Spring Fling Giveaway Hop May 1st – 7th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Eve’s Fan Garden

Welcome to my stop on the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop! 

This is easy peasy folks!

1. You MUST be at least 13 years of age.

2. You are encouraged to follow my blog any way you choose!

3. The giveaway is open to EVERYONE, US, CAN, International as long as

The Book Depository or Amazon delivers to your door!

4. To enter, Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

So, what in the Wide, Wide, World of Blogging am I giving away you ask?

Because it is a Spring Fling Giveaway I am giving away (1) book of your choice

upwards to $15.00 USD! 

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on this hop below!

Congratulations to Angie from PinkKindle

for being chosen at the winner of this giveaway!

Thank you ever so much for participating!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review - Twice Tempted (Night Prince # 2) by Jeaniene Frost

Twice Tempted, the middle book in the Night Prince trilogy, has left me with a flutter of different emotions and I’m hoping that this review doesn’t come across as too snarky or angry. Let's start by discussing the fact that Leila is a different character from Once Burned. I’m not saying that’s she’s a Mary Sue who whines, and dances to a different beat that only she can hear (although she does have an inner voice), while everyone around her thinks she’s out of her damn mind for being with Vlad. She still has a tremendous gift and her ability to use electricity against an opponent hasn’t been fully diminished. But, a lot of her actions were absolutely mind blowing and had me in a tither.

One of the major eye rolls moments I had with Twice Tempted was Leila's disgust with Vlad after he gives her something in front of HIS horde, which also included her sister Gretchen after a few months of Leila whining and bitching about Vlad’s inability to say the magic I LOVE YOU to her. Does Leila show her appreciation by thanking him? Nope. She chooses to LEAVE instead and return to Florida to be with Marty. ::head desk:: For someone who hung around with Marty, a vampire, for years, she was absolutely stupefied that Vlad would show his feelings for Leila in such an honorable manner. Seriously, what is your major damage Leila?

Leila knew going into her relationship with Vlad that he would NEVER commit to saying I LOVE YOU to her and that she would just have to deal with it or leave. And yet, SHE choose to be in the relationship with Vlad even though Marty and Maximus kept telling her to run, not walk away from him as fast as her little feet could take her. She knew that Vlad was an extremely dangerous vampire and that he would do anything to keep her and his people safe from those who want to destroy him at ANY cost.

But, it's ALL Vlad's fault when things go wrong. It's ALL Vlad's fault when she stubbornly continues on her misguided ways of trying to find Vlad's traitor and ends up, SHOCKED, I KNOW, nearly dying 3 times, and ending up losing her humanity after the fourth attempt on her life! I was actually hoping that she would die and come back as a ghoul, which would have been totally something new and absolutely cool! We need more zombies in our diets! We also need more from VLAD’s perspective!

As I was saying in my previous review of Once Burned, not a single human character has survived Frost's world without being changed into either a demon (Denise), or a vampire (Kira). OH please, like I'm really spoiling what happens in this book or in her previous installments by saying this? And, yes, I do realize that this is a PARANORMAL book which centers on vampires, ghouls, demons, etc. So, why can’t we have (1) human character that somehow manages to live a long time by drinking vampire blood? After-all, wasn’t Leila drinking blood in order to keep her alive because her abilities were slowly killing her?

The next thing that annoyed me the most to the point where I threw this book across the room and accidently hit my cat who was sleeping at the time, was the whole wedding shenanigans. How long were Bones and Cat together before they actually got married in both the human and vampire worlds? Just saying! I may have to re-read Menecheres and Kira’s book again just to refresh my memories on how they ended up married. If the wedding had occurred at the end of this trilogy, it would have made more sense. Yes, I’m once again most likely in the minority with my thoughts on this as well. I did, however, appreciate Vlad’s confrontation with Leila’s father:

“I dare because I want no misunderstand between us. I am everything you think I am, but I love your daughter, and what I love, I protect with all of the violence in me, which, as you’ve guessed, is considerable.”

Leila's abilities, as I said above, are still awesome and I loved the fact that she toasted more than a handful of vampires who not only kidnapped her, but one of Vlad’s suspected traitors as well. But, I also wanted Vlad to put Leila in a cage for a while after one of her many goofs that caused her to nearly die permanently and let her sit there for a few days while cooling her jets.

One of the things that Frost does very well is write sexy scenes. It’s a given at this point that she’s trying to outmatch the legendary chapter 32 between Cat and Bones before that series sails into the sunset. Does she match that with Twice Tempted? Oh, hells yes! There’s nothing like angry sex between two people to get your motor running.

The bottom line is that both Vlad and Leila are as stubborn as they come and definitely deserve each other even with all their faults and bad habits. They deserve years of arguing, and angry make-up sex as well.

Yes, I will be reading the final book in this series hoping that Vlad at least gets to have his point of view instead of it being all about Leila.

Title - Twice Tempted (Night Prince # 2)
Author - Jeanine Frost
Publisher - Avon Books
Released - March 26, 2013
Purchased via Book Depository
Genre - Paranormal Romance

Review - Once Burned (Night Prince # 1) by Jeaniene Frost

"I am Vladislav Basarab Dracul, born 1431 as a mortal, but reborn 1462 as a vampire,” Vlad stated, staring into my father’s eyes. “And I am but one out of millions of vampires, ghouls, ghosts, and demons that live in secret among you.”

As you are FULLY aware by now I’m sure, (unless you've been living in a dark cave somewhere with no access to the real world or haven’t read any of the previous Night Huntress books) Jeaniene Frost has finally brought her version of the Prince of Darkness to light in his own trilogy alongside human (for now) Leila Dalton. After being a secondary character in the Night Huntress series with a major hatred towards Bones and a shining for Cat, we finally get a chance to see his true nature as well as a bit of romantic two-step.

"Not Dracula," I said with a faint smile as I turned around. "Vlad Tepesh former viovode of Wallachia and the most arrogant, deadly, frightening man I've ever met."

His lips curled with disdainful amusement. "Compliments won't sway me more than the word please, Leila."

"You take those as complements?" Gretchen was incredulous.

"Of course." His smile bared fangs. "She named all my best qualities."

The problem, however, is that Once Burned is not told from the point of view of Vlad, but rather, Leila Dalton a human who has the unfortunate experience of being put smack dab in the middle of a bad situation after her abilities are outed in public. Personally, I was a bit disappointed in this fact which is why my rating is what it is. We do get some flashbacks into Vlad’s life thanks to Leila’s abilities. We already knew that he is a vampire with the ability to wield Pyrokinesis. Frost also makes us aware of Vlad’s possessiveness and his ability to scare the bee Jesus out of nearly everyone.

"I've let few people touch me in friendship, fewer still as a lover, but none in anger without extracting my vengeance......yet you struck me, and I did nothing." His voice deepened. "If you don't find sufficient apology in that, then you don't know me at all."

Since Once Burned is told by Leila, we must address her characterizations. In the beginning, Leila is a sort of tragic character. She’s a 25 year old human who joined the circus under the alias of Frankie (as in Frankenstein) because of the scars that were left over after she touched a downed power line and nearly died. She short circuits anything electronic and has never had a steady boyfriend. After touching said power line, Leila wakes from a coma only to find that she has the ability of psychometry and that her mother is dead. She can see the past, present and future events when she touches someone, or something.

She also keeps her right hand covered in a protective glove because she gives off electrical currents that flow through her body and can be fatal to humans. The electricity is also slowly killing her but there is a way to stop that from happening; vampire blood. Leila holds herself solely responsible for the fact that her mother died while trying to save her. She also understands the vampire world because of her partner Marty who is a dwarf vampire and one of the bright spots in this book because of his feelings and protective nature towards Leila. The other things you should know about Leila is that she has a definite dark side to her personality that has put her into difficult situation where she’s somehow managed to survive.

Because of Leila’s uniqueness, she’s become something of a prime target for vampires and others to covet. This leads her to being kidnapped by vampires under the guidance of one Mihaly Szilagyi who wants Leila dead or alive. The reason soon becomes clear after she connects with the dark, brooding Vlad who arrives to shuttle Leila off to Romania where she can be protected from Szilagyi’s machinations.

Let’s just say it; Leila is an interesting character when she’s mad but she’s nothing like Vlad and his ability to control fire and scare the hell out of anyone he comes into contact with. She has the ability to shoot electricity through her finger tips and basically melts anyone that happens to get in her way. She’s also obstinate and opinionated and carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. She’s never been in love, but expects Vlad to stop everything he’s doing and tell her that he loves her or else.

"You're hot, big deal," I shot back, refusing to let his knowledge of my most intimate thoughts daunt me. "I'm attracted to a lot of hot guys. If Chris Hemsworth were here, I'd light him up like a firecracker with his fast I'd jump on him."

"And that would kill him," Vlad noted.

If you are looking for the familiar smexy chapters, look no further than chapters 23 and 30. Obviously, Ms. Frost knows how to write smexy scenes so no worries on that front.
 
I understand that this is a spin-off of the Night Huntress series, BUT, did we really need the appearance of Bones, Cat, Menecheres, and Kira in this book? I think we’ve had enough books in one series to realize that Bones and Cat have basically worn a grove through the carpet, and the carpet needs to be removed and replaced or at least refreshed from time to time.

I actually like Menecheres and Kira and would love to see more of their story besides the one spin off book that has already been written. While we’re at it, why don’t we have Ian, and Denise and the rest of the characters from the Bones and Cats series come on board and have a grand reunion against all the villains who have somehow managed to survive?

I must say that I did find the whole thing with Bones telling Leila how to use annoying songs in order to block Vlad and his vampire’s intrusion into her thoughts funny. Vlad and Cat surely didn’t but whatever.
 
Bones nodded. "Better, but still not slit-your-own-throat annoying. Come on, Leila. Do you want this or not?" "Perfect. Repeat that whenever Tepesh is around you, and he'll run screaming in no time."

Once Burned has a bunch of awesome one liners that I could go on, and on about, but let’s just say that Leila’s sister Gretchen has probably one of the best ones …

Gretchen’s gaze traveled over Vlad, disbelief still stamped on her features. “Yeah, but how do you two do anything else, unless he has a special current-repelling glove for his----.”

Since I am doing a back to back read of Once Burned and Twice Tempted, I should probably say that I already know that Leila won’t last in Frost’s world as a human especially since she’s been forced fed vampire blood by Marty and now Vlad. It’s not only unheard of, but, it’s uncharacteristic for anyone, let alone Kira or Denise, to manage to live in this world and have any sort of relationship with an immortal character. It’s actually kind of a thing for me in that I really don’t much care for the constant necessity to change a character for the sake of changing her. I’m sure that I am in the minority when it comes to my opinion on this subject…moving on!

Title - Once Burned (Night Prince # 1)
Author - Jeaniene Frost
Publisher - Avon Books
Released June 26, 2012
Received via Trade
Genre - Paranormal Romance

Stacking the Shelves 04/27/2013

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books we added to our shelves. It may be physical or virtual (ebook). This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Thanks for visiting my blog and checking out the books I received over the past week!

I hope you find something to add to your ever growing TBR Pile!

Received from Netgalley or Edelweiss

 

Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

Damn Him to Hell by Jamie Quaid

 

Linked by Imogen Howson

Fire With Fire by Jenny Hahn

 

The Last Word by Lisa Lutz

The S Word by Chelsea Pitcher

Received from Publishers

 

Undead to the World by D.D. Barant

A Case of Redemption by Adam Mitzner

Borrowed from Library

 

The Rising by Kelley Armstrong

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Early Review - The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

After reading the synopsis for The Forgotten Ones on Goodreads, I happily agreed to read the story and provide an honest review upon finishing. The Forgotten One's is considered New Adult because of the fact that the characters are all in their early 20's or older.

Let me give you a breakdown of some positives that I took away from reading this story:

Allison O'Malley is really an amazing character and one that I could totally relate to. She's had to grow up without her mother Elizabeth who has schizophrenia and has done a pretty good job with help from her grandparents in taking care of her. Howard puts the reader into Allison's shoes and shows how difficult it is to care for a sick parent while trying to maintain some semblance of a life.

Even though Allison is considered to be cold, or even remote at times, it's only because her heart is in a good place and she wants to do right by her own mother. Allison is not all that boy crazy, and doesn't fall madly deeply in love with the first boy she meets even with her cousin pushing and pulling her into several different directions.

In other words, no Insta-love. She does have feelings for the so called towns playboy Ethan Magliaro, but the feelings have only resulted in a brief kiss and nothing more. Even though I found myself, at times, loathing Ethan because of his moniker, the ice around my heart melted when it became obvious that Allie has had feelings for him for a very long time.

Laura actually provides readers with the spelling of the Fae names so that you don't find yourself stumbling and bumbling your way through this book. I absolutely love when authors provide a glossary of sorts to help you while you're reading.

There was no 3 way love triangle! Can I just say how refreshingly awesome that is to a reader like me who loathes 3 way love triangles as much as I hate the smell and taste of Liver? I've read where readers truly believe that Aodhan will become part of Allison's life in a romantic way. No I don't think so. I think of Aodhan of more of a older brother who will protect her against those who means her harm.

I agree with other folks that the first part of this book read as though it was a contemporary romance novel rather than a fantasy one. It should be obvious to you by now that I would have read this book regardless if the second half had not turned into the story about Allison's father and his people and what it will mean to Allison in the long term especially from the dangerous Fae like Aoife and the machinations of the King and Queen of Fairy.

I'm happy to say that there WILL be another book in this series per Ms Howard and I can tell you that I WILL be reading it. The Forgotten Ones leaves a few unanswered questions and a powerful ending to the story that should easily carry into the next book. As for me, I am absolutely rooting for Allison's parents to have happy ending.

Author - Laura Howard
Title - The Forgotten Ones
Publisher - Self
Releases - May 15, 2013
Genre - New Adult Paranormal

Review - Magic Lantern (Rogue Angel # 36) by Alex Archer

Magic Lantern was a surprising nice change of pace after being quite disappointed with the past few installments. Yes, I have actually read 36 books in one series and there are plenty more that follow Magic Lantern. For the record, Yes, I continue to enjoy the fact that Annja Creed is something of a serious badass who carries Joan of Arc's Broadsword while looking to protect the innocent and just can't help but to get involved in situations where others would have walked away. This book also happens to be longer than what's usual for this series which was a surprise to me as well.

In this lovely installment, we find Annja traveling to London to track down information on the mysterious formula that supposedly created Mr. Hyde. This is all thanks to her erstwhile Chasing History's Monsters producer Doug Morrell who has an obsession with all things supernatural and bizarre. It seems that a handful of women have been brutally murdered, and Annya wants to track down the mysterious Mr. Hyde before the police do. Naturally, we have the annoyingly intrusive Chief Inspector Westcox standing in Annja's way and even threatening to deport her if she impedes his investigation in anyway.

As if that wasn't enough of a challenge for Annya to deal with, she meets Professor Edmund Beswick, a literature professor who dabbles in magic, and who just happens to have found a powerful Magic Lantern once belonging to the 18th Century phantasmmagorist Anton Dutilleaux. This is where the fun begins as Annja is given assistance by Roux to have Fiona Pioche, a private inquiries specialist, assist her in every way imaginable. For the record, I found Fiona's presence absolutely bloody brilliant and hope that we get to see her again really soon. Searching for the origins and treasure behind the Magic Lantern is said to carry, takes Annya, Fiona, and Beswick from London to Paris and to Shanghai while being chased by dastardly villains Jean-Baptiste LaFramboise and Puyi-Jun.

One of the dangers of being a supporting character introduced in this particular series is that you will either die a horrible death, or Annja will end up walking away from you since her very presence carries inherent dangers that nobody can imagine. In this case, Professor Beswick, as well as Fiona, somehow manages to survive numerous encounters with the bad guys, and helps Annja finally find a treasure that she doesn't have to worry about losing to the likes of Garin Braden, or be betrayed by Roux who is supposed to be her ally.

There are several reasons that I really liked Fiona, besides the fact that she spent nearly 20 years with Roux. She also understands and knows about Joan of Arc's sword. She's not the type of person who is going to try to betray and steal it away from Annya like so many others have tried to do in the past. Just the opposite in fact. Fiona truly believes that Annya and the sword were meant to be together. She also enlightens Annya to the fact that she's come to fully expect extreme violence in her life and Annja rushes in to helping others rather than running away. Another fact that's come to light is that Annya is like a school kid who loves the hell out of hunting for History's hidden treasures and stories and even loves the dangers that it brings.

This book had a lot going for it in that there was non stop action and danger and the fact that Annja actually found someone she could seriously relate to. Shall I just say it, onward and upward to the next book Library of Gold (Rogue Angel #37)!

Author - Alex Archer
Title - Magic Lantern (Rogue Angel # 36)
Publisher - Avon/Gold Eagle
Released - May 1, 2012
Genre - Science Fiction/Fantasy

Waiting on Wednesday 04/24/2013

"Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at “Breaking the Spine”, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

This week I am waiting on two awesome titles: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

AND The Deepest Nigh by Shana Abe

Why am I waiting you ask?  I absolutely loved Shana Abe's "The Sweetest Dark" as well as Sarah Maas's "Throne of Glass." I'm absolutely hoping that their sequels will be as good or better than the original and have thankfully been given access to The Deepest Night by Bantam through Netgalley. Hopefully, Bloomsbury will have Crown of Midnight available soon! 

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. 

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

Releases: August 27, 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Children's

A rich portrait of post-Victorian England, The Deepest Night seamlessly blends thrilling romance with riveting history and adventure—perfect for fans of Libba Bray and Lauren Kate.

It’s 1915, and sixteen-year-old Lora Jones is finishing up her first year as a charity student at Iverson, a prestigious, gothic boarding school on England’s southern coast. While she’s always felt different from everyone around her, now she finally knows why: She is a drákon, a rare, enchanted being with astonishing magical abilities.

As war hits Britain’s shores, and Lora reels from an unimaginable loss, she finds that her powers come with grave and dangerous responsibilities. At the request of Armand Louis, the darkly mysterious boy whose father owns Iverson, Lora will spend her summer at his lavish estate. To help the war effort—and to keep Lora by his side—Armand turns his home into a military hospital, where Lora will serve as a nurse. For Armand is inescapably drawn to her—bound to her by heart-deep secrets and a supernatural connection that runs thicker than blood.

Yet while Lora tries to sort out her own feelings toward Armand, fate offers an unexpected surprise. Lora discovers there is another drákon, a prisoner of war being held in Germany. And that only she, with her newly honed Gifts, will be able to rescue him.

With Armand, Lora will cross enemy lines on an incredible mission—one that could bond her to Armand forever, or irrevocably tear them apart.

Beautifully written, deeply romantic, and filled with daring adventure and magic, The Deepest Night is a mesmerizing novel of the enduring pull of destiny, and the eternal strength of love.

Releases: August 13, 2013 by Bantam

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like MORE/LESS Than I Did

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

This week's Top Ten is The Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More than I did:

1. Vengeance Bound by Justina Ireland  

Understandably, everyone has an opinion about Vengeance Bound. Some have DNF'd the book after a few chapters, some have absolutely loved it. I didn't actually hate the story, but, it did have some negatives that I just can't ignore.

2. Requim (Delirium # 3) by Lauren Oliver

There's just so much that I can say about this book without being hammered by my friends and followers alike or spoiling what actually happens to each of the characters. It's not that I disliked this series or the book in anyway. A 3 rating from me is as good as a 4 star rating from fanatical screaming fans who would take toe jam on wheat bread from the author if she was to ask what people wanted from her.

3. Team Human by Justine Larbalestier

I struggled to review this book. I'll be totally honest with you in that I didn't laugh out loud or find anything offensive in the main characters point of view when it came to hating vampires and not wanting to have her best friend suddenly change into something she's not. Probably in the minority when it comes to my opinion.

4. Mind Games by Kiersten White

My feelings towards this book are all over the place. I really didn't like the back and forth flashes, including at the end. Maybe that will be just my negativity brewing it's ugly head. Obviously, there is a semi-cliffhanger ending that will leave some readers wanting to read the next book in the series. One of the main characters, Sophia, is one of the most damaged characters I've ever read about. Her continued mumbling, and tapping on her leg...seriously annoyed me. I'm not sure if her actions in the end redeemed her character or not. I guess we shall see. The other character, Annie, didn't become likable until the very end of the story. Some people will gobble this story up and rave about it. I can't do that.

5. Blood Forever (Blood Coven Vampire # 8) by Mari Mancusi

This was a book that should have never been written if Mancusi was just going to go back and re-write history and really nothing changed in regards to Sunny or Rayne except they kind of sort of trade places for awhile. I still haven't written a full review and I may not since it won't make a difference to anyone who really liked this series no matter how awful the characters were at times.

6. Rise (Nighshade # 2) by Andrea Cremer

I'm kind of disappointed in this book truth be told. I know that it's only a two part prequel to the Nightshade series but I'm feeling that there should be at least one more book to fully explain and explore the Searchers, Guardians, etc. 

7. Uses for Boys by Lorraine Erica Scheidt

I tried like hell not to let a story get under my skin and failed. I mean it's just a story aimed at teenagers right? Uses for Boys succeeded where others have failed. I can't tell you how much I truly hated the ending of this book or what the overall message seemed to be. I also must say that in no way shape or form can I relate to the character of Anna in this book. 

8. Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I wasn't too sure about this one, but I did like another series by this author so I thought I would give this one a try. For some reason Claire turned me off right away. I get that she is a nobody, but she seemed to be whiny about the fact that no one noticed her, interesting because Nix on the other hand had a big chip on his shoulder.  

9. Iced (Dani O'Malley #1) by Karen Marie Moning

If you want to read my entire thoughts on this particular book, please go here

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12444166-iced-dani-o-malley-1?ac=1

10. Every Single Book in the Anita Blake series after book # 8 by Laurell K Hamilton

I'm not going to reserve my commentary on this particular series for fear that someone will hate me, or that I'll lose followers over my feelings. I really think this series has gone on long enough. I don't care about Anita or anyone else involved in this particular series. It has become nothing more than pure BDSM and sorry, but I'm not into that sort of scene. I loved the original books in this series. I loved how she was a badass necromancer and vampire hunter. Now, she's just totally wasting everyone's time by continuing sleeping with 20 men and women per book.

Review - A Matter of Blood by Sarah Pinborough (The Dog-Faced Gods # 1)

*Review*

A Matter of Blood is apparently the first book in a trilogy called The Dog-Faced Gods which has already been released in the UK, but is now being published in the US. It's a different sort of book than what I was expecting. It's not really a Paranormal, or Urban Fantasy novel per se. It doesn't have creepy vampires, or werewolves, or Fae, or witches. It's more of a police procedural drama wrapped up with elements that could be considered Dark Fantasy.

The main character is Detective Inspector Cassius (Cass) Jones. He's a total mess. Although a good cop compared to his fellow coppers, he carries a lot of baggage with him throughout the book. He somehow managed to hold onto his job after a botched undercover operation went sideways. He drinks heavily, he snorts coke, he's friendly with known gangster like Artie Mullins, he's good at his job because he thinks like a criminal but will probably never move up in the ranks because of his undercover actions. He sleeps around with lots of women including his sister-in-law Jessica, and his assistant Sergeant Claire May who I really liked. His wife Kate, who I absolutely hated from the moment she was introduced, has some real issues as well that I won't go into since it will spoil the end game.

While Cass is investigating the murders of four women within the past two months by the mysterious Man of Flies who writes "Nothing Is Sacred" in blood and also leaves flies on the bodies, he's also trying to solve the murders of two young boys who were gunned down by unknown assailant in an apparent drive by. If that weren't enough for one man to handle, he's then accused of murdering his own brother Christian who he barely speaks to but was trying to reach out to Cass with important information, and the mysterious Bank who has taken over all the worlds financial transactions, seems to hold more answers than it's willing to part with. The question(s) for Cass to determine are what is connecting these three cases, how does he go about solving them without losing even more of his own sanity, why is he seeing his dead brother every where he goes, and what is The Banks connection to his own family?

"A Matter of Blood" is told not only from the eyes of Cass, but from Claire's as well. The third POV is from the killer who is extremely creepy and mysterious and once we find out who he is, we then learn about his apparent connection to Cass's own family as well as Mr. Bright and the bank who has been controlling things like a puppet master.

"A Matter of Blood" takes sometime to get moving and the various plots and machinations of the players involved will boggle your mind. There is betrayal at every level and twists that will surprise you if you're not paying attention. There are definite aspects of dark fantasy involved as well like I was saying before. Who is Mr. Bright, and what does The Glow really mean? Why did the King of Flies reach out to Cass and attempt to tell him to trust nobody? What was his families connection to the mysterious Mr. Bright and what does the future hold for Cass?

I was honestly shocked when I received this book from US.Penguin Group. I had not heard of this author before and was not aware of this books release until UPS delivered it to my doorstep. However, after reading A Matter of Blood, I will definitely be looking forward to reading the sequel The Shadow of the Soul when it is releases August 6, 2013. I am looking forward to learning more about Cass, his family, and the mysterious Mr. Bright.

Title - A Matter of Blood (The Dog-Faced Gods # 1)
Author - Sarah Pinborough
Publisher - ACE Trade
Released - April 2, 2013
Received from Publisher
Genre - Police Procedural/Dark Fantasy

Xpresso Book Tours Cover Reveal of Pretty When She Kills by Rhiannon Frater

BOOK AND AUTHOR INFO:

Pretty When She Destroys by Rhiannon Frater

Series: Pretty When She Dies #3 

Publication date: July 23, 2013 

Genre: NA Horror/Urban Fantasy

Amaliya Vezorak always believed she was destined to live a failed life in obscurity until she was brutally murdered by an ancient vampire named The Summoner and reborn as a powerful vampire necromancer. Now it is up to her to save the world…

Previous Book Covers

 

Author Bio:

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies trilogy (The First Days, Fighting to Survive, Siege,) and the author of three other books: the vampire novels Pretty When She Dies and The Tale of the Vampire Bride and the young-adult zombie novel The Living Dead Boy and the Zombie Hunters. Inspired to independently produce her work from the urging of her fans, she published The First Days in late 2008 and quickly gathered a cult following. She won the Dead Letter Award back-to-back for both The First Days and Fighting to Survive, the former of which the Harrisburg Book Examiner called ‘one of the best zombie books of the decade.’ Rhiannon is currently represented by Hannah Gordon of the Foundry + Literary Media agency. You may contact her by sending an email to rhiannonfrater@gmail.com.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.rhiannonfrater.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2310121.Rhiannon_Frater

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhiannon.frater

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhiannonfrater

Waiting on Wednesday 04/16/2013

"Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at “Breaking the Spine”, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

This week I am waiting on......The Last Word by Lisa Lutz!

This is 6th installment of The Spellmans, and I've loved each of the previous installments. I love the quirky family that Lutz features. I love the fact that Isabel has been the prominent player in this series. This is a must read if you enjoy quirky mysteries and outrageous families. I've been told that this is the last book told in Isabel's point of view, so, yes, I definitely want to get my hands on this book!

The latest installment of the New York Times bestselling Spellman mysteries, a “series that keeps getting better and better” (Publishers Weekly), finds private investigator Izzy Spellman on the verge of losing everything.

Isabel Spellman is used to being followed, extorted, and questioned-all occupational hazards of working at her family's firm, Spellman Investigations. Her little sister, Rae, once tailed Izzy for weeks on end to discover the identity of her boyfriend. Her mother, Olivia, once blackmailed Izzy with photographic evidence of Prom Night 1994. It seemed that the Spellmans would lay off after Izzy was fired for breaching client confidentiality, but then Izzy avenged her dismissal by staging a hostile takeover of the company. She should have known better than to think she could put such shenanigans behind her.

In The Last Word, Izzy's troubles are just beginning. After her hostile takeover of Spellman Investigations, Izzy's parents simply go on strike. Her sister, Rae, comes back into the family business with questionable motivations. Her other employees seem to be coping with anxiety disorders, and she has no idea how to pay the bills. However, her worst threat comes from someone who is no relation. Within months of assuming control of the business, Izzy is accused of embezzling from a former client, the ridiculously wealthy Mr. Slayter, who happens to have Alzheimer's, which Izzy and he are diligently trying to keep under wraps. Not only is Slayter's business and reputation on the line, but if Izzy gets indicted for embezzlement, she'll lose everything-her business, her license, and her family's livelihood. Is this the end of Izzy Spellman, PI? The answer makes The Last Word, hands down, the most thrilling book in this bestselling, award-nominated series.

Top Ten Sequels I'm Dying To Read! (Top Ten Tuesday Rewind)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

This week, since it's Top Ten Tuesday Rewind, I picked Top Ten Sequels That I'm dying to read!

1. Cress (Lunar Chronicles # 3) by Marissa Meyer - I did a back to back read of Cinder and Scarlet and was really happy I did. It made the series that much more appealing and entertaining for me to read.

2. Sentinel (Covenant # 5) by Jennifer L Armentrout - The obvious reason for me wanting to read this book is that it's the sequel to the series. It's the last time we will read about Alex and crew.

3. Horde (Razorland # 3) by Ann Aguirre - Obviously, if you've read the first two books in this trilogy you HAVE to read the finale. I mean, that would be like making a peanut butter and banana sandwich and leaving the bread for the cat to eat. 

4. Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain # 3) - I know that Hot Blooded is just now coming out (April 23, 2013), but I really, really need to get my hands on this next book to find out what happens next.   

5. Rise of the Magi (Lila Gray # 3) - This is the sequel and a definite must if you've read the first two books in the trilogy. I really like Lila and patiently await her next confrontation.

6. Year of the Demon (Fated Blades # 2) by Steven Bein - I was absolutely amazed by the first book in this series. It was brilliantly written, and I've become a fan of Steve Bein.

7. The Wicked Within (Gods & Monsters # 3) by Kelly Keaton - This sequel was a long time coming and the fourth YA novel on my list of patiently waiting sequels. 

8. Kinslayer (The Lotus War # 2) by Jay Kristoff - There's no summary or cover to this book yet,

but if you've read the first book you know that this is a must read for 2013!

9. Deception (Defiance # 2) by C.J. Redwine - Absolutely loved the first book in this series and patiently await it's sequel. (You will notice I DO have a bunch of YA novels on this list!)

10. Biting Bad (Chicagoland Vampires # 8) - no Top 10 list can be completed without a book from the Chicagoland series! At least not in my world!

Cover Loves Monday 04/15/2013

Welcome to Cover Loves Monday!

As usual, I got all my information from Amazon, Goodreads, and the authors web pages. 

Thanks for stopping by!

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again. 

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

Expected publication: October 22nd 2013 by Harlequin Teen

Delancy Sullivan has always known there's more to reality than what people see. Every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world branches off from the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed ~ all of these choices create an alternate universe in which an echo self takes the road not travelled and makes the opposite decision. As a Walker, someone who can navigate between these worlds, Del's job is to keep all of the dimensions in harmony. Normally, Del can hear the dissonant frequency that each world emits as clear as a bell. But when a training session in an off-key world goes horribly wrong, she is forbidden from Walking by the Council. But Del's not big on following the rules and she secretly starts to investigate these other worlds. Something strange connecting them and it's not just her random encounters with echo versions of the guy she likes, Simon Lane. But Del's decisions have unimaginable consequences and, as she begins to fall for the Echo Simons in each world, she draws closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide ~ a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse.

Expected publication: October 1st 2013 by Simon and Schuster BFYR

Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead -- just like the prom queen did. 

While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.

She should have listened.

Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth. 

With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.

Expected Publication: May 15, 2013 by Crescent Moon Press

n the devastated remains of the world, millions of people live in "refugee" camps provided by the angels who have all but enslaved humanity. As this angelic stranglehold tightens, Willow and Alex are recruiting and training new Angel Killers while struggling to hold ground on the celestial battlefield. But Willow continues to have feelings for Seb, and her love and resolve are tested as a shattering revelation sends Alex on a separate journey. Now that the final battle versus the angels is about to begin-and the fate of the world hangs in the balance-each of them must face the consequences of their own choices. Will love endure? Will the human race survive?

Expected publication: November 12, 2013 by Candlewick

It's a beautiful day for a war. Alex must face a terrible choice between destruction of everything she loves and her own destruction. The final book in the COVENANT series.

Expected publication: December 10, 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. 

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

Expected Publication: August 27, 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Protect the innocent. If there is any one principle that drives hit man Nadia Stafford, it’s this. In her own mind, when she was thirteen, she failed to protect her older cousin Amy from being murdered. Now she fails again, disastrously, when she botches a hit. To help her find her equilibrium, her mentor, Jack, brings her a gift: the location and new identity of the predator who killed her cousin and disappeared after the case against him failed.

Vengeance, justice? With the predator in her sights, nothing seems more right, more straightforward, more easy. But finding justice is never as simple as it seems.

Expected publication; November 26, 2013 (unknown publisher)