Jaime's review of Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

   Me? A Leader? Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion - between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again - while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside. And something from Outside wants In. Excerpt from Goodreads.


Jaime's review....


   First I want to say that I love the worlds Maria creates wether it's Sitia and Ixia or Inside. You can close your eyes and actually see, feel, taste, smell, and hear these living breathing beautiful places.
   On to the review. Maria has delivered another amazing book! Trella thinks that Inside is done with her and she can go about her life what she doesn't expect is treachery, sabotage, and more violence at every turn. People she thought she could trust end up dissappionting her and she finds allies in places she thought she never would. The story in the begining is a bit slow as we're catching up with everything that happened after the fall of the Trava's but builds with such intensity by the middle of the story I literally could not put my kindle down.
   Trella's romance with Riley is so endearing he loves her completely and she has commitment issues so its cool to see how their story unfolds. There is kissing and shower scenes and more sheepy. Her relationship with Dr. Lamont progresses nicely through the story it's a rocky one but well worth the outcome. There is plenty of hijinks with Logan, Anne-Jade, and Zippy. There are also new characters introduced who make the story progress nicely.
   The villians in this book are a mix we finally get to meet the Outsiders and they are pretty evil. Theres a twist there so I won't say more as to put any spoilers out there.
   I loved this book so if you're a fan of Maria's books I definitely suggest going out to your local bookstore and picking it up. Outside In hits stores Feb 15th.
   Thanks to netgalley and Harlequin for the galley!

     Jaime's review of Outside In- 4 out of 5 stars

Our featured author of the week Adrian Phoenix!!!

Adrian's bio from http://adrianphoenix.com/blog/adrian-bio/
   Adrian Phoenix is the author of The Maker’s Song and Hoodoo series and short stories (the short stuff usually under Adrian Nikolas Phoenix).
   She lives in Springfield, OR with three cats– Amiga, Diabla, and Ember. She is the mother of two sons, one living in Springfield, the other in Vancouver, WA.
   She loves to read and see movies, enjoys hiking with her grand-dog, Cielo, (immortalized in Black Dust Mambo), and hanging out with friends.
   She also loves creepy things and yearns to go on a paranormal investigation. She also hopes to do a haunted tour one day.
   She also loves, loves, loves music – and anything by Trent Reznor is high on the list. She also loves to hear from her readers and fans, so please feel free to contact her via the CONTACT link or via the post at PO Box 1468, Springfield, OR 97477.

  Jaime's turn this week. So I found Adrian in the grocery store of all places. I was in the magazine aisle and I rarely checks the books out there so I decided to take a look. I saw the cover for A Rush of Wings and was intrigued by the book description so I bought it. I then drove home unloaded my groceries and started to read by about 3 a.m. I knew I should go to sleep but I couldn't I had to find out what happened to Heather and Dante who by the way is one of my book boyfriends.
   Adrian has a way of bringing the right amount of suspense and romance to keep you reading till the wee hours of the morning. In her Maker series she combines vampires, angels, and a bad ass FBI agent to create one of the most dangerous and beautiful worlds I've read. You can feel the connection between Heather and Dante as their steamy scenes come off the pages. They're so hot you might want to have a fam on hand.
   In her new Hoodoo series the first book, Black Dust Mambo she brings to life the world of hoodoo and New Orleans and the action starts right away. The story is absolutely breathtaking and you'll fall in love with her heroine Kallie. I also love the way she turns the focus away from the main characters in some places so you can see what's going on with some of the other characters.
   Adrian's books are very enjoyable to read and I can't wait to get my hands on Etched in Bone the next book in the Maker series and Black Heart Loa book two in the Hoodoo series! Adrians books contain some steamy sex scenes so they may not be for younger readers.

Author of the Week

Here is an excerpt from Maria V. Snyder's Biography on her website (http://www.mariavsnyder.com/bio.php)

Maria V. Snyder changed careers in 1995 from being a Meteorologist to a Novelist when she began working on her first novel, Poison Study. Published in October 2005, Poison Study won the 2006 Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel, won the Salt Lake Co. Library's Reader's Choice award, was a 2005 Booksense pick, was nominated for four other awards, and received a Starred Review from Publisher’s Weekly. She has also published numerous freelance articles in regional magazines and in local newspapers. Teaching fiction writing classes at the local college gives her the enjoyable opportunity to encourage novice writers and to keep improving her craft.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maria attended 12 years of catholic school before going to Penn State University to study Meteorology. Earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Meteorology, Maria discovered, much to her chagrin, that forecasting the weather wasn't one of her skills. She found employment in the environmental field as an air quality scientist, and it was during those years that she began writing. After writing many science fiction short stories, Maria started Poison Study, her first novel about a food taster.

I (Patricia) chose Maria because I have absolutely fallen in love with her books. I started with the Study Series and then moved on to The Glass Series. What a wonderful, magical and imaginative world she has created. I love the progress and evolution of the characters throughout both of these series. Not to mention that I fell in love with Valek.

I most recently read Inside/Out. Talk about wow factor. This book totally surprised me in the end. I can often see where a book is going but not this one. I was so happy to find this awesome twist. I am very much looking forward to reading Outside/In which comes out March 1, 2011, Harlequin Teen.

Maria's writing is  incredibly descriptive without it becoming a bore. When I read her books I feel like I am a part of that world. Whether I am in some magical place with Yelena and Valek  or crawling through pipes with Trella.

Thanks, Maria, for such great stories. I can't wait to see what else you come with.

Jaime's review of Old Habits by Melissa Marr

   Melissa Marr returns to the ravishing world of Faerie with a story set between her bestselling novels Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity.
   Recently anointed king of the Dark Court, Niall struggles to forge a new relationship with his subjects—and with the former Dark King, Irial, his once-friend, once-enemy, and now possible-advisor. Excerpt from Goodreads.

Jaime's review.....

   So I actually read this five days ago and posted my review on Goodreads, but there's been some down time on the blog I wanted to share this with al of you :)

   This lovely little read arrived on my kindle last night at midnight and since I'm such a big fan of Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series I just had to read it then and there. I finished at 2 a.m. :)
   Old Habits is another wonderful novella taking place after Ink Exchange and let me say includes my 3 favorite men of the series Seth, Irial, and Niall. Where Stopping Time focused on Niall and Iri's love for Leslie. Old Habits centers on Niall and Iri's love for each other and Niall accepting his role as the new Dark King. I love how Melissa explores the depths of these characters and what they will sacrifice for each other.There's more violence in this one I love the battle scene with Develin. There's also a steamy scene for Iri I won't say with who since my reviews are spoiler free. I can't wait for Darkest Mercy and let me say I'm Team Dark Court all the way!
    So if you're a fan of The Wicked Lovely series Old Habits is a must read.

Jaimes review of Old Habits- 5 out of 5 stars.

Author of the week

  We're starting something new! Each week we will be picking one of our favorite authors featuring them, and letting you all know why we think they are just so awesome!!!
  I'm up first (Jaime that is) and I decided to choose an author whom I absolutely love all of her books but has also become a friend as well over the past year or so. Her name Jeri Smith-Ready!
  Here's Jeri's bio from her web page http://www.jerismithready.com/.
   Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband, two cats, and the world’s goofiest greyhound.
   Jeri's plans to save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. To stay out of trouble, she keeps her Drama Drive strictly fictional. Her friends and family appreciate that.
   When not writing, Jeri she can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves music, movies, and staying up very, very late.
   One other thing I know about Jeri as we talk football quite a bit is she's a big time Ravens fan.
   Now for why I chose Jeri. I absolutely love all of her books espically her WVMP series and her new YA series Shade with Shift coming out in may. Jeri writes kick butt no nonsense heroines, with leading men that are so darned sexy they just melt your heart. Take Shane McAllister from her WVMP series, if there was a real life equivalent to him that would be my perfect man. Then she goes and writes Logan and Zachary  in her Shade series and I fell in love again with the Green eyed Scottish boy and the punk rocker. They both stole my heart a second time.
   As for Jeri's writing it is amazing she sucks you into the story so you feel like you're actually living inside the book. There were plenty late night reading sessions. So if you want to live a book instead of just reading one I suggest you check out Jeri you will not be dissappionted.

Also I had the amazing luck to meet Jeri at the Romantic Times Convention in Los Angeles and I have to say she is an amazing person :D

Jaime's review of Haven by Kristi Cook

A chilling destiny she can’t escape.

A devastating love she can’t resist.

Violet McKenna isn’t a normal girl with normal teenage issues; she has more to contend with than most people could handle. Violet thought she was just crazy when she had a vivid vision of her dad’s murder. Her life started falling apart when her premonition came true. She’s had flashes of other events too–the problem was nobody believed her until she found a new school: Winterhaven.

At Winterhaven, Violet finally feels like she belongs. She quickly finds a close group friends and discovers that they too have psychic ‘gifts’—as do all the students at Winterhaven. But as soon as she feels settled she discovers the most intriguing and alluring boy she has ever met, and things quickly go awry. As the attraction between them grows, intense visions of the boy’s death start to haunt her. In her premonitions, the secret he is unwilling to share begins to reveal itself. And to Violet’s horror, she learns that their destinies are intertwined in a critical–and deadly–way.

“You won’t lose me,” I said, taking a tentative step toward him.  “No matter what your secrets are, no matter how terrible you think they are, you won’t lose me.”

He reached for my shoulders and drew me against his chest.  “I’ll make sure to remind you that you said that, okay?  When you’re running away from me as fast as you can.” Excerpt from Kristi's website.

Jaime's review...

   Haven was a refreshing read I really enjoyed this book! Debut author Kristi Cook has created a world where having an ability isn't a bad thing.

  Violet is a stong heroine dealing with scary visions of the future. At first she thinks she's crazy, but when she enrolls at the Winterhaven boarding school in New York she come's to realize that she isn't. Every other student at the school has an ability of some kind. She soon fits in and forms close friendships with her roommate Cece and her group of friends Kate, Sophie, and Marissa. Violet also has a secret destiny that even she knows nothing about.

  Enter Adian Gray the love interest for Violet I like that Kristi didn't write a love triangle as they are kind of being overdone at the moment. Aidan is very secretive and it drives Violet crazy but it's as if they instantly connect.Her visions start to revolve around Aidan and his possible death, she does everything to help save Aidan even if it means giving up her own life. I really felt the connection between the two was genuine I was pulling for this couple to come out of everything unscathed.

  There was a suprising villian in the book that I did not expect and I can't say much more as it would spoil the book but you will definitely be suprised with the outcome.

  I cannot wait for the next book in this series I want to read more of Violet, Aidan and their friends. If Winterhaven was a real school I would have wanted to go there for sure :) Thanks Kristi for the galley!!

Jaime's review of Haven- 5 out of 5 stars 

Jaime's review of The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back. Excerpt from Goodreads.

           Jaime's Review...


   First let me say I reviewed this book about a month ago but, I love Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series so much I wanted to spread the love over here on the blog :) so here's my review from goodreads.
  Just when I thought The Iron Fey series could not possibly get any better The Iron Queen comes along and proves me wrong. Julie Kagawa has written another brilliantly woven tale full of romance, adventure, and danger. It is so well written that I felt like I was there and could see, hear, smell, and taste everything.
  Meghan Chase's relationship with Ash is one of the best written love stories. I felt everything they felt I cried when they cried. Ash has become to me what most Twilighters think of Edward Cullen. Puck also is amazing in this book he proves what a true friend and companion is as well as Grimalkin I believe he actually is starting to care for as he calls Meghan "the Human". Julie aslo brings in many new characters that keep the story going towards the future I won't mention names as to not spoil the book. Be prepared to have a box of tissues on hand for the end of this one. The last chapter and epilogue made me cry and left me very red-eyed.
 
  If you love stories about fairys then The Iron Fey is a must read. Julie Kagawa has quickly become one of my favorite authors! 
Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC!

Jaime's review of Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

   Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

  Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
  As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart

From the book description via goodreads.

       Jaime's review.....
        
.   First and foremost I am going to say that I thought that books on angels and such were becoming overplayed. Well I Was Wrong!!!!
  Unearthly is amazing. I couldn't believe how easily I got pulled into Clara's world I felt what she felt, cried when she cried, and rooted for her to complete her purpose and win the guy (I'm not saying which one as that would spoil the story).
  So lets talk about the guys you have Christian tall dark hair, deep green eyes, and brooding. Than there's Tucker who is a cowboy with blue eyes a tan and golden brown hair and so not brooding. I can say they are two completely different people and I normally go for tall dark and brooding but in this instance I fell in love with the cowboy Tucker almost immediately even with his snarky comments. He seemed more like a real person and I could see him in my mind not that I couldnt see Christian he just seemed too perfect and kinda shallow at times. I know some of you will not feel the same way but it's only my opinion right?
  On to Clara's friends and family. Angela and Wendy again they're two completely different people and each is there for Clara in different ways I have to admit I love them both. There's Clara's mom who is an Angel-blood as well as her younger brother Jeffrey who is also Angel-blood. Clara's mom is difficult to read sometimes she is completely loving and supportive and sometimes she is distant and absent but, when Clara needs her the most she is there. She is all about Clara finishing her purpose. Jeffrey on the otherhand is mad that they had to move and I believe a bit mischevious I'm not sure exactly what he's into Cynthia kind of leaves us hanging there. I'm sure we'll find out in the next book.
  Overall the bad guys are really bad and the good guys are awesome! I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the ARC.

                                      Jaime's review of Unearthly- 5 out of 5 stars