TVD Review: The Five

Hi everyone! This episode was great!! Check out my character commentary!

The flashbacks were great as usual. It was nice to know how the "five" got their tattoos. That was quite intense. The men were super ripped! Did I mention I'm really glad Elijah was in this episode?!!

Damon and Stefan

As usual, I love their brotherly banter. I especially enjoyed when Damon said he was looking for a "Supernatural Handbook" - he has such witty lines!

Stefan and Elena

I was telling my roommate that it reminds me of Twilight - Edward and Bella had the woods as their special place. Now Stefan and Elena uses the woods for training - sexy training if I may add. It was great that I finally understood why Elena didn't turn to Caroline for help - she was too good at being a vampire, she doesn't know what Elena is going through.

Rebekah and Matt

It's sad that Rebekah is practically bribing Matt to be her friend by buying him a truck - which he kept by the way. I just wish one day Rebekah would have real friends and give her a second chance. Then again, she also has to put in the effort and stop eating them!

Rebekah and Klaus

These two siblings seriously were the closest and now seems like mortal enemies. They just continue to fight and fight and it breaks my heart to see them like that. They both want the same thing - LOVE. I wish they would eventually get it. They both deserve it. It sucks that Klaus thought he had to dagger Rebekah again. No wonder they never get along.

Damon and Elena

No matter how much I want to believe that Elena is meant to be with Stefan, I keep doubting my beliefs when she's with Damon. Damon just wants to help her and give her everything, while Stefan respects her wishes and wants to do what is best for her. Yikes! I'm glad Elena went on that college trip with Bonnie to learn feeding with Damon. Although her ever-present conscience is starting to get on my nerves. I should have expected that she would have such trouble being a vampire, but come on... Damon said he is able to stop himself from killing his prey because he's able to have fun and revel in it. What's wrong with that? Food pyramid! Come on, Elena.

Damon: I always had a thing for sorority girls.
Bonnie: You're disgusting.
Damon: I know.

Stefan and Klaus
Ever since Klaus compelled Stefan, they've created some sort of bond. It's cute when they work together and plot together :) Klaus with an inquisition room, though? Wow, he just keeps impressing me. Stefan? I foresee a new obsession: the cure. He wants so badly to give Elena her life back, he's willing to help Klaus.

Bonnie
Getting close to a professor. Naturally, he'd be disguised and truly the bad guy of the story.

Klaus and Jeremy

I'm so glad Klaus didn't outright kill Jeremy this time. He's becoming a better vampire, somehow...I hope. Connor, the Hunter, keeps on insisting that Jeremy is a potential vampire hunter. I just hope he doesn't surrender to that desire, especially since Elena is a vampire.

So, the "five" claimed that there is a cure for being a vampire... Uhm, isn't that code name for "vampire extinction"??

Did anyone see how Connor went all Mike Tyson on that Asian vampire?! LOL!

So, did you all watch this episode?!!! Are you excited for tomorrow's episode?!!!

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Top 10 Tuesday: Books I Want Santa To Bring

This is my fourth time participating in this meme! I thought this would be easy to do since I have a wish list of books already. This top 10 might change, but for now, this is what I could think of as my top 10.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they were particularly fond of lists.

This week's list is a freebie, so I looked at past lists and thought this topic was appropriate since Black Friday is almost here and I'm pretty much in the Christmas mood since last month!

Top 10 Books I Want Santa To Bring (in no particular order)
P.S. I've taken the liberty to have the titles linked with the Amazon buy page (*wink wink*)


1. Slow Twitch by Liz Reinhardt
I've wanted to read this book but haven't had time. I don't mind waiting because I have a lot of books to get to. But eventually, I would love to read this book. I love Liz's Brenna Blixen novels!

2. Last Breath by Rachel Caine
I already have Book 11, but I can't read it until I read Book 10, so someone, please give it to me for Christmas. I've been waiting to read it. 

3. Lost in Time by Melissa De La Cruz
I like this series, and I want to find out what happened in the story where it left off.

4. The Trouble With Cowboys by Melissa Cutler
Oh my, when I heard Melissa read an excerpt live, I just about fell in love. And I also couldn't stop looking at the model in the cover... *sigh*

5. Slayer's Kiss by Cassi Carver
I also heard Cassi read an excerpt from this book aloud. She's such an animated reader. I just got caught in the story when she read it.

6. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
I got Pandemonium already, so I think I need Delirium now so I can catch up on the hype :)

7. Firelight by Sophie Jordan
I'm curious what this book is about. It has a nice cover :)

8. A Midnight Dance by Lila DiPasqua
I read a little excerpt booklet of this book. I was hooked. I just have to read this book.

9. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
I got Book 2 first, and I can't really start the series if I don't read Book 1 first. So, have mercy on me and let me catch up on why this series is so amazing.

10. Hidden by PC and Kristin Cast
I found that this book just released. Usually I enter giveaways for this, but I've been so busy this semester, I haven't been entering any giveaways or catching up with my Dashboard. So, who wants to be my secret Santa this year who gives me this book?

So, there's my list. Am I the only one who haven't read these books? Come talk to me in the comments. Tell me your top 10!

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FMB Review: The Vampire's Hope by Danica Winters

Title: The Vampire's Hope
Series: The Vampire's Hope Book One
Author: Danica Winters
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense,

Publisher: BTGN
Ebook
Pages: 40

Purchase:

Amazon| Barnes and Noble | ARe | Kobo


Book Description:

Ellie Smith, an emotionally stunted dancer, finds more than she bargains for after her human life is taken by the vampire, Master Liam.  Once inside the Vampire’s underground lair, the Keres Den, she meets Ian, an immortal Viking warrior, who is infiltrating the soulless prison.  (New Paragraph) As Ellie begins her training, she learns that the dark tunnels around her are filled with even darker secrets.  As the truth of her existence come to light, she is faced with a choice—does she let her past dictate her future, or can she begin to feel again?

Chapter One

The couple in front of her stood under the bar’s lopsided mistletoe, their lips pressed against each other in a gesture of Christmas spirit. On the man’s lapel was a white rose, smashed against the woman’s full breast. The sight made Ellie Smith laugh. Ellie was the same age as the two lip-locked party goers, yet they were so much younger. They wore the white rose of hope—probably hope for love that would undoubtedly turn bad, or hope that the holidays would bring them the gifts of eternal bliss… those naïve fools. The couple parted and their cheeks glowed with the pink twinges of arousal. The sight was more than she could handle and she looked away. They were luckier than they knew. They probably did not have any idea what it was like to be without a bed for the night, without a home, without purpose, and without hope. To her left a thick-set, redheaded man approached. His shoulders were erect and he walked with a stride that conveyed power. Catching Ellie’s eye, he smiled the grim smile of subtle manipulation. Whatever he wanted, he wouldn’t get it from her. A blonde man with an arched smile stepped out from behind the threatening redhead and sat down at the table. “Hello, Elpis. Welcome to The Ravena.” The way he said her name made her skin crawl. The blonde waved his hand at the rows of booze and the surly bartender. “I hope you like the bar.” The bar was like any number of others, just another stop in her constant travel through the dark world of the forgotten. “Thanks. I have no idea how you know my given name, but I’d rather you called me Ellie.” “Sorry, Ellie.” “Are you the owner of this place?” The blonde motioned to the dangerous-looking redhead behind him. She knew she should fear them, but there was nothing inside of her heart. “I need a job. Are you hiring? I can dance.” The blonde laughed. He looked over his shoulder at the red-headed man. “She doesn’t have a clue.” He turned back to her as if he had said nothing to the man who was clearly his boss. “My name is Ian. And this is Master Liam…” He pointed at the rigid redheaded man. “What are you after?” The club’s music filled the silence between them. Ian smirked. “Master Liam would like a dance.” Ellie gazed over Ian’s blonde hair and his features—his eyes were the same blue as the sea, and his face was wide and rugged. He looked like a portrait of a Viking. Master Liam extended his hand in a silent command to dance. She looked back at the handsome Viking. Liam was a threat, but so was Ian. Was it better to go after a powerful man who she wasn’t attracted to in hopes of getting a job, or was it better to forget her chance of getting hired and stay with the handsome Viking? For once Ellie wondered what it was like to feel something—anything. If she was normal, would she blush? Would her lust move her nearer to him? Instead, she only felt the dull emptiness inside of her breast. Was there truly life without emotion? Ellie slipped her hand into Master Liam’s. He led her to the dance floor, but she could sense Ian’s eyes upon her. Master Liam moved in a stiff, archaic way and his hands never strayed from her waist. Not that she minded. It was nice not to be groped. What kind of dancer would Ian be? She looked back at her table. Ian stared at her with a hunger in his eyes. She dropped her gaze. If he wanted her, he didn’t act the part. Master Liam said nothing to her as she looked up into his face. His eyes were filled with lust and they slowly danced their way to the farthest recess of the dance floor. His cold hands forced her head back and she stared up at the ceiling. He pushed her against the wall. He slowly bent down, taking each movement in his own unhurried time. He inhaled and blew his chilled breath against the skin of her neck. He wasn’t the man she wanted, but a job was a job—however she had to get it. Liam leaned in, and instead of kissing her lips, he pressed his face into her neck and caressed her skin with his icy lips. She drew in a breath and her pulse quickened. His teeth pierced her skin, and she started to shriek, but his hand clamped down over her opening lips. She struggled but as he drained her, weakness won. A fire burned where his teeth dug into her flesh. Acid filled her veins. With her last thought, she envisioned the white rose on the stranger’s lapel. No emotion, no hope…

Review

This book was a well-written short. I enjoyed it.

Ellie was a human who didn't have the ability to feel any emotions. It wasn't a big surprise to her when she was turned into a vampire. She thought she was dead even when she was alive because of her lack of emotions. I wondered what was the reason why she couldn't feel anything, though. Was it just because she's been through so much in her life, her body turned itself off?

Anyway, she was "trained" for something, but she didn't know what it was. Then, she met Ian. Ian made her feel. He gave her hope. He also told her that she was some kind of vessel of hope for humanity, and that the vampires planned to use her as some kind of sedative to numb the humans while they're being slaughtered. Evil much?

I loved the little factoid that Ellie might be or is the daughter of Nyx.

One thing I found about vampires in this book is that they had talons. They would drink humans dry and then use their talons to rip out their soul. They're definitely evil.

Finally, there were sex scenes in this book. Not explicit or anything, but might not be appropriate for some young readers.

About the Author:

Danica Winters is an Amazon best-selling romance author based in Montana. She is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, and Greater Seattle Romance Writers.

She is a contributor to magazines, websites, and news organizations. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, the outdoors, and the bliss brought by the printed word.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads| Amazon Author Page | Barnes and Noble | Ravenous Romance | Silver Publishing | Books to Go Now

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Pink Spotlight (15): Impulse Buys!

Hi everyone! How are you all?! Wow, I've been so busy lately, it's hard to keep up with things I've received this week. I'll try my best to list them below, but I might miss some things.

First, I've got a haul from Target. I went there just to buy a couple things. Let me tell you, that place is quite evil. I ended up doing some impulse shopping!

This shampoo and conditioner smells great and cheap!

I've only used it twice so far (once a week) and it sure burns! Benzoyl Peroxide is too strong for my skin. Any thoughts?

Polish and sanitizer were impulse buys. Lip Butter is in the shade Cherry Tart - love it!

Impulse buy.. Isn't it gorgeous?

Next up, I finally received the book I won from Riverina Romantics :) I didn't take a picture, but the cover is below. Isn't it beautiful?

This next one is what I would call a fan souvenir. I don't remember if I mentioned back in September that I was again taking a theater class with Mr. Bob Foxworth. Anyway, he had a job in LA so he had to leave us halfway through the semester. October 25 was his last day with us, so granted, we all went and printed things out for him to sign. I had a great idea for mine. I printed our picture together from last year and had him sign it. I was so excited to show it to him and he was touched when he saw it. Check it out!

Finally, below are two e-books I've gotten since my last Pink Spotlight :) There were more, but I didn't find it appropriate to post them ;)

So tell me, what did you get this past couple weeks?

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BBT Interview: Once Upon A Twisted Time Anthology

Hi everyone! I have an anthology to highlight today! Do you like fairy tales? What if they're not what you thought they were? Find out below!

Once Upon A Twisted Time

An Anthology of Dark Adult Fairytales
By: Tara Stogner Wood, Trish Marie Dawson, Lindsay Avalon, and Miranda Stork

Genre: Fairytales/Paranormal
Publisher: Moon Rose Publishing
Date of Publication: 31^st October 2012
Pages: 250

Cover Artist: Miranda Stork
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/6IAdJ6ihdmw
www.moonrosepublishing.com

Book Description:


Think you know your fairytales? Think again. These aren’t your normal happily-ever-after. Within these pages, a murderous Little Mermaid gets her revenge, the Cinderella doesn’t really want to wear the slipper, Snow White is up to her eyes in industrial experiments, and the Beauty is in fact the Beast.


This collection of four novellas will surprise you, make you gasp in horror, sigh with relief, and sit on the edge of your seat. And most of all…they will make you rethink everything you think you know about dark fairytales…

Song of the Abyss-Lindsay Avalon
Princess Nerissa had envisioned a perfect wedding to a handsome prince. Instead, she fell into a nightmare. When her new husband tries to murder her just hours after pledging his life to her, she must flee towards the sea. Caught in transition from woman to selkie, she is trapped by the dark waters she hoped would be her salvation. Now her destiny becomes that of luring young men to their death…until one comes along that reignites the spark of love inside her. However to ensure her future, she must first face her past. Revenge must be taken…for both her life, and the life of the young man she now loves.

Miss Cavendish and the Spark of Salvation-Tara Stogner Wood
In a city toiling under the iron fist of the Spiegel Syndicate and its monopoly on coal, Miss Georgina "George" Cavendish is on the brink of a breakthrough that could change the world forever. There's just one thing standing in her way, her aunt - Xenobia Cavendish. Threatened by her efforts, the Syndicate procures the services of a notorious assassin with a past tied to her own, known as The Huntsman, to dispatch the brilliant scientist. But once he gets a glimpse of the headstrong beauty, will he be able to do the job, or will Georgina sway him to The Cause? And will George find the breakthrough she needs in time, or is New London Town doomed to forever lie under the dark shadow of her aunt's factories?

Hawke and the Beast-Trish Marie Dawson
Some curses last forever, and some can be broken with the whisper of three little words. Isabella Rose Woodward fell in love with a witch's son over a century ago. Her punishment for breaking the young man's heart was a beastly one. Every month she turns into a different creature, aging on the full moon when her curse allows for a brief return to her human form. Her only salvation is to find a man that will love her as she is…be it adorned in feathers, fur or scales. Has she found this love with the handsome Jasper Hawke? Or will a mysteriously determined Hunter find her first, and snuff out the life she so desperately seeks? A life of normalcy, where she loves and is loved in return… just as she is.

Reborn City-Miranda Stork
Nyx has one mission in life; bring down the brainwashing of New Omsk’s citizens, and release them from their mundane lives of toil. The year is 2355, and the world is a new place. A Governor is in charge of every city in the world, and humanity is attempting to rebuild itself after recovering from a war that nearly killed it. But this Governor has set his eyes on the intrepid little hacker, Nyx, and he will stop at nothing to get her. But perhaps he needs her more than he ever dreamed he would…as do his citizens.

Interview

Question: Why did you pick that specific fairy tale?

Miranda Stork-

It’s an interesting question. But like most of my stories, I don’t think I did-I think it chose me.

My inspiration can come from lots of sources, but my favourite form of inspiration comes from pictures. Yes, that includes pictures of hot guys. *insert childish giggle here* One of my best friends had found a wonderful picture, of a man sat in a throne-like chair, wearing nothing but leather boots and a regal cape. He had a sword in one hand, and looked broodingly at the camera while books were scattered around him. The first thing that came to our minds was a prince. Then for reason, he was Russian. Don’t ask me why, he just had to be Russian. Sexily rolling all those ‘r’s at the roof of his mouth. Yum. Then he wasn’t necessarily a good prince. Not on the surface, anyway.

Because he was a prince, he would of course have to be part of a fairytale. Cinderella came to mind purely by chance. He just looked like a Prince Charming. We chatted about this enough that we thought, “Why not do an anthology of fairytales?” And so the character was born. I went with Cinderella mainly because of the photo. But it was also because he seemed like the anti-Prince Charming. I wondered what else I could make ‘anti’ within the story. What if the Ugly Sisters were actually good? What if the Fairy Godmother granted wishes, but not to Cinderella? What if she had a hidden agenda?

So I chose it because it chose me. I don’t plan what pops into my head, I’m just the filter for it.

Tara Stogner Wood-

I didn’t really choose Snow White. I had inspiration. Inspiration that left me with no choice but to write this story in this fashion.

As it is with most of my work, I am inspired by photos. And one of my co-authors in this anthology, the lovely Trish Marie Dawson, shared with me a particularly inspiring photo. A photo of a man. A sexy one. We’re talking DEAD sexy. UNF. And in this photo, said sexy man is sporting pants so tight I’m sure they’re breaking morality laws in several countries, a pair of knee-high buckled boots that could only be described as Steampunk, and holding of all things…wait for it…a bow! He WAS The Huntsman. I’m ashamed to admit that Snow White was the afterthought.

But there he was, in all his sartorial glory, screaming for me to write about this dark and dangerous man, with his dark and dangerous desires. All I needed to do was add a swishy great coat, à la Benedict Cumberbatch’s BBC Sherlock, hand the man a mechanical bird, and BOOM! Hello, Asher Cole. Once I got started, I never looked back.

Like the rest of my partners in crime, I didn’t strictly adhere to the canon set by the original tale, but rather worked with elements that were familiar and recognizable to readers, shaping them as the story unfolded. So, as you read, I hope that you take away all the little details that are a wink and a nudge to the original work. I also hope that after reading Asher and George’s story, you walk away with that “happily ever after” feeling. After all, isn’t that how all good fairytales end? Happy reading.

Lindsay Avalon-

I have a confession to make…I always wanted to be a mermaid. I used to pretend I was a mermaid and taught myself how to swim with my legs pressed together. This continued well past the age when I probably should have outgrown this behavior, but what can I say? Given the choice, I’d live in the sea hands down. My mother first put me in a pool when I was only 3 months old and in the ocean when I was just 18 months old. Naturally I had to pick The Little Mermaid.

I didn’t just want to do a mermaid though. I’ve also loved the selkie mythology but hated how they were always sad. I mean, how awesome would it be to shed your skin at will? But who wants to be torn between a life in the sea and the man you love? My mind started racing and thoughts began churning and I knew I had to include a third passion…sirens. Again, who wouldn’t want to have that sort of power over men? Somehow it all ended up working in my head and I think I translated it well onto paper. Personally, I think Nerissa is far more intriguing than Ariel ever was, but I may be a little biased in that respect.

Trish Marie Dawson-

Why did I pick Beauty and the Beast? Well, this particular fairytale has always been one of my favorites. Though I wasn't a young child at the time that the Disney movie came out, I still very much enjoyed it. The bookworm teen, stuck in a place she doesn't feel she belongs, forced to 'conform' to what society sees as appropriate, a father that other's see as embarrassing and the affections of a less than honorable man who wants her to be nothing but barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. When you think about it, the story line is actually quite brutal. You have this lovely girl who is forced to shack up with this hideous beast, who then of course falls in love with him despite his cursed nature.

This story is a good reminder that people should be allowed to be who they are and accepted by society without judgment. Love has no boundaries, and Beauty and the Beast plays with the idea that love is not something formed by looks, but by the feelings and emotions of what happens underneath the skin. Sure, it’s a love story, but it also hits on some deeper issues that we should all pay attention to. The mob mentality to attack and destroy that which is different strikes a chord in me. Then again, I guess I've always been one to swim against the current, rather than with it simply because it is easier. I love Beauty and the Beast because nothing is easy in the story. And Belle is constantly swimming against the current. The uniqueness of her character makes her one of the more realistic of the Disney characters, in my opinion. She's definitely my favorite heroine.

About the Authors:

Tara Stogner Wood-

Tara Wood divides her time between creating domestic bliss and creating hot paranormal romance with the occasional side of kink. When not playing June Cleaver for her hubby and daughter, she can be found at the local Starbucks slamming back Frappuccinos and plotting out her next idea. Or she’s watching the BBC. Tara resides with her wonderful and tolerant family in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. She is currently at work on several projects, one of them being the next book in her In Blood series.

Trish Marie Dawson-

I was born and mostly raised in San Diego, California where I live now with my  family and pets. I’ve been writing short stories and poetry since high school after an obsession with Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’. After over fifteen years of crazy dreams and an overactive imagination, I began my first book ‘I Hope You Find Me’ in December of 2011. When I’m not writing, I am homeschooling my amazing daughter and mildly autistic son, reading whatever I can get my hands on, or enjoying the Southern California sun. As a strict Vegetarian, I hold a special place in my heart for animal rights and dash into the backyard weekly to rescue lizards and mice from our mini-lab/aussie shepherd/cocker spaniel mixed dog, Zoey…who is always getting into some sort of trouble.

Miranda Stork-

I was born in Guisborough, North Yorkshire in 1987 and have lived in various places around Britain, including Newcastle and Glasgow.

My writing is inspired by various writers, including the vivid characters of Charles Dickens, the imagination of Stephen King, and the gothic imagery of Anne Rice.

My love of horror began at an early age, when I was only three or four. I could read proficiently at the age of three, and devoured fairy-stories, but I always had a bent towards the darker stories, such as the Brother's Grimm's tales...Red Riding Hood was always a firm favourite, although I always felt sorry for the wolf, despite him having tried to eat everyone!

Lindsay Avalon-

I am a wife, a mother to an adorable mini schnauzer, a programmer, and now an author. I love reading romance because no matter what may be happening in my life, I can always count on my books to end happily ever after. My sister drilled into me an appreciation for fantasy and mythology, something I try to bring to my books. After hearing me complain a few too many times that I had “nothing” to read despite the hundreds of paperbacks scattered around the house, my husband began suggesting I write my own stories. When I finally took his advice I discovered that although I enjoy my day job as a software engineer, my true calling is to be an author.

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BBT Review: Nothing But Trouble by Lisa Mondello

Nothing But Trouble
Lisa Mondello

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Pages: 148

Amazon    Barnes and Noble    Kobo      iTunes

Book Description:

What's a girl to do all alone with a rodeo cowboy for 1 month in the Wyoming wilderness?

Melanie Summers has something to prove! Being a zoologist is her dream and the only thing standing in the way of her going on an African expedition is her father and his fear.


So she strikes a deal. She has to spend a full month in the Wyoming wilderness and show her father she can handle being in a remote area while managing her Type 1 diabetes before he'll agree to fund the expedition to Africa and allow her to go. But her daddy isn't the only one convinced she'll fail...

But she's not about to let any man underestimate what she can do. Especially not the sexy rodeo cowboy she's hired to help get her through the month in the wilderness.

Yes, he knows what he's doing. But so does she! Yes, he's ruggedly handsome...well, he can't help that, can he? But no sexy cowboy is going to keep her down!

Stoney Buxton needs to raise cash fast to save the family ranch after a barn fire injured his father and left the family finances in ruin. Re-entering the rodeo circuit seems like the best way to get the money he needs. That is until Melanie Summers shows up at his ranch flashing easy money.


To everyone else, Melanie's offer seems like the answer to all his prayers. But one look at her long legs and pouting lips and Stoney knows this high society gal is going to be nothing but trouble...for his cowboy heart.

Excerpt

His jaw tightened. Yes, there was something definitely wrong here. And money had nothing to do with it. It had everything to do with this beauty standing in front of him, who was clueless about what she was getting her pretty little hide into. "No," he replied tersely. "Mr. Buxton, I need your help." "Tourist season is in full swing. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding someone else." He turned his back to her and began walking along the fence toward the barn, almost forgetting... Abruptly, he glanced up and saw the charred remains of the barn. The place where all his troubles had started just one year ago. It hadn't taken but a second for him to hear her boots digging into the dusty gravel behind him, jarring him from his thoughts. "Then I'll do it myself," she said to his back. His whole body stiffened. He angled back to read her face, to see if she was just being a spoiled rotten rich kid, trying to get her way, or if she was actually serious. Seeing her head held high and her arms crossed in front of her, he realized she was dead serious. And dead she'd be if she stepped one boot into those mountains alone. "You'll do no such thing." Frustration flaring, he lifted his dusty hat and forced his fingers through the thick crop of black hair before returning the hat to his head. "You just don't get it, do you? You're not asking me to take you on a theme park ride where you'll get to see the wonders of the world at a nice safe distance. This is God's country. The creatures that live up there don't know civilization, and you are no better than them. You could--probably will--get killed if you go out there alone." His lips twitched, taking a good long appraising look at the woman in front of him. "You might even chip a nail on that pretty hand of yours."

Review

I enjoyed the overall story of this book. However, there were things I didn't like, so I'll start with that.

• Editing - this book was poorly edited. I really dislike it when a book has a great story but has very poor editing. There were tense issues, word issues like using the wrong word or missing a word in a sentence, etc. I felt like I was reading a draft of a wonderful book and I was disappointed knowing this was the final copy.
• Diabetes - I don't have a problem with the illness itself. What I had issues with was the confusion in the book. In the beginning, it seemed as if Melanie was hypoglycemic, which means her blood sugar is usually low. She needed to drink juice or eat something to make sure her blood sugar doesn't drop too much. However, as the book progressed and she was in the mountains, her illness turned around where she had too much sugar and she needed to walk it off. I could be wrong, I'm not as knowledgeable with the subject, but isn't it one or the other? Either you have really low or really high blood sugar?
• Repetitive - the story kept on mentioning how Melanie knew her parents loved her but they kept her locked up that she felt like she was suffocating. I just thought it was unnecessary to repeat it over and over again. Also, the title and the theme of the book was subtly mentioned at the end of the first few chapters and I thought it wasn't necessary to do that.

Besides the three things I mentioned above, I enjoyed this book. I loved Melanie's determination, and I would admit, I also enjoyed Stoney's stubbornness. He was the stereotypical cowboy male with so much pride. I don't know what it is about western men, but it's like a pattern when I read books that they are proud and refuse to admit their feelings or that they need help.

Anyway, I loved that Melanie was so headstrong and she didn't let anyone get in the way of getting what she wanted - and that was to prove that she could overcome her illness and not be an invalid like her parents made her to believe.

I also loved the contrast between Melanie's parents and Stoney's parents. Where Melanie's parents were all about business, money, and convenience, Stoney's parents were all about love and support for each other despite disagreeing with each other's decisions. That kind of love is what Melanie wished she had.

Heat level for this book is not that high, but I still would NOT recommend it to young adult readers.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I'm glad I read it.

About the Author:

Lisa Mondello (a.k.a. LA Mondello) has held many jobs in her life but being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring! She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen.  Her first book, All I Want for Christmas is You, was the winner of the Golden Quill contest for Best First Book and to date has had over 400,000 downloads worldwide.

She is currently the author of 14 novels under the name Lisa Mondello and LA Mondello.

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Book Signing: Lisa Kessler and Christine Ashworth

There was a book signing event last Saturday with Lisa Kessler and Christine Ashworth. I got there half an hour early. I saw Lisa's car pull up so I went and said hi. I finally met her husband and her son. I felt like I was meeting celebrities except I didn't ask for their autographs (lol!).

Anyway, Lisa had so much goodies - candies, posters, books, and other halloween decorations for the table. I helped her and Christine set things up. When I sat down, I took some pictures. This is what I came up with :)

Isn't it awesome?! Haha, Lisa is awesome as usual :) She just brightens up the room! Anyway, they talked about many things like high school, their books, short stories, their characters, etc. Check out this video I made!

Like I said earlier, Lisa and Christine brought their books with them for those interested in buying after they talk. At this time, I got some chocolate from Lisa and I also picked up my giveaway prize from her Twitter party a few weeks ago: Night Walker paperback! I love that I subconsciously chose to wear something blue that day in honor of Night Walker ;)

After I talked to Lisa, I went and chatted a little bit with Christine. Her book sounds awesome, too. Her characters are a tribred - which means they are human/demon/fae combinations. Doesn't that sound intriguing?! I got the books' postcards and her business card!

Finally, I met a fellow Night Angel (Lisa's Street Team Name), Carey! Check out this photo she took, and Melissa Cutler was there, too! I also found out Carey and I live close to each other so there might be some meetups in the future where we gush about Lisa and her books :D

I just love author meetups and then getting a picture with them later. The more I practice with authors, the more I can make sure that I won't faint in front of Matt Bomer when I meet him one day ;)

P.S.
Do you like my Halloween nails? :) I think it turned out great for using a bobby pain to make the dots! :)

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