Saturday, March 31, 2012

Book Review: Unlovable (Port Fare #1) by Sherry Gammon

Unlovable (Port Fare #1)
By Sherry Gammon
Release Date: January 19th, 2011
Number of Pages: 330
Format: ebook
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 


Blurbs from Goodreads:

Port Fare, New York, has fallen into the clutches of true evil. The Dreser brothers have arrived with a scheme to increase drug sales in the area by whatever means possible. Seth Prescott is part of MET (Mobile Enforcement Teams) a branch of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). He's been assigned to work undercover at Port Fare High, and things aren't going very well, until senior Maggie Brown enters the equation. He's harbored a secret crush on her from day one, and now that she is in the center of the case, he's trying to stay clear and objective while walking the line between business and unrequited love.

Maggie is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with jutting bones and dark-ringed eyes, but is she an addict, or is there another reason for her appearance? She struggles with her feelings for Seth, fearing he is just another person who will eventually let her down, as everyone in her life has done thus far.

Maggie has spent her life caring for her alcoholic mother. A task that has left her heavily burdened and alone. Before long, her mother's health takes a turn for the worst, sending Maggie's life into a tale-spin.

While Seth works relentlessly to inject fear into the dealers and flush them out into the open, Maggie fights to stay alive as the hunt turns deadly.

Seth and Maggie's romantic journey is one of humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

My Review:
Wow! It has been quite some time since I've come across such an enjoyable and engrossing romance story. Unlovable is simply amazing and downright unputdownable. The characters are strong, solid and very relatable.

The pace of the story and progression of relationship between Maggie and Seth were awesome. I'm mighty glad it isn't the cliche plot of falling deeply in love at first sight. Booker, Cole and Dwayne were great characters.

The romance is really awwwhhhh cupcakes sweet. Gammon resolved the problems and conflicts faced by the characters really well. It gives readers some insight on what to do if faced with similar situations. This is a really awesome and recommended read.
I'm glad I purchased it. I got mine at Smashwords at only $1.99 and i'm sure it wouldn't hurt those who're thinking of reading it to support the author by purchasing this.

I'm really looking forward to the next two sequels, Unbelievable and Unbearable.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Book Review: Covet ( The Fallen Angels #1) by J.R. Ward **18 Yrs Above**

Covet ( The Fallen Angels #1)
J.R. Ward
Release Date: October 29th, 2009
Number of Pages: 474
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option.

Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

My Review:
======May Contain Spoilers. Read At Your Own Risk.======

Many have said that the Fallen Angels series wasn't as good as the Black Dagger Brotherhood series but I beg to differ. It wouldn't be fair to compare both series side by side as both are two different genres altogether. While BDB leans more towards UF Romance, Fallen Angels leans more towards the action-thriller and Supernatural kind. It was good in its own way

It took some time for me to adjust to the style of this series but I ended up enjoying Covet. Jim was a rather introvert and self-preserved guy who kept to himself due to his background. He was a real refreshing character from my BDB boys. I still love them. I do. It's just awesome to change it up from time to time. And I loved his mind. The way he thinks, calculates, views, processes and dissects information was great because he did not just jump to conclusions immediately. He gave both sides the benefit of the doubt before finding out the truth. This is what I call a great character but still flawed enough to connect with you.

Eddie and Adrian were still much a mystery. You get glimpses and flashes of who they are but not entirely. Adrian seemed like the type of guy who gives you a laid-back-and-funny-asshole version of himself on the outside but not easily letting you on the inside. Eddie was the levelheaded and calmer version of the trio and gets Adrian the most. Both were tight together and somehow tend to leave Jim out. Maybe it's so that that Jim finds out things on his own but I really hope to see them growing closer as the series progresses.

Vin and Marie-Terese were perfect together. It was so good to read about the secondary characters who played a part in BDB i.e. Trez, Marie-Terese herself, Gina (but I don't really care for her). I enjoyed reading and getting to know more about our OTP. Vin and Marie-Terese both had endured hardships in the past and they certainly deserved each other and their shot at happiness. It's always great to read about how strong characters they were. I must mention Robbie. He's such cutie pie and the icing on the cake. His scene with Vin was too cute for words.

I shouldn't have read spoilers. I shouldn't have but I just couldn't helped myself. I won't look into the spoilers from now because I already knew what Devina really was from the start. But I can confidently say that even if I did not read them, I was already very suspicious of that bitch because of the prologue. I kept yelling at Jim to not fall for her damsel-in-distress-puppy-dog act and was truly devastated when he bedded her - in his truck. I knew it was bad news. Effing bad news. God, and I truly hated her with a vengeance! She's worst than a bitch and that sociopath Eugene aka Saul was just sick.

I must gush. I must. I recognised PHURY and BUTCH!!!!!!! I'm so proud of myself. I won't tell you which part they were mentioned but it was obvious enough for me to point them out. Imagine, getting excited over these cameo appearances.

Covet was a different but worthy read and I'm on to Crave.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

In My Mailbox #04

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren 

Books:


My mailbox this week ain't that big but I was realllyyyyyy excited for these 5 books. As you can see, I'm a HUGE fan of J.R. Ward. I totally L.O.V.E her. She's just soooo amazing. Okay, I'm gushing here. Pardon me.

I finally got a physical copy of Winter's Shadow. Read my review of it here. And I can't wait to read Paris's story. He's my favourite lord.
  • The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld, #9) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
  • Winter's Shadow (Winter Saga, #1) by M.J. Hearle @Goodreads
  • Covet (The Fallen Angels, #1) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Crave (The Fallen Angels, #2) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads 
  • Envy (The Fallen Angels, #3) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads 

That's all for this week folks! Share with me your IMM =D I would love to know.

P/S: Yup, that's my baby there posing with my books.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Book Review: Silence (Hush, Hush #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick


Silence (Hush, Hush #3)
By Becca Fitzpatrick
Release Date: October 4th, 2011
Number of Pages: 438
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2


Blurb from Goodreads:
The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

My Review:

To tell the truth, I'm kinda lazy to write a review for Silence because it wasn't that exciting. It was pretty mediocre and more of a Nora's-Journey-of-Memories-Discovery-and-Preparation book. Although many reviews wrote that the memories and recaps were exhausting, I found them to be the opposite.

It has been awhile since I've read Hush, Hush and Crescendo, thus, certain events and details have blurred from my memories. Therefore, I actually found the recaps of those events refreshing. But I have to agree that there was simply not enough of Patch in Silence. The pages dulled a tad when he wasn't in it.

Overall, it was a 3.5 stars for me. Not much action and plot going on. I think this is due to the fact of Book 4 being announced at the last minute. The pace of the story was dragged a bit but I wasn't disappointed or let down about Silence.

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E.L. James **18 Yrs Above**


Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1)
By E.L. James
Release Date: May 26th, 2011
Number of Pages: 356
Format: ebook
Rating: ♥ 


Blurb from Goodreads:
When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Review:
I detest writing negative reviews. I really do. I've seen all the anticipation and hype about this book on book blogs. I've heard oh-so-swoony gushings about Fifty Shades of Grey and I have to admit that I was slightly influenced by all of it. That's why I decided to give it go and you can see the outcome of it here in my review. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Thus, I am entitled to mine. So, here goes.

I thought this was horrible. Totally terrible and I'm really sorry because I do like the cover. A lot. It is just very unfortunate that the story and I aren't compatible. I've read an erotica before and I don't have a problem with it. For example, Damaged Goods is really good and very well written.

I didn't like the main characters at all. I found them insipid and utterly childish. The relationship and BDSM angle between Ana and Christian were portrayed rather unhealthily. I felt like I was reading someone's absurd and ridiculous fantasy. I'm not saying BDSM is wrong or it is a sin. It was just badly written and totally disastrous. I felt rather traumatized after reading this.

Nevertheless, don't let my opinion stop you from picking up this book. Who knows? You may actually disagree with me. Then, you are more than welcome to debate about it here with me.

Book Review: Winter's Shadow (Winter Saga #1) by M.J. Hearle


Winter's Shadow (Winter Saga #1)
By M.J. Hearle
Release Date: June 1st, 2011 
Number of Pages: 424
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Blurb from Goodreads:
Blake Duchamp...

He's all that Winter Adams can think of. Ever since their fateful meeting at Pilgrim's Lament. Ever since he looked at her with those emerald eyes. Ever since he saved her life.

But Blake isn't all that he seems. There is a strangeness about him, something dark and otherworldly. Something dangerous. In his attic is a secret he would kill to defend, but Winter seems to have a special ability to make him forget his duty. And he is her only protection against the gathering darkness.

The only problem is, to protect Winter, Blake must risk exposing her to an even greater danger. Himself.

My Review:

“Why would you ever choose to die?’ 
‘Because a life with no end loses meaning. Death defines life. 
One day, I hope to find a good reason to die.” 

Reviewed on September 19th, 2011:
How can you love a book so much and hate it so much as well with the same passion all the same time? That's what Winter's Shadow did to me and that means that it was that awesome. I got hooked from start to finish and could hardly put it down. My good friend had to pry me away from it. I won't go into all the details but just what I thought. The premise and plot were great; it was different and nothing that I had expected. I couldn't put my finger on what exactly Blake was. That was pretty good because the blurb on the cover didn't give anything away. I'm not going to compare it with Twilight or any other books out there either. It's irritating that every YA Paranormal Romances simply had to be compared alongside Twilight. C'mon, Twilight had its glorious moments. Move aside and make way for the new!

Back to review. The story had enough of mystery, creepiness and eeriness to arouse the solid and avid bookworm in me. There were many books that do not grip me from the beginning and after a few chapters in, I would simply cast them aside until the time comes when I would pick it up again. Winter's Shadow wasn't one of them. Congratulations, you are enlisted in my Book of Fame. I'm pretty generous with my reviews. *ahem*

Winter is a really beautiful name. I like Winter enough. She's a pretty strong character and nothing at all like Bella. Why would people say that she's like Bella, I have no effing idea. Bella is Bella. Winter is Winter. But, demerit points for her when she ditched Jasmine. Love is the greatest after all. Who can blame her. Blake is swoonworthy and NOT similar to Edward Cullen for pete's sake! There are two different characters. If people keep similarizing (if that's even a word!) beautiful, mysterious, self proclaimed dangerous male leads to Edward "Sparkling" Cullen, I think I would have already given up reading YA Paranormals. As Mr. Hearle has pointed in one of his blog post, all these similarizing traits and relationship angle thingies are simply frameworks with empty canvases. They are foundations and basic tools authors use to start painting the sceneries and transforming them into something of their very own. So, quit comparing this and other books to Twilight.

As much as I loved the story and the characters - bonus points for no hate-table characters -, I could fairly predict certain things (can't think of another word for "thing" at the moment) in the novel. I will not hint or reveal what they are here as I do not want to spoil the story for those haven't read it yet. Another thing that bothered me slightly was Winter and Blake's relationship. I felt that their time spent getting to know each other was not long enough to fully convince me (even Winter herself said so. See?). Maybe I should adjust my logicality mode into paranormal mode. Nothing is normal in books. They are supposed to be unearthly after all. That's what books are for - to me at least. But Mr. Hearle seems to know what I was thinking because I found a passage in the book that summed up perfectly what I was questioning:

"I don’t think time matters. You might have known each other for a hundred years or a minute and it wouldn’t have changed a thing about the way he felt about you. People go their whole life without finding something that special."

Other than that, I have no more complaints about Winter's Shadow. It is a tender, poignant and touching story that succeeded in invoking painful emotions within me. The ending tore at my heart and I felt like I could literally feel Winter's heartbreak. And that is why I hate this book so much. I hate the ending because I love the story too much to want it to end that way. It is so cruel to leave readers hanging like that. Very cruel indeed Mr. Hearle. *pouts*


I'm craving for the sequel, Winter's Light, but have to wait at least a whole freaking year for it to be released. If only I have some tiny hints to what is awaiting me in Winter's Light, I might be a tad comforted over my frustrations on the ending. I just refuse to accept what became of *him*. Arghh!!

And thus, I end my review and ramblings.

P/S: I've already pre-ordered Winter's Light and can't wait to hold it in my hands!!!

Book Review: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I've Got Your Number
By Sophie Kinsella
Release Date: February 14th, 2012 
Number of Pages: 387
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Blurb from Goodreads:
I've lost it. The only thing in the world I wasn't supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It's been in Magnus's family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I've lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate Poppy. Stay positive!! 

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry the ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her 'happy ever after' begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring but in the panic that followed, she has now lost her phone. As she paces shakily round the hotel foyer she spots an abandoned phone in a bin. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except the phone's owner, businessman Sam Roxton doesn't agree. He wants his phone back and doesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life.

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other's lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents... she soon realises that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

My Review:
"Because as his hands gently cup my waist, I don't make a sound. As he swivels me around to face him, I don't make a sound. I don't need to. We're still talking. Every touch he makes, every imprint of his skin is like another word, another thought, a continuation of our conversation. And we're not done yet. Not yet."


“Lover? I don't know. I don't know if she loves me. I don't know if I love her. All I can say is, she's the one I think about. All the time. She's the voice I want to hear. She's the face I hope to see.”


Totally brilliant. And I wish it wasn't a standalone. I will definitely love to know and read more about Poppy and Sam. This book totally take the number one spot in making me snort and LOL throughout the story. I just love the emails and text messages between Poppy and Sam. I just simply adoreeeeee them both.

There are so many scenes that were too funny for words i.e. Poppy dancing and singing to Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies" scene - and there are heartwrenching ones as well.

I've Got Your Number has been more than wonderful and I feel so crushed to have finished it in a day. Why do I have to read so fast? WHYYYY???

P/S: Yes, I'm a bigggg fan of Sophie Kinsella and am already anticipating her next book project. xoxoxoxoxo facebook kiss emoticon

Friday, March 16, 2012

Book Review: Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8) by J.R. Ward **18 Yrs Above**

Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8)
By J.R. Ward
Release Date: April 1st, 2010 
Number of Pages: 653
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Blurb from Goodreads:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a SECRET BAND OF BROTHERS like no other - vampire warriors, defenders of their race...


John Matthew has been through his vampire transition and taken to the life of the Brotherhood with a vengeance, but he still can't shake the nightmare of his past and is unsure of his future as a warrior hero. He's made a promise to honour the Brotherhood and their fight with the slayers at all costs, until the love of his life is kidnapped and he is forced to make a choice that could change his life and the Brotherhood's forever...

My Review:
"I would hold you up. I will ever hold you up and hold you dear, lover mine."

This book was seriously awesome and drove me to the edge of my seat. The adrenaline rush and WTF moments were a bomb. It was so good to finally see John have his HEA but such a heartbreak to see Qhuinn and Blay.

My heart is breaking for these two. I'm really looking forward to read and know more about Payne next. Layla irritated me alot in this book and I was disappointed in how she turned out because I really liked her when she was introduced in Lover Eternal but somehow in this book, she becomes not what I imagined her to be. Nevertheless, I'm crossing my fingers and cheering real hard for her.

I also did enjoy the Rathbone sub-plot and didn't see that revelation coming. Although it was brief, I fell in love with Gregg and Holly and I was rooting for them all the way. They were so sweet in the end. *swoony sigh*

The flashbacks of Darious anf Tohr were interesting and the reveal of who No'One was was a little bit expected but which got me all the more antsy for Lover Reborn .

Warden did it again and I'm on to the next one, Lover Unleashed .

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Cover Crazy #4: The Crimson Crown

Cover Crazy was hosted by Tawni at The Book Worms and currently being hosted by Lindsay at   Turning The Pages

This week I am crazy about....

What I Love:

I think there is not one thing I do not love about it. 

The Seven Realms series is one of my favourite series ever.

The red, gold, purple, the background, the swirly designs all scream NOTICE ME.

This is one of my favourite covers ever and I so can't wait for its release.

"A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed— Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love. 

Now, once again, the queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana’Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible. Tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells’ inner turmoil, Raisa’s best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she’s falling in love. 

Navigating the cutthroat world of blueblood politics has never been more dangerous, and former streetlord Han Alister seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it? 

A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series."

Sunday, March 11, 2012

In My Mailbox #03

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren

Books:


I've heard many great and not so great things about the Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter but decided to give the prequel, The Darkest Fire and the first book in the series, The Darkest Night a try. I fell in love with the stories - cheesiness and all. 

Therefore, I couldn't helped it and finally succumbed to the book-buying temptation.

  • The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, #2) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
  • The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, #3) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
  • The Darkest Whisper (Lords of the Underworld, #4) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
  • The Darkest Passion (Lords of the Underworld, #5) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
  • The Darkest Lie (Lords of the Underworld, #6) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
  • The Darkest Secret (Lords of the Underworld, #7) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
  • The Darkest Surrender (Lords of the Underworld, #8) by Gena Showalter @Goodreads
That's my mailbox for this week and I totally burned a huge hole in my pocket. My next haul - not so soon though >.< - will be J.R. Ward's Lover Reborn and Gena Showalter's The Darkest Seduction. I'm soooo excited for these two books. I will probably get them at the end of March.


Thursday, March 8, 2012

Book Review: The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1) by Gena Showalter **18 Yrs Above**


The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1)
By Gena Showalter 
Release Date: August 20th, 2008
Number of Pages: 374
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
His powers -- Inhuman
His passion -- Beyond immortal . . . 

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love...

Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful . . . Don't miss this incredible new paranormal series from Gena Showalter!


My Review:
"Until you, my life was desolate. I existed. but I didn't truly live. Now I live, even in my death."

I've heard many great things about the Lords of the Underworld series and decided to give it go. I started with the prequel and liked the concept behind it but the writing didn't impressed me. Surprisingly, I enjoyed The Darkest Night and thought the writing was much better than its prequel. The story was interesting and simple to understand and I devoured it in one seating.

The Lords were a unique band of warriors cursed with a demon residing inside them which were released from Pandora's box. Actually, "Pandora's Box" was the term that intrigued me into giving this series a go. Pandora is such a famous and tragic legend and I just couldn't let this series pass me by. Gena Showalter did a great job of weaving the Greek mythology into a sizzling hot series but her construction of sentences and use of vocabularies could improve. This is because at times it sounds like I'm reading a script and at times it just sounds off.

Those are the only gripes I have with this book and other than that, I totally enjoyed it. Ashlyn was an alright heroine. She was nice and all but did not stand out like the goddess Anya. Anya only appearead towards near the end and I was already totally loving her. She's such a smartass and I'm really looking forward to reading about Lucien and her in The Darkest Kiss.

The Darkest Night is like a sinfully rich chocolate cake which I'm banned from eating but I still will - cheesy lines and all.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Book Review: The Darkest Fire (Lords of the Underworld #0.5) by Gena Showalter **18 Yrs Above**

The Darkest Fire (Lords of the Underworld #0.5)
By Gena Showalter 
Release Date: April 1st, 2008
Number of Pages: 66
Format: ebook
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Blurb from Goodreads:

He is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. She is the goddess of oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords -- and discover a passion unlike any other....

Don't miss this sizzling prequel to Gena Showalter's breathtaking new paranormal series, The Lords of the Underworld Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful....


My Review:

I didn't expect the legend of Pandora's box to be used in this way. The Darkest Fire was interesting and it captured me from the beginning. The romance was sweet and the ending was unexpected. I do know that the Lord of the Underworld series is an Adult Paranormal Romance, thus, I expected a more mature content as well as language.

The problem I found in this book was the way it was written. Yes, the story and concept were interesting but the writing was rather childish. I felt like I was reading a fairy tale. The way the words, sentences and dialogues were construed were very unadult-like and I felt kind of weird while reading adult contents written in that manner.

Nevertheless, Pandora's box and those Demon Lords really intrigued me and aroused my curiosity. Therefore, I will read the first book in the series and then decide whether to continue on with it.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Book Review: Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6) by J.R. Ward **18 Yrs Above**

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6)
By J.R. Ward
Release Date: June 3rd , 2008
Number of Pages: 534
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Blurb from Goodreads:

In this "frighteningly addictive" paranormal romance sage there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. Here are the stories of a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now a dutiful twin must choose between two lives... 

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body, but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....

My Review:
“I love you forever" didn't always need to be spoken to be understood.”

Among all the first 5 endings that I've read, Lover Enshrined's was my favourite and the best. I reread it so many times that I could remember it by heart. Lover Enshrined was different from the previous books in terms of plot and context. The main focus wasn't on the romance but the lesser and actions going on but when the romance appeared, it was well worth it. I understood Phury so much more in this book and loved him very, very much. Phury was a very neglected and misunderstood person. The conflicts and his addiction metaphored in the form of the Wizard were beautifully flashed out.

Cormia was a wonderful heroine. She wasn't like the other females before and it was really breath taking. She has a quiet reserve and a strong countenance as well as a streak of boldness in her that I truly adored. She was the perfect thing for Phury beacue they make each other whole.

The secondary characters such as JM, Quinn, Blay, Rehv, Xhex really stood out. I really appreciated the way Ward explored homosexuality in this book because the scene between Blay and Quinn was really poignant, tender and beautiful. I can't wait to see more of Lassiter either as well as John and Xhex. They are really cute together. I wasn't really invested in Rehv at first but this book succeeded in making me excited to start on Rehv's story. It was really horrible to see how messed up he was in the inside from what he had to do. I wanted to go hug him and rescue him from his horrifying duty to the Princess.

Overall, Lover Enshrined was truly amazing.


Sunday, March 4, 2012

In My Mailbox #02

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren

Books:


I was really excited to do my second mailbox as I wanted to show off my BDB books. Haha. I was finally persuaded to start on this series by my book buddy Maria Mentzelidi at Velvet Morning82. I got the the entire series up till' the latest one and even ordered the Insider's Guide as well but it hasn't arrived yet. Cool huh?
  • Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #2) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #4) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #5) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #7) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #8) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #9) by J.R. Ward @Goodreads
  • Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Guide by Michelle Rowen & Richelle Mead @Goodreads
  • The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, #1) by Gena Showalter  @Goodreads
And that's all for this week. What are yours? Do share them =D

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Book Review: Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5) by J.R. Ward **18 Yrs Above**

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)
By J.R. Ward
Release Date: October 1st, 2007
Number of Pages: 502
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Blurb from Goodreads:

In Caldwell, New York, war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will...

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her...

My Review:

"Letting go meant you accepted what couldn't be changed....you stared at what was before you with clear eyes, recognizing that unfettered choice was the exception and destiny the rule. No bargaining. No trying to control. You gave up and saw that the one you loved was in fact not your future, and there was nothing you could do about it." 

I didn't expect Vishous's story to be more touching and poignant than Zsadist's. Tears actually rolled down while I read Lover Unbound and that's saying something because I'm the type of reader that seldom and always often not cry or sob or whatever when I read.

I really do not know how to write this review. Many have said that they didn't like the ending and so on but I thought otherwise. I really thought the ending was appropriate and rather meaningful. And for the first time, I actually felt sympathy for the Scribe Virgin. With great power comes great responsibility and thus heavy consequences to bear. The Scribe Virgin had to bear the consequences of her mistake and the revelation of what she did and what occurred due to her deed was shocking for me. I really didn't expect that. Seriously.

Vishous and Jane were wonderful and exhilarating characters. Jane was so badass and man, was she bold. I couldn't believed it when she told Rhage to fuck off. She's so badass and I love that brain and mouth of hers. V and Jane were perfect for each other because they flow on the same wavelength, they understand each other and they heal each other.

Lover Unbound was really awesome and I love the unconventional ending no matter what others are saying about it. It is perfect. Now, I'm psyched to read about Phury and Cormia because Cormia is just too adorable.

P/S: I LOVE the prologue. Totally did. It was a great opening.

Book Review: Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4) by J.R. Ward **18 Yrs Above**


Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
By J.R. Ward
Release Date: March 6th, 2007
Number of Pages: 455
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Blurb from Goodreads:

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.

My Review:

"United by their clasped hands, they became again the two halves, the light and the dark. The Destroyer and the Savior. A whole.” 

I've already read and reviewed the first three books in the series and I love each one as I went along. Butch's story is no different and I won't compare Marissa and him to the others because every character is different and every story has its own specialty and awesomeness.

I love Butch. I didn't like him in the beginning in Dark Lover but I adored him and the rest of the brotherhood at the end of it. Butch's smart-assnes is such a laugh. I love his banters with V. Their scenes were so hilarious and tender at the same time.

Marissa is a very innocent heroine and I like how she changes into a stronger character as the story progresses. I love how the heroines in this series are strong in their own way. It's so good to read about them being strong and tough for their shellans/mates.

Lover Revealed is as good as the rest. I'm a fair persona and will have no favourites. I love all the brothers and the females. One without the other will never be complete. J.R Ward did it again and I am in awe of her.

On to V's story....