Review: ARC - The Genius and the Muse by Elizabeth Hunter

The Genius and the Muse by Elizabeth Hunter

Genre: Contemporary, Romance 

Release: April, 2012

My copy: Provided by the awesome author of the book

Buy Links
Amazon
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Synopsis from goodreads

Kate Mitchell knew what she wanted: to finish her degree from Foothill Art Institute and break into the art world on her own terms. Just when she thinks she has it all figured out, new insight into a mysterious photograph by her artistic idol will lead her on a journey through the past.


A photograph. A painting. Lost dreams and secret pain. One clue leads to another, and Kate learns that pieces of the past might leave marks on her own future, leading to a love she never could have predicted.


One portrait may hold the answers, but learning its secrets will challenge everything Kate thought she knew about love, art, and life. A single picture can tell more than one story. In the end, a young artist will discover that every real love story is a unique work of art.

My Thoughts

I love Elizabeth's writing to bits. Her paranormal series, Elemental Mysteries is one of my favorite. So when E asked me to read this, I just had to have it. And as you might have noticed I am in a contemporary high lately, so The Genius and the Muse by Elizabeth Hunter was an awesome edition to my contemporary read-fest.

Miss Hunter's writing style always connects me to her stories, her characters. Ever read something like, you know when you get invested in it so much that it's hard to put down? Well her writing is that way for me. The Genius and the Muse is one of those stories which I just couldn't put down till I was done. The storyline the characters are all so compelling that when I started reading it at 4 in the morning I couldn't stop. I had to finish. Took me about a little over 12 hours or so. Absolutely worth it.

What I LOVED the most was, Kate and Javi, hands down. The story started off with Kate, a grad student at Foothill sort of obsessed with the famous photographer Reed O' Corner. I have to admit for a page or two I thought there might be something between the two. But as I read further it was clear that Kate's curiosity about Reed was not in any way romantic. Her search to find out more about Reed's personal life leads her to Javi, a tattooed sculpture/artist/mechanic. Javi doesn't give the look of a nice guy, he is more of a rude anti-social person. In spite that Kate and Javi's attraction towards each other was undeniable. The time frame change was a bit disconcerting for my taste. Other than that this was a sweet, amazing read. Recommended to readers with a taste for contemporary romance.

About the author

Elizabeth Hunter is the author and publisher of the Elemental Mysteries Series. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College in the Department of English (Linguistics) and a former English teacher. A native of Central California, she now lives in Southern California with her husband, son, and an assortment of dogs. She enjoys reading, writing, travel, and bowling. Someday, she plans to learn how to scuba-dive. And maybe hang-glide ... but that looks like a lot of running. A Hidden Fire is her debut novel. 

Find out more about Elizabeth Hunter from her 

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Desert Rogues Series by Susan Mallery

I had taken a break from blogging last year, around this time for about four months. So during that break I just couldn't get online enough to post my reviews or just chat. So for my lonely times there (even though I was living on a camp with three hundred and then some adults for a course for my uni) I took up reading fluff. One of friend send over her entire set of Desert Rogues Series by Susan Mallery.

                           

There are thirteen books in this series and let me tell you, the titles were enough to make me snicker snort that I didn't even open them to just look. I waited a long time before I actually read them and when I started I just couldn't stop reading them. I am on the 10th book right now. 

Most of the books follows the same story line. Normal American Girl falling for Prince of El Behar or Bahrain or Lucia Sirat. After reading so many of them following the same story where prince holds the girl against her will and then he falls in love with her and then with the corny dialogues, confessing their love, I was sure would give up. But no. I stuck with it.And I am sure I will see the end of this series. I am determined.

In short, all of them are lovely and unique in their own way, Susan Mallery writes the best Sheik books. So if you are looking for a Sheik book to read, I would recommend any of the Desert Rogues title by Susan Mallery. 

I give this

They will be cupcake books just for me. 

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publisher’s Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” While Susan appreciates the critical praise, she is most honored by the enthusiastic readers who write to tell her that her books made them laugh, made them cry, and made the world a happier place to live.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. She’s there for the coffee, not the weather.

Susan Mallery's

Website/goodreads/facebook/twitter

Review: Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Grave Mercy  by R.L. LaFevers
Series: His Fair Assassin #1
Genre: Historical fiction, Romance
Release: April 3rd 2012
My copy: Special reader's edition from NetGalley
Buy Link
Indie Bound
Barnes & Noble

Book synopsis from goodreads

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

In my head

I had this since the end of February. Sadly my lack of reading time kept me away from the awesomeness that is Grave Mercy. Grave Mercy is under YA genre but for me I felt the book was a combination between adult and young-adult genre.

The book is set around the time of late 1400's when Anne of Brittany was straggling to get her duchy. My European history is not that good but I do remember a little bit about Anne of Brittany. The author put in a lot of historical information of that period. Sticking with the story line of Anne's marriage so some of the names of the Dukes who intended to have her hand for marriage were familiar.

The story in told in Ismae's point of view, with a very little about her past and the three years she spent in the convent learning the secrets of assassination. She sets of with Lord Duval, Anne's stepbrother to find the traitor in her court. Ismae had me hooked from the very beginning, and the most important part about her that made me I fall in love with was that she can take care of herself! Yes, no kidnapping or holding her for ransom if you want to have your throat slit or be poisoned by this lithe assassin.

Ismae and Duval's banter and the slow built up romance was just cherry on top with my chocolate sundae. 

I can sit here and tell you how awesome this book is but it's better if you just go ahead and read the book. And be awesomified (is that a word!)

I give this

Epic

About The Author 

R.L. LaFevers (Robin Lorraine when she’s in really big trouble) grew up surrounded by shelves of old dusty books and a passel of brothers. She has also spent a large portion of her life being told she was making up things that weren’t there, which only proves she was destined to write fiction. She is the author of over fourteen books for young readers, including THEODOSIA AND THE SERPENTS OF CHAOS, (Houghton Mifflin, 2007) which received starred reviews and was a Junior Library Guild selection, a Booksense Summer Pick, and nominated for the Malice Domestic’s Agatha Award, and the NATHANIEL FLUDD, BEASTOLOGIST series. Her first young adult novel, GRAVE MERCY, will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in Spring of 2012. She currently lives with her husband and a demonic cat in Southern California and spends her days gazing longingly at ancient artifacts or wallowing in old forgotten texts.

Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook/ Twitter

Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Series: Across The Universe #2

Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction

Publisher: Razorbill

Released: January 10, 2012

Buy Link

Indie Bound

Book Depository

Book Synopsis

Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He’s finally free to enact his vision – no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

My Thoughts

Loved it. A Million Suns is the second on Across The Universe series. A Million Suns picks up few months after where the first book Across The Universe ended. Amy and Elder still in Godspeed trying to figure out the secrets that Eldest had covered up and chasing after clues Orion had left for Amy to reveal one of those big secret.

In this book Elder is suppose to become the Eldest (captain/one man government) of the ship. But he is reluctant to be called as Eldest. He is unsure of himself, he tries to stick by doing the right thing but after putting off the Phydus in the ship. However after being off of the Phydus, crew has a mind of their own as there starts a riot on the ship. Amy chasing behind Orion's clues, and yes she still hates him. But her eagerness to know the truth thrives away that issue. She and Elder eventually comes across the actual truth and it pretty much controls the entire story. A new villain rises. And I have to this new villain has been suspicious since I read book 1. He was always saying stuff that made you think he is on your side but then sneaked up on you.

A Million Suns progress the character a lot after Across The Universe. The relationship between Amy and Elder is still in developing stage but this time Amy has more confidence about her feelings for Elder by the end of this book.

I am a dork so space and constellations are my thing. So the end verdict, if you loved Across The Universe, A Million Suns is a must read.

Another pretty cover of A Million Suns.

I give this

Across The Universe Series
Book #1
Across The Universe
Book #2
A Million Suns
Book #3 
Shades Of Earth

About The Author 

Beth Revis wrote her first books as a student in classrooms, when the professors did not hold her interest and she jotted down stories instead of taking notes.

Beth writes science fiction and fantasy novels for teens. Her debut novel, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, will be published by Razorbill/Penguin in Spring 2011. Beth is represented by Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House.

Beth also runs a blog on writing Blog and is a participant of a group blog by debut dystopian authors Leaguewriters.

Connect With Beth Revis

More About Across The Universe

My Book Boyfriend: John Matthew

 

MBB is an weekly meme hosted every Wednesday by Missie at The Unread Reader.  

Hello my pretties.. Today I will like to introduce you to John Matthew from J.R. Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood. My new book boyfriend :)

by Anyae

John Matthew/Tehrror is the reincarnation of Darius. Born mute, John uses American Sign Language and whistling to communicate with others. Before learning that he was a pre-trans vampire, he lived alone in the human world. At one point, he was cornered in the hallway to his apartment and raped by an unknown human. In despair John turned to the suicide prevention network in Caldwell and met Mary Luce. He followed her home so that he could meet her; during this meeting, Mary's neighbor, Bella, visited and sensed John was a vampire like her. As the introductions ensued, Bella noticed a bracelet John wore which carried his name in the Old Language. The name of a Brother, Tehrror. Bella contacts the brotherhood and John learns what he is and that he will soon go through his transition to become an adult male vampire. He was also invited to live amongst his kind, at which time he lived with Tohrment and his expectant mate Wellisandra. Now that he has gone through his transition Wrath has made him join the war due to his unexplained proficiency with weapons and knowledge of Lessers. His story is told in Lover Mine. He is best friends with Qhuinn and Blaylock, and now is Xhex's mated Hellren. He shares a kinship with Zsadist because of the traumatic similarities in their pasts.

~wiki

John leaned in and pressed his lips to hers; then he stretched out beside her. His body was exhausted but, his heart was alive with a joy so pure it was like the sunlight he didn't get to see anymore: He was a mute-ass motherfucker with a nasty past and a night job that involved fighting evil and slaughtering the undead. And in spite of all that...he'd gotten the girl.

~Lover Mine

John lifted his head and looked down at her. His eyes were worried and he was careful as he brushed at her hair. She smiled.

"Nah, I'm fine. I'm more than fine."
A sly grin bloomed as he mouthed, ain't that the truth.
"Hold up there, big man. You think you can make me blush like I'm some girl ? Pulling that sweet talk?"
As he nodded, she rolled her eyes.
"I'll have you know I'm not the kind of female who goes all dizzy, popping a stiletto off the floor just because some guy kisses her deep."
John was all male as he cocked a brow. And damn it if she didn't feel a tingle in her cheeks.
" Listen, John Matthew." She took his chin in her hand. "You're not turning me into one of these females who goes gaga over her lover. Not happening. I'm not hard-wired for that."
Her voice was stern and she meant every word, except the instant he rolled his hips and that huge arousal pushed into her, she purred.
She purred.
The sound was utterly foreign and she'd have sucked it back down her throat if she could have. Instead, she just left out another of those decidedly non-tough-guy moans. John bowed his head to her breast and started suckling on her as he somehow manage to keep thrusting in slow, even penetrations. Swept away, her hands found his hair again, spearing through the thick softness.
" Oh, John..."
And then he stopped dead, lifted his lips from her nipple, and smiled so wide it was a wonder he didn't bust off his front teeth. His expression was one of total and complete gotcha.
" You are a bastard, " she said on a laugh.
He nodded. And pressed into her with his full lenght again. It was perfect that he was giving her shit and showing her a little of who was boss. Just perfect. Somehow it made her respect him even more, but then, she'd always loved strength in all its forms. Even the teasing kind.
"I'm not surrendering , you know."
He pursed his lips and shook his head, all oh, no, of course not. And then he started to pull out of her. As she growled low in her throat, she sank her nails into his ass.
"Where do you think you're going ?”

~Lover Mine

John Matthew is played by Channing Tatum... I had no idea he had such a great ass before I watched The Vow.

I wanted to introduce Tohrment to everyone this week, but just didn't feel right breaking the circle. Will go as the books.
Wrath the blind king
Rhage
Zsadist
Butch O'Neal
Vishous
Phury
Rehvenge