Thursday, August 30

Book Review: Jane Bites Back

Author: Michael Thomas Ford
Title: Jane Bites Back (Jane Fairfax #1)
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Chick Lit
Pages: 299
First Published: November 30th, 2009
Where I Got It: Borrowed it from library


"Two hundred years after her death, Jane Austen is still surrounded by the literature she loves—but now it's because she's the owner of Flyleaf Books in a sleepy college town in Upstate New York. Every day she watches her novels fly off the shelves—along with dozens of unauthorized sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. Jane may be undead, but her books have taken on a life of their own.


To make matters worse, the manuscript she finished just before being turned into a vampire has been rejected by publishers—116 times. Jane longs to let the world know who she is, but when a sudden twist of fate thrusts her back into the spotlight, she must hide her real identity—and fend off a dark man from her past while juggling two modern suitors. Will the inimitable Jane Austen be able to keep her cool in this comedy of manners, or will she show everyone what a woman with a sharp wit and an even sharper set of fangs can do?"

This is the first book I've read by Michael Thomas Ford.

Ahhhh, I couldn't help myself when I seen this chilling on the shelf at the library. Jane Austen....vampire? Yes please! ^.^ Plus I've been craving a nice Jane Austen retelling. Well, this was certainly a retelling of the lady of literature herself.

Imagine if Jane Austen is still amongst us, slightly alive as a vampire. Throughout reading I kept going over this fact and many questions. What would Jane really think of her soaring popularity? What would she think of all these retellings of her beloved books? Would she want to find the nearest fire-pit or would she be beaming with joy? Well, I really believe Jane would be the Jane that Michael presented. 

I also love how Michael Thomas Ford played with the literary figures and other famous books. Every book-lover would highly enjoy this too. I can't spill too many beans, but dear ol' Jane isn't the only famous writer to become a blood-sucker. ^.^ I found this rather entertaining.

This was a cute and entertaining book. Yes, this book about a blood-sucker was cute and pretty funny. I was pretty much smiling the entire time. However, there was a touch of darkness and seriousness and some cheese. Yes, it was rather cheesy at times. Very cheesy, but it kept me rather entertained.

I also felt like a certain character (won't name names) took the news of a vampire in its mist too easily. This person seemed too calm and nonchalantly about the fact that it knew more than one vampire! Are you kidding me? This person freaked out when this person realized that both vampires were famous literary figures. Really? You freak out ABOUT that? Gah. I was rather annoyed by this fact. 

At times I was annoyed about how Michael Thomas Ford made his vampires, but in general I agreed with him. Vampires are still biologically human. They can walk out under the sun and feel some pain. There was only one thing about his vamps that annoyed me....they can eat human food without any repercussions. Mmmm

All-in-all this was a cute read. For those that are looking for a light read and a nice little chuckle, pick this up. If you love JA retellings, then defiantly check this out! It may be a wee bit cheesy in some points, its still worth the read. I will have to grant this one 4 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Jane Austen, Walter, Bryon, and at times Lucy
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Lucy at times (annoying girl) and Violet Grey (hahahahaha, psycho)    
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<3CaroleRae

Wednesday, August 29

Wordless Wednesday & Social Media




~*~




Welcome to the Social Media Party Hop brought to you by Charisma Media!

 Are you ready to party?! This party does not require an invitation because everyone is invited! Are you looking to improve your social media reach? Looking to make new friends and fans? Why not link up to our 4 way social media hop!

We're looking for bloggers and book reviewers! Charisma Media membership is open and free to join! We offer friendship, networking, blog hops, review opportunities (books and product), giveaways opportunities and more! Meet our featured Charisma Media member: Courtney of Optimistic Mommy!
  Link up your Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest! Don't forget to like/follow and love on those who have linked up above and below you! Be sure to share our hop and feel free to re-post on your blog! To join just enter your blog name and the type of social media link. For example: (1) Your Blog Name (FB) or (2) Your Blog Name (Twitter)





Charisma Media Network

Tuesday, August 28

Top Ten Tuesday: I Confess!!

~The Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.~


Happy Tuesday everyone! Well, the time has come for confession. It's time to share some of your bookish secrets and 'no-nos'. Anything goes! After reading my list, share some of your confessions! Like they say...confessing shall set you free. *solemn look*

1. I skip prologues 90% of the time. 

2. I tend to get lazy and not use bookmarks and use random objects (ie: hairtyes, bobbie pins, rubber bands, pieces of random paper, toilet paper-don't judge, library card, and etc)

3. Once in a while I'll dog ear a page from books from the library

4. I skim sometimes over descriptive parts when it rambles too much.

5. I tell everyone that I really like The Hobbit but I think its eh...its okay. Naughty, I know.

6. If I'm really curious I'll read reviews with spoilers galore or try to find some spoilers on Google.

7. People have to beg me to borrow any of my books (even the ones I don't care for much)

8. When I buy a used book and there is writing in it, I freak out! Depending on how much writing I'll buy another one or ask for a switch

9. I take off dust jackets 90% of the time when reading and then I lose it, so I've been training myself to keep the dang thing on. >.<

10. In the mist of reading a book I tend to stealthy read the ending of the book to see how it ends and then I continue on reading. I have controlled this 'no-no' but sometimes I'm bad and I commit this sin. 


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<3CaroleRae

Monday, August 27

Book Review: Deja Vu All Over Again


Author: James Strait
Title: Deja Vu All Over Again
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, a touch of Romance, Disaster, and Fantasy
Pages: ebook
First Published: February 10th, 2012
Where I Got It: Given to me to read and review for Charisma Media Network for my honest opinion



"It had long been debated that the end of days for planet earth was set in concrete as December 21, 2012. Mathematical savant Ana Christensen was merely following her instincts when working a theorem in a direction and style that could have never been accepted by traditional mathematicians. As a result she stumbled upon an ancient Mayan creation, a time loop beginning in 3114BC and ending on the long contested twenty first century date. In a dynamic race against time, Ana and her male compatriot battle the forces of individual evil, bureaucracy, paramilitary mercenaries, and most powerful of all...destiny"


Like earlier stated, I read this for CMN and the author for my honest opinion.


Okay. These type of books/movies are not my normal cup of tea. I'm not big on the dystopia or disaster genre. My mom would be drooling all over this and she will be once I allow her to use my Kindle. However, I was asked by the my fellow STARS at CMN if I could pick this up and give it a shot. You only live once (unless you believe in reincarnation), so why not. However, I will note that this review will be a little on the short side.


It wasn't too bad by comparison of other books/movies about the ending of the world or the possibility of the world ending. I loved the fact that James Strait played with the notion that with the ending of the Mayan calendar there will be a loop of time. This plays a little on my own belief. It doesn't say anywhere ANYWHERE that the world will end because the calendar ends. The Mayans just ran out of room and they say it starts all over again. That is it. No the world will not burst into flames or whatever. I found rather amusing that James Strait took the "all over again" literally. Its rather entertaining.


Honestly, my brain had a hard time grasping what was going on some of the time. Science isn't my cup of tea either, so this was a brain teaser for me. Perhaps it didn't help that I had a hard time paying attention. I found myself getting distracted and whatnot. Or perhaps I got distracted easily because I was confused. I'm not sure what is the catalyst in this solution (ha, I did learn something from AP Chemistry!). 


I must give major kuddos to James Strait for having Ana be the big ol' hero! Normally in books and movies like this the main person/hero is a guy named Jack (or whatever). I also loved the little sprinkle of romance he added to keep the story light from time to time. ^.^


All-in-all I may have been confused, distracted, and slight bored at times, but I did kind of like it! It wasn't my cup of tea, but I know for sure my mom will be IN LOVE WITH THIS! If you are like my mom then this is the book for you! Don't let my 'eh it's okay' feeling persuade you away, give it a try! Out of five stars I grant this 3 stars. 


Favorite Character(s): Ana?

Not-so Favorite Character(s): didn't really have any.

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<3CaroleRae

Sunday, August 26

Friday Flash Fiction

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be about 350 or so words.

Happy late Sunday! 

Yes, this is a couple days late, but oh well ^.^


Watatsumi and the Princess
by: Carole Rae

Princess Alexandria awoke with a start. Where am I? Rubbing her the back of her head she felt a lump beginning to form and dried blood intertwined with her hair. Son of a bitch! She couldn't believe that the villagers and even her own family had succumbed to that “prophet” and his lying tongue. His words echoed in her mind, “A dragon this way comes and the eldest princess must be given to it or it shall consume the entire kingdom!”

Dragons hadn't even been seen in over a century, so this “prophecy” was completely ludicrous. At least that's what her belief was. Perhaps her beliefs were biased as to she was the eldest princess out of her sisters. She sighed and heaved herself up to a sitting position, “Are you kidding me?” They left her half naked with a fresh new tattoo running down her arm as a message to the dragon telling it that she was the sacrifice they were giving. With a growl she stood up and looked around her. They had even left her on the Waterfall of Wisdom, which happened to be the highest point in the entire kingdom, to make sure the dragon actually saw her.

Kicking a rock down the Waterfall of Wisdom, she grumbled, “I can NOT believe this happening to me! When I get my hands on you 'Prophet' I'll kill y--” She was cut off by a roar in the distance, “Great.” Turning Alexandria looked and seen the outline of a dragon hovering near the setting sun.

With another roar the dragon began to advance on her. She paled and tightened the loose pink material around her. This was real. The prophecy was real! The Prophet was telling the truth! This was going to be the end! At least the safety of her kingdom will be because of her. That thought comforted her. With a contented smile she closed her eyes and waited for the moment the roaring dragon would take her life and leave her people be. However, the moment seemed to last forever. She strained her ears, but she couldn't hear the roaring or the wings swooping. Slowly, she opened her eyes and looked to the sky. The dragon was gone! The surging hope inside of her was drowned out by a dark and sensual voice, “Much lovelier than I expected.”

Alexandria's smile disappeared as she spotted the keeper of the voice a few feet in front of her. His looks were those she didn't recognize but for some reason her blood boiled and her eyes couldn't leave his form. His hair was as dark as night and piled a top his head. His eyes, perhaps small and slanted, were deep and entrancing and at this point filled with lust. Trying her best, she hide any of her emotions as she asked, “Who are you?”

He snickered, “The evil dragon claiming his sacrifice. Now, tell me your name.”

“Princess Alexandria....your sacrifice.”

He bowed low and smiled up at her, “Nice to meet you, my princess. I'm Emperor Watatsumi. We must leave now if we wish to arrive at my kingdom before morning.” Returning to his regal stance, he offered his hand.

Alexandria glared, “Wait, wait, wait. What is going on? The dragon was suppose to take my life in order for the safety of my home.”

Watatsumi slowly took his hand and touched her flushed cheek, “I am, Princess Alexandria, I am. You're life is no longer yours. It is mine because you are to be my wife and my empress.” She paled yet again and was speechless, “Now come.”

She wasn't allowed another word or even a full thought before Watatsumi swiftly transformed into a large and dangerous dragon and carried his sacrifice away to a kingdom thousands of miles away.


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<3CaroleRae

Saturday, August 25

Book Review: A Love By Any Other Measure


Author: Killian McRae
Title: A Love by Any Measure
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 11th, 2011
Where I Got It: Given to me to read and review for Charisma Media Network for my honest opinion


"An Irish lass. An English lord. 
A love that overcomes all boundaries. 


August Grayson has secretly dreamt of the girl living on his family’s Irish estate since childhoods spent together in Killarney. Now a proper Lord of the British Empire, he knows that Maeve could never be more than just a distant fantasy. Still, if only... 

Maeve O’Connor owns nothing in this world but her good name, which proves just enough to win a proposal for a marriage of convenience to a good, Irish lad. Until the wedding, however, she’s in dire straits. Rent on the cottage she and her father share is due, but there simply isn’t the money to pay. Driven to desperation, Maeve hopes Lord Grayson, her childhood-chum-turned-dashing-English-rogue, will prove lenient when she comes seeking clemency. 

The temptation presented proves too much, and August offers Maeve a compromise: should she permit him twice as long on each succeeding visit to do whatever he wishes in pursuit of his pleasure, he will consider her rent paid. Starting with a mere five seconds, pulses soon out race the ticking clock, as August’s desires become Maeve’s own. Passion blinds them to the challenges closing in on both the Irish and English fronts, threatening to destroy the love they’ve discovered. 

Working to bridge that which divides them, tempting fate with each stolen kiss, and torn between desire and obligation, Maeve and August must strive to overcome all and find a love by any measure... "

Like earlier stated, I was given this to read for my honest opinion by CMN and the author. 

This wasn't just any typical HR. There are so many hurdles for these two lovebirds. The author, in my opinion, gave this a very realistic feel to it. She defiantly made this romance a hard once for Maeve and August. She's a poor Irish gal and August is a half Irish, half English lord; which we all know is a pretty much impossible love because of the hatred felt on both sides during this time. Kuddos Killian McRae!

More kuddos to Killian McRae because the story had a nice flow, even with adding little snipbits from past memories and future events. It all worked well together. I loved all the twists and turns through the story! It made it very addicting and hard to put down. 

Maeve may have been naive, but I really liked her. I hated her for loving August though, I feel like he didn't deserve her. I really don't like August. He's a liar and selfish and just a jerk. I was rooting for Owen Murphy! Owen is my type of man. Hard working, understanding, good-looking, Irish, and more gentlemanly than stinky August. Yes, August "loved" Maeve but he didn't deserve her at all. From page one I knew I wouldn't like August.

All-in-all I really liked this story. It's not your typical girl-meets-boy-they-fall-in-love-boy-loses-girl-boy-fights-for-girl-HEA tale, there are many hurdles and many complexes that need to be overcome. It felt realistic and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I may have been anti-August, I still couldn't help but 'awwwwww' when they finally found their HEA. I was greatly upset, though, that one of my favorite characters was killed off! Meh! However, I'm use to authors killing my favorites, so it's no biggie. I would recommend this to HR lovers who like a little twist mixed in. Out of five stars I grant this 4 stars.

I must apologize for the small-ish review, I had to limit what I said because I was fearful of giving away too much. haha

Favorite Character(s): Maeve, Caroline, Jefferson, Owen Murphy (*sighs*), Patty, and Augusta
Not-so Favorite Character(s): August, Mr O'Connor, and Patrick

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<3CaroleRae

Friday, August 24

Book Review: The Queen's Vow

Author:  C.W Gortner
Title: The Queen's Vow
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 382
First Published: June 12th, 2012
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library


"No one believed I was destined for greatness.

 
So begins Isabella’s story, in this evocative, vividly imagined novel about one of history’s most famous and controversial queens—the warrior who united a fractured country, the champion of the faith whose reign gave rise to the Inquisition, and the visionary who sent Columbus to discover a New World. Acclaimed author C. W. Gortner envisages the turbulent early years of a woman whose mythic rise to power would go on to transform a monarchy, a nation, and the world. 
 
Young Isabella is barely a teenager when she and her brother are taken from their mother’s home to live under the watchful eye of their half-brother, King Enrique, and his sultry, conniving queen. There, Isabella is thrust into danger when she becomes an unwitting pawn in a plot to dethrone Enrique. Suspected of treason and held captive, she treads a perilous path, torn between loyalties, until at age seventeen she suddenly finds herself heiress of Castile, the largest kingdom in Spain. Plunged into a deadly conflict to secure her crown, she is determined to wed the one man she loves yet who is forbidden to her—Fernando, prince of Aragon.
 
As they unite their two realms under “one crown, one country, one faith,” Isabella and Fernando face an impoverished Spain beset by enemies. With the future of her throne at stake, Isabella resists the zealous demands of the inquisitor Torquemada even as she is seduced by the dreams of an enigmatic navigator named Columbus. But when the Moors of the southern domain of Granada declare war, a violent, treacherous battle against an ancient adversary erupts, one that will test all of Isabella’s resolve, her courage, and her tenacious belief in her destiny.
 
From the glorious palaces of Segovia to the battlefields of Granada and the intrigue-laden gardens of Seville, The Queen’s Vow sweeps us into the tumultuous forging of a nation and the complex, fascinating heart of the woman who overcame all odds to become Isabella of Castile."

This is the first book I've read by C.W Gortner and the first I've read about Queen Isabella. 

I've always been pretty neutral to Queen Isabella and her husband due to the fact that I'm not a huge fan of their daughter Catalina (aka Queen Catherine of England) and how they helped find the Americas. However, my eye was drawn to this at the library in the 'New Book' section and I decided to learn some more of her journey to becoming legend. Now that her tale is done, I am in awe of her. I actually like her even though she has some pretty bad things attached to her name. Yes, she had some pretty bad things happen in her country, but I personally believe if she hadn't "done" those things Spain wouldn't be what it is today. It would probably still be fragmented and torn and we'd have a dozen different countries to the list of countries. 

Alright I shall usher the history nerd to go back to her corner and stop the rambling.

I found the author's writing very flowy and addicting! I felt like I was truly there and I wanted...no needed to now what was going to happen next (even though I knew). How odd. I forgot all the historical facts while reading. There is just something about his writing that I liked and I will be checking out some of his other books. 

Even though I thought Isabella was a Catholic fanatic, I liked her! She certainly was a woman to reckon with and I adored that. She was strong-willed and smart. I was also surprised how she allowed her husband equal powers...she didn't have him just become her consort (which is what I would have done). I feel like she really felt that women and men should be equal of each other. 

She was defiantly a woman a head of her times in a lot of aspects. I must applaud C.W Gortner for writing Isabella as one who had a hard ass time deciding what to do with the Jews of her country. She didn't hate them and it was hard for her to have them banished, because she realized that they were citizens and her subjects. She may have been a Catholic fanatic, but she had a heart and it seemed it really haunted her the whole Inquisition nonsense.  

Sorry, somehow the history nerd keeps escaping!

There was nothing I could really nick-pick about this one! I loved this book! I found myself staying up late to just read this. Pretty sad, eh? C.W Gortner is wonderful writer and I hope his other books cause me to second look at historical figures I never really care for and see their side of the tale. 

This book does have an element of romance in it, because Isabella and Ferando did love each other, but it's hard for me to recommend this to HR lovers, because the romance level is limited. I would recommend this to those who love Historical Fictions with a touch of romance intertwined.Out of five stars I grant this 5 stars. Woot woot!

Favorite Character(s): Isabella, Alfonso (her brother), Beatriz, and Carbra 
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Older and Younger Villena (snakes), King Enrique (weak little man), and Joanna of Portugal (I wanted to smack her). 
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<3CaroleRae

Thursday, August 23

Thursday Book Teaser #5: A Love By Any Other Measure


Thursday Book Teaser is a Carole-version of all the other book teaser memes out there. Every Thursday, I'll share a little tease of a book I'm currently reading. I'll randomly pick a page or I'll give some random number and flip to that page. I'll just share a few sentences to try and tease you. Anyone can join in! Just remember ...no spoilers! By the way this picture I found on Google and edited it myself.


Happy Thursday everyone! Do you guys like the meme picture? I had found it on Google and edited it myself. For this week I'll share a teaser from 'A Love By Any Other Measure'. 




Page Number: 59% or page 59 (in honor of my Dad's birthday today! He was born in '59)
Beginning at Sentence: 2

"'When does he intend to tell her? We'll be there in only a few hours.'

'I hope he's telling her nor, though poor dear. She's so sick. Nevertheless, he's assured me that she isn't expecting.'

'Well, that is a blessing,' Jefferson concurred. He leaned over and kissed Caroline's forehead. 'Don't fret, angel. Somehow, all this will find a way to work out. I know it seems impossible now, but just give it time.'

Caroline had seen enough of the way love filled the room whenever August and Maeve were together the last few weeks and, if she thought back further, in those days when Maeve had stayed to Shepherd's Bluff, to know that Jefferson was right. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling that this could never be. On Maeve's side, she had been ostracized in Ireland. she had tried to send word to her father in Killarney. He refused to acknowledge her. August and Caroline had already lost both mother and father, but they would certainly be subjected to the same level of public scrutiny once back at Norwich, and Maeve would be burned by it as well, no doubt. Even if she loved August one-tenth the amount he loved her, Caroline didn't know how much more Maeve could endure in the pursuit of that love.

She sighed and relaxed deeper into Jefferson's hold. 'I hope you are right. Still, I cannot fathom how August plans to balance the two.'"

~*~
I must announce...happy birthday Dad! 


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<3CaroleRae








Wednesday, August 22

Social Media Party Hop & Wordless Wednesday

From the show 'Copper' ^.^



Welcome to the Social Media Party Hop brought to you by Charisma Media!

 Are you ready to party?! This party does not require an invitation because everyone is invited! Are you looking to improve your social media reach? Looking to make new friends and fans? Why not link up to our 4 way social media hop!

We're looking for bloggers and book reviewers! Charisma Media membership is open and free to join! We offer friendship, networking, blog hops, review opportunities (books and product), giveaways opportunities and more! Meet our featured Charisma Media member: Courtney of Optimistic Mommy!
  Link up your Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest! Don't forget to like/follow and love on those who have linked up above and below you! Be sure to share our hop and feel free to re-post on your blog! To join just enter your blog name and the type of social media link. For example: (1) Your Blog Name (FB) or (2) Your Blog Name (Twitter)





Charisma Media Network

Tuesday, August 21

Top Ten Tuesday

~The Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.~

Happy Tuesday everyone! I didn't originally plan to post anything today, but then I seen the TTT theme and I decided I should participate. hahaha. Plus it gives me a few minutes of cleaning my room which I hate doing. Yes, I'm 20 years old and I still hate cleaning my room. Anyways...today's theme "top ten favorite books read during the lifespan of your blog". A slight challenge, because there have been a million books I've loved during my blog's life. 

There is no order of my list:

~The Snow Fox by Susan Fromberg Schaeffer. I know I make mention of this book a lot, but I really am in love with this novel! Plus I am hopelessly in love with Matsuhito. 

~Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn. Yes, I have neglected the second book, but I have a slight fear that I won't like it as much as I did this. I have read this one twice and I still adore it. Someday I will read the sequel. 

~The Taker by Alma Katsu. Fantastic read and I am dying to read the sequel because I must know what happens next! However, I have a stack of books that come before it. *sighs*

~Letters from Iwo Jima by Kumiko Kakehashi. I had watched the movie first and then I finally decided to buy the book and read it. It was heartbreaking and made me tear up a wee bit, but I'm so glad I read it! 

~My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley. I simply adore Gaelen Foley's novels! This one was a little extra special because I was dying for Westwood's story. ^.^

~The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkein. Technically I can add this to the list, because I did re-read this during my blog's life. ^.^ The movie of this book is my least favorite of the three, but in the book world this is my second. It's rather confusing! I simply adore this world and sometimes I find myself wishing I lived in this world. hahaha. Ignore my nerdyness. 

~The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick. Ah, this was a wonderful book and I should read the sequel. However, I fear that I may not like it as much as I did this. 

~Fools Crow by James Welch. I really adore James Welch and his books, but this one and Winter in the Blood hold a special place in my heart. 

~Royal Pains by Leslie Carroll. A wonderful collection of tales of the butt-cheeks of history. I enjoyed every tale and I feel like I learned a lot. Fun and knowledgeable! 

~The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin. ^.^ I'm helplessly in love with Li Tao! I also really like Suyin. It was a fun story and so far I'm liking the entire series. I have one left to read so we shall see. 


What about you? What 10 books do you adore throughout your blog's life? 

Monday, August 20

Music Monday


Happy Monday everyone! I'm slightly glad the weekend is over and now I can just chill,job search, read, and do whatever I want until school starts at the end of September. ^.^ Well, lets begin with the music.


First is Lights by Ellie Goulding. I'm slightly addicted to this song:



Here is one of my favorite multi-fandom videos with the song Lights. Can you name all the couples/shows/movies? Enjoy! (you may have to follow this link to get to the video, it's being silly)




This song makes my day for some reason, hahaha:



Now, here's a trailer for my new show that I can myself getting addicted to. I watched the first episode last night and I think I'm in love! It's on the BBCAmerica channel and it's called 'Copper':





Hope you liked my music/video selections.


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<3CaroleRae

Sunday, August 19

Congratulations All Around!

Saturday 18th, 2012 my best friend Anee was married to the love of her life and father of her two babies, Jon. She gave me the honors of being her Maid of Honor! I couldn't be happier for my little Ado Anee, because she had to wait FOREVER for this wedding, she was suppose to have it many months ago, but she found out she was preggo with her second baby Evan, so she delayed the wedding. All-in-all the wait was well worth it. It was so fun and a night I will never forget! My phone was dead and I lost my camera, so I personally don't have many pictures from that night or the ceremony. The one's I'm borrowing are from Facebook, hahaha, so they are not perfect, but I'll share a few!

Man and Wife ^.^

her and her daddy, she forgot her flowers LOL
Jon and some of the boys, I walked with Jon's brother/best man James



Us girls: (left to right) Carolyn, Emily, baby Emma, Amee, Ashlee, and moi


I also want to extend a happy 20th birthday to my other bestie Sarah! 

Love both of my gal pals! 


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<3CaroleRae

Friday, August 17

Book Review: The Devil's Scribe

Author:  Alma Katsu
Title: The Devil's Scribe
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal
Pages: ebook
First Published: March 13th, 2012
Where I Got It: Amazon


"After decades of running from her past, Lanore McIlvrae returns to America for the first time in 20 years to confront the source of her fear. The year is 1846 and Lanore—Lanny—has just landed in Baltimore after a long transatlantic crossing. That very night, she meets an “unattractive man with a high forehead and sunken eyes, and a tiny, pinched mouth like a parrot’s beak” who claims to write stories so dark and unsettling that he could be the Devil’s Scribe. His name? Edgar Allan Poe. Has Lanny finally met her match in this macabre man…or is it the other way around?"


I must give warning.......this is a short story, so things are bound to happen quickly and be rather, well, short. For this review I'll just divide this is two. ^.^:

What I Liked
Well, I really like Alma Katsu's writing for some reason. She has me rather hooked! I loved how she blended Edgar Allen Poe into Lanny's story. It made me smile and chuckle, even though this story was slightly on the darker side.

Which, whilst speaking of it, was another reason this book caught my interest. It has a small dark element like the full novel by Alma Katsu 'The Taker'. I'm so glad that Alma Katsu decided to share this extra story of Lanny's and it was fun. Well, the word "fun" may be a slightly wrong word to describe this book, but I so did enjoy this.

What I Disliked
Well...I'll try to be vague, because I don't want to spoil anything...

I wish that Lanny had gotten to know Edgar a little bit more, because as dark as he is I really adore him. That's pretty much all I disliked about this short story.


Conclusion
This was a fun read and I loved it even more because Edgar Allen Poe made a guest appearance to the story of Lanny from 'The Taker'. This was pretty clever and I give a round of applause to Alma Katsu! Even though I really did enjoy this, I had to keep reminding myself that this is a short story and short stories tend to be rather short. If you like 'The Taker' you'll enjoy this. Out of five stars I grant this 5 stars and I can't wait until I read the second book in the Taker series. 

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<3CaroleRae

Thursday, August 16

Thursday Book Teaser #4: The Queen's Vow

Thursday Book Teaser is a Carole-version of all the other book teaser memes out there. Every Thursday, I'll share a little tease of a book I'm currently reading. I'll randomly pick a page or I'll give some random number and flip to that page. I'll just share a few sentences to try and tease you. Anyone can join in! Just remember...no spoilers! FYI, I still don't have a meme cover for this, so...yeah. haha.

Happy Thursday! Time is nearly here for my friend's wedding! Saturday is the day and I'm getting nervous myself! I still haven't written my maid of honor speech. Yes, I am a procrastinator. hahaha.

Well, this week I'll be sharing a teaser from 'The Queen's Vow' by CW Gortner:


Page Number: 18 (in honor of Anee's wedding day)
Beginning at sentence: 8ish

"'No, No.' I choked back my mirth as best I could. 'I was not. I was only thinking that had the Maid come your way, you'd have joined her without a moment's hesitation.'

'Indeed, I would have.' She leapt to her feet. 'I'd have thrown my books and embroidery out the window and jumped on the first horse available. How wonderful it must be to do as you please, to fight for your country, to live with only the sky as your roof and the earth as your bed.'

'You exaggerate, Beatriz. Crusades involve more hardship than history tells us.'

'Perhaps, but at least we'd be doing something!'

I looked at her hands, clasped as if she were brandishing a weapon. 'You could certainly wield a sword with those big paws of yours,' I teased.

She stuck out her chin. 'You're the princess, not me. You would wield the sword.'

As if day had slipped without warning into night, cold overcame me. I shivered. 'I don't think I could ever lead an army,' I said, in a low voice......."


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<3CaroleRae

Wednesday, August 15

Wordless Wednesday: Unjust Edition


(I know this is Wordless Wednesday but this picture means a lot to me. I now know how it feels to be unjustly fired. I was fired from work yesterday on the grounds of something I didn't do. It isn't fair at all, but I learned something loud and clear.....the world isn't fair when it comes to power. They fired me as an example even though I did nothing wrong.)



Tuesday, August 14

Book Review: Kiss of the Highlander


Author:  Karen Marie Moning
Title: Kiss of the Highlander (Highlander #4)
Genre: Historical Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, PR
Pages: 369
First Published: 2001
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library


"A laird trapped between centuries...
Enchanted by a powerful spell, Highland laird Drustan MacKeltar slumbered for nearly five centuries hidden deep in a cave, until an unlikely savior awakened him. The enticing lass who dressed and spoke like no woman he'd ever known was from his distant future, where crumbled ruins were all that remained of his vanished world. Drustan knew he had to return to his own century if he was to save his people from a terrible fate. And he needed the bewitching woman by his side....

A woman changed forever in his arms...
Gwen Cassidy had come to Scotland to shake up her humdrum life and, just maybe, meet a man. How could she have known that a tumble down a Highland ravine would send her plunging into an underground cavern — to land atop the most devastatingly seductive man she'd ever seen? Or that once he'd kissed her, he wouldn't let her go?

Bound to Drustan by a passion stronger than time, Gwen is swept back to sixteenth-century Scotland, where a treacherous enemy plots against them ... and where a warrior with the power to change history will defy time itself for the woman he loves...."


This is the fourth book in the Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning. However, this would stand perfectly well as a stand-alone novel because there is little reference to any of the other books. Not even Adam Black poked his head around in this one. 


The original plan was to take a little break from this series, but when I read the summary, I knew I had to read this as soon as I could! How lucky is Gwen Cassidy to quite literally fall upon good luck. She literally fell on one good looking man in a cavern. Damn her. ^.^ I wish I would randomly stumble upon a man like yummah ol' Drustan. *daydreams*


It was such a different take on time travel romances. He was enchanted and was put to sleep for 500 years! However, that was just a small smudge of the story. Drustan needs to go back to his time and save his family from complete destruction. 


Throughout the entire book I was sitting on the edge of my seat...I could barely put the book down. There were so many variables placed on the table, it was really hard to figure out what would happen next. Kuddos to Karen Maire Moning for keeping me guessing in this one! Even when I thought Gwen and Drustan found their HEA, the author threw in another issue that would tear them apart...perhaps forever.  I wish I could say more, but I must refrain from being a bad spoiler kid. Being a romance, though, they will find their HEA and I had to keep reminding myself of this fact.


Okay...time for what I didn't like: I was confused at certain parts. Yes, usually time travel novels normally confuse me a wee bit. However, Karen Marie Moning has kept me rather out of the confusion box with her past novels but this one...she lost me at times. At one point I shut the book and glared because I didn't understand why a certain event happened the way it did. Sorry for being so vague...I'm trying to not have any spoilers. But she had my head all in knots at a couple different points. It's probably my fault not the authors for my confusion. 


Anyways, I gobbled this up in just a couple of days and I CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL I READ THE NEXT ONE! The little "trailer" for the next one has me drooling.


Advice from yours truley

I inserted this just because I find it rather important for all to know who wants to read this novel and perhaps the second one. 

At the end of the book make to read the 'From the Author' little section. Not only does she give a little epilogue from Gwen and Drustan. She also clears up a couple notes and fills in some empty spaces, so even gives a 'trailer' to the next book. However, she does this all in the form of a letter left by Silvan, Drustan's papa, to Drustan and Gwen. Do read it! I just happened to read that section. 


Back to Scheduled Review


Yes, the "trailer"  left me wanting more! However, I shall refrain for a some time so as to give the series a break and read the other books sitting in my pile. ^.^ Well, I would recommend this to those that love historical romances mixed with a little bit of time travel and fantasy elements. Out of five stars I grant this 4 stars. 


Favorite Character(s): Gwen, Drustan, Silvan (hehehe), Nell (wish I knew her), and Daegus

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Nevin's crazy ol' mama (wench) 
Favorite Quote(s): More like a word that Gwen used to call men she wanted to take her virginity, "cherry-pickers". hahahaha I busted out laughing when she refereed to that in her head. 

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<3CaroleRae