Once in a Full Moon: Review

Once in a Full Moon

by Ellen Schreiber

Celeste hangs with the popular crowd at Legend's Run High and is being wooed byNash Hunter, the football quarterback, but doesn't really feel that shebelongs. She only comes in contact with the new and enigmatic student, Brandon Maddox, when she passes him in classes, the hallway, and at lunch, but she suspects there is something different about him other than that he is a Westsider and comes from the wrong side of town.

On a dare, Celeste and her friends go to a psychic's shop for a reading. When it is Celeste's turn for a fortune, the psychic grabs Celeste's hands and warns, "Beware of a kiss under the full moon." Celeste and her friends laugh and mock the fortune teller. But on her way home from their outing, Celeste is blinded by a blizzard. Disoriented, she finds herself deep in the woods bordering town. She is overcome by snowfall and unable to see anything. Above her hovers the glow of a full moon. Just then, she sees beady eyes staring back through the falling flakes. She finds herself in the midst of a pack of hungry wolves. The wolves begin to howl. She can't outrun them, and the shortest tree branch is out of reach. They slowly approach her. At the last moment, a stranger pulls her from the hungry pack. He grabs a branch and fights the pack ofwolves until they retreat. In the scuffle the stranger is bitten. It is Brandon Maddox.

Celeste is enamored by her hero and can't get him out of her mind. Where Nash is a hero on the field and court, Brandon is a hero in reality. Celeste steals away from her friends to find Brandon, and they meet on a hilltop near his home. A cloudy sky lingers above them, and Celeste realizes she has fallen in love with a Westsider. But in the next few moments, Celeste will face an even biggerchallenge than falling for a guy from the wrong side of town. As the two lean in to kiss, the clouds pass, exposing the glow of a full moon. Brandon feels strange and pulls away. Something is about to change-him.

First Line: It began under the haunting glow of a full moon.

Favorite line/quote: "Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever".

My Review: I found this book to be extremely predictable and at times it felt like every other story out there in the Young Adult Paranormal genre. I did enjoy the fact that Ellen Schreiber gave teen readers a main character to look up to. Celeste volunteers at the elder home in her town. I think this sets a good example that today's teens need to give more to others than of themselves. But the very next page you find Celeste going along with the flow just to please her friends, afraid to rock the boat. In doing this Celeste comes off as a follower instead of a leader.

If you are hoping to read a deep, thought provoking story, this is not the book for you. While it has a bit more depth than Shreiber's "Vampire Kisses" series it remains fluff. A quick, enjoyable read that won't hold a lasting place in your heart.

My Rating: 3 stars

I would like to thank Net Galley for the chance to review Once in a Full Moon.

This book is set to releast 12/28/2010

Until next time...
Happy Reading!

Highland Warrior: Monica McCarty

Highland Warrior

( Campbell Trilogy #1 )

by Monica McCarty

The ruthless enforcer of Scotland’s most powerful clan, Jamie Campbell will use any means necessary to vanquish lawlessness and unrest among the feuding Highland clans. Seduction is a game as easily played as subterfuge, but when Jamie poses a as suitor to a rival clan’s daughter in order to expose treason, the line between duty and pleasure is suddenly blurred. Ebony-haired, ruby-lipped Caitrina Lamont defies him, denies him, and arouses him like no other woman.


Caitrina has no intention of forsaking her beloved father and doting brothers for a husband–especially a hated Campbell. But Jamie’s raw, sensual strength and searing kiss melt her resistance. When her idyllic world is shattered, Caitrina’s only hope to save her clan lies in the arms of Jamie Campbell, the enemy she holds accountable for its ruin. Can their tenuous truce, born in the velvet darkness of passionate nights, forge a love as strong as the sword that rules the Highlands?

First Line (s): Catrina Lamont peered into the looking glass as the young maid pinned the last section of lace ruff in place behind her neck.

My Review: Monica McCarty knows how to write a Highland romance novel. This is the first book in the Campbell Trilogy. I adored Jamie, he was everything you want your Highlander to be. Strong willed, mysterious and well hot ( and he even has a witty sense of humor, which is not something you normally see in McCarty heros)! Catrina was a bit harder to like, she was hardheaded and a bit cold. I found myself having a very hard time liking her or even feeling sorry for her. But I would change places with her in a heartbeat to have Jamie be longing to spend his nights with me! Can I get a wit woo and an Amen??

If your looking for a fast steamy and amusing read than this is a good choice!

My Rating: 4 stars

359 pages

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Highlander Untamed: Review

Highlander Untamed

by Monica McCarty

Synopsis:

Rory MacLeod is a bold and powerful Highland Chief with only one allegiance–to his clan. He vows revenge against the rival MacDonald clan, though duty demands a handfast marriage to Isabel MacDonald–a bride he does not want and has no intention of keeping. But Rory couldn’t have anticipated the captivating woman who challenges his steely control, and unleashes the untamed passion simmering beneath his fierce exterior.

Blessed with incomparable beauty, Isabel MacDonald is prepared to use every means possible–including seduction–to uncover her husband’s most guarded secrets. Instead Rory awakens Isabel’s deepest desires and her sweetest fantasies. Now Isabel has found the happiness she’s always dreamed of with the very man she must betray, and discovers that passion can be far more dangerous than revenge.

First Line(s): The ground shook with heavy pounding of hooves as the score of warriors approached Dunscaith Castle.

My Review: This story takes on a lot of qualities of Romeo and Juliet ( and is even qouted at the start of the book). I loved how the two characters played so well of each other. Rory is the perfect hero figure in a romance story and Isabel is no damsel in distress, she can stand her own and as the sass to prove it!

My Rating: 4 stars

416 pages

You can find Monica McCarty on her website

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Awakened by a Kiss: Review

Awakened by a Kiss

by Lila DiPasqua

Synopsis:

Three sexy stories based on the fairytales of Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, and Puss in Boots.

Once upon a salacious time, when fairy tales were written...

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, notorious rake Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss-and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress-and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants-and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was-and more than man enough for her...

First Line(s): " Will you do it, Adrien? Say yes. You simply must.

My Review: This book had a perfect balance of strong characters and heat! A fun twist of "fairy tales" you grew up reading, but trust me this a book just for you, store it in your nightstand and have pleasant dreams the whole night through. I look forward to reading the next book that is coming out by Lila DiPasqua.

My Rating: 4 stars

355 pages

Find Lila DiPasqua on the web, twitter or facebook.

Until next time...
Happy Reading!

To the Edge: Review

To the Edge

(Bodyguards Series #1)

by Cindy Gerard

THE FIRST RULE OF BODYGUARDS:

The daughter of a wealthy businessman, Jillian Kincaid grew up with bodyguards shadowing her every move-and she hated it. Now a TV anchorwoman, she refuses to let another hired thug follow her around. Not even when she begins to receive terrifying death threats. Not even when the bodyguard is the darkly seductive Nolan Garrett...

NEVER FALL IN LOVE...

Trained in Special Ops, bodyguard Nolan Garrett has been hired by Jillian's father to keep her out of danger. But it's clear from the start that Jillian isn't going to make his job easy. Far from the spoiled princess he expected, Jillian is tough, independent, and totally sexy. And she's fighting him every step of the way.

WITH THE WOMAN YOU'RE PROTECTING.

As Jillian's stalker raises the stakes, Nolan must keep her close if he wants to keep her alive. But being so close can only turn up the heat that's been simmering between them-a heat that could explode into passion at any moment...

First Line: Even among the masses populating West Palm Beach, Florida, Nolan Garrett found hundreds of places to be alone: in a packed corner deli, in the crush of tourists on a Sunday afternoon by the seawall, in his vintage Mustang on a deserted midnight street with the gas pedal down and the city's finest asleep at the wheel.

My Review: This story will keep you on your toes. I love when I read a mystery novel and I don't figure it out before the book even reaches half way! Wit woo to Cindy Gerard!! I also found Jillian to be a strong female character and Nolan is half of the mystery in this novel!

My Rating: 4 stars

333 pages

Until Next Time....

Happy Reading!

Show No Mercy: Review

Show No Mercy

(Black Ops, Inc. Series #1)

by Cindy Gerard

The sexy heroes of Black Ops, Inc., a covert private security team, sizzle in New York Times bestselling author Cindy Gerard's electrifying new romantic suspense series.

THE SULTRY HEAT...

Only two things can compel journalist Jenna McMillan back to Buenos Aires after terrorists held her captive there just months before: a rare interview with a shadowy billionaire and the memory of the dark and dangerous man who saved her....

HIDES THE DEADLIEST THREATS...

Bad guys, bombs, and bullets are Gabriel Jones's way of life. But he'll never forget the brash redhead he rescued not so long ago...or the passionate kiss they shared before he sent her packing....

AND EXPOSES THE DEEPEST DESIRES.

Now, forced together by a bombing at the National Congress, Jenna and Gabe confront the urgent longings that simmer between them. But this surprise meeting is no coincidence. A ruthless enemy stalks them with deadly precision. The question is...if they make it out alive, will Gabe turn his back on Jenna...again?

First Line: Tracer rounds zipped across the murky darkness, lighting up the night sky in brilliant slashes of red, yellow and green.

My Rating: 4 stars

359 pages

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Hard to Hold: Review

Hard to Hold

by Stephanie Tyler

THE SPECIAL OPS HERO FEARED NOTHING—UNTIL HE MET A WOMAN TOO HOT TO HOLD.…

Lieutenant Jake Hansen has survived some of the riskiest missions known to man. But now the wounded Navy SEAL faces his toughest job yet: smuggling Dr. Isabelle Markham out of Africa without triggering an international incident. Not easy to do when the gorgeous hostage happens to be a senator’s daughter—and about as easy to resist as an oasis in the desert.

If it weren’t for Jake, Isabelle would still be halfway across the world, where rebel forces left her for dead. The special ops warrior may have saved her life, but she doesn’t need him to protect her now. Tell that to the ruggedly handsome hunk in full battle fatigues who’s just been assigned as Isabelle’s personal bodyguard. Close quarters aside, Isabelle won’t let Jake anywhere near her heart—until danger throws them together again. And nothing in the jungles of wildest Africa could prepare them for a passion this wild. This crazy. This hot…

First Line: Lieutenant Junior Grade Jake Hansen had already muttered the word motherfucker as many times as he possibly could in under a minute's time.

My Rating: 3 stars
370 pages

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

4 book reviews

Okay, so to say I am behind over here on my book blog would be an understatement. I hate that I am so far behind, because it use to bring me such joy to come to this post and hack away on my keyboard. Life just sometimes doesn't have enough time in the day! But I am not dead readers, the books are still getting read, just not posted about!

Below are 4 books that I have read in my absents. I am going to be posting the reviews of books together until I am caught up, be patient with me ( maybe I should learn to be patient with myself). HA HA HA!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

About three things I was absolutely positive:First, Edward was a vampire.Second, there was a part of him–and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be–that thirsted for my blood.And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.


Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife -- between desire and danger.

This is a re-read for me, in fact it is the 3rd time I have read this book. To read my original review, click here!

My Review: 5 stars!

544 pages

Naked Edge by Pamela Clare

What do you do when desire drives you to the very brink?

Someone wants the Native Americans off their sacred land. And when Navajo journalist Katherine James and park ranger Gabriel Rossiter team up to investigate why, their passion for the truth-and each other-makes them targets for those desperate enough to kill.

First Line: The coyote came out of nowhere.

My Rating: 4 stars

400 pages

Bound to Please by Lilli Feisty

FROM FANTASY TO ECSTASY

Ruby Scott is a beautiful, quiet event planner who leads an oh-so-respectable life. Yet the things that go on in her secret fantasies are anything but. She has every intention of keeping her hidden desires under wraps-until she meets a gorgeous, hard-muscled man ten years her junior. Mark St. Crow is a gifted, up-and-coming musician who collects erotic art and loves to "play" women as much as his piano. After one night of uninhibited passion, Ruby realizes there's no turning back. But as she surrenders to her deepest needs and lets Mark control every forbidden thrill, her passion for him builds. Can the wild, intoxicating nights they share lead to a love that will last forever?

My Rating: 4 stars

352 pages

Trial by Fire :

The Firefighters of Station Five

by Jo Davis

Dont get burned...

Lieutenant Howard "Six- Pack" Paxton loves three things: being a firefighter, riding his Harley, and his bachelorhood. That is, until the curvaceous Kat McKenna falls into his arms at the scene of a fire—and melts the six-foot-six tower of bronze muscle...

But just as passion ignites between them—and they explore new heights of ecstasy—a ruthless arsonist with a deadly secret and a thirst for vengeance becomes their worst nightmare.

First Line: Lieutenant Howard Paxton gritted his teeth against the burn, every muscle straining as he pumped three hundred pounds of iron from his bare, sweaty chest.

My Rating: 4 Stars

352 pages

Until nxt time...

Hapy Reading!

Halfway to the Grave

Halfway to the Grave

(Night Huntress Series #1)

by Jeaniene Frost

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Favorite Line(s): n/a

First Line: I stiffened at the red and blue lights flashing behind me, because there was no way I could explain what was in the back of my truck.

My Review: A must read for anyone! I know a lot of my fellow book bloggers have already read this series and I am ashamed it as taken me so long to read this book. I'm not worthy! I think the idea that Cat is half human and half vampire makes for a great story line and I can't wait to see what happens next for her. I also can see why so many of my fellow book bloggers has a thing for Bones... hott! This book is a fast read, but it is more than that... it has strong characters that have plenty of room for growth. This should be a fun adventure, going to start the second book this afternoon.

My Rating:

384pp

I received nothing for this review.

Until next time...
Happy Reading!

The Duke and I : Review

Duke and I

(Bridgerton Series #1)

by Julia Quinn

Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry— though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that is seems a duke has declared her desirable. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, she soon forgets that their courtship is a complete sham. And now she has to do the impossible and keep herself from losing her heart and soul completely to the handsome hell-raiser who has sworn off marriage forever!

Favorite Line(s): " To say men can be bullheaded would be insulting to the bull."

My Review: Brillant and witty! A gossip coloum is a historical romance novel, classic!!! This was my first time reading a Julai Quinn novel and it will not be my last. The characters played well off each other, the story line flowed and it seemed real!

My Rating:

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (January 5, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0380800829
ISBN-13: 978-0380800827

** I have received nothing for posting this review, this book was picked up from my local library on my own free will! **

Until next time...
Happy Reading!

2010 Ist in a Series Challenge

( click above picture for more details)

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious– Read 3 novels that are first in a series.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 novels that are first in a series.

-- Addicted – Read 12 novels that are first in a series.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 novels that are first in a series.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the 1st in a Series Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

I am not going to say what amount I am going to read. Going to aim for the high mark, but will be okay if I don't make it that far.

This post will be a sticky post under challenges, and where I post the books I read for this challenge, come back and check it out once the new year starts!

1. The Duke and I- Julia Quinn
2. Halfway to the Grave- Jeaniene Frost
3. Twilight- Stephanie Meyer
4. Trail by Fire- Jo Davis
5. Hard to Hold: Stephanie Tyler
6. Show No Mercy: Cindy Gerald
7. To the Edge: Cindy Gerard
8. Awakened by a Kiss- Lila DiPasqua
9. Highlander Untamed- Monica McCarty
10. Highland Warrior- Monica McCarty

Until next time...
Happy Reading!