STACKING THE SHELVES (22)

Hi there! Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews.  I told ya I wanted to read 'em, and I went out and bought the two I didn't have today :-).  Ninja Aunt was kind enough to get me Endless Knight for Easter and I devoured that one like nobody's business.

 I'm really looking forward to reading these books; they all sound fantastic.  Hope you got some great books as well!

Ninja Girl

GRAVE MEMORY by Kalayna Price

 

One of my first reviews when I started the blog (2 years ago this coming February!) was of this series.  I loved it then, and I love it now.  Let me 'splain.

The Alex Craft Novels aren't as well-known as some other urban fantasies.  I can kind of understand b/c there are so many great UFs out there.  But as far as story goes, I'm not sure why it's not as popular.  I dig that, though, because it makes me feel like I'm part of some special, super-secret club.

Those of us who know Death vs. Those of us who don't.

Believe me, you want to know Death.

 

The hero in this series is irresistible.  First, he's Death with a capital "D," like the personification of death itself.  Second, he's a reaper ,and Alex is a grave witch (i.e. human who can raise shades and speak to the dead).  The reapers have all these rules--including this whole "no fraternizing with humans" rule--so if you want forbidden romance?  There you go.  Third, Death is a rule breaker.  This is probably my favorite reason to fall for Death.  He steps in to save Alex's life time and time again, sometimes in heart-stopping ways.  This book was no exception. 

Oh yeah, and he looks great in a pair of jeans, has a thing for coffee, and is willing to give up his immortality for Alex.  Death = Reaper rule-breaking heartthrob.  There is a lot of Death in this book, so yeah.  The romance was on point.  I laughed, swooned, held my breath.  Some might say there's a triangle, but I only see Alex and Death.  Hope to see more of their relationship in this series.  And thank you Kalayna Price for choosing the right guy for our girl!

Another great reason to read these books (and this one in particular) is PLOT.

I'll be honest.  This book didn't pick up for me until about page 100.  That's because, as with most series, authors feel the need to "catch everybody up."  The first hundred were basically a reintroduction to the world of Alex Craft.  I didn't need it--but hey, new readers might have.  For me, page 124 is where it really took off.  I'm about to reveal a bit of the plot, so if you don't want to read, skip down past the ***SPOILER*** labels.

***SPOILER***

"A queasy uneasiness reverberated through every cell in my body.  Three bodies couldn't be a coincidence.  Nekros had a serial killer.  Weapon of choice: suicide."--page 124

***END SPOILER***

That made the sleuth in me sit up and say, "Ooooh."  The plot itself was inventive and unique.  The part where Alex finally figured it out made me perk up, and I read the last 2/3 of the book a lot quicker.  And then, of course, Death played a key role in the last half of the book, which really made this one a winner in my eyes.

I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say that Kalayna Price is my new best friend.  I'd make coffee for Death any day.  Caleb, Alex's fair-weather fae friend, is currently on my "you kinda suck" list.  Agent Falin needs to get his crap together.  Alex and Death forever.  And I can't wait to read book 4!

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

KISS OF STEEL by Bec McMaster

When I first picked up this book, I was like, "Wow, great cover!"  The shelves in the romance/paranormal section are always overflowing, so it takes a special something to stand out.  Then I read the back cover, and Kiss of Steel was coming home with me J.

WHEN NOWHERE IS SAFE

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district.  For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven.  But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries--no one dares cross him.  It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he's been quicker, stronger, almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping.  She's so…innocent.  He doesn't see her backbone of steel--or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

This book was so worth the price.

 

Great world building, and McMaster focused her story on two MCs that when thrown together made for a very fiery pair.  Honor's dilemma:  She's wanted by a sadistic vampire named Vickers, who her father used to work for.  Upon his death, Honor went into hiding with her two younger siblings and stole the one thing Vickers craves most--her father's precious diaries, which contain all his scientific research on finding a cure for the blood-craving virus.  (sidenote: Do NOT make the mistake of thinking this is just another vampire story.  It's so much more than that)

In Honor's world, being a vamp is fine so long as you don't let the disease take over.  It happens to every vamp eventually.  Honor's brother has been infected and she and her sister must keep it a secret or risk his death--even as he slowly fades away.  The upperclass (almost completely made up of vamps) don't want any new blood stepping onto their turf, and they run the city under an iron fist.  Except for the rookeries.

That brings me to Blade.  **WARNING: slightly off-topic rant ahead J**

He was just dandy!  As in, he totally and completely reminded me of Jack Dandy from The Girl in the Steel Corset, another Steampunk great.  Seriously, if you haven't read my review of that book, you probably don't know this but: I LOVED JACK!!  He was absolutely my fave character.

 

The things about Blade that were so Jack: 1) His awful/lovely cockney accent.  Seriously, I think I have a thing for guys with atrocious English lol!  2) His bad a** reputation.  In Kiss of Steel, Blade was a man you did not want to cross.  When Honor is called to his home (within the first few pgs) for being in his territory too long without paying a visit, even I felt nervous for her.  Blade was a bad, bad dude.  3) And yet, he was so protective of his people.  It was impossible not to fall in love with his small band of misfits.  Everyone in the crew had a story, a past.  But not one of them was as interesting as Blade J  He won me over with his Dandy-ness!!  Loved reading him, especially when he spoke.  *fans self*

In short, this book was Steampunk gold.  It's a definite keeper for me, and if you love Steampunk/adult romance, I'd greatly recommend!!

Happy Reading,

Ninja Girl

P.S. I'll be announcing the winner of the I LOVE STEAMPUNK Giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned J

MOONGLOW by Kristen Callihan

There's something great about knowing that you're going to love a book.

And with Kristen Callihan, you just know.

The fantastic gothic world she created in Firelight gets even better in the second installment, Moonglow.  The romance, the danger, the hero and heroine, the reasons to read this book were too many to name, but I'll do my best to sum up.

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, never thought he'd fall in love again.  After countless women, all paid, all with the same features, he knows his type: red hair, green eyes, the perfect body.  But when he finds Daisy, the only survivor at the scene of a recent werewolf attack, she awakens Ian's protective instincts.

Recently widowed, Daisy isn't the type of girl to swoon at the sight of blood.  Though one of her dear friends was murdered by the were, Daisy is reluctant to trust the Marquis.  Her gut feeling where Ian is concerned is to run far, far away.  But his flirtatious yet dangerous nature calls to something deep within Daisy, that side of her which was beaten back in a loveless, abusive marriage.

Together, Ian and Daisy discover several more bodies, and a plot which revolves around women who wear the very perfume Daisy created for herself.  With a killer led by scent and an intelligent heroine determined to save herself, Ian will have to be very careful not to lose his life--or his heart--to the one woman he never saw coming.

If you want to know why to read…

Ian + Daisy = Out-of-this-world Chemistry.

These two characters really got to me.  Ian and Daisy were perfect for each other.  And it wasn't just the romance--though that was *sigh* spectacular!!  At the moment, I can't think of anything I've read recently that has two characters with better conversation and more natural chemistry.  I couldn't put it down!

Daisy was so smart and fearless.  Usually the two don't go hand in hand; the heroine does something stupid, which makes this ninja roll her eyes.  But not Daisy!  Callihan made sure to give her power so she could protect herself.  And Daisy was just as much of an unapologetic smartass as Ian and had a great sense of humor.  Wow, a girl with brains and bravery.  A rare sight in Queen Victoria's London J.

And Ian Ranulf.  Oh, he was such a strong hero.  Scottish, bad boy werewolf with a tragic past and effortless charm whose brogue gets stronger when his blood is up.  Need I say more? J

Great plot.  The whole perfume angle was interesting, and I have to say I just love these Ellis sisters.  Can't wait for Poppy's story!  Moonglow was even better than the first book, and I'd totally recommend it.  If you love romance and gothic goodness, you don't want to miss Daisy and Ian.

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

LOVER REBORN by J.R. Ward

Several things happen in the Ninja Girl household with the release of a new BDB book. 

First, there's the fangirl-ing that ensues: squees of joy, jumping up and down, taking out lamps with wildly flailing arms.  Second, there's a fast and furious re-cap of all the books between me and Ninja Aunt P--which inevitably leads to arguing over who's the best brother.  It's so obvious, but the woman insists on disagreeing w/me on V's behalf.  Whatever.  We all know the truth.

Zsadist, my perfectly imperfect scarred brother, you are what the Brotherhood's all about.  I mean, seriously.  Lover Unbound vs. Lover Awakened; goatee vs. face scarred to hell; techie w/handrolleds vs. tragedy and lethal intent personified?  Love you both, but there's no contest, true?

Anyway, after the arguing, me and Ninja Aunt P go and plunder our local bookstore, grabbing up three copies of the Warden's latest (which really is a MONSTER of a book; 527 pgs of BDB awesome).  Lover Reborn was a great installment in the series.  Ward gave me tragedy, violence, plot, romance, and did justice to the characters I love.  Ward's undeniable, unmatchable recipe of BDB goodness.

In case you haven't read BDB, Ward puts her characters through hell, takes them to the precipice of the worst scenario you could ever imagine and pushes them over the edge.  That is what makes her stories great: They're never easy.  And Tohr's story was no exception.

I'm not even going to try and summarize.  The BDB stories are too complex, and the Warden did it much better than I ever could (from Goodreads):

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment is a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance- and is unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams—trapped in a cold, desolate netherworld—he turns to the angel to save his former mate, only to despair at the path he himself must take to set her free. As war with the lessers rages, and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between an unforgettable past, and a future that he doesn’t know he can live with… but can’t seem to turn away from.

Great things about this book: The relationship between Tohr and No'One.  I was so with them the entire time.  Ward gave me such insight into their feelings and both were equally vulnerable and tragically likable characters.  The emotional content in the book ran high.  The scene with Tohr and the dress had me choked up.  John and Xhex's struggles socked me in the gut.  Xcor (who's now one of my Favorite Characters to Watch) also had my eyes welling.  But I didn't cry; nope, ninjas don't do that.  They suck it up, pull on their big-girl pants, grit their teeth and turn the page.

And I did.  I drank up the pages of Lover Reborn like water.  They were absolutely awesome--the characters leading the book with plot woven in seamlessly.  J.R. Ward has some kind of book magic the likes of which are rarely seen.  If you're an adult, I cannot recommend this series enough.  It is the sh*t.  Period.

Ninja Girl

P.S. Blay and Qhuinn's book is next, thank the Warden :D  I. Cannot. Wait.

FIRELIGHT by Kristen Callihan

I've never read anything so creepily romantic.  (And that's a compliment! J)

 Firelight was my introduction to supernatural Gothic romance, and Kristen Callihan did a fantastic job of drawing me in.  This book made me realize how important strong first chapters are--at least to me.  If the beginning is stellar, if it introduces me to intriguing characters in an interesting way, creating a picture I just cannot get out my head, it's a done deal.  I'll read till the end, those first chapters driving me to the finish.

Here's the scene that stuck with me: The dreaded Lord Benjamin Archer, a man who hides his deformity behind a black-as-night mask, is on his way to commit a murder when he comes upon a street urchin about to be attacked.  Despite being cornered in an alley by two bigger, brasher opponents, the street urchin doesn't look the least bit frightened.  Even when her hat gets knocked off, and all that fiery hair tumbles down, revealing her to be a girl, Miranda (aka the street urchin) doesn't back down or try to run.  Her fearlessness sparks something in Lord Archer.  He saves her; she finds out he's actually there to get revenge upon her father; and after a very sexy interlude, we're off and running.

The story was filled with danger, adventure, and mystery, but the best part was the romance.  These two characters, Miranda and Archer, were perfect together.  Watching them get to know each other, denying their true feelings at every turn--feelings we get to see first-hand through the alternating third person narrative--was as entertaining as it was excruciating.

Paranormally goodness was also present throughout the novel (Miranda's gift/curse, Archer's hidden past, a secret club that messed with the natural order and whose members are now being picked off one by one), but what struck me was the very human quality of Callihan's two leads.  Miranda's fearlessness was incredibly believable, her fear of herself a great contrast to that defiant nature.  Archer was moody and over-confident and had just the right mix of snark and sincerity.  I loved, loved, loved their chemistry.  It flared and simmered and lit up every page (too many fire references??)

And since today is Teaser Tuesday…a short excerpt from the book:

"He took a quick breath, and his voice dropped. "You've no notion of the effect you have on me"

The words gave a hard tug to her belly. She closed her eyes and swallowed. "If by effect, you mean finding yourself in unchartered waters, wondering whether you are coming or going...." She stared at his shirt, watching his breath hitch. "Then I fear you have the same effect on me, my lord.”"

And that's just one of the many "breath-hitching" moments J

I also loved Miranda's sisters--would've loved to see more of them in the story--and Ian McKinnon.  He was such a delicious little instigator.  Apparently Callihan thought so too, since his book is next in the series. *whoop*  The danger was thrilling, the murders/mystery appropriately horrific.  I'd recommend it for adult readers who love paranormal romance but are looking for that little something extra. 

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

TEASER TUESDAY: UNVEILED by Courtney Milan

Teaser Tuesday's is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading (click the image above to be directed to her page). Anyone can participate! Here are the rules:

• Grab your current read
• Open it to a random page
• Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO REVEAL SPOILERS! (Be sure not to spoil the book for others!
• Make sure your sentences don't reveal something important!)
• Include the title and author to, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser is actually from a historical romance that I am loving at the moment!!  I couldn't resist participating this week b/c I'm 60 pages in, but I can already tell Courtney Milan is going to be a new favorite ;D

Teaser:

"It reminded him of the cacophony of an orchestra as it tuned its instruments: dissonance suddenly resolving into harmony.  It was the rumble, not of thunder, but its rolling precursor, trembling on the horizon.  It was all of that.  It was none of that.  It was sheer animal instinct, and it reached up and grabbed him by the throat.  Her.  Her."

Gah!  I can't even...just wow!!  It's nice to see adult romance can be just as passionate and heady as YA.

Hope everyone's having a great week,

Ninja Girl

SPIDER'S BITE by Jennifer Estep

Annnnd another fantastic urban fantasy series to add to my list of favorites J

I can't even tell you how much I loved this book.  When I say I'm adding it to my favorites, it's in some seriously good UF company. Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs meet Jennifer Estep whose books are about to make a place on my shelves right next to yours.

Spider's Bite was a thrill ride from start to finish.  Seriously, I could not put it down!  Everything from character to plot to romance was enticing and well done and totally badass.  But with Gin Blanco as the main character there was never any doubt that there'd be some serious bad assery in this book.

Gin Blanco (aka The Spider) is the biggest, baddest, best assassin in the South.  She has a talent for trouble, a heart of stone, and a deadly strike that never misses.  You don't mess with her unless you want to get dead--but when someone sets her up, Gin never sees it coming.  When one of her clients sends a second assassin to kill her and tortures her mentor to death, The Spider uses all the tricks of the trade to hunt down her prey.  Detective Donovan Caine, the only good cop left in a town gone bad, rouses feelings in Gin she shouldn't be having--especially since she killed his partner a few years back.  But if working with Caine will help her find the Air elemental that killed her friend, she'll do it.  The Spider always gets her man--and this time she's out for blood.

Gin was such a great character, with such a clear yet complex motivation, that I couldn't help but love her.  Actually, I was rooting her from page one and the connection only grew stronger throughout the book.  You really shouldn't love someone who's an assassin, but I dare anyone to read this book and not fall in love with Gin Balnco.  Sure, she kills people, but if you'll notice Estep did something kinda sneaky--and smart.  In the book, Gin only kills sleazebags who deserve it (mostly people who prey on young kids).  Life's given her some pretty hard knocks, but Gin was one tough cookie.  And I do love me some cookies lol J

Now, I will say one of things that I didn't love was Detective Donovan Caine.  Although I'd put Estep's writing right up there with Harris and Briggs in every other respect, I didn't love her male leads.  I liked Finn as a friend for Gin, but Caine just didn't do it for me.  I wanted to see him step up, kick the crap out of some lowlife or do what needed to be done without Gin having to convince him.  Basically what I'm saying is Caine wasn't good enough for Gin ;)  But hopefully he'll get better in the following books.

I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.  It is an adult urban fantasy, though, so younger readers beware.  But if you are old enough to read it, I'd say go for it.  You won't regret it!

Happy Reading,

Ninja Girl

*Side note: In the book, Gin works at a place called the Pork Pit located in Tennessee.  One of my friends from high school actually worked at a place called the Pork Pit in TN J Small world, huh?





HEARTLESS by Gail Carriger

3 REASONS TO <3 THE SOULLESS SERIES

1.  Gail Carriger

2.  Gail Carriger

3.  Gail Carriger, Gail Carriger, Gail Carriger!!!

Man, I just love her writing.  This author is incredibly quirky/unique.  Whenever a new novel of hers comes out it's like I just know: It's going to be ridiculously good.

Heartless, the fourth book featuring Alexia and her parasol, was a great addition to the series.  These books are like little gems winking at me from the shelves.  The covers are exceptional, perfect font and coloring, Victorian in feel with a splash of edge that brings them into the 21^st Century.  (And the clothes are gorgeous!)

Beyond a great sense of Steampunk style, she has a knack for characters names.  I mean, seriously, Alexia Tarabotti, Ivy Hisselpenny, Lord Akeldama, Madame Lefoux, Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings???  I about died laughing when I heard that last one for the first time.  Channing is actually a favorite of mine, and I hope he'll appear more in future books J

Conall Maccon isn't the best name of the bunch, but what Lord Maccon lacks in name ingenuity, he more than makes up for in character.  He's smart.  He's hot.  He's a werewolf.  And he's got a Scottish brogue that only comes out when he's in a temper (and/or feeling frisky *winks*).  In Heartless, Conall shows his softer side, dealing with a new addition to the Woosley pack--who's having, shall we say, identity issues?--and assuming the role of doting husband, still retaining his passion for Alexia (even though the "infant-inconvenience" makes her as big as a dirigible.)

Who wouldn't love a guy/werewolf like that?

Conall Love Fest officially complete--now, back to Heartless.  It was a good setup:  A very pregnant Alexia gets a message from a ghost, a threat actually on Queen Victoria's life, and she decides, quite pragmatically, not to let the infant-inconvenience get in the way of her duties as mujah.  Her search for the killer lands her in some unexpected situations.  She gets attacked by zombie porcupines, spends a good deal of time in Lord Akeldama's back parlor, and causes an all-out rush on hairmuffs perfect for dirigible travel.

One of my favorite parts of the book was finding out what happened to my poor Biffy.  I've got a real soft spot for that dandy.  I was worried after the last book, and I'm glad Carriger didn't just hang him out to dry.  There are plenty of people to love in the Soulless series, but I've been pulling for Biffy since book one.

I had a few issues with characters' decisions, was a bit disappointed in a few of them, but I still loved it.  Waiting for the arrival of Timeless in March 2012 is gonna be torture L

Totally looking forward to it though J

Ninja Girl

SMOKIN' SEVENTEEN by Janet Evanovich

You know that saying, "Where there's smoke there's fire"?  Well, that definitely applies to Janet Evanovich's Smokin' Seventeen J  After the last two books, I'll admit I was a little weary.  Stephanie was stuck in that same never-ending loop of Morelli-Ranger-Morelli-Ranger.  The plots weren't as punchy, the humor was still there but seemed to be a bit stale, and I didn't feel enough tension in Stephanie's relationships with the guys or in the action itself.

But I tell ya, Miss Evanovich brought it all back in book 17.

Romance, plot, laughs, a creepy bad guy and plenty of my man Ranger.  Y'all the man is hotness personified!  I know I can't be the first to say it.  I mean, I love me some Morelli (and I do think it'd be more in line with Stephanie's character to choose him in, oh, I don't know, book 100? J), but Ranger is the ish, you know what I'm sayin'?  And just FYI, there is plenty of hanky panky in this book.  Evanovich always writes those scenes in a fun/tasteful/funny way, but if you're not a big fan, I'd say just be prepared.

Here's the rundown.

Dead bodies start showing up buried on the Bail Bonds Office lot.  Stephanie and her crew set up shop in Mooner's crappy camper.  (I'm a big fan of The Moon Man btw).  Grandma Bella puts "the eye" on Stephanie and something called "the vordo."  Lula gets gummed by a senior citizen who thinks he's a vampire.  There's a dancing bear and granny panties in there somewhere.  Morelli and Ranger both make bids for Stephanie's affections, between the sheets and in the light of day.

Basically, it's everything you'd expect from a Plum novel and more.  As I said, Evanovich gets back on track and delivers.  She brings the fire and the funny back in a way that only she can.  Seventeen is a great new addition to the series.  Personally, my favorites are still the first one (it had the best plot and stakes and introduced me to Miss Plum's zany world) and the one where we find out more about Ranger (I'm thinking it was either book 8 or 9, but I can't be sure.  It's the one where Stephanie finally visits the bat cave and finds out more about the man behind the mystery <3).

The book was really, really fantastic!  I hope Stephanie's adventures never stop.  That doesn't mean I don't want her to choose who she wants to be with, but I could read about her world forever and not get bored.  I love Evanovich's writing--she's like the Meg Cabot of the adult fiction world--and if this is what the seventeenth book was like, I'm chomping at the bit to read Explosive Eighteen!

And just so we're clear: Ranger is more than just hot muscles dressed in black stretchy tees and cargo pants.  He's got a heart, and he cares about Stephanie.  And that is what I love so much about him.  Although the muscles and the Bulgari body gel don't hurt J

Thanks for reading,

Ninja Girl

NINJA AUNT REVIEW: WILD RIDE by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

Today, we have a special guest.  She's cooler than I'll ever be, reads more (and faster) than I do, and she agreed to do this post for me--only after I promised to draw her a cool ninja pic ;)  Without further ado, I give you...the first book review by Ninja Aunt!!! (And yes, she really IS my aunt and a real person...and possibly a ninja on her nights off (note: I actually have 2 kick-ass aunts and 1 very kiss-ass mom.  Love you ladies!)).



So, my first post and I'm not sure what to do: I've never reviewed a book before, beyond a 'liked it' or 'that sucked.'  But here goes nothing (the things Ninja Aunt does for Ninja Girl…)

If I see a Jennifer Crusie book, I'm pretty much gonna buy it.   I'm a Crusie fan and when I found my first Crusie/Mayer collaboration Agnes and the Hitman the fun continued.  So when I purchased their latest Wild Ride I was hoping for more of the same and then some.  And, although it's no Agnes it's still a roller-coaster of a ride.

Mary Alice Brannigan, a member of the crazy Brannigan family, has been hired to restore Dreamland Amusement Park to its former glory.  Known as 'Batty Brannigan' as a young girl and 'demon spawn' by her mom, Mab (to all who know her now) is a loner who loves the solitary of repairing the rides and bringing them back to life with color, preferring the company of park attractions to people.  But Mab is unaware the park is a prison for the five Untouchables, powerful demons including Kharos (a devil), his wife Vanth, and Fufluns, a former god turned demon who thrives on happiness.  And when Mab is knocked down and then helped up by FunFun--the iron-wooden clown statute from the front gate--things start to get strange.  Strange being relative of course.   Convinced by the park owner that she hallucinated the clown attack, Mab continues her work on the renovation.   But the bizarre is just beginning and something's just not quite right - including her new lover, Joe.   With Halloween around the corner, clown footprints to track and demons on the loose, Mab is called to become a member of the Guardia - the keepers of the park who ensure the demons do not escape - and the wild ride begins.  

The cast of characters includes Glenda (the sorceress), Delpha and Frankie (the seer and her faithful black crow), Gus (the keeper), Young Fred (the trickster) and Ethan (the hunter and Glenda's son).   Add to the mix Kharos (devil), Vanth (demon lover), Tura (demon-murderer of anyone who cheats), Slevan (demon demon), and Fufluns (demon of joy) and you can't go wrong.

I enjoyed this book: it was straight forward with some good laughs.  Being attacked by a metal clown that knows your name - funny (visualize)! And I liked the odd sense of family:  like all of us each character had their own quirk, but there was a sense of belonging that brought a smile to my face.  I giggled through it and read it quickly because I really wanted to know how it would end.  But I sort of knew how it would end so I think I really just wanted to know if I was right.  And I was. 

Dragon roller-coasters, fortune-telling machines, tunnels of love, demons, lovers, clowns and ice-cream: all in all, this was one ride I enjoyed.  (but for an even better Crusie-Mayer laugh check out Agnes and the Hitman--it's really good!)

Ninja Aunt

CASTING CALL: ONE FOR THE MONEY by Janet Evanovich

Trying something different today!  There's a meme over at Mindful Musings called Movie Cast Monday, and since I love movies and books (this series in particular), I decided to do a post of my own in that vein.  I'm calling it Casting Call, simply b/c like most writers, I do love me some alliteration J

So as the title says, today's Casting Call is all about Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels.  In the past, Evanovich stated that she thought the studios were missing out.  Stephanie and her eccentric band of misfits would kill in the box office similar to how they'd made a killing on the bestsellers lists for years.  I couldn't agree more.  I wanted to see this series made into live-action ever since I discovered Miss Plum.

But my cast definitely would've been different than the official line up.  You can see the vid below for details.

Katherine Heigl is just not my Stephanie.  Maybe she'll do great and I'm just worried for nothing, but in all her roles Heigl is just…Heigl.  Her characters all read similarly on screen, and Stephanie Plum has her own quirky sense of humor.  I'll be curious to see if she can pull it off.

Then there's Morelli (*sigh*) and Ranger (*double sigh*), Stephanie's two love interests.  I don't even know where to begin.  Morelli was supposed to look boyishly charming (or at least he did in my head) not angry/serial killer-ish like the guy playing him.  And let's not forget, ITALIAN.

Oh, and then there's Ranger…  My lovely, lovely Ranger.  What have they done to you???  Ranger is not supposed to look like that.  I'm sorry.  The guy playing him is simply too small, too unassuming, too…NOT him.

As you can see, I have strong opinions on the matter, but I wonder what you all think.  Is this your dream cast?  Do you think they could've done better?  Any suggestions?  I'd love to hear your thoughts J

Ninja Girl

LOVER UNLEASED by J.R. Ward

Loved it, but...

Well, here's the problem: J.R. Ward is one of my favorite authors.  BDB is one of my favorite series, so I expect A LOT whenever a new book comes out.  Lover Unleashed was good--really good--but it just didn't live up to some of my favorites in the series.

Lover Unleased is the story of Payne, V's sister, and Dr. Manuel Manello, aka Manny.  It picks up where Lover Mine left off.  Payne is brought to the brotherhood compound, paralyzed, and the still-very-much-human Manny is called in.  He's her last and best hope of getting well, and his sensual treatments stir up more than just healing.  As usual, Ward delivers the goods, a great love story, hot love scenes, and a deepening understanding of each of the characters.  Notably missing was the conflict, the dire stakes that I always expect to see in one of Ward's tales.  Where was the antagonist?  What happened to the threat of the Lessening Society?  Why didn't I ever feel truly anxious about Payne or Manny's safety?  I definitely worried about V and Butch...   But this could've just as easily have been Vishous's story.

I will confess that V's book, Lover Unbound, wasn't my favorite (really it was close to last in my view, mostly b/c of a craptastically implausible ending.  No really, it was bad.  Slam the cover closed, throw the book across the room, screaming in my head bad).  Seriously though, why was V the only brother to get the shaft?  Why should he be the only one cheated out of H.E.A.?  I tell you it just wasn't right!  But then again, maybe that's why Ward did such a bang-up job of continuing their story here.  Finally, finally, V and Doc Jane get it together and find the closure I'd been hoping for.  That was good to see, but I think it took the focus away from Payne and Manny.

That same thing happened to Phury in Lover Enshrined (my least favorite in the series.  I was so disappointed...I can't...I really...I still can't talk about it).  I know that I shouldn't compare the books, but how can you not??  Phury and Cormia's love was totally outshined by some of the other character arcs just like Payne and Manny's.

And in saying, I will add that this was not the story I wanted to read next.  It was not the story that left me salivating, literally squirming in my seat, wanting more at the end of Lover Mine.  That honor went to a different couple, and to end this post I only have one thing to say.

If Blay and Qhuinn don't end up together, like truly and completely, wiping-tears-from-my-eyes-because-I'm-so-freakin'-happy-that-Ward-did-the-right-thing-and-wasn't-afraid-to-let-them-end-up-together-simply-because-it-was-a-brother/brother-love-match, I will be one very unhappy ninja.

Blay and Qhuinn Forever <3 <3 <3