Tag Archives: Cynthia Stacey

Teaser Tuesday (June 17)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

“Which was voided when you died, Avry.” He sat next to me and pulled me in close, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

I leaned against him, breatihng in his scent of spring sunshine and clean earth. Every time we talked about my death, he’d sought my touch as if he still couldn’t believe I’d survived. Considering the plague had a hundred-percent fatality rate and it had indeed killed me a week ago, his actions were understandable.

2% on Kindle

(I cheated a little on the two sentences… couldn’t help it 🙂 )

Scent of Magic (Healer, #2)Scent of Magic (Healer #2) by Maria Snyder

I havent had much time to read lately and I have just barely scratched the surface on this one.  I loved the first book and can’t wait to get into it.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

Happy Friday 13th

Black-Cats4 photo courtesy of http://www.photographyblogger.net

Wordless Wednesday May 21

Friends

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I love Wordless Wednesday. I get a kick out of finding the best picture that makes me laugh or go ‘OMG that is so adorable’. So please LEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Wordless Wednesday post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Forbidden (Arotas Trilogy #1)- Amy Miles

Forbidden (The Arotas Trilogy, #1) Forbidden by Amy Miles.  Published Jan 2011 by Amazon Digital Services.  CDN $ FREE for kindle

Roseline Enescue didn’t ask to become an Immortal, to have all of the guests at her wedding slaughtered, or be forced into marriage with a man whose lust for blood would one day ignite the vampire legend. Willing to risk everything for a chance at a normal life, Roseline escapes to America. Terrified her husband Vladimir will find her, Roseline enrolls as a senior in Chicago’s elite Rosewood Prep school. Mingling with humans is the last place he would look for her. But her transition into the human world isn’t easy. Mortal men flock after her while cutthroat girls plot her demise. Yet Roseline remains relatively unfazed by the petty hysteria until she falters into the arms of Gabriel Marston, reluctant MVP quarterback, unwilling ladies man, and sensitive artist in hiding. Troubled by the bond that pulls her towards the mortal boy, Roseline tries to ignore him, but Gabriel is persistent. As their lives entwine, Roseline begins to realize that Gabriel is much more than he appears. His ability to toss a football the entire length of the field and grind concrete into dust pales in comparison to the glowing blue cross tattoo that mysteriously appears on his forearms. Despite the forbidden bond between them, Roseline can’t help wondering what Gabriel is: He’s not human. He’s not Immortal. So just what is he? (Goodreads Excerpt)

Well I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at this book. I’m really glad I didn’t read the reviews before picking it up. I think the author must have revised and edited the book since some of the reviews on goodreads indicate issues with this. From my perspective there are very few errors (certainly none that detracted from the book). Anyway I have to say this was a refreshing take on the vampire genre. It was very original and you are left wondering what is going to happen and what exactly is Rose and of course Gabriel. They are not human, but what are they? I will leave that to you.

Let me start with the prologue – OMG what the frig? I mean holy crap that was some intro. Certainly not a typical YA book but well worth the read. The beginning of the book was a bit slow after the riveting intro, but it picks up fairly quickly and turns into a real page turner that sucks you in and doesn’t let go. The story line is a little more gory than most YA reads.

Rose is awesome. She is real and flawed (which I like in a MC) you instantly feel empathy for her and you want to see her succeed and definitely want to see her get away from…oops don’t want to give anything away so I will say…that thing that holds her back…lol. My only complaint with Rose is that sometimes she comes off as a bit young (considering her immortal age not her appearance of age). Her relationship with Gabriel is endearing and heartfelt and you just want to keep reading to find out if it works out…sigh! I won’t tell you what happens.

Overall I loved the book. It was different and exciting and easy to read. It sucks you in and keeps you there until the very last page. I look forward to the next book. I hope they explore more about Rose’s past and the legends that led up to her being what she is.

4 stars for me.

 

 

Teaser Tuesday (June 3)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

I despise my first conversation with Day after eight months of no communication.  I hate it.  When did I become so manipulative? Why must I always use his weaknesses against him?

Page 17

Champion (Legend, #3) Champion (Legend #3) by Marie Lu

I haven’t started this yet but I’m really excited to start.  I loved the first two books in the series and I’m hoping this is great.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

Touch of Power by Maria Snyder

10445208 Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria Snyder. Published Dec 20, 2011 by Mira CDN $8.79 Kindle edition

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos. Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince, the leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. (Goodreads Excerpt)

Well I have to say I was not disappointed in this book. I haven’t read one of Snyder’s books in a while and forgot how much I love her writing. I am always amazed at how easily you get sucked into her world. No detail is left out and you are so immersed in the story it feels real, enabling you to really empathize with the characters. It isn’t over the top or overwhelming with weird names and odd places, but it feels like it could be a real world with real people. Oh did I mention that I love everything to do with Magic? So this was a treat and a half!

I love Avry. She is so real and developed that you instantly feel compelled to know her story. She is down to earth and stubborn and feisty and everything you want from a MC. And OMG I loved watching her and Kerrick interact. They are both stubborn and opinionated and weary with life trials and tribulations, to admit to their feelings of any kind.

Overall I am thrilled with this book, the suspense, drama, action and everything in between was amazing and engaging and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!

5 stars for me.

 

Wordless Wednesday May 21

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I love Wordless Wednesday. I get a kick out of finding the best picture that makes me laugh or go ‘OMG that is so adorable’. So please LEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Wordless Wednesday post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday (May 27)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

Sadie rolls her eyes scathingly as she slams through the side exit and stompss towards Williams car.  “Oh, don’t try to patronize me, Rose.  I saw the look on is face.  If that guy is not smitten with you, I’ll give my car to charity.”

Page 47

Forbidden (The Arotas Trilogy, #1) Forbidden (Arotas Trilogy #1) by Amy Miles

I found this on my kindle and decided to give it a go.  So far it is great.  A different take on a vampire type story.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

Five (Elemental Emnity #1) by Christie Rich

Five (Elemental Enmity, #1)Five (Elemental Emnity #1) by Christie Rich.  Published August 2013 by Tarser Publishing.  CDN $FREE on kindle.

Rayla Tate dreams of escaping her ordinary world for a bright future in the art world. Throw in an overbearing aunt who is keeping major secrets, a disgruntled best friend tagging along to college, and a bunch of fae warriors waiting in the wings to claim her the minute she leaves her sleepy little town, and Rayla’s dreams are about to shatter. She soon discovers she is a coveted Elemental with power she never knew she possessed–a power that could change the world. Everywhere she turns another man tries to woo her. The weird part is she’s drawn to each one of them. Who are these strange men, and what dark power do they hold over her? Rayla must quickly learn to fend off these beautiful and seductive pursuers using any means necessary or find herself lost to the fae world forever. (Goodreads Excerpt)

This book really surprised me. I found it on my kindle and barely remember putting it there. I was searching for something to read while waiting for court (don’t worry I’m not in trouble, it was for work.) anyway. I read the first page and OMG I was hooked! I mean I read the damn thing in one sitting. I never do that. Well I never usually have time but holy catfish this was fantastic.

The MC Rayla is cool and feisty and desperately needing her independence. What she gets is a whole lotta trouble in the form of Wicked HOT bad guys/good guys who knows which and holy crap did I say that they were HOT! And they are fae and mess with your head and emotions and OMG I’m rambling. But that is what I felt reading this book. I couldn’t stop! OK take a breather….whew…

This is the first time reading this author and I love the writing style. You are swept along with the book and you drink in every detail. Not to the point that it is annoying but enough that you get it all. I love the originality of this story. I’m not sure I totally dig the whole bonding thing (I’m big on free will and all), but I definitely like the drama it creates. And the fae men, OMG they certainly put a new twist on things. I won’t give anything away but it was really interesting.

Teaser:

I reacted to him on a cellular level, as if he was a new source of gravity and I a wayward comet. An emotion I didn’t want to recognize stirred underneath my overpowering fear: undeniable need. My mind screamed at me to pull a one-eighty to get away from him yet my body craved to get closer to the stranger.

And this is only page 16!

Enough said I think?! 5 stars for me.

 

Wordless Wednesday May 21

 photo by critterbabies.com

I love Wordless Wednesday. I get a kick out of finding the best picture that makes me laugh or go ‘OMG that is so adorable’. So please LEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Wordless Wednesday post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday (May 20)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

    Fear energized my tired muscles.  To bad it wouldn’t do me any good.

    “We’re trapped,” Loren said.

     “We’re dead,” Quain said.

page 101

Touch of Power (Healer, #1)Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria Snyder 

OMG I had forgotten how Maria Snyder sucks you into the story.  Loving this book!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1) To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han.  Published April 15, 2014 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

I received this book free in a giveaway on Goodreads.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all. (Goodreads Excerpt)

This is not the type of story I usually read. However I have to say that it is absolutely adorable. It is a little young for my taste, more middle grade than young adult, but it is very well written. It is light and easy to read and just an all around sweet book.

I was sucked in from the start with the idea of the love letters. It is so honest and endearing and I can’t imagine being that age and having my private love letters sent out. I mean she reveals all her deepest thoughts on paper being totally honest and not ever expecting anyone to read it.

The relationships between Lara Jean and the other characters seem true to life. I was a little (ok whatever that isn’t real) at first when seeing the relationship with her sisters. I after all have a zillion sisters and we fought like cats!) But you see the realness of the relationships as it progresses and it shows the deep love and affection sisters have for each other no matter what gets in the way.

I loved how Lara Jean and Peter K interact with each other during their pretend relationship and you totally fall for them. I was rooting for Peter and angry at him too. It was cute and romantic and sweet and….you get the picture.

While this wasn’t full of witches and demons and all kinds of crazy fantasy that I normally read, it was sweet and light and fun to read. I give it 5 stars and look forward to the next book!

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. Published Aug 16, 2007 by Razorbill. CDN $10.99 Kindle Edition

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I have to say that I really like this book.  I’m not a big fan of long series books, but the first book is easily read on its own and doesn’t just end in the middle of a major plot point.  Not that you’re not dying to find out what’s next, but at least it finishes the major conflict at the time. The characters are amazing.  I’m a big fan of Rose.  She is one kick ass heroine and I love how fiercely loyal she is.  Throw in the steamy Dimitri and OMG you’ve got major intrigue, romance and action all in one book.  Did I mention that Dimitri is HOT!

I liked how original this book is too.  How the author builds her world around what we expect from vampires, but throws in a twist.  Not a sparkly kind of vampire twist but an original live and dead vampires twist.  (Don’t want to spoil anything so will leave it at that…lol)

The only weird thing for me is that I couldn’t get over how similar it is to the covenant series by Jennifer Armentrout. I mean it is like both books were following a guideline or something.  I don’t want to go into too much detail but it was eerily similar, which is amazing since this was about vampires and the Covenant series was about Gods, demigods etc. Then I realized that Vampire Academy came out first, so it is not any reflection on this book.  Hopefully the similarities end with the first book only. I really enjoyed the Covenant series however so don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining, it’s just weird.

Back to VA.  I have to say this is now on my top ten list. I can’t wait to get started on the next in the series and now am looking forward to the movie.

5 stars for me for sure!

 

WWW Wednesdays (May 14)

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers:

 
To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1) Recently Finished:
  To all the boys I’ve loved before.  I really liked this book.  It is a cute light read. Review to be posted soon.

Five (Elemental Enmity, #1)  Currently Reading : Five (elemental Emnity) by Christie Rich.  I really like this book, it is fast pasted, different and awesome.

Up Next?

Touch of Power (Healer, #1) This is definitely up next.  I’m done putting it off!.

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

Teaser Tuesday (May 13)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

I reacted to him on a cellular level, as if he was a new source of gravity and I a wayward comet. An emotion I didn’t want to recognize stirred underneath my overpowering fear: undeniable need. My mind screamed at me to pull a one-eighty to get away from him yet my body craved to get closer to the stranger.

Page 16

Five (Elemental Enmity, #1)

 

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!