My Picks of the Week! (22nd October 2013)

Happy Monday, Muses!

Here are new releases in books, movies, and tv shows this week!

Enjoy!

BOOKS (22nd October)

ADULT BOOKS

Black and Blue (Otherworld Assassin, #2)
by: Gena Showalter

He is every woman’s fantasy…

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he'd rather die than live without her…

Release Date: 22nd October 2013

Website | E-book | Paperback 

Death Bringer (Soul Justice, #2)

by: Kate Pearce

A powerful magic user is stealing people’s faces in San Francisco, and empath Ella Walsh and shifter Vadim Morosov have been called in to investigate. Still adjusting to the closeness and permanence of their new relationship, the government-paired mates are soon hot on the trail of an Otherworld cultist from Vadim’s past.

But their target turns the tables, and after he gives Ella someone else’s face, the couple will have to follow him to Otherworld to get hers back. There, in an ancient world of family ties, old grudges and monsters, where living memory stretches centuries, Ella will have to confront the dangerous truth of Vadim’s bygone life.

Because there’s a reason the Fae call him Death Bringer, and if Ella can’t unravel it, she may never see her mate—or her face—again.

Release Date: 21st October 2013

Website | E-book

Far Too Tempting
by: Lauren Blakely

Jane Black has written the breakup album of the century, earning her a Grammy, a huge legion of new fans, and the pressure to repeat her success. Sure, the heartbreak from her husband’s unconventional abandonment might have been her inspiration, but it hasn’t done her any favors in the dating department. So when Matthew Harrigan, the toughest music journalist out there, asks for an interview, Jane agrees—as long as her personal life is completely off-limits.

British, gorgeous, and way too tempting, Matthew’s the first guy Jane’s been attracted to since her husband. As she spends more time with him and their relationship heats up, though, so does her writer’s block. How can the queen of the break up pen the perfect follow-up when she’s seriously in love?

Release Date: 21st October 2013

Website | E-book

My Picks of the Week! (15th October 2013)

Hello, Muses!

Here are the new releases in books, movies, and tv shows this week! Enjoy!

BOOKS (15th October)

ADULT BOOKS

Bold Tricks (The Artists, #3)
by: Karina Halle

With more lives at stake and games in motion, Ellie, Camden and Javier form an uneasy alliance that will take them from the treacherous streets of inner-city Mexico to the wilds of the Honduran jungles in order to find their freedom. But with liberty just on the horizon, the cost might come at their own redemption.

Release Date: 15th October 2013

Website | E-book

Fighting For You (Danvers, #4)

by: Sydney Landon

Ella Webber has spent years uncomfortable around the opposite sex...
But as soon as she meets handsome Declan Stone, she is smitten. Quickly they become friends, finding frequent reasons to see each other around the office, and Ella longs for even more. So-with a little help from her friends-Ella resorts to performing a little seduction. One that Declan will never be able to resist.

Burdened by emotional baggage from his time in the army, Declan refuses to believe he's the right man for sweet Ella. Even if she makes him long for normal things, like marriage and family....But in his attempts to close off his heart from her love, could he have underestimated Ella's powers of persuasion?

Release Date: 15th October 2013

Website | E-book

Finding It (Losing It, #3)
by: Cora Carmack

Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find where you truly belong...

Most girls would kill to spend months traveling around Europe after college graduation with no responsibility, no parents, and no-limit credit cards. Kelsey Summers is no exception. She's having the time of her life . . . or that's what she keeps telling herself.

It's a lonely business trying to find out who you are, especially when you're afraid you won't like what you discover. No amount of drinking or dancing can chase away Kelsey's loneliness, but maybe Jackson Hunt can. After a few chance meetings, he convinces her to take a journey of adventure instead of alcohol. With each new city and experience, Kelsey's mind becomes a little clearer and her heart a little less hers. Jackson helps her unravel her own dreams and desires. But the more she learns about herself, the more Kelsey realizes how little she knows about Jackson.

Release Date: 15th October 2013

Website | E-book

First Bite (Dark Wolf, #1)

by: Dani Harper

Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn’t want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.

Release Date: 15th October 2013

Website | E-book

Book Review: Indelible by: Dawn Metcalf

Title: Indelible (The Twixt, #1)
Author: Dawn Metcalf
ISBN: 0373210736
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Teen, Paranormal Romance
Length: 384 pgs
Binding: Paperback, E-book
Published: 30th July 2013; Harlequin
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

Some things are permanent.

Indelible.

And they cannot be changed back.

Joy Malone learns this the night she sees a stranger with all-black eyes across a crowded room—right before the mystery boy tries to cut out her eye. Instead, the wound accidentally marks her as property of Indelible Ink, and this dangerous mistake thrusts Joy into an incomprehensible world—a world of monsters at the window, glowing girls on the doorstep, and a life that will never be the same.

Now, Joy must pretend to be Ink’s chosen one—his helper, his love, his something for the foreseeable future...and failure to be convincing means a painful death for them both. Swept into a world of monsters, illusion, immortal honor and revenge, Joy discovers that sometimes, there are no mistakes.

Somewhere between reality and myth lies…THE TWIXT.

My Rating:

My Review: Indelible is a refreshing YA paranormal romance that is reminiscent of the dark original fairy tales. I could tell by the book blurb that Dawn Metcalf was going to give us something different and when it comes to the original concept of Indelible she doesn't disappoint.

There is a world known as the Twixt, a place that cannot be seen by the human eye. Ink (our hero/anti-hero) and Inq (his sister) are scribes, created not born. They were made with the sole purpose of marking humans with the signatura of their fae counterparts. I was captivated with some of the mythology and world building. I liked how Ink would take Joy with him when he was called to do a task and found it neat how he would use his tools to "cut" an invisible slit in the air that once opened, became a gateway to another world or dimension.

While Joy wasn't my favorite heroine in recent YA literature, she...

My Picks of the Week! (1st October 2013)

 Hello, my lovely Muses!

I'm alive!!! Yes, it's been about a month since I last posted anything on my blog. I had a bit of a rough summer. In early September, I had to fly out to Colorado to be in my best friend's wedding, then start back to work (teaching), so things have been a bit hectic as of late. October is a new month, so I figured not to get so bent out of shape about I losing a whole month of blogging.

Anyway, October is here and with it some pretty cool releases. In Adult books, Caris Roane gives us a new hot series to get addicted to with the release of Born in Chains, book 1 in the Men in Chains series. Fans of J.R. Ward will be happy with Possession, book 5 in the Fallen Angels series. In Young Adult, Skulk by Rosie Best sounds really intriguing and unique. And last but definitely not least, NY Times best selling author, Simone Elkeles, smolders with her new novel, Wild Cards, the first in a new series!

In Movies, Disney's The Little Mermaid finally comes out of the vault for awhile, this time available on blu-ray and dvd. If you are looking for a good comedy, check out This is the End, starring James Franco, Seth Rogan and friends. Finally, in TV Series, the CW's Beauty and the Beast: Season 1 will be available on dvd. If you are a fan of Guy Pearce, definitely check out Jack Irish: Series 1, an Australian drama based on Peter Temple's award winning novels.

Hoping to have a new review posted this week. Until then, enjoy!

Best Wishes,

BOOKS (1st October)

ADULT BOOKS

Beautiful Illusion
by: Jacquie Underdown

A beautiful, spiritual story about a woman who meets the man of her dreams — and then wakes up...

The last thing Leah thought she’d get out of a shocking car accident was the perfect boyfriend. But there was Brennan in the hospital bed next to hers — equal parts charm, cheek, and chocolate. Their relationship, their love, her life, is almost too good to be true.

Then, to Leah’s horror, she discovers that it is. Her new life with Brennan is only a fabrication of her injured mind — a coma dream that ends when she wakes up.

Struggling with injuries and grieving for a man that never existed, Leah battles to put her life back together. But a series of coincidences hint that for some people, love can transcend all barriers and achieve the impossible

Release Date: 1st October 2013

Website | E-book

Between Friends 

by: Vristen Pierce

After being unceremoniously dumped by her long-time boyfriend, Stacy Washington hits one of the hottest clubs in town with her best friend, Nina. Stacy decides it's time to shed her good girl persona by letting go of her inhibitions. Relationships are trouble; casual sex is simple.

When she sees sexy bartender, Evan, she's instantly intrigued by his dark, good looks and his killer smile. Before she has a chance to get to know him better, an equally sexy prospect comes her way and this one is ready to play. Justin's not shy about telling Stacy exactly what he wants. She plans to have her way with both him and Evan until she finds out they're close friends. This could be awkward or this could be the most exhilarating experience of Stacy's life. She decides to take the plunge by coming between friends--in more ways than one.

Release Date: 1st October 2013

Website | E-book

Born in Chains (Men in Chains, #1)
by: Caris Roane

In the epic battle of vampire against vampire, one warrior's fate is bound to a mortal woman who controls him, commands him, and craves him like no other…

Chained For Life

Two years ago, the rogue vampires invaded Lily Haven's home and kidnapped her son. Now, if she hopes to see her child again, she must do the unthinkable—bind herself, body and soul, to a vampire warrior. She must choose one of the rogue army's prisoners of war and force him to do her bidding. But when she sees the warrior, Adrien, naked, beaten, and straining against his chains, it is she who is held captive…

Hungry For More

Adrien has been waiting for her. A beautiful woman who appears to him in visions. Who soothes his tortured body, feeds his erotic cravings—and quenches his thirst for blood. But Lily is more than he ever hoped for. She is the master of his destiny, and he is her willing slave. Even when she asks him to find the ultimate weapon for his enemies, he must obey her. Even if the task destroys them both, he will fight for her love, forever…

Release Date: 1st October 2013

Website | E-book | Paperback

My Picks of the Week! (27th August 2013)

 Hello, Muses!

This post is late, so I will keep it brief. As August comes to a close, it sure is leaving with a bang! There are quite a few books coming out this week in both categories. In adult books, I highly recommend The Returned by Jason Mott. It's an unconventional zombie story that is currently being made into a tv series called Resurrection. In young adult, Jumped In by Patrick Flores-Scott is by far my favorite YA novel I've read this summer. A must read!

In movies, the two popular releases this week are Pain & Gain starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson and The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In tv series, Sons of Anarchy: Season 5 and The Walking Dead: Season 3 are finally here.

There are so many more releases this week, so enjoy!

BOOKS (27th August)

ADULT

A Brutal Tenderness (A Terrible Love, #2)
by: Marata Eros

There are two sides to every story. In this dark and sexy companion novel to the New York Times bestseller A Terrible Love, experience the sizzling passion and pulse-pounding suspense through FBI agent Cas Steele’s eyes as he hunts down a psychopath...and falls for the killer’s prey.

Cas has been charged with an unsavory task: manipulate the hauntingly beautiful Jewell MacLeod—a woman he has every reason to hate—and slowly gain her trust in order to use her as bait to lure in a killer. But as the killer draws closer, Cas realizes that he can’t deny the scorching chemistry that ignites between him and Jewell, even if giving into his physical desire for her means jeopardizing his mission...and opening himself up to the possibility of a real and terrible love...

Release Date: 26th August 2013

Website | E-book

A Million Dirty Secrets (Million Dollar Duet, #1)

by: C.L. Parker

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes a wickedly erotic new novel of innocence, desire, and unbridled pleasure.

Delaine Talbot has a secret. When a matter of life and death threatens to tear apart her family, Delaine makes the ultimate sacrifice. She auctions herself off at Chicago’s most exclusive erotic club. Now she belongs to Noah Crawford, a wealthy mogul who introduces her to a seductive feast of the senses, awakening desires she only dreamed about. 

Noah doesn’t know why Delaine sold her body for a cool two mil. But it’s the perfect business arrangement. The inexperienced beauty will learn to satisfy his every sensual need, yet never touch his heart. Almost immediately their relationship generates heat—in more ways than one. When they fight, they take no prisoners. When they love, they show no mercy. When they’re together, they never want to leave each other’s arms. But soon, their intense, physical bond will take an unexpected turn—evolving into something neither has bargained for: the promise of a lasting love.

Release Date: 27th August 2013

Website | E-book | Paperback

Against the Mark (Raines of Wind Canyon, #9)
by: Kat Martin

The perfect murder is a work of art In one catastrophic instant, Haley Warren's estranged father was taken from her. She never got the chance to reconnect with him, so now she's doing it the only way she's got left: by proving the explosion that killed him was no accident.

When Tyler Brodie, the provocative and handsome P.I. hired by Haley, discovers that her father was investigating a suspected art theft, he knows his death is no coincidence. After all, tens of millions of dollars worth of stolen art could motivate a thief to go to any lengths-including getting rid of anyone poking around where they don't belong.

As Haley and Ty get closer to the truth, the truth gets ugly: Did Haley's dad know too much...or was he in on the take? And although Ty's a consummate professional, he's having trouble focusing on the facts of the case, and not the figure of his gorgeous client. The two are determined to get to the bottom of the case, even if it means they die trying.

Release Date: 27th August 2013

Website | E-book | Paperback

Beneath the Surface (Reluctance, #1)

by: M.a. Stacie

Kyran Reese is a man in control. Driven when it comes to work, focused when it comes to play. From his office to the chalk circle of the bare-knuckle boxing ring, his only thought is to win. That thirst heightens when Dale Porter enters his life. His brother’s assistant should be off limits, but her witty comments and sarcastic comebacks have him desperate to get her between the sheets.

When Dale agrees to Kyran’s relationship stipulation of no labels she’s sucked into a whirlwind of lust, money, and underground boxing. Dale fights her growing affection, trying to hide it when the world around them spirals out of control. All too soon she realizes she can’t hide her true feelings any longer.

Has Kyran finally met his match? Could playing to win mean playing for keeps?

Release Date: 29th August 2013

Website | Paperback

My Picks of the Week! (20th August 2013)

 Hello, Muses!

Not much going on in the book department this week, but there are a couple worth mentioning in YA. If you like to read LGBT Young Adult novels, then you may want to check out these two: Nail Polish and Feathers by Jo Ramsey and  If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan. I look forward to reading both.

There isn't much going on in movies, but I will recommend the little horror flick No One Lives starring the hot, hunky Luke Evans. It's low budget and gory as hell, but it has a neat twist. As we approach the end of August and the beginning of September, you will start to see more tv shows being released on dvd and blu-ray to prepare everyone for new and returning fall series.  This week brings us Boardwalk Empire: Season 3, Revenge: Season 2 and a few others.

Enjoy!

BOOKS (20th August)

ADULT

Feel the Rush (Hard Feelings, #2)
by: Kelsie Leverich

The New York Times bestselling author of The Valentine’s Arrangement continues her sizzling series with a new novel of a plan that goes awry—in the arms of a soldier…

Picking the wrong men is a talent Meagan Mitchell has perfected. She’s sweet, confident, beautiful—and single. With her thirtieth birthday sneaking up on her, she needs a new plan. No more Mr. Wrongs or Mr. Bads, it’s time to find Mr. Safe…

Army Captain, Reed Porter, lives for the thrill—he’s an Airborne Jumpmaster with a rush addiction. He’s sexy and playful, and he quickly tempts Meagan with his rich Southern drawl and sinful looks. But slowing down and settling down are not in his agenda, making him exactly the type of man Meagan wants to avoid…

As their undeniable attraction heats up, Meagan has to decide if she’s willing to risk everything on a chance at love with a reckless charmer. Is she brave enough to bet her future—and her heart—on Mr. Thrill? Or will Reed finally learn that the feeling of a safe landing is just as addicting as the rush of the fall?

Release Date: 20th August 2013

Website | E-book

Meet Me in the Middle (Distance Between Us, #3)

by: L.A. Witt

Fool me three times…

Dale Ramsey is looking forward to his twenty-year high school reunion except for one small problem. Adam O’Connor, his old friend—and old flame.

Twice before, Adam has disappeared from Dale’s life. Once after a graduation night fling, and again after a hot reunion years later. When Adam resurfaces this time, single and on the verge of retiring from the Navy, Dale wonders if he’ll want to mend fences…and maybe tear up some sheets.

The spark between them is alive and well, but Dale resists. After all, Adam only seems to come around when his life is in flux, and Dale is through being a placeholder until something better comes along. He wants his friend back, but not if he’ll be deserted a third time.

Inevitably, though, their attempts to rekindle their friendship wind up igniting something much hotter, and stirring up emotions too strong to ignore. Making Dale wonder if he should put his heart on the line…or if this time he should be the one to walk away.

Release Date: 20th August 2013

Website | E-book

No Strings Attached
by: Suzan Butler

Ashlynn Connolly has been Ethan Kearney’s best friend since they were twelve, despite the difference in their tax brackets. Though he played stupid pranks on her as a child, and left for a career in the Navy, Ash has always stood by him. But now Ethan has a deadline, and he’s going to put their friendship to the test with a business proposition—a marriage proposal.

If Ashlynn hadn’t been flat-out broke, and about to ask for a loan from her best friend, she might have laughed at Ethan’s proposal. But being laid off with a small child to care for alone changes one’s perspective and the idea of being Ethan’s wife is too much to turn down, and not just because of the money he offers.

Getting married is the simplest solution to both their problems, or so it seems. But while the passion between them scorches the sheets, a shadow from Ash’s past prepares to burn them more thoroughly than either ever expected.

Release Date: 20th August 2013

Website | E-book

Book Review + Giveaway: APOLOGY by Jon Pineda

Title: APOLOGY
Author: Jon Pineda
ISBN: 1571311041
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fiction
Theme(s): Immigrants, Hardships, Tragedy
Length: 208 pgs
Binding: Paperback
Published: 4th June 2013; Milkweed Editions
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

When nine-year-old Tom Serafino’s twin sister Teagan suffers a debilitating brain injury, a police investigation implicates his playmate Mario’s uncle—an immigrant, transient worker known as Shoe. Innocent of the crime but burdened by his own childhood tragedy, Shoe takes the blame for what is in fact an accident caused by his young nephew, ensuring Mario’s chance at a future publicly unscarred.

The lines between innocence and guilt, evasions and half-truths, love and duty are blurred. Can a lie born from resignation, fear, and love transform tragedy into hope? And is the life of one man worth the price of that lie?

Told in vivid scenes alive with imagery and with thematic echoes of John Burnham Schwartz’s Reservation Road and Northwest Corner, Apology explores how the decisions we make in an instant reverberate in the years to come. Apology further paints a portrait of sacrifice within two immigrant families raising first-generation Americans. It explores the measure of duty we have toward one another, and the extent to which abandoning the wreckage of family and the past often leads to unexpected consequences.

Deeply empathetic and beautifully written, Apology marks the novelistic debut of a critically acclaimed Asian American writer.

My Rating:

*Scroll down to enter for a chance to win 1 of 3 paperback copies of APOLOGY by Jon Pineda!*

My Review: It's hard to believe that Jon Pineda's novel, APOLOGY, barely hits the 200 page mark. Why? Because as I sat back and went through my notes to prepare this review, I was pretty much stunned at all of the themes and thought provoking, philosophical questions that I had written in the margins, not to mention the span of years that is covered within the story. I'm not even going to lie-- I tend to like my novels 300+ pages. Maybe it's because it gives me that false sense of getting my money's worth. Or maybe it is just hard to wrap my brain around the idea of an author being able to write a story with depth in under 200 pgs. Whatever the case may be, I admire an author who can shatter my illusions as to what makes a truly memorable novel.

Here is what I liked about APOLOGY. The structure of the novel is broken into 8 parts, each part containing  short, concise paragraphs (sort of like snapshots) that alternates between present day and flashbacks. This format and writing style makes for a very quick read. But don't let that fool you into thinking the story is...