In My Purse

In My Purse is alot like In My Trunk.  The difference between those two concepts here at A Snarky Space is where the books themselves come from. Library books usually go in my trunk because I am running errands around town and that is just where they end up. When a great friend lets me borrow a book or two or three (cough, cough, Katarinasmama), those books end up in my purse or a subtle nondescript bag. I take great care when I get a chance to borrow a book from a friend and try to keep an eye on it at all times until I get home. Hence safer than a trunk. :)

13 To Life by Shannon Delany is a book I borrowed from a friend (Katarinasmama), and I am very excited to read it and have been wanting to read it for the past 3 months. Thank you Katarinasmama for letting me borrow yet another book and for being apart of In My Purse.

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

Review of The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

Published: Reprinted January 1, 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love . . .”

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter instantly captivated me. I was thrown into this world of myth and reality that made all things seem possible. The Darkest Night is a deeply enthralling, seductive, compassionate story about inner demons and finding love in your own backyard.

Things I Loved About The Darkest Night

There was a true story and myth behind the romance of the book

It is a series book which means readers can look forward to discovering the mystery that is Pandora’s box

Ashlyn and Maddox are two characters who were so funny with their back and forth banter, they instantly went to my top ten characters list

Really, really hot men living in a Castle who try to do good despite their inner demons

Greek Mythology

Raw protective/possessiveness just enough to make a girl swoon

I highly recommend reading this series by Gena Showalter; I have read only the first book and cannot seem to get enough of it. As most of you know when I give 5 smirks to a book it means buying it is a must so you can relive the experience over and over again.

McKettricks Of Texas: Austin by Linda Lael Miller

Review of McKettricks Of Texas: Austin by Linda Lael Miller

To Be Released: July 1, 2010

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “World-champion rodeo star Austin McKettrick finally got bested by an angry bull. His career over, his love life a mess, the lone maverick has nowhere to go when the hospital releases him. Except back home to Blue River and the Silver Spur ranch. But his overachieving brothers won't allow this cowboy to brood in peace. They've even hired a nurse to speed along his recovery. Paige Remington's bossy brand of TLC is driving him crazy. As is her beautiful face, sexy figure and silky black hair. Synopsis: “World-champion rodeo star Austin McKettrick finally got bested by an angry bull. His career over, his love life a mess, the lone maverick has nowhere to go when the hospital releases him. Except back home to Blue River and the Silver Spur ranch. But his overachieving brothers won't allow this cowboy to brood in peace. They've even hired a nurse to speed along his recovery. Paige Remington's bossy brand of TLC is driving him crazy. As is her beautiful face, sexy figure and silky black hair.

Paige lost count of how many times Austin has tried to fire her. She's not going anywhere till he's healed body and heart.

And by then, her place in his life just might become permanent....”

I really felt this story was one of the most balanced romance stories I have ever read. I loved that the two main characters, Paige and Austin, had flash backs to when they were younger. I also truly enjoyed seeing the story from Paige and Austin’s point of view. I feel like I may have missed out though considering this is the third book in a trilogy called McKettricks Of Texas, but luckily for me this book can stand alone.

I loved both Paige and Austin and I think if I read the first two books of the McKettricks Of Texas trilogy I would find I would also love Tate and Libby, Julie and Garret. I gave 4 smirks to McKettricks Of Texas:Austin because I felt true emotions with the characters, adored the two main characters, found the witty dialogue fun and entertaining, and I’m always for sarcastic banter between two characters who obviously still love each other.

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Review of Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Published: June 8, 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes; fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?”

I’m going to make this review simple. I love this book, I own this book, and you need to buy this book.

Things I loved about Raised by Wolves

 Totally new perspective on a “wolf” book

Funny and entertaining characters

Witty Dialogue

Love at first mind read

Clever names of characters; i.e. Bryn and a wolf named Chase

Bryn born a girl, meant to be a wolf

Hot guy wolves with territorial instincts about Bryn

As readers you felt apart of Bryn and apart of the pack

Beautifully written

Every emotion portrayed was raw and real

In My Trunk...

In My Trunk is a concept I modeled after the whole "In My Mailbox" post most other blogs have adopted. However, I never really get stuff "In My Mailbox" I usually go to the bookstore or go to the library or even borrow books from a friend.  So I rarely have books "In My Mailbox" mostly they end up in my trunk in order to ensure a safe ride back home with me. This is the first post of In My Trunk and even though I did not get more than 1 book this week to read (due to summer school), I'm very proud this book was In My Trunk.

Tattoo by Jennifer Barnes, so far love her writing style.

Shadow Of The Vampire by Meagan Hatfield

Review of Shadow Of The Vampire by Meagan Hatfield

Release Date: July 1, 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Vampire princess Alexia Feodorovna has been undead for 125 years, so it's been a while since any man has made her pulse race. Until Declan Black. One look at his bronzed body and a fire like no other consumes her. Then she discovers that he's a dragon lord come to take revenge on the vamps who killed his parents. And claim a crystal said to imbue its owner with incredible powers.

Alexia is ordered to torture and kill the dragon lord. Yet with each reckless encounter, she finds herself consumed by his fiery passion. A passion Declan battles, as well. Will he be able to resist the fire of lust she kindles within him and keep revenge in his heart? Or will he risk everything to quench the burning desire and claim the vampire as his own?”

Shadow Of The Vampire is a deeply seductive book. I loved the mythology of vampires and dragons but I also liked the edge the author brought to the book. Looking at not just old traditions of the clans but what happens when you find love in the wrong place (or so you are told by elders above you). It is definitely a book I want to own and know more about, like is there going to be a sequel? The one thing I admired and loved about this book was how Meagan Hatfield changed different points of views, it really showed how each character thought and allowed the readers to get all sides of the story instead of from just one point of view. And getting views from all sides is something that I truly love and makes a book that much more exciting and have real substance.

Alex and Declan are complex characters who tug at your heart strings. I would like nothing more than to see what happens with these two. To know what happened in the aftermath of everything revealed in Shadow Of The Vampire would make for a great trilogy (hint, hint). Alex is like this rock star, old school vampire chick who just makes you want to try on her clothes and take torturing lessons from (if you ever needed to learn torture). Declan is this strong, chiseled, beautiful dragon who you wish was real so you could marry him and never let him out of your sight again (just sayin’).

The 5 smirks I gave this book are purely because I got lost in a seductive story about love in the wrong place at the wrong time. The struggle the characters go through just to stay alive from day to day was easy to empathize with because Hatfield really brought it to the surface with all her characters. The desperation, the battles, the heat, the passion, the love, and ultimately the unity that Meagan Hatfield portrays, is just breath taking and heart throbbing. Would I suggest you buy this book? Yes! Should this book be on your bookshelf for you to read over and over again just to feel the passion in this world Meagan Hatfield wrote? Hell yes.

Father's Day

I just wanted to give a shout out to all the Father's out there today! I hope you have a great day being spoiled by your families! And I also wanted to give a special shout out to my Dad who today told me when I woke up, "Hey you want to build that book case we got you," yup on his day he is going to help put something together for me.  What can I say? My Dad rocks. I hope everyone out there enjoys the day and that all the Father's are being treated like Kings for all the stuff they do for us.

Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Review of Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Published: April 27, 2010

4.5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Everyone tells Isabel that she is the Shifter - the ancient shape-shifting creature who has protected the kings of Samorna for centuries. They need her to be the Shifter. Prince Rokan risked everything when he rode into the Mistwood to summon her to his side; Ven, the magician's apprentice, has devoted his life to studying her legend; and even Princess Clarisse, who fears and hates her, depends on Isabel's powers to further her own plans.

But Isabel doesn't feel like the Shifter. She feels like a lonely human girl, beset by flashes of memory that do more to confuse than to help her. If she is the Shifter, why can't she change her shape? Why doesn't she remember what made her flee the castle so many years ago? As she is drawn deeper into a web of magic and assassination, Isabel will have no choice but to look for answers. But her search will lead her to the one question the Shifter hasn't faced in a thousand years: where does she come from, and what does she really want?”

Mistwood pulls you into this magical land and makes your skin tingle with magical essence. Isabel is on my top characters of all time that I adore and relate to list. She really makes the impossible things seem possible and has this daring presence about her. I’m not going to tell you what Mistwood is all about because it would ruin the experience for you. I will say there is unexpected mystery, treason, adventure, and just enough romance to make your heart beat a little faster and stop it in its tracks.

The really unexpected thing about Mistwood was how many times you had to guess which side someone was on. It was like you were with Isabel the whole way trying to figure out plots and find out who was truly a traitor. It really makes the reader feel a part of the story line, which is the best feeling (in my opinion) in the world. A great thing about this book also is that as readers we get to hear from different points of view which I have always loved. It gives readers a sense of what another character is thinking and reacting to how the main character talks.

I gave Mistwood 4.5 smirks because I really enjoyed the story, the plot, and everything about it. That being said however, I wouldn’t necessarily buy this book to re-read it a bunch of times like other books I own. I thought it was superbly creative and enchanting. I was more than happy to dive into that reality for a time and connect with the characters, but once was enough for me. Like all books, with the exception of one or two, I am happy to have experienced the book and the talented author, Leah Cypess, behind it.

The Book Vixen

The Book Vixen's Birthday Giveaway is going on now and will end June 30, 2010. Enter for a chance to win 1 of 5 books (out of the 5 books listed you may choose the one you want). http://www.thebookvixen.com/2010/06/birthday-giveaway-day-1.html

The Vampire And The Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks

Review of The Vampire And The Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks

Published: March 9, 2010

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Olivia's packing list:


1. Sunscreen
2. Bathing suit
3. Flip-flops


FBI psychologist Olivia Sotiris was looking for a cool ocean breeze, sand between her toes, and a break from her crazy, chaotic, and sometimes all-too-dangerous life. But when she escaped to the small Greek island of Patmos, all she got were meddling grandmothers trying to marry her off. Can't they see that none of the men around interests her—except Robby MacKay?


Robby's packing list:


1. Synthetic blood
2. More synthetic blood
3. Jogging clothes
(even vamps have to stay in shape!)


Robby needs to cool off, too, since all he can think about is revenge on the Malcontent bloodsuckers who once held him captive—but then he meets Olivia, the beauty with wild curls and a tempting smile. When a deadly criminal from a case back home tracks her down, Robby will have to save her life—along with giving her a first time she'll never forget.”

So there is a story to why I checked this book out from the library. Late one night I was at Wal-Mart with a friend in the book section, I was looking around and I came across the most hilarious romance cover in the entire world. Now since reading another romance series my friend Katarinasmama and I always make a habit to point out ridiculous romance covers when in a bookstore. So naturally I see this cover for The Vampire And The Virgin and I had to take a picture and text it to her. Ever since then the cover has been a laugh riot and there was even talk of just buying me the book to read.

I thought it would be a good story to tell Katarinasmama if I actually checked out the book from the library and finished it. So I did just that and let me tell you that whole “never judge a book by its cover” deal is sssssooooo completely accurate. I gave The Vampire And The Virgin 4 smirks because it had actually good aspects I loved about it. Now granted vampires are starting to go out of style, but this book (which I later found out was a series Love At Stake, book 8) had a fresh way about it. It also helped that the author told the story from two points of view.

As a reader I was able to get a sense of what each main character was going through and how they thought, which is something I truly appreciated about this book. I like being able to see actions and reactions from different points of views and to know how each character thinks. I’m not going to ruin the story for you all but I will tell you I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading it. I started reading it and it wasn’t until my stomach started bugging me that I realized I forgot to eat because I was so busy. It’s fun, Robby has an accent, Olivia has a stalker, weird shit happens, it’s crazy, there’s lust, and of course love. Read it if you want, but just know even if a cover looks not up to par with other books you may have read, it may very well be the best book you’ve never thought about reading.

Killers

Review of Killers starring Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl; Directed by Robert Luketic

Premiered: June 4, 2010

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “While traveling with her parents in the French Riviera, Jen Kornfeldt meets the man of her dreams, the dashing, handsome Spencer Aimes. Three years later, she and Spencer are newlyweds living the ideal suburban life -- that is, until the morning after Spencer's 30th birthday when bullets start flying. Literally. It turns out Spencer never bothered to tell Jen he's also an international super-spy, and now Jen's perfect world has been turned upside down. Faced with the fact that her husband is a hit man, Jen is determined to discover what other secrets Spencer might be keeping.”

Killers is a hilarious movie starring Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. Spencer (Kutcher) is a sexy ex spy whose work all of a sudden comes back to put a price on his head. All the while Jen (Heigl) Spencer’s wife has no idea who her husband really is after finding him fighting to the death in their sweet suburban neighborhood. Witty banter, funny jokes/actions, and a loveable, playful couple who are not as boring as they think is what Killers is all about.

Killers takes you on a wild adventure about fighting for your life and how yours in-laws maybe really out to get you after all. This movie was well worth the price of going to the actual theater. It was a non-stop laugh riot; so much so I had tears in my eyes. Is it worth seeing in theaters? Yes. Will I own it on DVD? Most likely. 4 smirks was given because in my opinion it could have used more explosives…what? It was in part an action movie, just sayin’.

Summer School

So I thought I would check in with you all to let you know tomorrow I start summer school. Well, technically I started summer school two weeks ago (for an online class) but tomorrow I physically have to go to class which totally sucks. I will try to keep posting reviews on here; however I will have two classes to focus on as well so I might have to surprise you all when I actually post something. I will still be reading books (will have to make time to do so), but I like giving quality reviews so you all may be overloaded with reviews as the summer leaves into fall. 

I also have other responsibilities that may keep me away for awhile, but like I said I will try and post as much as possible. I am a Moderator for an incredible site called Mundie Moms, so I will be showing up there at least 3 times a week (I highly suggest you join the forum or follow the blog, you get to meet great people and have a blast talking about books. Their button is located on the right side of my blog). Another great blog to follow is Good Choice Reading (button also located on the right side of my blog), I really enjoy visiting that blog because the books reviewed there are the same and different from the ones I review. Good Choice Reading is really an up and coming blog and I will not be surprised if by the end of summer it has triple the number of followers it has today.


I am looking forward to reviewing at the very least these next books listed throughout the summer.


Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield
Jealously (Strange Angels Book 3) by Lili St. Crow
Mockingjay (Final book of The Hunger Game Series) by Suzanne Collins
Succubi Like It Hot by Jill Myles

And I will throw in a few artists, TV shows, and movies to the mix as well. I will be on Twitter pretty much every day however, so you can find me there @MissSnarkyBlog. Thanks for following and I will be seeing you all around.

Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles

Review of Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles

Published: December 29, 2009

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Jackie Brighton woke up in a Dumpster this morning, and her day has only gotten weirder. Her familiar B-cups have somehow become double Ds, her sex drive is insatiable, and apparently she had her first one-night stand ever...with a fallen angel. All she remembers is gorgeous Noah's oddly hypnotic blue eyes...and then a dark stranger whose bite transformed her into an immortal siren with a sexy Itch. With help from Noah, Jackie begins to adapt to her new lifestyle -- until she accidentally sends Noah into the deadly clutches of the vampire queen and lands herself in a fierce battle for an ancient halo with the queen's wickedly hot right-hand man. Who just happens to be the vampire who originally bit her. How's a girl supposed to save the world when the enemy's so hard to resist?”

I LOVED Gentlemen Prefer Succubi! It was incredibly funny and witty with a hint of betrayal, adventure, and mystery. And as most of you know, I adore love triangles and boy, is there a love triangle in this book. And you can imagine how thrilled I was to find out this book is the first in the series called The Succubus Diaries. Jill Myles is a fantastic author who brings a cleverly inventive voice to all her characters in Gentlemen Prefer Succubi.

Jackie is a spunky, preserved character who gets turned into a succubus by a vampire and an angel. Although she knows who one of her masters is, Noah the fallen angel, she does not know the identity of her vampire master. As Jackie tries to figure out what being a succubus means, she is thrown into danger and into the throes of sheets with her desire and need as her succubus nature becomes more apparent. While going through these adventures Jackie meets a mysteriously handsome vampire named Zane, who she tries to resist. But honestly, could you resist a hot vampire named Zane? Yea me neither.

Chemistry strikes Jackie in the most unlikely places and gives Gentlemen Prefer Succubi some very steamy scenes. Gentlemen Prefer Succubi is in enticing, steamy, witty, charming, story about dealing with change in the best way possible, by resisting it until you realize you can’t go back. Jill Myles brings readers to laughter, fun, charm, and excitement in Gentlemen Prefer Succubi. Can’t wait to read the next installment in The Succubus Diaries Series, Succubi Like It Hot.

Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa

Review of Winter’s Passage by Julie Kagawa

Published: June 1, 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....”

Julie Kagawa continues to bring witty, fun, adventurous, heartwarming style in her Iron Fey Series. Winter’s Passage brings readers up to speed with Meghan Chase following up how she ends up in the Winter Court. The thing I love about The Iron Fey Series is Meghan and Ash; how they act around each other, how they have learned to read each other’s emotions even when they are trying not to show any emotion at all. Winter’s Passage stays true to The Iron Fey Series with snarky commentary, lust, love, a sometimes an annoying cat, and of course a predator (The Big Bad Wolf) hunting Meghan down.

Winter’s Passage offers readers of The Iron Fey Series a glimpse into the type of hot and cold relationship Ash and Meaghan have without any other influence (i.e. Puck). I laughed, I swooned, and my heart rate was raised and brought down. It was exactly the perfect novella readers needed to have in order to be prepared for The Iron Daughter. I plan on owning this novella as apart The Iron Fey Series because frankly, it makes me smile. 5 smirks will make you smile too.

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Review of Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Published: April 27, 2010

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “I'd love a cup of coffee. . . . I wish she didn't hide how pretty she is. . . . I hope she didn't find out what Ben said about her. . . . I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin. . . .

Joy is used to Hearing Whispers. She's used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people's deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good—to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people's lives—especially Joy's—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears Jessica Whisper I want to kill my Hearing dead, and kill me too if that's what it takes, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car, and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.”

I absolutely adored Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis! At first I was just reading this book because the cover really caught my eye and it was suggested to me by a friend. I checked it out from the library and I am thrilled to tell you all, that I am going to go out and buy (it is that good). I felt like I was with the main character Joy, going through everything she went through. And it wasn’t just that Phoebe Kitanidis can pull you into an emotional roller coaster but the fact that she pulled you into hearing and being distracted by the Whispers themselves.

I’m really hoping for this book to become a series because I feel like I could live in that world with the characters and never get bored. All the characters have so much potential and I want to see what happens between Jess and Joy, Joy and Jaime, Joy and Parker, and how everything else pans out. Reading Whisper was like being dipped into this different reality of a group of people who are different from the reality we have all come to know and love. Whisper is a deeply intriguing story about a girl who just wants to fit in but soon realizes she was born to stand out. Highly recommended by yours truly!

Good Choice Reading Contest

Good Choice Reading is having a Contest starting today June 1 through June 7, enter for a chance to win a Signed ARC of Shadow Of The Vampire by Meagan Hatfield