Thoroughly Sexy Thursday

I just wanted to show some love for a girl that I think rocks the sexy and also the fun and the cute like no one's business, Shakira! Work it girl, and from me to you, thanks for makin hips sexy again. Rock on.

A little something to help us get through Monday

This video just tickles me for some reason. Enjoy!

Finally! I can be a werewolf, too!!

So, if you happen to be an ebay shopper you may have run across this little gem here, a spell to really really for reals turn you into a werewolf. I'm slightly speechless about this. It's going for $100 so far and has one bid. Who bids on this stuff?

If you're a vampire lover, don't feel left out, there's one for you, too. The starting bid is $199 or you can buy it now for $500. I'm sure that's a real bargain, you know, for becoming a vamp and all.

I want to thank the lovely cleolinda for bringing these to my attention on her livejournal. Wow. Thoughts people?

The book fairy strikes again!

The book fairy was very kind to me this week. These came in the mail:

and last but not least:

I'm ridiculously excited that the 80's are back

Well from ripped jeans to this music vid, it looks like the 80's are making a comeback and I'm beyond excited. Bring on the shoulder pads, baby, I can take it!!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!

Ok, the 5 winners of the Dust giveaway are as follows:

S.

Robin K

van_pham

KittNLuv

Britta

Congrats!! I will email those that gave me their email addresses in the comments, otherwise please contact me at brk.nlssn@gmail.com with your mailing address. If I don't hear from you by Friday, you're out of luck and lose your chance for a copy.

Thanks for playing!

Review: Dead, Undead or Somewhere In Between by J.A. Saare

No one knows better than Rhiannon Murphy that one bad corpse can ruin your whole day. She left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her-until now. The deliciously good-looking vampire, Disco, knows her secret. When he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, Rhiannon discovers he's not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no. But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it's only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn't their first stroll around the undead block.

Note: I received a copy from the author for review.

Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between is a fast paced fun read that has one hell of a twist at the end. I really enjoyed the story and there were plenty of interesting characters to spice up the world.

Rhiannon is tough. She talks big and can back it up. Occasionally her narration sounded like she was trying a bit too hard, but for the most part I found her very likable. She's tough but she's also damaged goods and her scars run deep, bringing a touch of vulnerability that made her likable and relatable.

Disco is a great foil for Rhiannon. He's patient, calm and tender and he's powerful enough to give her a sense of security. The two of them play off each other well and make for a believable relationship. Whether arguing or kissing, they're fun to watch.

There were plenty of side characters that were well written and added great dimension to the story. The pace is fast and there is plenty of action. And I will just warn you that you won't see the ending coming and that's a nice change of pace for me.

My final grade: B+

I recommend this read to people that like gritty UF laced with romance and a bit of mystery.

You can check out the author's website here.

Book Rec?

My 9 y.o. is just starting to enjoy reading and he says he wants to read something with "magic and fairy tales" in it. Do any of you lovely peeps have any suggestions? We weren't very impressed with the Percy Jackson series, so not that one. Any suggestions are welcome! :D

Quickie Review: Dust by Joan Frances Turner and a giveaway!

Nine years ago, Jessie had a family. Now, she has a gang.

Nine years ago, Jessie was a vegetarian. Now, she eats very fresh meat.

Nine years ago, Jessie was in a car crash and died. Nine years ago, Jessie was human.

Now, she’s not.

After she was buried, Jessie awoke and tore through the earth to arise, reborn, as a zombie. Jessie’s gang is the Fly-by-Nights. She loves the ancient, skeletal Florian and his memories of time gone by. She’s in love with Joe, a maggot-infested corpse. They fight, hunt, dance together as one—something humans can never understand. There are dark places humans have learned to avoid, lest they run into the zombie gangs.

But now, Jessie and the Fly-by-Nights have seen new creatures in the woods—things not human and not zombie. A strange new illness has flamed up out of nowhere, causing the undeads to become more alive and the living to exist on the brink of death. As bits and pieces of the truth fall around Jessie, like the flesh off her bones, she’ll have to choose between looking away or staring down the madness—and hanging onto everything she has come to know as life…

Note: I received a copy from the publisher.

Dust is definitely different in that we get to see the world through the eyes of Jessie who is a zombie. Jessie is for the most part a good narrator, but there were times when she read a little too teenage for me. Yes she died as a teen, but it's been 9 years now and at times she sounded like she hadn't matured at all. There are some interesting twists and turns in the story and some interesting side characters you meet along the way. For the most part the story is engaging and enjoyable if you're a fan of zombie and horror stories. One word of warning: This book is not for the faint of heart. Getting every gruesome detail of life as a zombie is at times a bit unsettling, but fascinating all the same.

My final grade for Dust is a B-.

Now, on to the fun stuff!

The publisher has graciously offered to give away a copy of Dust to five lucky winners! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post. You must be a resident of the continental United States and the contest runs until next Tuesday the 14th at 11:59 PM PST.

Good luck!

Review: Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan

Overwhelmed by her uncanny ability to manipulate people's emotions through her music, Miranda Grey comes to the attention of vampire lord David Solomon. Believing he can help bring her magic under control, David discovers that Miranda's powers may affect the vampire world too...

Note: I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher.

I had a hard time categorizing this book in my head. It was a little too romancey to be hard core UF, but it wasn't quite romancey enough to read as paranormal romance. Mostly, it read as one woman's journey from near insanity into a kick ass woman in control of herself and her destiny.

I liked that this book didn't shy away from dark and gritty subject matter. So many times I feel like books wuss out at the last minute and that was so not the case with Queen of Shadows. It did read a little long since it mostly focused on Miranda and her journey to self empowerment, but overall it was enjoyable. Miranda and David are great characters that were believable and relatable. The secondary characters were interesting and full of flavor. Sophie and Faith were both pretty kick ass, in my humble opinion. There is definitely a theme of strong women empowering themselves and other women in this book that I really enjoyed.

The ending was pretty much awesome and made up for a lot of the lagging bits. There's a lot of violence and dark subject matter in this book, but it all made sense and therefore added to the story.

I recommend this book to fans of dark but romantic urban fantasy.

Final Grade: B

Squee!!

I got something in the mail today!!

A signed ARC of....


Seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas, where nanotech is fused with Victorian sensibilities—and steam.

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power — and fear — of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

Mina can’t afford his interest, however. Horde blood runs through her veins, and despite the nanotech enhancing her body, she barely scratches out a living in London society. Becoming Rhys’s lover would destroy both her career and her family, yet the investigation prevents her from avoiding him…and the Iron Duke’s ruthless pursuit makes him difficult to resist.

But when Mina uncovers the victim’s identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans — and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

I'm supposed to be reading something else right now, but so far I can't pull myself away from this one.

Much thanks to Meljean Brook for running the awesome contest that I won this in.