Monday, December 21, 2015
One Lovely Blog Award!
I want to give a great shout-out and a heartfelt thanks to Zhana over at Confessions of an Addict, who nominated me for this award. Blogging is just a hobby, but after being pretty active this year, I have come to really enjoy it and have met quite a lot of nice individuals. Go check out Zhana's blog - it's really great!
THE RULES:
*Thank the blogger who nominated you.
* List the rules, display the button
*Give seven facts about yourself
*Nominate and notify 15 other bloggers
*Display button and follow person that nominated you.
7 FACTS ABOUT ME:
* Besides my husband, my grandfather, who is 94 is my best
friend. He fought in WWII and received a purple heart.
* My favorite TV show of all-time is The Gilmore Girls.
* I love eating whipped cream straight out of the can.
* When I am really angry or upset, I like to blast Eminem CDs.
* My entire family,except my husband, calls me "Bobbi" even
though I don't want them to.
* In high school, my chemistry lab partner and I threw a
back-firing experiment out the second-story window.
* I prefer to drive stick-shift. Some say I like to be in control all
the time.
Since everyone is so busy this holiday season, I won't nominate anyone specific but if you want to do this, leave a link here so I can check out your post. Thanks for the nomination Zhana!
Friday, December 18, 2015
Stacking the Shelves (45) - Elfs Have Landed!
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 participated in a secret gift exchange with interested individuals from the COYER Challenges and received two wonderful ebooks from my secret elf. I have wanted them both for quite a while and now I have no excuse for not reading a Maria V. Snyder book.
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I received a few ARCs from Netgalley and the publishers:
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I also snagged a few Kindle books.
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I believe all these were free when I picked them up. Who can resist "A Zombie Christmas." Looks like a great short story to read Christmas Eve day.
What did you add to your shelves this week? Leave a comment and I will be sure to check out your haul!
Take the Tour - Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
TITLE: Pretty Girls
AUTHOR: Karin Slaughter
PUBLISHER: William Morrow
PUBLISHING DATE: September 29, 2015
FROM GOODREADS: #1 internationally bestselling author Karin Slaughter returns with a sophisticated and chilling psychological thriller of dangerous secrets, cold vengeance, and unexpected absolution, in which two estranged sisters must come together to find truth about two harrowing tragedies, twenty years apart, that devastate their lives.
Sisters. Strangers. Survivors.
More than twenty years ago, Claire and Lydia's teenaged sister Julia vanished without a trace. The two women have not spoken since, and now their lives could not be more different. Claire is the glamorous trophy wife of an Atlanta millionaire. Lydia, a single mother, dates an ex-con and struggles to make ends meet. But neither has recovered from the horror and heartbreak of their shared loss—a devastating wound that's cruelly ripped open when Claire's husband is killed.
The disappearance of a teenage girl and the murder of a middle-aged man, almost a quarter-century apart: what could connect them? Forming a wary truce, the surviving sisters look to the past to find the truth, unearthing the secrets that destroyed their family all those years ago . . . and uncovering the possibility of redemption, and revenge, where they least expect it.
Powerful, poignant, and utterly gripping, packed with indelible characters and unforgettable twists, Pretty Girls is a masterful thriller from one of the finest suspense writers working today.
MY THOUGHTS: I was provided a copy of this book from BookSparks and the publisher for a blog tour and in exchange an for an honest review. I really enjoy thrillers and mysteries but haven't read anything by Slaughter before. I figured this was as good as any place to start.
"Pretty Girls" is sometimes a predictable novel, with just enough twists and turns in place to make it interesting and keep the reader wondering what might be revealed next. It tells the tale of three sisters, one of whom has been missing since she was 19, and what happens to individuals and families when disaster strikes. As the book starts, it asks the reader to ponder if finding out what happened is worse than not knowing? This is basically the underlying question throughout the book.
I really grew to like some of the characters in the book, especially Claire and Lydia. It was nice to see an estranged relationship rebuilt after so many years and to witness the sisterly bond still be present despite years of hatred and mistrust. Also, speaking of trust, this novel really examines the its basic concept and will make you stop and wonder if we really can ever know everything about our loved ones.
The plot is fairly fast-paced. As I mentioned, in places it is predictable, but then Slaughter introduces a new twist which helps the book pick right back up and makes you guess again. I remember thinking it was too long at one point while reading it, but when I look back, I don't recall where in the book I felt that way so it must have resolved itself. I was pleased with the ending of the book and how everything wrapped up, even though it wasn't necessarily a happily-ever-after finish.
While not a real quick read, once I reached a certain point, I definitely couldn't put it down. If you like mysteries, thrillers or crime novels, this is definitely a book for you.
RATING: 4 PAWS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Karin Slaughter is the #1 bestselling
author of several novels, including the Grant County series. A long time resident of Atlanta, she splits her time between the kitchen and the living room.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Thief of Lies Blitz!
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THIEF OF LIES: BREAND DRAKE
RELEASES JANUARY 5, 2015
ENTANGLED TEEN
EXCERPT:
I
pressed the screen, and it went dark. “How do we know he’s not being forced to
say this?”
“The password, May Agnes guide
you,”
Lei replied. “She’s the patron saint of Asile.”
Agnes? That was the silver
woman’s name that formed from my globe. Did the saints have something
to do with the Chiavi?
I faced Ricardo. “How did you
know I was here?”
“The werehounds tracked your
scent from a shirt Katy…excuse me, your nana…gave us.”
“Can your pack help us save
Couve?” Arik asked him.
“They will, but Gia must go with
me.” He noticed the protest forming on my lips. “Merlin said no exceptions. I’m
to get you to the shelter.”
From the corridor came yells,
scuffles, and the continual wail of the warning siren.
“I can’t go with you,” I said.
“I have to fight with them.”
“She can’t fight with us,” Lei
said, glancing at the door. “She almost killed Kale.”
I turned to Sinead. “You know
what I can do.”
Sinead gave me a pity smile.
“Yes, but you have no control over it. Let Ricardo take you to your father and
friends.”
I thought of Kale lying
motionless, near death, and I hated that she was right. As much as I wanted to
stay, I might be more hindrance than help. I caved. “Okay,” I said, defeated.
Lei flew out of the room with the Laniars on her heels.
Sinead hugged me, then rushed
after them. Arik moved over to me and cupped my face gently in his hands. His
eyes held the intensity that always drew me to him.
I swallowed my breath in
anticipation. All the sounds around us went silent.
He bent and lightly brushed my
lips with a kiss. His lips were soft and oh, so tender. Butterflies swooped and
curled inside me, and it felt like the ground disappeared from beneath my feet.
He pulled back a little and said, “Regardless of the fact that you’re a royal
pain in the arse, I fancy you. Listen to Ricardo and don’t do anything rash.”
He gave me another kiss and
rushed out the door. My heart twisted in my chest as he disappeared. I touched
my mouth and exhaled. He liked me. It was against the laws, but he told me he
fancied me. Maybe we had no future, but we had now.
“What a sweet display,” Ricardo
said, dragging me out of my haze. “I’m not one for rules or laws, but I’d be
careful there. The punishment would be much worse for him than you.”
“Why?” I stared at the door as
if I’d see Arik there.
“He’s a leader. He knows
better.” Ricardo headed to the window. “Are you ready to fly?”
“Did you say fly?”
AUTHOR BIO:
Brenda Drake, the
youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid
at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish
grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So
it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward
the fantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing,
she’s haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops or reading someplace
quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday (34)
"Waiting on" Wednesday" is weekly meme hosted over at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming anticipated releases.
1,
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| March 1, 2016 |
Fifth book in Seanan McGuire’s funny and fast-paced urban fantasy InCryptid series featuring ballroom dancer and monster expert Verity Price.
Verity Price is back on the West Coast and getting back into the swing of the family business: cryptozoology. She’s rescuing cryptids from bad situations, protecting them from monster-hunters, and generally risking life and limb for the greater good, with her ex-Covenant partner/husband, Dominic, by her side. Her ballroom dance career is behind her—or so she thinks. When Verity gets the call from the producers of Dance or Die, the reality show she almost won several years before, she finds the lure impossible to resist, and she and Dominic are off to L.A. for one last shot at the big time.
Of course, nothing is that simple. When two contestants turn up dead, Verity will need every ally she can find with the investigation, without blowing her cover…
WHY I'M WAITING: Even though I am 2 books behind on this series, I vow to catch up in 2016. I loved the first two of the Incryptid novels. Also, since recently reading Menagerie, I realized I need more urban fantasy books in my life.
What are you waiting for this week? Have you read this or does it sound like something you are interested in? I can't recommend the series enough.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Top Ten Tuesday - My Top Ten Reads 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 we have been asked to pick out ten favorite reads of 2015. These aren't in any particular order, because to me, it's kind of like being asked to pick you favorite child, or in my case, favorite dog. It's all book love to me so here we go!
And an honorable mention. As you all know, I love animal/dog related books, but I read a huge variety and didn't want to just feature a page with cute dogs staring at you (not that there is anything wrong with that). But I HAD to add this one.
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| One of the best series ever in my opinion. I need the next one NOW! |
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| Lucy Dillon is one of my favorite authors ever. Wonderful contemporary reads. |
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| So much better than the Sookie Stackhouse series was at the end. |
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| Next one comes out in 2016...not soon enough. Best lazy Basset EVER! |
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| My best new series discovery of the year. |
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| Connected with Jackie early on in the year and am so glad I did. Booker T STILL has a crush on Maybe. |
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| ...because it's Rainbow Rowell. |
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| Wonderful graphic novel. I love Nimona. |
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| First McMahon book, definitely not the last. |
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| This book still haunts me. Very atmospheric and scary. |
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| And there is a sequel coming out next year. So happy! |
Monday, December 14, 2015
Werewolves and Mermaids and Minotaurs Oh My!
TITLE: Menagerie (Menagerie #1)
AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent
PUBLISHER: Mira
PUBLISHING DATE: September 29, 2015
FROM GOODREADS: When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.
But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.
Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.
MY THOUGHTS:
I don't even know where to begin with this. All I can say is that I was in the mood for some urban fantasy, and this certainly fit the bill. Delilah lives in a world where over 20 years ago, a "reaping" happened and cryptids emerged. These are "animals" or basically cross-breeds of animals and humans, which are now consider possessions and horrors. People gather them to hunt, or if they are "lucky," they can live their life in traveling side-show/circus creations called Menageries. Delilah grows up believing she is 100% human...or is she? She has always been drawn to the cryptids and then something happens which starts to explain why.
I loved this book for so many reasons. The story is fresh and unusual and riveting. Vincent creates a vivid world full of both beautiful and ugly things. The characters are wonderful. Delilah is smart and head-strong - sometimes to her own detriment. And the cryptids! I live Claudio the werewolf and his daughter Ginnie. Eryx the minotaur is captivating and mysterious...and dangerous. There are mermaids, sirens, and all kinds of shiters.
I adored this book so much it was hard to put down. I can't believe I have to wait for the next one as any amount of wait is too long. I haven't loved a new series so much since I picked up Anne Bishop's "Written in Red." If you love urban fantasy you definitely have to pick this up! I do have to warn you thought this is an extremely dark urban fantasy which contains abuse, violence and other maltreatment and neglect.
RATING: 5 PAWS
AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent
PUBLISHER: Mira
PUBLISHING DATE: September 29, 2015
FROM GOODREADS: When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.
But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.
Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.
MY THOUGHTS:
I don't even know where to begin with this. All I can say is that I was in the mood for some urban fantasy, and this certainly fit the bill. Delilah lives in a world where over 20 years ago, a "reaping" happened and cryptids emerged. These are "animals" or basically cross-breeds of animals and humans, which are now consider possessions and horrors. People gather them to hunt, or if they are "lucky," they can live their life in traveling side-show/circus creations called Menageries. Delilah grows up believing she is 100% human...or is she? She has always been drawn to the cryptids and then something happens which starts to explain why.
I loved this book for so many reasons. The story is fresh and unusual and riveting. Vincent creates a vivid world full of both beautiful and ugly things. The characters are wonderful. Delilah is smart and head-strong - sometimes to her own detriment. And the cryptids! I live Claudio the werewolf and his daughter Ginnie. Eryx the minotaur is captivating and mysterious...and dangerous. There are mermaids, sirens, and all kinds of shiters.
I adored this book so much it was hard to put down. I can't believe I have to wait for the next one as any amount of wait is too long. I haven't loved a new series so much since I picked up Anne Bishop's "Written in Red." If you love urban fantasy you definitely have to pick this up! I do have to warn you thought this is an extremely dark urban fantasy which contains abuse, violence and other maltreatment and neglect.
RATING: 5 PAWS
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