE. Yes she found a new series, and stalked Nalini Singh's website, and bought the rest of the series, even before I read book 1. So ok I did not go that crazy but I still really liked this book.

This is a world where humans, The Psy and changelings live side by side. Psy rule the business world, and have a hand in most things. The changelings live close to nature, and the Psy do not think much about them. The changelings are too animal, while the Psy have no feelings at all, no love, no hate, just cold logic. Except for Sascha Duncan who finds herself breaking down, espeically when she is ding business with hot changeling Alpha Lucas Hunter. He is hunting a serial killer, and soon enough hunting her too, but in another way.

The Psy is just scary, no feelings, and the do not even have sex, because why bother when they feel nothing, and it is so icky too, all sweaty, and with fluids. And then do not eat nice things either. Would suck to be them, but then again they do not know what they are missing.

The changelings are my favourite, they are sweet, but brutal at the same time. There was this scene with two cubs and my heart just broke from cuteness. And this whole skin privileges thing, yes I liked that.

I like the future world that Singh has created. It feels real, it feels scary, and still there is magic in it all. Because there is still hope and love around. And it is a strange world, in one corner there is the Cold Psy, and in the other the animal-like, and sometimes brutal Changelings.

I liked the chemistry between these two characters. Sascha is slowly falling more and more in to big pit of feelings, and she thinks that her mind is going insane. But at the same time she needs Lucas, if only for a few days. And he is all alpha and protective, but at the same time such a  big sweet panther.

There is passion, and romance, heartbreaking love. There is the thrill of the hunt( though I did pretty easily figure out who the killer was.), and the tick of the clock as the wolves prepare to attack the Psy to get back at them for taking one of their own. If the killer can't be found, there will be a bloodbath.

I enjoyed the story, I loved the characters, I adored those cute cubs, and I do want to read more from Singh. Here is to hoping my friend reads fast.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Very paranormal romance, ok I guess, I mean it is not bad.

Reason for reading: Own book

Final thoughts: When the cats play you better play with them, or you will regret it.

(btw have anyone noticed my shapeshifter theme by now, freaky really how it happened,  but next up is demons and then zombies ;)
'

Review: Strange Neighbors - Ashlyn Chase

 Strange Neighbors by Ashlyn Chase

Book1

Genre: Light paranormal romance
Pages: 384
Published: June 1st Sourcebooks Casablanca

He's looking for peace, quiet, and a little romance...
There's never a dull moment when hunky all-star pitcher and shapeshifter Jason Falco invests in an old Boston brownstone apartment building full of supernatural creatures. But when Merry MacKenzie moves into the ground floor apartment, the playboy pitcher decides he might just be done playing the field.

A girl just wants to have fun...
Sexy Jason seems like the perfect fling, but newly independent nurse Merry's not sure she's ready to trust him with her heart...especially when the tabloids start trumpeting his playboy lifestyle.

Then pandemonium breaks loose and Merry and Jason will never get it together without a little help from the vampire who lives in the basement and the werewolf from upstairs.

Merry wants independence. She is 25 and has been living with her dad and brother all her life. She wants a bit of Sex and the city, and she has found the perfect flat to start her new life in. At once she catches the eye of the landlord, a certain hunky baseball player named Jason Falco. Perhaps she will get to have a bit of fun after all. Jason on the other hand is not the all American guy that he seems to be. He is a shape shifter, and he is looking for that special someone, and Merry seems to be all that and more.

Merry is sweet, it is hard not to like her. Jason is a hunk, and lusting after her. But who said romance was easy? Throw in a paparazzi in search of a story and their fling can turn ugly. That reporter, grrr, did not like her, and that was the only time I thought Merry was too sweet, at the same time, it was the right thing to do. Do not worry she has got claws too.

Jason wants something more, because he needs something more when he is a shifter, romance can be a bit hard, not to mention sex. He can't fall too hard to a girl, because he, he mates for life. Something you have to love in a guy.

Did someone say sex, oh yes, Ashlyn Chase has previously written erotic romances, and trust me, she knows what she is doing, and there is some mind-blowing passion in here. For a sweet contemporary paranormal romance there is bed action too. Fear not.

Then there are the tenants. Oh they are the best. Jason's aunt who calls the cops all the time, such a busy-body. The scary looking guy in the basement who is obviously a vampire. Konrad, who does seem to have some werewolf tendencies, Nathan who surely has something going on too. Chad, your friendly neighbourhood ghost *coughs* or should I say your annoying neighbourhood ghost who wants to keep his bachelor pad and haunts it. Then there are two witches upstairs who seems to be having mind-blowing sex all the time, or? This is not your average sort of building.

I liked the witches, they were fun. I hope to see Nathan find a girl one day, even if he does not want it, and I have a sneaking suspicion who Konrad might fall for. And there is Chad, oh yes annoying Chad, lol, but have to love him too. He wants to find out who killed him and so this book is also a mystery when they try to find his killer.

Now where was I, yes there is romance, hot passion, an aunt trying to snoop around, fun tenants, and some shocking details about certain persons promised. All is not how it seems, but then by reading about the tenants I am sure you guessed that so far.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: It looks cute and fun

Reason for reading: From the publisher

Final thoughts: A fun paranormal with romance, and passion promised.....3