Preview: Stray by Rachel Vincent

What's a girl to do when she can't seem to find the first book in a series that's all over the Twitterverse and bragged about on blog after blog? Stalk her favorite bookstores, that's what! Which I did, and finally, here we are...and guess what's up next? (I know, duh, I showed you the cover already...but hey, what can I say?)

Review...The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton

There a few things in life that I've always wanted to do. I love old houses...discovering nooks and crannies, those hidden treasures left behind just waiting to be discovered. Old houses/buildings that have a history. (I am also addicted to HGTV...just sayin.) So when I was approached to check out The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton, little did I know I would get a small taste of that dream. And of course, one of the best parts of creaky dust covered architecture is the mystery and dark nights filled with spooky sounds that go bump in the night.

For a quick refresher, click here!

And the sexy angel with the drool worthy accent didn't hurt, either.

Usually, I enjoy reading my books solid form in my hands. It's comfortable, totable, and I've often mentioned this fact here. But, things aren't always the way we want (or I'd have all day to play with the wet tennis ball my pup loves so much...while watching commercial free episodes of my favorite eye candy). And this isn't necessarily a bad thing. There are times when working harder for something makes it all worth while. And so, I gladly battled dry eyes, impossible schedules, and a persistent golden retriever who became quite petulant.

Lori Brighton has managed to take a story about ghosts, angels and demons and make it into something I literally didn't want to put down. Or shut my laptop? Anyway...

Ashley is searching for answers, from the mystery of her father's disappearance. to answers about her own life. Denying who she really is and can do for most of her life because everyone thought she was crazy, she had settled for a normal life with her fiance. Until fate offered up the opportunity to escape it all...to Scotland. (At first, I wasn't exactly sure where, but the hints dropped subtly by the author not only allowed me to settle in just as Ashley did but built the world in a believable way.) From the first moment she arrives and meets with the estate agent (ugh, I abhor fake lipstick!) to the first steps into the pub, Ashley senses something different about the place, but pushes it away in attempt to be "normal". Desperate for answers, she holds on to her new home, refusing an offer from a devastatingly dark and handsome stranger, Cristian, who seems undeterred by her refusal to sell. Persistence in its finest smoldering form, if I do say so myself!

This relationship has the perfect amount of heated irritation and subtle denial that builds and battles in the best possible way.

At the pub (which is more of an inn), Ashley has a few unexpected guests...a group of ghosts who reside in her new home. At first she ignores them, but Maggie is a spunky and relentless lil ghost, and eventually they become a part of her oddly formed family. All until Cristian shows up to rent a room...and is suddenly everywhere, especially underneath her skin.

Just as she admits to herself that she (and she alone) can see and communicate with her new friends, they begin to disappear. Could Cristian have anything to do with the sudden absence of her new friends? And what's with the sword (which I've always loved...along with the muscles needed to wield them, of course!)...and the strange tattoo (love!)? And the big question, what does he know about her father's disappearance?

(I hate spoilers, so I won't give away much more...and I hope it leaves you wanting more!!) Needless to say, ghosts, angels, demons...with a few vampires and werewolves thrown in.

Not to say that Lori Brighton is a "new" author, but there are times when you can just tell. This is most definitely not one of those. The perfect amount of smolder (oh, Cristian...and Devon...and Cristian), wit (hello, a Justice League reference...love!), and storytelling. Oh, and the steamy yumminess? Let's just say, humidity is welcome...

I have just one word....FANFREAKINGTASTIC!

You can find out more about Lori and her books here...

(The Ghost Hunter was provided by author for review!)

Winner...A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

So here's a quick little note (which is long overdue, I know, trust me!!)

I would like to congratulate SARAH for winning a copy of A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

I passed on your email...enjoy!!

Tuesday Musings (with a twist)

Sigh...it's Tuesday, and last night was a rough one.

This week is a little hectic, mostly because I have vacation at the end of the week. Which translates to settling any and all problems that will invade work when I'm gone, getting the house ready (i.e. cleaner than ever) for the house sitter/puppy playmate, and (GULP) packing.
Gone to the wayside only slightly is my beautifully hatched idea to keep a schedule around here.

The cause? I blame Not Really Southern VampChick (wink) and Carolyn Crane (wink wink)...

"Most people think happiness is about gaining something, but it's not. It's about getting rid of the darkness you accumulate."

(Justine, Double Cross by Carolyn Crane)

You see, I came home last Monday after a grueling crazy day at work to find a one way ticket on a thrilling roller coaster ride. This little package was one of the most eagerly anticipated book to jump ahead my TBR pile for the year. I knew, without a doubt, that Double Cross would be devoured in less time than it takes me to glue my next bellydance costume together. Settling into my comfy pillows, the devouring began. Then, I realised what my week looked like....I have two ebooks waiting for review, this new sched....(you get the picture). But, the hooks were in.

Double Cross, you and I decided to have a lingering and respectful relationship. Because, while I didn't always like you (in fact, I yelled a few times...an entirely fabulous thing), I always respected, and yes, loved you. Stretching out the experience for almost a week (I worked a ton, in my defense...plus, its hard work to entertain the boy when he has time off with me!), last evening was the pentacle. And yes, my lil friend Collette egged me on to finish. (Thanks for helping me torture myself.)

When my eyes scanned over that quote, I knew I was in trouble. Because nothing could be closer to the truth...

Midnight Musings...October, The Monster Month!

Hmmm, when I set on this adventure, I told myself, like so many do, it would be easy. Who doesn't love to share their favorite new book and feel that rush when someone else feels the same way (especially after you've bugged them incessantly about your newest bookshelf addition--or in my case, book box, desk, another book box, AND bookshelf edition!).

Ahh, then that pesky little thing called life enters the picture. And you realise how insane your schedule really is. (Especially this month---I mean, really, who knew October was such a fun insane raging monster of a month?)

There are so many must reads I've crossed off my list in the past few weeks, that to review each and every one separately would: A.) Take entirely way too much time leaving none for puppy (not an option because she won't allow it), no bellydance (also a non-negotiable), and no fun time with the other half (which he already eyes the Droid as competition). LIGHT BULB!

So, here are my midnight musings encompassing the must-reads I've finally gotten down and dirty with (not really dirty, but you get the gist!) and a quickie review/drooling/ugh. Enjoy!

Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane....All this talk of Terrible Fever?!??!! What's a girl to do? Book pimpers, this one's all one you. My biggest issue? The drugs threw me off (I actually felt sheltered and confused *hangs head for a moment*) and made me leery. A different spin, and one that I found to be imaginative as well as pushing the envelope in the direction not many would go (our heroine is am addict, the dark brooding afore mentioned Terrible is named, well Terrible). And it works. While I don't entirely have Terrible Fever quite yet, here's to joining y'all on the journey. I already have the next one lined up....

Sin Undone by Larissa Ione...Seriously, pure genius to take the two sexiest creatures of paranormal hotness in the form of the darkly sexy vampire/alpha yummy werewolf Con. Seriously...enough said.

Fallen by Lauren Kate...Cover art alone sold me on this book. Unfortunately, it took me quite awhile to actually get it into my hot little hands! There seems to be a trend leaning towards angels in my reading cue of late, and this was the first to jump into the fray. A little slow for me at first, but then I hit a point where I couldn't put it down. There are threads to be unraveled (some of which I'm positively itching to uncover!)...and luckily for me, Torment is now available. (Sigh...the only question is, when? Have you seen my pile?)

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick...Patch, you evil little bugger (I mean that affectionately, I assure you). Fate stepped in, because I believe if I would have read Hush Hush before Fallen my opinion of Luce and Daniel would have paled in comparison to Patch and Nora. My favorite YA authors have always been the ones who aren't pulling back or dumbing down their work for their audience. The respect them in such a way that it only makes the story telling that much better for it. Perfect example.

And with that, I have to say my words are jumbling and not quite cooperating. Til next time!

Preview: The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton and Undertow: Building Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

From Amazon.com:

When Ashley Hunter inherits the Inn where her father mysteriously vanished years ago, she jumps at the chance to finally uncover the truth about his disappearance. But soon after taking ownership of the decrepit building, Ashley realizes she's in for far more than she bargained for. Not only has she inherited answers to many sought-after questions, she's also inherited spirits, demons and even fallen angels! Then Cristian arrives, a gorgeous man who insists he merely needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing...

As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can't accomplish this daunting task alone. He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don't work together, they won't have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, considering Cristian is the very man responsible for her father's disappearance.

Ooh, just a few pages in, and I can't wait to share my review with you!!

And of course, Undertow by Moira Rogers...if I don't dance myself into an early winter's nap!

From moirarogers.com:

Victor left behind a life of crime to focus on a new vision--helping his alpha build a sanctuary for werewolves. harsh experiences prepared him for the hardships involved, except when it comes to dealing with the young female refugees of the brutal Boston pack--especially Simone, who rouses his inner wolf like no other. A woman he must resist, or risk becoming just the latest man to make demands on her.

Born to wealth and privilege, Simone lost everything when she fell for the seductive whispers of the textile heir who turned her. Once adrift, now she is fired by a new sense of purpose--the chance to broker peace between werewolves and European wizards. yet even as Europe beckons, her instincts--the same ones that led to trouble before--keep drawing her back to Victor.

During a sailing trip to the mainland for supplies, Victor finds it impossible to hold himself aloof from the warm, engaging Simone. And when a winter storm traps them together during a full moon she breaks through his walls so easily and completely, the question is no longer how he'll stay away, but how he'll let her go.

Plus, you can still enter to win Safe Harbor here.

So, I am now off to practice my shimmy-ing little booty off *grins*, and maybe sneak in a few pages here and there...

(**Both titles provided by authors for honest review**)

Tuesday Musings...

Okay, so a few days or so ago, I told y'all that there were be some changes happening around here.

So, here's the first one...

Every Tuesday, you'll get a little musing from yours truly, in the form of the written word. Or more precisely, a quote. Like those little inspirational calendars but with a twist.

One day, it could be a favorite quote, the next maybe random movie fun, or even a little snippet from my latest reading obsession.

To start off things right, I give you a greatest hits from my ragged little notebook. In fact, its top on my list...


"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined."
-Thoreau


Sounds like good advice, right?

Speculative Romance Fall Frenzy (or sharing the love for some fabulous authors whom I heart!) Blogger Tour

Win a copy of A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

Find out how it all began...

During the bite of the Great Depression, sole female dominant Joan Fuller struggles against the rise of cruelty among her alpha counterparts. The men tolerate her interference--until she breaks from the pack and allies with a witch and a vampire. Now the Boston alpha intends to bring them all forcibly back into the fold--and teach her a lesson she may not survive.

Seamus Whelan and his werewolf bootleggers intend to retire from smuggling and savor their fortune, but first they must do a favor for an old friend: escort some female wolves to safety. An easy job, if their leader wasn't a prim ex-debutante with enough power to challenge Seamus himself. Chance makes them allies; powerful need makes them lovers.

Together, they have the opportunity to build a sanctuary for their kind, but first they must free themselves from Joan's past, and the powerful man who would see her destroyed.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of A Safe Harbor!

This contest is a part of Moira Rogers' & Vivian Arend's Fall Frenzy Event. For your chance to win books, gift certificates, ereaders and more, visit http://www.moirarogers.com/contests/

Winner chosen October 14th!