Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday: "Sing Me to Sleep"

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started at Breaking the Spine bookblog, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I usually like to list a few reasons why this book made the top of my 'wish list', but it's purely up to you!
So, I wasn't planning on doing a WoW this week (working on two reviews for next week though!), but then I was on a fellow blogger's site, Au Courant, and I say her choice for this week and fell for it instantly! Come on, after reading the summary on this one, how could you say no to it, even if it is a 'YA' novel? :D
Here's my pick:
Author: Angela Morrison
Pub. Date: March 18, 2010
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: YA, Teen Romance,
Summary (Amazon.com):
THE TRANSFORMATION
Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.
THE LOVE AFFAIR
When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.
THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE
When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?
THE HEARTBREAK
The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And as a bonus, it comes out a day before my B-Day! -_-

I'm glad I found this book to add to my list-- it sounds really good. Always nice to see a beloved fairy tale taken, twisted, and applied to a modern day setting...

I'm curious if this one is a paranormal based or just contemporary? Hmm.. Will have to do some more research!

So, I know I said I was going to post my September reads, since I failed to do it for August, but... I'm not sure if I'll get it posted or not. If I do, it won't be until next week.

However, I will have my Friday "What did I Receive" post this week, and next week I'll have at least two reviews up, maybe more. I'm on a roll guys! :D

Enjoy!

Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Monday, September 28, 2009

[ARC Review]--- Healing Spell and Other Stories

Author: Kiki Howell
Genre: Erotica, Wicca/Magic
Publisher: Excessica
Publication Date: Unknown (You can probably buy it in E-Book form already, but print, like I read, might not be out yet...) Summary (Author's Website):
In this anthology, Kiki Howell, Author of Magical Erotic Romances, shares the following short stories and novellas…
The Healing Spell Samantha leads David through the steps of a sexual magic spell with the intent to heal him. Yet, once the spell has been completed, he finds he cannot just take his talisman and walk away from her, and the witch finds her carefully protected heart on the line.
To Save A Witch from the Focus Anthology, ed. Kev Henley “Kiki gives us a brief but penetrating look into a world where shadow and power are subtle and often unpredictable. Even in this exotic and little-known world, however, it is never too late to correct one’s mistakes and set things right.” - Forward by Ed. Kev Henley
Beltane’s Guide from the Four Seasons: Spring 2009 Anthology, ed. Selena Kitt Meghan celebrates the sacred sex act of the God and Goddess when she goes on a Trust Walk blindfolded with a stranger in the woods. After the rite becomes more than she bargained for, she will have to work for her new beginning.
Rituals When a Wiccan rite opens Maddie’s eyes to her old friend, Ryan, they find freedom in the bondage lifestyle. But, once her past catches up with them, they will have to choose between being bound by it or bonding to each other.
Caught Under the October Moon A promotional short-short published on the Whipped Cream, Erotic Romance Reviews website and in the All Romance eBook’s Wildfire Newsletter where a witch gets caught skyclad during a moon ritual.
My Review:
Anyone who's ever read an anthology knows that there's almost always one problem with the book-- the stories are too short. And though that is the point of having an anthology, it's still hard to tell a story, develop it, and end it well. This one flaw is most of the reason behind my over all rating for this book.
The Healing Spell and Other Stories is a collection of Kiki Howell's short stories and novellas that have been published before in other anthologies. The nice thing about this anthology is you get to see what her writing it like (wonderful, but more on that later). The only down fall is that the romance story itself doesn't get to develop and pull through as strongly as in a full length novel. But, despite the page constraints, Howell does do a good job at telling a story... especially the sex, since this is an erotic novel!
Howell has a wonderful way of blending the words together, weaving them into a story, and really, she can easily 'paint a picture' in your mind, as they say. I had no problem with the writing style, the word choices, etc. In fact, I thought this was very well done, and it did grab my attention and help pull me into the stories....
...Only until the story was suddenly over, and it was time for the next one. But again, this is a problem you'll always find in an anthology. You want the story to keep going, but in reality, it's time for it to end and the next one to begin. Because of the shortness of the stories, I'm even more interesting in reading more from Howell-- I want to know if a full length novel from her will be just as amazing as I picture after reading this.
The story lines were interesting enough, and I wish we could have learned more about the characters, their stories and world-- especially the Wicca theme in the stories. I would have loved to hear more about the culture in the stories themselves.
3.5 STARS! Over all, a great introduction to a new to me author, and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good erotica novel. The Healing Spell and Other Stories is quick, but fairly satisfying, and leaves you wanting to read more! Always a good thing in a book, right? Fantastic, flowing writing, Howell has a gift for describing the scene to viewers-- I only hope that we'll get to see more of the description in her future novels, hopefully a full length one?
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,

The Book Queen

Friday, September 25, 2009

What Did I Receive?

Wow, two weeks in a row of book deliveries? That's almost unheard of for me! :D But I won't complain, of course! *Wink*
All three even came on the same day (Tuesday, just FYI), which means that my mail box was, to say the least, stuffed. Well, two of them were in the mail box, the other came from the UPS man about an hour after I came home.
Here's what I received:

Title: Magic Under Glass

Author: Jackie Dolamore

Pub. Date: December 22, 2009 Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Genre: YA, Magic, Fantasy, Romance Pages: 240 ISBN-13: 9781599904306

Summary (Amazon.com):

Nimira is a foreign music-hall girl forced to dance for mere pennies. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing with a piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new and better life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets are beginning to stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumors swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry's involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. Then Nimira discovers the spirit of a fairy gentleman named Erris is trapped inside the clockwork automaton, waiting for someone to break his curse. The two fall into a love that seems hopeless, and breaking the curse becomes a race against time, as not just their love, but the fate of the entire magical world may be in peril.

Thanks again to Jackie for holding the contest for this book last month (maybe you guys remember, I posted it as my WoW for the week along with giving you a heads up about the contest)! And a BIG thanks for the amazing drawings she put in the ARC copy I won of the book-- I think I'm going to have just as much fun looking at the pictures as I will reading the book!

In fact, when I do my review of the book in the next week or so, I think I may have to take a picture or two of the drawings Jackie did to show you how fantastic they truly are! Seriously girl-- you could do illustrating along with writing! :D

Next.....

Title: Poison Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Pub. Date: December 2008 (reprint) Publisher: Mira

Genre: Fantasy, Magic

Pages: 416

Series: Study Ser. ISBN-13: 9780778327110

Summary (B&N):

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooma in the palace--and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust--and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

Thanks to the newly formed Harlequin Teen for sending this copy to me! Even though it's not a new release, I've been dying to read Snyder's books after hearing rave reviews around the blogs over the years! And I personally love the cover on my copy (pictured above) rather than the reprint cover. But if you go to buy a copy of this yourself, be warned: the cover like mine is out of print....

And finally....

Title: Postmistress

Author: Sarah Blake

Pub. Date: February 09, 2010 Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Genre: Fiction

ISBN-13: 9780399156199

Summary (B&N):

Filled with stunning parallels to today's world, The Postmistress is a sweeping novel about the loss of innocence of two extraordinary women-and of two countries torn apart by war.

On the eve of the United States's entrance into World War II in 1940, Iris James, the postmistress of Franklin, a small town on Cape Cod, does the unthinkable: She doesn't deliver a letter. In London, American radio gal Frankie Bard is working with Edward R. Murrow, reporting on the Blitz. One night in a bomb shelter, she meets a doctor from Cape Cod with a letter in his pocket, a letter Frankie vows to deliver when she returns from Germany and France, where she is to record the stories of war refugees desperately trying to escape.

The residents of Franklin think the war can't touch them- but as Frankie's radio broadcasts air, some know that the war is indeed coming. And when Frankie arrives at their doorstep, the two stories collide in a way no one could have foreseen. The Postmistress is an unforgettable tale of the secrets we must bear, or bury. It is about what happens to love during wartime, when those we cherish leave. And how every story-of love or war-is about looking left when we should have been looking right.

Thanks to B&N's October First Look program! I was surprised that for the first time ever I was able to get my request for the book in before they ran out of copies. Which, if you've ever been on their First Look program, takes only a few days!

I love the cover on this one, it's so pretty! And I can't believe I've got a book in my hands that won't be out until Feb. of next year. It's almost surreal to me... Lol. I'm used to having either books that are already out or ones that come out in a month or two, so this is something really new for me.

~~~~~~~ Luckily my cold has almost passed, mainly it's just a small cough left over. Good thing too-- tomorrow I have a family reunion, and I really didn't want to have to miss it in order to help prevent them from getting sick as well! :D

I finished The Healing Spell and Other Stories by Kiki Howell today (received ARC to review last week), and I'm going to work on my review over the weekend. Hopefully find it up no later than next Tuesday.

After that, my next review will probably be...either Magic Under Glass or Poison Study. I just can't decide! That's the only problem with getting multiple books in one week-- however do you choose which one to read and review first?

Off to work on the dishes I'm taking tomorrow (Triple Chocolate and Nutella Brownies, homemade bread sticks, and an Apple Pie dip. Yum!), and finish up my current read, The Black Hills by Nora Roberts (loving it!).

Enjoy!

Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Reivew-- "Menu for Romance"

Author: Kaye Dacus
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated
Publication Date: July 2009
Summary (Amazon):
Cater to your craving for fabulous fictional fare with Menu for Romance, where a party planner finds herself torn between the contractor and the cook. After eight years of unrequited love, Meredith Guidry makes a New Year's resolution to find someone new and end her single status before the year's over. And when she meets a handsome contractor on New Year's Day, it seems like her prayers have been answered. Executive Chef Major O'Hara has forsworn relationships, knowing he could never saddle the woman he loves with a family situation like his. But when it seems he's about to lose Meredith Guidry to another man, he realizes he must concoct a menu for romance to win her back.
My Review: I'm not usually one for contemporaries, unless it's from an author I already know and love. But when I saw Menu for Romance on the ER list for August, I was interested enough to request it. And while this wasn't my favorite book of all times, it was a pleasant enough read that I may try other books from Ms. Dacus in the future. I did enjoy the lite, fluffy romance in the story, and it was a welcome reprieve from all the other books I've been reading. It had it's 'ah, cute' type of moments, along with a few witty ones. In other words, a sweet, and fairly quick read. However, the one main thing that I didn't like was the complete lack of sexual tension---of any sort! Only a few little pecks on the lips were even mentioned in the book. Now, I know, this is technically a 'Christian Fiction', and that means that it's no where near the erotica level, but does it have to mean no sexual tension, too? Come on, sometimes the build up and teasing along the way is far more interesting than the actual 'event'! If the author doesn't want to put sex scenes in the book before the h/hr are married, that's fine with me-- but what's so harmful in a few slightly heady scenes between a couple that you know will end up married in the end? Despite the lack of, well, passion, between the hero and heroine of the story, the characters themselves weren't too bad. They could have had a bit more depth at times, but over all, I didn't mind them-- and I have to say, Major's mother was by far the most unique out of the group. I only wish the author had played up interaction between them all a bit more, since at times I almost didn't really see the connection between them. It was more like a fine line than the strong one you usually want in a book, especially a romance. Christian Fiction or not, you still need that connection, that growth and development from the characters. 3/5 STARS! An enjoyable romance novel, which I would recommend to anyone, even a teenage girl. With an interesting (and not too common) story plot, which only added to the appeal, plus characters and events that are realistic, Menu for Romance shouldn't be passed over just because of its genre. Try it, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed in it either! ~~~~~~ See, I told you I'd get this review posted before Friday! :D Thanks for all the well wishes, ladies! :D I really appreciate it. I'm still feeling miserable, but not quiet as bad as yesterday. Thank God for Pseudoephedrine--- I swear, if you have a stuffy nose, grab this stuff, it's the best kind out there, and I've been using it for colds for most of my life! Still, if you don't see me around a lot for the rest of the week, you know why. I will have another post Friday, at least. And maybe I'll start on my next review tomorrow, though I probably won't have it posted until next week sometime...

Enjoy!

Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

I've Fallen Prey to the Dreaded....Cold

Yes, I know, this is an odd post coming from me. And you're probably also wondering "Where is your Teaser Tuesday?"
Well, I'll answer both inquiries with five words: The evil cold has struck!
Yep, Sunday evening, I started to feel that annoying tickle in your throat, the one that taunts you by making you wonder "Will I get the full blown cold this time?". And unfortunately for me, this year it decided to strike full blast. Last year, I was lucky-- no cold, no flu, not even a sniffle all winter long!
But this year? I get sick in September! Ugghh. Talk about a bad week...
So, due to my horrible cold, I won't be posting a TT this week (I know, it's like the 3rd week in a row), and I may not post a WoW tomorrow either. I am, however, going to push myself into finishing my review for Menu for Romance before the end of the week, and get that posted.
See, I'm going to stick to my goal of one review a week, even when I'd much rather crawl back into bed and die. But no, for you, my wonderful readers, I'm going to risk the pounding headache, the raspy cough, the annoying sore throat, and even the devastating congestion, just so you can read my (not so wonderful, I'm sure) review! Ah, really, no praise is necessary, I do it out of the goodness of my heart! Okay, joking aside, I am going to push myself and stick to my review goal, so wish me luck!
I will have a post on Friday (hopefully the review, along with my weekly 'What Did I Receive", since today alone I was graced with 3 ARCs!), but for now, I'd much rather sit on the couch with some hot soup and a good book, hoping for this cold to either go away or take my life. Well, okay, maybe not quiet that dramatic, but since I'm sure you've all had a cold like I have, you probably know what I mean. :D
Next week I'm going to get back to even more reviews. I have the following books lined up to be reviewed this month:
  • The Healing Spells by Kiki Howell
  • Magic Under Glass by Jackie Dolamore
  • The Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
  • Postmistress by Sarah Blake

And since that's just books I've had sent to me last week (Healing Spell) and today (the other three), who knows how many more could be added to my list. One thing is for sure, after my long lull of no ARCs and Reviewer copy books, I'm suddenly getting them all at once! Which means that my poor TBR pile just keeps growing instead of shrinking.... *SIGH*.

I'm off to the couch now, and hopefully something warm and delicious for dinner... if I have the motivation to fix something. :D I hope everyone else is healthy and well, and please-- try to avoid falling prey to the dreaded cold like I have!

Enjoy,

Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Friday, September 18, 2009

Review: "Catching Fire"

Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: YA Adventure/Science Fiction
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.Pub. Date: September 2009
ISBN-13:
9780439023498
Pages: 400
Series:
Hunger Games Series, Book #2
Summary (B&N):
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.




One of my Favorite Quotes:
"No one really needs me," he says, and there's no self-pity in his voice. It's true his family doesn't need him. They will mourn him, as will a handful of friends. But they will go on. Even Haymitch, with the help of a lot of white liquor, will get on. I realize only one person will be damaged beyond repair if Peeta dies. Me.
"I do," I say. "I need you." He looks upset, takes a deep breath, as if to begin a long argument, and that's no good, no good at all, because he'll start going on about Prim and my mother and everything and I'll just get confused. So before he can talk, I stop his lips with a kiss.
Copyright 2009, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. (Page 352)


My Review:


Last year, The Hunger Games received high ratings from fans all over. Then we spent what seemed like an eternity waiting, anxiously, for the sequel. Finally, it's here-- and believe me, it's just as amazing, if not even a tiny bit more so, than her first novel! Suzanne Collins does a brilliant job at creating a rich, detailed world, while telling a brutally honest story, not one that's sugar coated and perfect.
Catching Fire continues the story of Katniss and Peeta, the first dual winners of the deadly Hunger Games. Now that they're 'safely' out of the arena, no longer having to fight for their very life, you'd think they'd be able to live out the rest of their life in peace, right? Wrong!
The Capitol realizes that their control over the various districts is slowly being tested, pushed to the limits, and it's all because of Katniss and Peeta's defiance in the arena. As the districts start to rise up against the Capitol, they realize that they need to get rid of the 'spark' that started it all-- Katniss. But how, without alerting the citizens of their plot?
Enter the 'surprise' rules for the 75th anniversary Hunger Games! The only names added to the reaping will be the surviving tributes from previous games, one male and one female from each district. Which, naturally, means it's back into the arena for Katniss and Peeta-- and they both know that the Capitol has no plans for allowing them to come back out alive, especially Katniss.
I won't go into too many details, I really don't want to ruin the book for fellow fans out there. But I will say that Collin manages to throw new twists and turns into Catching Fire just when you least expect it! And the characters are just as intense and unique as they were before-- along with the relationship between our two favorite winners.
The one thing that bothered me is I wish Katniss would wake up and realize that Peeta's the guy for her. As nice as Gale as, there's no fire, no real connection between them in the story. Sure, she speaks fondly of their childhood, but since the beginning of book one, Collins has shown us more of Peeta than Gale, and personally I can't say that I'm upset about it. But that's a whole other story--- and one that we'll just have to wait until the next book to figure out for sure!

Overall:
5/5 STARS! A wonderful, action packed novel that's even better than the first one, Catching Fire has everything in it, from witty characters and dialogue to intense suspense and adventure. And let's not forget the love triangle going on between poor Gale, Katniss, and Peeta! In other words, easily one of the BEST YA series ever! What are you waiting for? Enter the terrifying yet interesting world of Panem today!

Interesting in buying your own copy of Catching Fire? Check out Amazon, B&N, or Borders!



Enjoy,






Until Next Time,The Book Queen
I do not claim the rights to the quote excerpt listed above!

What Did I Receive?

So after going through a bit of a lull in review books, this week ended up being a good one! :D Two books, both of which I will be reviewing within the next week or so. And I've still got a few others I've won lately that have yet to come, but that's okay-- I've got plenty to keep me busy for now!
Here's what arrived:
Monday:

Title: Menu for Romance Author: Kaye Dacus

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated

Publication Date: July 2009
Pages: 320 Series: Brides of Bonneterre, Book #2
Summary (B&N):
Feed your craving for love-filled fiction in Menu for Romance, where an event planner finds herself embroiled between a flirtatious contractor and a stoic chef.
Thanks to LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's Program!

Tuesday:

Title: The Healing Spell and Other Stories Anthology

Author: Kiki Howell
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal
Publisher: Excessica Publishing
Summary (Author's Website):
In this anthology, Kiki Howell, Author of Magical Erotic Romances, shares the following short stories and novellas…
The Healing Spell Samantha leads David through the steps of a sexual magic spell with the intent to heal him. Yet, once the spell has been completed, he finds he cannot just take his talisman and walk away from her, and the witch finds her carefully protected heart on the line.
To Save A Witch from the Focus Anthology, ed. Kev Henley “Kiki gives us a brief but penetrating look into a world where shadow and power are subtle and often unpredictable. Even in this exotic and little-known world, however, it is never too late to correct one’s mistakes and set things right.” - Forward by Ed. Kev Henley
Beltane’s Guide from the Four Seasons: Spring 2009 Anthology, ed. Selena Kitt Meghan celebrates the sacred sex act of the God and Goddess when she goes on a Trust Walk blindfolded with a stranger in the woods. After the rite becomes more than she bargained for, she will have to work for her new beginning. Rituals When a Wiccan rite opens Maddie’s eyes to her old friend, Ryan, they find freedom in the bondage lifestyle. But, once her past catches up with them, they will have to choose between being bound by it or bonding to each other.
Caught Under the October Moon A promotional short-short published on the Whipped Cream, Erotic Romance Reviews website and in the All Romance eBook’s Wildfire Newsletter where a witch gets caught skyclad during a moon ritual.

Check out Kiki's website for more information!

Thanks again, Kiki, for sending me a copy to review! :D I can't wait to get started, and I'll post my review as soon as possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, I did what I promised for the week--I finally wrote another review and posted it! It should be up by the time this one airs. :D

Next week, expect to see the review for at least Menu for Romance, if not Healing Spell as well!

And hopefully I'll be able to get my latest 'Want to Read' post up (FINALLY, I know!). We'll see. You know how it is-- life just doesn't stand still for anyone, and often times it just messes with your schedules.

Enjoy your weekend everyone! Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday: "Token of Darkness"

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started at Breaking the Spine bookblog, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I usually like to list a few reasons why this book made the top of my 'wish list', but it's purely up to you!
Here's my pick for the week:

Title: Token of Darkness

Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Publisher: Random House Children's Books Pub. Date: February 09, 2010 ISBN-13: 9780385737500

Synopsis (B&N): Cooper Blake has everything going for him—until he wakes from a car accident with his football career in ruins and a mysterious, attractive girl by his side. Cooper doesn’t know how Samantha got there or why he can see her; all he knows is that she’s a ghost, and the shadows that surround her seem intent on destroying her.

No one from Cooper’s old life would understand what he can barely grasp himself. . . . But Delilah, the captain of the cheerleading squad, has secrets of her own, like her ability to see beyond the physical world, and her tangled history with Brent, a loner from a neighboring school who can hear strangers’ most intimate thoughts. Delilah and Brent know that Cooper is in more trouble than he realizes, and that Samantha may not be as innocent as she has led Cooper to believe. But the only way to figure out where Samantha came from will put them all in more danger than they ever dreamed possible.

Okay, when I saw that she had a new book coming out next year, I had a bit of a fan girl moment-- and yes, there was some dancing involved! LOL. I LOVE Amelia's books, especially her older ones, and I applaud her talent and push, both of which contributed to her getting her first book published.... AT 14! Man, I wish I could have done that!

The cover looks amazing, and the plot sounds good-- I can't wait to read it! And if you haven't read any of her work yet, well then get out there and pick them up-- I especially recommend her Kiesha'ra Series! OMG, I love the writing, the world she creates, and the characters-- talk about a perfect YA series that any paranormal fan will love! :D

Oh, and expect my review for Catching Fire up by.... Friday at the latest, but I want to try and get it posted tomorrow sometime. And then I got two more books to review in the mail this week, so next week I'll be back to posting more reviews! :D

Enjoy,

Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Sunday, September 13, 2009

B&N and My Self Control

What do those two words have in common? Well, they should never be in the same sentence together (unless it's speaking of my LACK of self control around B&N). But they also refer to what I did this weekend... And why my pocket's suddenly lighter while my TBR pile has grown even more! :D
I couldn't help it-- after such a long stretch without a B&N day, I had to stop in yesterday. To look, of course. I wasn't going to buy anything....
...Until I reminded myself that I had to buy my copy of Catching Fire-- I can't wait any longer to read it, so into my arms it went. It's their fault-- they had all the good, new releases sitting right inside the door, taunting me as I walked in! :D
I really was going to just walk around, see what's out, and then leave. But... as you can imagine, that didn't happen.
Luckily, it wasn't quiet as bad as my Dollar Store escapade a month ago! *Wink* It's a good thing it was only a one time shipment there, otherwise I could be in serious financial trouble right now...
Anyway, here's what I ended up walking out of B&N with this time.

Not Pictured:

  • Hunger by Michael Grant (My aunt grabbed this from me first, she's been waiting to read it after loving the first one! I'll have to get it back from her next week)
  • This month's RomanticTimes Book Reviews-- which is a bad thing, because it gives me more ideas for books to add to my Wish List, which is turn sends me to B&N again... It's a vicious cycle, but I can't break it! :D

I didn't receive any books in the mail this week (hence the lack of 'What Did I Receive' post Friday), but I am expecting quiet a few from contests, etc, so in the next week or so, I'll probably suddenly be bombarded by them all at once! LOL. Can't wait, of course... What's better than being trampled by a load of free books?

Also, if you're wondering where my Want to Read List is... Um, yeah, I'm going to have to put it off for a while. I will continue the list, and post it on here, but I think I'm going to have to drop it back even farther-- to only one list a month, not one a week. They just keep getting longer, and my free time keeps getting shorter!

In a way, it's good that I'm going to reduce it to once a month, because after I finish the current list of books I want to read (old and new books), then I'm going to start up a new monthly post, which I'm (for now) going to call "Books to Lust For".

Yes, the title is similar to The Story Siren's "Books to Pine For" that she does monthly. I'm not trying to copy, though I'll admit, her BOPF posts did help to inspire me. She highlights upcoming books, and she always has great ones on hers, which I then add to my own wish list. :D

My post would be similar, but I'm not going to copy hers. They would be my own book choices, and the post will be different.

And as for my August Reading list... Um, yeah, I don't think that's going to get posted! I'm sorry, but if you wish to know what I read last month, you can always go to my GoodReads page (There should be a link on my sidebar), and then click on the shelf 'Read in August', they're all there! :D

I'm trying to work on September's as I go, so that next month I'll be able to post it quickly, and not get behind.

Oh, and JennJ and Lindsay, who sent me three wonderful awards, I want to say "Thanks"! :D I really do appreciate them, and even though I'm behind and haven't post them back on here to pass them on (yet), I will, I promise. They are listed on my sidebar however, so I'm not completely behind!

Okay, off to enjoy the rainy day we're having-- aka, an excuse to sit inside and read! :D

Enjoy you weekend!

Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday: "Voices of Dragons"

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started at Breaking the Spine bookblog, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I usually like to list a few reasons why this book made the top of my 'wish list', but it's purely up to you!
Here's my pick for the week:

Title:Voices of Dragons

Author: Carrie Vaughn
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: March 16, 2010
Summary**:
On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity’s deepest fears: dragons.
Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she’s breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she’d rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, a secret friendship grows between them—even though the fragile truce that has maintained peace between their two species is unraveling around them. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?
In her young adult debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn presents a modern tale of myths and machines and an alliance that crosses a seemingly unbridgeable divide.
**I found the summary on the book's webpage on GoodReads. It's not on B&N or Amazon yet. Also why I didn't link the title. Sorry! The cover is very eye catching, I love it, and the summary sounds great too! :D In other words, it's my kind of book! LOL. Plus, it's release date is 3 days before my B-Day! *Wink, wink*. JK. I know, this is a short post, but I'm still running a bit behind, trying to get caught up, class, work, etc... Well, it even takes a bit of a toll on me. But I promise-- next month I'll be back and better than ever! Well, okay, I'll be back full time at least. Lol. Enjoy! Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Teaser Tuesday: "Temptation Ridge"

It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for me to post a few snippets from my current book! As many of you probably already know, 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 (or short paragraphs) 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!
Here's my book for the week:

Title: Temptation Ridge

Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira Pub. Date: March 2009 ISBN-13: 9780778326571
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Summary (B&N):
At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly not whom she has in mind.
A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.
Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things...two very good things.
My Teaser, from page 74:
"He often thought that if God had given him breasts, he wouldn't be able to keep his hands off himself. He'd be seen walking around town with his palms pressed over his own chest."
Right before his passage, a local, and very drunk, woman had pressed him up against the bar wall, and Luke was granted a look at a "very impressive cleavage" (His words, not mine), which brought about his next thought on how much he loves breasts. Just in case you wondered "WTF? Where did this come from in the story?!" LOL. Can't you just imagine this tough Army guy walking down the street with his hands plastered to his own man-boobs? Am I the only one disturbed by the thought of this-- and worse, that a man would even think like that? :D But when I read this part, I couldn't stop myself from laughing, even though I was sitting in my college class, waiting for the Professor to start. Needless to say, a few gave me odd looks, but there was no way I was going to elaborate for them! Okay, I barely had enough time to stop and post this (late), so I'm leaving now- hopefully I'll have more time tomorrow, when I post my WoW. And I still need to work on my August Reading List and next Want to Read list post... Damn *Bangs head against desk-- repeatedly* Enjoy! Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Want to Read List (Part 11, K's)

Hey, I know I'm a bit late, but I was busy. At least I got it done! :D Missed a previous list? No problem-- catch up here!
J's So, here's the newest list, K's this time. Enjoy, comment, suggest! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  1. Keeper of the Earth by Jenna Solitaire (YA, Fantasy)
  2. Keeper of the Flame by Jenna Solitaire (YA, Fantasy)
  3. Keeper of the Heart by Johanna Lindsey (Futuristic)
  4. Keeper of the Light by Janeen O'Kerry (Fantasy, Paranormal)
  5. Keeper of the Waters by Jenna Solitaire (YA, Fantasy)
  6. Keeper of the Winds by Jenna Solitaire (YA, Fantasy)
  7. Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (Fiction)
  8. Keeping Kate by Sarah Gabriel (Historical)
  9. The Key by Lynsay Sands (Historical)
  10. Key to Forever by Christina Skye (Historical, Paranormal)
  11. Kick Ass by Maggie Shayne and Others (Paranormal)
  12. Kilgannon by Kathleen Givens (Historical)
  13. The Killing Dance by Laurell K. Hamilton (Paranormal, Fantasy)
  14. A Kind of Magic by Susan Sizemore (Paranormal)
  15. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught (Historical)
  16. Kingdom of Moonlight by Josie Litton (Fantasy, Paranormal)
  17. Kingdoms and Conquerors by Chris Heimerdinger (YA, Fiction)
  18. The Kiss by Sophia Nash (Historical)
  19. Kiss and Kin by Kinsey Holley (Erotica, Paranormal) *Couldn't find it on B&N, look elsewhere, I guess!*
  20. Kiss and Tell by Sandy Lynn (Paranormal)
  21. A Kiss at Midnight by Shana Abe (Historical)
  22. A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan (Historical)
  23. Kiss from a Rogue by Shirley Karr (Historical)
  24. A Kiss in the Dark by Kimberly Logan (Historical)
  25. Kiss Me Again by Margaret Moore (Historical)
  26. Kiss of a Dark Moon by Sharie Kohler (Paranormal)
  27. Kiss of Darkness by Jennifer St. Giles (Paranormal)
  28. Kiss of Darkness by Heather Graham (Paranormal)
  29. Kiss of Fate by Deborah Cooke (Paranormal)
  30. Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke (Paranormal)
  31. Kiss of Fury by Deborah Cooke (Paranormal)
  32. A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton (Paranormal, Fantasy)
  33. A Kiss of Spice by Andrea DaRif (Historical)
  34. Kiss of the Wolf by Morgan Hawke (Paranormal)
  35. Kiss the Girls by James Patterson (Mystery, Fiction, Crime)
  36. A Kiss to Remember by Teresa Medeiros (Historical)
  37. Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur (Paranormal)
  38. Kissing the Bride by Sara Bennett (Historical)
  39. Knight in My Bed by Sue-Ellen Welfonder (Historical)
  40. Knight of a Trillion Stars by Dara Joy (Futuristic, Erotica)
  41. Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory (Historical)
  42. A Knight to Remember by Christina Dodd (Historical)
  43. Knight Triumphant by Shannon Drake (Historical)
  44. Knight's Fork by Rowena Cherry (Erotica, Futuristic, Paranormal)
  45. A Knight's Vow by Lynn Kurland and Others (Historical, Time Travel, Paranormal)
  46. Knight's Treasure by Amanda Scott (Historical)
  47. The Knight's Vow by Gayle Cullen (Historical)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, it's a bit late, but hey, better late than never, right? :D

Hope everyone enjoys their Labor-Day weekend (well, what's left of it!). I know I will-- "Hello good books!" :D Have a safe one, ladies! ENJOY! Until Next Time, The Book Queen

Friday, September 4, 2009

What Did I Receive?

Hey everyone-- TGIF, right? I know that's how I feel!
So here's my (short) post of everything bookrelated I received in the mail this past week. Think of it as my 'In My Mailbox' type of thing, but under my own (not so creative) name.
This week, I had only one visit from the UPS man, but that's okay! :D I've got so many others in my TBR pile, not to mention the work load from classes, to keep me busy for a while.
Here's what came:

Title: Knight of Desire

Author: Margaret Mallory
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: July 2009
Series: All the King's Men Series (Book 1) Summary (B&N):
FEARLESS IN BATTLE
His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.
TENDER IN BED
Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she's keeping secrets, and dare not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.
KNIGHT OF DESIRE
~~~~~~~~
Thanks so much to Cheryl @ Cheryl's Book Nook, whom I won this from in a contest, and Grand Central Publishing for providing the book.

Now, I know, you're probably wondering where my latest 'Want to Read' post is....... .....And I'm sorry to say I'm going to have to put it off for another day or two-- I've just got so behind on my posts this week, with my full course load kicking in. But I'm going to work on it today, and hopefully have it up either tomorrow or Sunday at the latest. Next week, I'll try to get it done on Friday like I've promised. :D Oh, and Cecile, I promise I haven't forgotten your prize yet-- I'm going to *try* to remember to send it off tomorrow when I go to town! :D Enjoy your weekend everyone-- I know I sure will, I just wish it was longer! Until Next Time, The Book Queen