Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Author: Cynthia Eden
Title: I'll Be Slaying You
Series: Night Watch #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 29th 2010.
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:

Sandra "Dee" Daniels is a vampire's worst nightmare. Sure, she couldn't get up to five-six in the highest heels money can buy--not that she ever wears heels. But the monsters in her past and the stake in her boot are enough to keep most bloodsuckers interested in staying undead out of Baton Rouge.

But there are changes afoot on her turf. Rumors of a Born Master in town--a vampire so powerful he can make the streets run with blood. And a new face in Dee's dive bars and alleyways--Simon Chase, a strong, sexy shadow with a haunted past of his own. Simon knows a lot about the dark side of Dee's work. He knows even more about how to make her body spark with desire. But the hot lust shimmering between them is only the beginning. Because Simon also knows a secret that will change Dee's life--if she can live long enough to uncover it.

Author: Julie Kagawa
Title: Iron Daughter
Series: Iron Fey #2
Genre: YA
Release Date: August 1st 2010.
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Review + Giveaway: Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

Title: Bonds of Justice
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy/Changeling #8
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: July 6, 2010
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner…


Nalini Singh is one of my favourite authors, so I was very happy when I got the opportunity to review this book. I was a little hesitant when I heard that the main couple was going to be a human/psy pairing, but Nalini makes it work beautifully.

We met Max in Mine to Possess, where he helped Tally and Clay find the missing Forgotten children. He's a cop with the special "ability" of having a shield psy can't penetrate, which means they can't influence him.
He ends up working a case with Sophia Russo, a Justice psy who is very close to breaking Silence, and being rehabilitated permanently.

Sophia is a very interesting character. With her, we learn a lot more about Psy society and some very well kept secrets. She's very brave, and while she knows she doesn't have a lot of time left, she's convinced to make the best of it, especially when she meets Max. Her ability reminded me of Faith's one, the Forseer, and some of the consequences of their abilities, such as having nightmares, are the same in both of them.
Max is a clever, competent cop with a firm sense of justice. He has some issues with his past which makes it difficult for him to get close to anyone. Sophia gets under his defences and he tries to deal with the feelings she evoques in him plus all the problems those feelings can bring up. I really liked the way their relationship developed and how they took thier time with each other.

A few loved characters come back in this book. Sasha & Lucas have to deal with Nikita plus we learn more about Sasha's abilities. We see a little bit of Faith, Clay and Tally, while they try to help Max & Sophia and I know there are a lot of Kaleb fans out there, so all I'll say about him is that after I read the book, I had a lot more questions than before. I wished I could have seen more of the wolves, but I guess I'll have to wait for Indigo's book for that.

The plot moved along nicely. It was interesting seeing the inside of Nikita's bussiness operations while trying to figure out who was targeting her people. The world the author created is fascinating as usual and I love how in each new book we find out a little more about it. The plot arc kept advancing in this book and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds in the next 2 books.

All in all, this was a great entry of the Psy/Changeling series with a great romance and an interesting mystery, and while some parts of the end seemed a little too convenient, I really enjoyed this book. Now I can't wait to get my hands on Indigo's book, 6 months seems like such a long time!


Memorable Lines:

"Do you think," he said, slamming the door on those memories, "that Sasha is flawed?"

"It doesn't matter what I think, only what Councilor Duncan believes."

"You didn't strike me as a coward, Sophia."

Utter stillness. "What is it you want from me?" It was an outwardly calm question, but he was certain he heard a bewildered vulnerability beneath the surface.

It made him feel like a bastard. "I'm just trying to know who you are." And why she spoke to a part of him that had gone quiet a long, long time ago.

"Nobody," she said, her tone so flat, he could've imagined the soft-voiced woman who'd told him his nightmares would pass. "I'm nobody."


Next Book:
Play of Passion - Psy/Changeling #9 - November 2, 2010.


Rating: 1/2



* Thanks so much to the publisher and Nalini's publicist for providing me with a review copy plus one copy for the giveaway.

Giveaway

I have one copy of Bonds of Justice to giveaway to a lucky winner.
To enter all you have to do is fill out this FORM and answer this question in the comments: Which one of Nalini's books or couples is your favourite? Why? And if you haven't read any of her books yet, which of all her books sounds best to you?
US/Canada Only
Ends on July 6th.

Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Title: Perfect Chemistry
Author: Simone Elkeles
Series: Perfect Chemistry #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: April 19, 2010
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.


At the beginning of the book, we have two completely different characters: Brittany, who appears to be a classic cheerleader with superficial problems & Alex, a cocky gang member that doesn't seem to like "snow" people at all.
The most important thing about the story is that even if they are completely different persons, at the end they both are lonely and even if they don't know it, they seek comfort and a way to end it. In that sense, they understand each other perfectly.

Another important aspect of the book was the relationships each of them have with their families and how different they are.
There are a lot of interesting secondary characters like Paco, Alex's best friend who is always looking after him, Sierra, Brittany's best friend and confidant or Isabel, who starts as Alex's friend and ends up being really close to Brittany.

I really liked how the author created the two different sides and how as the story moved forward, both sides collided until all it was left was one world with a lot of different people and problems.

This was an amazing book, with realistic issues and a great ending. All I can say is that I can't wait to read Carlos' story, who's Alex's younger brother, and see how the author develops the next two books of the Perfect Chemistry trilogy.


Memorable Lines:

“This is Brittany Ellis,” I say, all eyes now focused on me. “This summer she went to the mall, bought new clothes so she could expand her wardrobe, and spent her daddy’s money on plastic surgery to enhance her, ahem, assets.”

It might not be what she wrote, but it’s probably close enough to the truth. Unlike her introduction of me. Chuckles come from mis cuates in the back of the class, and Brittany is as stiff as a board beside me, as if my words hurt her precious ego.

Brittany Ellis is used to people fawning all over her and she could use a little wake- up call. I’m actually doing her a favor. Little does she know I’m not finished with her intro.

“Her secret desire,” I add, getting the same reaction as she did during her introduction, “is to date a Mexicano before she graduates.”

Next Book:
Rules of Attraction - Perfect Chemistry #2

Rating: 1/2

International Contest Sunday (11)

* Sharon Loves Books and Cats is giving away a pre-order of Zombie Vs. Unicorns by Holly Black + others.
Ends on June 27th.
Enter here.

* Literary Asylum is giving away an ARC of Archvillain by Barry Lyga.
Ends on June 30th.
Enter here.

* Reena's Blog is having a birthday giveaway. You could win a book from her list.
Ends on June 30th.
Enter here.

* Reading Cause I'm Addicted is having a summer giveaway in which you could win one of the 4 books listed.
Ends on July 1st.
Enter here.

* Zöe Marriot is having a Blogiversary giveaway in which you could win a signed copy of her books, a playlist CD + other goodies.
Ends on July 2nd.
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* Twisted Fates' Cafe is giving away a signed hardcover copy of Linger by Maggie Stiefvater to one winner and a signed bookmark to another.
Ends on July 2nd.
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* Tina's Book Reviews is having a Summer Clearout Contest. You could win one of the 4 prize packs she has on her list.
Ends on July.
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* An Avid Reader's Musings is having a birthday giveaway. The first prize pack is a signed ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer + some swag.
Ends on July 3rd.
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* An Avid Reader's Musings is having a birthday giveaway. The second prize pack is an ARC of Matched by Ally Condie + some swag.
Ends on July 3rd.
Enter here.

* An Avid Reader's Musings is having a birthday giveaway. The third prize pack is a copy of Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes + some swag.
Ends on July 3rd.
Enter here.

* Bites is giving away an ARC of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. The only stipulation is that you have to be a book blogger and review the book.
Ends on July 12th.
Enter here.

* Lost for Words is giving away a copy of The Hate List by Jennifer Brown.
Ends on July 16th.
Enter here.

* A Book Adventure is giving away 3 books: The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Gone by Michael Grant & Compound by SA Bodeen.
Ends on July 23rd.
Enter here.


Do you have an international giveaway that you want to add to the list? Then send me an email with the details.

Summer Break Reading Challenge Activity #1

I've got a lot of books on my TBR pile, but this are the ones that I'm going to try to read this summer.

* Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
* Gone by Michael Grant
* Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
* White Cat by Holly Black
* The Maze Runner by James Dashner
* Embers by Laura Bickle
* Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister
* Abandon the Night by Joss Ware
* Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
* Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

I'll probably read a lot of books that are being released in the summer, but these are the ones that I already have.

Summer Reading Challenge!

Do you love to review books? Do you post reviews on Amazon? Are you an avid blogger? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the Transworld Summer Reading Challenge is for you!

Running from June to September we’re letting bloggers pick four titles from the list below to be sent for review. Review the book on your blog or on Amazon and send us the link, then we’ll send you out the second book on your list.* It’s as easy at that!

At the end of the Summer (fingers crossed for a warm September!) we’ll host a mini shindig for the most active bloggers to celebrate completing the challenge and chat about our Autumn titles. We’d love to meet you in person!

‘I’m taking part in the Transworld Dan Brown Summer Reading Challenge!’

1. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2. Matters of the Heart by Danielle Steel
3. E Squared by Matt Beaumont
4. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
5. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld
6. Forbidden Pleasures by Jo Rees
7. Exit Wound by Andy McNab
8. Second Hand Heart by Catherine Ryan Hyde
9. Assassin by Tom Cain
10. Bryant & May on the Loose by Christopher Fowler
11. Amberville by Tim Davys
12. After You by Julie Buxbaum
13. Lockdown by Sean Black
14. The Wish by Sasha Blake
15. 61 Hours by Lee Child

* EU only.

The titles in bold are my choices.
Click here to take part.

Review: Evernight by Claudia Gray

Title: Evernight
Author: Claudia Gray
Series: Evernight #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: February 1, 2009
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
Bianca wants to escape.
She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.


I got problems getting into this book since the beginning. Everything starts alright, Evernight, a boarding school, is like a Hogwats for vampires. For some reason, that year they decide to admit humans into the academy, even though there are huge risks.

The problem I had was that I really didn't like the main character, Bianca. It was as if the author tried too hard to make me like her, and at the end it had the opposite effect. For me, Bianca was weak, easily manipulable and naive. To me, that doesn't make her a good heroine.
Then there's Lucas, who is Bianca's love interest. It felt like the only thing he could do was fight and get into trouble. He was a very two dimensional character and I think he could have been so much more.
The plot was predictable and not very interesting.

What I liked about the book was the head mistress of the academy, who's scary, powerful and mysterious (I really wanted to know what she was hiding and the reasons behind her actions) ; the twist at the middle of the book, which was very nicely done & the worldbuilding, that was fascinating.

I was expecting more of this book, although vampire fans might like it more than I did. Everyone has different tastes.


Memorable Lines:

“Unh!” I choked as he tackled me, and we fell. The ground slammed into my back, and his weight pressed down on me, his legs tangled up with mine. His hand closed over my mouth, and I pulled my arm free. At my old school, in the self-defense workshop, they always said to go for the eyes, seriously just poke the guy’s eyes out. I always thought I could do that if I had to, in order to save myself or someone else, but as terrified as I was I wasn’t sure I could stand it. I arched my fingers, trying to screw up my nerve.

At that moment, the guy whispered, “Did you see who was after you?”

For a few seconds, I just stared at him. He lifted his hand from my mouth so I could answer. His body was heavy atop mine, and the world seemed to be spinning. I finally managed to say, “You mean, besides you?”


Next Book:
Stargazer - Evernight #2


Rating: 1/2

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Author: Janet Evanovich
Title: Sizzling Sixteen
Series: Stephanie Plum #16
Genre: Comedy/Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Jube 22nd 2010.
Edition: Hardback
Blurb:
Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a “lucky” bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn’t specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck....

BAD LUCK:
Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster
Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs.

GOOD LUCK:
Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the cash.

BAD LUCK:
Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie’s messing up local stoner Walter “Moon Man” Dunphy's vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in security expert Ranger’s apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.

GOOD LUCK:
Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner’s Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip’s mysterious bottle, they just might raise enough money to save Vinnie and the business from ruin.

BAD LUCK:
Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bonds means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a Turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.

GOOD LUCK:
The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky---the only question is . . . with whom?

Sizzling Sixteen . . . so hot, the pages might spontaneously combust!



Author: Shannon Delaney
Title: 13 To Life
Series: A Werewolf's Tale #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: Jube 22nd 2010.
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

Review: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Fire Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study #3
Genre: Fantasy
Edition: Paperback
Release Date: January 16th, 2008
Blurb:
The apprenticeship is over— now the real test has begun.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before.…

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.


In the last instalment of the trilogy we finally get to know the limits to Yelena's abilities as well as ending the plot arc that began in the first book.
Yelena finally learns to accept her abilities and at the end, after some difficulties, she becomes a leader who fights for both Ixia and Sitia.
Her relationship with her brother Leif is quite rocky: sometimes you can see the affection they have for one another and other times you see the resentment and anger, especially Leif's.

This book was much darker than the last one. First, people fear Yelena for what she is, then she has a lot of enemies to take care of while they keep attacking her and for a long part of the book, Yelena is scared of and tries to deny her powers.
One of the great things of this book is that we see what Opal has been up too (and how important it is), we also see more of Valek, who helps Yelena the best he can, even though she doesn't want him to in a big part of the book & I can't forget mentioning Moon Man, Yelena's life guide and the power twins, who are as mischievous as ever.

In this book we see both Ixia and Sitia and the differences between both of them are more visible, especially when Yelena tries to convince the Commander of the benefits of magic and how it can help his people. It was very easy to imagine all the places that are described in the book in my min, and that is a great feat.

The book was fast paced, and I enjoyed reading every little bit of the story.
Some twists at the end made my eyes tear and I had to control myself not to look at the last few pages and find out if everything turned out ok.
This was a great end for the trilogy, and I really hope the author writes a new Yelena book in the future, although there is the Glass series, that centers around Opal's life. I guess I'll have to go buy it right now!


Memorable Lines:

The man stepped from the midst of the roaring bonfire. Scorched black from head to toe, small flames clung to him like feathers. He advanced toward me. I broke my paralysis and scrambled away from him.
"Did I surprise you, my little bat?" the man asked. "Counted nine when there really were ten. Hot little trick."
He knew my conscience had flown with the bats. But who was he?
I scanned the surrounding jungle, looking for my backup. Leif and my friends were at the edge of the clearing.
"No help from them, my little bat. They will burn if they come any closer."


Previous Books:

Poison Study - Study #1
Magic Study - Study #2


Rating:

Review: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Magic Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study #2
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: May 16th, 2008
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
Yelena is a survivor. Kidnapped as a child, held prisoner as a teen, then released to act as a poison taster, she is now a student of magic. But these magic skills place her in imminent danger, and with an execution order on her head, she has no choice but to escape to Sitia, the land of her birth.

But nothing in Sitia is familiar. As she struggles to understand where she belongs and how to control her powers, a rogue magician emerges—;and Yelena catches his eye. Suddenly she is embroiled in a situation not of her making. And once again her magical abilities will either save her life…or be her downfall.

With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways—and her new-found friends and relatives don't think it's for the better.

Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training—especially as she's been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince—and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians.

If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies.

After the events at the end of Poison Study, Yelena finaly meets her family and starts training her powers, but not before she's kidnaped by a wannabe king, acussed of being a spy and mind raped by the most powerful magician in Sitia.

I liked seeing Yelena taking more responsibilities and trying to adapt to her situation. She acts more mature in this book although there are times in which she takes too many risks (but that's what makes her Yelena).
The situation with her family is complicated, but I think is handled well. Her brother Leif hates her, and he's a real jerk to her, but we find out his reason later on. It made me feel sorry for him.
We get a lot of interactions with Irys, who becomes her mentor, but we don't really find out much about her or her past.

One of the best parts of the book is when Yelena is with Kiki, her horse. I loved Kiki, she's very insightful and has really good instincts, even though she's a horse.
Other great character of the book is Moon Man, Yelena's life guide. I loved how cryptic he was & at the same time his gentleness with her and the rest of the group.

What I missed the most is Valek. He does get to be in a good part of the book, but I missed him when Yelena was out exploring with the others. One of the best things of the series is how the love parts are balanced with the rest of the story.
In this book we learn all about Sitia and how different it is from Ixia, especially the warm weather, the beggars and how magic isn't forbidden.

The book is fast paced and there's something happening at every moment.
This is a great follow up to Poison Stusy, but it's very different from it, and I think that's one of the things I liked most about it. We get to see another part from that world, and it's really interesting. Definetly read this book if you loved the previous one.


Memorable Lines:

At last, an older man stepped forward. “I’m Bavol Cacao Zaltana, Elder Councilman for the Zaltana family. Are you Yelena Liana Zaltana?”
I hesitated. That name sounded so formal, so connected, so foreign. “My name is Yelena,” I said.
A young man a few years older than I pushed through the crowd. He stopped next to the Elder. Squinting hard, his jade-eyed gaze bore into mine. A mixture of hatred and revulsion creased his face. I felt a slight touch of magic brush my body.
"She has killed,” he called out. “She reeks of blood.”

Next Book:
Fire Study - Study #3

Previous Book:
Poison Study - Study #1


Rating: 1/2

Review: Storm Born by Richelle Mead

Title: Storm Born
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Dark Swan #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 1, 2008
Blurb:
Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...

Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy--one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.

Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...

This book was months on my TBR pile, and this weekend I finally decided to read it. Richelle Mead is a very popular author, but I have to confess this is the first book I've read that's been written by her.

Eugenie is a strong character, very independent & an "hermit". She's also a powerful shaman, who learned everything she knows from her father.
Kiyo is a mystery since the beginning, and I have to say that the more I discovered about him, the less I liked him.
Dorian is a gentry king. I liked him since the first time he was introduced. He has a sense of humour, he's manipulative, clever, but at the same time you know you can count on him. I loved seeing he's relationship with Eugenie develop.

The book got me hooked since the first page, where Eugenie has to fight a spirit that's inside a shoe. I liked how part of the story was set in our world and the other part in the Otherworld. Eugenie's three spirits gave the book a touch of humour while they also provided important information to the lead character.
The Otherworld was a very interesting setting and I liked seeing how different it was from our world from Eugenie's eyes.

This is a great urban fantasy book, with a powerful lead character, a strong plot, a love triangle and enough twists in the story to keep you turning pages non-stop.

Memorable Lines:

Dorian's eyes flicked back to me. "Did you have any idea what a creature of nightmare you are around here? Mothers tell their children Odile Dark Swan will come for them if they're bad."
"Hey, I don't seek them out. I only come for them if they come for me first."
"Interesting," he said, arching an eyebrow. "But if that's how you like it, so be it. I always admire women who know what they want in the bedroom."

Next Book:
Thorn Queen - Dark Swan #2

Rating:

International Contest Sunday (10)

Sandy Shin is giving away a pre-order of Matched by Allie Condie.
Ends on June 20th.
Enter here




Bewitched Bookworms is having a summer book contest. You could win books, a book thong, a necklace, ....
Ends on June 21st.
Enter here.


So Many Books, So Little Time is having a brithday contest. You could win a book of your choice from The Book Depository.
Ends on June 22nd.
Enter here.



Heidi R. Kling is celebrating the release of her book Sea. You could win a signed copy of her book, some tank tops and sea bracelets + more stuff.
Ends on June 20th.
Enter here.




Giveaway Lady is giving away a copy of A Killing Frost by Hannah Alexander.
This ends on June 25th.
Enter here.





Pure Imagination is giving away a copy of Deception by Lee Nichols.
Ends on July 2nd.
Enter here.




My World Of Books is having a 60 followers contest. There will be 4 winners, and each will get a book from her list, but the 1rst who gets 2.
Ends on July 9th.
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The Bibliophile's Lounge is having a new layout contest. The winner will get to spend 15$ at The Book Depository.
Ends on July 8th.
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The Smarty Owl is having a 50 followers/Blogoversary/Birthday Bonanza. 2 winners could win a book from their choice from her list.
Ends on July 9th.
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The Hiding Spot is having a 650 followers contest. One winner will win either an ARC of The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff or an ARC of The Eternal Ones by Kiersten Miller.
Ends on July 9th.
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The Hiding Spot is giving away 2 copies of Deception by Lee Nichols. One copy is international and the other is for the US.
Ends on June 25th.
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The Hiding Spot is giving away a copy of Swoon at your Own Risk by Sidney Salter.
Ends July 10th.
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One Book At A Time is havig a blogiversary giveaway. The first winner will get a book from her list + a book from The Book Depository. Everytime she gets 50 new followers, she'll add a new winner.
Ends July 10th.
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Reading with Tequila is having a 750 followers contest. There will be 4 winners, the 1st gets 3 books. the 2nd 2, the 3rd 1 and the 4th also 1. Everytime she gets 50 new followers she'll add a new winner. You have to choose the books from her list.
Ends on July 13th.
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Read This Book is giving away a signed copy of Sea by Heidi R. Kling + a Sea tank top.
Ends on July 10th.
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Cry Havoc! is having a 120 followers giveaway. There will be 2 winners, the 1st will one 2 books and the 2nd 1. If she gets more followers she'll add more winners. You have to choose the books from her list.
Ends on July 15th.
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The Undercover Book Lover is having a Paranormal Five Giveaway. There will be 5 winners and each will get an ARC of either Nightshade, Paranormalcy, The Eternal Ones, Halo or Pegasus.
This ends on July 15th.
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The Here, The Now & The Books is giving away a copy of Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. You could also win an ARC of The Clockwork Angel, the only thing you have to do is make a video telling them why you want it.
This ends on June 25th.
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The Subtle Chronicler is giving away a book of your choice from The Book Depository. There will be 2 winners, but for each new 25 followers, a new winner will be added.
Ends in July 28th.
Enter here.