Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan

Elle Drake is the youngest of the seven Drake sisters and we’ve known all along that Sheriff Jackson Deveau has been destined to love her. Still knowing that she is next in line to find love - since all her sisters have now paired up with their significant others - she is farther away from home and Jackson then ever. Elle is working as undercover agent and is involved with a very dangerous and powerful man. When Elle fails to arrive home, her disappearance leaves Jackson and those witchy sisters of hers no option but to find her and rescue her from an unseen danger. But Sea Haven is no longer safe for anyone, and it will take the powers of all the Drake sisters and their men to survive the oncoming storm.

This is the final book in the Drake Sisters series (one of my favorite CF series, I might add). You all know what a sucker I am for Christine Feehan’s books and although this wasn’t what I would consider her normal type of story - this was definitely a good closing for a fantastic series. Elle and Jackson were so needy of each other - their love was poignant and just a beautiful thing to read about. I loved that we finally get Jackson’s story - we’ve known all along that he had been held prisoner against his will and we finally get to see how that affected him and makes him the quiet, brooding man that he is today. Elle’s experience was just as heart-wrenching and unfathomable as his. They are kindred spirits who used those negative experiences to help heal and eventually make them a force to be reckoned with.

I will forewarn, this is not for the faint of heart - there are scenes of rape and torture and although these scenes were explicit in nature, I am glad Ms. Feehan did not gloss or sugar coat them. I did feel that Elle’s recovery to such severe trauma was quick and not very realistic - but in the end we must just take it as it is and come to the realization that it is romantic fiction.

To anyone picking this series up for the first time, I would recommend you start from the beginning with Sarah’s story - only because you come to love and cherish each sister independently.

With that said, I am sad that this series has finally come to an end - but I’ll keep my fingers crossed that there will be a new series featuring Ilya’s brothers (which might not be too far fetched since one of them did have a cameo in this story). I really enjoyed seeing where the other sisters were in their lives and, of course, those sexy men we’ve all fallen in love with along the way. This was dark and edgy - but also full of love, hope and forgiveness. A fantastic read and highly recommended to romance lovers.

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

So we all know what happened to the real Courtney... and if you don’t, check out my review here. But what happened to Jane Mansfield? Well, we get to find out in this parallel story to last year’s favorite - Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict.

Jane Mansfield, a gentleman’s daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney’s body in present day L.A. And although her apartment may be smaller than a dressing closet - she is enthralled by the lights that burn without candles, machines that wash bodies and clothes, and that ever entertaining glossy rectangle in which tiny people perform scenes from her favorite book - you guessed it, Pride & Prejudice. As Jane comes to terms with her new life she goes from one hilarious situation to the next... from meeting Courtney’s friends, job and the mess her love life (or lack thereof) is in.

Ms. Viera Rigler is one funny gal - there were parts where I found myself laughing out loud over. I found it uproariously funny that Jane/Courtney wakes up in this whole new world and ends up wearing a wedding gown - since it was the only suitable thing to wear... I mean just the thought of it still tickles me. The transition for Jane is much harder than it was for Courtney. Who in 1813 could envision all the technology we have and take for granted in our day to day lives in the 21st century? I enjoyed this just as much or even more than I did Confessions. I will suggest that you read Confessions first - only because you get to meet Courtney and get more inside information on who Jane is or was in 1813.

This was a fun, light read with plenty of laughs and a wonderful message. I certainly enjoyed it and recommend to all - not only Jane Austen lovers.

My special thanks to Laurie for getting this out to me so quickly - I was anxiously anticipating this sequel to one of my favorite reads from 2008 and she did not disappoint.

GIVEAWAY: I have 1 copy of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler to giveaway.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: There aren't any. This contest is open worldwide. Winners will be drawn Saturday, August 29.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey has never really been interested in any of the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. That is until the fateful day that she is switched biology partners and ends up sitting next to Patch. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But she is not too trusting of Patch - he seems to be everywhere she is, and to know things about her that not even her closest friends know. She’s torn on whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. But after a series of terrifying encounters, she tries to seek some answers but finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice might just cost her life.

Lately I feel as if I’m reading one good book after another. And this is definitely one of those good books. I picked it up and basically didn’t put it down until I finished it. That should say how captivated I was by this story.

Patch - although there is something shady about him - well, maybe that’s what I found so attractive about him....made me fall in love with him. He was such a bad boy/good guy - does that make sense? I mean the dynamics between him and Nora were something to relish. Nora - was also a fantastic heroine. She was strong-willed, smart, inquisitive - and I’ll tell you this was something I appreciated. I loved that she didn’t just see Patch and automatically fall madly in love. Their relationship had time to grow little by little as the story progressed. I felt excitement when they were united and I was intrigued by him. Vee - Nora’s BFF was hands down the funniest character in the book. She had these awesome one-liners that would crack me up. I loved the tension and the danger surrounding Patch and I loved the fact that who and what he was wasn’t given away right from the start. I don’t want to say much more to not give away any major plot points - but my recommendation would be to GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS at the first opportunity you have. It hits shevles in mid-October so mark your calendar. You will not be disappointed.

I know HUSH, HUSH isn’t even out yet, but I am already anxiously awaiting the next installment, CRESCENDO. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Giveaway: The Blue Star and The Lost Dog

Seven years ago, readers everywhere fell in love with Jim Glass, the precocious ten-year-old at the heart of Tony Earley's bestseller Jim the Boy. Now a teenager, Jim returns in another tender and wise story of young love on the eve of World War Two. Jim Glass has fallen in love, as only a teenage boy can fall in love, with his classmate Chrissie Steppe. Unfortunately, Chrissie is Bucky Bucklaw's girlfriend, and Bucky has joined the Navy on the eve of war. Jim vows to win Chrissie's heart in his absence, but the war makes high school less than a safe haven, and gives a young man's emotions a grown man's gravity. With the uncanny insight into the well-intentioned heart that made Jim the Boy a favorite novel for thousands of readers, Tony Earley has fashioned another nuanced and unforgettable portrait of America in another time--making it again even realer than our own day. This is a timeless and moving story of discovery, loss and growing up, proving why Tony Earley's writing "radiates with a largeness of heart".

Tom Loxley, an Indian-Australian professor, is less concerned with finishing his book on Henry James than with finding his dog, who is lost in the Australian bush.

Joining his daily hunt is Nelly Zhang, an artist whose husband disappeared mysteriously years before Tom met her. Although Nelly helps him search for his beloved pet, Tom isn't sure if he should trust this new friend.

Tom has preoccupations other than his book and Nelly and his missing dog, mainly concerning his mother, who is suffering from the various indignities of old age. He is constantly drawn from the cerebral to the primitive--by his mother's infirmities, as well as by Nelly's attractions. THE LOST DOG makes brilliant use of the conventions of suspense and atmosphere while leading us to see anew the ever-present conflicts between our bodies and our minds, the present and the past, the primal and the civilized.

I have 5 copies of each to giveaway!

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, extra entries for twitting about contest or sidebar posts, etc. I will also be giving extra entries to those who come by and comment on weekly book review posts. So the more comments the more entries.

Rules: Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available to residents of the US and Canada. No P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn this Friday, August 28.

The Calling by David Mack

Tom Nash might seem like a normal average guy from Sawyer, Pennsylvania. He’s a jack-of-all-trades with a knack for fixing things. But beneath all that, Tom is anything but ordinary - he hears people’s prayers. And more odd than that, he answers them. Maybe it's because he's a handyman, but Tom feels compelled to fix people's problems. Which is all well and good - until the soul-shattering plea of a terrified girl sends him on the darkest journey of his life....

Please God - don’t let them kill me.

Those seven words turn Tom’s world upside down. He departs from home and heads out to New York City where he is immersed in a world full of angels and demons and a never-ending battle between good and evil. There he meets a saucy, Latina named Erin who more or less gives him a quick lesson on what he is - one of The Called. He was born with a divine purpose for a reason - to help the powers of Heaven in the war against the agents of Hell (otherwise known as the Scorned). It is up to Tom to find the girl who prayed for his help -- because her fate will determine whether humanity deserves to be saved, or damned for all eternity.

Doesn’t that just sound fantastic?! I know the description totally hooked me and boy was I in for a treat. Firstly, Tom was a great character - he was very down to Earth, loves his wife (I really like that in a man), yet is in a position where he has a calling to help other people. He does this and does it well. And although, his wife is very supportive of this, he knows that she is not all that happy with him when he leaves her several weeks before their baby is due. On his mission, he meets Erin (which may be because I'm Latina myself) but I loved her. She was saucy, funny and was a major kick a$s character. We are kept at the edge of our seat as Tom and Erin head from one dangerous situation to the next and all while trying to get the next clue that will bring them closer to the missing girl - Phaedra.

I found the storyline to be very engaging - it was a cross between the tv show Heroes and the movie Constantine which created its very own unique blend. Full of twists and turns that kept you guessing and helped the pages turn quite easily. I can envision this becoming a series and I would definitely love to read more of Tom Nash. I can't help it, I have a thing for men with special powers. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, good writing and powerful characters.

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 8/10/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:

- Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick [review]
- Mr. Darcy, Vampyre - Amanda Grange [review]
- Evermore - Alyson Noel [review]
- Blue Moon - Alyson Noel [review]
- Homer's Odyssey - Gwen Cooper [review]
- The Calling - David Mack [review]

I reviewed the following:

- Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story - Carolyn Turgeon [review]
- Seduce Me - Robyn DeHart [review]
- Benny & Shrimp - Katarina Mazetti [review]

What are you reading this week?