Sunday, February 27, 2011

Hottie of the Week

Here is  the Hottie of the week and everyone seemed ok with the cowboy idea and he is 100% yummy!! Please keep up with some ideas for the future Hotties.

In My Mailbox (13)

Photobucket
 
Unfortunately, I have had another week without getting any books in the mail but I'm trying to get caught up on books I already have so I'm doing ok. I hope everybody had a fabulous weekend.

Friday, February 25, 2011

February Book Review for Challenge

Hello Everyone! This is my first book that I have read and reviewed for this challenge.and I'm so excited . She really makes everything fun.  Anyways, my first book to be submitted is The Fallen: Raziel.by Kristina Douglas.This is a fantastic book by a new author. Can't wasit to read the next book

Review: "The Fallen: Raziel" by Kristina Douglas

"The Fallen: Raziel"
by: Kristina Douglas
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 355
Source: Simon & Schouster in exchange for an honest review
Published: January 2011 by Pocket
 
Goodreads Blurb: 
Kristina Douglas’s sexy new series introduces a realm of fallen angels and ruthless demons, where an eternal rebellion is brewing . . . and one unsuspecting woman can change the fate of the Fallen forever. She was just an ordinary mortal . . .
“You’re dead” is so not what Allie Watson wants to hear. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like the dark, angelically handsome man who ferried her to this strange, hidden land. The last thing she remembers is stepping off a curb in front of a crosstown bus. Now she’s surrounded by gorgeous fallen angels with an unsettling taste for blood—and they really don’t want her around. Not exactly how she pictured heaven.
. . . until death catapulted her into a seductive world she never imagined.
Raziel is unsure why he rescued Allie from hellfire against Uriel’s orders, but she stirs in him a longing he hasn't felt in centuries. Now the Fallen are bracing for the divine wrath brought by his disobedience, and they blame Allie for the ferocious Nephilim clawing at the kingdom’s shrouded gates. Facing impossible odds at every turn, the two must work together to survive. Raziel will do anything to defend his spirited lover against the forces of darkness—because Allie may be the Fallen’s only salvation.
 
My Review:
I love discovering new authors and Kristina Douglas is fantastic. I felt like I was there when I was reading her book. It was really well written with vivid descriptions especially when creating the world that the fallen angels live in.
When I first received this book I was nervous because of the cover which could have been better. I tend to judge books by the cover. I'm glad that I agreed to review it because it was a really good book right to the end. I was also nervous because this is the first book I've read about Fallen Angels but it turned out to be amazing. 
Allie is sentenced to death and  Raziel's job to deliver her but instead he brings her home with him which causes lots of trouble for all the Fallen Allen. Allie struggles with the fact that she is dead and fights Raziel about everything but she turns out to be very kind and helpful. Raziel tries very hard not to be attracted to her because he has commited to himself to have no more mates because they die and his heart breaks over and over. 

The book was well written and I didn't see any major problems or loopholes. The action never stopped and I didn't find my self bored. Kristina has made me a new fan. I can't wait for the next book. I loved the ending even though there was a little cliff hanger at the end thats going to make everyone want to read the second book.

I would recommend this book to almost anyone but the biggies are paranormal romance readers, UF, fantasy, and series readers. I hope you pick up this book some time because it is worth every penny and worth your time to read.    

Overall rating:  
Sex Rating:
There wasn't a whole lot of sex in this book but for what it had gets 4 lightening strikes.

Review: "The Fallen: Raziel" by Kristina Douglas

"The Fallen: Raziel"
by: Kristina Douglas
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 355
Source: Simon & Schouster in exchange for an honest review
Published: January 2011 by Pocket
 
Goodreads Blurb: 
Kristina Douglas’s sexy new series introduces a realm of fallen angels and ruthless demons, where an eternal rebellion is brewing . . . and one unsuspecting woman can change the fate of the Fallen forever. She was just an ordinary mortal . . .
“You’re dead” is so not what Allie Watson wants to hear. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like the dark, angelically handsome man who ferried her to this strange, hidden land. The last thing she remembers is stepping off a curb in front of a crosstown bus. Now she’s surrounded by gorgeous fallen angels with an unsettling taste for blood—and they really don’t want her around. Not exactly how she pictured heaven.
. . . until death catapulted her into a seductive world she never imagined.
Raziel is unsure why he rescued Allie from hellfire against Uriel’s orders, but she stirs in him a longing he hasn't felt in centuries. Now the Fallen are bracing for the divine wrath brought by his disobedience, and they blame Allie for the ferocious Nephilim clawing at the kingdom’s shrouded gates. Facing impossible odds at every turn, the two must work together to survive. Raziel will do anything to defend his spirited lover against the forces of darkness—because Allie may be the Fallen’s only salvation.
 
My Review:
I love discovering new authors and Kristina Douglas is fantastic. I felt like I was there when I was reading her book. It was really well written with vivid descriptions especially when creating the world that the fallen angels live in.
When I first received this book I was nervous because of the cover which could have been better. I tend to judge books by the cover. I'm glad that I agreed to review it because it was a really good book right to the end. I was also nervous because this is the first book I've read about Fallen Angels but it turned out to be amazing. 
Allie is sentenced to death and  Raziel's job to deliver her but instead he brings her home with him which causes lots of trouble for all the Fallen Allen. Allie struggles with the fact that she is dead and fights Raziel about everything but she turns out to be very kind and helpful. Raziel tries very hard not to be attracted to her because he has commited to himself to have no more mates because they die and his heart breaks over and over. 

The book was well written and I didn't see any major problems or loopholes. The action never stopped and I didn't find my self bored. Kristina has made me a new fan. I can't wait for the next book. I loved the ending even though there was a little cliff hanger at the end thats going to make everyone want to read the second book.

I would recommend this book to almost anyone but the biggies are paranormal romance readers, UF, fantasy, and series readers. I hope you pick up this book some time because it is worth every penny and worth your time to read.    

Overall rating:  
Sex Rating:
There wasn't a whole lot of sex in this book but for what it had gets 4 lightening strikes.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays


 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:
Raziel (The Fallen)
"The Fallen: Raziel" by Kristina Douglas

Maybe they were still arguing over what to do with me. Maybe if the Nephilim breached the walls, my future would be moot. But I would not go down without a fight.

*This is from a Advanced Reader's Edition and uncorrected. 

Monday, February 21, 2011

Hottie of the Week

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I live in Florida and the weather has been amazing. Its not hot or cold its just been perfect. I also need some suggestions for Hottie of the Week either someone in particular or a specific picture anything. Anyone like cowboys? Tall, dark, light, tattooed? 

Anyways, here is this weeks hottie! 
Cris Evans

Sunday, February 20, 2011

In My Mailbox (12)


Photobucket
After a couple of weeks were I received nothing this week I did good. I didn't get a whole lot of books but some that look good and I'm excited about.

"Ravished by a Viking"
by Delilah Devlin 

"The Seduction of Miranda Prosper"
by Marissa Day

"Indulgent"
by Cathryn Fox


Saturday, February 19, 2011

The Voting is Over for the Monthly Book Giveaway!



This means that with 46.15% of the vote our next book will be 
"This Side of the Grave" Book #5
by Jeaniene Frost.

 Rules to enter:
1. You must be a follower. I pay for the monthly giveaways out of my pocket so I would like it to go to a follower.
2. Giveaway is open to where ever Book Depository ships. So please check before you enter.
3. Fill out the form below.

Winner of "Afterlight" by Elle Jasper (Signed Copy)

The winner has been drawn. I'm really sorry its so late :(  

Anyways, to the good stuff. The winner is................................................................






















Alexa @ Pages of Forbidden Love


Congrats!! Please send me your mailing address within 48 hours or I will have to draw a new winner.

Didn't Win? You can purchase this book below.













All the money I receive from advertisements on this blog I use to purchase prizes for the giveaways.

Friday, February 18, 2011

2011 Historical Romance Challenge - February Reminder


So, I've been having a blast reading all your great reviews. I wanted to remind everyone that we are half way through the month of February and I've only got 25 reviews posted. Get your review in before the end of the month.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Sorry!!

I wanted to apologize for the past couple weeks have been quite because I' v had tragic things happen to us lately. My mother-n-law died in December, A couple weeks ago my girlfriend's husband was shot in the head by a crazy neighbor. Then on Friday I had a bad car accident and I'm in a lot of pain. But I think of all of you everyday and I'm hoping our bad luck streak will change soon. Thanks too everyone for being there for me. I appreciate all your patience.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Meet the Blogger Behind the Blog

 This week our blogger behind the blog is Aobibliophile. Welcome!!

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Anything interesting we should know about? Maybe something juicy? :) 
i blog anonymously but for the record, i'm a male blogger. most of my buddy bloggers or readers think otherwise. lol! i guess it must have something to do with my blog's design and button. it's really a tribute to my late Mom who was born on St. Patrick's Day and green is my favorite color.
i can't think of anything juicy but you may find it interesting to note that i can manage to read 2-3 books at the same time without losing track of the plot. i read a few chapters of book A then hop on to a couple of book B, etc. it's like studying for exams sans the cramming and stress involved.

2. How long have you been reading? When did you start? When did you officially become addicted?
my parents, grandparents and doting relatives encouraged my love for the written word as far as i can remember. my affair with books started in second grade when my Mom gave me a book - i can't recall the title anymore but it was similar to the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mysteries. during fourth grade, i got into comic books but i went back to books a year after and i haven't stopped since.

3. What genre did you start reading first? Or have you always read romance novels?
the mystery book i told you about when i was in 2nd grade. i also recall reading classics like Treasure Island, Heidi, Little Women, Robinson Crusoe, etc. these timeless tales were revised for young readers and my Aunt gave me a set of those. around the same time, i also received  a boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia. the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries followed. then i got interested in my Mom's Barbara Cartland collection, Tarzan books collection, her first edition copies of The Hobbit and the Lord of The Rings Trilogy. i was in 6th grade when i read Stephen King's Carrie  and i got hooked on horror novels, thrillers and paranormal stories. i read almost anything that interests me or makes me curious.

4. What are your favorite genres now?
there's a lot of genres that i embrace and i like them all. i enjoy mysteries, thrillers, true crime, horror, paranormal, romance, historical fiction, Christian fiction, YA, science fiction and fantasy.

5. Is there any genres you don't like? Why?
it's not that i don't like them but i find it a challenge to read war stories. i've read a few though that i love like Escape From Sobibor, The Killing Fields and The Stones Cry Out: A Cambodian Childhood 1975-1980. i am saddened by any kind of armed conflict and what it does to every  man, woman and child and its impact to the environment.

6. If you had to guess how many books you have read in your lifetime how many would it be?
more than five hundred and probably close to a thousand

7. How long does it usually take you to read an average book?
a few hours to a day or two depending on the length and the story. i squeeze in every opportunity i can get just to read - travel time, lunch breaks, etc. for example, i read Jeffrey Archer's Kane and Abel in 4 hours and Alex Haley's Roots kept me company more or less for 8 hours. these numbers are cumulative of course. sometimes when i like what i read so much, i have to really slow down just so i could savor the pleasure of reading the book - e.g. Colleen McCullough's The Thornbirds and Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita.

8. What is your review style? Any formulas? :)
i start my reviews with a summary in my own words. then i talk about what the book's message is. i usually relate it to a personal experience (if possible) or i would pose questions to myself. hopefully my readers would relate to them (my experiences and questions) based on their own experiences and questions as well. my reviews are very personal ones and the way i write them is similar to how i would write in my journal. one important formula i stick to is NO spoilers!

9. Do you tend to judge a book by it's cover?
rarely. great book covers certainly catch my attention but i always read the blurb for good measure and if i have the time i research about the book/author.

10. What are you reading now?
i'm re-reading Stephen King's Dark Tower The Complete Concordance

This or That?

Hardback or Paperback? paperback
Dog ears or Bookmarks? bookmarks
YA novels or Adult novels? both
Library or Bookstore? both
Reading glasses or No glasses? reading glasses
Snack while reading or No snacks? no snacks; the act of eating distracts me from my reading
Beach or Mountain? mountain; i easily get tanned and it takes ages for it to disappear so i shy away from too much sun though i love the smell of the ocean and hearing the waves rush to shore
Vampire or Werewolf? vampire
Hot or Flirty? both c",)
Movie 1st or Book 1st? book 1st forever!!!
Contemporary or Historical? both
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker? page-turner

aobibliophile™
http://aobibliosphere.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/aobibliophile
http://twitter.com/aobibliophile

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Monthly Book Giveaways!! (Earn extra entries)

Just a little note. I had added a button to my right sidebar that you can grab and insert in your sidebar. You will be getting 5 extra entries for each monthly book giveaway by posting it on you blog.  So please share the love. Thank you very much!!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

2011 Historical Romance Challenge - February

Photobucket

Hello Everyone,
It's time for month two of our Historical Romance Reading Challenge. Each month I will post what the giveaway prize will be for that month and also attach a Mister Linky so you can post your reviews for everyone to see. I do check them all btw. If you don't attach a review post of a book that you read in Feb.you will not be entered into the giveaway. Also, you need 12 reviews to be entered into the Grand Prize at the end. You can post more than one review for the month but you only get one entry into the giveaway. So, yes, you can catch up. 

As of this month the challenge sign ups are closed and no one else can join. I think this keeps things fair in the long run.

This month's giveaway is international thanks to Evangeline Collins. She has donated a signed copy of her book. I am also going to be reading my own copy of this book for the challenge so check out my review later.

And Miss Bohemia has donated a set of two hand made bookmarks.

Please link your review of a historical romance that you read this month to the Mister Linky to be entered for a chance to win these great prizes.


We have a winner!

I have a winner for our reading challenge giveaway. We had 31 reviews posted for entries into this month's giveaway.

All donated by Lori Brighton.
Bookmark made by Miss Bohemia. Check out her site here.
.
The winner is ...............................................


Kim @ Caffeinated Diva

Kim you have 48 hours to contact me with your address. My email is romancebookjunkiesdanielle@yahoo.com
 
Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs all images from the Estranged kit by Studio Flergs