Cleffairy's Blog, page 207
July 24, 2011
The Fifth Kingdom
Title: The Fifth Kingdom
Publisher: Carina Press
Pub Date: 11 July 2011
ISBN: 9781426891885
Author: Caridad Pineiro
The Fifth Kingdom by Caridad Pineiro is a very thrilling and exhilarating read. I've always loved adventure-romance kind of story and it pleases me that this story is not draggy or long winded. The plot is easy to follow and the pace is just nice, not too fast, not too slow. I love the mystery, and the romance was well developed as well. I feel as if I'm reading 'Indiana Jones'… the romantic version, that is.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I hope to read more from the author. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
Dr. Deanna Vasquez hasn't spoken to her mother in years, not since the renowned archaeologist abandoned her family in her quest to find the lost tomb of Montezuma. When CIA agent Bill Santana shows up in her classroom with the news that her mother has been abducted by terrorists, Deanna has to help in any way she can.
Bill needs Deanna's expertise to determine the location of her mother's latest find, before her kidnappers do. He fears whatever mysteries the tomb holds could be deadly in the wrong hands. In an effort to make contact with the terrorist cell, Bill accompanies Deanna to Mexico posing as her fiancé-a ruse made doubly dangerous because of the very real heat between them…
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July 22, 2011
Like Father, Like Daughter
A few days ago was my father's birthday. He's 53 this year. Initially, we planned to celebrate his birthday together over home-cooked dinner, but unfortunately, it has to be called off as my father had to attend his company annual dinner.
Naturally, us daughters are upset, because we don't get to celebrate his birthday together. You see, my family appreciate each other very much. We don't forget birthdays and important dates like anniversaries, and more often than not, we try to make time for each other on those special dates.
Sure, a lot of people will say that everyday is your birthday if you're happy, but what harm is there when you make extra effort to make your loved ones feels more appreciated? I don't see any harm in that. I see that as a token of love. If you love someone, you'll make an effort to make him or her feels much happier on special days like birthdays and anniversaries.
I suppose, this is a sentiment that none of my in laws shared. 9 years being together with my husband, and I can only remember him celebrating his birthday with his father twice. Or was it once? I'm not quite sure, but he celebrated with his father during those years is because I made an effort to arrange a birthday dinner for my husband. *ROLL EYES*
Okay… I suppose the very typical Chinese do not make an effort to celebrate life, and I'll just leave it like that because it is better if the in laws do not remember any of our birthdays. That means we get to celebrate privately without stress, and I am definitely NOT COMPLAINING (strange enough though, my father in law remembers his favourite sons birthday. Geez… favouritism much?)
Tsk… I'm straying… back to my daddy dearest. My father informed my sister and I that the birthday dinner had to be canceled cuz his boss wanted him to attend company dinner on his behalf. And he had no choice but to comply.
And so, after his dinner a few days later, I called him up to wish him happy birthday again and yak with him.
He told me that he's so glad that I called. He told me that my call had made his day, and I was amused, as I thought that he was enjoying himself at his company annual dinner.
I thought wrong, apparently, and so, I asked him why he didn't enjoy the dinner.
This is why: Recently, one of my father's friend, who happens to be promoted to a higher post was there. This friend is his childhood friend. A friend who grew up with him; a guy who copied his homework and gets away with cheating, etc etc, but always outshine my father because he's much more outspoken and not as scrawny as my father. My father walks up to congratulate this friend. Naturally, that's what you do, right? I mean, that's the polite thing to do. Besides, if the one who was promoted is one of your best friend, you'd be happy for them, right?
Guess what was that bastard's response? Well, as soon as my father approached this friend of his, the friend started to feel uncomfortable and started to avoid my father, and attempt to ignore him. My father was very shocked with his behavior because all he did was say hi and congratulate his friend.
My father was upset, but being a mild mannered guy he is, he said nothing when this friend of his says he'll talk to my father later and simply walks off to mingle around with a bunch of CEOs and VIPs of the company. This so-called friend of his behaves as if my father is a low class person and it's embarrassing for him to be seen with my father during a high profile event, and apparently, it is a waste of time too to even say hello to my father during such events, and he's better off doing some apple polishing elsewhere.
Funny enough, the jackass have the nerve to called up my father for a favour a few days later. That is just plain disgusting. It is clear to me, my sister and my mother that all these while, this friend is merely using and manipulating my father for his own benefits and does not value their friendship at all.
I sighed then. I did not know how to comfort my father because I knew how he felt. After all, I am acquainted to this friend of his as well. This friend of his watched me and my sister grew up. He came from a poor family, and my father once lend his car to this friend of his when his wife was in labour. Imagine that sort of friendship…he was much closer to my father than any of my uncles (my father's brother), and yet, with fame, money, glamour, he has forgotten his root.
My father never expected anything in return but polite friendship from this friend, and yet… even that sort of thing is unreachable. What is this world coming to? I have no answer to that, but sometimes, I can see that I am becoming more and more like my father in regards of social standing. People tend to trample us in public because we're probably insignificant and unimportant in the eyes of the high profile society.
At the end of the call… I can only tell my father that he's not alone, and I can feel him as I've experienced such thing countless times before to the point I feel numb. He was surprised to hear my bitter words and was concern for me, but I told him, I'm lucky enough to experience all these nonsense when I'm not even in my 30s yet. At least I know who merely using me for their own benefit, and who is not.
Cleffairy: I'm unfazed with glamour and authorities. They mean nothing to me. I do not idolize people who are of high stature or glamour, because as far as I'm concerned they are just human with faults and skeletons in their closets! Work with that sort of people for a couple of years, and you'll get what I mean.
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Cold Case Reunion
Title: Cold Case Reunion
SubTitle: Native Country
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Romantic Suspense
Pub Date: 26 July 2011
ISBN: 9780373277391
Author: Kimberly Van Meter
I learned quite a few things about one's culture in this story. The book was highly entertaining tormented characters trying to move on from their shadowed past.
It is interesting to note that even the most macho man of all have a weakness and I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
I highly recommends this book to those who love romantic stories with meaningful plot. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
Fifteen years ago, Mya Jonson thought her life had ended. Pregnant and alone, she found strength in her people and the beauty of the Pacific Coast reservation. Now her lover has returned, chasing a killer, and she doesn't dare trust him.
For Angelo Tucker, every memory is proof of his failings. Not strong enough to lead the tribe, not smart enough to catch his brother's killer… Coming back was the last thing he wanted. Especially when he sees Mya—and feels a passion he'd long since set aside. But when a fellow FBI agent is murdered and Mya's life is in danger, Angelo knows he must track the killer whatever the cost.or risk losing Mya forever…
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The Baby's Bodyguard
Title: The Baby's Bodyguard
SubTitle: Emerald Coast 911
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Love Inspired Suspense
Pub Date: 26 July 2011
ISBN: 9780373444533
Author: Stephanie Newton
I just love dependable men who can handle babies. Don't you? Well, I'm surely a sucker for those who are man enough not to be afraid to get their hands dirty while changing diapers.
This story is not only exhilirating, but thrilling as well. I daresay the author intends to intoxicate the readers with an adrenaline rush.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I'd say that this one is definitely a keeper.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
hen an anonymous text message arrives with photos of tiny hands and feet—and GPS coordinates—Florida cop Ethan Clark believes it's a prank. Then he follows the coordinates to an abandoned toddler. Handing Janie Doe over to caring child services worker Kelsey Rogers, Ethan thinks his job is done…until the little girl turns out to be a kidnap victim. To protect the child, Ethan and Kelsey stumble into an investigation that digs up a tragedy from Ethan's past. Will they uncover the truth before the kidnappers bury the trail forever?
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The Champion
Title: The Champion
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Love Inspired Historical
Pub Date: 26 July 2011
ISBN: 9780373828791
Author: Carla Capshaw
The cover may not be appealing to me, but the story definitely is hard to put down. I love how the marriage of convenience theme is loosely played in this story, and I was really amazed with the author's description during the Roman times.
Very enjoyable read and the book makes me feel as if I was transported in time to the times where Gladiators fights for their lives and honour in the Coliseum. Apart from the unforgettable romance, this book also ought to be praised for the cultural values that it has.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. A must read for those who loves historical romance.
I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
A Warrior without Equal, a Woman without Options
Triumphs in the Coliseum—and society bedchambers— made gladiator Alexius of Iolcos famous for his brutal skill and womanizing ways. Yet the only woman who intrigues him is Tiberia the Younger, who now needs his help. Protecting Tiberia places Alexius in the greatest danger he has ever known—from her vengeful father and his own heart…
Becoming a temple priestess may be an honor, but Tibi can't bear to surrender her freedom or her newfound faith. Alexius's solution stuns her. Marriage…to a gladiator! Scorned by her noble family, Tibi always felt unworthy. But with her champion by her side, can she accept—and give—a love strong enough to vanquish their enemies?
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Last Chance Cowboy
Title: Last Chance Cowboy
SubTitle: Men of the West
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin American Romance
Pub Date: 30 August 2011
ISBN: 9780373753697
It seems that cowboy stories don't sit really well with me. This book was well written, but I find it difficult to stay focus. I did not like the long-winded and leisurely pace and I feel that the plot was rather non-concrete and too complex for a Harlequin book.
I suppose if you like some leisurely read for a lazy Sunday afternoon, you might find this book enjoyable.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
The Powell Ranch is not the expansive spread it used to be. With a good part of its land sold off to developers, Gabe Powell is struggling to save his disappearing way of life. He has a legacy to leave his daughter, and starting a stud farm would give him financial stability. But first he must capture the wild horse he's spotted in nearby Mustang Valley.
Sage Navarre is in Arizona on an urgent domestic matter that will secure her young child's future. And as a government field agent, she's been ordered to help Gabe track down an escaped mustang while she's here. Working with the cowboy is an incredible experience—and Sage finds herself wildly attracted to him.
But what will Gabe say when she dashes his dreams for his ranch? Because he's not the only one who wants that mustang.
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Where Demons Fear to Tread
Title: Where Demons Fear to Tread
SubTitle: A Company of Angels Novel
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: MIRA Books
Pub Date: 30 August 2011
ISBN: 9780778312475
Author: Stephanie Chong
I was intrigued by the cover when I first saw this book available for review, and therefore, I requested it thinking that this will be the innocent kind of book. But I was wrong. This book is not for the innocent, but for those who crave something much more on the dark side instead.
The story starts off with a murder of an innocent bellboy and things gets rather tantalizing from then on.
A wonderful refreshing and seductive read, and I would highly recommend this 'adult fairy tale' where two different worlds collide.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book, and I was not compensated in any ways for this.
Book description:
Where angels fall from grace and demons fall…in love.
"Welcome to DEVIL's Paradise."
The arch demon's voice was low and deep. His fingers caressed her through the fabric of her dress. "Your soul—or his, Serena. Choose."
Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares to enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure-seeking humans. He won't release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager.…
After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again.
Yet this sexy-sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries-old feelings. Now, their high-stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell…or a deliciously hot heaven.
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July 21, 2011
The Shadow Wolf
Title: The Shadow Wolf
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Nocturne
Pub Date: 2 August 2011
ISBN: 9780373618675
Author: Bonnie Vanak
The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak is darkly irresistable and romantic. I love the author's amazing imagination and how each character's emotions were portrayed so vividly.
At some point, I feel as if I could understand the heroine's predicament where she constantly have to hide and have to always be on the run. I admire the heroine's strength and charisma, and if you're looking for something different to read than your regular, submissive weakling of a heroine, you might want to pick up this book for a change.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
Bonnie Vanak turns up the heat in this scintillating romance in which sworn enemies become lovers…
On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she's still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?
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Ashes of Angels
Title: Ashes of Angels
SubTitle: Of Angels and Demons
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Nocturne
Pub Date:26 July 2011
ISBN: 9780373618644
Author:Michele Hauf
Ashes of Angel by Michele Hauf is a very tantalizing read. The storyline was highly original and imaginative, and I like how the forbidden love theme being played throughout the entire story.
If you're a fan of paranormal romance, then this is definitely your thing, but be forewarned, the book is pretty much on the darker side and if you're the kind do not like badass of a fallen angel, then you should stay away from this book.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
As a muse, Cassandra Stevens had been warned of the Fallen angel who'd one day come to impregnate her with a nephilim, an evil offspring. But no one could have foreseen that Samandriel—the raven-haired, silver-winged Fallen one—would sweep her off her feet.
Against all good sense, Sam stirred her suppressed desires, yet for her own sake she dared not arouse his carnal ones. For Sam had been summoned to earth by a dark vampire lord. And more Fallen were on their way. Despite the dangers, Cassandra needed Sam by her side, for only together could they prevent the apocalypse that had been unleashed…
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Lord of The Vampire
Title: Lord of the Vampires
SubTitle:Royal House of Shadows: Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Nocturne
Pub Date: 30 August 2011
ISBN: 9780373618668
Author: Gena Showalter
This is one vampire story that is definitely not for the underage teenagers. This book have a lot of vampire sex in it. Lotsa and lotsa em, so if you're a minor, please stay away from this book.
I picked up this book not expecting that there's hot, rampant sex going on at some point in the book, but I was pleasantly surprised that there's hanky panky going on in there.
Despite of the sex scenes, this book was wonderfully written and not trashy in any way. The storyline was amazing and I somehow enjoyed the politics of it.
Overall, a good, steamy read that will satiate any bloodthirsty or sex-thirsty readers for that matter.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Book description:
Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.
Nicolai the Vampire is renowned for his virility, but in a cruel twist of fate "The Dark Seducer" has become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remains is a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who can help him.
When the wanton vampire summons Jane Parker, she is helpless to obey. She's drawn to his dark sexuality and into his magical realm. But for this human, all is not a fairy tale. For saving Nicolai could mean losing the only man she's ever craved..
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