Frostbite

Frostbite is the second book in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. From the back cover.~

When Love And Jealousy Collide On The Slopes, Winter Break Turns Deadly…

Rose Hathaway’s got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, and she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian.

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladmir’s on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians-including the legendary Janine Hathaway…Rose’s formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks. This year, St. Vlad’s holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose-and her heart-are in more danger than she ever could have imagined…

I’m so glad that I stumbled upon The Vampire Academy series. It is one of the best YA series that I’ve found so far. Rose is such a strong, kick-ass character, yet she also has all the same problems as any other teenage girl. She has the added bonus of being a Guardian in training set to protect her very best friend, Lissa. We also meet Rose’s mother in Frostbite. To say they have a dysfunctional relationship is like saying the Titanic ran into a little bit of ice. Rose is angry at her mother for not really being there for her while she was growing up. Janine wants Rose to focus more on her training and stay away from all the guys in her life.

Rose must once again step up to protect her friends, but this time she must team up with Christian. Only after Rose battles the Strigoi to try and save her friends can she really appreciate all her mother has done in her life.

I really enjoyed Frostbite, and am so excited that I have the next two Vampire Academy books in my to be read pile/mountain. The third book in the series is Shadow Kiss, and the fourth book is Blood Promise, which was released on August 25.

Double Play

Double Play is the first in a new baseball series by Jill Shalvis. From the back cover.~

Getting to first base is a cinch…But getting home will take a grand slam…

Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He’s got the arm, the experience, and the wins. He’s also got the pain, the pressure, and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.

Holly Hutchins knows a good story when she sees one, and the tall, dark, and slightly attitude-challenged Pace Martin fits the bill. But when she realizes there’s more at stake than just a win, she starts to see the handsome, broad-shouldered jock in a different light.

Pace and Holly begin a seductive game, but in the face of unexpected betrayal and challenges, they’ll have to find the courage to swing for the fences…

Jill Shalvis combines two of my favorite things with Double Play: romance and baseball. Pace Martin is one of the best pitchers in the league. However, no one knows that he has a shoulder injury that could affect the Heat’s chances for the World Series this year. Holly Hutchins is a reporter sent to do a story on the star players from the Heat, especially Pace Martin, who almost never gives an interview. Holly can tell that Pace is trying to hide something from their very first meeting. Pace thinks Holly is a royal pain in the butt from their very first meeting. However, the more time they spend together, the more they become attracted to one another. Following a heated kiss in the Heat’s locker room, Holly and Pace battle their attraction for one another as Pace continues to try and hide his injury. Holly and Pace continue to grow closer, and when they finally give into their attraction, their passion is electrifying.

I’ve loved every book I’ve ever read by Jill Shalvis, and Double Play is another winner. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Slow Heat, which comes out in February 2010.

Hunted

Hunted by PC Cast and Kristin Cast is the 5^th book in the House of Night series. From the inside cover.~

At the start of this heart-pounding new installment in the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey’s friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings aren’t Neferet’s secret any longer. But an unexpected danger has emerged. Neferet guards her powerful new consort, Kalona, and on one at the House of Night seems to understand the threat he poses. Kalona is gorgeous, and he has the House of Night under his spell. A past life holds the key to breaking his rapidly spreading influence, but what if this past life unearths secrets Zoey doesn’t want to see and truths she can’t face?

On the run and holed up in Tulsa’s Prohibition-era tunnels, Zoey and her gang must discover a way to deal with something that might bring them all down. Meanwhile, Zoey has a few other little problems. The red fledglings have cleaned up well-they’ve even managed to make the dark, creepy tunnels feel more like home-but are they really as friendly as they seem? On the boyfriend front, Zoey has a chance to make things right with super-hot ex, Eric, but she can’t stop thinking about Stark, the archer who died in her arms after one unforgettable night, and she is driven to try to save him from Neferet’s sinister influence at all costs. Will anyone believe the power evil has to hide among us?

I’ve loved the House of Night series since I read the first book, Marked. Hunted is another winner for mother-daughter team PC Cast & Kristin Cast. Zoey, as usual has more than anyone her age should have to handle. Not only has Neferet turned from the Goddess Nyx, but Zoey also has to keep the red fledglings in line, protect her friends, and deal with three different guys. Luckily, Zoey has all of her friends around her again. Zoey must use all of her strengths to fight Neferet and Kalona. While trying to save all of her friends and her school, Zoey is like any other teenage girl, and must decide which of the three guys she really wants. Between her human ex-boyfriend Heath, who has been in her life the longest, ex-boyfriend Erik, who still hasn’t forgiven her for cheating on him, and Stark, who died in her arms and is now a red fledgling, Zoey has her hands full trying to make everyone happy.

With more action and drama in Hunted, the reader is given a non-stop, edge of their seat ride with Zoey and her friends. The next book in the series Tempted comes out on October 27, 2009, and I will be at the bookstore that day to get my next fix from the House of Night series.

Book Reviews to Come

So I seem to keep getting behind posting about the books I've finished reading. Last week I read Hunted by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast, Double Play by Jill Shalvis, and Frostbite by Richelle Mead. In the next few days, I plan on posting about all 3 books.

The 8th Confession

The 8^th Confession is the latest book in the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. From the inside cover.~

APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING

As San Francisco’s most glamorous millionaires mingle at the party of the year, someone is watching-waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city’s most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it’s the perfect murder. Not a trace of evidence is left behind in their glamorous home.

BUT THE TRUTH CAN BE DEADLY-

As Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile murder, someone else is found brutally executed-a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but when reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it, she knows the story could be huge. Probing deeper into the victim’s history, she discovers he may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.

LET THE CONFESSIONS BEGIN.

As the hunt for two criminals test the limits of the Women’s Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and Lindsay’s partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women’s Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: will love destroy all that four friends have built? The exhilarating new chapter in the Women’s Murder Club series, The 8^th Confession serves up a double dose of speed-charged twists and shocking revelations as only James Patterson can. And remember, this is the only Murder Club episode this year.

Patterson and Paetro give the reader another winner in the Women’s Murder Club series with The 8^th Confession. There are two great mysteries for Lindsay and her friends to solve, as well as a bit of romance between Lindsay and Joe and Cindy and Rich, Lindsay’s partner. You also see the relationship between the members of the Women’s Murder Club grow in the latest book.

I really enjoyed The 8^th Confession and look forward to more books in the Women’s Murder Club series in the future.

Louisville Library Book Drive Update

Updated information from Shiloh Walker about the Louisville Free Public Library is below. Any and all donations will be appreciated.

On August 4, heavy rains caused flooding in Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding areas.  The Louisville Free Public Library’s main branch was hit hard and the damages are estimated at $1 million $5 million. (per the Courier Journal on 8/6/09)

I’m putting to a book drive in effort to help.

How you can help:

Everybody:

Donations of new books, all genres.

Information about monetary donations can be found at WFPL.

Authors & Publishers:

Donations of both signed and unsigned books.  All genres, from children’s books to romance to non-fiction, etc, etc.

Signed books can be used in fundraiser purposes.  Unsigned books can be used to help replenish the books that were lost due to the flood.

I have spoken with somebody with the library** and at this time, they have no place to store books.  However, I’m close and I will keep the books at my house until they are able to take them.

For those wishing to donate books, please send to:

Shiloh Walker

PO Box 976

Jeffersonville, IN

47131

Feel free to repost this information in it’s entirety.

Shiloh Walker

http://shilohwalker.com

http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com

**Please note, I did speak with library personnel before I started this bookdrive.  I realize they had no storage/no way to process books, which is why I’m holding them for the time being, and I did discuss that with library personnel as well.  Several members of the library do have my contact info, should they have concerns, and none have contacted me.

Another way to help (added 8/10) Jessi, a commenter who works for one of the branches posted:

I do know that a few months before the flood ever happened, the library set up a wishlist on Amazon.com for people wanting an easy way to donate books. I think that this is going to be especially needed when we get things together here (I’ve heard we’ll be lucky to have everything back together by the end of 2009). If you’re interested, you can go toamazon.com and search for “Louisville Free Public Library” under wish lists. Right now it’s mainly children’s stuff, a few classics and replacements for book discussion kits, but I feel confident they will be adding more over the next few months! Thanks again!

Are You Ready For Some Football?!?

Tonight is the first pre-season game for my Tennessee Titans! I'm so excited to watch my guys playing in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio against the Buffalo Bills. Even though it is only an exhibition game, I can't wait to see our starters play a couple of series and see what the rookies have to bring to the team. Go Titans!

BOOK DRIVE

I saw this post on Shiloh Walker's blog and Stacy's blog and copied it over hoping more people would see the post. I hope anyone who sees this post will take the time to mail out at least one new book to help rebuild the lost collection.

On August 4, heavy rains caused flooding in Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding areas. The Louisville Free Public Library’s main branch was hit hard and the damages are estimated at $1 million.

I’m putting to a book drive in effort to help.

How you can help:

Everybody:

Donations of new books, all genres.

Information about monetary donations can be found at WFPL.

Authors & Publishers:

Donations of both signed and unsigned books. All genres, from children’s books to romance to non-fiction, etc, etc.

Signed books can be used in fundraiser purposes. Unsigned books can be used to help replenish the books that were lost due to the flood.

Flooding at Louisville Free Public Library

Image from WFPL

I have spoken with somebody with the library and at this time, they have no place to store books. However, I’m close and I will keep the books at my house until they are able to take them.

For those wishing to donate books, there are two ways you can send them. I can either receive them my post box address or a friend will receive them at her home.

If you wish to mail them via the USPS, send to:

Shiloh Walker

PO Box 976

Jeffersonville, IN

47131

For those wishing to use Fedex or UPS, send to:

LFPL Book Drive

C/O Jennifer Kennedy

20813 State Rd # 62
Marysville, IN 47141

Feel free to repost this information in it’s entirety.

Shiloh Walker

http://shilohwalker.com/

http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com/

Book Drive

On August 4, heavy rains caused flooding in Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding areas.TheLouisville Free Public Library’s main branch was hit hard and the damages are estimated at $1 million.

I’m putting to a book drive in effort to help.

How you can help:

Everybody:

Donations of new books, all genres.

Information about monetary donations can be found atWFPL.

Authors & Publishers:

Donations of both signed and unsigned books.All genres, from children’s books to romance to non-fiction, etc, etc.

Signed books can be used in fundraiser purposes.Unsigned books can be used to help replenish the books that were lost due to the flood.

Image from WFPL

I have spoken with somebody with the library and at this time, they have no place to store books.However, I’m close and I will keep the books at my house until they are able to take them.

For those wishing to donate books, there are two ways you can send them.I can either receive them my post box address or a friend will receive them at her home.

If you wish to mail them via the USPS, send to:

Shiloh Walker

PO Box 976

Jeffersonville, IN

47131

For those wishing to use Fedex or UPS, send to:

LFPL Book Drive

C/O Jennifer Kennedy

20813 State Rd # 62
Marysville, IN 47141

Feel free to repost this information in it’s entirety.

Shiloh Walker

http://shilohwalker.com/

http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com/

Black at Heart

Black at Heart is the latest book in the Black CATs series by Leslie Parrish. From the back cover.~

A group of elite FBI special agents has been brought together to form the Cyber Action Team, aka CAT-and they have one mission: to solve Internet-related murders.

Even as he devotes himself to catching the Internet’s most despicable criminals, Wyatt Blackstone has become a master of detaching himself from his work. But now, after the loss of a vulnerable young agent for whom he cared deeply, Wyatt’s renowned icy control is starting to crack. For not only has someone started picking off evil-doers, one brutal murder after another, but the clues to the crimes point to an absolutely impossible suspect: the very woman he thought he lost.

Black at Heart is currently the final book in the Black CATs series. I’ve loved all of the books in this series, but Black at Heart is my favorite. Black at Heart focuses on Wyatt Blackstone and the young woman he will do anything to protect, Lily Fletcher. I’ve been trying to figure out how to talk up Black at Heart without giving away any spoilers, and it’s so hard. I can say that Leslie gives the reader an amazing story filled with romance and suspense. She kept me guessing in both Fade to Black and Pitch Black as to who the bad guy was, but I was finally able to figure it out in Black at Heart. I don't think it was too obvious, I just think I finally read between the lines and saw what I missed in the other books.

I look forward to more books by Leslie Parrish in the future. I’m hoping at some point there will be more Black CATs books, but I’m just as excited by any books by Leslie Parrish. Black at Heart has a release date of September 1, 2009 and I suggest everyone run out to buy it.

Kiss of the Phantom

Kiss of the Phantom by Julie Leto is currently the final book in her Phantom series. From the back cover.~

The youngest of all the Forsyth brothers, Rafe believes mysterious Lord Rogan will protect the Romani inhabitants of Valoren against the vicious mercenaries threatening them. Instead, Rogan’s dark magic traps Rafe inside a stone, forcing him to watch his wife’s murder. Consumed by grief and guilt, Rafe doesn’t wish to be freed-he wants only to be left alone.

Nearly three hundred years later, a beautiful treasure hunter travels to a remote corner of Germany, in search of a stone that could solve her financial troubles. But from the moment Mariah Hunter touches the artifact, she is haunted by erotic images of a man with eyes as silver as the moon-a man who appears out of nowhere just in time to save her from certain death.

As Mariah finds herself undeniably drawn to her dark savior, it might be Rafe who is the real danger to her heart.

Julie gives the reader another winner with Kiss of the Phantom. The chemistry between Rafe and Mariah is sizzling from their very first encounter. I also love the mystery of the artifacts connected to Lord Rogan. Mariah has no idea that she is the woman who can help Rafe become human again, since she is the one who awakened him from his stone prison. Mariah and Rafe are on the run from a client of Mariah’s and an enemy after the stone, and become as close to one another as either will allow.  Mariah doesn’t know the only way to free Rafe is to admit she is in love with him. Both Mariah and Rafe have things in their past they must overcome to have a lasting relationship.

I loved Kiss of the Phantom and look forward to more books from Julie Leto in the future.  At this time, there are no more books scheduled in the Phantom series, luckily Julie has More Blazing Bedtime Stories coming out in November.