Hounded Read-along: Week 5

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board. Come join the fun!

Questions for Chapters 21-25 + epilogue

1. In a moment of anger, Atticus reveals something about himself that he usually keeps very secret, for his own benefit. Has something similar ever happened to you? Have you ever spilled a closely guarded secret in a moment of excitement or anger or absent-mindedness?

I don't think that I've ever spilt a secret in moments of anger, but I know that I've said things that I regret.  It may not be secrets about anyone else, but I think it reveals something about me and it is something that I hope I don't do much of anymore. 

2. Atticus tells Mrs. MacDonagh, "the universe is exactly the size that your soul can encompass. Some people live in extremely small worlds, and some live in a world of infinite possibility." Then he asks her what she is going to do with the new information she has discovered. What would you do if you found out that other beings were among us? Would you deny it or embrace it?

I would love to say I'd embrace it, but I'm a pretty logical person and it would take more than someone biting on my neck for a little liquid nourishment to make me believe in other beings.  (I mean humans have some interesting fetishes too.)  I think I'd need proof multiple times before it would finally sink in.  But once I believed, I would embrace it 100%.  I love individuality and as long as no one is trying to kill me or eat me alive I'm all for it!

3. So far, Atticus has revealed a few of his powers and has even shared some power by putting bindings on Granuaile. What do you think has been his coolest or most helpful power so far?

I love his power to cast invisibility cloaks on people and things.  Just imagine the power of hiding anything and anyone.  Man I would have loved that power in high school. 

4. Atticus gets pretty pissed when he finds out that Aenghus Óg is drawing power from the Earth and, in turn, killing it. That's when Atticus decides he must fight the old Fae for committing such a heinous offense. What is something you would fight for, even if it meant you might die trying?

So I must admit I'm kind of a wuss.  I hate confrontation and will avoid it at all costs.  I know the only thing I would fight for is my family...everyone else, get your own damn body guard because I'm too cute to get shot and I seriously need to be alive so I can find Mr. Sweep-me-off-my-feet-change-my-last-name-I'll-love-you-forever-and-I'll-always-do-the-dishes.  BTW if you see him, send him my way please!     

5. What did you think of the final showdown between Atticus and Aenghus Óg? Did it go down the way you expected? Was there anything about their battle that surprised you?

The battle didn't go down as I expected.  I hate to say it, but it felt almost too easy for Atticus.  I wanted some down and dirty, gladiator style, fight to the death battle.  I love that Atticus got help, but a little more hand-to-hand combat would have been nice. 

6. What was your favorite/least favorite part of Hounded? Who was your favorite/least favorite character?

My favorite part was when Atticus would talk to Mrs. MacDonagh.  I think it showed what a great person he is and it made me like him even more.  My least favorite part would be when Atticus has Emily's head and he's thinking about sending it to the new coven.  Gross and totally inconvenient to be suck with the head of the person he hates while the cops are still him.  My favorite character (hands down) would be Oberon.  He made me laugh so much and always brought a smile to my face.  My least favorite character would be Emily...she was such a snotty brat.

7. What do you think is coming up next for Atticus? Will you continue reading this series, and if so, what do you hope to see happen in the next book?

I would like to see Atticus teach Granuaile to become a druid and maybe meet a nice girl, instead of these goddess who use and abuse him.  As for reading this next book, I already ordered it!  I can't wait to see what happens next.

What's your favorite audiobook?

Lately I have really enjoyed listening to audio books.  I listen to one in my car and I'm lucky enough with my job that at times I can listen to an audio book on my iPod while I'm doing research.  I also listen to audio books when I clean the house, do the dishes, do yard work, walk the dog, etc. 

For me though some books I love on audio and others either have too many characters or the plot line is not conducive to listening to. 

Therefore, that brings me to the question of what is your favorite audio book, or what are some good ones you have listened to lately? 

I'm always on the lookout for great audio books and who better to ask than all the book bloggers!   

Review of Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John

Title: Five Flavors of Dumb
Author: Antony John
Published by: Dial
Pages: 338
Source: Won in a contest
Format: Hardcover
Rating:

Summary from Goodreads: The Challenge: Piper has one month to get the rock band Dumb a paying gig.

The Deal: If she does it, Piper will become the band's manager and get her share of the profits.

The Catch: How can Piper possibly manage one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush, one silent rocker, and one angry girl? And how can she do it when she's deaf?

Piper can't hear Dumb's music, but with growing self-confidence, a budding romance, and a new understanding of the decision her family made to buy a cochlear implant for her deaf baby sister, she discovers her own inner rock star and what it truly means to be a flavor of Dumb.

Absolutely brilliant.  I loved this story from the first page to the last.  From the unique storyline, to the crazy, messed-up characters this book had all the elements for a great read. 

Piper is almost 100% deaf and somehow through unexpected circumstances, lands the job of managing an amateur rock band.  Piper is a character you instantly like.  She's spunky, a bit moody, and like a lot of teenagers...insecure.  Piper takes on this gig without really knowing much about music.  Not only does she have to understand the industry, but also to really feel what makes music that magical element that it is.

The band itself is made up of some pretty awesome people who will completely change your opinion of them by the end of the novel.  The ones that I originally liked I ended up seriously disliking, and the ones that I didn't care about at the beginning I ended up loving.  Each character in this novel added so much depth.  You know how there is usually one character that doesn't really matter to you or is often forgettable.  This didn't happen for me.  All of the characters made the story what it is. 

The things that really made this story great was how people change and how our opinions of people can change also.  Five Flavors of Dumb threw a lot of stereotypical people at you, but also makes you realize that there may not be stereotypical people after all.  Everyone, no matter who they are, has a little bit of rocker in them, and Antony John lets that shine through in his characters. 

The one aspect I had a bit of trouble with at the beginning is Piper's family.  I felt really bad for Piper and I think she often got the short end of the deal.  Her dad was a complete jerk and her mom just didn't seem to have all her priorities straight.  Throughout the novel I understood their dynamic a little more and by the end things had changed enough that I was happy with how it ended.  In fact, I was more than happy.  The ending was ridiculously awesome! 

I am so happy I gave this book a chance and I hope to read more by this author someday.   

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Spring Fever: Top Ten Five Books I'd Play Hooky With

1. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth.  I'm reading this book right now and I really like it.  I wish I could either stay up all night or take off today just to finish it.

2. Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley.  I have been wanting to read this novel ever since I finished Gone With the Wind.  I couldn't believe that Scarlett and Rhett's story ended the way it did and I wanted more.  I've had this book for awhile so a day off would be the perfect time to start it. 

3. Cum Laude by Cecily von Ziegesar.  This would be the perfect beach read for my day of playing hooky.  Too bad the beach is right next to where I work.  Maybe if I wear a big floppy hat and dark sunglasses, no one will know it's the girl who called in 'sick.'

4. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian.  This book is sure to be scorching sexy.  This way I won't be lying when I call in and tell them I have a fever!

5. Lord of Misrule by Rachel Cain.  It would be worth calling in just so I can catch up with this series.  What a better way to play hooky than with a vamp.  It's not like they can typically come out it daytime normally. 

Review of Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose (Nightshade #3)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Narrator: Rebecca Lowman
Published by: Random House, Inc.
Length: 9 sound discs (ca. 11 1/2 hr.)
Source: Library
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Calla has always welcomed war.

But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

This is probably one of the hardest reviews I've had to write.  The reason for this is there is so much I'd like to talk about and yet essentially I'd be giving away huge spoilers.  Also for those of you who know me or have read my reviews on Nightshade or Wolfsbane you know how much of a Ren fan I am, so if I say I loved the ending or hated the ending I'd be giving away too much information.  So please bare with my rambling as I try to review Bloodrose without giving too much away. 

For one lets start with the narrator.  I really enjoyed listening to this novel.  Rebecca Lowman did such an amazing job.  This was a very conflicting and stressful time for Calla and Rebecca pegged her voice and emotions perfectly.  She also had a huge list of characters that she needed different accents and vibes for and she did it flawlessly.  There were even times I forgot there was only one narrator as the other characters came across just as well-rounded as Calla.

Speaking of the other characters have I mentioned how much I love the Searchers.  They were so funny added immense depth to the story.  Connor, Adne and Ethan are my favorites.  It is awesome that Andrea Cremer wound them seamlessly into the story and made their parts in the war essential.  I also really like the other pack members.  Nev, Mason, Bryn and Sabine are perfect counters for Calla, Ren and Shay.  They understand when to be serious and also know perfectly how to lightened the mood. 

The story itself was captivating.   Andrea Cremer has a beautiful style that is descriptive without being long-winded.  For me, I need to be emotionally connected to the characters in the story.  There is no way to read this novel and not be connected in some way.  That being said, I still don't like Shay.   There are many twists throughout the story and since it is a war there are many deaths, some good and some bad. 

Overall I did enjoy Bloodrose and am sad to see Calla's story end.

Review of A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Title: A Need So Beautiful
Author: Suzanne Young
Published by: Balzer & Bray
Pages: 267
Source: Traded with Erica from The Book Cellar
Format: ARC
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads:  We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

Is helping others  and spreading love worth being forgotten?

Charlotte seems like your typical teenager, yet she is compelled to do these mysterious acts for people she doesn't even know.  She always imagined herself different and tried to hide her "needs" from everyone, but soon they started taking over her life.  While I feel bad for Charlotte, because being a teenager is hard enough without having to search out strangers and convince them to do something, I also never felt connected to her.  I agree that her situation wouldn't be fun, but I never really felt compassion for her because I never really knew her. 

I felt the same way about the other characters.  While they were interesting, I never felt connected with them either.  Harlin seemed like the perfect boyfriend, but almost a little too understanding.  If my significant other was running off at all times of the night after having an "asthma attack" I would be more than a little suspicious.  I did like Sarah though.  I felt she was a very real character and someone I could connect too.  She's lead a hard life and I felt sorry for her.  I loved her quirkiness and spunk, but think in real life she would get on my nerves after a while.  She was quite needy and I felt like she dominate the friendship.   

While I'm not a huge fan of angels or beings of light, I love the twist that Suzanne Young brings to them.  The story or concept of the book was my favorite thing.  It was fresh and original.  The idea of a person being compelled to help others and add more love to the world is something I think we should all strive for be we supernatural creatures or not.  In fact, I don't think I'd like being a forgotten, but I like what they stand for.

While I may not have connected with the characters, the story was enough to win me other.  It was a fast and enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from this author. 

Hounded Read-along: Week 4

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board. Come join the fun!

Questions for Chapters 16-20

1. Just after Atticus is shot, Oberon has to "ninja" his way out of the shop and into Hal's Beamer (with the icky air freshener). Have you ever been in a situation where you had to "ninja" your way out and try not to be discovered? If so, what happened?

Shhh...you can't tell anyone but I'm actually part of a secret family of ninjas.  My code name is Chopstick.  We have some serious ninja skills so beware.  As for my non-ninja self, the last time I remember having to sneak out without being discovered was when I saw an ex-boyfriend at the store with his new girlfriend.  I ducked down a different isle, stashed the cereal I was going to buy on a shelf, and left as fast as I could.  It may be immature but it was a Friday night and I was buying cereal and renting a movie...not how you want your ex-boyfriend to picture your life.    

2. Atticus's main goal through a large portion of the book is not only protecting Oberon, but also protecting the sword. You are now living in a paranormal world and you need a weapon! What weapon do you choose and what can it do?

I want a wand...all Harry Potter style.  You can do everything with that small piece of wood.  If Harry can take down the Dark Lord, I hope I could at least cast a Patronus charm.  I think my Patronus would be a tiger.  What would yours be? 

3. To recharge and heal after being shot, Atticus sleeps naked, tattoos to the earth, in a patch of grass near the Civic Center in downtown Scottsdale. Where is the weirdest place you have ever slept?

I had to sleep at the Atlanta airport overnight because ours was the last flight of the night to get cancelled and all the hotels were filled already.  It was not a very fun experience and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. 

4. We finally find out some very interesting information about Granuaile and I don't know about you, but I certainly wasn't expecting to find that she's sharing her head with someone else. What about you, did you expect anything along those lines? If not, what were you expecting concerning Granuaile?

That blew me away.  I had no clue.  I think I was expecting her to be some goddess in disguise that would save the day. 

5. Laksha is a witch, a truly evil one at that for many of the things she's done in the past. However, she's supposedly seen the error of her ways. Do you think she really has? Would you be willing to trust her? Do you think Atticus is smart to have decided to trust her to help him with the "other" witches?

I don't think I would trust her.  I'm all for second chances, but his track record with witches is not the best.  I think Atticus needs her so he's put in a situation where he has to semi-trust her, but I think he will keep a very close eye on her. 

Kick-Butt Characters Young Adult Giveaway Hop

I really love fierce characters who kick some serious butt.  They make a book fun, exciting, and thrilling to read.  Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and the ladies from Good Choice Reading are hosting this wonderful hop for you to win a chance to read about some of our favorite Kick-butt YA characters.  

 

Want to know what you can win?  These are some of the books featuring my favorite Kick-Butt Characters:

 

 

Giveaway Rules:

The contest runs until Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:59pm (CST)

You must be 13 years of age or older to enter

You must fill out this FORM!

This contest is open to participants both from the US and internationally
Once the email is sent to the winner they will have three days to respond or a new winner will be chosen

 

**I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items.  (I haven't had any lost or damaged and I really hope that none will be)

The Stong Female: A Guest Post by Sheryl Steines, Author of The Day of First Sun. Plus $450 in Amazon Gift Cards & Kindle Fire Up for Grabs!

Please enjoy this guest post by Sheryl Steines, author of the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

The Stong Female

I am always amazed to hear that, in the year 2012, women are still talking about strong female characters.  It’s funny that we’re always surprised when one comes along.  Even in Hollywood, actresses still can’t find roles to sink their teeth into.  As a reader, I look for characters that I can relate to in some way; a character who is more than a damsel in distress but less than an unfeeling, mean, witch.  I’m putting it gently, but I’m looking for someone, who when facing a problem, doesn’t necessarily need a man to bail her out–a woman who can take care of herself in spite of her vulnerabilities.  Because in reality, women are multi-layered and complex.  We don’t fall to one end of an extreme or the other.

When I was younger, I started reading Danielle Steele, but I couldn’t read her for long. Her female characters were far too needy and always put themselves in a position of requiring a savior. Even as a child, I couldn’t help but wonder why these characters always needed a man to improve their lives.  Why couldn’t they simply take care of themselves?  It seemed as though female characters fell into two camps, and only two. They were either villains, witches, someone to be hated and despised, or they were weak, pathetic, your classic damsels in distress.  Why is fiction lacking real women, women who can simply be human and celebrate all that they are?

As I got older, I found myself drawn to shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I saw in Buffy a strong character.  Yes, she could kick ass, kill the vampires and fight the demons.  She also had a brain, could plan, and could save the world each week.  But she wasn’t uni-dimensional. She also has a side that liked clothes, shoes and boys, a side that was feminine, a little vulnerable; a side that, okay, sometimes needed to be saved.  She was a complex female character, real and human, a character with whom I could definitely relate.

The strong female character isn’t a caricature or stereotype.  She’s not a total wimp like Snow White, and she’s not a total monster like the evil queen.  She falls somewhere in the middle.  She’s reactive, emotional, human, sexual, confident and sometimes unsure of herself.

When I originally wrote my character Annie Pearce in The Day of First Sun, I wrote her as a no-nonsense person, strong and smart, the girl who could survive on her own.  But she didn’t feel genuine.  As the story unfolded and changed, I rewrote her, gave her friends and family with whom she could interact.  I gave her feelings, gave her stress.  I let the other characters take charge once in awhile and offer some support.  I melded two halves into one woman–a strong woman, who can take care of herself and ask for help when necessary.  We’re not perfect, so why should our characters be?  Instead, why can’t we make them simply authentic?

Charlize Theron made a really compelling comment regarding her character in the movie Young Adult. She said, “Women are usually either really good prostitutes or really good mothers. Maybe women are finally getting the chance to play more honest characters,” Theron said. “We usually don’t get to play bad hookers or bad mothers — or anything in between.”
Maybe it’s time to be a little more real and a little more honest.

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE.

Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment–easy to enter; easy to win!
To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of The Day of First Sun for just 99 cents
2. Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
3. Visit today’s featured social media event

Help my blog win:
The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR ME.

About the book: A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon.

About the author: Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy. Visit Sheryl on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Adult Review of Sleeping Tigers by Holly Robinson

Title: Sleeping Tigers

Author: Holly Robinson

Published by: CreateSpace
Pages: 258
Source: Author
Format: Paperback
Rating:★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Jordan O'Malley has everything she ever wanted: a job she loves, a beautiful home, and a dependable boyfriend. When her life unravels after a breast cancer scare, Jordan decides to join her wildest childhood friend in San Francisco and track down her drifter brother, Cam, who harbors secrets of his own.

When Cam suddenly flees the country, Jordan follows, determined to bring him home. Her journey takes her to the farthest reaches of majestic Nepal, where she encounters tests—and truths—about love and family that she never could have imagined.

This was the perfect vacation read.  Jordan is a little lost in life.  She had a major medical scare and now wants to make sure her life means something.  Jordan is a very likable character.  She's down-to-earth and very easy to relate to.  She's responsible and even though she wants to get away from it all and live a little carefree, she still is grounded in reality and willing to except what comes her way.

My favorite thing about this novel is that I felt like I was soul searching right along with Jordan.  Everything in this novel could happen to any of us at any time and that made it real for me.  Also I had just recently visited San Francisco so a lot of the settings were still vivid pictures in my mind. The scenes set in Nepal were descriptively breathtaking and made me a bit envious of Jordan's journey.   

Another aspect of this novel that I really loved was the strong connection of family.  Even though both Jordan and Cam are grown, they come to realize how much they still need each other in their life.  It's too bad that it took some extreme circumstances for both of them to realise that, but sometimes people need a big "push" to make things happen.  It also gave hope that people can change over time.  This is something that I think we all hold on to, so it was nice to have it "proven" in a novel. 

Overall I really enjoyed this novel.  It made me feel happy and content while reading it and I look forward to reading more from this author. 

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books On My Spring To-Be-Read list (could be new releases or just books you hope to read this spring)

Books that were already released:

1. The Fault in our Stars by John Green.  I recently read a novel by John Green and have been kicking myself for waiting so long to read him.  I picked up this book a couple of weeks ago at my local independent bookstore and I can't wait to read it. 

2. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian.  I have been meaning to start this series forever and it just sits on my bookshelf.  I am determined to read this book this year. 

3. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.  I feel as if I'm the only person who hasn't read this book yet.  I have it, but I haven't got around to reading it yet despite all the stellar reviews I've read. 

4. Cinder by Marissa Meyer.  This is a 2012 debut that I have been hearing great things about.  I also love the retelling of fairy tales so I'm excited to read about the twist on Cinderella.

5. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead.  This is another series that I've had on my shelf for over a year and haven't touched.  This is the year to read all those "forgotten" books...at least I hope!

Books that haven't been released yet:

6. A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger.  I really like Kody Keplinger as an author and this novel just looks so good.  I'm loving the whole wild-child-young-and-carefree-but-still-undertones-of-serious-issues vibe this novel is giving off.

7. Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12) by Charlaine Harris.  This series has had its ups and downs over the years, but I still have mad, unconditional love for a certain Nordic vampire. 

8. Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10) by J.R. Ward.  I love these men/vamps and I cannot believe what happened to Tohrment earlier in the series.  For that reason, I'm not sure if I'll like this book or not, but I still need my BDB fix...not to mention that this is good motivation for me to catch up on this series too.       

9. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore.  Graceling and Fire and two of my favorite novels.  I've devoured them both multiple times so I can't wait to see what Kristin Cashore has in store for her next installment. 

10. If I Lie by Corrine Jackson.  This is a 2012 debut and it looks amazing.  I can't wait to read it.  If you haven't checked it out yet, you must!

Review of Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Title: Tiger's Curse

Author: Colleen Houck

Narrators: Annika Boras and Sanjiv Jhaveri

Published by: Brilliance Audio
Length: 15hr 49min
Source: Library
Format: Audio book
Rating: ★★★

Summary From Goodreads: The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Colleen Houck brings a new face to the world of shapeshifting.  Over 300 years ago a curse was placed on an Indian prince who now lives his days as a Tiger.  Kelsey meets Ren while taking a temp job working for the circus.  She adores the Tiger and when the opportunity presents itself she chooses to travel to India to deliver Ren to his new owner.  Little does she know that Ren is actually a smoking hot, 300-year old Indian prince, who hasn't aged since the curse was placed on him, and is trapped inside the body of a white Tiger.

Kelsey is a character that is a lot braver and more adventurous than most people I know.  I would not be one to just fly to India to help deliver a Tiger for a person I just met.  Then when she gets dragged into the Tiger's Curse, she steps up and does what is needed of her.  Soon she starts to develop feelings for Ren, who can turn into a man for a short period of time each day, but doesn't know how to handle them.  Instead of dealing with her increasing feelings, she instead becomes closed off and almost mean to Ren.  I really did not like her by the end of the novel.  I understand she is confused and frightened but she literally turns into a brat.  I hope in the next novel she redeems herself.   

As for the audio I really enjoyed the narrators. They brought the story and the setting to life for me.  For most of the time this book was set in the gorgeous landscape of the Indian jungle.  Colleen Houck did an amazing job at describing this lush scenery and I felt as if I escaped to India while reading this novel.  Around each turn their was a new obstacle for Ren and Kelsey to overcome.  Pack with action and lots of adventure this was a novel that definitely held my attention throughout.

While I may not be Kelsy's biggest fan, Ren was an extremely intriguing character.  I wanted to know more about his life and what's he's been through as a Tiger.  The curse itself is interesting also and I would have liked to more about about how it was placed on Ren, the rules of it, how it works and how to completely break it.   Hopefully some questions are answered in the next book and we get a closer look at Ren!

Hounded Read-along: Week 3

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board. Come join the fun!

Questions Week 3: Chapters 11 to 15

1. I love Leif Helgarson, Viking Vampire, Esq. I have to say that combo makes a pretty cool attorney. If you could have a paranormal/mythical beastie (or combo) covering your tuckus in court, what would you choose and why?

I think I would choose a Greek god or goddess.  They are sneaky and devious and are not afraid to play dirty.  I'm too naive to go to jail.  I'd need someone who would throw out all the stops to make sure I stay out of prison.  Plus if I didn't win, then they could just kill everyone with their lightning bolt, trident, etc. 

2. The police show up to question Atticus about his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon. If you could own any dog breed, what would it be and why? (P.S. Oberon is going on my list of favorite sidekicks!)

I really enjoy Labrador retrievers.  This is a breed my family has had it whole life and I really like it.  I also like Huskies and the Husky-Pomeranian mixes are as cute as can be!

3. Malina Sokolowski and the other Sisters of the Three Auroras coven have my antennae up. What is your opinion of them?

As of now I like Malina Sokolowski, but I think the witches are up to no good.  I normally really like witches but this coven seems to be hiding something...and Emily is a whole other story.  Yikes, what a nightmare.

4. Brighid, goddess of poetry, fire and the forge, gave Atticus the power of Cold Iron, which can be used to fight off that nasty lilttle hellspawn. If you could wield one magical power, what would it be and why?

I think I would like the knowledge to be able to absorb knowledge at incredible speed and to be able to master anything I read.  That way I could become an expert at everything in a very short time.  I would be intelligent, be able to speak multiple languages, learn some serious ninja moves and hopefully improve my cooking skills. 

5. The cops show up at Atticus’ shop to search for poor Oberon, who remains magically hidden throughout the ordeal. What is the one thing you would do if you could remain hidden from sight? I want to hear some good answers for this one!

I can't think of something quite appropriate so I'll let you use your imagination. 

Vacation Time

Greetings from Hawaii. I just wanted to let you all know it's going to be quiet around here this week. I'll be relaxing on the beach and hopefully catching up on some reading. Have a great week!

Hounded Read-along: Week 1

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board.  Come join the fun!

Questions Week 1 (March 5th): Chapters 1 to 5

1) Kevin Hearne had the most perfect beginning for this book:  "There are many perks to living for twenty-one centuries, and formost among them is bearing witness to the rare birth of genius."  If you were to live for centuries what do you think you would be excited to see?

I would be most excited to see all the new advances in technology and healthcare.  So many new devices, cures and treatments have been created in the last 20 years and I can't even image what else is to come.  I would also hope to see society get over it's prejudices and accept all people for who they are.  And lastely of course to see a huge monument built in my honor for my pure awesomeness and because of the life-changing discovery in chemistry that I'm going to find!  Hahaha...sorry I couldn't help myself.   

2) In the 2nd chapter we learn about the amulet and its protection powers!  Do you think having met the Morrigan and heard about Aenghus Og that it will be enough to protect Atticus?  I mean the Morrigan has a point about hot chicks coming after him and his defenses might be down! He is very male!

I think the amulet will help, but ultimately it will come down to Atticus's strength, cunning, and intellect.  Heck if I had an amulet and a hot guy came near me, I'd find it more of a curse than protection. 

3) The literary world's coolest dog is introduced in this chapter!  Did you love Oberon immediately?  Show me a picture or describe the type of animal you would love to have as a talking companion! (Cat, Dog, Mouse, Sloth, Horse---what is your pick--pictures please)?

Photo courtosy of http://www.rutherfordschools.org/

I've always wanted a White Siberian Tiger as a pet.  They are gorgeous and graceful.   I bet if they could talk, they'd come across very intellectual with a bit of snark.  It would be perfect...as long as they didn't try to eat me.    

4) In this chapter Flidais asked Atticus what his name is and then precedes to ask if anyone actually believes he is Greek?  He says nobody pays attention to names here.  Do you know what your name means and where it comes from?  Or do you have a name you wish had?  Let's talk names!

Lisa is Hebrew for "God's promise."  My parents however didn't name me because of the meaning. They actually just had to come up with a name they both liked quick, because they were going to let my older sister name me, but she insisted I be named Strawberry Shortcake up until my birth.  Good thing they didn't let her decide or I think high school would have been a lot more difficult for me.    

5) We learn about Atticus' lawyers in this chapter, a rather unique combo!  Without jumping ahead, would you hire a lawyer combination of two supernaturals who on the surface would appear to be natural enemies or at the very least two very Alpha attitudes? What would be the positives and negatives of that decision.

I think I would hire a lawyer or lawyers with Alpha attitudes.  I would hope they would fight harder for me.  On the downside though they might not listen to me with their blown up Alpha male egos getting in the way of my wants and needs.     

Where did February go?

While February has two or three less days than other months (except for this year...Happy Leap Year!) it always seems to fly by twice as fast.  That being said I wish I could have had more time to relax and read, but that's life.  So what did I do blogging-wise in the month of February: 

Books I reviewed:

1. Burned by P.C. and Kristin Cast-2 stars
2. Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward-5 stars
3. Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom-4 stars
4. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater-5stars
5. Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward-4 stars
6. Hold Still by Nina LaCour-4 stars
7. The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani-3 stars 
8. After by Amy Efaw-3 stars
9. Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic-4 stars
10. Everneath by Brodi Ashton-3 stars
11. Looking for Alaska by John Green-5 stars
12. Slide by Jill Hathaway-3 stars

Progress on Challenges:

1. Debut Author Challenge-6/12
2. Audiobook Challenge-6/25
3. YA Contemporary Challenge-2/15
4. TBR Pile Challenge-5/20
5. Why Buy the Cow Challenge 1/12

Top Ten Lists:

1. Top Ten Eleven Books That Broke Your Heart A Little
2. Top Ten Books I'd Quickly Save If My House Was Going To Be Abducted By Aliens 
3. Top Ten Nine Books I'd Give A Theme Song To  

Friday Night Date Night Movies:

1. The Brothers Grimm
2. One for the Money
3. Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story
4. Nicholas Sparks movies-male characters

I hope February treated you good and that March is even better!