OUTCAST by Amelia Elias

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OUTCAST
Book Two of the Guardian’s League
Author: Amelia Elias
Source: PBS
  • Paperback: 292 pages
  • Publisher: Samhain Publishing (November 21, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1599982900
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599982908
SYNOPSIS:
In one instant, everything Renee Hardin knew was destroyed. Vampires were real, and now she had the bloodlust and fangs to prove it. Thrown into a new world, the only friend she has is Eli, a man who could’ve been drawn from her worst fears… or her darkest dreams. Mysterious and ancient, Eli is the most powerful of vampires and the most determined to rid the world of the predators that feast upon the innocent. He has spent thousands of years alone, wanting nothing, needing no one. But when a beautiful woman’s mortal life is stolen before his eyes by the very Outcasts he hunts, Eli has no choice but to pose as her Sire and take her in and try to prevent their evil from poisoning her soul. Sexual attraction between Sire and fledgling is utterly forbidden, yet every moment with Renee makes him all the more aware that he is not her Sire. Fearless, sassy, and vibrantly alive, she awakens feelings he thought long dead and buried. But how can he risk loving her when it would mean revealing the sins that caused the gods to turn their backs on him for eternity?
MY THOUGHTS:
This was a new author for me.  I am constantly looking for new authors to enjoy.  Even though this is the second book in a series, I had no problem understanding everything and everyone involved in the book.  The author did a wonderful job of writing this book to serve as a stand alone book as well.  
When Renee is turned by an Outcast vampire,  Guardian Eli takes her under his wing.  Renee was a spit fire and was very strong willed.  Eli was patient and strong as well.  While he is not her true sire, he lies and tells her that he is so she has a place in the vampire world.  While sire’s and fledglings are not suppose to be romantically involved, you can see the spark of attraction from the instant they start talking to each other. The romance was steamy, the writing was great, and I definitely will be reading the rest in this series.
Overall a great book to read if you love the paranormal and steamy love scenes.  A great series that has lots of potential!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

I’M YOUR SANTA Anthology

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I’M YOUR SANTA (Anthology)
Author(s): Lori Foster, Karen Kelley, Dianne Castell
Source: Local Book Store
  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Brava; 1st Thus. edition (September 25, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0758219830
  • ISBN-13: 978-0758219831
SYNOPSIS:
He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice–and he’s hoping you’re more naughty than nice. He’s your own personal Saint Nick–sans beard, belly, and red suit–and he’s coming special delivery in this sizzling collection… 
Lori Foster
The Christmas Present
When Beth Monroe catches her fiancé fooling around, she’s out for revenge…and the sweetest kind comes courtesy of Levi, the cheater’s best friend. But when their one-hour tryst stretches to an entire weekend, holiday cheer takes on a whole new meaning… 
Karen Kelley
It’s a Wonderful Life
Hollywood hottie Jeremy Hunter needs to get serious about his acting career, and that means Christmas spent researching his upcoming role. But going incognito as a preacher in a tiny Texas town soon brings wicked temptation in the form of beautiful Bailey Tanner… 
Dianne Castell
Home for Christmas
A philandering boyfriend plus an empty wallet add up to LuLu Cahill’s worst Christmas ever, until she heads home to O’Fallon’s Landing and crosses paths with jilted groom Sebastian Moore. Sebastian is determined to go through with his pre-wedding holiday bash. All he needs is LuLu to fill in for the bride… 
MY THOUGHTS:
I have recently started reading books by Lori Foster and found this at my local used book store.  I saw Lori Foster as one of the authors and decided right then to buy it.  Yes, I know this is a Christmas read, but who cares? Romance is romance anytime of the year!
In Lori Foster’s short story, I really enjoyed the characters of Levi and Beth.  They had the spark and the great family to go along with it.  They both seemed perfect for eachother!  I love how Levi deals with the family.  I love how he protects Beth from Brandon.  Everything was just sweet and sexy!
In Karen’s short story, I couldn’t stand Jeremy at first, but he grows on you throughout the story. He is a playboy basically who thinks his poopoo doesn’t stink. Then he has to go undercover as a priest and gets a rude awakening!  I loved the humor in this book. A great short story!
In Dianne’s short story, we get to meet pregnant Lulu and recently dumped at the altar Sebastian.  Together they find love and sweet romance.  This was a cute and touching read. 
OVERALL ANTHOLOGY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

THIS IS ME FROM NOW ON by Barbara Dee (ARC review)

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THIS IS ME FROM NOW ON
Author: Barbara Dee
Source: Author submission
* I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Reading level: Ages 9-12
  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (April 27, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1416994149
  • ISBN-13: 978-1416994145
SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes your life just needs a little jolt. 
This is what Evie’s new friend Francesca tells her, and soon enough, Evie’s life has had something more like an earthquake. Francesca thinks life is dull unless you go after everything you want and say everything on your mind all the time–and sometimes that includes giving other people a little behind the scenes help to give them what she thinks they want. 
Evie can’t always tell if she’s horrified or fascinated by everything Francesca convinces her to do, but ultimately, she comes to see friendship–and life–in a whole new light. 
MY THOUGHTS
 Remember back in high school or even Junior High when you had those so called friends?  You know, the ones that were suppose to be your friends, but secretly they annoyed the heck out of you?  Well, in this book, Evie is finding out really quick how annoying those friends can really be.  She is at an important stage in life and she is stuck in a rut so to speak.
Then along comes Francesca.  Evie cannot stand her. She thinks she is a liar and a bit eccentric. She does everything she can to stay the heck away from her.  Then Evie gets paired up with her in a school project.  Well, it starts as a school project and becomes even more of a problem.  Even though some people would find Francesca a great friend, others would be scared to be around her.
This is a story of overcoming low self esteem, move past the insecurities, and making us all take a different look on life and people.  This was a cute book that I think younger teens will enjoy.  A great book from a great author that not only knows how to write, but also knows how to speak to younger teens through her writing.
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

BAILEY’S DAY by Robert Haggerty

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BAILEY’S DAY
Author: Robert Haggerty
Source: Author/Bostick
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Reading level: Ages 4-8
  • Paperback: 46 pages
  • Publisher: Outskirts Press (January 14, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1432745506
  • ISBN-13: 978-1432745509
SYNOPSIS:
“Bailey’s Day” is a children’s book about a very energetic black and white pointer dog. After Bailey’s owner, a mailman, goes to work, she sets off for a day of many adventures. After hooking up with her wiener dog friend, Frankie, they go for a swim, romp through the park, and eat tacos with Pete, the taco man. The dogs have to be careful because Bailey’s owner could be driving by in his mail truck. Packed with many colorful illustrations and real photos of Bailey, this book is sure to be a hit for young readers, as well as dog lovers.
MY THOUGHTS:
I sat down with my daughter so we could review this book from a childs point of view.  Instantly, my daughter was in love with it because of the bright colors on the cover.  The illustrations in this book are beautiful.  They have nice vivid colors and they captured her interest all throughout the book.  She loved the routine that Bailey does throughout the day and she liked each new animal that was introduced.  The wording was written perfectly and she wanted me to read it again and again.  What I really liked about this children’s book is the author took it a step further and included pictures of the real Bailey.  So not only did we get to see the cartoon, but we also got to see the authors inspiration. 
Overall a great new children’s book.
Did my daughter love the pictures?  YES
Did it hold her interest for the entire book? YES
Did she want to read it again? YES
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

A CERTAIN WOLFISH CHARM by Lydia Dare

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A CERTAIN WOLFISH CHARM
Author: Lydia Dare
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange of honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 6, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402236948
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402236945
SYNOPSIS:

In Lydia dare’s debut trilogy, Regency England has gone to the wolves!
He gets crankier and crankier as the moon gets full…
The rules of Society can be beastly-especially when you’re a werewolf and it’s that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn’t help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is…
A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon…
When Lily’s beloved nephew’s behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy’s cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon’s idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue.
They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other’s darkest secrets…
MY THOUGHTS:
This was a great book for a first in the series.  I really enjoyed each of the characters and their personalities.  Lily was strong and determined, which she needed to be when dealing with Simon.  He was stubborn and a spit fire with everything rubbing him the wrong way.  You can’t even help laughing when all the characters are fighting with each other. 
The writing was great and the dialogue flowed nicely.  I devoured this book from beginning to end, and I was still hungry for more of the series!  A great book to sink your teeth into!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

 

UPCOMING BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

A Certain Wolfish Charm- April 6, 2010
Tall, Dark and Wolfish- May 4, 2010
The Wolf Next Door- June 1, 2010
The Taming of the Wolf- Nov 2, 2010