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Book Review – Home For The Holidays by Jeaniene Frost (The Bite Before Christmas Anthology)

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Home for the Holidays as found in The Bite Before Christmas Anthology
This was actually a very significant and important addition to the Cat and Bones saga. I can actually say, I enjoyed it a ton, even if it still didn’t have that old Cat and Bones “magic and sizzle”. In fact, I think I’m going to dare say that I liked this “short” better than the latest full length release (One Grave at a Time).

What it lacked in romantic tension, it made up for with an intriguing and somewhat scary mystery, quite a few moments where I “uh oh’d” about Bones…

Never had I thought to be on the receiving end of such a glare from Bones…

… a shocking “Oh no HE didn’t!!!” and some twists and turns that made their tale even deeper.

Now I really can’t tell you anything about the story, cause it’s all, pretty much, spoilers. Every bit of it is a surprise that is much more fun to experience for yourself.

I do want to say that Ian was the star of the show for me, in this one.

As I mentioned to my Facebook friends:

Maryse: So…. I read the latest Cat and Bones “short” – pretty good! On par with the latest full novel in the series. Maybe even.. a bit more interesting? And yes, there are a few interesting Bones-ish surprises 😉 And Ian is BIG in this one. LOVE him!!

Dara: Ohhh i enjoyed it VERY much!!! I love Ian’s character!! he’s so deliciously naughty!!

Maryse: Isn’t he though… my favorite part was when he wanted to show Cat what was in his pants. I laughed out loud for real on that one!!! HIS is the book I’m anxiously awaiting… wondering if he will take Mencheres’s place for me…

Dara: ohh i died laughing when she said she actually leaned in to get a better look!!! I can’t wait to see what his mate is like!! she’s gonna have to be one smooth mama to keep him in line!!

So… what I can say is that this story takes place shortly after the last book (it’s now Thanksgiving) and the crew receives an unexpected visitor, that they welcome into their home for the Holidays. It’s wonderful!! Or is it? Everything pretty much starts going awry, while a few of the, let’s just say, “more rational” characters try to solve and fix the problem (oh and one of the “fix-its” involves a very steamy scene between Ian and Cat). WHAT!!!?? Oh yes. You’ll see 😉 Okay, so maybe there is some of that delicious sexual tension I’ve been missing. And just for that whole chapter alone, I’m tempted to give it 4 stars! LOL!!

Breath tickled my neck as he laughed. “I know. I’m truly gifted.”

Just when you think the twist is established, there’s another one, and then one I definitely didn’t see coming at the very end (my favorite one). I have to add that I am so glad Jeaniene spelled that one out carefully, because as it was first coming together, I had no clue what the significance was. I was all… “Uh huh? So? What’s the big deal?”

I’m going to blame it on late-night reading fatigue. I was completely missing the point. But then, once it was laid out in “laymen’s” terms it made perfect sense. It’s all a bit convenient, but hey, it’s paranormal fantasy, so it’s all good. I mean, why shouldn’t fate and convenience do it’s thing too, right?

➔➔➔  Looking for my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star and 4 star reviews. 😀

➔➔➔  Love this author? Browse more Jeaniene Frost features and reviews on my blog. 😀

Deborah Harkness – All Souls Trilogy Reading Order

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This book (which will become a trilogy) has been recommended vehemently by quite a few readers. I must say… I am convinced. I will read this. ASAP! Like… this week! Also I just found out, that after only one book, it will possibly be made into a movie! “Warner Brothers optioned A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES and its sequels in July”

As per Rebecca:

“For those of you who haven’t read A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, Go and buy it now!!! Such a fantastic book. The first in the All Souls series and the next one due to be released in summer ’12. Its kind of a grown up Twilight, but better! And I never thought I would hear myself say that about any book!! Move over Edward Cullen, Matthew Clairmont is THE vampire :)”

As per Danette:

“Deborah Harkness – A Discovery of Witches.  She is a new author, this is her first book so have to wait  for the others (which we all hate)… but its a great read!!”

and Brandy told me:

“My newest love is A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.  Wow!  I would describe as supernatural meets Outlander.”

About book #1:

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

  

Character Look-Alikes – Zsadist From The Black Dagger Brotherhood

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And with that latest J.R Ward Tidbits and News post, it gave me the perfect opportunity to show you what I found (well my friend Sherry found it, but I said MINE!!). It’s mostly just silly fun, but when I find THE perfect picture, I need to immortalize it on my blog forever, so that I can pull it up and *swoon* whenever I want. It’s the most perfect example of my version of Zsadist!

It is no secret that “Z” is my most favorite-est of all book characters (human, vampire or other). Nobody beats him. A strong alpha-male, that is so broken inside that he won’t let a soul near him. He’s a protector. A fearless fighter (although deep inside, he is slowly losing his own fight). Part of an intricate, closely knit group of vampire warrior “Brothers”, and yet, he always remains in the shadows, distant from everyone that tries to love him. Always at arms length. No humor, no happiness, no hope. But despite his personal hatred of himself, he hides a fierce loyalty to his group, and fights side by side with them, without fail.

“You need to stay away from him…My twin’s not broken. He’s ruined”

But then, he finds someone that needs him, even more than his own need to suffer alone. And she slowly pulls him out of his darkness. And this is the story that I fell in love with. His relentless resistance is titillating, exciting and adrenaline inducing, but his reluctant acceptance of love is addicting. I. LOVED. THIS. CHARACTER.

And here is what he looks like to me… (model Ruben Cortada)

Okay… okay, I know officially he is an identical twin to Phury, and that this picture doesn’t at all resemble my “Phury” look (I’ll show you that next week 😉 ). And yes, officially his scars, tattoos and shaved head will be about the only difference between the two, but I’m sticking with this! I’ve decided they’re fraternal! True?

Oh and now I just found this one online (care of another author who’s a big fan of Z and dedicated a post to him too) I don’t know who this model is, but Yup. That’s a perfect Z.

Tee hee!!!

Oh!! And you know that ummm… that cell phone commercial? You know what. Lemme find it…..

Ahhh here it is (see video below)!! Here is another excellent version of Z for me (except he doesn’t look angry enough 😉 Not the same guy as the model, of course, but when this commercial would play on TV I was all…. WHOA! ):

Ummm.. did I just totally dork-out by posting that? I mean, it’s pretty bad when I search and search for “that darn commercial that had that guy in it that looked like Z”. But I had to do it. And I found it!! Now, I never have to search again.

Lover Awakened (A quick “Book Review Rewind” —> check out my book review here – another old one from 2009! Oh… how I’ve changed)

Okay so… who does Zsadist look like to you? Am I close? Or is mine just too pretty? Nahhh he’s not too pretty. No way! ‘Cause the real “Z” is gorgeous.. just “marred” and so angry his gorgeousness turns into fierce and scary. 😉

Latest J.R. Ward Tidbits and News!

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It’s not much but it’s enough to have me anxious and feeling all sorts of “Black Dagger Brotherhood” festive 😉 Soooooo far away, but it’s starting to sound like it’ll be worth it:

Tidbits taken from her Facebook page:

Her latest update about Tohr’s upcoming book Lover Reborn: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (expected release March 27th 2012 :

“Tohr update on length: okay so Rehv’s final draft word count was 214,944. John’s was 186,340. Today, Tohr’s at 180,297 with 371 pages (approx.) for me to review. Soooooo I’m betting Tohr will beat John, and come in behind Rehv- it’s going to be tough before Rehv’s topped!”

Someone asked: “WHEN ARE YOU WRITING QHUINN AND BLAY?!” Someone answered that it would be right after Tohr’s book for sure, and J.R. Ward’s response was:

“Sorry Noemi- I’ve said nothing to that effect 🙁 and Matthew, I promise, I’m going to tell their story, God willing!”

and then she went on to say:

“I love them- I tell you, their story’s turned epic for me- and the thing is, they takeover the chapters they appear in, you know?”

About her upcoming book signing, someone asked: “… Is it OK to ask the WARDen to sign a book other than Lover Reborn at the signing? I would still buy Lover Reborn from the store hosting the signing, but would like to have my favorite BDB book signed instead. As anyone done this before??”

Her answer: ” Yupper! It so is! You can bring as many books as you like- there is a two book limit, but you can go back to the end of the line a couple of times!”

Another book signing question: I am debating whether to go to the Cinci signing or RT convention in Chicago (April 11th-15th 2012)…Is there a Q & A at both? The general public signing better or Barnes and Noble ? Anyone?

” Well, if you attend the whole RT convention you can come to No Holds Barred with me and Doc Jess! But if you want a Q & A solely on the Brothers, you should come to cinci!”

(sidenote: RT CONVENTION ROCKS!!! SOOOOOO fun, and I would so choose that!.WHAT, pray tell, is a No Holds Barred?  Going to that with JR Ward? Sounds quite promising, and a little… *bad* (in a fun way!)

 

A Note Direct From Christine Warren, Confirming the Reading Order of The Others

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I’ve been asked a few times for clarification on the Christine Warren “The Others” series reading order guide. I want to confirm that it is listed in the exact reading order (regardless of the publication date or “new book title” issues that seem to be confusing some readers). The older books are being re-released under new names, and therefore Christine has officially listed THE reading order for each of her books, in her latest publication, as it stands in 2011.

But there was still some confusion:

“I am still lost.  For example the ebook on Danica story was 34 pages and then today I find that there is a full novel.  Is there a way to get an update reading order that includes the old and the new and which books are replacing the old.”

“So book 15 can really be read as book 3?”

“Is it me or does Black Magic Woman seem like it could be Tess & Rafe’s story Fur For All redone? After Prince Charming Doesn’t Live Here I’m pretty sure its possible.”

Some were hoping to get direct confirmation, that this reading order was accurate. So I got it!! Here is the email directly from the author herself. She looked over my reading order guide and responded with this:

On Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 9:32 PM, Christine wrote:

“Hi Maryse,

The info is all there in the list you provided. The order you copied from my letter is correct. The reason why Faer Fetched went from 34 pages to a full novel is because St Martin’s Press wasn’t interested in publishing a short story; they wanted a novel. So when I rewrote it, it became novel length. It doesn’t change the order of the chronology, and you have the correct titles old and new in the list you wrote. The only thing I can add is that the new novel listed as number six will be titled On the Prowl. And Fur Play (no new title yet) will be coming out in a year or two from St Martin’s.

Really, you can just take it on faith that the order in the letter in front of Black Magic Woman is correct. I wouldn’t lie to my readers 😀

Cheers,

–Christine”

So there you have it, friends! Read away in confidence! I hear this series is really good 🙂

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