Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over "breathers". Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody... and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad — and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance... (via GoodReads)

For some reason this novel was not what I expected. Don't take me wrong, I really enjoyed it, but I originally anticipated a fun, upbeat YA novel about girl who sees dead people. This was not the case. Yes, of course, there is a girl who sees dead people, but this is a much more serious novel then I expected.

Cass was fantastic - she was funny, and witty, and has a knack for knowing the deep, dark secrets that her classmates try to hide behind their popularity and cool facades - they just don't know she is getting the "down low" from her see-through friends. See Cass was once part of the "cool crowd", until the day she and her BFF had a falling out and she became an outcast. Now her only friends are of the silent and deadly variety - the two ghosts that haunt her school, Norris and Bitsy.

But all this changes when Cass is approached by Tim in the need of her "special" talent. And, although Cass is originally put off by the idea of helping Tim (especially since he's part of the in-crowd), she eventually agrees to do what she can to help him. This is their story of how they struggle with their parents, friendships, and death.

What I truly enjoyed the most about this story is how realistic Cass’s tale felt. Despite this being a story that revolves around the supernatural, this is really a book about a teenage girl struggling to find her place in a world that isn't always easy.

I enjoyed Ms. Crewe's writing - it was straight-forward, flowed nicely and introduced us to a set of characters that, even with their flaws, were all relateable and likeable. This is a coming-of-age story, it is about fitting in, but more importantly, accepting oneself and letting go of grudges. It is about grief and loss, and moving on. A great book!

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Enter Stage Right

All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.

Open Curtain

First things first, I fell in love with the cover of this book. I saw it and it was love at first glance. So immediately I picked it up and was completely enraptured by the thrilling idea of a girl living in a theatre where all the characters of every play you have ever read, seen or heard of, are real. Where sound effects, lighting, and scene changes occur depending on the mood. Thus is life at the Théâtre Illuminata for Bertie.

Bertie, with her bright cobalt blue hair, was this amazing character. She is a strong, smart, witty and really funny girl. I loved that she lived in the moment and had such zest and passion towards anything she set her mind to. Her sidekick fairies (the one's from Midsummer Night's Dream) were a hoot and utterly insane - I loved them and will do anything for my own!

Bertie's story is one of grand adventure as she tries to not only find her roots, but also find a home. Oh, and did I mention that there is also a love triangle... I swoon for love triangles. To be quite honest I'm not sure how Ms. Mantchev is going to get herself out of that tight spot. Both men are handsome and hold their own ground. I can't wait to see how that all plays out - which will Bertie choose?

On a side note, I was also fascinated with all the snippets we get of Shakespeare, not just a quote here or there, but the characters, from Lady Macbeth's bloodied hands to Ophelia's constant need to drown herself every few scenes... just thinking about it still brings a smile to my face.

This book is one that you will feel as if you dove into the story headfirst and when it's done you'll almost feel dizzy over it's awesomeness and the sad reality that it is over. Not to mention, you'll be longing for the next installment, because even though this book answers many a question and it does have a definite ending, you know there is still much more to this story. Lucky for me, Perchance to Dream (the second in the series) will be out in a couple of months). I can't wait!

All in all, Eyes Like Stars, guarantees great fun to be had by all who read it... my final say in the matter: "Standing Ovation" and a big "Whoop"!

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

As you can tell, I have been on quite the fairytale remake kick.

In Ms. Finn's modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty, we meet Jack and Talia. Jack is a young, handsome, strapping boy living in the 21st century. Talia has been sleeping for three hundred years and upon Jack's kiss is awakened to a whole new world... one she could ever envision. Jack never thought that by escaping his tour group he'd actually find himself living a real life fairytale.

I thought this was such a cute, funny and really enjoyable version of the popular fairytale I know and love. I loved the fireworks between Talia and Jack. Their relationship was a pleasure to read about. It was not love at first sight, nor was it happily ever after from the get go. They both had their reservations toward each other... at one point they couldn't even stand each other. But what I truly enjoyed was how they both grew and matured and eventually their feelings toward each other blossomed into something much more meaningful. I loved experiencing the world through Talia's eyes - everything was new, shiny and electronic.

On a personal note, one other aspect that I found enjoyable - Jack is from Miami and soon they are on adventure through streets and places that I drive through on a weekly basis (me being a Miami-an and all). I couldn't help but love this in particular about this story.

I thought the ending felt a bit rushed, but with that said, I truly enjoyed how it all wrapped up. This is a fast, light read, and anyone looking for a sweet, romantic fairytale will definitely enjoy this.

The Everafter by Amy Huntley

Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But is sure of one thing - she is dead. She's alone, in a vast, dark space (a/k/a "is" - because it just "is") - and the only things around her are objects that turn out to be things that Maddy lost while she was alive.

Through some quick thinking - she soon discovers that by grabbing hold of these items, she can re-experience—and sometimes even change—moments from her life.

Her first kiss. A trip to Disney World. Her sister's wedding. A disastrous sleepover.

In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life—and death.

This story was hauntingly beautiful - it was just one of those books that once your done with it, you put it down, and then will think about it over and over again.

I loved Ms. Huntley's take on the after-life. A dark space with objects that you lost and being able to relive those moments - possibly even altering an event... just genius. Through these instances we learn of Maddy's life - her family, friends, boyfriend. You really get to know and love Maddy, and you are saddened since you know from the start that she is dead. There are also some wonderful supporting characters, her boyfriend, Gabe, her best friend Sandra.

But what really made this book fantastic was the suspense - I mean, the pages were flying as I quickly devoured this in the hopes of finding out exactly what caused Maddy's death. How she got where she is? Why she was there? And boy, was I caught off guard with the ending. It was heartbreaking.

This is a haunting but ultimately hopeful novel that makes you appreciate the things we take for granted in our daily lives and will leave you pondering life after death. This was a wonderful debut for Ms. Huntley and one that I highly recommend.

A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris

In A Touch of Dead you get five Sookie Stackhouse short stories that Ms. Harris has written over the years and have finally been published together for the first time.

"Fairy Dust" takes place after Dead To The World.
There we meet Claudine and Claude who have asked Sookie for "special" help in order to solve a murder mystery.

"Dracula Night" takes place before Dead As A Doornail.
Eric is throwing a big bash at Fangtasia to celebrate the birthday of the one-and-only, you guessed it Dracula. And Sookie's got an invitation to the fun.

"One Word Answer" takes place after Dead As A Doornail.
Sookie finds out that her long lost cousin is dead and meets some well-known characters for the first time.

"Lucky" takes place after All Together Dead.
Sookie and Amelia are approached by local real estate agent to help him solve a mystery. But this mystery is much more complicated then the girls originally anticipated.

Gift Wrap" takes place before Dead And Gone.
Sookie is spending this Christmas on her own. But when when she finds a naked man on her property and an unexpected guest pays a visit, it just might be a Christmas that is unforgettable.

As a fan of Ms. Harris' Sookie Stackhouse novels - this book is a needed addition to your collection. I don't know if you're like me, but there was a time or two where I would start one of the books and feel like.. huh? did I miss something? Now we know why. These short stories fill in some of those gaps no matter how small they were. THIS is what you were missing. I personally never went out to buy any of the books Ms. Harris and Sookie were featured in. With A Touch of Dead, you have them all in one volume and can read them as you are reading all the books or, like me, who is all caught up in the series, can read them all together.

This was a fun, quick read... with a special dose of the Sookie Stackhouse universe we have all come to love. This is a must-read for any fan of the series.

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

Viola Chesterson has been “abandoned” at the Prefect Academy for Young Women in South Bend, Indiana - an all-girls boarding school and horribly far away from her home in Brooklyn, New York - by her parents who are abroad working on a documentary.

She is devastated, sad, lonely - she misses her home, her parents and her BFF's - but most importantly, she can't fathom living with three complete strangers in a new school far away from everyone and everything she's ever known. Luckily for her, she is paired with a great set of roommates, her knack for film-making and a fanciful grandmother, aptly called Grand - she just might be able to survive the year... actually it might just be the best year of her life.

I truly enjoyed this coming-of-age story. It's about leaving your comfort zone, making new friends, and realizing that not everything in this world revolves around you (no matter how hard that seems when you are 14). Viola, who can be spoiled (at times), was spunky, witty and had a great sense of humor. I also enjoyed the aspects of boarding school life - maybe it's because I never went to an all-girls school or studied away from home - but I always enjoy novels where the setting is at a school. The girls and their friendship was also something to savor - they were all very different and I really enjoyed how they came together, supported and helped one another.

This is Viola's story - how she navigates in a new school, new experiences, new friendships, a new boyfriend, and how she follows her dream of making a movie. Although this is Ms. Trigiani's first venture into YA - she mastered it without a hitch. This is a fantastic story for tweens and young adults but can definitely be appreciated by adults just the same. I personally loved it.

Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter

First... (screeching) Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter in one book!!!! swoons.

That's how I felt when I first heard of this book. Two of the hottest authors in paranormal romance all wrapped up into one deliciously packaged book - featuring two steamy stories that will keep you warm this winter. So, needless to say, I was extremely excited when I was allowed to be part of this book tour.

Kresley Cole's, Untouchable, features the last "un-blooded" Wroth brother, Murdoch. This is the sixth book in her Immortals After Dark series. Obviously, I would recommend that you catch up on the earlier titles so that you know what the heck is going on. But you can still read this as a stand-alone since there is a lot of explaining as to who is who and what is what. For those of you who have read the series, this book more or less takes place at the same time the previous five stories have wrapping everything up quite nicely with the other three Wroth couples.

A little bit about our leading couple: Murdoch Wroth - tall, dark, handsome - brooding vampire - in his mid-thirties. He was a love 'em and leave 'em type in his pre-vampire life. He had a different woman every night - even thought of as a 'manwhore' and has been without a woman for over 300 years. That is until he runs across the stunning Daniela...and suddenly his heart starts beating and he's been 'blooded' to a woman he can never touch, or have. Talk about ironic. Daniela The Ice Queen - is part valkyrie/part ice fey and a two thousand year old virgin to boot. Although she lives in New Orleans with her valkyrie brethren -she is in extreme discomfort with the hot and humid temps. Not to mention she runs the risk of thermal shock if she gets too hot and, if she's touched, even in passing, it is the equivalent of putting her skin to an open flame.

I fell in love with this couple. Daniela only wanted to be loved and touched, she led a lonely existence and fantasized about finding someone to love her. Murdoch could never imagine himself tied down to just one woman - and much less to one he could never touch. The excitement and anticipation over just how they would make it work - made it a quick and exciting read for me.

In Gena Showalter's, Tempt Me Eternally, we are once again thrown into her Alien Huntress series. Here we meet Aleaha Love (known as Macy amongst the AIR team). Aleaha is not the normal AIR agent though - she has a secret - a secret that can be deadly if found out by AIR (AIR = an elite enforcement group devoted to protecting the earth from aliens). For Aleaha can change identity - she can rapidly change bodies from the short, blonde Macy, to a tall, brunette, male, female, it doesn't matter... she can become anyone.

On her first mission to intercept an invasion of the deadly Schon, her team is surprised when instead of the expected Schon, a group of beautiful and golden-skinned Rakan emerge. Chaos ensues and only Aleaha is left standing. Breean, the leader of the Rakan, is only looking for a safe planet for his people to live in. For his race is peaceful and have had to leave their planet and their females behind because of a deadly virus which caused the female to "eat" the male population (caused by, once again, those pesky Schon). Breean's only recourse is to imprison the AIR team in order to use them in the negotiations to be allowed to reside on Earth. But Aleaha has no intentions of letting her friends remain prisoners, she must fight against the desire she feels for the leader and form a plan to help them escape.

If you've read the previous Alien Huntress novel, Seduce the Darkness, you might be thrown off a bit, because this story actually takes place before that one... so you're left wondering why they keep talking about a Schon ship landing... when you know that already happened, but anywho... once you get the time frame right, you understand and truly enjoy this story. Aleaha and Breean were fun, flirty and had some great dialogue. I loved the push and pull between them. Breean was looking for submissive (what his race is used to) and Aleaha would not let herself be a pushover. They were a great match.

Once again, Kresley and Gena have not disappointed. This is a wonderful anthology featuring two wonderful stories that can definitely be treasured... not to mention savored. For lovers of romance, paranormal/fantasy, this is a gem that you won't want to miss out on.

This book was provided for review by Pocket Books.

GIVEAWAY: 2 copies are up for grabs.

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Rules: This contest is open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be drawn Sunday, January 10.

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

Divorced mother of one, Charlie Madigan, lives in a world where the beings of heaven and hell exist among us, and they aren't the things of Sunday school lessons and Hallmark figurines. In the years since the Revelation, they've become our co-workers, neighbors, and fellow citizens.

Charlie works for ITF (Integration Task Force). It's her job to see that the continued integration of our new "friends" goes smoothly and everyone obeys the law, but when a new off-world drug is released in Underground Atlanta, her daughter is targeted, and her ex-husband makes a fateful bargain to win her back, there's nothing in heaven or earth (or hell for that matter) that Charlie won't do to set things right. [borrowed from GoodReads]

Firstly can I say that I absolutely loved this book. This is Ms. Gay's debut novel and she has totally kicked butt with it. Not only does she make you love her main character - but she makes her so unique and likeable and the Atlanta that she depicts in her story so unique and detailed that you almost wish you were in this world.

Charlie is a single mom/police officer who makes it her mission to uncover and take down the people pushing the drug "Ash" that has recently hit the streets. Along with her partner Hank (who is a Siren - yes, a male Siren) they go up against all sorts of bad guys to help protect the innocent. Not only was Charlie a fantastic heroine, but so were all the other characters. There are a slew of characters that were very well-written and I can only hope but to hear/read of again.

My only complaint would be that there was no romance in the whole story. I expected Charlie to have a love interest and, in a way she did, it just was not a man, it was her daughter. In the end, I found that refreshing - I liked that Charlie's world revolved around the love for her daughter.

This was a fantastic start to a series that leaves you feeling closure but anticipating the next installment. This was very well done and I highly recommend to lovers of urban fantasy.

This book was provided for review by Pocket Books.

A Blue and Gray Christmas by Joan Medlicott

Although a Blue & Gray Christmas is part of a series - I felt it was a wonderful stand-alone book... and one that is perfect for the holiday season.

It is a heartwarming story about three friends - Grace, Amelia and Hannah who discover a tin full of Civil War-era letters written between two soldiers - one from the North and one from the South. They were both injured during the war and were found lying wounded in a field by Miss Ella Mae. Ella Mae took both of them in and brought them up as her own sons - but upon reading the letters the friends are appalled that these two men never returned nor advised their families that they had survived the war. So the girls take it upon themselves to contact the living descendants of both soldiers and invite them for a Christmas gathering at their farmstead.

I really enjoyed Ms. Medlicott’s writing and her wonderful, lively characters. I especially loved reading the letters of the two soldiers that were so honest and heartfelt. This was a touching story about families coming together and celebrating not just the lives of these two soldiers but also celebrating the season.

This book was provided for review by Pocket Books.

When Autumn Leaves by Amy S. Foster

When Autumn, the town of Avening's resident witch, gets news that she must move away from her beloved town because of a promotion to a higher coven, she must find a way replace herself as town witch. But who in Avening is in tune enough with her own personal magic to take over this huge responsibility?

Autumn has a list of likely candidates for the position, but she takes it upon herself to put an add in the paper seeking an apprentice. She has a year to find a high witch and the women who will be part of her coven - but how can she get them to open their eyes and believe in the magic in their lives?

This was actually surprisingly really good. I was a little thrown off when I realized that each chapter was a (loosely related) short story. As some of you might know, I am not a fan of short stories and after recently reading Olive Kitteridge, which sadly was a massive fail for me, I honestly thought this would fall in that same category. But, to my endless surprise, this was really good. I felt that I could relate to each story and each character in one way or another.

Throughout the book we encounter many of the town's gifted and unusual residents... but in the end who will she choose? Will it be Ellie the invisible researcher - who thanks to a magical pair of shoes becomes the life of the party? Ana - a married woman who falls in love with another woman's husband? Stella - a healer who needs change in her life and can only do that by capturing lightning in a bottle? The letters continue to arrive and, as each applicant's story entwines with Autumn's, the suspense begins to grow as to who her successor will be.

I was initially intrigued by the title and the (oh, so pretty) cover. But the tales in this book were all heart-warming, touching and, on more than one occasion, brought a tear to my eye. Although magic plays a big part in this novel, the subject matter was anything but light. These were real women, with real, everyday problems - none were perfect, but each was endearing in her own way.

As a woman, I felt that this book called to me. These women were brave, strong, and I saw aspects of myself as well as of my family and friends in some, if not all, of the characters. This is a heart-warming debut of coming to terms with the magical things we take for granted every day - our friends, our community, and, most of all, ourselves.

All in all, this is an exceptionally imaginative story riddled with vivid and quirky characters - making it a delightfully magical escape. It is a charming, cozy and very enjoyable book that I highly recommend.

The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans

James Kier is a very powerful and wealthy real estate mogul. He has done everything possible to get to this status and has no qualms about the unscrupulous things he’s done to get there or who he’s crushed along the way to his rise to glory.

He's exactly where he wants to be in life - he has a young girlfriend, his business is doing well, he’s in the last stages of divorcing his wife - so what if he had her served with the divorce papers on her first day of chemo... or that his son won’t talk to him and basically hates him. More or less life is good - until he wakes up one morning and he finds that he is dead.

Well, that's what the paper says. Now Kier's first reaction is to sue the paper but he quickly decides to use his "death" to his advantage. As people he's known throughout his life talk about what a terrible person he was and how glad they are that he is dead, he begins to realize that his "perfect" life is not so wonderful after all. He makes a pact to try to change and embarks on a journey to apologize to the ones he's wronged - but he quickly realizes that's easier said than done.

The Christmas List is intentionally a lot like Charles Dickens' -A Christmas Carol. Kier had no cares for anyone or anything but himself, he made fun of people who were joyful that it was Christmas or who celebrated the holiday. He was mean and just downright despicable.... a regular old Scrooge. This is his story of forgiveness and redemption.

As with all Mr. Evans' books, this story is presented to you in a small little package - a pretty shiny cover and short chapters. And, same as his previous work, it was a page-turner - making it easy to just sit down for a good hour or so and just enjoy a good story, shed a tear or two, and in the end come out feeling that you want to be a better person. This is the third book I read by Mr. Evans and I can actually say they all keep getting better and better. I've also read Grace and The Christmas Box - which were outstanding as well.

This is an original twist on a timeless story - it is about love, loss, forgiveness, family, but mostly it is inspiring. A wonderful Christmas read.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story. [borrowed from GoodReads.com]

Although Fallen starts at a slow pace - the characters and its descriptions of the derelict reform school - will give you the feeling that you are walking down the halls with Luce, or hanging out at the cemetery or taking a stroll through the school grounds.

I will confess that what originally attracted me to this book was its stunning cover art. Because yes, I'm fickle like that. But the story was captivating and I really liked its unique and clever plot twists (which I personally didn't see coming).

Luce was very likeable, a bit naive and, I will confess that at times I found this frustrating since I was understanding things before she would. But nonetheless, I also felt that she needed protection and guidance. Daniel was dark, mysterious, and I think, by far, the most interesting character in this story. I mean the guy flipped her the bird at first sight. That alone was like "Wah?" I needed to know everything about him - who, what, when, where, why? He was very intriguing and although I wish he would have been nicer to Luce and they have had more time together - I truly get why there wasn't.

There are plenty of characters to love and hate in this novel - Arianne, Penn, Cam, and a couple of others. One other factor that I really enjoyed in the book - was the feeling that you never truly trusted anyone. Who was good? Who was bad? You were always questioning everyone's motives. Call me jaded - but I love the indecisive feeling of whether to like a character or not.

All in all, I really liked this. I thought Ms. Kate did a fantastic job keeping you in suspense the whole time. Nothing was revealed too early in the story and although the ending leaves many unanswered questions - it only leaves you anticipating the next book in the series - Torment.

Fallen has something for everyone. If you like your love stories with a dark, supernatural twist, then you should definitely pick this one up.

My Rating:

Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Anaximander, with the help of a tutor, has been studying in order to take the four-hour exam she must pass in order to become a member of The Academy. This book is mostly a transcript to her oral exam before a three judge panel.

I found Mr. Beckett's writing style unique as the whole story is told mostly through Anax's interview with The Academy elders and through several flashbacks. Through this interview we learn what has become of the world after wars and a deadly plague have ravaged the planet and its inhabitants. Behind the great sea fence, the people who reside on her island keep it safe by shooting any vessel that comes within sight. We also get a lot of detail on how their precious island came to be, the forefathers who had the knowledge to create their walled-in sanctuary, a man named Adam and how history was changed when a young woman named Eve washed ashore.

As you read Anax's story you quickly become immersed in the history of this post-apocalyptic world and you become just as intrigued by Adam and his interactions with a robot named Art. But Anax slowly begins to suspect that the history she knows so much of might not be as correct as she once thought... making you, as the reader, wonder if the truth will set her free.

I have become quite the fan of dystopian / post-apocalyptic novels recently. And,this is, by far, one of the best I've read. Although it's really a short read (only 208 pages), it is packed full of philosophical ideas - from living in the ideal society to what it is to be human. I was pretty awed that this would be considered YA fiction - since it is so philosophical, but do not let that stop you from reading it. This can definitely be a cross-over into adult fiction. Oh, and have I mentioned that surprise ending that I was caught totally unaware by and left with a big "O" on my mouth. Love when that happens! This one will definitely appeal to science fiction and philosophy lovers.

Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory

Lady Isobel Hume has been betrayed by the men in her life. Firstly, her father weds her to the highest bidder - a very old man whom luckily for her dies shortly after they are wed. Then before she can rejoice at the fact that she is finally out of her terrible marriage, she finds that her late husband has left all his fortune to someone else, leaving her with no choice other than to marry the man who now claims "her" lands or be at the mercy of their King. The King feels that Isobel can best be used to secure an allegiance to Normandy- and she chooses this rather than to succumb to her late husbands successor.

Once under the King's protection, Isobel is provided a chaperon and there she meets William and his younger brother Stephen. Sir Stephen Carleton is known for being a ladies man. But once Isobel crosses his path he is taken in by her beauty, charm and innocence. Isobel is also smitten with Stephen but they can't defy the King's wishes. Through some instances of major flirting, several heated encounters, and a few not-so innocent rendezvous' - their attraction for one another grows. Isobel has always done everyone else's bidding and she feels that it's time for her to have one thing before she moves on and marries the next man... and that is to be with Stephen. But when the seduction quickly escalates and what starts off as a fling becomes something much more - they find themselves in a tight spot, for a fling will never suffice for either of them.

I LOVED THIS STORY! And let me tell you, I really liked Ms. Mallory's first in the series, Knight of Desire - but I absolutely fell in LOVE with Knight of Pleasure. Call me a sucker for historical romance - but it was also so much more than that. Yes, the time frame the book is set in does play into my romantical notions... but Stephen and Isobel are just to die for.

Isobel is this tough girl who knows how to wield a sword and although she's always followed rules (her father's, her late husband's and now her King's), she is a rebel at heart. I loved this about her. She was proud, she was strong and she was courageous. Stephen is carefree and light-hearted, he has a great sense of humor and his flirting and seduction of Isobel were just a treat to read. He's deadly with a sword and protective of Isobel... yep, be still my heart... what more could you want in your hero, right?

This was just a beautifully written tale where you jump in and quickly become engrossed in the lives of these two characters. They are likeable, relateable and absolutely dreamy or, should I say, "steamy" together. I found myself rooting for them from the start. Ms. Mallory has once again done a fabulous job and has definitely recruited herself a devoted fan in me. I can't wait for the next one!

If you haven't already signed up for the giveaway, click here.

This book was provided for review by Hachette Book Group.

Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham

Melody Tarleton is driving home for Christmas when a man—clad in Revolutionary War-era costume—appears out of nowhere, right in the path of her car. Shaken, she takes in the injured stranger, listening with concern to Jake Mallory's fantastic claim that he's a Patriot soldier, sentenced to death by British authorities. The last thing he remembers is the tug of the noose.

Safe at her parents' house, Melody concocts a story to explain the handsome holiday guest with the courtly manners, strange clothes and nasty bump on the head. Mark, her close friend who wishes he were more, is skeptical and her family is fascinated—though not half so fascinated as Melody herself. Jake is passionate, charming and utterly unlike anyone she's ever met. Can he really be who he claims? And can a man from the distant past be the future she truly longs for?

With the aid of enchanted petals, ancient potions and the peculiar magic of the season, Melody and Jake embark on an unimaginable Christmas adventure—and discover a love that transcends time. [borrowed from GoodReads.com]

This was a light, Christmassy read - with great characters and an ending that leaves you feeling all warm and toasty inside. Exactly what a Christmas story should do.

All the characters were fun, witty and had their own distinct personalities that quickly wormed their way into your heart. Although Melody and Jake were the main characters, there were some supporting characters that were so fun. For one, Melody's parents and her brother were so funny. I loved her mother's love of the season and her open and inviting home (reminds me of my grandmother). Melody's brother was just a hoot. Although I did find Jake and Melody's relationship a bit on the lukewarm side, it was still a pleasure to read how it flourished. I also really liked how Ms. Graham acknowledged various Christmas beliefs - it was something she made mention of various times and I really enjoyed that.

This is the perfect book to read while snuggled under a blanket with a couple of hours on hand. It is a wonderful story that will definitely get you in that Christmassy mood.

Ciao Bella by Gina Buonaguro and Janice Kirk

For Graziella, the quiet, cultured life she lived in Venice with her musician husband, Ugo, was everything she could have hoped for. But when Italy allied itself with Nazi Germany in 1940, her world changed forever. Ugo, trading in his violin for a gun, joined the Resistance, while Graziella was forced to seek refuge at his family’s farm in the nearby Euganean Hills. “Just until the war is over,” Ugo had promised, but it has been months now since the Nazis retreated, and no one has seen him since.

With Ugo gone, it seems as if she will be trapped forever on this remote farm with her lost husband’s difficult family. So when an American soldier named Frank is stranded on the mountain, Graziella embraces this unexpected chance at being happy again. But as tempting as it is to leave behind this war-torn country and her painful memories for a new life in America, can she go without learning her husband’s fate? [borrowed from GoodReads.com]

Where to start with this one? I actually enjoyed it - although I did have a hard time getting into it at first. I found the beginning a bit slow and I was having a hard time memorizing the names and associating them with who they were and how they were associated with Graziella. Once I got past this though, I could not help but falling in love with this quirky Italian family. Graziella and Ugo's story is quite touching - they were in love and the war came between them. The love that grows between Frank and Graziella was done so well... in very short increments. It felt real, something that grew gradually, until it just was. It wasn't sporadic or something that caught you off guard. I really liked the "real-ness" feeling to it. I also loved reading about Italy and the effects the war had on its residents.

All in all, I was happy with this one. It leaves you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. With it's zany characters and wonderful writing - this is definitely one you won't want to miss out on.

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

Firstly I want to start by saying that I absolutely love and highly recommend Ms. Walls' The Glass Castle. I read this early last year and have loaned out my copy countless times - not to mention I even forced everyone at work to buy a copy for our book club, because yes, I was fascinated by this book and Ms. Walls' tale of coming-of-age, the skedaddle, home-made braces and the scrapes, bumps and bruises she went through to get there.

With that said, I could not wait to get my hands on Half Broke Horses. In this book we go further in time and are now reading about Ms. Walls' maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. The story takes you through Lily's childhood in the early 20th century, all through the desert, living in ranches, teaching at one-room school houses, to the Great Depression and World War II.

Although I will admit to it not being as phenomenal as I found The Glass Castle to be, Half Broke Horses was still very entertaining. It's the type of story that grabs you and the next time you stop to look up you're done with the it...there was never a dull moment.

Lily Casey Smith was an amazing, courageous woman - I'm so glad that Ms. Walls was able to create such a beautiful tribute to her. She mentions at the end of the book that these are stories she remembers hearing from, or of her grandmother, while growing up. She was able to piece them together and fill-in (where needed) with her own ideas - thus the story is labeled fiction.

I absolutely loved how the ending tied in to what we already knew of the Ms. Walls and her eccentric family from The Glass Castle. This was just a fun, light read that I would recommend to anyone who's read The Glass Castle or is a fan of Jeannette Walls.

Meridian by Amber Kizer

16 year-old Meridian Sozu is a Fenestra. She has always known she was different from the rest of the girls her age - for one, she has always been sickly, feeling ill and tired.. then there's her main problem, ever since she can remember - tiny animals (rodents, insects, etc.) have made their way around her... to die. Her parents and her younger brother have always gone out of their way to make her feel normal - but all that quickly changes when she witnesses a terrbile accident and unexplicably her body is wracked with pain.

Her parents quickly pack her up and send her off to live with her 106 year-old Auntie, in Revelation, CO, while they pick up all their belongings and try to make new lives for themselves. Leaving Meridian with instructions to never look back, that Auntie will explain everything and only the hope that one day they will meet again.

With the help of Auntie and her protector, Tens, Meridian discovers that she is a Fenestra - part-human, part-angel, who are born to assist souls into heaven. Yet she has very little time to learn exactly what she is, for Auntie, the town residents, and even Meridian herself, are all threatened by the presence of a sinister pastor who has transformed the idyllic town into a place of mistrust, intolerance and fanaticism.

I truly enjoyed this. I loved Meridian's innocence. She was such a likeable character. You felt for her and wanted to be there for her. Auntie, Tens and even their wolf friend, Custos - are all well developed and you quickly feel like part of their makeshift family. Tens has this dry sense of humor that I immediately felt drawn to and quickly brought a smile to my face. His witty banter back and forth with Meridian was a treat to read. This was a very unique story. It is dark and, it mostly revolves around death, but I thought Ms. Kizer did a fantastic job with it.

I will forewarn that it did start a bit slow for me, but about 50 or so pages in I became hooked and had a hard time putting it down. I thought it was well-written, evenly-paced and with a protagonist that you quickly fall for. Although I think Meridian could be a stand-alone novel, it seems a series might be in the works, not to mention the ending gives you the feel that there is more to come. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment.

The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship by Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel

Lilly and Val have been friends their whole lives.

Yet the story starts with an e-mail where you soon learn that they have not talked to each other in over two decades.

Although you are initially introduced to Val and Lilly in the 21st century, you quickly jump to their first letters and the start of their Recipe Club some thirty years earlier when they are young girls. Although the story is told in epistolary fashion - I found it quite unique and entertaining to read it this way. Through their letters and e-mails you learn of Valerie and Lilly's friendship, their parents, school and how each girl grows up to be the woman you first encounter at the beginning of the story. You are taken through a young girl's insecurities, to first sexual encounters, college, drugs, dreams of being famous, etc., and through it all there is a recipe that somehow coincides and goes perfectly with whatever situation or mood they are in.

I loved all the little details - from the doodling on the corners, to the different fonts, titles and colored papers used for the recipes. I love the signatures at the bottom of each letter (ValPal; Lillypad) - just by that you could tell how each girl was growing up as they slowly change throughout the course of the book.

I will forewarn that since it is basically a compilation of e-mails and letters, you are only privy to their lives as they write about it - you only get glimpses as to what happens between each letter, and that includes the times when the girls are together, unless they write about it you don't truly know what goes on. But in the end it really worked for me. I found it engrossing andI couldn't help but want to read more and more in order to get to the heart of their strife.

It is a heartwarming tale of two girls that you can only hope can overcome their differences and make it through stronger in the end. It is a story about friendship, love, loss, forgiveness and hope. This is feel-good chick-lit that I can definitely recommend.

This book was provided for review by FSB Associates.

Over the Holidays by Sandra Harper

The best holiday traditions are meant to be broken.

It's only December 1, and Vanessa Clayton has been dreading Christmas since she spotted tinseled trees at her local mall in September. Thankfully, she and her husband, JT, can't afford to drag their twin boys across the country to New England for the annual celebration at her stuffy sister-in-law Patience's home. Not that Vanessa has prepared a proper Christmas for her family in years, and she has less time than ever since she agreed to consult on the script of a local play. Her older sister, Thea, is no help -- she'd rather make art and flirt with surfers than babysit her nine-year-old nephews. Then Patience drops a holiday stress bomb: Her family will come to California instead.

In between "baking" cinnamon rolls for the school potluck and overbearing Patience testing her patience, Vanessa can't stop thinking about the difficult but charming playwright at work. Meanwhile, Patience's teenage daughter, Libby, obsesses over a college boy she has met by the pool, and Thea searches desperately for the meaning of Christmas -- for her latest installation, of course. As their holiday plans go comically awry, these four women discover the true spirit of the season is hidden in every festive surprise. [borrowed from GoodReads]

Three women, three different ideas for the perfect Christmas... and, of course, nothing going as planned. I thought each character - Vanessa, Patience, Thea - were well fleshed out and, although flawed, were fun to read about.

Patience had that Martha Stewart appeal to me. She wanted the perfect Christmas - I sympathized with her the most, because I myself get all stressed and worried about making everything absolutely perfect for the holidays (sans the snow since we're in South Florida). Vanessa was the most relateable though. She was the one dealing with her kids, job, stressing over money, impressing her sister-in-law and her family; all while trying to make their Christmas traditions as perfect as possible with everything that could go wrong, going wrong. Thea was just a free spirit with no cares - you just had to love her.

This was a fun, fluffy read. All sorts of holiday hoopla ensues. It had plenty of laugh out loud moments. Ms. Harper's writing was fun, young and hip. I will forewarn there was some cussing, but nothing that can't be overlooked. I really enjoyed this and though t it was the perfect read for this time of year. I guarantee there is at least one moment in this book that you can relate to. If you are a fan of chick lit with a fun holiday twist or just in the mood for a light, entertaining read, you won't want to miss out on this one.

This book was provided for review by Pocket Books.