tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23961675468626281662024-03-12T13:33:15.782+01:00Reading on the Dark SideUrban Fantasy, Dark Urban Fantasy and everything paranormalChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-39633597272375452942012-02-22T21:19:00.001+01:002012-02-22T21:19:14.177+01:00Temporary Post Used For Theme Detection (b8084db9-9bef-4f56-bc4c-bb41934927d5 - 3bfe001a-32de-4114-a6b4-4005b770f6d7)<p>This is a temporary post that was not deleted. Please delete this manually. (f1af9108-2b19-468d-98c7-1a51a0c838da - 3bfe001a-32de-4114-a6b4-4005b770f6d7)</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-32505266567900144692011-02-27T13:50:00.001+01:002011-02-27T13:50:20.562+01:00In My Mailbox<p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIYigiD5I/AAAAAAAABwk/ECKl-3BXXBU/s1600-h/Mailbox%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Mailbox" border="0" alt="Mailbox" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIZeaEqVI/AAAAAAAABwo/z52M1u-aEus/Mailbox_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a>In My Mailbox</strong> is a weekly meme hosted by The <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/p/in-my-mailbox.html">Story Siren</a>. Thanks so much for this!</p> <p>This past week was a week with awesome releases! Luckily, it the end of the month and I had enough money left to get most of the releases I wanted!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Look what I got:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIZ3oQMwI/AAAAAAAABws/66xOhCgW7OA/s1600-h/This%20Side%20of%20the%20Grave%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="This Side of the Grave" border="0" alt="This Side of the Grave" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIauc0dFI/AAAAAAAABww/85jCLQjm6s0/This%20Side%20of%20the%20Grave_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIbXyCxLI/AAAAAAAABw0/uEKjqrtTAz8/s1600-h/Pale%20Demon%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pale Demon" border="0" alt="Pale Demon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvKNBvG3Fq_Kwbafkmp-V_deR27ZKZBn_-O5-y7zj2pd94oEtMiC7D4xHG_ImmSv07N6L0zRKupoMV4ksiLoLsGe5di5RIbWWUebWffrTAcKXo4wsF9Md_2h1i96QJXOuSdzV3u-Bd0g/?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIc4fCG2I/AAAAAAAABw8/CgpMEotx7xA/s1600-h/ironcrownedsmall%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ironcrownedsmall" border="0" alt="ironcrownedsmall" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIduO1K6I/AAAAAAAABxA/-sP-T1gi7v4/ironcrownedsmall_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="156" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIerlkSqI/AAAAAAAABxE/mrAqxFCdUZ0/s1600-h/American%20Vampire%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="American Vampire" border="0" alt="American Vampire" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIfDQdxYI/AAAAAAAABxI/M6N0uWIhnZg/American%20Vampire_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="156" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIf1HMfuI/AAAAAAAABxM/eWEDTqR601Q/s1600-h/etched-in-bone%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="etched-in-bone" border="0" alt="etched-in-bone" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIgSRBBXI/AAAAAAAABxU/1Qw8cjH_Bqk/etched-in-bone_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIg3mfY5I/AAAAAAAABxY/-d_TJieoXzY/s1600-h/Molly%20Harper%20-%20How%20to%20Flirt%20with%20a%20Naked%20Werewolf%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Molly Harper - How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf" border="0" alt="Molly Harper - How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIhdyJgYI/AAAAAAAABxc/vJhUmrb6r0k/Molly%20Harper%20-%20How%20to%20Flirt%20with%20a%20Naked%20Werewolf_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIiZ8DGcI/AAAAAAAABxg/40F0uVdB6OM/s1600-h/Green-eyed%20Demon%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Print" border="0" alt="Print" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWpIi0l4KJI/AAAAAAAABxk/mFVcnzmRFb0/Green-eyed%20Demon_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="244"></a></p> <p>I especially love the cover of Etched in Bone, Dante looks deliciously hawt (at least what you can see of him). But I immediatly started reading This Side of the Grave. </p> <p>Really, where are all the hot and sexy vamps with British accents that call you Luv when you need them? Must be because I´m here in Germany, Bavaria to be precise. I guess German accented Vampires are just not as sexy… Too bad! </p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-70678628799915664292011-02-23T17:48:00.002+01:002011-02-23T19:35:35.053+01:00Review: Bloodshot<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWU6ddnGCxI/AAAAAAAABwY/Z0L91zBA2iU/s1600-h/Bloodshot%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bloodshot" alt="Bloodshot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TWU6dycBgmI/AAAAAAAABwc/5eocr868_SI/Bloodshot_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="238" width="155" /></a></p> <p> <strong><u>Title:</u></strong> Bloodshot (Cheshire Red Reports #1)</p> <p> <u><strong>Author:</strong></u> Cherie Priest</p> <p><strong><u> Genre:</u></strong> Urban Fantasy</p> <p> <strong><u>Published:</u></strong> January 25th by Spectra</p> <p> <strong><u>Blurb: </u></strong></p> <p><em>VAMPIRE FOR HIRE<br />Raylene Pendle (AKA Cheshire Red), a vampire and world-renowned thief, doesn’t usually hang with her own kind. She’s too busy stealing priceless art and rare jewels. But when the infuriatingly charming Ian Stott asks for help, Raylene finds him impossible to resist—even though Ian doesn’t want precious artifacts. He wants her to retrieve missing government files—documents that deal with the secret biological experiments that left Ian blind. What Raylene doesn’t bargain for is a case that takes her from the wilds of Minneapolis to the mean streets of Atlanta. And with a psychotic, power-hungry scientist on her trail, a kick-ass drag queen on her side, and Men in Black popping up at the most inconvenient moments, the case proves to be one hell of a ride.</em></p> <p><strong><u>My Review:</u></strong></p> <p align="justify">Bloodshot is the first book by Cherie Priest I´ve read, even though I have heard a lot about her other books, especially Boneshaker.</p> <p align="justify">I thouroughly enjoyed reading <strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Bloodshot.</span></strong> Even though Cherie Priest does not invent the vampire new ability-wise, it is Raylene´s personality and charater that make her stand out that much.Her neurotic and obesssiv compulsive behavior is hilarious. Still, she more than capable of taking care for herself, her, well, unique charactersaves her from more than one precarious situation. That´s why she has become something like a legend in her line of work and has allowed her to horde tons of cash and other riches. </p> <p align="justify">Little does she know what she gets herslf into when she accepts a job that starts out more interesting than her usual ones. </p> <p align="justify">The rest of the characters is, aside from Raylene´s character, one of the things that made me like this book so much. Cherie Priest does not picture her vampire as incredibly powerful beings with god-like abilities like it´s common in other book featuring vampires. This gives the story a very interesting take. Ian, her client, is actuallly blind. The only other blind vampire I know is Wrath from the BDB, but those two have nothing in common! As mentioned, I really liked that kind of vulnerability Cherie Priest added to his character. </p> <p align="justify">Then there is Adrian. He/she (I share Raylene´s confusion about his gender) is totally kick-ass. But then again, what else do you expectfrom a former Navy SEAL and current drag queen. His two side are so incredibly contradictory I can only admire Cherie Priest for creating a character like him/her. </p> <p align="justify">Together with Ian´s ghoul and guide Cal, they form partnership of convinience to investigate the organisation behind the vicious attack, abduction and torture that led to Ian´s blindness. </p> <p align="justify">During the whole investigation, there are tons of action including break-ins, explosions, government conspiracies, Men in Black and pursuits. </p> <p align="justify">My verdict:</p> <p align="justify">I enjoyed every single minute I spent reading it. Bloodshot is a great blend of action, witty dialoges or in that case monologes and one liners by Raylene and likeable, unique characters. </p> <p align="justify">I would totally recommend it to everyone who loves a good Urban Fantasy book with a witty heroine.</p> <p align="justify">4 stars for Cherie Priest´s Bloodshot.</p>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-78412922268986153572011-02-05T21:41:00.001+01:002011-02-05T21:41:53.242+01:00Review: Tempest´s Legacy<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TU22DYQa0TI/AAAAAAAABvw/ELP7ZE5SyhQ/s1600-h/Peeler_Tempest-Legacy-MM_thumb22.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Peeler_Tempest-Legacy-MM_thumb2" border="0" alt="Peeler_Tempest-Legacy-MM_thumb2" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcS-hVBncb9VSR2ckrfxsnwNvWbn2QCLJ4Dn42OtyMr52DfA-ooIhkoNdU1UtM1JoqecUx0ntqB0QA2cqrrgJNhimFCPTqGQqOAgXz4cUx5nz2oJd1eBuX5C-lKzlmKAdeCcShP8hSFjo/?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a><strong><u>Author:</u></strong> Nicole Peeler</p> <p><strong><u>Title:</u></strong> Tempest´s Legacy (Jane True #3)</p> <p><strong><u>Genre:</u></strong> Urban Fantasy</p> <p><strong><u>Published:</u></strong> January 2011 by Orbit</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>Blurb:</u></strong></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Jane True has become proficient in basic magics, confident in herself and her abilities, and happily rooted in Rockabill. Her life is still divided between her supernatural brethren and her human friends and family, but it’s a division she maintains with very little trouble. <br>Everything changes, however, when Anyan brings Jane news that will force her to confront her dichotomized existence – supernatural females are being murdered, or have simply disappeared. <br>Jane and Anyan must embark on a desperate search to find out who is abducting these women, and how Jane can be protected from them. Aiding them is Jane’s former flame, Ryu. But can his stated motivations be trusted? And who are the mysterious figures dogging Jane’s and Anyan’s footsteps if not minions of Jarl? <br>Eventually, the trio stumble upon a secret so huge that it threatens to disrupt the tenuous traditions keeping humanity safe from the supernatural community that has, up until now, been content to lurk in the shadows. <br>Will they uncover the truth in time to save Jane’s friends? And just how far will Jarl go to protect his secrets?</em></p></blockquote> <p><strong><u>My Review:</u></strong></p> <p>I think I have a lucky streak, aside from one book (Nevermore) I really enjoyed every book I read during my time offline. And I´m positive that this is not due to lacking other kinds of entertainment. </p> <p>As soon as I read the first few pages and chapters, I realized how much I´ve missed Jane´s quirky voice and Nicole Peeler´s writing. </p> <p>Jane really goes through some serious, emotional and even traumatising stuff in this book, yet she still grows. Talk about character developement. </p> <p>I was really glad to see that we get to meet all the amazing characters from the previous books again and even more delighted to get to know a bunch of equally awesome new ones. </p> <p>The overall tone of the book however is a darker one than in the previous books. It´s not that there are very gory scenes os something like that, some happenings of the story are just hard to take in. </p> <p>The ending also really surprised me. I figured out who the bad guys were pretty fast, but the final revelation was something I did not see coming. The ending offers so many possibilities for the next book that I´m already in the “impatiently waiting for the next Jane True book –mode” one day after reading it. </p> <p>Oh, before I forget it: I was quite pleased with the romantic developments of this book. *grins*</p> <p><strong><u>My Verdict:</u></strong></p> <p>Another fun and tantalizing installment in the Jane True series. Loved every page of it! 4.5 of 5 stars.</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-41349328461248636972011-02-03T19:42:00.001+01:002011-02-03T19:42:15.326+01:00We have a Winner!<p>Remember my rant about Amzon yesterday? </p> <p>I guess someone must have read my post! Guess what I fund in my mailbox today??</p> <p>Here´s a little hint:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUr2_hrHjBI/AAAAAAAABvc/-33QN0Uexk4/s1600-h/The%20Iron%20Queen%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="The Iron Queen" border="0" alt="The Iron Queen" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUr3AMCacgI/AAAAAAAABvg/csgVP-Yjm24/The%20Iron%20Queen_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a></p> <p>*does happy dance* I know what I´ll be doing this weekend!</p> <p>By the way, winner is The Book Depository. I ordered it last Friday or Satury, so the shipping was actually pretty fast! </p> <p>So Sometime next week, I´ll be posting a series review for Julie Kagawa´s Iron Fey series. </p> <p>Now I´m off obsessing about my latest book boyfriend, the Winter Prince! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUr3AkxmRDI/AAAAAAAABvk/NNS7neAM6qo/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUr3BBd3f5I/AAAAAAAABvo/M8BADT_vQPw/s1600-h/11393123photoshoot-ben-barnes-1303603-360-480-jpg%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11393123photoshoot-ben-barnes-1303603-360-480-jpg" border="0" alt="11393123photoshoot-ben-barnes-1303603-360-480-jpg" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUr3BuFtCPI/AAAAAAAABvs/cRf584exDUc/11393123photoshoot-ben-barnes-1303603-360-480-jpg_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center">Ash?</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-62939790248575313032011-02-03T18:57:00.001+01:002011-02-03T18:57:40.294+01:00Review: No Rest for the Wicca<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUrsjwwHA0I/AAAAAAAABvU/x7z01dCTRcc/s1600-h/No%20rest%20for%20the%20Wicca%5B3%5D.jpg"><strong><u><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="No rest for the Wicca" border="0" alt="No rest for the Wicca" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUrskqPwuOI/AAAAAAAABvY/CCFZzhlgOz8/No%20rest%20for%20the%20Wicca_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="253"></u></strong></a><strong><u>Author:</u></strong> Toni LoTempio</p> <p><strong><u>Title:</u></strong> No Rest for the Wicca</p> <p><strong><u>Genre:</u></strong> Urban Fantasy</p> <p><strong><u>Published:</u></strong> October 20th (self-published)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>Blurb:</u></strong></p> <blockquote> <p align="left"><em>Communing with the dead is an everyday occurrence for PI Morgan Hawkes. A half-Wiccan witch who can commune with spirits of those caught between worlds, Morgan uses her talents to exorcise the trapped ghost or demon as part of the Paranormal Investigation Squad; until a string of murders with a voodoo slant prompts the Special Forces Agency to ask for her assistance. Someones killing pureblood witches- and the SFA is convinced Morgan´s voodoo heritage could be instrumental in solving the mystery. Teamed with dashing SF agent Cole St. John, an Inheritor Vampire that sets her blood racing; the two of them must fight their deep attraction as they race to stop a madman from unleashing a demonic force upon the world.</em></p></blockquote> <p> </p> <p>* Thank you so much Toni for sending me a copy!*</p> <p><strong><u>My Review:</u></strong></p> <p>Wow! I just discovered another Indie author that has really surprised me in a very positive way! I might even go so far to say that I liked toni LoTempio´s book almost as much as H.P. Malloy´s (my all-time favorite not any longer Indie author) books. </p> <p>But back to the actual book: No rest for the Wicca starts out by introducing Morgan Hawkes, a PI that communes and exrcises spirits and demons trapped between worlds. Even though she is good at that,she is nt happy with her job. <br>Morgan has a lot of baggage: soon, we find out that she blames herself for the death of her former partner, back when she still used to work for homicide. In an attempt to save her partner, she combined white Wiccan magic with voodoo. The spell went wrong and her partner ended up dead. Ever since, she has sworn off both her Wiccan and her voodoo heritage. But when fullblood witches turn up dead and her cousin is attacked, she has to find a way to get over her past to save some innocent witches. </p> <p>Morgan is a very well balanced character: she´s strong (and a little bit boneheaded), but she still has her flaws that only make her human. She´s not crazy powerful but also has to use her brains to solve this case. </p> <p>Cole St. John, hery fangy (is that a word?) the Special Forces Agent, is a great match for her, both as partner and as love interest. It takes them some time to confess their feeling for each other, but like I said, they are really good together. </p> <p>Overall, I really enjoyed every aspect of this book: there was romance, but not too many sex scense just for the sake of it. The murder mystery was gripping and kept me guessing until the very end. </p> <p>I also enjoyed the wordlbuilding and the mythology in No Rest for the Wicca. Wiccan and Voodoo mythology is no something I have read a lot about, so it was very entertaining. </p> <p>My Verdict:</p> <p>A highly enjoyable read! I would have never guessed that this was a self-published book, had I not been told! When there´s a new book in this series, I´m definetly going to read it!</p> <p>4 Stars!</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-85433755435569178752011-02-02T12:08:00.001+01:002011-02-02T12:08:48.793+01:00D@#+ you Amazon!!!<p>Do you know the feeling when you really really want a book? Like BAD? You´re so eager that you pre-order it like four weeks in advance?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk7PdlEQ6I/AAAAAAAABvI/vVtA3Bgp5-s/s1600-h/The%20Iron%20Queen%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="The Iron Queen" border="0" alt="The Iron Queen" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk7P77wsII/AAAAAAAABvM/LBda10E9BFA/The%20Iron%20Queen_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a>This is the way I felt about The Iron Queen. I strated Julie Kagawa´s amazong series while I was offline (but there will be a review) and LOVED it. Back then, The Iron Queen was not yet released.</p> <p>So, I pre-ordered The Iron Queen and felt really really happy. I Imagined myself on my couch with this beauty in my hands. </p> <p>But you know what? I still haven´t got it yet! First, I get a mail from the amauon customer service telling me that it might take them a few days longer than expected to deliver it. No problem, see I can be very patient (sometimes). But after “a few days” I get another mail telling my that they are incredibly sorry blah, blah, blah but as of now they don´t know when or if they can deliver it. WTF? Isn´t the whole point of pre-ordering so that I get my book right on time?</p> <p>This is a problem I often have to face here in Germany. Even though I pre-order pretty much ALL of my books, some still can´t be delivered. The alternative is ordering from book depository, but it also takesthem over a week to ship the books. It is sometimes slightly frustrating and one of the reasons I sometimes consider buying an e-reader, even though I love only few things more than getting a new book, opening it for the first time, admiring the cover and just skim through. </p> <p>Maybe, one of these days I might get myself a Kindle. But then again, who knows if they (meaning amazon) can deliver that???</p> <p>In case you are wondering now: yes, I cancelled my order with Amazon and placed a new one with The Book Depository. Ha, take that stupid online bookstore!</p> <p>(I know this might be slightly boring for you, but I had t tell someone who gets why I am mad about this.)</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-69238928371017309282011-02-02T11:43:00.001+01:002011-02-02T11:43:24.093+01:00Cover Alert<p>Lookie what I´ve just found:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1NueDIqI/AAAAAAAABug/ju_DwGJAwlU/s1600-h/Bloodlands%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bloodlands" border="0" alt="Bloodlands" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1OCTJBsI/AAAAAAAABuk/heWgVhBBykQ/Bloodlands_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a></p> <p>This one is called “Bloodland” and might not be final. Christine Cody is the pen name of Chris Marie Green. There´s not much about this one except the publishing date which is July 26th by Ace</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1O-cFZhI/AAAAAAAABuo/shNc--XRtXQ/s1600-h/Changeling%20Moon%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Changeling Moon" border="0" alt="Changeling Moon" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1PDykutI/AAAAAAAABus/2FsZxR3pe5g/Changeling%20Moon_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1PlQU0uI/AAAAAAAABuw/gCruveN5Knc/s1600-h/Changeling%20Dream%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Changeling Dream" border="0" alt="Changeling Dream" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1QLzr_aI/AAAAAAAABu0/7ZxB9vdRYSo/Changeling%20Dream_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a></p> <p>Here are the covers for Changeling Moon (which has been out for a while) and Chagelig Dreams by Dani Harper. The colors are very striking and I like that they have that red amulet in common, but is it just me or does the pose in the second book look a little bit odd?</p> <p>Release dates for those two books are May 31st and June 28th.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1QxnR6LI/AAAAAAAABu4/LuY-OHTTJVo/s1600-h/Daybreak%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Daybreak" border="0" alt="Daybreak" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1RINSglI/AAAAAAAABu8/S5gqiW9V-3U/Daybreak_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>Daybreak is the third book in the Dark Age Gawning series by Ellen Connor (a.k.a Ann Aguirre and Carrie Lofty).Release Date is sometime in December 2011. </p> <p>Blurb: </p> <blockquote> <p><em>It's been twelve years since the Change, and Penelope Sheehan is one of the few still practicing magic for the good of humanity in this dark, dangerous world. Determined to infiltrate the notorious O'Malley organization, she poses as an abducted girl–until a furious lion thwarts her mission. When the beast turns into a devastatingly handsome man, she recognizes in him the troubled boy she once knew. <br>Since becoming a skinwalker, Tru Daugherty has allowed his animal nature to take over. Aloof and cynical, he takes no interest in making the world a better place. He's a creature of instinct and impulse, living only to satisfy his senses–ignoring the scarred heart nobody has ever reached. He's also the best man to help Pen bring down the O'Malley crime ring. <br>Fighting alongside the last holdouts of humanity, they unleash a passion that tempts them to risk everything for love. But if they succeed, Tru and Pen hold the power to brighten the Dark Age for all time.</em></p> <p><em></em> </p></blockquote> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUTQys4XiAk9BqZ1yZLswI3Tal67vHKX7UkywcKcZIUIZp9FpaGceF90LPKNluP1M034ixvLBNolZzsl9bQgl94gF5o0kgeZMtFX6A2NmNuY5dFVJ1i1ByB3IeMmS51QtRCIksqdzs6w/s1600-h/Viper%20Moon%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Viper Moon" border="0" alt="Viper Moon" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUk1So5HqCI/AAAAAAAABvE/OH6vmnsNYE4/Viper%20Moon_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="151" height="244"></a></p> <p>And this is my favorite, both cover and blurb wise:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>A dark, sexy debut set in a small Missouri town where evil waits at the end of every alley... <br>Cassandra Archer is the huntress. She has faithfully served the earth Mother for years, rescuing kidnapped children from monsters—both human and supernatural—dwelling in the ruins of the Barrows District. But when two children are kidnapped under similar circumstances, all clues point to a cataclysmic event on the next dark moon. Now Cass must race against the clock and prevent a sacrifice that could destroy the entire town..</em></p></blockquote> <p>Release Date is July 5th 2011 by Signet.</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-76918024993481981012011-02-01T20:20:00.001+01:002011-02-01T20:20:33.041+01:00Review: Shadowfever <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUhcx7zpilI/AAAAAAAABs8/pA1nCO3Jchw/s1600-h/shadowfever%5B3%5D%5B4%5D.gif"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="shadowfever[3]" alt="shadowfever[3]" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUhc_UYrzWI/AAAAAAAABtA/TTXao9Fzdns/shadowfever%5B3%5D_thumb%5B1%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="157" height="240"></a></p> <p>Author: Karen Marie Moning </p> <p>Title: Shadowfever ( Fever #5)</p> <p>Genre : Urban Fantasy</p> <p>Published: January 18th by Delacorte Press</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>My Review:</p> <p>Okay, even now, a few days after finishing this book I still can´t find the right words. I had such high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed. </p> <p>I can still remember how I raged against KMM after THE cliffhanger. I think you all know what I´m talking about. Waiting for the release felt like an eternity, and I was crazy giddy when I finally had it in my hands. </p> <p>Thankfully, I wasn´t online, so I was not tempted to read the two chapters that were leaked and the pleasure of reading this book was completly undisturbed. And it was a pleasure. The book is so emotional, especially the very first part of it, ow Mac reacted to the death of the beast and the person behind it. For me, it wasn´t much of a surprise. I had feared it all along. But of course I kept hoping throughout the book that something would happen to undo it.</p> <p>It´s hard to write a review about this book without any spoilers, so I will keep it short and sweet: This book was awesome. I loved hoe all the secrets were revealed, I marveled at the character developement, not only of the main, but also of the side characters. Like few others, KMM has created characters that are not simply white and black. There are so many shades of grey in this book. What´s more, alll the character have an if not understandable than at least explainable reason for their actions. </p> <p>I was totally surprised about more than one story twist (most of all by one concerning Dani). And at the end, I felt totally satisfied but still more than a little sad. </p> <p>I´m really glad to hear that this will not be the end of this wonderful series. And honestly, I don´t mind waiting. Okay, maybe a little. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUhc_2U-CLI/AAAAAAAABtE/F3x8cfGjGpM/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p> </p> <p>My Verdict:</p> <p>5 Stars. Without hesitation. </p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-25207721545896049302011-01-31T21:44:00.001+01:002011-01-31T21:44:01.723+01:00Back online!!!<p>So, <em>finally I would say,</em> I´m back online. I can tell you, it was quite intense for me. I really felt like some kind of addict. </p> <p>The first few days were really intense. I constantly felt like I missed something ( and I did! Ilnoa Andrews hosted a signed cover falt contest and I´m just sure I would have won this time!). It felt really strange not being able to go online whenever I wanted (when I was at home. seriously thought of getting myself a smartphone, but I re-considered. </p> <p>The phone company is probably preparing a law suit because of me harrassing them (I think it is okay to call multiple times a day. It´s not my fault that I have to be at university and cant be there when they supposedly are free). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUcfDnROP6I/AAAAAAAABsM/teI1b33BPyo/s1600-h/Raziel_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Raziel_thumb" border="0" alt="Raziel_thumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TUcfEFhlxLI/AAAAAAAABsQ/pUb5sNTAtCw/Raziel_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a>In the second week, I stopped by an internet café to check my mails.I also tried to post something, but I had a very… well awkward experience there. I wanted to do a In My Mailbox post and therefore looked for a picture of the Raziel cover. </p> <p>Jup, that one. Behind me sat a bunch of teenage boys who thought it incredibly funny to spy on me. Imagine their delight when they caught me looking for that cover. </p> <p>I kind of decided against further posting in an internet café from this day on. </p> <p>There is one thing however that really amazed my during my forced break from blogging: I actually learned something from it:</p> <p>First: the world does not end when you don´t have internet connection. </p> <p>Second: You would be amazed at how much time you actually find for reading. I never realized just how much of my free time I waste (?) by browsing the internet. I´m not talking things that actually make sense, like visit blogs. I´m talking about following random links and stuff. </p> <p>Third: After my first week of anxiety, I was actually a little bit more relaxed. Huh. Who knew. </p> <p>So even though I hated being out of the loop, it was not as horrible as I would have toufght. I´m really glad however that I´m back now</p> <p>And the good thing about my break: I have tons of reviews I can post now! Because my Live Wirter still worked offline! </p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-14317564197803961602011-01-08T17:53:00.001+01:002011-01-08T17:53:07.554+01:00I Want Internet NOW!!!<p>*sigh*</p> <p>A new year, but the same old complications… Usually I had planned to stay the complete last week with my parents, but I had to go to my new apartment unplanned. And no, I still don´t have internet there. On Monday, my courses at university continue after the break over Christmas and I´ll be back in Munich - without internet again. </p> <p>But there´s good news as well: I´m supposed to be back online on January 14th. 6 more days!!!! I feel like an addict!!! I can´t read/answer mails, stalk my favorite blogs/authors or blog myself. On the other hand I´m gonna have even more time to read! So prepare yourself for tons of reviews. (Fortunately I also have tons of books to read!)</p> <p>This whole offline experience has really got me thinking: what would I do without? How did I live without internet before?</p> <p>No, seriously, let me tell you what I need internet for everyday:</p> <p>During the last few weeks, ia had to check every day before I left my apartment whether the public transportation system is still up and running and if my connection is on time. While I´m at it, I also check the weather online for my city to decide what to wear for the day. </p> <p>And because I have a few moments to spare, I check my two email addresses. And Facebook. And my blog. </p> <p>When I´m at university, I´m usually cut off from the internet as well, but I know I´ll be online as soon as I´m home. </p> <p>When I come home, I have to search for the song that´s stuck in my head since hearing it on the radio an listen to it on youtube. Then, </p> <p>I check my email again, as well as my blog and facebook. And then goodreads. I see a new book somewhere, read reviews on it, search it on amazon, check my bank balance, decide I´m still good and buy it. Plus one or two more from my wishlist, because you know, one book alone is too afraid, or, as a German saying goes "you can´t stand on one foot” or three because that´s even better or four because I don´t like odd numbers and so on. </p> <p>Then I write a review/blogpost. And check it for typing errors. And again. Then I stalk some more blogs and authors. </p> <p>Sometimes a friend calls about a movie/to go out: I go online, try to find out if there are any good movies, reserve the tickes/use google maps to see the location of the new hotspot to see which kind of transportation I should use. We rethink and decide to grab dinner instead. I google to see which is the best italien restaurant in the neighborhood, search (online) for the number and reserve a table. My friend tells me that we need a present for another friend. I´ll brows amazon for something fitting. Then I head over to etsy on my quest for the right present. </p> <p>Then I remember that the contract for my mobile phone is running out. If I keep it, I´ll get a new phone. Oh, shiny! Have to go online and see which phone is the best right now (and which is the best smartphone with email client). </p> <p>Friend calls again, cancels for today because of illness/super hot date/anything else. No problem, I can keep myself busy. I call a friend via skype who happens to be online (while I´m secretly horrified how strange I look via webcam). </p> <p>Roommate/sister comes in, complains about running nose/ sore throat/headache/whatever. Or drugstore is already closed, so we have to search for the emergency drugstore of course via google. While she´s at it, she pays her bills online and shops for new shoes. And jewelry. And checks out online clothing store. Then, she browses my bookshelf and takes three YA books without asking. I lecture her –again- about how to treat a book right, she rolls eyes.</p> <p>After we´re finished I decide that we have to eat something. And put my laptop to sleep mode, because he (yes, it´s a boy) is quite hot, you know, overheated, not hot like that.</p> <p>All fed, I go online to see if there´s anything on TV. Or Youtube. And I check my emails again. And Facebook. I´m having a hard time deciding between reading and watching something online (thank you ITunes and Ipod) and end up doing both at the same time. </p> <p>Before I go to sleep, I check my blog/email/facebook/goodreads. And go one more time to amazon/book depository to track my recent order. </p> <p>Okay, I guess besides being a book addict, I also have a serious internet addiction problem. Is it just me or are you more and more dependent on the internet? Maybe I can visit a friend who has internet. Or buy one of those fancy surf sticks for the next few days. </p> <p>Or maybe I´m just doomed. I´ll let you know at the latest on January 14th. </p> <p>Until then, I´ll miss you. And the internet.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TSiWccKND7I/AAAAAAAABsI/xXVAOgHdDms/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-12685334425714971892011-01-03T13:39:00.001+01:002011-01-03T13:39:49.074+01:00Early Review: Phantom Universe<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TSHDkUH6YiI/AAAAAAAABsA/rke0vYSKCco/s1600-h/Phantom%20Universe%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Phantom Universe" border="0" alt="Phantom Universe" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eyTaGt0A2eT94-H0da5UWGWZFqeIzn2bi1iZUM9IeJZ9kY3RRvpYf4FT2_SOF2I8YaChR3K_W3dFYS9_cwusVwq-ujNXUmK3DWu4f_GmcW7LrPBk6cm_uMltOivi7LL0wVQhVsc-IbI/?imgmax=800" width="162" height="244"></a></p> <p>Title: Phantom Universe (Summer Chronicles #1)</p> <p>Author: Laura Kreitzer</p> <p>Genre: Young Adult</p> <p>Expected Publication: February 15th 2011 by Obsidian Mountain Publishing </p> <p>Blurb: <em>Sold into slavery to pirates at the young age of four, Summer learns to survive the rough seas of subterfuge and thieves through silence. When the boat she’s lived on most of her life is destroyed, Summer finds herself washed up on the shore of a new world, a phantom universe full of the bizarre and extraordinary. She meets Gage, the one boy who understands the girl with no speech. But when their lives are put on the line, will Summer finally call out? Or will all be lost in the fathomless depth of silence?</em></p> <p><em>Thank you Obsidian Mountain Publishing for providing a review copy!</em></p> <p>Review:</p> <p>Since I´ve read the first book of Laura Kreitzer´s Timeless series and really enjoyed it, I immerdiatly took the opportunity when I was offered a very early copy of her new series The Summer Chronicles. </p> <p>Phantom Universe tells the story of Summer, a slave girl who only survived by not speaking and trying to be invisible. When she finds herself in a whole new world after escaping the ships she works on, she also finds herself at the very center of attention – not only of gorgeous Gage, one of the few persons who seem to understand and care for her. A very powerful and dangerous group has taken a strange interest in her. When a dark secret of her past is revealed and her life is in even more danger than before, Summer has to decide: speak up or die.</p> <p>Phantom Universe is a YA book, but there is a lot of heavy stuff in it. As a slave, Summer has to gone through a lot of both physical and mental torture (including an attempted rape) and unsurprisingly, life has left scars on her. Some visible, but the worst of them invisible. Laura Kreitzer has done an amazing job at creating such a fragile, insecure, tormented but also consistent character. Even though you can see how Summer gets better throughout the book, she only takes tiny steps. There are ups and downs and you can´t help but feel for her, suffer with her and get the urge to protect her. </p> <p>Gage and Landon are the only ones that bring some kind of security, balance and safety to her life. Both care for her a great deal: Landon more in a brotherly way while you know immediately that Gage wants to be more than just a friend to her.Yet, he never forces her to do anything she doesn´t want and is incredibly sweet. (A little hint: the rose in the cover is not random.) Both guys would do anything to protect her and try to heal her without being too pushy or overpowering. </p> <p>The rest of the characters in the book (especially Cameron) might be side characters, but that doesn´t mean they were given less thought by the author. Each one of them has been given a very distinct voice that hints how much work was put into this book. </p> <p>Phantom Universe is set in a world that is ours, yet is completly different. I don´t want to give away too much about it, since part of it is integral to the plot, but just like Summer, the reader only gets tidbits of information about it. That is one thing that was a bit of a drawback for me, as I would have loved to learn more about both society history and technology, but as this is only the first book in the series, I´m sure that there is more to discover in the next books.</p> <p>Both the prologue and the flashbacks to Summer´s childhood are great additions to the story. The former hints at a very mysterious and captivating part of the plot. The flashbacks provide a deeper insight to Summer´s character and help you understand how she became what she is. The last chapters of the book also introduce a new storyline that guarantees to keep you waiting impatiently for the next installment in the series.</p> <p>Laura Kreitzer has a way of writing a story that somehow gets under your skin. I mentioned it above somewhere, this book is really intense, but nontheless moving and outstanding. </p> <p>My Verdict:</p> <p>4.5 stars for Laura Kreitzer´s YA debut and extra 5 stars for Summer´s character. </p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-53739397357557196882011-01-01T12:12:00.002+01:002011-01-01T16:13:45.812+01:00Series Review: The Succubus Diaries by Jill Myles<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR8L8Xvko5I/AAAAAAAABrk/oqNNAUhHeYI/s1600-h/Gentlemen%20prefer%20Succubi%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gentlemen prefer Succubi" alt="Gentlemen prefer Succubi" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR8L80oWQPI/AAAAAAAABro/kfdEwIJYfaY/Gentlemen%20prefer%20Succubi_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="195" width="109" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR8L-BjUyvI/AAAAAAAABrs/KTVViKCWeJ0/s1600-h/Succubi-Like-It-Hot_size-500FINAL-COVER%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="Succubi-Like-It-Hot_size-500FINAL-COVER" alt="Succubi-Like-It-Hot_size-500FINAL-COVER" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR8L-mblFRI/AAAAAAAABrw/O9zC_mo5ay4/Succubi-Like-It-Hot_size-500FINAL-COVER_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="193" width="113" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR8L_n8L3LI/AAAAAAAABr0/amM5pjKqpoU/s1600-h/My-Fair-Succubi_NOT_FINAL2%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="My-Fair-Succubi_NOT_FINAL2" alt="My-Fair-Succubi_NOT_FINAL2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR8MAqm9fLI/AAAAAAAABr4/URxshjQDhZ4/My-Fair-Succubi_NOT_FINAL2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="192" width="112" /></a></p> <p>Titles: Gentlemen Prefer Succubi, Succubo Like It Hot, My Fair Sucubi</p> <p>Author: Jill Myles</p> <p>Genre: Paranormal Romance</p> <p> </p> <p>You´re wondering what I´ve been up to in the last three days? Well, here´s your answer! Once I started reading Gentlemen Prefer Succubi, I simply counldn´t stop myself. I HAD to read the entire series so far. Lucky me that I treated myself to all of the books for Christmas (hehe).</p> <p>Now I not only have a new favorite series but also a new crush: Zane. *swoon*. I can´t believe it took me so long to finally read this series, as it has everything I want in a good book: great, enjoyable characters, an entertaining plot and well, just look at the covers. *grins*</p> <p>Jackie is really kind of prude for being a succubus, but that makes her so unique (obviously not only in my eyes). I loved how she is still embarrased about some of the more… sticky aspects of her new existence. Jill Myles had a wonderfully genius idea when she created the character of a reluctant succubu who tries her hardest to stay decent. With two hot guys. (Poor thing.)</p> <p>The very opposite of our dear Jackie is her best freind, Remy. Frivolous, shameless Remy, who just happens to be a porn star. Reading how the unusual freindship between the two sucks developed throughout the books was pure pleasure. </p> <p>Noah and Zane, the two guys in book are a whole new league of hotness. I guess everyone should guess from the tiltles and the premise of the book, there are quite a few deliciously hot scenes in the books, involving either of the men. But besides all the steamy action, you also get the feeling that they both really care about Jackie, each one in his very own way. Noah, Jackie´s “rock” with his gentle, caring personality and Zane with being Zane. I don´t know what it was about him that made my heart break for him, but he had me after the first few pages! The end of book two made me incredibly sad and reading about Zane´s fate in My Fair Succubi made me cringe. </p> <p>In each book, Jill Myles adds another great chracter to the band of Immortals: the evil vampire queen in book one, Luc the mysterious stalker in book two and of course Ethan in book three. I especially enjoyed Ethan and his scenes with Remy: the two of them make an awesome pair! <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR8MBGYZXDI/AAAAAAAABr8/JYZ2QuqkEH4/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Each book has great storyline that keeps you entertained on every single page. </p> <p>Jackie and her friends have stolen my heart over the last three days and I can´t wait to read more about them, as well as other books by the fabulous author!</p> <p>The entire series gets 5 stars!</p>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-91478712482799706442010-12-31T19:34:00.001+01:002010-12-31T19:34:30.524+01:00Happy New Year 2011!!!<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR4iMtcv0VI/AAAAAAAABrY/q0sAPMsUp-4/s1600-h/1291360927_1800x1125_2011-happy-new-year-wallpaper%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1291360927_1800x1125_2011-happy-new-year-wallpaper" border="0" alt="1291360927_1800x1125_2011-happy-new-year-wallpaper" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR4iNQWjCOI/AAAAAAAABrg/XxnPeKhViVg/1291360927_1800x1125_2011-happy-new-year-wallpaper_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="274"></a></p> <p>I really hope you and your family all have a happy, healthy and great new year 2011 (with lots of grest books to come)!</p> <p>Have a great (and safe) party today ad enjoy the fireworks! </p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-7882218571672616262010-12-31T19:30:00.001+01:002010-12-31T19:30:27.613+01:00Guest Post: Jaz Primo<p>A while ago, I found a book that caught my eye. It has everything my Urban Fantasy loving heart desires: Tough chick, weapons and urban and graveyard inspired background. When I checked out on goodreads I found out that it had already been published. Why didn´t I hear about is earlier??? I decided to confront the author demanding a justification. Turns out Jaz Primo is not incredibly nice but also very funny. So I literally forced him to come here today to chat about his debut, Sunrise at Sunset. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR4hOt9D5JI/AAAAAAAABrE/SZv_SMbDHpg/s1600-h/Sunrise-at-Sunset_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sunrise-at-Sunset_thumb" border="0" alt="Sunrise-at-Sunset_thumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR4hPadfTHI/AAAAAAAABrI/k8HS7pdSzVQ/Sunrise-at-Sunset_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="244"></a></p> <p>So dear readers, help me welcome Jaz Primo!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR4hPuyOedI/AAAAAAAABrM/HM0PO5dO7qI/s1600-h/Jaz-Primo_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jaz-Primo_thumb" border="0" alt="Jaz-Primo_thumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR4hQKjzZCI/AAAAAAAABrQ/w8HotvUHT-0/Jaz-Primo_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244"></a></p> <p><b>*Silence*</b> <p><b>*The inexorable sound of silence on the Dark Side*</b> <p><b>*"Cosmic Love" by Florence + The Machine plays*</b> <p> <p>And with that...the silence is broken. Yet, it's still remarkably dark. Hmm...must be because we're on the Dark Side! <p><b>*wink*</b> <p>Hello fellow urban fantasy fans. I'm Jaz Primo, and it's my honor to be a guest on Reading on the Dark Side. That being said, I'm sure you're wondering who Jaz Primo is. Fair question, really. I wrote a novel titled <i>Sunrise at Sunset</i>. It's a recently-published urban fantasy vampire novel, and the first in the <i>Sunset Series</i>. You can view a book trailer for it on a host of web locations, including my website at <a href="www.jazprimo.com/extras.htm">www.jazprimo.com/extras.htm</a> and YouTube at <a href="www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUe5QywiCiE&feature=recentf.">www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUe5QywiCiE&feature=recentf.</a> <p><b>Okay, here´s my cue!</b> <p><strong>Jaz´s Primo´s debut “Sunrise at Sunset” has a very surprising premise: instead of a strong, male alpha vamp, we get to meet Katrina, the first female alpha vamp I have ever read about. </strong> <p><strong>Katrina is a really impressive character. While there is no doubt about her power as vampire, she is also incredibly caring and loving towards Caleb. At times, she almost seems overprotecting, tryung to shield him from anything that comes with her existence as vampire.</strong> <p><strong>Caleb on the other hand is definitely ot like you would expect from a Urban Fantasy hero. He is gentle, abhors violence and tends to give in rather easily. He deals with Katrina´s revelation about her true identity like anyone else would. </strong> <p><strong>Later on in the book a mortal foe threatens Katrina´s and Caleb´s fragile new relationship. I really liked this development, since relationships are not always all lovey-dovey (right?). But then again, there are really sweet and tender moments between them where you get a glimpse of just how much the unlikely couple cares for one another. </strong> <p><strong>I also really enjoyed Katrina´s vampire friends, Alton and Paige, how the somehow odd realtionship between bubbly Paige and Caleb forms and how Caleb gets introduces little by little into the vampire world. </strong> <p><strong>After a lot of books written in the first person´s POV, it took me a time to adjust to third person narrative Jaz Primo´s book, but I guess that is not his fault. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TR4hQryuNiI/AAAAAAAABrU/e3rVy622hMo/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></strong></p> <p><strong>Also, “Sunrise at Sunset” is strictly an Urban Fantasy novel, not one of those urban Fantasy Romance / Romantic Urban Fantasy crossovers. There are no references to sex whatsoever. So if you like some adult content in your book, you might want to read something else. </strong></p> <p><strong>All in all, I really enjoyed Jaz Primo´s debut. If you want to read a book with a very strong female character for a change, I can only recommend it to you!</strong></p> <p>Like it? Here's the teaser from the back of the novel: <p>-------------- <p>“We vampires are focused and tend to shape our own realities.” <p>My name is Katrina Rawlings, and I am a vampire. I declare that with neither pride nor ego. I am simply nature’s most dangerous predator. On occasion, it’s a very valuable quality. It helped me <p>protect Caleb Taylor one day when he was very young. But that single, traumatic day is behind him now; wiped from his memory, or so I hope. <p>Caleb has finally matured into a rather striking young man, and believe me, I like what I see. I’ll readily admit that there are issues for us to confront and overcome, though a sense of mutual commitment isn’t one of them. I’m feeling hopeful for our future together, in fact. But an adversary from my past has returned to haunt me, and she’s trying to get back at me through Caleb. That was her first...and last...mistake. I’ll protect my Caleb at all costs, and I’ll make her regret the day she was born. <p>So, I suppose that I’m not just a vampire. I’m about to become someone’s worst nightmare! <p>-------------- <p>Sound interesting? If you like both a dose of romance and adventure in your vampire novels, then I highly recommend giving it a try. I think that you'll like it. <p><b>*smile*</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>*"Goaltime Exposure" by Land of Talk plays*</b> <p>I simply love writing with a soundtrack. What can I say? It helps stimulate my mood and creative writing. It's like jet fuel for my imagination, really. How about you? Do you like reading to music? <p><b>*pausing*</b> <p>Better still, how many of you think that your life should come with a soundtrack? <p><b>*grin*</b> <p>I certainly do. Our lives really are a live-action production...our very own reality show, to say the least. Surely, we deserve a soundtrack. But what would your soundtrack be? Do you hearken to a specific genre, or would your selections be based upon the moment or scene? As for me, I tend to have a soundtrack going on in the background most of the time. I listen to music on my iPod when exercising, working around the house, or simply driving down the road between destinations. My favorite genre is alternative rock, but I also enjoy movie sound scores, classical symphonic compositions, or even classic jazz. For me, it's all about setting a mood. When I'm writing, I tend to queue up the music for the scene at hand, and have it repeat endlessly until I'm ready for the next scene or mood. Eventually, the music fades to background noise as I focus on what I'm writing. Then all I'm left with is the mood...the essence of the ebb and flow of the characters and their exploits. <p><b>*Strumming my fingers on the keyboard in deep thought*</b> <p>However, can you imagine the cacophony of soundtracks going on all around us simultaneously? It would be decibel pandemonium to our beleaguered ears! Or rather, as the Joker inside me whispers, "Pure, unadulterated auditory anarchy." <p><b>*chuckling*</b> <p>Aw well, it was a nice idea while it lasted... <p>Moving on. <p>People sometimes challenge me with, "Jaz, the world is already full of vampire novels. And besides, with <i>Twilight</i>, <i>The Vampire Diaries</i>, and <i>Tru-Blood</i> we're headed for inevitable burnout with vampires! What in God's name were you thinking?!" <p>Folks, I'm here to tell you: I didn't contrive to write a vampire novel...it made its presence known, and demanded to be written. I mean, if I were a savvy author out to make a mint by cornering the next great urban fantasy, I'd be manufacturing something completely new and unheard of in the annals of modern literature. But then, that's not me, really. I write based upon my passion and inspiration; not because I'm a publishing mogul out to corner the market. (Full Disclosure: Feel free to make my novel the next great craze in urban fantasy...please!) <p><b>*rubbing my hands together in giddy anticipation*</b> <p><b>*Christine clears her throat audibly*</b> <p>Sorry, blog moderator. Where was I? <p>Oh, yes. The characters in my Sunset Series literally popped into my head, and frolicked around my imagination incessantly until I finally relented and wrote down what they were doing. Simple as that. I have to admit, I like the fact that they do have a life of their own. I'm often amused by what they come up with next, actually. In fact, three novels later, I can't wait to get started writing the fourth novel this winter! <p><b>*smiling happily*</b> <p><b>*"Success" by Interpol plays*</b> <p>Well, it's about time for me to wrap things up. My sincere thanks to Christine for the opportunity to meet you, and spend some time on the Dark Side. It's a wonderful blog, and a place I'd love to visit again in the future! If you have a chance, I hope that you'll drop by my website at www.jazprimo.com or my blog at primovampires.blogspot.com. Most of all, I hope there's room on your TBR list for <i>Sunrise at Sunset</i>! <p>I now return you to your regularly-scheduled Reading on the Dark Side. <p>Peace. <p>Jaz </p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com197tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-16880270867179485412010-12-29T17:51:00.001+01:002010-12-29T17:51:34.443+01:00Waiting On Wednesday<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRtnDrEmGMI/AAAAAAAABqg/Ja3N268BXUs/s1600-h/New%20WoW%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New WoW" border="0" alt="New WoW" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRtnEbsgkPI/AAAAAAAABqk/_lp3zW3M3SM/New%20WoW_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="192"></a></p> <p>Welcome to Waiting on Wednesday and thanks so much to Jill @ <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a> for hosting this meme every week. Here´s what I am impatiently waiting for:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRtnE5fvwaI/AAAAAAAABqo/bFQIXJzKGC0/s1600-h/A%20Brush%20of%20Darkness%20-%20Allison%20Pang%20-%20August%202010%20Reveal%20-%20Cover%20is%20NOT%20Final%20-%20From%20Simon%20%26%20Schuster%20Catalogue%20-%20NEW%20AUTHOR%20ALERT%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="A Brush of Darkness - Allison Pang - August 2010 Reveal - Cover is NOT Final - From Simon & Schuster Catalogue - NEW AUTHOR ALERT" border="0" alt="A Brush of Darkness - Allison Pang - August 2010 Reveal - Cover is NOT Final - From Simon & Schuster Catalogue - NEW AUTHOR ALERT" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRtnFfh4IqI/AAAAAAAABqs/ogWNRayiS5c/A%20Brush%20of%20Darkness%20-%20Allison%20Pang%20-%20August%202010%20Reveal%20-%20Cover%20is%20NOT%20Final%20-%20From%20Simon%20%26%20Schuster%20Catalogue%20-%20NEW%20AUTHOR%20ALERT_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="168" height="277"></a></p> <p><strong><u>goodreads blurb:</u></strong></p> <p>The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares. <p>Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn’t at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as- sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus’s whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there’s no one she can trust to save her. <p>Okay, so the cover might not be totally my taste, but everything else about this book sounds amazing! Can´t wait for January 25th! <p>What are you waiting for?</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-11882283898245490782010-12-28T06:30:00.003+01:002010-12-28T07:23:16.650+01:00My Top 10–Paranormal Romance<p>Hello again! </p> <p>Today it´s time for romance! I´m going to share my favorite ONR books this year! </p> <p>Here we go! </p> <p><strong>Demonica Series by Larissa Ione</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1weh1QPI/AAAAAAAABpE/D9XRg7l1-fc/s1600-h/SinUndone_LarissaIone2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="SinUndone_LarissaIone" alt="SinUndone_LarissaIone" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1xPqRriI/AAAAAAAABpI/KHNtVDNtzFQ/SinUndone_LarissaIone_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="152" /></a></p> <p>Oh yes, I love me some demons! </p> <p>This band of brothers is seriously hot and sexy. My favorite is still Wraith, even though I have to read the last two books in the series yet! <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1xbrPrvI/AAAAAAAABpM/eQxj6vJ0g8c/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble / Toil and Trouble (Jolie Wilkis series) by H.P. Mallory</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1yIEgFcI/AAAAAAAABpQ/J0-p_8zs70Y/s1600-h/ToilandTrouble2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="ToilandTrouble" alt="ToilandTrouble" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1y29J7XI/AAAAAAAABpU/QMWaPnJQsJA/ToilandTrouble_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="167" /></a></p> <p>My favorite all time Indie author H.P. Mallory has two great series out and I love both of them equally. </p> <p>She knows how to write a story that is not only sexy as hell but also adds a humorous touch! </p> <p>I´m still trying to decide which of her hotties is my favorite, either Rand, Sinjin or Knight. I wouldn´t turn down any of them! </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire #1) by Clay and Susan Griffith</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1zsyRmuI/AAAAAAAABpY/RhI1SUoGtto/s1600-h/greyfriar_cover2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="greyfriar_cover" alt="greyfriar_cover" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl10LwuUCI/AAAAAAAABpc/09uXuA5TT2E/greyfriar_cover_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="164" /></a></p> <p>Okay, I know that this is technically more steampunk/Urban Fantasy/Alternative History but there is a romance between the two main characters and I loved them to death. </p> <p>I kind of forgot it to mention it in my Top 10 UF list. </p> <p>This book rocks. Simple but true. Can´t wait to get the next book! </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">The Iron Duke (Iron Seas #1) by Meljean Brook</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl10-XoUOI/AAAAAAAABpg/KiVRvQCyaFc/s1600-h/Iron-Duke3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="Iron Duke" alt="Iron Duke" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl11bM45KI/AAAAAAAABpk/nCe_eIWcSJc/Iron-Duke_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="164" /></a></p> <p>Thinking of Rhys always nearly causes swooning on my part. <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1xbrPrvI/AAAAAAAABpM/eQxj6vJ0g8c/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Again, this is more steampunk but it´s also incredibly hawt! </p> <p>After reading this as my first Meljean Brook book, I immediatly ordered the first book in her other series as well!</p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Living in Eden / Something Wicked (Living in Eden Series) by Michelle Rowen</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl12AlcrEI/AAAAAAAABpo/KLQo5ZP2WKg/s1600-h/SomethingWicked3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="SomethingWicked" alt="SomethingWicked" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfN83fh4XuhVb2A-WsddtzoFK3gDwUWGT7nn2R617nOGkeiCq5T9ldU8DZ0OepWo02vRhvn6d3iBHdWMGfOKtCXGVM5sggv5bJxVTgfcKt0YQHM_jLnD87zF7IgpQ5bw3VoangCY_nn4/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="153" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Again with the demons! Darrak is great as well! For a demon, he has an amazong sense of humor! </p> <p>Someone like him would be almost worth risking my soul for. Almost! </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Lords of the Underworld Series by Gena Showalter</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhab01E1d-5OtFRg-yG_E-DAutz1kdywca_qleEDo7VwYs2tnScNR7EuAo5I-wbIbREEQhm31lgmbGQ8zOu_kYDnjBcdZRNgqgLIRKH_7Lg4c4xrbbbfKrPhLymrDXE1Sq72g-3c5jXhVw/s1600-h/the-darkest-pleasure2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="the darkest pleasure" alt="the darkest pleasure" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl13wYpwSI/AAAAAAAABp0/xQNPtuXGFCU/the-darkest-pleasure_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="156" /></a></p> <p>I started this series just this year, but I read it in like one week! </p> <p>Don´t ask me which one of the Lords is my favorite… maybe Aeron or Reyes. I don´t know, I just know I love them. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Ecstasy in Darkness (Alien Huntress Series) by Gena Showalter</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl14RO83uI/AAAAAAAABp4/F-EcR24155Q/s1600-h/ecstasyindarkness2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="ecstasyindarkness" alt="ecstasyindarkness" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl144K_NfI/AAAAAAAABp8/ytU8-WnDdgA/ecstasyindarkness_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="153" /></a></p> <p>I have to admit that I started this series with this book and okay, I admit it, I bought it because of the cover. </p> <p>But it was worth it. McKell is the typical alpha male, which I love from time to time! </p> <p><img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1xbrPrvI/AAAAAAAABpM/eQxj6vJ0g8c/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl15XGxqyI/AAAAAAAABqA/YDyS7WIeSxE/s1600-h/ghost-hunter2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="ghost hunter" alt="ghost hunter" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl16CNhS2I/AAAAAAAABqE/Ky5A3sy1r-I/ghost-hunter_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="204" width="136" /></a></p> <p>Lori Brighton is another Indie author I discovered this year and I loved her book. </p> <p>While reading The Ghost Hunter, I discovered that I have a thing for Scotish accents. </p> <p>Very sexy! <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1xbrPrvI/AAAAAAAABpM/eQxj6vJ0g8c/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>First Drop of Crimson/Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World) by Jeaniene Frost</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl17ao-L7I/AAAAAAAABqI/CfLLgIn9kzU/s1600-h/first-drop-of-crimson2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="first-drop-of-crimson" alt="first-drop-of-crimson" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrEO1PXVRA040dz12W2WYdpjbXTdpRO2drf8eovGXapYlrtrlN1_c-0EQFtM71dT2xsYEpwinOKKKY102S7dOEHPfK0bYRrQOXiyr5D3P9DR7jjx5qAP8EYODYQSbUAkOCd4GJPwX2dg/?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="152" /></a></p> <p>Eternal Kiss of Darkness was again a book I read in a joint review with Anna from Books to Brighten your Mood. </p> <p>I´ve started the Night Huntress series one or two years ago but somehow failed to keep up (don´t worry, now I have all the books, I just have to find the time to read them!). </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Touched by an Alien / Alien Tango (Katherine “Kitty” Katt) by Gini Koch</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl18qHOX1I/AAAAAAAABqQ/hdt8IpNo4sA/s1600-h/alien-tango-22.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="alien tango 2" alt="alien tango 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl19Sr6-WI/AAAAAAAABqU/Q87TA44ihoY/alien-tango-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="153" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This book is once again probably in the wrong category, but I still loved it. </p> <p>Gini Koch´s writing is funny and I mean really funny, not silly imaginative and sexy.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Bayou Moon (The Edge #2) by Ilona Andrews</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1-7vPH6I/AAAAAAAABqY/fiOEASSLMIY/s1600-h/BAYOU-MOON13.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="BAYOU-MOON1" alt="BAYOU-MOON1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRl1_UafmJI/AAAAAAAABqc/eihmmvJwhBo/BAYOU-MOON1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="154" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Okay, so this is number eleven, but there´s no way that I could leave this one out. </p> <p>I love their Kate Daniels series a little bit more, but still. Truly amazing! </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p>And what about you folks? What is your favorite heroine? And which sexy alpha male would you like to have for yourself? </p> <p>Please do tell!</p>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-29064936343992452172010-12-27T13:52:00.004+01:002010-12-27T15:44:28.958+01:00My Top 10–Paranormal Young Adult<p>While I mostly read Urban Fantasy and PNR, I do enjoy a good YA book from time to time. </p> <p>Here are the ten books I enjoyed most this year (again in no particular order).</p> <p><strong>Hush, Hush / Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiLxQYLGBI/AAAAAAAABno/hPEiNdbygGw/s1600-h/Crescendo%20cover_thumb%5B2%5D%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="Crescendo cover_thumb[2]" alt="Crescendo cover_thumb[2]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiLyI7rOII/AAAAAAAABns/sd59sgIaaFs/Crescendo%20cover_thumb%5B2%5D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="168" /></a></p> <p>I read both books along with my dear blogging friend Anna from "Books to Brighten your Mood after a long YA pause. </p> <p>While I sometimes find YA books a little boring, both Hush Hush and Crescendo are suspensful, full of action and fast-paced. </p> <p>Patch also ranks very high on my list of favorite bad boys! <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiLyeFhIGI/AAAAAAAABnw/pjtY6_6OQsk/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiLzCRkyNI/AAAAAAAABn0/LJqWk-GjKfg/s1600-h/Ghost-Goth%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ghost-Goth" alt="Ghost-Goth" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiLz1dJnPI/AAAAAAAABn4/ZY0AHjwRhjk/Ghost-Goth_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="170" /></a></p> <p>I finished this book this book very recently. It´s really not my ususal choice, but it has received a lot of high reviews on blogs I really like so I took the plunge and read it. </p> <p>To my surprise, I really enjoyed it! It less dark than my usual preferences, but it was a fun read right from the beginning. </p> <p>I was more than happy, that this book had none of the typical high school cliché. Even your typical Homecoming Queen/Cheerleader had more deph to her character than expected.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL09Qbk9I/AAAAAAAABn8/SwaqRwDHvjU/s1600-h/Jenny%20pox%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="Jenny pox" alt="Jenny pox" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL1D0GyhI/AAAAAAAABoA/ZCgnG6AieJ4/Jenny%20pox_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="196" /></a>I got Jenny Pox for review and it turned out one of the most pleasant surprises this year. </p> <p>J.L Bryan´s Jenny Pox id one of the best examples that there are really incredibly good Indie authors out there that you shouldn´t miss. </p> <p>It is however quite gory and has a lot of adult content.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Nightshade by Andrea Cremer</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL1xfsAtI/AAAAAAAABoE/9rj0Tvc5sIE/s1600-h/nightshade_cover-cremer%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="nightshade_cover-cremer" alt="nightshade_cover-cremer" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL2ZJm4fI/AAAAAAAABoI/n5FpeViMKbQ/nightshade_cover-cremer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="163" /></a></p> <p>I still remeber when I open the package containing Nightshade. It was one of those “this just made my day moments”. </p> <p>But aside from the beautiul cover, and layout of the book and the more than unusual promo, the story of Nightshade did not disappoint. </p> <p>Even if you think werewolves are slightly overused, you should definitely give this book a try!</p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>The Hunger Games / Catching Fire / Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL3HzjE7I/AAAAAAAABoM/tKmlAlKFi0M/s1600-h/mockingjay%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="mockingjay" alt="mockingjay" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL3yJm4yI/AAAAAAAABoQ/pUSVW8fV_2s/mockingjay_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="162" /></a></p> <p>There are only few books that have touched me on such a deep emotinal level that the Hunger Games Trilogy. </p> <p><strong>I </strong>would recommend this book to everyone who hasn´t read it before, simply because it draws you in emotionally and also makes you think. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong></strong><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>The last few picks were made by my sister who has very recently discovered her love for paranormal YA books. Those are the ones I chose for her.</strong></p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong>Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy series) by Richelle Mead</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL4YhvCgI/AAAAAAAABoU/Vf6NNtjBBv4/s1600-h/last-sacrifice%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="last-sacrifice" alt="last-sacrifice" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL44tfigI/AAAAAAAABoY/alzDRFIIkqk/last-sacrifice_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="163" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Yeah, she really obsessed about this series. She hasn´t read Last Sacrifice yet, she says she´ll keep it for a special occasion. </p> <p>We are very similar in some things. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Mortal Instruments / Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL5rRXVRI/AAAAAAAABoc/DLdeecGuJkE/s1600-h/clockwork-angel-cover%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="clockwork-angel-cover" alt="clockwork-angel-cover" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL6IsXx0I/AAAAAAAABog/iMxGzP0KY58/clockwork-angel-cover_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="164" /></a></p> <p>Steffi said that the Mortal Instruments series in one of her most favorite so far. </p> <p>I also read it a while back (and in German, one of the last book I ever read in my native language) and I also loved it. I have yet to read Clockwork Angel, but my sister says it´s just as great as the three other books by Cassandra Clare.</p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Paranormalcy by Kiersten White</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL65LM3SI/AAAAAAAABok/GcXfG-RO0Vs/s1600-h/paranormalcy%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="paranormalcy" alt="paranormalcy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL8ZRmnwI/AAAAAAAABoo/uvBq2w-Yc-I/paranormalcy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="163" /></a></p> <p>I know that my sister likes a book when she asks: “Is there another book in the series yet?” She asked me that about Paranormalcy a lot! <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiLyeFhIGI/AAAAAAAABnw/pjtY6_6OQsk/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Her favorite character was Lend. So she has a thing for shifter hotties? Good thing to know. LOL. </p> <p><strong></strong><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong>Firelight by Sophie Jordan</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiL_ikUe3I/AAAAAAAABos/G5AzsNwHU1Q/s1600-h/Final%20Firelight%20cover%5B2%5D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="Final Firelight cover" alt="Final Firelight cover" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiMAy3n_DI/AAAAAAAABow/a4HH5d6qK8U/Final%20Firelight%20cover_thumb.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="160" /></a></p> <p>Just like me, she adored the cover when she first saw it. </p> <p>Over the time, she has become a very demanding reader and was very happy that this book “was about something different than vampires and werewolves”. </p> <p>Hmmm, see her next choice…</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Shiver / Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls series) by Maggie Stiefvater</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiMB-N4iLI/AAAAAAAABo0/M0jFF9SxePY/s1600-h/shiver-final-cover%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="shiver-final-cover" alt="shiver-final-cover" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiMDeUX5kI/AAAAAAAABo4/XwK23_t-GEE/shiver-final-cover_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="167" /></a></p> <p>“Was was simply full of suspense. I couldn´t put it down.” That´s what she said when I just asked her what she liked best about it. </p> <p>Well, that´s what a book should be like, right?</p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles series) by Kami Garcia & Margret Stohl</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiMF_7y2ZI/AAAAAAAABo8/R7JSWUfojoo/s1600-h/Beautiful-Darkness%5B2%5D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px;" title="Beautiful-Darkness" alt="Beautiful-Darkness" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiMGx9NzzI/AAAAAAAABpA/ZY1PCC_H3oE/Beautiful-Darkness_thumb.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="244" width="163" /></a></p> <p>Steffi says she had few problems with Beautiful Creatures right at the beginning, because she is not as used to the southern accent like I am (for example). </p> <p>But I guess she still liked it since Beautiful Darkness was on her Christmas wishlist! <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRiLyeFhIGI/AAAAAAAABnw/pjtY6_6OQsk/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> <p>So that´s it, these are my or rather our picks for the best Paranormal YA books in 2010. </p> <p>I´m kind of pround that Steffi likes most of the books I choose for her. She knows she can be very honest with me, so I tend to believe her when she claims she likes it!</p> <p>I know that I´m not an expert for YA books, so tell me, is there anything I forgot to recommend her? What should I give her to read for 2011? What about your favorite books? </p> <p>And don´t forget to stop by tomorrow when I reveal my Top 10 of Paranormal Romance books! </p>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-40043669612982390162010-12-26T20:30:00.001+01:002010-12-26T20:30:26.865+01:00My Top 10–Urban Fantasy<p>Now that the year comes to an end, I decided to make a list of all my favorite books/series this year in the categories Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Paranormal Young Adult. </p> <p>The list is on no particular order! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXn5JVw5I/AAAAAAAABmE/op0d0c2AGcE/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"> </p> <p><strong>Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels series) by Ilona Andrews</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXozVwEEI/AAAAAAAABmI/VWfuPxX_d0Q/s1600-h/magic-bleeds_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="magic-bleeds_thumb" border="0" alt="magic-bleeds_thumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXpUG7tuI/AAAAAAAABmM/b8-chpbmB2o/magic-bleeds_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="244"></a></p> <p>I guess this sereis will always have a special place in my heart, since it was Kate that woke my love for the kick ass heroines and their alpha males of the Urban Fantasy genre back in the day. </p> <p>Magic Bleeds once again blew me away. I love Kate snarky comments and her relationship to our all time favorite shifter Curran. </p> <p>I love this series and the authors behind it to death! Can´t wait for Magic Slays next year!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Unholy Ghosts/Unholy Magic/City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts series) by Stacia Kane</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXptYARmI/AAAAAAAABmQ/vKn61eL-gO8/s1600-h/City-of-Ghosts-625x1024_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="City-of-Ghosts-625x1024_thumb" border="0" alt="City-of-Ghosts-625x1024_thumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXqOPuXfI/AAAAAAAABmU/Ex8UExlf0Jg/City-of-Ghosts-625x1024_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" height="244"></a></p> <p>Stacia Kane´s Downside Ghosts series os one of the darkest, most disturbing and emotional series I´ve read in a while. </p> <p>Even though I was hesitant at first to read a book with a drug addicted heroine, I finally gave in and read it this summer. Ever since, I am Terribl(e)y (get it??) in love with the main characters. </p> <p>I am ready to read the fourth book in the series anytime now. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXn5JVw5I/AAAAAAAABmE/op0d0c2AGcE/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Magic at the Gate (Allie Beckstrom series) by Devon Monk</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXqsPYKnI/AAAAAAAABmY/oud-ImWdaRs/s1600-h/magicatgate_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="magicatgate_thumb" border="0" alt="magicatgate_thumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXrB7mMcI/AAAAAAAABmc/I2KMDv2_Dj0/magicatgate_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="244"></a>I´ve loved Devon Monk´s world with its complex worldbuilding and her ever growing and evolving characters right from the start. </p> <p>And now that my favorite sidekick Stone and Shame are an intergral part of the plot, Devon Monk´s books are on my auto buy list and I can happily admit that I´m totally stalking her!</p> <p>I´m really curious to see where she takes the story and equally excited about her new project/ steampunk series!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Mind Games/Double Cross (Disillusionist series) by Carolyn Crane</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXrnzjJ4I/AAAAAAAABmg/JtGSiDZZuXo/s1600-h/DoubleCross_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DoubleCross_thumb" border="0" alt="DoubleCross_thumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXsNrFmzI/AAAAAAAABmk/eQVGqy2tsLM/DoubleCross_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="151" height="244"></a></p> <p>I LOVE this series. Carolyn Crane´s writing blows your mind. It´s been called everything from brilliant, amazingly original to perfect and I can only second everything. </p> <p>I still kind of hate Carolyn Crane for the cliffhanger she left us with but then again, it´s hard to hate someone for writing something like these books. </p> <p>Unfortunately, as far as I know it´s only a trilogy, so there´s only one book left, but still. If you haven´t read this series yet, what are you waiting for???</p> <p><strong>Afterlight (Dark Ink Chronicles) by Elle Jasper</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXst8jTOI/AAAAAAAABmo/-yniU-CoIHw/s1600-h/Afterlight---Elle-Jasper---May-Cover%5B1%5D%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Afterlight---Elle-Jasper---May-Cover[1]" border="0" alt="Afterlight---Elle-Jasper---May-Cover[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXtP2jhTI/AAAAAAAABms/1jXJGixSEMU/Afterlight---Elle-Jasper---May-Cover%5B1%5D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="244"></a></p> <p>Afterlight is only the first book in a brand new series, but it has already captivated me. I loved Elle Jasper´s atmospheric world and the sizzling hot relationship between the two main characters. </p> <p>Plus, isn´t the cover simply beautiful?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Venom (Elemantal Assassin series) by Jennifer Estep</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXtft8FjI/AAAAAAAABmw/E1wxG_bQKhk/s1600-h/venom_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="venom_thumb" border="0" alt="venom_thumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXuEQgzfI/AAAAAAAABm0/Am_BEFD9cW0/venom_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a></p> <p>The books about Gin Bianco, assassin and stone elemental might also not be after everyones taste. Gin is a killer for hire and she doesn´t try to justify or glorify it in any way. </p> <p>Stiil the firther the series goes, ther more I believe that deep down inside, Gin has a hear of gold. </p> <p>I´m also dying to read more about Owen!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Pray for Dawn/Wait for Dusk (Dark Days series) by Jocelynn Drake</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXuSPf6UI/AAAAAAAABm4/rxPgpoQHYm8/s1600-h/wait-for-dusk_thumb1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="wait-for-dusk_thumb1" border="0" alt="wait-for-dusk_thumb1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXvNn3lzI/AAAAAAAABm8/RmDzFMNBUIE/wait-for-dusk_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="267"></a></p> <p><strong> </strong>How I waited for these two books this summer! </p> <p>I was dying to finally see Mira and Danaus not only working together but also giving their interisting and complicated relationship a try. When I saw the cover, I had high hopes for this book and I was not disappointed. </p> <p>Burn the Night, the next book in the series coming out in 2011 is also already on my auto buy list!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires series) by Chloe Neill</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXvWiOg6I/AAAAAAAABnA/1AtBrj00FSk/s1600-h/twice_bitten.final_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="twice_bitten.final_thumb" border="0" alt="twice_bitten.final_thumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXv2phSqI/AAAAAAAABnE/3o62Y3f_o_g/twice_bitten.final_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>Okay, do I really need to say anything more about this series? </p> <p>Merit simply rocks and then there is Ethan and Catcher. Puh. I guess I was not the only one who adored Ethan after his and Merit´s first night together. </p> <p>The werwolves were also a nice addition to supernatural Chicago!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Tempest Rising/ Tracking The Tempest (Jane True series) by Nicole Peeler</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXwcsmEEI/AAAAAAAABnI/k2RT95LNTu0/s1600-h/Peeler_Tracking-Tempest-MM-2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Peeler_Tracking-Tempest-MM-2_thumb" border="0" alt="Peeler_Tracking-Tempest-MM-2_thumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXxDm0OgI/AAAAAAAABnM/w8HNinY_RGQ/Peeler_Tracking-Tempest-MM-2_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a></p> <p>Besides from gorgeous covers, Nicole Peeler´s Jane True series has everything I hope for in a good book: likeable, three dimensional characters, a funny heroine, a sexy vampire and his underdog (no pun intended) rival for Jane´s affection and an original worldbuilding with unusual creatures.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong>Alpha (Shifters series) by Rachel Vincent</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXxrAf9eI/AAAAAAAABnQ/gDsDdlxzYsI/s1600-h/alpha_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alpha_thumb" border="0" alt="alpha_thumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXyacFsNI/AAAAAAAABnU/EGCw1yfiK2I/alpha_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="244"></a></p> <p>I was really sad when this series came to and end this year. Faythe and her family/ band of shifters have entertained me for such a long time that I just didn´t want it to end. </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong> </p> <p><strong>Dreamfever (Fever series) by Karen Marie Moning</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXy9D9T7I/AAAAAAAABnY/ObD_EyzpGa0/s1600-h/dreamfever_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dreamfever_thumb" border="0" alt="dreamfever_thumb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHIujFF-63zUMy596_13psCr3nb7oxaWPVwU9LBYJOL9J6fQ3AgIjJVJ6sTKEKtriCTm4Fnk0A1fUYN9L66oa5ShKVupiXLugYWCv-DDUP5HJD_EJYfYigp9mLhHZabROADF9sh-zlPE/?imgmax=800" width="154" height="231"></a></p> <p>OMG and WTF was pretty much the inly thing that went through my my after I finished Dreamfever. With this ending, Karen Marie Moning shares the title of Cliffhanger Queen along with Carolyn Crane. </p> <p>What is Jericho Barrons? And is he even alive? Will they ever be together? What about Mac´s sister? And V´lane? And…</p> <p>Only a few more days and we finally know! *yay*</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson series) by Patricia Briggs</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReXz9h2GNI/AAAAAAAABng/pU4rY0u8fVI/s1600-h/silver-borne-book-cover-mercy-thomps%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="silver-borne-book-cover-mercy-thomps" border="0" alt="silver-borne-book-cover-mercy-thomps" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TReX0Trs3UI/AAAAAAAABnk/VyJnJjWKlG8/silver-borne-book-cover-mercy-thomps_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a></p> <p>The Mercy Thompson series is simply a guarantee for a good read. There is a reason why Patricia Briggs is one of the most famoust and most successful writer in this genre. </p> <p>If you love werewolves and shifters, there is no way around this series. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Okay, hopefully nobody noticed that I kind of cheated. There are more than ten books on my list. Hmm… It´s been a good year for Urban Fantasy Fans I guess! </p> <p>What were your favorite Urban Fantasy books? Did I miss a good one? Is there one you don´t agree with! Please share! </p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-75484445406079871232010-12-26T18:17:00.000+01:002010-12-26T18:17:00.150+01:00Birthday Present<p>Sooo… tomorrow is my sister´s birthday and since she has been complaining for ages that her boyfriend never gets her any jewellry, I decided to take matters in my own hands. </p> <p>I didn´t want to buy her something you can get anywhere in one of those shops and my budget is too small fro the pricey stuff, I searched etsy.com for the perfect gift. Maybe I shoudn´t have because now I besides books I might also be addicted to the awesome stuff you can find there…</p> <p>Anyways. She prefers necklaces in a very simply style and her favorite color is blue, so I tried to find something that would fit this description Here´s what caught my eye:</p> <p>Either this one:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcIz4CtQGI/AAAAAAAABlE/Mn6_vBGDXhQ/s1600-h/il_570xN.1964409012.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.196440901" border="0" alt="il_570xN.196440901" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcI0qdpzVI/AAAAAAAABlI/jt5vrAzybog/il_570xN.196440901_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>or this one…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcI1eWzP5I/AAAAAAAABlM/A4wLKxZ-LeI/s1600-h/il_570xN.2029227592.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.202922759" border="0" alt="il_570xN.202922759" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcI2E8PIOI/AAAAAAAABlQ/8BZZY41cJF4/il_570xN.202922759_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcI3D9kZhI/AAAAAAAABlU/Oaxs5uHmEBw/s1600-h/il_570xN.2029227622.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.202922762" border="0" alt="il_570xN.202922762" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcI39ErWOI/AAAAAAAABlY/lZZrBHgeFEA/il_570xN.202922762_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="243"></a></p> <p>or maybe this one?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcI4UTVaMI/AAAAAAAABlc/Bx_RpMekNc8/s1600-h/il_570xN.1103667932.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.110366793" border="0" alt="il_570xN.110366793" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRcI5DcZQzI/AAAAAAAABlg/dI1fqhP3ZW4/il_570xN.110366793_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>I coudn´t decide which one to take so I kind of bought all three of them. I´m going to give one to her, keep one to myself (hehe) and the third one I don´t know… But you have to help me decide: which one should I give to her???</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-514297539417366142010-12-26T17:28:00.003+01:002010-12-26T17:30:12.499+01:00Birthday Present<p>Sooo… tomorrow is my sister´s birthday and since she has been complaining for ages that her boyfriend never gets her any jewellry, I decided to take matters in my own hands. </p> <p>I didn´t want to buy her something you can get anywhere in one of those shops and my budget is too small fro the pricey stuff, I searched etsy.com for the perfect gift. Maybe I shoudn´t have because now I besides books I might also be addicted to the awesome stuff you can find there…</p> <p>Anyways. She prefers necklaces in a very simply style and her favorite color is blue, so I tried to find something that would fit this description Here´s what caught my eye:</p> <p>Either this one:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRdtO7Er-JI/AAAAAAAABlk/XEh6GHa06v0/s1600-h/il_570xN.196440901_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.196440901_thumb" border="0" alt="il_570xN.196440901_thumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRdtPZ8P4fI/AAAAAAAABlo/bdhuzYJ4DP8/il_570xN.196440901_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>or this one…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRdtP0XsK1I/AAAAAAAABls/9ySlUOC72VQ/s1600-h/il_570xN.202922759_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.202922759_thumb" border="0" alt="il_570xN.202922759_thumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRdtQVndCNI/AAAAAAAABlw/Dgg8Z3TqPm8/il_570xN.202922759_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRdtQ3HgGQI/AAAAAAAABl0/2kDqzXttTZY/s1600-h/il_570xN.202922762_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.202922762_thumb" border="0" alt="il_570xN.202922762_thumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRdtRoRXwTI/AAAAAAAABl4/kTrnZdBMF60/il_570xN.202922762_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="243"></a></p> <p>or maybe this one?</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGXVdBlMg0jKsH0pmk4BLwci03habQ60YaU19ASDyRQ0zMr_NaIONCDpjby9sx0MAiSBjRN-kLAAOwolGgzQJXCwTXlecpC5cuIft5b8qyxKK4yfnDHfcDcJryUoGnldANPtJ1-u9_8U/s1600-h/il_570xN.110366793_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="il_570xN.110366793_thumb" border="0" alt="il_570xN.110366793_thumb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRdtSSSxBhI/AAAAAAAABmA/yHQYhbg0Llo/il_570xN.110366793_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>I couldn´t decide which one to take so I kind of bought all three of them. I´m going to give one to her, keep one to myself (hehe) and the third one I don´t know… But you have to help me make up my mind: which one should I give to her???</p>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-71575424370998391892010-12-25T13:25:00.001+01:002010-12-25T13:25:43.457+01:00Merry Christmas!!!<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRXiw_An7mI/AAAAAAAABk4/uMAqUo-vz70/s1600-h/merry-christmas%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="merry-christmas" border="0" alt="merry-christmas" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRXixTk8SzI/AAAAAAAABk8/oc7mmOfTFmw/merry-christmas_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="246"></a></p> <p>I wish you and your family a merry, and peaceful Christmas!</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-82520006035144065942010-12-23T17:59:00.002+01:002010-12-23T18:03:01.074+01:00I´m back (again) and thank you!!!<p>Hello again! </p> <p>FINALLY, the move is complete. We´ve put our things in about 100 boxes (which took us three days), had them driven to Munich, our new home during one of the worst snow periods since the last 25 years or so (they closed the highway for trucks the next days, so we were incredibly lucky) and carried all 100 boxes to the 4th floor of our new apartment. Here´s the promised picture of a small part of the boxes (the guy you can see in the background is my sister´s boyfriend!). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRN_085Rt0I/AAAAAAAABkc/jNLRxHDQuP4/s1600-h/IMG_3798%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3798" border="0" alt="boxes boxes boxes" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRN_1ac-5dI/AAAAAAAABkg/2p8a3LE6Cgs/IMG_3798_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="172" height="264"></a></p> <p> Puh. It was one of the rare moments when I really really regretted having so many books. But I´m totally over that now and ready to be given more for Christmas! :) I also found out that being without internet for more than one days is very very hard for me. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRN_1_ygMcI/AAAAAAAABkk/Rr--LhDgwCo/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>Anyways, now everything is (almost) done and I´m finally home to celebrate Christmas with my family. Now I can enjoy the snow and not worry about how it can mess up my day. The picture below was taken this very morning. Aren´t the colors gorgeous? There was no photoshop involved in this picture!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRN_3HWmSUI/AAAAAAAABko/6rkz8LrB49E/s1600-h/IMG_3811%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3811" border="0" alt="IMG_3811" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRN_3q-6WXI/AAAAAAAABks/xV4yw7L3hyw/IMG_3811_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>I spent the whole day today online to catch up with everything I´ve missed. Tomorrow I´ll probably spend writing reviews and posts and yes, there is also still one lucky person out there waiting to hear that she (most likely) has won a copy of “Last Sacrifice”. </p> <p>But before I go back to reading today, I have to say a huge thank you. It has come to my attention that my blog has been nominated for “Best New Blog 2010” at the Reader´s Choice Awards over at Mindful Musings. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRN_4MnCJsI/AAAAAAAABkw/7YnL3xdT7po/s1600-h/thank_you%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="thank_you" border="0" alt="thank_you" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TRN_42wgUjI/AAAAAAAABk0/aQUBaO9xXrM/thank_you_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>I am cannot even begin to tell you how amazed and thankful I am by that and how much that means to me. You are definitely the best readers a blogger can wish for!!!</p>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-14056395863584528402010-12-20T05:25:00.001+01:002010-12-20T05:25:49.345+01:00Taking a (forced) break<p>So, my life has been packed up into boxes, overall we have around 85. Today´s the day of the big move. Unfortnatly, I don´t have internet connection in the new apartment yet. </p> <p>Thus, I´ll be forced to take a brake from blogging, since I didn´t find the time to prepare any posts as well. </p> <p>With any luck, I´ll be back online on December 24th. </p> <p>Now I´m off to help load a huge truck with boxes and furniture. Wish me luck!</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2396167546862628166.post-26112007389961445662010-12-16T19:19:00.001+01:002010-12-16T19:19:21.678+01:00Fan Girl Alert!<p>Look what I found today in my mailbox:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYFQaLB8I/AAAAAAAABj4/ilymViaxvJI/s1600-h/IMG_3765%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3765" border="0" alt="IMG_3765" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYFhd6Z9I/AAAAAAAABj8/GTeob8XGdf0/IMG_3765_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYGt_MMTI/AAAAAAAABkA/-9EqYmdxxQ0/s1600-h/IMG_3766%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3766" border="0" alt="IMG_3766" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYG91zM0I/AAAAAAAABkE/oWTRFzxMolE/IMG_3766_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYHmDjWCI/AAAAAAAABkI/mnLqGTjLBkQ/s1600-h/IMG_3763%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3763" border="0" alt="IMG_3763" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYILv6PsI/AAAAAAAABkM/TJLsHWnA4wk/IMG_3763_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77f8MJaeeqLJhgHe8xh-MykYhGDmYBWzgzvFQKh0gLSOxJQ1hdB14C77zX7A0c9HIcpiZqZc3xcJ3zC04A6ct5nWrpbd47GrD5yxZF6YZF2LhM1oQmGqsnwhw9mx2pSrBD0h-6CrBE4M/s1600-h/IMG_3767%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3767" border="0" alt="IMG_3767" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYJh7ZsPI/AAAAAAAABkU/47H9VdvhBVU/IMG_3767_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>OMG!!! I won this book in a contest over at Larissa´s Bookish Life. Thank you so much! And thank you Carolyn for signing it!!! <3 (did you read the text!?!)</p> <p>On the other hand… I have to move out of my apartment. I´m very sad about it, since I loved the apartment and my roommates ( my sister and her boyfriend). Now we have to manage the move within one week. I also have to move out of Regensburg to Munich. I´m really really sad. I have to pack all my books into boxes and can keep only a few of them right now. Not enough space… <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pdngLnkUqkg/TQpYKLQsYvI/AAAAAAAABkY/mxZKUGxOu0A/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"> I´m not doing anything else except goint to my last classes at university and pack up things. It´s very depressing. I haven´t read one single line during the last few days, even though I would have a ton of books to review. I´m so sorry…</p> <p>I miss reading, I miss blogging but I simply don´t have time. Remind me to post a few pictures of all the boxes…</p> Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05285960574541630740noreply@blogger.com4