Book Review - The Secret Hour (Midnighters 1) by Scott Westerfeld

The Secret Hour - (Midnighters book 1)  by Scott Westerfeld
(buy me)

Synopsis
As the new girl at Bixby High School, Jessica Day expected some unwelcome attention. What she didn't expect was to feel an instant connection to a stranger in the corridor ...Who is this boy dressed in black? And why can she feel his eyes following her wherever she goes? The answers will have to wait until the sun goes down, for here in Bixby, midnight is the time for secrets; secrets that Jessica is going to find out, whether she wants to or not.

My Review
 
The Secret Hour is the first in the series called Midnighter's by Scott Westerfeld. When I first started reading this novel I was a little confused, knowing it was due to Scott lying down the basis of the plot I continued to read and found myself getting more and more addicted with every page.

The Story is told from a split POV amongst the 5 Midnighter's Jessica who is the main of the 5, Jonathan, Dess, Rex and Melissa being the remaining 4. Each character has there own unique 'gift' which activates in the 25th hour, an hour when all time stands still except for the Darklings and The Midnighters.

The Secret Hour concentrates on Jessica (the main of the 5 characters in this book so far) who takes you through The Secret Hour on a journey of discovery as a Midnighter and what her 'gift' is, but along the way we get sneak peaks of the other characters and who and what there 'gifts' are and at many points leaving me confused about how there 'gifts' work. I am also a little disappointed that Scott never highlighted more about the other characters, I felt they where only briefly touched upon so because of this I have left my trust in Scott that there will be more in store later on in the series....I think there is potential there for amazing characters who will remain on the brain but only if the remaining books live up to my expectations.

Scott has wrote a great book that is unique, exhilarating and skillfully written, one that I would recommend to all...Not only did I read this in less then 24 hours but I also had time to sit and ponder over the best parts and what I would like to happen next. I genuinely can not wait to start Touching Darkness lets hope it as good as The Secret Hour! :o)

Happy Weekend xxx

Blog a Little Book Shelf

So as many of my followers know I am moving house (does a little happy dance) and with the move it means I get a really nice book shelf to go in my reading space.

So in honor of my special space this special bookcase needs some inspiration and here is the place to see it...I will share my love and findings with you every Friday as you all know i love to share ;o)

Photo from here

Photo from here

Image from here

photo from here

image from here

*Sigh* I am totally in love with the 2nd and 5th one's! What book shelves have you seen that you love the look of...please feel free to share yours, email me and I will feature it next Friday

Hope you all have a happy weekend xxx

Book Review - The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Synopsis
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.


And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future-between the one she loves and the one who loves her.
And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

My Review

So when I recieved an email asking me to post my review for this book on my Blog I was like hmmm I love the book but I think it deserves a re-read so that everything is fresh in my mind....but really it was just an excuse to re-read it ;o) The Forest of Hands and Teeth is the first in a series by Carrie Ryan and reading it was the best thing I did.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is very engaging - always keeping me on the edge of my seat dying to know the secrets of this hidden world, dying to find out what was going to happen next without ever getting bored. Being a fast paced and full of action novel with its nail biting realities mad it a splendid and fascinating read....With the latest paranormal trends lately, I thought it was going to be a long long time before I picked up anything other than wolves and vampires but Carrie takes Zombies to a whole new level in a world that is unique in its own.

The main character Mary takes you on a journey of discovery and what lies behind the fences in The Forest of Hands and Teeth. She is a dreamer and like her mother had a better plan of the world then staying secure and she was willing to risk her life for that vision, losing all her friends and family along the way. It reminded me so much of careless teenage days when we don’t look at the bigger picture and only see one vision ahead doing whatever we can to get there regardless of who we hurt on the way, but without realizing it we hurt ourselves only. Mary was a strong and well written character and even though she was a little selfish at times it suited her role well... she was an adventurer and its die or live and suffering the consequences as she went.

Overall the Forest of Hands and Teeth was a brilliant read, one that once I picked it up I was unable to put down and yet I have read it twice and still it has the same ongoing effect of a well written and engaging novel with no end the adventure. A must read for all my paranormal fans out there...believe me when I say it’s nothing like dawn of the dead ;o)

Also if you’re one of those that have not watched the trailer yet...it will only persuade you more...enjoy

Happy Reading xxx

Wishing on a Wednesday (4)

This weeks wishing on a Wednesday is for a book I don't think many have heard of but I adore the cover and the book sounds awesome

Dark Heart Forever

Synopsis

Jane Jonas is nearing her 16th birthday and troubled by unsettling recurring dreams where the same mysterious boy her age comes to her, telling Jane that they are each other's destiny. Her mother is increasingly anxious about Jane's disruptive sleepwalking episodes, but for Jane her dream world and reality are about to collide ...When she develops a friendship with an enigmatic stranger in town, the blond, uber-cool Evan, it's exciting, it's new, and Jane wants him more than she's ever wanted anybody - until her mystery dream boy gets in the way. Now Jane is caught between two worlds: one familiar, but tinged with romance and excitement; the other dark and dangerous, where angels, werewolves, the undead, and an irresistible stranger are trying to seduce her ...

Released 7th October 2010

What do you think? Sounds great right!

Book Review - The Physick book of Deliverence Dane by Katherine Howe

The Physick Book of Deliverence Dane by Katherine Howe

Synopsis

While clearing out her grandmother's cottage for sale, Connie Goodwin finds a hidden parchment inscribed with the name Deliverance Dane. And so begins the hunt to uncover the woman behind the name, a hunt that takes her back to Salem in 1692 ...and the infamous witchcraft trials. But nothing is entirely as it seems and when Connie unearths the existence of Deliverance's spell book, the Physick Book, the situation takes on a menacing edge as interested parties reveal their desperation to find this precious artefact at any cost. What secrets does the Physick Book contain? What magic is scrawled across its parchment pages? Connie must race to answer these questions - and reveal the truth about Salem's women - before an ancient family curse once more fulfils its dark and devastating prophecy ...This title is previously published in the UK as "The Lost Book of Salem".


My Review

When I brought this book it was merely out of 'it was the only thing on the shelves at tesco that looked like it was worth reading' I was not fully prepared for the fact i may get totally indulged in the story that I would do my own research on a topic we never got taught here in history ''The Salem Witch Trials''.

This book journeys through present and past with such passion you are indulged in both worlds without the feeling your getting thrown of track, to learn of how the trial went with Connie's past generations why she undergoes the journey of her own self discovery that she is in fact a witch from a long line of witch's that go as far back as the Salem Witch Trials.

I was truly smitten after the first few chapters and its definitely a must read to anyone who likes reading books with historical fiction mixed with controversial and a little romance mixed between the lines.....a total out of the box read for me and one I devoured it.

Where We Read

Welcome to Where We Read, the new feature here at The Readings of a Busy Mom.

Its the place to see and share with you where us blogger's and authors enjoy to read.

From sofa's and beds to fancy nook's this is the place we read out books

This week's guest we have been joined by the fabulous and my fellow Brit chick blogger Carolyn from Book Chick City.

Can you tell is a little about yourself?

My name is Carolyn and I'm the chick behind Book Chick City. I review mainly speculative fiction, so lots of Urban Fantasy and Horror etc but I also review Mystery and Romance. I live in England, UK with my hubby. Outside of reading and blogging I love to cycle, go to the gym, travel and generally have a good time with the hubster.

{PHOTO - Me at a Conrad Williams book signing}

Where is your favorite reading spot?

The first is in the bath...with lots of bubbles!

The second is on the sofa with my fluffy blanket

The third is in bed

Why do you like to read there?

I love to read in the bath because it's quiet. I've always read in the bath since I was young, so now it's habit as much as anything - I know that once I'm there I won't be bothered by anyone. In the evening I read on the sofa while the hubster watches tele and of course I read before bed, in bed - it's very comfy ;)

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots.

Oh wow, this is a toughie - 5 books...*thinks hard*

Ok...

1. Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane - this series has blown me away - I adore each book and can't wait for more (I know you said 'book' but can't choose one)

2. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman - the most fantastic YA book I've ever read - it's really amazing.

3. Dracula by Bram Stoker - the best 'Dracula' book in my opinion, it's where it all began really and I love this book - I have five different editions on my shelves :)

4. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton - this was the first UF book I ever read and it has a very special place in my heart - I know there's a lot of hoohaa about the later books (which I haven't read yet as only up to book 10), but I love this series.

5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - this is one of my favourite classics, I think it is such a romantic book, albeit a tortured one - I love the tortured relationship and this is one of the best - a must read in my opinion.

-x-x-x-

Yay! Thank you Carolyn for joining us today.....I must admit I love to read in the bath and have done since I was in nappies when my mom brought me my first waterproof book *grinning from ear to ear* and does anyone else think I'm a meanie with the hole only 5 books but trust me its for the best as then we get the best 5 books....hope you all enjoyed today's post and feel free to check out Book Chick City and the books she suggested..where do you like to read?

 

If you would like to take part in my new feature Where We Read please email me

Book Review - The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Synopsis
After getting dumped by her boyfriend, Mia is looking forward to spending a relaxing summer in the Hamptons with her glamorous cousins. But when she arrives she find her cousins distant, moody, and caught up with a fast crowd. Mia finds herself lonelier than ever, until she meets her next-door-neighbor, Simon Ross. And from the very first time he encourages her to go skinny dipping, she's caught in a current impossible to resist

My Review

When I sat down to read this book I wasn't in my best of moods. I was in that place where I'm tired yet restless and felt that the only cure would be to read and I am grateful I did.... Amanda had me enraptured by her writing....losing myself amongst her words in a story that is sure to mend a few broken hearts with hope and a few souls with passion to be who you are and not what others wish you to be!!! Pure brilliance.

I don't think there are many times I have allowed a book to keep me awake when I'm at the point i feel sleep is over due, but skinny dipping or not i could not bring myself to put it down until i was on the last page. I was enlightened by the characters in The Summer of Skinny Dipping. Mia  being the main character had started off annoying and drove me insane with her constant insecurities but this feature made her more realistic and i found myself connecting to her throughout the book and her journey of sun, sea and sand.

I must admit I LOVE IT no scratch that, I'm in love with The Summer of Skinny Dipping,....It is a well written and perfect read on a rainy day( I would say sunny but we have nothing but grey skies here in the UK lately). So I advice you to grab a copy, lounge out and read until you untwine the bindings as I assure you this will be a fabulous read....one I'm sure you will be pining for the Sequel The Summer of Sneaking Out (Summer, #2) (jumps with delight) and if it is anything like the first it will be a true pick me up and eat me typa novel

Happy Reading xxx

In My Mailbox(6)

IMM is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren

So my IMM is going up a little early this week as I'm majorly rushed of my feet tomorrow as I have just got a new house and need to start the decorating :o)

This week I thought I would do Vlog as well as the normal cover visual. Although it isn't very good and I was really nervous hopefully next weeks one will be better;o)

Tehee seriously it will be better next week, I will totally be more prepared..... and does anyone else like to read the synopsis...I feel like a total judge by the cover type of girl.....synopsis have started to tell the whole story in a few words...not good at all!

So now for the visual

For Review

Strange Angels by Lili St Crow

Betrayals by Lili St Crow

Jealousy by Lili St Crow

Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley

The Prophecy by John Kilgallon

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Books Brought

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

The Van Allen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Crus

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Unholy Ghost by Stacia Kane

Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane

Other by Karen Kincy

So thats this weeks In My Mailbox...what did you get in your mailbox this week? I would love to see!

Book Review - Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

Synopsis
Jennie’s connection with her twin brother, Toby, grew stronger after he died in 1864. Now Jennie must rely on her ability to communicate with the dead to find out what has happened to her beloved fiance, Will, while he was off at war.


This intriguing combination of historical romance, paranormal thriller, and clever mystery is illustrated by bestselling artist Lisa Brown. The unique visuals originated from real Civil War daguerreotypes that were transformed into eerie mementos for Jennie’s scrapbook.

With the help of a spiritualist photographer, the spirit of her dead fiance, and the clues she discovers and keeps in her scrapbook, Jennie must put together the pieces of this mystery before she loses her home, her fortune, and possibly her life.
 
My Review
 
I once commented on a facebook status that asked 'What keeps you reading a story the plot or the characters?' and I replied both but what I fail to realise is that sometimes you have the plot and you have the characters but you just cant connect, that's how I felt with the main character Jennie but i felt as if i connected with the surrounding characters as she was describing her feelings her journey I felt sympathy, anger, sorrow for them but not her even though at times i knew she deserved my emotions.

Adele takes you on a journey of love and sorrow in Picture the Dead one with the feeling of a diary, that is shown through illustrations of a scrapbook (which I occasionally wished where bigger so I could focus on the letters and read whats written without a struggle) it also allows more insight into the descriptions of each page she adds to her scrapbook. I managed to read with delighted eagerness to uncover the mystery behind the lie and only had suspicion's towards the end which surprised me as in the beginning I fell for Adele's trick of a sneaky plot to hide the real one...very clever indeed as I was thrown way off track.

Other then my lack of connection to the main character Jennie and my eagerness to read about her surrounding characters, Picture the Dead is a good read. Adele writes with a clear passion that throws you into the story from the beginning and has non stop action as each page is turned. I think because of all the action and the continuous twists and turns is why I managed to devour the book within hours and I think if it wasn't for the children it would have been considerably less(*sigh the joys of being a busy mom :o}).

I couldn't stick this into one category as  feel it genre-binding, but if you are a lover of historical and mystery fiction then have a whizz you will find it a very enjoyable read.

Saturday Series Love

Saturday Series Love is my feature where you can find out what series are hot....unbeatable.....fantastic....can't stop reading reads.....

They can be read series or wishing to read series either way I am sharing the love

This weeks series is one I haven't read :o( but have just ordered :o) I have heard a lot about it and I am hoping it lives up to my expectations, its The Blood Coven Series by Mari Mancusi

Blood Coven Series by Mari Mancusi

Synopsis

Boys That Bite

After long time of studies, Rayne has gain the right to be turned to a vampire, but on her great day the vampire who is supposed to turn her bites her twin Sunny by mistake. Now Sunny has one week left to find the antidote if she wants to stay human.

Stake That

Not only is Rayne still human but she also has to work for the other side, “Slayer Inc”. She totally does not want to be a slayer since her dream is to become a vampire.She gets a mission to stop the insane Vampire Maverick, who wants to take over the local coven and by doing so, weakens all the other Vamps in line to be the next leader. The coven leader Magnus orders his general Jareth to work together with Rayne to save his coven from losses but Jareth bears a personal hatred towards Slayer Inc. which he transfers on to Rayne. Later in the story Rayne is infected by the virus that has been weakening the Vampires and all humans that are infected die, On her dying day Jareth turns her into a vampire where they become Blood mates and pronounce their love for one another and every one is shocked since the hated each other to begin with. Also she stop writing in her blog around the end and starts writing in a diary since some people make rude comments on it.

Girls That Growl

Now, a vampire but without vampire strength and vampire powers Rayne is still forced to go to school and to work for Slayer Inc. Her new Mission is to infiltrate the cheerleaders and find a missing football player. How could a goth girl which uses every chance to tease the cheerleaders join their ranks?

Bad Blood

Unable to serve as Magnus' co-ruler of the Blood Coven because of her humanity, Sunny is suspicious of the Coven's choice, Jane Johnson. When the Blood Coven travels to Las Vegas for a vampire convention, Sunny and her twin sister, Rayne, tag along so Sunny can learn the truth about Jane.

Don't you think they sound great? To find out more head on over to Mari Mancusi website

Happy Reading All xx

Book Review - Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

Synopsis
This is a compelling and beautifully written novel about first love, first sex, and everything in between. Maddy Fisher has decided to fall in love. And not just any sort of love: can't-eat can't-sleep crazy in love. Rich Ross is after the same thing. He's set his sights high, and he's going to make it happen. The problem is, in life's messy whirlwind of friends and lies and sex and porn, the real thing can be hard to fine. But there's always a first time for everything...

My Review

As it says on William Nicholson's website, 'this is a book written for girls and guys to show them what girls and guys think about love and sex.' Having read my fair share of YA novels that touch on the subject none of them came close to Rich and Mad, Its honest, genuine and out right ruthless not caring whats written William just gets down and dirty!

I was taken on a journey that not only I related to but that was undeniable truth...nothing comes easy when you are facing this journey in life and reading the trials the characters are put through explores this journey from both sides. Rich and Maddy are both alike.. their innocence and insecurities are visible through out. Navigating from one step of teen life to the next and overcoming all the hurdles in the way....its pure well observed and researched honesty.

Rich and Mad is a book that's fun and interesting read...a total out of the 'norm' novel. I would recommend this to all YA lovers of smut and the odd bit of trash talk......It really does remind me of the younger generation today (expecially the ones I come across) William Nicholson gives you a gripping ride in humour, love, romance, emotions and teen troubles and you wont be disappointed! Beware it is what it says on the label ;o)

Happy Friday xMwahx

Book Review - Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft

Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft (buy me)

Synopsis
New home, new friends, new love. Can starting over be that simple? Tess Riddell reckons her beloved Freelander is more reliable than any man - especially her ex-fiance, Olly Gray. She's moving on from her old life and into the perfect cottage in the country. Miles Rattenbury's passions - Old cars and new women! Romance - He's into fun rather than commitment. When Tess crashes the Freelander into his breakdown truck, they find that they're nearly neighbours - yet worlds apart. Despite her overprotective parents and a suddenly attentive Olly, she discovers the joys of village life and even forms an unlikely friendship with Miles. Then, just as their relationship develops into something deeper, an old flame comes looking for him ...Is their love strong enough to overcome the past? Or will it take more than either of them is prepared to give?

My Review

Sue Moorcroft has written an outstanding novel that has over powered me with love. Its not very often I pick up Adult Fiction and when I do its not normally Chick Lit. I love my paranormal and historical Fiction, but when it comes to chick lit I'm more for anything YA. So to read something that's so gripping from the start left me dumb struck and in awe. Sue takes us on a journey of love, mistakes and bad relationships...and I found myself engaged from the very first page.

Sue write's the characters with such passion that they vibrate off the page and once you hold on you can't let go! Miles a.k.a Ratty is that 'guy' you know the one that makes the book, he pulled on my heart strings and made it race with his bad boy vibes. While Tess had me constantly rooting for her I formed a unmistakable love for this women, no matter if she was wrong or right she pulled me along with her for the ride.

I would definitely recommend this book as it is an unmissable read and I must admitt I'm eager to start the second book I received for review written by her All That Mullarkey.

Happy Thursday xxx

Book Review - Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson

Image taken from waterstones

Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson(Pre order me - 5th August)

Synopsis
Hanover Falls hasn't had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. But when people suddenly start dying in Claire Benoit's town, panic spreads fast. At Claire's sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. Claire, however, is more interested in the fact that the gorgeous Matthew Engle keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf. As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever...

My Review

For Christine Johnson's debut novel I feel she has set her standards high for the sequel. Christine Johnson writes an engaging novel with a good plot although it was a little slow at parts, just never slow enough for you to wanna put it down. I moved from page to page with a feeling of slight disappointment when I thought I figured the plot out not even half way in and when it was revealed , my face lit up in enthusiasm as I was proven wrong (a very rare thing to happen) Christine I applaud you, I believe like many readers I was fooled :o)

The  simple characters suited the plot well. Claire's character flourished beautifully, she managed to grasp onto her responsibilities with her head held high and recognized a time for change. Claire's will power, bravery and loyalty kept me mesmerized from page one she never faltered or stopped trying. I do wish Matthew's character had a bigger part in the book, he seems to be a charming young man that is soft hearted and forgiving and deserved to be wrapped into the pages of Claire De Lune. Although I think that this is the starting of a great 1st in a series.

Christine had me hooked from page one and although I felt it was a little slow at times and I wished there was more on the history behind the pack, it didn't take me long to complete it. I'm glad to know that Claire De Lune has a sequel in the making, as it is a great base to start the world in a Claire De Lune frenzy. I recommend to all of my paranormal lovers it truly is a great addition to the bookshelves.
 
(note to my lovely USA readers - feel free to send me a gift of the USA cover version as that cover is to die for *wink wink*).
 
Happy Reading xxx

Trailer Tuesday(4)

Trailer Tuesday is a feature I will be hosting every Tuesday for book trailers I currently adore, it can be a released or due to be released, it can be the original or a fan made trailer....as long as you like it. Feel free to join in and let me know in the comments so I can come and check it out.

 Hey all, its that time of week again where I share with you my trailer love. This weeks trailer is for the FAB sounding book The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

I have heard some interesting things about this novel and can not wait to receive my copy that I have just ordered from the Book Depository.

Whats your favourite trailer right now...come on tell me! you never know i may not have seen it yet!!

Book Review - Zelah Green (One more little problem) by Vanessa Curtis

Zelah Green bk 2 (One more little problem) bu Vanessa Curtis

Synopsis
Warm, winning and real, Zelah Green is back! My name is Zelah Green and I'm a Cleanaholic. It's the summer hols and I'm on major Flirt Alert. I've joined mysortaspace.com and ever since I've been getting emails from loads of boys. Boys are Dirt Alert AND Germ Alert. Don't even talk to me about kissing...The rest of my life's a bit rubbish too. That's because: my dad is moping about the house missing his girlfriend; my ex-best friend still isn't speaking to me; my grumpy weirdo Satanist friend has turned up to stay; my cleaning rituals are are taking up way too much time; and, most importantly, the guy I really like, Sol, has disappeared off the face of the earth...


My Review
If you remember I read and reviewed the first book in the Zelah Green set here and loved it, so when I began the second I was stoked into a world where the old saying 'before things get better they get worse' came into play.
 
Vanessa writes this book better then her first and it only gets more funky with never ending humour throughout. It explores Zelah in a different light, allowing us to see what makes her OCD worse, and with everything that's going on in her life I don't blame her. I love Zelah's character it reminds me of today's typical teens(without the OCD) stressing about boys, life, family, friends except Zelah is a little more mature in many aspects, she has had to grow up very fast.
 
Zelah Green is a book series that I would recommend, it highlights many aspects around us. Making those with a problem, want to seek help and those without, to understand that there are many reasons why people out there suffer, they do what they do for a reason. Vanessa Curtis  has wrote a truthful book that explores self-harm, depression, and alcoholism, she is never patronising or employing self-improvement trash. A thumbs up from me!


Happy Reading xx

Where We Read - Kristi (The Story Siren)

Welcome to Where We Read, the new feature here at The Readings of a Busy Mom.

 Its the place to see and share with you where us blogger's and authors enjoy to read.

From sofa's and beds to fancy nook's this is the place we read out books

To Start of this week we have been joined by the fabulous Kristi from The Story Siren

Can you tell is a little about yourself?

My name is Kristi! I'm a young adult literature addict. I share that addiction on my blog, The Story Siren. I live in a small town in Indiana with my husband and our rottweiler, Xander. When I'm not reading or blogging, I'm hanging out with my boys!

Where is your favorite reading spot?

My frumpy couch, with my blanket.

Oh I love that couch it looks soft! Why do you like to read there?
I read there because it's comfy! I don't seclude myself when I'm reading a book. Otherwise I'd probably never see my husband, so he is usually there beside me on the couch watching television while I read. I don't have any problems tuning out the television when I'm reading, so it works out nicely for me

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots.

This is such a loaded question..... only five!

Yeah 5, as if I make you narrow them down they will be the best 5 ;o)
Speak by Laure Halse Anderson (for something serious)

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward (for a steamy romance)

Forget You by Jennifer Echols (for something different)

A Match Made in High School (for something funny)

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead (for an escape from reality)

Thank you Kristi, don't you all just love that couch you can see why Kristi enjoys to read there it looks all soft and comfy! If you don't know who Kristi is please check out her blog

If you would like to take part in my new feature Where We Read please email me

In My Mailbox(5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren

I really wanted to do a vlog for this weeks In my Mailbox, but my little Leela Bug(youngest daughter) hasn't been too well so i will try to do one and add it later today.

I got some FANTASTIC books this week  for review, I was also meant to get a parcel from Amazon which hasn't arrived so that will be in next weeks IMM. So lets start with what I got this week

     

 IDRACULA by Bekka Black

A Cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware

The Poisoned House by Michael Ford

 

Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

 

Black Sea Twilight by Domnica Radulescu

The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green

TheWolf Next Door by Lydia Dare

 So that's all this week guys, leave me a comment and link me to your In My Mailbox, I would love to see what you got!

Book Review - His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm(Pre-order your copy)
Synopsis

When sixteen-year-old Lucrezia de' Medici marries the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este, she imagines life with her handsome husband will be idyllic. But little does she know that he is a very complicated man. The marriage is fraught with difficulties from the start, and, as time passes, Lucrezia becomes increasingly alienated. For Alfonso, the pressure mounts as the Vatican threatens to reclaim his title should the couple remain unable to produce an heir. Only his lover Francesca seems able to tame his increasing fury. But Alfonso's growing resentment towards his duchess soon becomes unbearable, and he begins to plot an unthinkable way to escape his problems.

My Review

His last Duchess is Gabrielle Kimm's debut novel which is inspired by the poem 'My Last Duchess by Robert Browing'. The novel has become a fave amongst my shelves and stands proud with its beautiful cover(you know you all agree). Holding it in my hands once received and even smelling the pages for this novel wasn't enough to hold me content, so it rushed to the front of my TBR pile and boy I'm glad I did.

I was immediately seduced by His Last Duchess and grew very fond of the characters Lucrezia with her compassion and innocence, I found myself rooting for her to have a happy ending and was constantly praying for her to escape the vicious lie of a marriage to Alfonso who was a nasty, troubled man (that also needs a good beating ;o}). I was constantly surprised at how Gabrielle worked her magic never allowing the suspense, adventure and danger to leave the page and for it only to get more exciting towards the end.

His Last Duchess is a definite addition to your books shelves - get yourself a little historical fiction to make your mouth water and toes curl with the gripping novel and life like situations explored in breathtaking detail which gives you a great sense of time. I was never a real historical fiction fan but have found myself falling harder then expected. I can not wait for the sequel The Courtesan’s Choice, which will be about one of the minor characters Francesca (Alfonso's lover).

I recommend this to all my readers - why you ask? Because its one bad ass novel in 416 pages ;o)

Happy Weekend xxx