Review - Something Secret This Way Comes

Title: Something Secret This Way Comes 

(Secret McQueen #1)

Author: Sierra Dean

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Some secrets are dangerous. This Secret is deadly.

~**~**~**~**~

For Secret McQueen, her life feels like the punch line for a terrible joke. Abandoned at birth by her werewolf mother, hired as a teen by the vampire council of New York City to kill rogues, Secret is a part of both worlds, but belongs to neither. At twenty-two, she has carved out as close to a normal life as a bounty hunter can.

When an enemy from her past returns with her death on his mind, she is forced to call on every ounce of her mixed heritage to save herself-and everyone else in the city she calls home. As if the fate of the world wasn't enough to deal with, there's Lucas Rain, King of the East Coast werewolves, who seems to believe he and Secret are fated to be together. Too bad Secret also feels a connection with Desmond, Lucas's second-in-command...

Warning: This book contains a sarcastic, kick-ass bounty hunter; a metaphysical love triangle with two sexy werewolves; a demanding vampire council; and a spicy seasoning of sex and violence.

My Review:

I want to be just like Secret McQueen when I grow up!!! LOL. This book was absolutely amazing. I was captivated from word go. What first drew me to this novel was the cover. A girl with a gun and a smart ass "don't mess with me look" on her face. How could I pass it up!

The first night I started reading, I only stopped because my kindle died. Otherwise I would have read straight through. The characters are extremely likable and you so want Secret to kick ass! She is just one of those characters you can relate too. Her life hasn't been a piece of cake, but she's tried to create a bit of normalcy for herself.

As for Lucas & Desmond??? Can we say ssssseeeeexxxxy!!! Super Hot. Secret McQueen needs to pick one so I can have the other. =D

I usually don't read a lot of books with sex scenes in them, but those in this book were done very well.

And to top it all off during the last few chapters I was gasping out loud. I really never saw it coming.

Great Book. I can't wait for "A Bloody Good Secret."

My Rating:

An Amazing Wedding Cake

you can pick up this awesome book @ 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

update....

So I just wanted to give my readers...If i have any left lol... an update about what is going on in my life right now and why i've been a little non-exsistant.

I will be posting new reviews soon. I promise! I took a short vacation from blogging and blogger during the middle and end of this month. As most of you know I manage a Bakery...well this is one of our busiest times of the year.

 Dun dun dun.................

GRADUATION SEASON!!!!  

*aahhhhhhhhhh-runs screaming with head in hands........*

The Graduation Season is super insane and extremely busy for us...we are talking cakes upon cakes upon pies upon fresh fruit desserts upon headaches and mental meltdowns. LOL. Needless to say it is both physically and mentally demanding time of year - second only to Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

~**~**~**~

So you are all probably wondering when this season is over and when am I going to start my reviews again...

Reviews will start soon!!! Serious. I actually am reading three books right now and should hopefully post the reviews sometime next week.

And when is graduation season over? Well for us our big weekend from hell is this current weekend, afterwards is should start to slow down. Since thursday - I can say that we have made more than 70 custom cakes - and these are just for pre-orders. These don't include  the last minute "can you write on this for me" customers. 

No prob bob. Just don't be cranky with me because you didn't order a cake in advance....you don't want me to go here........

do you????

~**~**~**~

I'm just kidding.... =)

Anyways just wanted to give you all an update. I'll try not to be too grumpy. Maybe I should just go take a nap......

the little duder here seems to enjoy it...

~ash.

Review - God's Lions

*note*
this a re-post due to a blogger meltdown....


Title: God's Lions

Author: John Lyman

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Summoned to Rome by an old friend, a Jesuit scholar finds himself using a code discovered in the Bible to find an ancient, hidden chapel in the catacombs under the city. When a rogue force of Vatican security officials are alerted to his discovery, the priest flees to the Holy Land with a clue ... a clue that will lead him and a team of Israeli Christians to a much larger secret in the middle of the barren Negev Desert.Meticulously researched and drawing on scientific fact, John Lyman's intriguing story takes us into the world of scholars, archaeologists, code-breakers, and intelligence specialists who have discovered a prophetic code hidden within the Old Testament that authenticates the Bible as a book of supernatural origin and points to a divine plan. This gripping novel is truly a thought-provoking and action-packed thriller with implications for our future.

My Review:

I received an autographed copy of the novel. All I can say is that it was Absolutely Amazing. I loved everything about this novel! It was a fast-paced thrill ride that made me hold my breath til the end. Phenomenal. I think what I enjoyed most about this novel was it seemed that a lot of research was put into the writing. Also I liked how science and religion were mixed together. I loved all of the characters, and was super shocked and on the edge of my seat towards the end of the book. I can not wait for a sequel!!! Great Job Mr. Lyman! EPIC.

My Rating:

An Amazing Wedding Cake

pick up this awesome book @
Amazon

Spotlight on John Lyman - Author of God's Lions

So I just read this Amazing book called God's Lions. I decided since I loved it so much, I would ask the author, John Lyman, for an interview.

~*~*~*~

A brief bio:

John Lyman was born in Texas. He attended the University of Texas at El Paso before graduating from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas. After writing the first 25 pages of 'God's Lions', he threw them in a drawer. Five years later, his mother was visiting and found the crumpled pages. After reading them, she strongly urged him to finish the story. He spent the next two years doing research and writing in his spare time, mostly early in the morning and late at night after work. The result is a top-notch thriller that blends fact with fiction and takes the reader on a fascinating journey. Plan ahead. Most readers have reported that 'God's Lions' was almost impossible to put down once they started reading it.

John describes his novel as a "spiritual thriller for the times we live in". 

~Random Questions~

Hardcover or Paperback?

Paperback  - easier to hold, although I’m loving my new Kindle.

Bookmark or Dog ear a page?

Bookmarks

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Pepsi or Coke?

Coke

Vanilla or Chocolate?

Both chocolate and vanilla in the same bowl.

Favorite Musical Group?

ZZ Top

Favorite Fictional Character?

James Bond (I’m a huge James Bond fan –they were the first books I ever read for fun. The author, Ian Fleming, instilled in me the desire to travel and live a life of adventure)

Favorite Movie?

Dr. No

Have You Met Anyone Famous?

Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Eddie Murphy, Jean Reno, 

Jerry Jenkins, Richard Nixon, Lindsey Wagner, Cheryl Ladd, Jimmy Buffet

Favorite Quote?

“Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.”

~Serious Questions~

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’ve been married for twenty years to my beautiful wife, Leigh Jane. I am an RN who has spent most of my medical career in critical care. I worked in ICU and the ER and was a trauma flight nurse until I had a back injury. I am currently an administrative nursing supervisor at a large hospital. Before becoming a nurse, I was a combat weapons instructor in the Air Force and was a police officer for six years. I attended the University of Texas at El Paso and graduated from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas. I’ve worked as a nurse in various exotic locales, including the Virgin Islands, Saudi Arabia, and Hawaii.

When did you begin writing? Who or What were your inspirations?

I began writing three years ago. “God’s Lions” was the first thing I’ve ever written. I always wanted to write, but was too busy making a living. I wrote the first 25 pages of “God’s Lions” and threw them in a drawer. My mother was visiting and read them. She encouraged me to finish the story because she wanted to know what was going to happen. She was my inspiration.

Do you have a favorite place to write or a favorite time of day?

 I write in bed on my laptop from late morning until 5pm on my days off from work.

What made you write God’s Lions? 

 I wrote God’s Lions because I had just finished reading a non-fiction book about the code in the Bible and thought it would be a great vehicle for a fiction story.

What genres do you like to read in your spare time?

I enjoy reading a wide selection of genres. I like action adventure, but right now I’m reading “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand, “A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway, and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I tend to read several books at once.

Do you have any quirks or special rituals you must do before writing or when completing a story?

I do have to drink a cup of Starbucks Italian Roast before I start writing.

If you could be a character from any story who would it be?Why?

 If I could be a character from any story, it would probably be James Bond, for obvious reasons.

What are your thoughts about books that become movies? Do you prefer to read the book first or see the film?

As far as books that become movies, I believe it’s a natural extension of the storytelling medium. The only problem is that the movie NEVER does the book justice. I’m glad that I’ve read all of the “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" books before the movies start coming out in the U.S.

Are you currently working on anything right now?

I am currently working on the sequel to “God’s Lions-The Secret Chapel”. The sequel is titled, “God’s Lions-House of Acerbi”. It’s only my second novel, but I’m quickly learning that writing a sequel is a challenge because you have to write for people who didn’t read the first book, yet you can’t bore fans of the first book with too much repeat detail about the characters. Very difficult.

~*~*~*~*~

just want to thank John Lyman again for taking the time today for this great interview.

I can't wait for the sequel!

you can visit John @ his website.

Review - Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask

Title: Amanda in Arabia:The Perfume Flask

Author: Darlene Foster

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Amanda Ross is your average twelve year old Canadian girl. So what is she doing thousands of kilometres from home in the United Arab Emirates? It's her own fault really, she wished for adventure and travel when she blew out those candles on her last birthday cake. Little did she know that a whole different world awaited her on the other side of the globe, one full of intrigue, mystery and folklore. A world with beautiful princesses, mysterious mystics and wonderful friends.

Join Amanda on her first adventure as she discovers the secrets behind The Perfume Flask.

My Review:

Very good. Every once in a while I like to pick up a children's book, and be whisked back to childhood. This was one of those books. Darlene Foster did a great job setting the scene in the UAE for 12 year old Amanda to have  an unique adventure while visiting her Aunt and Uncle. I read this book in one sitting. Definitely recommended for young boys and girls who like to pretend, and want to have an adventure. Would love to read more of Amanda's  journeys abroad.

My Rating:

A Nice Birthday Cake

you can pick this book up @

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Review - Social Comedia:Twitter Jokes and Silly Pictures

Title: 

Social Comedia:Twitter Jokes and Silly Pictures

Author: 

Dartanion London

Synopsis(Goodreads):

Why read a book with a ton of words and no pictures? This one is the opposite! Social Comedia is a compilation of comedian Dartanion London's best jokes and quips culled from his social media outlets. Adorned with ridiculous pictures taken from his travels across the USA, this smorgasbord of wit is a glimpse into the future of comedy. Includes a Foreword by The Internet.

My Review:

This book was quite interesting. I love when I get the opportunity to read humor books. I think what I loved most about this book was that you didn't have to read it in one sitting. It had enough jokes, quips, and pictures to look at a little each day. I enjoyed the forward by The Internet, My Rejected Books, #robotpickuplines (quite funny), and my favorite Movie Drop Letter Game - where you drop one letter from an existing Movie Title, then explain what the new Movie is about. Overall it was a good read.

My Rating:

Some Book Lover's Cupcakes

pick this book up @

Amazon

YA Blogger Show and Tell #1

The YA Blogger Show and Tell is a weekly meme hosted by Amy Jones @ Amy Jones YA Fantasy Fiction. 

To get involved:

1 - Paste The YA Book Blogger Show and Tell widget on your blog or website.
2 - Post about something interesting you've seen on another book bloggers blog or website.
3 - Invite someone to join the group.

Here's My first pick!!! =)

Demonized - By Naomi Clark

Posted by Annabel @ My Book Addition

I liked Annabel's review of this book and the cover really caught my attention!

It will definitely be added to my to buy list! =)

Here's the synopsis of the book, and a link to Annabel's review.

Synopsis:

PI Ethan Banning is smoking too much, sleeping too little, and hearing voices. One voice, to be exact: the voice of the demon that possessed him on his last case. A voice that urges him to hurt, rape, kill, and Ethan doesn't think he has the strength to ignore it much longer. 

When his latest missing person case turns into a murder investigation, Ethan finds himself fighting not just demonic urges, but black magic, an incubus with a hidden agenda, and a client who just won't pay up. Luckily, Ethan's got a few friends on his side, like Detective Anna Radcliffe, and his trusty dog, Mutt. If Ethan can ignore the demon long enough, he might just solve this case before it kills him.

Check out Annabel's 5 rattie review here.

Thanks again to Amy Jones for hosting this neat meme!!!

Make sure to check out Amy's Blog, she's hosting some great giveaways right now!

Review - Airmail

Title: Airmail

Author: Naomi Bulger

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Reclusive old Mr. G.L. Solomon's favorite things are single malt whiskey, Steve McQueen movies, and gingersnap cookies. He hates processed cheese, washing detergent commercials, and the way the teacup rattles in the saucer when he picks it up. Solomon has become accustomed to his lonely routine in Sydney, Australia-until the day he begins sporadically receiving letters in his mailbox from a complete stranger. On the other side of the world, Anouk is a mentally delicate young woman living in New York who insists she is being stalked by a fat woman in a pink tracksuit. When Anouk declares to Solomon that she is writing "from the Other Side," the old man breaks away from his daily grind of watching soap operas and reading Fishing World and travels to New York to find her. As he is drawn into Anouk's surreal world of stalkers and storytelling, marbles and cats, purgatory and Plato, Solomon has but one goal-to unravel the mystery 

before it is too late.

My Review:

AMAZING! I absolutely loved this book from word go! When I was asked to review this by Ms. Bulger, I was thrilled. Mostly I read pdf's, I'm all for saving an author postage (lol), but she was so kind to send me a physical copy - I was ecstatic.

The cover, I thought was so fantastic. I loved how it looked like one of the letters to Mr. Solomon.

The story itself was very intriguing to me as well. As I got towards the last few chapters of the book, I found myself holding my breath, I was flipping through the pages, at what felt like lightening speed. I just wanted to know how it ended. 

Airmail is a fast read. At 103 pages this was a novella of a different kind.

I don't want to include any spoilers, but I'll give my brief synopsis:

G.L Solomon is a lonely old man living in Sydney, Australia. The "highlights" of his day, are putting out the trash, watching the soaps, having a glass of whiskey, and checking the post every day at 4 o'clock. The only real excitement he had, was every fortnight (two weeks for us American folks) his pension would be in. He would fancy himself up and go down to Stanley Street, where he laughed, drank, and smoked like a young man again.
Anouk is young woman living in New York who claims she is being stalked by a fat woman in a velour pink track suit. She corresponds with Mr. Solomon through letters, that range from humorous, to bizarre, to down right unnerving. 

 G.L. leaves the comfort of his daily routine to travel to New York to find Anouk. It is here that he unravels the mystery of what is her, along with re-discovering a few things about himself.

Just superb.

My Rating:

An Amazing Wedding Cake!!!

pick up Airmail @

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble