Elaine Reads . . . constantly!

June 5, 2011 · 3:46 am

The Kiss by Emma Shortt

When Eva Diakou is offered a job on the Winterwood estate, she expects nothing but four months of back breaking work. Jobless and lonely, she has little choice but to accept. But things on the Winterwood estate are nothing like Eva was led to believe. Why has she been given one of the plushest rooms? Why is there nothing to do? And why is she so captivated by the strange statues adorning the estate?

Adam Winterwood is paying for a crime he never committed. Trapped for so many years, he is waiting for the one person who can keep him alive…or set him free.

When Adam and Eva meet, sparks fly. Yet, neither realizes the sacrifice they will both have to make. A sacrifice that will bring an end to a centuries old curse, or to one of them.

And it will all be decided by The Kiss.

I have a policy of not reading book blurbs because I have been burned with spoilers before. This is, of course, only for books I know I am going to read regardless of the blurb.

Anyway, I had no idea this book had a fantasy element to it. The fact that it does makes it just that much better to me. I was a little confused at first because the book switches from present day to the 1800s with no explanation. Although I was able to figure out what was going on after a couple of chapters, I think that aspect could have been handled better.

At the beginning of the book, I really felt that Eva was going to be one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) heroines. She agrees to take a job on a distant estate where she will have no contact with the outside world for four months. The interviewer questions her on whether there is any family or friends who will miss her or need to contact her while she is gone . . . and she tells her NO! Fortunately, it does work out for the best.

Adam and Eva (I cannot believe that allusion) are in lust with each other from their first meeting. The sex scenes are hot, but pretty vanilla. Adam definitely has a romantic side as well. If anything, Eva is the one being ruled by her hormones.

There is a witch’s curse and true love is the only way to break it. Maybe I should have classified this book as a fairy tale more than fantasy.

Either way, I really enjoyed it. The plot line was unique, the sex was hot, and the hero was built like a god.

What’s not to like?

(cross posted from http://www.seductivemusings.blogspot….)

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Filed under Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance

June 4, 2011 · 9:11 am

All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall

When 13-year-old Josh finds out that he has to stay with his dad in Chicago for a few months, he’s not too thrilled. But when he arrives at the airport, he’s simply devastated. His father—who used to be a scatterbrained but pretty normal shoe salesman—has become . . . Elvis. Well, a sideburnwearing, hip-twisting, utterly-embarrassing Elvis impersonator.

Josh is determined to keep his dad’s identity a secret, but on his very first day at his new school, a note appears on his locker. It’s signed Elvisly Yours, and instead of a name, a sneering purple smiley face. The secret is out, and when his dad is invited to perform at a special 50s concert at his school, Josh is forced to take drastic action. From award-winning author Shelley Pearsall comes a hilarious novel about discovering the important (and sometimes painful) difference between who you want to be—and who you really are.

This book probably deserves five stars, but the problem is with my taste in books rather than the book.

I am not sure what to say about this book. It should definitely appeal to all the kids whose parents have ever done something that embarrasses them. I guess that means everybody.

I really liked how Josh came to realize that everything was not about him. I couldn’t blame him for being self-centered. I think that is human nature and it is especially strong in a teenager.

I grew up as an Elvis fan and I still enjoy his music. That’s another thing this book will do for you. It will make you want to pull out your old 45s. I wonder if they still make turntables? -grin-

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Young Adult

June 3, 2011 · 3:21 pm

Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling, #10) by Nalini Singh

Purchased

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

Although I just discovered this series about eighteen months ago, I feel like I have been waiting for this book for years! You know how it is when you are being set up for a particular book when reading a series? Well, this is it. This is Sienna’s and Hawke’s book and it’s about time.

Hawke is all alpha which does not mean just dominant, but caring and protective . . . especially of his pack. Sienna, unbeknown to Hawke, may be the most dangerous thing the pack has ever had to deal with.

In the meantime, there is a subplot involving two other pack members, Lara, the healer, and Walker, a Psy, and Sienna’s uncle. Lara’s and Walker’s story was a nice addition, but I almost wished it had been saved for a separate book.

Speaking of which, I wonder when the next book will be released and who if will focus on.

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Filed under Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction

May 31, 2011 · 8:23 am

Two Out of Three by Dana Michelle Burnett

Title: Two Out of Three*
Author: Dana Michelle Burnett
Series: N/A
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Format: digital ebook
Date/Year: May 2011
Reviewed by: ElaineReads

*This book was provided to me by the author for review

Summary from the author’s website:

He said that he needed her in his life…He swore that he wanted her more than he ever wanted any other woman…But love? That was never part of the bargain.Sarah Deardon loved two things: Dancing and Vincent Allen. She struggled for years to become the best at the studio while nursing her crush.

When a tragic accident destroys her dreams of dancing, Sarah turns her full attention to Mr. Allen and pursues him with the same relentless determination that she had used dancing.

Vincent keeps her at bay, trying to let her get through high school and college, even putting an ocean between them. His absence opens the door for the sexy rebel Robert Stewart.

With Robert in the picture, Sarah’s life takes a dramatic turn leading her across the country and back again. She finds herself torn between a life of stability and a passion that refuses to be denied.

My Musings:

The only reason I finished this book is because I had promised to review it. I knew within the first few pages I was not going to like it. The writing is stilted and the characterization is poor.

I expected the book to be about adults. However, the main characters are in their late teens at the beginning of the book, but the situations and reactions seem more appropriate for adults. It was difficult to tell, but I do not believe they are older than their mid-twenties by the end.

None of the three characters are likable. Vincent, Sarah’s true love, has no backbone. Robert is a violent jerk, and Sarah is a bitch with a capital B. I have no objections to bitchiness in general. One of my favorite quotes is “you call me a bitch like that’s a bad thing.” However, Sarah takes it to the extreme. She is hurtful and controlling and proud of it.

All three characters cheat on their partners. In Sarah’s and Robert’s case, it is not because they are in love, but simply a series of one night stands.

As I said, there is no one to like in this book. My reaction at finishing it was simply relief. I was so glad to be done.

Ratings:

Overall: 1 star
Sensuality level: 4

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Filed under Contemporary, Romance

May 30, 2011 · 6:15 pm

The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal

Library

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia’s led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it’s revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she’s ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins – long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control – she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor’s history, forever. (from Goodreads)

This is the first of the 2011 Teens’ Top Ten books I have read this summer and it is a wonderful beginning. Halfway through the book, I had to stop and email the author to tell her how much I was enjoying the book.

There is mystery and romance, magic and (a little bit of) swordplay. The setting appears to be roughly Medieval European, although that is just a guess.

This is a debut novel and yes the author’s first name is spelled correctly, Eilis.

I think the book will be a standalone. There is room for a sequel, but I don’t believe it needs one.

It is very odd to read a standalone novel anymore, particularly fantasy. Although I don’t think there will be a sequel, I will certainly look for any other books by this author. I truly enjoyed it.

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Filed under Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

May 30, 2011 · 2:32 pm

Beth Kery “Addicted to You” contest

Beth is giving away a $10 gift certificate on her blog. There is also a contest for a free Kindle. Naturally, I would love to win both.

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Filed under Ramblings

May 29, 2011 · 10:15 am

The Morgue and Me by John C. Ford

Library

Christopher just needed a job to kill time the summer after high school graduation. He didn’t expect it to be in the morgue. Or that he would accidentally discover a murder cover-up. Or that his discovery would lead him to a full-blown investigation involving bribery, kidnappings, more murders . . . and his best friend. And he certainly could never have predicted that Tina—loud, insanely hot, ambitious newspaper reporter Tina—would be his partner. But all of that did happen. And Christopher’s life will never be the same.

With plenty of plot twists, red herrings, and dry wit, The Morgue and Me is a page-turning modern take on the classic detective genre. (from Goodreads)

This is the first of the YA books I have read for the summer. It is a nominee for this year’s Georgia Peach Award and definitely a good start.

Christopher (not Chris) is a classic example of “curiosity killed the cat” and “being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He took the job in the morgue because he wanted to be a spy when he grew up. He figured he could learn something about forensic pathology while he was there.

When the first dead body arrives, he sneaks a look at the corpse after everyone has left and discovers that there is no way the guy died by suicide. So why did the coroner write up the death certificate that way . . . and where did all the money come from?

There are numerous possible suspects and I did not figure out all the twists and turns until the end. To me, that makes a good mystery.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mystery, Realistic, Young Adult

May 26, 2011 · 2:21 pm

Cryoburn (Vorkosigan, #14) by Lois McMaster Bujold

Miles Vorkosigan is back!

Kibou-daini is a planet obsessed with cheating death. Barrayaran Imperial Auditor Miles Vorkosigan can hardly disapprove—he’s been cheating death his whole life, on the theory that turnabout is fair play. But when a Kibou-daini cryocorp—an immortal company whose job it is to shepherd its all-too-mortal frozen patrons into an unknown future—attempts to expand its franchise into the Barrayaran Empire, Emperor Gregor dispatches his top troubleshooter Miles to check it out.

On Kibou-daini, Miles discovers generational conflict over money and resources is heating up, even as refugees displaced in time skew the meaning of generation past repair. Here he finds a young boy with a passion for pets and a dangerous secret, a Snow White trapped in an icy coffin who burns to re-write her own tale, and a mysterious crone who is the very embodiment of the warning Don’t mess with the secretary. Bribery, corruption, conspiracy, kidnapping—something is rotten on Kibou-daini, and it isn’t due to power outages in the Cryocombs. And Miles is in the middle—of trouble!

This book is so MILES! Watching people react to him in generally a stunned manner is hysterical. This is the last book, so far, in the series and I truly enjoyed it. I wish I had some idea when the next book was coming out.

The little boy really appealed to me with his love for animals. He was more concerned with them than he was with anything else, even when there were kidnappings going on around him.

There is one thing that happens that although I almost saw it coming, I hated it. I still want the next book, but . . .

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Filed under Mystery, Science Fiction

May 25, 2011 · 2:35 pm

The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons (Light Dragons, #2) by Katie MacAlister

Ysolde Bouchier is still coming to terms with the dragon part of her, while at the same time trying to free a friend of Baltic-her Black Dragon lover-from the weyr, get Baltic to meet with the dragons who want him dead, rescue a half-dragon damsel in over her head, raise the shade of the man everyone says killed her, and once and for all clear Baltic’s name of the murder charges that continue to plague him.

For Ysolde, being a dragon is starting to bite.

I had to re-read Love in the Time of Dragons before reading the new book. It’s a good thing I did because I would have never been able to follow the story otherwise.

The best part of this book is the inclusion of characters from previous dragon series. Jim, the demon dog, plays a fairly large part. And yes, I said demon dog.

Although the ending is not a cliff hanger, it definitely leaves a lot of loose ends. I should have waited for the entire trilogy to be published before reading any of them.

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Filed under Contemporary, Humor, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance

May 21, 2011 · 3:50 am

Two Out of Three by Dana Michelle Burnett

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

He said he needed her in his life…He swore that he wanted her more than he ever wanted any other woman…But love?

That was never part of the bargain.

Sarah Deardon loved two things: Dancing and Vincent Allen. She struggled for years to become the best at the studio while nursing her crush.

When a tragic accident destroys her dreams of dancing, Sarah turns her full attention to Mr. Allen and pursues him with the same relentless determination that she had used dancing.

Vincent keeps her at bay, trying to let her get through high school and college, even putting an ocean between them. His absence opens the door for the sexy rebel Robert Stewart.

With Robert in the picture, Sarah’s life takes a dramatic turn leading her across the country and back again. She seals her fate with a bargain and she finds herself torn between a life of stability and a passion that refuses to be denied.

The only reason I finished this book is because I had promised to review it. I knew within the first few pages I was not going to like it. The writing is stilted and the characterization is poor.

All three characters cheat on their partners. In Sarah’s and Robert’s case, it is not because they are in love, but simply a series of one night stands.

As I said, there is no one to like in this book. My reaction at finishing it was simply relief. I was so glad to be done.

(cross posted from http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/…)

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Filed under Contemporary, Realistic, Romance