New Releases: Week of 08/28/11

Here are some awesome books coming out this week that I'm VERY excited to read.  

Title: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star

Author: Heather Lynn Rigaud

ISBN: 978-1402257810

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Release Date: September 1, 2011 (Thursday)

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads:  Darcy's as hot as he is talented...
Fast music, powerful beats, and wild reputations-on and off stage-have made virtuoso guitarist Fitzwilliam Darcy's band into rock's newest bad boys. But they've lost their latest opening act, and their red-hot summer tour is on the fast track to disaster. Now Darcy and bandmates Charles Bingley and Richard Fitzwilliam are about to meet their match...
But she's about to rock his world...
Enter Elizabeth Bennet, fiercely independent star of girl-band Long Borne Suffering. Elizabeth, her sister Jane, and friend Charlotte Lucas have talent to spare and jump at the opening band slot. Elizabeth is sure she's seen the worst the music industry has to offer. But as the days and nights heat up, it becomes clear that everyone is in for a summer to remember.

Title: Torrent

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Series: River of Time #3

ISBN: 978-1434764294

Publisher: David C. Cook

Release Date: September 1, 2011 (Thursday)

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads: When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.  Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

Glimpse of The Hunger Games Movie!!!

Soooo, I didn't watch the VMAs.  But I did hear that a glimpse of the Hunger Games movie was going to be played during it so I youtubed it (gotta love youtube!)  Anyway, I though that I would share it with you, in case you also missed it.  So here ya go!

CAN'T WAIT!   Loved the book.  I really hope the movie is just as amazing!


Are you excited?

Book Review: Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas

Title: Again the Magic

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Series: The Wallflowers #0.5 (Prequel)

ISBN: 978-0380811083

Publisher: Avon

Pub. Date: February 2004

Source: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 391

Rating: 5 Kisses

Excerpt | Author’s Website

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  She gave him her innocence . . .Lady Aline Marsden was brought up for one reason: to make an advantageous marriage to a member of her own class. Instead, she willingly gave her innocence to John McKenna, a servant on her father's estate. Their passionate transgression was unforgivable -- John was sent away, and Aline was left to live in the countryside . . . an exile from London society . . .and he took her love.

Now McKenna has made his fortune, and he has returned -- more boldly handsome and more mesmerizing than before. His ruthless plan is to take revenge on the woman who shattered his dreams of love. But the magic between them burns as bright as ever. And now he must decide whether to let vengeance take its toll . . . or risk everything for his first, and only, love.

My Reveries and Ramblings:  When Aline and McKenna’s feelings are discovered by her father, he threatens McKenna’s very existence if Aline ever sees him again. In order to protect him, Aline convinces  McKenna that she does not love him, hoping he will never return to Stony Cross.  After he leaves, Aline descends into a depression that is followed by a terrible accident that leaves Aline with scars on her legs.  Twelve years later, McKenna returns to Stony Cross from America, where he became one of the nouveaux riches, to take his revenge on Aline for all the pain and heartache he caused her.  Aline realizing his intentions decides to ride it out until he goes back to New York.   This plan fails however when both McKenna and Aline start to fall for each other again.  But Aline can never be with him, for she is not only a spinster, but also damaged.

         I don’t think I’ve ever cried, or even teared up while reading a romance novel, before reading Again the Magic.  Here we have two characters who are obviously in love with each other, but refuse to acknowledge it, and instead spend almost 400 pages fighting it.   The book begins with Aline and McKenna in their late teens, already in love.  Life is good.  Well, except for the fact that Aline is the daughter of the cold and malevolent Lord Westcliff, and that McKenna is only a footman.  After years of resenting, no that is not strong enough, hating is a better word; after spending years hating Aline, he starts to unwind when he realizes that Aline never married or slept with anyone.  This sends his plan to “break her” out the window.  Aline on the other hand, doesn’t mind McKenna’s efforts at hurting her.  In fact, she welcomes them because they allow her to feel after years of being numb.  This entire book had me screaming “Just say it!”  It was like McKenna and Aline decided to be stubborn and thick-headed at the exact same time.  And this is what created the tension throughout the novel.  All of these scenes led up to an amazing tear-filled ending that any fan of romance will LOVE. 

         This novel deals mostly with Aline and McKenna’s story but it also includes Livia, Aline’s sister, and Mr. Shaw’s, McKenna’s business partner, story.  This one was also cute.  Of course, not as much drama as the main love story, but still a bit dramatic.

         For a historical romance, this was fantastic.  It was an emotional, film-worthy story that will have you rushing to the bookstore wanting more of this series.  

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads

Playlist:
(Listen on Spotify)

Blog Hop (15)

The Book Blogger Hop is a great networking opportunity for book bloggers hosted by Crazy-for-Books.

This Week's Question:  Non-book related this week!! Do you have pets?

My Answer:  YES!  I have the CUTEST dog!  She is an English Pointer named Dixie.  

Isn't she cute?

Dixie decided to take a nap on my bed at home as I was packing
(notice the pile of clothes?)

TOO CUTE!

Do you have any pets?

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

Waiting on Wednesday is a really cool meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. 

Title: Torrent

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Series: The River of Time #3

ISBN: 978-1434764294

Publisher: David C. Cook

Release Date: September 1, 2011

Author's Website

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

From Goodreads: 
When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.
Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

My Reveries and Ramblings:  If you haven't already read this series then get to it! I actually finished reading this book last night (a HUGE thank you to the author!) Honestly, this is my one of my favorite book series EVER! It doesn't even compare to Twilight (sorry Twilight fans-I love those books too, its just these are BETTER-in my opinion). So I strongly recommend you pre-order your copy. I know that I am definitely going to buy a copy for my kindle and a hard copy for my bookshelf. I just LOVE this series.

Previous Reviews: Waterfall | Cascade

Title: Shadowman

Author: Erin Kellison

Series: Shadow #3

ISBN: 978-1420118964

Release Date: September 2011

Author's Website

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads

From Goodreads: 

Ghosts
They haunt the halls of the Segue Institute, terrifying the living, refusing to cross over. But one soul is driven by a very different force. It survives even death. And Kathleen O’Brien swore she would return to those she was forced to leave too soon.
Shadowman
He broke every rule to have her in life; now he will defy the angels to find her in death.
The Gate
Forging it is his single hope of being reunited with his beloved, but through it an abomination enters the world. Leaving a trail of blood and violence, the devil hunts her too. Pursued through realms of bright fantasy and dark reality, Kathleen is about to be taken.

My Reveries and Ramblings:

This is such a unique urban fantasy series.  Its filled with humans, fae, angels, and Death himself.  I've been looking forward to this book since I started the series this back at the beginning of the summer.  Whenever he'd make an appearance in the previous books, I'd hold my breath knowing he was going to go away.  But now, he gets his own book (YAY!) and hopefully we'll see him get together with Kathleen (flashback to first scene in the first book).  

Previous Reviews: Shadow Bound | Shadow Fall

Book Review: Shadow Fall by Erin Kellison

Title:  Shadow Fall

Author: Erin Kellison
Series: Shadow #2

ISBN: 9780505528308

Publisher: Leisure Books
Pub. Date:  July 2010
Source: Publisher

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy

Pages: 322

Rating: 4 kisses

Excerpt | Segue Institute Website |  Author's Website

Synopsis (from Dorchester Website):  

Sacrifice
Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn’t cut out to be an angel.
Mystery
One moment he’s fleeing Heaven; the next, he’s waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who’s desperately afraid of the dark.
Shadow
It gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover.
Wolf
He pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast.

My Reveries and Ramblings: My Reveries and Ramblings: 
If you haven’t read the first book, stop reading now and go read it (Shadowbound).

      Now, for those of you who have read Shadow Bound, get ready for a whole dose of action, romance, and suspense. The story begins with Custo in heaven. He’s somehow ended up as an angel, much to his displeasure. Wanting to help and warn Adam of a betrayl, Custo tricks Shadowman into switching places with him. Lost and trying to find his way back to Segue, Custo sees a woman dancing and is drawn to her power, just as the wolf is. Wolf has been hunting Annabelle trying to find a way out of Shadow and into her world. When Custo accidentally lets him into the real world, both his and Annabelle’s worlds are upturned.
      My favorite thing about this series is Ms. Kellison’s characters. She doesn’t write her characters in terms of good or bad. Each character has good and bad qualities. Custo is my favorite example of this. He’s not good. And he knows it. At the same time, he’s not evil. Every choice he makes is based off what he can gain. This is true of every character in literature, except that Custo is very selfish. The only times he is not selfish is with Adam and Annabelle. There are so many layers to Custo’s character-I love it!
      Annabelle was also different from most heroines. She’s a principle ballerina in her company. Having sacrificed so much and worked so hard, she starts to reap the rewards. However, after Wolf notices her hidden power when she dances, he becomes obsessed. Cue Custo. After he saves Annabelle, she is forced to accept protection from both Custo and the Segue Institute. Throughout the book, Annabelle is torn between her love of dance and her love for Custo. Her journey to find the balance between the two was interesting to read.
      I really liked this book, even more than Shadow Bound. I adored Custo and all of his complexities. Wolf is a creepy, perverse, and terrifying villain-which made this book all the more absorbing. This book is very well written, engaging, and so worth reading!

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads 

Playlist:  
(Listen on Spotify)

Previous Books: Shadow Bound

Book Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Title: Spellbound

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

ISBN: 9780373210305

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pub. Date: June 28, 2011

Source: NetGalley

Genre: YA Romance/ Paranormal Romance

Pages: 324
Rating: 4 Kisses

Excerpt | Author's Blog

Synopsis (from Goodreads): What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

My Reveries and Ramblings:  Oh. My. Goodness.  This book seriously surprised me.  Going into it, all I knew was that it was a YA paranormal romance.  Boy, was I amazed to discover there was so much more.  For starters, Cara Lynn Schultz successfully wrote from a teenager’s perspective.  I never once cringed at the language used.  (Don’t you hate it when a YA author starts throwing around the word “Yo”).  Actually, I really enjoyed Emma’s voice.  She was nice, funny, and completely relatable.  She has insecurities, like every teenager.  She worries about her hair, if she will fit in, and what Brendan thinks of her.   Also, Emma is not a push over.  Especially when it comes to the kids at school who constantly gossip about her.  Cue the jerk: Anthony.  He just makes Emma’s life a living hell at school (and outside it).  At first its just a matter of ego, but it soon turns into something much more dangerous.  As the story progresses, Anthony’s darker side surfaces.  He is seriously insane.  By the end, I was scared of him. 

The second thing that literally brought this book up a full kiss was the fact that it a) has a tragic love story for a base; b) involves soul mates; and c) involves past lives/reincarnation.  As you know, I love books that contain even just one of those.  But this one contained all three!  The tragic love story: Emma and Brendan are cursed to fall in love over and over again only to be torn apart by an untimely death.  Something is different this time around.  They might have a shot at breaking the curse.  If they don’t hurry, it could all end, once again. 

Poor Emma.  In every life she is born poor.  This one was especially  brutal for her.  After her mom and brother die, she lives with her step-father who would rather drink and abuse her then man-up and be a father for her.  After getting into a DWI accident with Emma in the car (she gets injured), Emma escapes to her aunt’s home in NYC.  Going to the exclusive Vince Academy has Emma feeling even more of an outsider with all the rich students (think Gossip Girl). 

Yes, it does have a HEA.  But, you know, it was still a lot of fun to read.  The ending was suspenseful.  The romance was lovely.  And Brendan was just soooo cute.  You can’t see me, but I’m crossing my fingers hoping there will be a sequel. 

Amazon  |  B&N  |  Book Depository  |  Goodreads

Book Playlist:

Click here to listen to Cara Lynn Shultz's Playlist for Emma and Brendan 
(Listen on Spotify)