Stacking the Shelves (44)

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you can include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews.  Clicking on the book should take you to the Goodreads page.

I don't know that I really bought any books this week.  Wait, there may have been a click or two from Amazon, so I will have to check.  Let's start with review books and ARCs.

 Pretty Girls is out now, but I received a copy this week for a blog tour Booksparks arranged.  I started reading it last night, but didn't get very far.

I am also a part of a blog tour for A Criminal Magic. I know a lot of people are anticipating this February 2016 release so I am excited to jump into it.

From Netgalley and the publishers I received:

All of these come out in December, January of February so if you are interested in any of them, you can pick them up soon.

I also grabbed the audio book of this from Scribd.  I have never listened to an audio book before, but I thought this was a good place to start.  It's narrated by King himself and only a short story so I can see if I like this version of reading or not.

So what did you pick up this week?  Let me know so I can go check out your shelves and add more to my ever growing TBR! 

 

Vampires That Don't Sparkle!

TITLE: Immortal Kiss
AUTHOR: Laura Daleo
PUBLISHER: World Castle Publishing
PUBLISHING DATE: February 15, 2015

FROM GOODREADS: Centuries ago ten powerful vampire gods first walked the earth; their blood thirst knew no boundaries. The destruction of mankind was inevitable. Recognizing their weakness, they selected twelve wise human beings to transform with their godly blood. These twelve, known as The Old Ones and The Council, govern The Ten. A blood lottery appeasing The Ten’s hunger was set forth into the human world and passed down every fifth generation, continuing into the present day.

All of Beth Ryan’s life a mysterious mist watched over her, a mist she believed to be a vampire. On a cold winter night, she comes face to face with Philippe Delon, a 700 year old vampire with a human soul. Beth is certain Philippe is the vampire behind the mist. She is drawn to him, accepting his immortality without question or fear.

Beth and Philippe cannot deny their love for each other, nor do they try to fight it. Within days of their encounter, Beth accepts Philippe’s invitation to move into his mansion. The mansion unlocks the door to the vampire world and exposes secrets from Beth’s past. Within its walls, she learns the true identity of the mist, her link to the blood lottery, and betrayal of her loved ones. Surrounded by lies, Beth stands before The Council begging for resolution.

MY THOUGHTS: 
Let me start by saying I would actually prefer to give this book 3.5 rating, but since this is Goodreads and all that...I will go ahead and give it 4 there and a 3.5 here on the blog. I was also provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I began this book. I have always enjoyed vampires, even as a little kid, but "Twilight" kind of ruined them for me for a while. Now, all you "Twilight" lovers, don't blast me. I devoured the entire series when they came out and even though Bella drove me insane and I never really liked her, it actually took me years to become jaded (and a bad casting of Kristen Stewart but that's another story).

Ever since Beth was a young child, she has been visited at home by "The Mist." Now somehow, Beth comes to assume this mist is a vampire and over the years, with kind gestures such as love notes, flowers, etc., she falls in love. A few weeks before her 25th birthday, Beth's boyfriend/best friend, Danny, wants to get married so she demands the mist appear or she will leave him forever. Guess what, she was right and in floats Phillipe. The story unfolds from there.

There were a few things I didn't like about the book, but some resolved themselves. I don't like "insta-love" but since this is a vampire we are talking about, most have the ability to compel people to do whatever, so I think in this case it's allowed and it didn't bother me too much. There were a few typos, which irritated me a tad, but let's get real, they didn't interfere with the story. Also, the big one, Beth was super annoying during at least half of the book. In fact, on page 208, I made the comment "I want to strangle her." But the good outweighs the bad.

Daleo works the vampire history into mythology in a really refreshing way. There is also this uber-intimidating "Council of Ten" which governs all things vampiric. I loved learning more about them and the vampire history. Also, I adore Phillipe's friend and maker, Caleb. He is what I expect from vampires - no tolerance for mere humans and a mean side.

I am glad I gave this book a chance. There is a sequel coming and although unsure when it will be released, I will be keeping my eyes open for it. I need to find out what happens next and as mentioned, the last 1/4 of the book is so interesting and eventful, I want to believe the author has only bigger and better things in store for the readers. 

RATING: 3.5 PAWS

 

A Quick Christmas "Cookie"

TITLE: Josey's Christmas Cookie
AUTHOR: Sharon Kleve
PUBLISHER: Books to Go Now
PUBLISHING DATE: November 23, 2012

FROM GOODREADS: n the blink of an eye, Josey lost the most important people in her life, her parents.

Can a hound dog named Cookie, a pair of Mourning Doves, and a passionate vet bring the holiday spirit back into Josey's life in time for Christmas?

MY THOUGHTS:  The author provided me an unsolicited copy for free in exchange for an honest review, and when I saw the Basset on the front, added to the concept that I wanted to work in a few Christmas tales this month, I started it right away. I don't read a lot of romance but I really like Josey and Clint's tale. The animals were a great addition and not only did we get a cute adorable Basset named Cookie, we also get talking Lovebirds. There were a few typos throughout, but it may have been a format issue when I loaded it on my Kindle.

This was a quick Christmas tale which can easily be enjoyed in one sitting. Cookie is absolutely adorable. The plot was a tad rushed, and I think this would have been a great full-length novel. That being said, I am glad I picked it up and would recommend it to any animal lover who wants something to get them in the Christmas mood.

RATING: 3 PAWS

  



BOOKER T'S THOUGHTS:  Cookie is such as sweet Basset.  People laughed at him because he had to wear a diaper - he was in a car accident.  But he eventually healed and you know what, those people who laughed will always be mean!  Also, my big brother Cooper used to have a Basset girlfriend who lived down the street, Suzie, so they will always be dear to our family.  Cookie gets 5 paws from me!

CASSIUS' THOUGHT:  This book had talking birds!  Talking birds I tell you.  I want one, or two or twenty.  Mom says no.  Says my birds have to remain outside and need their freedom.  Bummer!
 

So the cat was my favorite character....

I need to start by saying that although I am a HUGE dog person, I don't dislike cats.  I just don't have a desire to own one.  We have what we call a neighborhood cat, named Snowball, whose owners live down the street, but we have heard he refuses to go inside.  We give him treats from time to time and he drives the dogs crazy.  Snowball loves my husband and not me...which is odd because he is less of a cat fan than I am.  Enough said on the subject and on to the review.

TITLE:  love in lowercase
AUTHOR: Francesc Miralles, Jule Wark (translator)
PUBLISHER: Penguin Books
PUBLISHING DATE: January 26, 2016

FROM GOODREADS: When Samuel, a lonely linguistics lecturer, wakes up on New Year’s Day, he is convinced that the year ahead will bring nothing more than passive verbs and un-italicized moments—until an unexpected visitor slips into his Barcelona apartment and refuses to leave. The appearance of Mishima, a stray, brindle-furred cat, leads Samuel from the comforts of his favorite books, foreign films, and classical music to places he’s never been (next door) and to people he might never have met (his neighbor Titus, with whom he’s never exchanged a word). Even better, Mishima leads him back to the mysterious Gabriela, whom he thought he’d lost long before.

In the spirit of The Solitude of Prime Numbers and The Guest Cat, Love in Lowercase is a charming and uplifting novel about how one man, thanks to a persistent cat-turned-catalyst, awakens to the importance of the little things in life—and discovers that sometimes love is hiding in the smallest characters.

MY THOUGHTS: 
First let me say that I was provided a copy of this book for review from Penguin First to Read. Now that THAT technicality is out of the way...on with the review. I have to be honest and admit that I really didn't care for this book. If I had it in me to DNF books, this one would be on that list. It is being marketed as the next "Rosie Project" and although I planned to read that someday, maybe I shouldn't. I also think that because this book is a translation from a Spanish author, maybe it lost something along the way. I don't know. Also the chapters are really short and choppy and they don't flow very well at all in my opinion.

The plot is your average guy decides he doesn't want to spend his life alone so he tries to do something about it. However, this guy happens to be a German literature professor and is hooked on all things "language" which isn't a bad thing but which this book makes super annoying. He is also obsessed with classical music. Again, not a bad thing but I felt like the author was trying to force-feed me culture. I liked some of the characters in the book, just not Samuel, the main character, or Gabriela, the girl he has been in love with since he was a kid (just forget that he hasn't seen her in 30 years). I liked the old man who lives upstairs, Titus, and Valdemar isn't bad (conspiracy theories and all), except I kept wanting to call him Voldemort. I REALLY liked Mishima the cat...and I am a dog person...that should really clue you in on something.

This book is a quick read, and I really believe there is a more deep, philosophical meaning in there somewhere, but I didn't feel like looking for it. I am sure there will be tons of people that like it, it just wasn't for me. The cover is sort of cute and I'll admit it is what caught my eye. I didn't even like the ending because I feel the the wrong couple ended up together. I don't know who I would recommend this book to, but like I said, just because I didn't enjoy it doesn't mean that others won't and that it isn't a decent book.

RATING: 2 PAWS

This is Snowball - doing what he does best.

Waiting on Wednesday (33) - A Booker T Takeover!

"Waiting on" Wednesday is weekly meme hosted over at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming anticipated releases. 





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May 31, 2016

FROM GOODREADS: From a compelling new voice in middle grade comes a reimagination of The Odyssey told from the point of view of Odysseus’s loyal dog—a thrilling tale of loyalty, determination, and adventure.

For twenty years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to Ithaka. After ten years beneath the walls of Troy, he begins the long journey back home. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He struggles to survive and do whatever it takes to reunite with his family.

And what of that family—his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those twenty years, they wait, unsure if they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master. Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s voyage—and hope that one day his master will return. Meanwhile, Argos watches over his master’s family and protects them from the dangers that surround a throne without its king.

AND....

May 8, 2016

FROM GOODREADS: Carrie Kennersly, veterinary technician and owner of the Barkery and Biscuits bake shop, agrees to a day of hiking with her brother Neal mostly because she wants to meet—and critique—his latest romantic interest, Janelle Blaystone. But instead of judgment, Carrie has only sympathy for Janelle, whose beloved black Labrador, Go, was recently dognapped along with many other purebred pets.

Janelle thinks the culprit is Ada Arnist, a wealthy homeowner spotted at the dog parks where Go and the others were stolen. Soon after Janelle confronts her, though, Ada is found dead. With Janelle and Neal on the suspect list, Carrie must solve the mystery before the police bark up the wrong tree.

Why I'm Waiting: Because I am Booker T and I love reading about other lovable, adorable, brave, smart and courageous canines!  I think Mom might like reading these too! 

Had to feature two because who knows when I will get control of the blog again.  Hope you guys are having a wonderful December so far.  Cass and I are patiently...ok, not so patiently, waiting for Santa Paws!!!

Top Ten Tuesday - New-To-Me Favorite Authors of 2015!

This top 10 weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and can be found HERE.  Each week they focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. This week I am highlighting my favorite new-to-me favorite authors of 2015.

Jackie Bouchard.  She is a great author and wonderful blogger!

Mackenzi Lee - Can't wait to see what she does next!

Pintip Dunn - I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved this.  Now, where is the next one!

Scott Hawkins released one twisted book.  Wonder what he will do next?

Kim Liggett - I always need more horror in my life.

W. Bruce Cameron - I waited way too long to read one of his books.

Morgan Rhodes - I am so thrilled to start her Falling Kingdom books next year.

Deanna Raybourn - Definitely need to read some more of her stuff.

Lee Robinson - Can't wait until the sequel comes out.  

Dawn Kurtagich - Not my favorite book, but man, she comes up with some twisted ideas!

Wow!  I am just thrilled that I actually read at least 10 new-to-me authors this year.  Go me!  Who made your list???

Two Quick Mini-reviews

TITLE: Santa 365 (A Bernie and Chet e-short story)
AUTHOR: Spence Quinn
PUBLISHER: Atria Books
PUBLISHING DATE: November 24, 2015

FROM GOODREADS: Santa doesn’t just deliver gifts—he takes them too!—in this delightful holiday e-short featuring New York Times bestselling sleuths Chet and Bernie.

He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. This year, jolly old St. Nick knows Bernie has been sleeping on preparations for a special Christmas celebration with his son Charlie. Enter Plumpy Napoleon, fresh from a short stint in prison, to save Bernie from the naughty list. Plumpy calls his latest business plan “Santa 365.” For a small fee (that only gets bigger), he’ll fill your life with holiday cheer, including elves, a festive party, gifts, and even a Christmas tree delivered right to your front door. Bernie signs on for the full yuletide experience. But after the blowout holiday bash, Bernie and Chet the dog discover one of Santa’s helpers helped himself to more than Christmas candy. The intrepid duo sets out to find the sticky-fingered perp and reclaim the stolen goods. Add in a surprise visit from Bernie’s mom, two elderly sisters seeking their own brand of justice, and an elf with a stocking full of secrets, and you have a Christmas mystery that only Chet and Bernie could possibly unwrap.

MY THOUGHTS: 
I have always been interested in start the Chet and Bernie mystery series, but even though I picked up the first book, I have never started it. When I saw this available on Netgalley, I figured it would be a nice introduction to the characters, and also be a quick Christmasy read.

I really like the way the story is told - through the eyes of Chet - Bernie's dog and partner in his PI business. Chet is a great narrator and a funny pooch to boot! It Christmas and Bernie has run into an ex-offender, Plumpy, who was convicted of a Ponzi scheme about a year ago and who is not out on parole and running a Santa-based business. There is a small mystery, a missing person, and lots of Christmas related activities. Bernie and Chet figure out what is going on and manage to save the day for lots of people, as well as an animal rescue.

This story was extremely short, and I feel it could have been longer. It might have actually provided more story if it had done so. The way it was, I never felt truly invested in what was happening. However, like I mentioned, it was a good introduction to this series and I definitely plan on delving into it further in the upcoming year.

RATING: 3 PAWS

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TITLE: Edward Scissorhands Vol. 1 Parts Unknown
AUTHOR: Kate Leth, Drew Rausch
PUBLISHER: IDW Publishing
PUBLISHING DATE: May 19, 2015

FROM GOODREADS:
An all-new adventure revisiting Edward Scissorhands' two decades after the end of the fan-favorite movie! In a castle just outside a sleepy suburban town, a brilliant inventor created Edward Scissorhands... but left him tragically unfinished. Two generations of exile have left Edward digging through abandoned experiments, but once he wakes up a creature left buried, he discovers he isn't the only one missing a vital piece. As Edward tries to fix a grave mistake, he comes face-to-face with a teenage girl who was sure he was only myth... despite the stories her grandmother told her about the man she could never touch.

MY THOUGHTS:  I received a copy of this from Netgalley some time ago but had trouble reading it on my Kindle so I picked this up from the local library last week when I saw it. I have always loved Edward Scissorhands...or should I say I always loved Johnny Depp's Edward Scissorhands. The book picks up two generations later than then original movie and Edward is discovered by Beth, Kim's granddaughter. She sets out to prove that Edward is not a murderer and together they try to find a local missing boy.

The story was enjoyable enough, but didn't impress me too much. The artwork is well done and in my opinion, edgy, which I did enjoy. I read this book in one sitting, and since I already have the next copy as well, I am sure I will continue on with the series. If you love Edward Scissorhands, you will not be disappointed in the book, but if you are just looking for some new graphic novels to check out, I believe there are others out there you might want to pick up first.  

RATING: 3 PAWS