On My Wishlist (27)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every  Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't  actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an  event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready  for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more  click here.

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze

When Callie arrives for her freshman year at Harvard, she encounters her three vastly different roommates, new friendships, steamy romance, and scandalous secrets. 

Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery

Lexi Titan can just see the headlines. All of Titanville will be buzzing. Not that she has any other choice. Faced with exactly thirty days to come up with two million dollars, she is out of options. Marry Cruz Rodriguez or lose everything — the successful day spa she built herself, her tyrant of a father's respect. And the long-standing competition with her sisters for the family business.

Cruz has money, success, smoldering good looks — everything but the blue blood needed to become a true member of Texas society. If Lexi agrees to be his fiancée for six months, lending him her famous father's influence and connections, he'll hand her a check on the spot. And in six months they'll go their separate ways.

But neither one is prepared for their long-ago shared passion to throw a wrench into what would seem to be the perfect deal... 

Lip Service by Susan Mallery

Skye Titan's wealthy father thinks he can still dictate his daughter's choice in men. Now widowed and a single mother, Skye isn't the yes-girl she once was. Especially since the love of her life is back in Texas after eight long years. He won't like the answers to the questions he's asking. About why she left him at the altar. And about her eight-year-old daughter.

Former navy SEAL Mitch Cassidy comes home to find nearly everything different. His wounds from battle have changed the way people treat him. His cattle ranch is suddenly organic. But time hasn't touched his desire for Skye—or the sting of her betrayal. Forget lip service. He's asking that luscious mouth of hers to reveal the truth. But will Mitch be able to put the past aside to help Skye get out from under her father's thumb…and help himself recover from a broken heart?

Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Turn Left at Small Town Secrets

Sophie Dempsey is content living a quiet life filming wedding videos until an assignment brings her to Temptation, Ohio. From the moment she drives into town, she gets a bad feeling; Sophie is from the wrong side of the tracks and everything in Temptation is a little too right. And when she has a run-in with the town's unnervingly sexy mayor, Phineas Tucker, making a little movie turns out to be more than a little dangerous.

Yield to Oncoming Desire

All Sophie wants to do is film the video and head home. All Phin wants to do is play pool with the police chief and keep things peaceful. They both get more than they bargained for when Sophie's video causes an uproar and the proper citizens of Temptation set out to shut them down.

Welcome to Temptation

As events spiral out of control, Sophie and Phin find themselves caught in a web of gossip, blackmail, adultery, murder, and really excellent sex. All hell breaks loose in Temptation as Sophie and Phin fall deeper and deeper in trouble ...and in love.

Kiss of Moonlight by Stephanie Julian

Plagued by nightmares. Stalked by kidnappers. Tamra McMillan needs a safe haven. When tattooed bad-ass Kyle Rossini steps into her life, the last thing she expects to find is a sanctuary from her demons or steaming hot sex. In fact, everything about him screams danger. But appearances can be deceiving. The tender possessiveness of his touch, the hunger in his eyes, the scorching sensuality of his kiss—all of it sears him into her soul and brands her as his for life.

But otherworldly forces are afoot and death hovers…

Etruscan werewolf Kyle is a loner. The king’s assassin with a killer’s instincts. The last thing he needs is a mate who could be placed in danger because of him. Until he meets the one woman who needs him more than he needs his solitude. When Tamra, battered but not broken, stumbles into his world and tumbles into his bed, she captures his heart. And nothing—not kidnappers or visions of his possible death—will keep him from her.

What's on your wishlist?

REVIEW: Line of Fire by Jo Davis

Title: Line of Fire (Firefighters of Station Five, #4)
Author: Jo Davis
Format: paperback, 290 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: review copy from Fiction Vixen
Published: May 2010 by Signet

After a day of putting out fires, the sizzling-hot men of Station Five tend to start a different kind of blaze. Take all-American--and all-sexy--Tommy Skyler....

To the other men of the A-shift, Tommy's a lucky guy who has it all. But deep inside, the golden boy of Station Five hides a private pain. He was once a star quarterback on the fast track, until tragedy derailed his dream. Ever since then, he's struggled with the choices he's made--including his decision to become a firefighter.

His one ray of light shines in beautiful nurse Shea Ford. And when a dangerous rescue lands Tommy in the ER, what better opportunity to win her over? As Shea gives in to her feelings for him, Tommy and she reach the heights of passion. But when a conspiracy culminates in deadly arson, Tommy will lose more than he ever imagined. A ruthless enemy is closing in, threatening to destroy the couple's love--and their lives.

Why I Read this Book: One word: firefighters.

What I Liked: Tommy Skyler is a 23-year old firefighter at Station Five in Sugarland Tennessee. He was on his way to becoming a football hero, until the tragic death of his brother. Tommy feels like he is constantly living in his late brother’s shadow and will never live up to his parents’ expectations like his brother did. Tommy comes to the realization that he became a firefighter for the wrong reason and now wants to pursue his interest in becoming an Arson Investigator. One thing Tommy is sure about is the feelings he has for Shea.

Shea is a 28-year old ER nurse at the Sugarland hospital. She has a twin brother, Shane, who’s on the police force. She’s casually dating Forrest Prescott, the city manager because he’s boring and safe. She has feelings for Tommy but won’t act on them. Shea has suffered through her own set of losses and is reluctant to be in a relationship with Tommy because of that.

Tommy has no problem letting Shea know how he feels about her and what he wants. The two have only been on a couple of dates but Shea will not allow herself to get involved with him. Even though she has feelings for him, she keeps her distance. She thinks he’s too young and lacks experience. She’s been burnt in the past by someone like Tommy (a handsome, sexy athlete) and that’s keeping her from allowing herself to have a relationship with him. However, Shea cannot keep her emotions and desires bottled up any longer when the two share a steamy kiss at a friend’s wedding.

Line of Fire is full of romance and steamy love scenes with a splash of mystery and suspense. This combination had me eager to turn the page and left me wanting more. The love scenes were scorching hot!

In her bedroom, he placed her gently on her bed, then straightened. His pale blue gaze never leaving hers, he shed his shirt and slid his jeans off along with his boxer briefs, kicking them away. Shea drank in the sight of his naked body like a woman dying of thirst. Clothed, he was the sexiest man she’d ever seen. Wearing nothing except a grin, the man was a pagan god.

I was rooting for Tommy and Shea all the way. I found myself grinning ear to ear when I was reading most of this book. I, for one, love a man in uniform, especially firefighters. They are the epitome of sexy.

What I Didn’t Like: The only parts of the book that didn’t completely capture my interest were the narratives from William Hensley’s and Joseph Hensley’s point of view. William is caught in the middle of the conspiracy that takes place; Joseph is William’s grandfather. I understand the need to fill the reader in with what is going on but I didn’t feel engaged during these parts. Other than that,Line of Fire was a delicious read.

Overall Impression: Line of Fire is the 4th book in the Firefighters of Station Five series but can be read as a stand alone without a hitch. I have not read the first three books in the series but that didn’t hinder my reading experience whatsoever. I’ve already added them to my wishlist and cannot wait to read them. The characters are enjoyable (and not to mention hot!) and I want to get to know each one’s story. I hope that Shane, Shea’s twin brother, will get a book of his own (perhaps a spin off series?).

 

The Book Vixen’s Rating:

*This review was originally posted on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews as a guest review.

Do You Own Your Reviews?

I have had it! I am done with posting reviews on Amazon. I am sorry to the authors that will be effected by my decision but until Amazon treats reviewers with some respect and dignity, I will no longer post my reviews there. I will now only do star ratings on Amazon. You won't find my thoughts on the book on Amazon but at least the authors will get recognition. (Thanks to Viv Arend for pointing this out!)

Imagine my surprise when I get a Google Alert* directing me to Book Super Sales and I see MY review on their site. I did not post my review on that site nor did I give them permission to post my review.

This site STOLE my review from Amazon (without MY permission) and pasted it verbatim on their site to make it look like I commented on their post with my review! Now that's low. And you want to know what's lower than low? They linked my comment to Amazon, using THEIR Amazon affiliate link!! So not only does MY review get stolen without any credit to me, they are making money from doing so!

I posted an actual comment on this site asking them to remove my review. It's no surprise that (1) my review is still there and (2) as you might have guessed they moderate comments so my real comment is not showing up on their site. I posted my comment on May 12 and it's still shows as "awaiting moderation".

And what does Amazon have to say about this? Well, they pretty much allow it. It's in their Terms of Service. Yeah, shocking, isn't it?

Here's what I wrote to Amazon:

It has been brought to my attention that someone has copied my review of Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber from Amazon and pasted it on their site under "Responses to Hannah's List" (i.e. as a comment). I did not post the comment nor did I give anyone permission to use my review. I have posted a "response" asking that my review be removed from the site. It appears to be some sort of book selling site, with links to Amazon. This leads me to believe that the links they are using directs people to Amazon and possibly giving them some sort of payment.

Here is the link to the Hannah's List page and the comments: http://www.booksupersales.com/hannahs-list/

And here's the response I got from Amazon Customer Service Representative Mike M.: 

We can appreciate your concerns; however, when you post content to the Amazon.com site, you grant Amazon a right to distribute that content, and to use the name that you submit in connection with your content.  For more details, please refer to the Conditions of Use page found here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=508088

If you would rather any or all of your reviews not appear outside of Amazon.com, the best solution would be to delete them via Your Profile. To find your Profile, click "Your Amazon.com" at the top of any Amazon.com page and then click the "Your Profile" link in the blue navigation bar.  On Your Profile, you'll find a list of your reviews as well as other community content you've provided. Under the list of reviews, click "See all reviews." You'll then see a list of your reviews and "Edit review" and "Delete review" options. Clicking the "Delete review" button will take you to a confirmation page.  Clicking "yes" on the confirmation page will delete the review. Your review should be deleted from the website shortly.

At the bottom of the email they ask if this has solved my problem and you are given the option to click on the YES link or the NO link. Guess which link I clicked on.

I clicked on the NO link and wrote:

So you're basically saying that it's okay for www.booksupersales.com to steal my review from your site, put it on their site to look like I left my review in a comment (which I didn't)?!! And your site allows them to make commissions from the Amazon Associates program with the help from MY review?!!

And a different Amazon Customer Service Representative, Jeff G., replied:

As you mentioned, it is true that we allow members of our Associates program to display Customer Reviews that were submitted on Amazon.com and Associates do earn a commission for any Amazon.com sales that result from them referring a customer to our site.

The Associates web sites should be displaying Amazon reviews as Customer Reviews, so I have brought this particular web site to the attention of the Associates Team.  If this violates their guidelines, they will follow up directly with that site to make sure the information they display follows the appropriate guidelines.

As my colleague, Mike, previously mentioned, you always have the option to delete your reviews by visiting your Profile.  Once the reviews are deleted they should no longer appear on external web sites within a few weeks, as the Associates sites receive a regularly-scheduled feed from Amazon.

I'm very sorry for any disappointment or frustration this situation caused.  Unfortunately, we aren't able to provide any further insight or action on this matter.

Sorry, Jeff, but "sorry" doesn't cut it.

So there you have it. Not one, but two Amazon Customer Service Representatives not only suggested but pretty much encouraged me to remove my reviews. I guess you get your wish Amazon because that's exactly what I'm going to do. 

I'm not even going to even waste my time with another response. Besides, actions speak louder than words, right? And then there's always word of mouth. 

So what does this all mean? What am I going to do? 

For starters, I am going to delete all my reviews that I've posted on Amazon and I will cease from writing any more reviews on there. I put a lot of work and thought into my reviews. I will admit, it's a bit of a challenge for me to articulate my thoughts into words. So for someone to STEAL my reviews and use as a means of making commission is a low blow. 

I'm not going to completely boycott Amazon but I will look to other venues, such as Barnes & Noble and The Book Depository, to purchase my books. If Amazon is going to let someone STEAL my reviews and let them make a profit, then I'm not going to give my business to Amazon.

I will continue to post my reviews on Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository, Goodreads and LibraryThing unless I find out that they're on the same ship as Amazon.

I was originally going to post about this back when it had just happened, about 2 weeks ago. But I had cooled down and decided to leave it alone. Then, just today, I got a Google Alert directing me HERE. I can't seem to find my review on this book but I did see a review from a fellow book blogger. And it looks like they swiped her review right from Amazon.

I have never read Terms of Service on these sites and that's my fault. Shame on me for not reading them and for not knowing what I was getting myself into.

So my question to you is this, what are our rights as book reviewers? Do we "own" our reviews when we post them on sites like Amazon, B&N, Goodreads and LibraryThing? I still consider myself *new* to the world of book blogging and book reviewing so I would appreciate any insight you have on the matter. I want to know what you think.


*If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend that you sign up for a Google Alert for you and your blog. You can see if something like this is happening to you. Or on a lighter note, you can also find out if you won a contest. Either way, you definitely need to sign up. 

**I don't usually use my blog as a platform to express my personal vents and frustrations but this issue was really getting to me and I had to let it out.

Teaser Tuesday: Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between

I took my time approaching Disco. I wasn't sure what he wanted, but I was sure of what my body wanted, and I wasn't going there again.

Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between by J.A. Saare






[ No page number this time. I'm reading it on my Kindle and the Kindle doesn't do page numbers. What I can tell you is that it's 53% into the book, Locations 1771-79 ;) ] 

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 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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

On My Wishlist (26)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every  Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't  actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an  event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready  for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more  click here.

Take Me There by Susane Colasanti

In one short week . . . three lives change.

Rhiannon is devastated after the breakup with her boyfriend and wants him back. Nicoles ex is still in the picture, but she can't help having a new crush. James and Rhiannon are just friends, though he may try to take it to the next level. Will their desire to take a mean girl down a notch bring these three friends what they want . . . and more?

Confessions of a First Daughter by Cassidy Calloway

Morgan Abbott has no social life and no privacy, and her every screwup makes front page news. That’s what happens when your mom’s the president of the United States—and Morgan is sooo over it. But now her mom needs a presidential stand-in! With the help of Morgan’s cute new secret service agent, a little makeup, and a lot of family resemblance, she’s soon seeing things from the other side of the desk.

On the heels of a historic election, books about girls in politics are more popular than ever. Readers won’t be able to resist the smart, spunky, klutzy-yet-lovable heroine in this fresh and fun new teen novel!

So Not Happening (The Charmed Life, #1) by Jenny B. Jones

New York's social darling Isabella Kirkwood just woke up in a nightmare: Oklahoma.

Isabella Kirkwood had it all: popularity at a prestigious private school in Manhattan, the latest fashions, and a life of privilege and luxury. Then her father, a plastic surgeon to the stars, decided to trade her mother in for a newer model.

When her mother starts over with her new husband, Bella is forced to pack up and leave all she knows to live with her new family in Oklahoma. Before her mother can even say "I do," Bella's life becomes a major "don't."

Can Bella survive her crazy new family? Will the school survive Bella? How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God gives her the total smackdown?

Matched by Ally Condie

In the novel, a 17-year-old girl, who has waited her entire life to be told by a group known as “the Society” who her soul mate is, has her world upended when she discovers she’s in love with someone other than the group’s pick. Don Weisberg, president of Penguin Young Readers Group, along with Lauri Hornik, president and publisher of Dutton Children’s Books, and Julie Strauss-Gabel, associate publisher of Dutton Children’s, all worked on the deal, which is for North American rights. Gabel, who will edit the book, said that it “will make readers crave the passion of uncertainty and cherish the power of the written word.” And Reamer, expectedly perhaps, drew the Meyer parallel, saying reading Matched reminded her of the first time she read Twilight.

What's on your wishlist? 

Teaser Tuesday: Line of Fire

She let her gaze drift leisurely to his broad shoulders and strong arms. He wasn't ripped, but perfectly formed of lean muscle and raw bone.

p. 106, Line of Fire by Jo Davis







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 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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Book Tour Participants: The Missing by Shiloh Walker

Thank you to all who signed up! Here are the 4 participants, in no particular order, randomly selected by random.org for the Book Tour for The Missing by Shiloh Walker:

Monica @ The Bibliophilic Book Blog

Amanda Leigh @ Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick

Kate @ I Just Want to Sit Here and Read!

Christie @ The Fiction Enthusiast

I have emailed the participants. Due to time constraints, participants will have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing address or I will select new participants.

Congratulations!

On My Wishlist (25)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every  Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't  actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an  event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready  for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more  click here.

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole

Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can, by writing her music, losing herself in the love of her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.

But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half-sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.

Perhaps she's not so alone after all... 

Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.

The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.

Beautifully written and feverishly paced, Everlasting is an unforgettable journey of passion, secrecy, and adventure.  

The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves. 

Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt

Seventeen-year-old high school senior Shannon Card needs money. And lots of it. She's been admitted to Wellesley, but her dad just lost his job, and somehow she has to come up with a year of tuition herself. But Shannon's dream of making big bucks waitressing at the local casino, the Collosio, disappears faster than a gambler's lucky streak. Her boss is a tyrant, her coworker is nuts, and her chances of balancing a tray full of drinks while wearing high-heeled shoes are slim to none. Worse, time is running out, and Shannon hasn't made even half the money she'd hoped.

When Shannon receives a mysterious invitation to join Aces Up, a secret network of highly talented college poker players, at first she thinks No way. She has enough to worry about: keeping her job, winning the coveted math scholarship at school, and tutoring her secret crush, Max. But when Shannon musters up the nerve to kiss Max and he doesn't react at all, the allure of Aces Up and its sexy eighteen-year-old leader, Cole, is suddenly too powerful to ignore.

Soon Shannon's caught up in a web of lies and deceit that makes worrying about tuition money or a high school crush seem like kid stuff. Still, when the money's this good, is the fear of getting caught reason enough to fold?

This fun, sexy, recession-proof story is a bubbly summer read with surprising depth—great for fans of Sarah Mlynowski.

 What's on your wishlist?

Blog Tour: One Question Interview with Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Usually when an author participates in a blog tour or an author interview there are bound to be duplicate questions. Lauren came up with a fabulous idea for a blog tour: the One Question Interview. With the One Question Interview, you won't be seeing the same question twice! And I knew just what to ask her.

Review: Ash by Malinda Lo

Cinderella retold

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

Title: Ash
Author: Malinda Lo
Genre: young adult, fairy tale
Format: hardcover, 264 pages
Source: library
Published: September 2009
Buy the book:  book depo 


My Thoughts
Ash is a non-traditional retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella. Instead of falling in love with the prince, Ash falls in love with Kaisa, the King’s Huntress. I like how the relationship between Ash and Kaisa blossomed; it transitioned beautifully. Unfortunately, that’s all I liked about Ash.

I had a major problem with Sidhean, a secondary character. It felt like he got short-changed. He started off as such a fascinating and mysterious character and I was hoping to see his character develop but it never happened. In fact, I was quite confused on his role in the book entirely. There is one scene that takes place between Sidhean and Ash (about ¾ of the way into the book) that completely baffled me. Something occurs that went completely against the foundation laid by the author. It felt inconclusive. It angered me.

I had high expectations for this book but it didn't come close. Ash had great potential. I was engaged in the story until ¾ of the way into the book, and then gears started clashing and the storyline faltered at a pivotal moment in the book. I like where the story was going with its non-traditional approach but the ending felt rushed, incomplete and unjustified and left me disappointed.

The Book Vixen Rating

Check out Jacob's Beloved's review of Ash!

Review: The Season by Sarah MacLean

Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued -- in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet. When the Earl of Blackmoor is mysteriously killed, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. But will Alex's heart be stolen in the process? In an adventure brimming with espionage, murder, and other clandestine affairs, who could possibly have time to worry about finding a husband? Romance abounds as this year's season begins! 


Title: The Season 
Author: Sarah MacLean 
Format: hardcover, 336 pages 
Genre: young adult, regency romance, historical
Source: library 
Published: March 2009
Buy the book: book depo



My Thoughts
The Season is set in London in 1815. Alexandra Stafford is 17-years old and according to society, it is time for her to start her search for a suitable husband. (I can’t imagine myself getting married at 17 or 18.) However, Alex being as stubborn as she is, has no interest in finding a husband. She loathes everything Season-related, from dress fittings to balls and dinners. She’d rather hang out with her two best friends, Vivi and Ella. The three have been friends since birth. Alex is the only daughter, she has three brothers, and her mother is determined to find her a suitor.

Gavin Blackmoor grew up in the next house over to the Staffords and is practically part of their family. His relationship with Alex has always been a brotherly one, until now. Because of his father’s untimely and unexpected death, Gavin has just been appointed an Earl. The constable, along with several members of the War Office, ruled his father’s death as a “tragic mistake borne sadly of inopportune time and location”. They had come to the conclusion that his father’s horse lost its footing in the rain and he was thrown off. There was no indication of any foul play. So it seems.

I had a hunch of who was responsible for the mystery death pretty early on. The mystery surrounding the death of Gavin’s father is sidelined for a bit while the focus spotlights the romance and tension between Gavin and Alex. Alex starts having non-sisterly feelings for Gavin and wonders if he feels the same way. She helps Gavin solve the mystery surrounding his father’s death and their romance blossoms. I enjoyed watching their romance mature throughout the book.

The cover didn’t grab me, nothing stood out. The girls on the cover are not how I envisioned Alex, Ella and Vivi; they look more like modern day debutantes. Looking at the cover, without reading the blurb, I wouldn’t have known that this book takes place in a historical setting. The cover does encompass a friendship between the girls. The title is a perfect fit for the storyline. The main focal point surrounds the Season.

The Season was a pleasant surprise. If it weren’t for the Book Battle, I wouldn’t have picked this book off the shelf. In all honesty, I was dreading having to read this book. I found very little interest in the subject of history throughout junior high and senior high which is why, until now, I have shied away from the genre.

I didn’t think I would be able to keep up with the language of a historical genre but the dialogue in The Season was easy to follow. I was a bit intimidated at first but found myself able to keep up with the dialogue. The only thing that raised an eyebrow was when Alex said “I am not in a funk.” Did they say the word funk in the early 1800s? I could be wrong but the use of the word raised an eyebrow.

The Book Vixen Rating

Check out Jacob's Beloved's review of The Season!

Where to find the author
website | twitter | facebook

Teaser Tuesday: The Unwritten Rule

I wish the kiss had never happened. I wish it had never happened because then I wouldn't think about it as I'm falling asleep.

p. 93-94, The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott







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 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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Book Battle: We Have a Winner!

After two weeks of reading and deliberating, Jacob's Beloved and I have chosen a winner for Round 1, Bracket 6!

 

Here are the two contenders:

 

  

 

I will be covering the critic Q&A for The Season by Sarah MacLean while Jacob's Beloved with be covering the critic Q&A for Ash by Malinda Lo.

Book Tour: The Missing by Shiloh Walker

LOVE LOST

As a teenager, Taige Branch was able to do things with her psychic gift that others couldn't understand - except for Cullen Morgan, the boy who stole her heart. He did his best to accept her abilities, until his mother was brutally murdered - and he couldn't forgive Taige for not preventing her death.

PASSION FOUND

Now a widowed father, Cullen Morgan has never forgotten Taige. but what brings her back into his life is another tragic event. His beloved little girl has been kidnapped, and Taige is his only hope of finding her.

A LOVE THAT NEVER DIED

Working together against the clock, Cullen and Taige can't help but wonder whether - if the find his daughter in time - it isn't too late for the overpowering love that still burns between them...

The Missing by Shiloh Walker will be re-released on July 6, 2010. Here is your chance to participate in a book tour for The Missing! There are 4 spots available on the tour. I will be holding a lottery to select the 4 book tour participants. Please read the rules first then fill out the form (link below) to enter in the lottery. Comments are appreciated but will not gain you an entry in the lottery.


The Book Tour rules:

1. Open to *book* bloggers in the Contiguous US only (due to time constraints).
2. You must email me ( thebookvixen [at] gmail [dot] com ) when you receive the book.
3. You will have ONE WEEK to read the book before you must mail it off to the next person.
4. You must mail the book via Priority Flat Rate Mailer WITH Delivery Confirmation - approximately $5 plus 80¢ for Delivery Confirmation. (each participant is responsible for the cost of shipping the book to the next person)
5. You must email me the Delivery Confirmation number the day you mail out the book.
6. You will post your review on your designated date (dates will be decided among selected book tour participants and will be during the week of 6/28 - 7/2).
7. You must post your review on your blog AND one additional site - Goodreads, Library Thing, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, etc. (email me the links to your reviews and I will link to you)
8. The last person on the tour must mail the book back to me.
9. By registering for the book tour, you agree not to scan/copy/digitize the ARC and respect author copyright.

If you cannot commit to ALL of these rules, then please don't sign up. It is imperative that the book gets circulated quickly to everyone on the book tour so we can all get our reviews up before the release date.

**Fill out the FORM to enter**

I will randomly select 4 people to be on the book tour. I will select, email and announce the winners on Monday, May 17, 2010. Winners will have 24 hours to email me their mailing info before a new winner is selected (we're on a time crunch). If you have any questions about this book tour and/or the rules, please email me at thebookvixen @ gmail dot com before signing up.


I would like to give Shiloh Walker a HUGE thank you for providing the book and making this book tour possible!!

UPDATED: How To Get the Direct Link to Your Tweet

This post was updated on 7/31/2012 to reflect the new process of getting the URL to your tweet.

 

I've noticed from hosting contests and giveaways that not everybody knows how to get the direct link to their tweet. So I'm going to show you how to do it.

On My Wishlist (24)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every  Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't  actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an  event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready  for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more  click here.

Crave by J.R. Ward

The battle between good and evil has left the future of humanity in the hands of a reluctant saviour and his band of fallen angels. Seven deadly sins that must be righted. Seven souls that must be saved.

While his first task was success, Jim Heron is battling a demon that can take any form for the soul of someone he must identify on his own. If that weren't enough, his old boss Matthias wants Jim to assassinate an AWOL member of The Firm - Isaac, the man Jim is pretty sure he is supposed to save. Jim knows first hand that once you're in The Firm, there's no getting out. But when Jim finds Isaac to warn him, he has been picked up by the police for illegal street fighting, and it is clear that Isaac is falling for his gorgeous public defender. Is their love the redemption that will save Isaac's soul? Or has the demon Devina set an elaborate trap?

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

The Sullivan sisters have a big problem. On Christmas Day their rich and imperious grandmother gathers the family and announces that she will soon die . . .and has cut the entire family out of her will. Since she is the source of almost all their income, this means they will soon be penniless.

Someone in the family has offended her deeply. If that person comes forward with a confession of her (or his) crime, submitted in writing to her lawyer by New Year's Day, she will reinstate the family in her will. Or at least consider it.

And so the confessions begin.... 

The Karma Club by Jennifer Brody

"Personally, I’m tired of waiting for the universe to get off its butt and start fixing stuff. I don’t want to wait around for Mason to get what’s coming to him. Or Heather Campbell, for that matter . . . I want to be there to see it happen."

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. It’s that mysterious, powerful force that brings harmony to the universe. You know—do good things and you will be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what’s coming to you. A sort of cosmic balancing act.

But when Mason Brooks, Maddy’s boyfriend of two years, gets caught tongue-wrestling with Miss Perfect Body Heather Campbell, and absolutely nothing happens to either of them—except that they wind up the hot new couple of Colonial High School, it seems like Karma has officially left Maddy in the lurch. That’s why Maddy and her best friends, Angie and Jade, decide to start the Karma Club—a secret, members-only organization whose sole purpose is to clean up the messes that the universe has been leaving behind. Whether they’re modifying Heather Campbell’s acne cream as part of “Operation Butterface,” or righting a few wrongs when it comes to Angie and Jade’s own slimy exes, they know they’re just doing what Karma should have done in the first place. They’re taking care of one another.

Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. Because it turns out, when you mess with Karma, Karma messes back. Now Maddy must find a way to balance her life for good, even as everything around her seems to be toppling to the ground. 

Whats on your wishlist?

Review: Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber

On the anniversary of his beloved wife's death, Dr. Michael Everett receives a letter Hannah had written him. In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request. An impossible request: I want you to marry again. She tells him he shouldn't spend the years he has left grieving her. And to that end she's chosen three women she asks him to consider. First on Hannah's list is Winter Adams, a trained chef who owns a cafe on Seattle's Blossom Street. The second is Leanne Lancaster, Hannah's oncology nurse. Michael knows them both. But the third name is one he's not familiar with - Macy Roth. Each of these three women has her own heartache, her own private grief. During the months that follow, he spends time with Winter, Leanne and Macy, learning more about each of them...and about himself. 

Title: Hannah's List
Author: Debbie Macomber
Format: hardcover, 412 pages
Genre: contemporary romance, contemporary fiction 
Source: Big Honcho Media (Thanks Chelsy!)
Published: April 2010
Buy the book: book depo



My Thoughts
It's been one year since Hannah's death. Hannah was just 36 years old when she passed away from ovarian cancer. Her husband, Michael, was at her bedside when she passed. Hannah and Michael had been trying to start a family when she was diagnosed. After 18 months of trying unsuccessfully they saw a fertility specialist only to find out that Hannah had stage-four ovarian cancer. The cancer was terminal and taking over very quickly.

During the year following Hannah's death, Michael has been living his life filled with sorrow and grief, just going through the motions of day-to-day tasks. He goes to the gym in the mornings with Ritchie, Hannah's brother and Michael's best friend. After which he goes to work as a pediatrician.

On the one-year anniversary of Hannah's death, Ritchie hands Michael a letter; a letter from Hannah. 

My darling Michael,


I know this letter will come as a shock to you and I apologize for that. It's been a year now and I imagine it's been a difficult one for you, as well as our parents and Ritchie. I would've given anything to have spared you this grief.

In the letter, Hannah's urges Michael to marry again and have children and be the father he is destined to be. She goes on to list three women that would make a good wife and companion, each with her own unique qualities and attributes. 

The first woman on the list is Winter Adams, Hannah's cousin who owns a french cafe. Winter has a big heart and loves children. She also cooks incredible meals. 

Second, there's Leanne Lancaster, Hannah's oncology nurse, who is divorced and going through a rough time of her own. Hannah had admired her emotional strength. Leanne is kind and caring. 

And lastly, there's Macy Roth, whom Hannah describes as "funny and clever and multi-talented". Hannah believes that Macy will make him smile and bring balance to his life.

Hannah's List is told from first POV (Michael) and 3rd POV narrative (everyone else). I didn't realize this until about 4-5 chapters in but it helped me experience Michael's emotions first hand. I have to admit, I was emotionally spent after reading the first couple of chapters. My chest ached from my uncontrollable sobbing. Have the tissues ready! But Hannah's List was definitely worth all the tears I shed.

At just a bit over 400 pages, Hannah's List appears to be long but I was so wrapped up in the story that it went by pretty smooth and fast. Macomber's writing got me emotionally involved and attached to the characters. And I'm pleased to say that I'm happy with Michael's final decision. The only thing I found missing was sizzle; there is no seduction or love scenes in Hannah's List, which I was okay with. After all, the focus of this book is more about emotions and relationships.

Until now, I hadn't heard of Debbie Macomber. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read Hannah's List. The premise grabbed me and Macomber had me from the very first couple of pages. I will certainly be checking out her other novels. Nicholas Sparks fans will surely enjoy Hannah's List. 

The Book Vixen Rating

Teaser Tuesday: Ash

Opposite her, a man was sitting on a rock. A thrill of fear coursed through her body, for there was something odd about him.

p. 65-66, Ash by Malinda Lo


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 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 and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Book Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Title: Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Author: John Green & David Levithan
Genre: Young Adult
Source: library
Published: April 6, 2010 by Dutton Children’s

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both of them legions of faithful fans.

On My Wishlist (23)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every  Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't  actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an  event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready  for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more  click here.

Remember Me by Laura Moore

CAN A LOVE BE LOST THAT WAS MEANT TO BE?
 
A rising star in the modeling world, Margot Radcliffe hasn’t forgotten the hurt that sent her running from Rosewood, the beautiful Virginia horse farm where she was raised. Travis Maher, a ruggedly handsome rebel and gifted horse trainer with a hard-knock past, had once captured Margot’s heart—only to break it.

But when tragedy strikes her family, Margot is forced to set aside her skyrocketing career and return to a place she never expected to see again, where the legs that everyone admires belong to Thoroughbreds, not supermodels. Now Rosewood Farm’s success depends on Margot, and the only person she can count on for help is the very man who so ruthlessly rejected her love all those years ago.

As Margot and Travis enter an uneasy truce to save Rosewood from financial ruin, their wild natures clash and their unresolved passions for each other begin to surge. But can this hard-edged horseman find a way to express his desire for the one woman he’s ever loved before she’s lost to him forever? 

Night Swimming by Laura Moore

The deeper you dive, the sweeter the reward
When college offered an escape, Lily fled her hometown of Coral Beach and never looked back. Now a marine biologist, she must return there on a job to preserve the reefs that give the town its name. But going back means dealing with her past, her family, and worst of all, Sean McDermott. As teens, while Lily passed through an especially awkward phase, Sean—attractive and self-assured—was her constant tormentor. Lily doubts that things will have changed. But Lily’s awkward phase is long over . . . and though she finds that Sean still makes her blood boil, it’s for very different reasons.

As mayor, Sean knows how important it is to maintain the town’s natural beauty—and if the return of Lily Banyon is the price he has to pay, so be it. He can overlook her cold shoulder and give back as good as he gets. What’s harder to disregard is the fact that Lily has grown into a smart and beautiful woman, as passionate about saving Coral Beach as she once was about leaving it. While working closely together, it becomes obvious to Sean that if he and Lily can put the past behind them, they could have a passionate future. . . . 

In Your Eyes by Laura Moore

A gifted artist, Genevieve Monaghan expresses the wonder and beauty of life on canvas. When millionaire philanthropist Alex Miller asks her to create a painting for the new children’s wing of a major Boston hospital, she finds his high-handed ways exasperating and his stunning good looks distracting—but she cannot resist his proposal. She embraces the project, willing to suffer Alex’s presence for the sake of her art. Yet soon Gen finds herself falling for Alex and his virile charm.

At the pinnacle of wealth and power, Alex Miller stands alone. Women flock to him, drawn by his standing and immense sex appeal. Nothing touches his heart—until he meets Gen. A natural beauty, she is a breath of fresh air in his life and has no interest in his riches or glamour. Although they couldn’t be more different, the growing attraction between them is palpable, sizzling with intensity. Even as they fight to deny their feelings, Alex and Gen are losing themselves to the one thing more awe-inspiring than beauty: love.

I've added these three books by Laura Moore because J.A. Saare recommended them to me. She saw that I was reading Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber and thought that I would be interested in some of Moore's novels. Thanks for the recommendation! I can't wait to try them out.


What's on your wishlist?