Monday, October 22, 2012

Something Witchy This Way Comes (Jolie Wilikins #5)

Something Witchy This Way Comes

(Jolie Wilkins #5)

By H.P. Mallory


 
Summary:
A witch’s work is never done, and in bestselling author H. P. Mallory’s mesmerizing new novel, Jolie Wilkins finds that the real magic is only just beginning.
For smart and sexy witch Jolie Wilkins, being Queen of the Underworld is a royal pain. Back from a round of time travel, Jolie must now protect her realm from the sinister Lurkers—a powerful breed of half-humans bent on conquering the undead. And if there’s one thing she knows, it’s that the supernatural never go down without a fight.
At least Jolie has her soul mate (and finally official boyfriend), warlock Rand Balfour, by her side. Honorable, brave, and unbelievably handsome, Rand is everything Jolie wants in a man. So why can’t she forget the dangerously alluring vampire, Sinjin Sinclair? With her private life heating up and a battle boiling over, Jolie sets out to prove that in matters of love and war, the fairer hex has its own set of charms.

Review:
I really hate to sound redundant but I really do love these books, the same gushing will be seen when I review the Dulce O'Neal books. I love H.P.'S writing! That being said the last book in this series gave us a little something naughty while this books had my stomach in knots hoping Jolie would be ok. The Lurkers get a hold of Jolie and we learn a few new things about her (like everything we have been wondering) and get a few nice Rand scenes. And of course Sinjin makes his appearance just as breath taking as usual, lets face it I'm team Rand just so it could free up Sinjin for me (not that I think he's real but hey it's nice to fantasize). All of the new details that fill in the blanks that have been there from the beginning are very welcome after having to wonder through 4 other books just what Jolie was. This book just like the one before it didn't disappoint. We get a few shockers and a few duh's and even a alright finally! These books make for a quick, upbeat, delightful read, so if your into that kind of thing or just want to break away from the usual YA drama and hard core mind twisters pick this series up or just continue loving the series with me.
 
Pages: 336
Author Website: http://hpmallory.com/
 
No book trailer for this one but here is another Jolie parody
* remember Jolie is not this ditsy or annoying!
 
 
 Monkey's Given
 


Friday, October 19, 2012

Cover Reveal for the new Sookie Book!

Dead Ever After Cover Reveal


I wasn't the biggest fan of the last book in this series it just didn't do Sookie any justice and was pretty boring as far as a Sookie book goes, I'm Just hoping she takes Sookie out with a bang and doesn't go where the last book went....Dullsville. I Love Sookie and have really gotten to know the character after all of the books I've read but the last one just tanked in my eyes.This Book will be out on May 7th. 2013.






Hidden (Firelight # 3 ) by Sophie Jordan

Hidden (Firelight # 3 )

By Sophie Jordan


Summary:
Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.
The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....
Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.


Review:
First of all I must say that the covers for all three of these books are swoon worthy, they capture the imagination right of the bat. I like this series, and this book did not disappoint. Jacinda is a Draki a descendant of dragons that have a more human appearance. Jacinda is very special among her kind because she is a fire breather and those are very rare. Jacinda's clan has big plans for her and wants her to bond with Cassian a powerful male Draki that is the son of the clan's leader. But Jacinda has other plans and has fallen in love with a human named Will.
In this book enemies have to work together, relationships are tested and the series comes to an abrupt end. Jacinda, Will, and Cassian must find a way to work together and reascue Cassian's sister Mirim.
I was on the edge of my seat for much of this book and had a hard time putting it down. Jacinda is forced to bond with Cassian at the end of the last book and the mix of emotions that Jacinda had to feel were described perfectly. Jacinda can feel everything that Cassian feels including his disdain for Will and his confusion as to why Jacinda doesn't want him. The three are set against the Enkors who are the enemies of the Draki. While the book isn't the best thing I've ever read it was well worth the read and I am sad to see the series end. I think the way that it ended could have been hugely improved upon, but the story telling is very good.
All in all this is a great series with a really bad ending, well worth the read. If you haven't entered the world of Firelight yet and don't have a book you have been dying to read this series is worth picking up.

Pages: 272
Author Website: http://www.sophiejordan.net/ya/books.html
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061935123

Book Trailer:

Monkey's Given


The Witch is Back (Jolie Wilkins #4)

The Witch is Back (Jolie Wilkins #4)

By H.P. Mallory


Summary:
The witching hour has arrived in bestselling author H. P. Mallory’s captivating and sexy new novel, starring the most dazzling denizen of the undead, Jolie Wilkins.

Funny and feisty witch Jolie Wilkins is back—or rather, she’s back to her humble beginnings. Propelled into the past to her old Los Angeles fortune-telling shop, Jolie has no idea she possesses extraordinary powers, and she definitely doesn’t remember becoming Queen of the Underworld. But at least she has two incredibly sexy men vying for her affection: Rand Balfour, who looks very familiar, though Jolie can’t place his gorgeous face, and Sinjin Sinclair, who is tall, dark, and perfect . . . except for the fangs.

Yet despite her steamy love life, Jolie can’t shake the sense that something is not quite right—like she’s stuck in a déjà vu gone terribly awry. As both men race against time—and each other—to win Jolie’s heart, the fate of the Underworld hangs in the balance. And Jolie’s decision can either restore order or create an absolute, drop-dead disaster.

Review:
One Word : Yummy!
These books are just that Yummy! I love everything that comes from the desk of H.P. Mallory. The Jolie Wilkins books are are so very entertaining and her characters make you love and drool over them.
In The Witch is Back Jolie is Thrown back in time before she ever meets Rand her true love. This isn't the first time in the series that we have seen time travel but it didn't get boring or overplayed H.P. made it fit just right. As a fan and reader of all of these books I must say getting to see Jolie with Sinjin even for just a little while was a tasty treat. I don't know about any of you but I have always wanted to read a steamy scene between Sinjin and Jolie without having it totally screw up the awesome relationship between Rand and Jolie. I am and will remain team Rand he may be a bit stuffy at times but man his descriptions just make me want to take him on ice cream cone style (lick him). You know for certain that Rand will always do what he feels is right for Jolie and that he Loves her with all of his heart. That being said Sinjin is the bad boy who hides all of his feeling but you can tell that he loves Jolie...what else is up his sleeve you never really know. Getting to step outside of the story where Jolie hasn't even met Rand so that Jolie gets that little tryst with Sinjin for me was great! This book is full of twists and turns and gives the reader just what they want. I couldn't put this book down reading it well after my bed time just to finish. If you haven't read this series You Should the story and character building will make you really care about all of the characters and what happens to them even some of the bad guys make you kinda like them.

Pages: 370
Author Website: http://hpmallory.com/
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Witch-bonus-short-Witched-ebook/dp/B006411VN4

No Book Trailer for this one but here is a cute video from H.P. Mallory with a spoof of Jolie
Mind you Jolie is not this ditsy or annoying this is just a spoof.

Monkey's Given


The Evolution of Mara Dyer Teaser Trailer


The wait is almost over!

As many of you know I really loved The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. Well the new book will be out in three days! I am very excited and I am sure many of you are too so here is the synopsis and the awesome teaser trailer to get you started.!

Synopsis : 
The truth about Mara Dyer’s dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in this gripping sequel to the thrilling The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren't.
She couldn't imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Two days after Mara walks into a police station in Miami at the close of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, she is committed for psychiatric treatment for what her parents believe is a mental breakdown. But what seems like a hallucination to everyone else is a chilling reality for Mara. Someone from her past has discovered her strange, disturbing secret and that someone wants her to pay. But she's about to discover that the price is more than she can bear.
Dark and thrilling, suspenseful and passionate, The Evolution of Mara Dyer will have readers breathlessly turning pages to find out what will become of Mara Dyer next.

Teaser Video
Hang in there we'll make it through the wait!

77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz




77 Shadow Street

 by Dean Koontz


Summary:
Welcome to the Pendleton. Built as a tycoon’s dream home in the 1880s and converted to luxury condominiums not quite a century later, the Gilded Age palace at the summit of Shadow Hill is a sanctuary for its fortunate residents. Scant traces remain of the episodes of madness, suicide, mass murder—and whispers of things far worse—that have scarred its grandeur almost from the beginning.
 But now inexplicable shadows caper across walls, security cameras relay impossible images, phantom voices mutter in strange tongues, not-quite-human figures lurk in the basement, elevators plunge into unknown depths. With each passing hour a terrifying certainty grows: Whatever drove the Pendleton’s past occupants to their unspeakable fates is at work again. And as nightmare visions become real, as a deadly tide begins to engulf them, the people at 77 Shadow Street will find the key to humanity’s future . . . if they can survive to use it.

Review:
One Word: Awful
I was going to do the first reviews on the H.P. Mallory books but figured I should just get this one out of the way. I never thought I would have to say this about a Dean Koontz book but here it goes...This book Sucked there is just no other word to use. I am a huge Koontz fan and have read every book that he has written. The second a Koontz book hits the shelves it's in my hands. I was so excited to read this book and in the end I couldn't even finish it. Koontz has a talent for making a reader feel as if they are part of the world the book is set in, but this one had way too much description and far to many things and characters to keep track of. I tried so hard to finish this book hoping the end would justify the mind numbing effects this book had on me. The One is this omnipresent being that I could never quite grasp, and Witness a part plant, part robot, part human is just out there! There were present characters and past characters abound they were all over the place. There were so many characters that you couldn't focus one any one long enough to really care about what happened to any particular one. I read many reviews for this book before I read it and I should have heeded the warnings. The characters are very separate throughout the book so there is very little said between the plethora of characters that the reader is assaulted with. It is basically a haunted house book that could have been so much better if there wasn't so much to keep track of. I started to feel like I should be taking notes about which character was facing which challenge at the time. Many different types of "monsters" lurked about challenging the characters, each character had there own different kind. There were also many sentences that were just left unfinished. All in all I won't be recommending this book to anyone and it will stand out as one of the worst books I have ever read. Sorry but this is my first one monkey review!

Pages:720 pages
Author website: http://www.77shadowstreet.com/
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0553593064

Book Trailer: Warning! This trailer is much more interesting than the book!


Monkey's Given



I've been away for AWHILE!!

Hi there to all of my readers. I have been away for a good long time and plan on getting back to it this week. I am going to be writing several reviews. I started home schooling my son this year and my time has just been sucked up. I now have a good routine down and am getting more time to do the things that are important to me. I never stopped reading I just didn't have time for all of my reviews and to stop by and read other blogs. So get ready for the return of the book burp! I'm baaaaack! I am currently devouring Something Witchy this way Comes by H.P. Mallory and I have read one more in the series before this one that I haven't bloged about so I am going to start off with those two and then work through a few more that I have already read.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

So Excited!

The Evolution of Mara Dyer


Oh I'm so excited for this one!!! The Evolution of Mara Dyer has a release date! October 23rd 2012!

Here is the synopsis:
Two days after Mara walks into a police station in Miami at the close of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, she is committed for psychiatric treatment for what her parents believe is a mental breakdown. But what seems like a hallucination to everyone else is a chilling reality for Mara. Someone from her past has discovered her strange, disturbing secret and that someone wants her to pay. But she's about to discover that the price is more than she can bear.
Dark and thrilling, suspenseful and passionate, The Evolution of Mara Dyer will have readers breathlessly turning pages to find out what will become of Mara Dyer next.




                                                                                    I think this deserves a jumping Monkey!

Whisper by Alyson Noël (Riley Bloom #4)

Whisper (Riley Bloom #4) 

by Alyson Noël 


Summary:
This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

Review:
This is such an upbeat little series! I always loved Riley when she was just Ever's little sister in the Immortals series, and getting to see her in her own series is just awesome. Yes these books are a little on the younger side but I just eat them up. Riley is a burst of pure innocence. She is quirky and sneaky and absolutely lovable.
All Riley ever wanted was to turn thirteen, but she dies in a car accident when she is twelve and never gets to that all important birthday when she would finally become a teen. In this book Riley finally gets to see herself grown up a bit with the help of a ghost that is in love with Theocoles the soul that she has been sent to catch. She also gets a first kiss! The story is light and heartfelt and just left me with a happy feeling. These books are a very fast and enjoyable read and this one didn't disappoint. If you loved Riley in the Immortals then you should defiantly check this series out. And if you have never met Riley then you should defiantly check out both of the series.

Pages: 240
Days to read: 1

Author Website: http://www.alysonnoel.com/radiance/

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Riley-Bloom-Alyson-No%C3%ABl/dp/0312641567

Book Trailer:



Monkey's Given



Black Dawn (Morganville Vampires # 12) by Rachel Caine

Black Dawn (Morganville Vampires # 12)

by Rachel Caine      


Summary:
Ever since the draug—mysterious creatures that prey on vampires—took over Morganville, the lives of student Claire Danvers and her friends have been thrown into turmoil. Most of the town’s residents have evacuated, but Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael have chosen to stay and fight.
Using the city’s water system to spread, the draug have rapidly multiplied. Things in Morganville look grim, especially since vampire Amelie—the town founder—has been infected by the master draug’s bite.
Now, if Claire and her friends don’t figure out how to cure Amelie and defeat the draug, it looks like Morganville will become little more than a ghost town…


Review:

This whole series is awesome! I have followed Claire from her very first steps into Morganville and I have loved the whole ride. You figure when getting to the 12th book in any series that the author is just trying to hold on to their characters and it is usually pretty sad to see a great story get washed out and tired, but that just isn't the case with these books! You can tell that Rachel still has passion for Morganville and she still writes every book in the series with the same enthusiasm as the last.
In this book and the last one the Vampires of Morganville are the ones being hunted and the tables are turned and the play of power is changed. I'm not used to seeing the predators as prey and it's really been a nice change. Amelie is one of my favorite characters in these books, she is the founder of Morganville and rules with a dainty iron fist. She has been bitten by a Draug and is slowly turning into one of them. And of course it's up to Claire and her loyal friends to save the town once again. I love all of the characters in these books each one brings something to the story and without each one the story wouldn't be the same.
I like the fact that you get to see little parts of the story through each characters eyes and see what they are feeling and thinking as well as the main character Claire. I liked this one just as much as the last eleven books in the series and I got caught up wondering if Rachel was actually going to take out Amelie (you'll have to read it to find out), and whether or not Eve and Michael can get through a very ruff spot in their relationship. Myrnin gets up to his scheming in his vampire bunny slippers and always has you guessing about both his feeling for Claire and his secret motives.
All in all this is one awesome series that hooks you from the beginning and always has me waiting with baited breath for the next, and this book didn't disappoint even being the twelfth in the series. If you haven't started the series you should! And if you have you need to get this one quick.

Pages: 384
Days To Read: 4

Author Website:
http://www.rachelcaine.com/Rachel_Caine_-_Writer/Home.html

Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Dawn-The-Morganville-Vampires/dp/0451236718

Book Trailer:





Monkey's Given

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cera's Place by Elizabeth McKenna

Cera's Place

by Elizabeth McKenna


Summary:
San Francisco saloon owner Cera Cassidy offers redemption to any woman looking for honest work. At Cera's Place, men can get a decent hot meal with a whiskey, but if they want anything more, they have to take their desires elsewhere. One summer night, a distraught Chinese girl bursts through the swinging doors with a shocking tale of murder, kidnapping, and prostitution. Outraged, Cera vows to set things right.
Jake Tanner, a scarred ex-soldier haunted by the horrors of the Civil War, is on a mission to fulfill a friend's dying wish. The trail has brought him to Cera's door. Captivated by her Irish beauty, he wants to join her fight - but will she let him?

Review:
One word: Charming
I peeked at this book before I actually read it, and I read the first several pages. I really wanted to drop the book I was reading at the time (Deadlocked) and get into this book. The beginning grabbed me right up in it's arms and didn't want to put me down. Of course I have a reading order list and I had to wait but the opening left me breathless and really wanting to get back to it soon.
Once I actually got to start it I couldn't put it down. I got emotionally involved with all of the characters in the book from the moment each hit the scene. The way that Elizabeth describes her characters makes you either love them or hate them right away.
The book starts with a jarring scene involving Jake a former Civil War Captain who's features have been hardened by the toubles of war, but have still left him with kind eyes and a sexy as hell cowboy persona. Then leads the reader from there into a very charming and sometimes downright seizing mixture of a Historical Love Story/ Western.
Cera is a saloon owner and she is a proud and sturdy woman with a softness inside for the weak and helpless. You can't help but love her and all of the workers in her saloon that she brings in to get them away from the hard life of the streets. She runs the saloon with a smile on her face and a Derringer in her pocket.
The love story between Jake and Cera is gradual leading up to some pretty awesome love scenes that left me tingling and wanting more. The action in the book revolves around the extremely detestable Biggs, a man with no morals that is selling Chinese women into prostitution. Cera decides she has to put an end to this mans reign of terror over the city. You soon find out in the book what Cera wants she damn well gets and by her owns means and determination not by passing the job off to any man. She has the help of her loyal team and family behind her and of course the sexy Jake.
All in all this book was well worth the read. I will recomend this one to many people for a quick and great read. I have one complaint about this one...it was too short! Elizabeth McKenna is a new author that really does deserve some more attention.

*Author Requested Review*
Thank you Elizabeth Mckenna for sending me your book for review

Pages: 272

Days to read: 1 1/2

Book Trailer:


Monkey's Given

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Hot & Spicy by P.T. Macias

Hot & Spicy
by P.T. Macias

Summary:
Jose Enrique De La Cruz the CEO of the De La Cruz, Inc. needs a fiancée in time for the 25th anniversary celebration. La familia is anxious to meet his fiancée, but he doesn’t have one. His hermana Patricia agreed to obtain una novia for him. Paty enticed her amiga to pretend to be his loving fiancée.
Jessica Maria Acosta agreed to be his fiancée for two reasons. One, she has always loved him and prays she can make him love her. Two, this is a great opportunity to achieve her dream of working as an Interior Decorator Design Manager.

Review: Dio's Mio!
This book lives up to it's title! It is very Hot & Spicy and has love scenes that will leave you biting your nails.The story revolves around the Del La Cruz family, a very tight nit and passionate Mexican family that has built their empire from the ground up.
The Boss Jose Enrique has a terrible problem to deal with...he has told his family that his is engaged and that he will be bringing his fiance' to the families anniversary dinner. Paty helps him out by finding the perfect girl for him. But all is not perfect for long as the Mexican Cartel gets involved.
This is a good first book and is very steamy. The characters are well defined, but I felt there were too many and I got confused with all of the cousins and friends. The author is very descriptive and builds her scenes up quite a bit, sometimes with a bit too much detail. The use of Spanglish in the book makes you almost feel as if you can speak Spanish by the end of the book but it is a bit over used and might get taxing for some. The action scenes happen late in the book making for a slow start other than the lovemaking (muy claiente'). When the action happens it comes on with a bang and has you really anxious for the safety of the whole family.
All in all it was worth the read and good for a first book. I am hoping the next book will be a bit more polished up, but you should give this new author a shot.

*Author Requested Review*
Thank you P.T. Macias for sending me your book for review

Pages: 454
Day's to read: 3



Book Trailer : 

Monkey's Given