It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 26, 2010

It's Monday, What are you reading is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.


It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.


I had a pretty good reading week this week. And I had time to go visit two different casinos. It was a really nice week.


These are the books I read and reviewed last week:

I hauled out my Kindle and immersed myself in the world of Shelly Laurenston's shifters. These are both erotic and funny.

The Mane Event - contains two short novels. The first is a romance between a lion shifter and a normal human. They knew each other as kids but now they have reconnected. The second is a romance between a lion shifter and a wolf shifter. Talk about "men are from Mars, women are from Venus". These people are different species.

The Beast in Him - Bobbie Ray Smith, a wolf shifter, left pretty little Jessie Ward behind when he joined the Navy. When he gets out he runs into her in New York. She is now the confident Alpha of her pack of wild African dogs and not the picked on victim she was as a child. The attraction between them rekindles but Jessie is going to make Bobbie Ray really work to win her this time.

The Mane Attraction - Sissy Mae and Mitch are best friends but when lion Mitch is the target of a killer wolf Sissy Mae takes him home with her to Tennessee to keep him safe. There they discover that best friends can fall in love. Of course, they also have to deal with Pack politics and the killer. This is another sexy shifter romance.

Beast Behaving Badly - Blayne is a hybrid - a wolfdog. She is also everybody's friend and determined to help everybody. Bo is also a hybrid - a polar bear-lion - and he doesn't think he needs help. He is OCD, lives by his schedule and time; she is random, messy, and easily distracted. She is also chronically late and can never follow a schedule. She is also the target of the full humans who are collecting hybrids for fight clubs. They fall in love. This was the funniest of the series.

The Mane Squeeze - Gwen has come to New York to start her own business and get away from her mother's circle of influence. However, she still has to deal with her two large overprotective brothers. She is a hybrid - a tigon - and not accepted in her mother's pride. She meets a grizzly named Lock and they fall in love. The story also has roller derby which is a whole different sport when played by shifters!

Then I set my Kindle aside and grabbed a couple of the books that I am reading for the 2010 YA Debut Author Challenge. These will be donated to my HS Media Center when school resumes this fall.

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus - This is a boarding school paranormal. Phe comes to the school because her dead sister was planning to go. She wants to find out why both she and her sister are plagued with disturbing dreams. She meets a boy and finds out that things are odd in Shadow Hills. She gets involved when she overhears some things and starts investigating. Good debut!

The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride - This book is about a child abduction from the perspective of the best friend who was left behind. Tessa was the shy, quiet one; Noelle was the bolder. But Noelle was snatched just before 8th grade. Tessa put her life on hold and concentrated on her photography. But now Noelle is back. She is greatly changed and Tessa wants to help but doesn't know how. Tessa is also conflicted because she has her first boyfriend and is torn between the needs of her best friend and the new relationship. Good story!

I am currently reading:

Cast in Chaos by Michelle Sagara - Kaylin Neya is a Hawk, part of the elite force tasked with keeping the City of Elantra safe. Her past is dark, her magic uncontrolled and her allies unpredictable. And nothing has prepared her for what is coming, when the charlatans on Elani Street suddenly grow powerful, the Oracles are thrown into an uproar and the skies rain blood….


The powerful of Elantra believe that the mysterious markings on Kaylin's skin hold the answer, and they are not averse to using her—how ever they have to—in order to discover what it is.


Something is coming, breaking through the barriers between the worlds. But is it a threat that Kaylin needs to defend her city against—or has she been chosen for another reason entirely?


What's up for this coming week?


I don't want to get locked in (in case something exciting arrives in the mail) but these are near the top of the TBR stack.


These YAs:

Sisters Red by Jackson Pierce

Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James

These Adult books:

Dark and Stormy Knights edited by P. N. Elrod

Dark Embers by Tessa Adams

The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King

Those are my plans. What was your week like?

Got Books? Event! Contest Winners

Wow! I was so overwhelmed by the number of entries into my Got Book? Event Contest that I decided to pick two winners. I had 188 entrants into the contest. 


Both winners chose to receive a copy of Discord's Apple by Carrie Vaughn. I know that I enjoyed the book very much and hope that they do too.

Congratulations to:

and

I have emailed both Breanne and Crystal to get their mailing addresses. Discord's Apple will be on the way to them as soon as they reply.

In My Mailbox (July 25, 2010)

The weekly In My Mailbox post is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is fun to see what everyone else gets in their mailboxes, shopping bags, and library visits. Click on the link to The Story Siren's site to see the rules and join in the fun.

 

I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow when you see all the cool books everyone gets. You will discover lots of wonderful blogs and lots of books that you won't be able to live without.

Here is what appeared in my mailbox this week.

I got Cast in Chaos by Michelle Sagara. This is the book 6 in the Chronicles of Elantra series. I am an avid follower of the series and am eager to see what is next for Kaylin Neya as she learns more about the mysterious tattoos on her skin.

Black Magic by Cherry Adair has been getting good reviews and lots of attention on the blogs I read. I decided to jump on the bandwagon and see what the fuss is all about. It does sound like a really good paranormal romance.

Dark and Stormy Knights is an anthology. I am not a big fan of short stories but I am a big fan of Ilona Andrews, Carrie Vaughn, and Jim Butcher and hate to miss anything they write.

These were recommended by other bloggers and they convinced me that I should give them a try.

Lori at Lori's Reading Corner was talking about cozy culinary mysteries and highly recommended the A Gourmet Girl Mystery series. I read her post which included descriptions by the authors of how they came to write the books. I liked there writing styles and decided to give Steamed a try. I bought it for my Kindle.

Sheila at Book Journey has been pulling out her old reading journals and looking at what she read before she began blogging. She spotlighted A Skeleton on God's Closet as a memorable read. One of the reviews says: "a fascinating novel of archaeological adventure. The evidence seems incontestable: bones unearthed in an Israeli tomb are those of Jesus of Nazareth. But which is the hoax . . . the archaeological find or the Resurrection itself?." It sounded interesting and the hardcover was available form Amazon Marketplace for less then $4.00. I see that the paperback is bargain priced for $6.00 now too.

That is all I bought but I also got some books that I won this week.

I won autographed copies of the first four book in the Dark Days series by Jocelynn Drake as part of the Once Upon a Read-a-thon. Angel from Reading Angel sent them to me. I already had the first one buried somewhere in my TBR stack but was glad to get all four - Nightwalker, Dayhunter, Dawnbreaker, and Pray for Dawn.

That was my bulging mailbox. What did you get in yours?

Got Books? Contest ***CLOSED***

I am so pleased to be taking part in the first ever Got Books? Event! You can find out more about the event and see who is participating here and here is a brief description of the event:

So what is it all about?

This is a celebration about books, but more so for the bloggers that help tell the world about them. Where did you find out about your latest read? The store...a website...the publisher...how about a book blog? Chances are if you are online or have a book blog yourself, some of your future reads came from your fellow bloggers. Whether given a glowing review or something a bit more critical, the post drew your attention and made you want to find out more. This event is to celebrate book bloggers round the world by shining a light on their efforts, spreading the word about their sites for future follows on your reading rounds, and have a little contest fun along the way!

For my part I would like to offer the winner of my contest their choice of one of the two best books I have read this summer.

The Search by Nora Roberts -- Most readers of romance or romantic suspense are familiar with this author. I thought this was an excellent example of her style.

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life-a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescues. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare...

Several years ago, Fiona was the only survivor of the Red Scarf serial killer, who shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. But all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He's the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon's house, and he's at his wit's end.

To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can't handle. Simon, however, is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he's a rugged and in-tensely private artist, known for the exquisite furniture he creates from wood. Simon never wanted a puppy-and he most definitely doesn't want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to his hormones.

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona's life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands...

Discord's Apple by Carrie Vaughn -- This is an excellent stand-alone novel from the author of the Kitty books or Voices of Dragons (her recent YA Debut).

When Evie Walker goes home to spend time with her dying father, she discovers that his creaky old house in Hope’s Fort, Colorado, is not the only legacy she stands to inherit. Hidden behind the old basement door is a secret and magical storeroom, a place where wondrous treasures from myth and legend are kept safe until they are needed again. The magic of the storeroom prevents access to any who are not intended to use the items. But just because it has never been done does not mean it cannot be done.

And there are certainly those who will give anything to find a way in.

Evie must guard the storeroom against ancient and malicious forces, protecting the past and the future even as the present unravels around them. Old heroes and notorious villains alike will rise to fight on her side or to undermine her most desperate gambits. At stake is the fate of the world, and the prevention of nothing less than the apocalypse. 

Contest Rules:

1. Entrants must be at least 13 years old
2. Entrants must live where The Book Depository ships
3. Entrants must fill out the form. (Following my blog is not required but would be appreciated.)
4. Winner will be chosen using Random.org
5. Contest ends at midnight CDT July 24

Good luck and thanks for visiting Inside of a Dog!

Mini Reviews: The Mane Squeeze & Beast Behaving Badly by Shelly Laurenston

The Mane Squeeze
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Publication: BRAVA; Original edition (October 27, 2009)


Description: Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O'Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and...uh...well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan 'Lock' MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, protects her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don't believe in forever. 


At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming and running away. Gwen - half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass - does neither. She's sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she's born protector. Watching out for the family and friends closest to her but missing the fact that she's being stalked by a murderous enemy who doesn't like hybrids...and absolutely hates Gwen. Lock probably shouldn't get involved, but he will. Why? Because this is Gwen - and no matter what the hissing, roaring, drape destroying feline says about not being ready to settle down, Lock knows he can't simply walk away. Not when she's come to mean absolutely everything to him.

Beast Behaving Badly
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Publication: Kensington Books (June 1, 2010)


Description: Some men just have more to offer. Like Bo Novikov, the hard-muscled shape-shifter hero of this wildly funny, deeply sexy new novel from Shelly Laurenston--part polar bear, part lion, pure alpha. . .


Ten years after Blayne Thorpe first encountered Bo Novikov, she still can't get the smooth-talking shifter out of her head. Now he's shadowing her in New York--all seven-plus feet of him--determined to protect her from stalkers who want to use her in shifter dogfights. Even if he has to drag her off to an isolated Maine town where the only neighbors are other bears almost as crazy as he is. . .


Let sleeping dogs lie. Bo knows it's good advice, but he can't leave Blayne be. Blame it on her sweet sexiness--or his hunch that there's more to this little wolfdog than meets the eye. Blayne has depths he hasn't yet begun to fathom--much as he'd like to. She may insist Bo's nothing but a pain in her delectable behind, but polar bears have patience in spades. Soon she'll realize how good they can be together. And when she does, animal instinct tells him it'll be worth the wait. . .


Quote:


Our heroine has run into the bathroom to escape our hero because she is convinced he is a serial killer (with no evidence at all) or someone else hazardous to her heart.

Blayne waited a bit longer, and having absolutely no patience to speak of, slowly crept closer to the door. She was only a few inches away when the door was ripped off its hinges and placed aside by the brute who'd done it.


Blayne squealed and stumbled back as Novikov stepped into the bathroom. Glaring down at her, he said, "Now we can talk."

My Thoughts: These were both great additions to the series. Both deal with hybrid female main characters who are best friends. 


Gwen is the younger sister of Mitch Shaw who is overly protective. She moves to New York from Philly to be independent and to form a plumbing company with her best friend Blayne. She meets Lock who is a grizzly and they fall in love. Her family problems including an embarrassing mother and overly protective brothers form a big part of the story. There is also the shifter version of roller derby!


Blayne's romance with polar bear-lion shifter Bo Novikov was the funniest of the series. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. Blayne is a wolfdog who is everybody's friend. She has a huge heart and wants everyone to be happy. She is also messy, has no sense of time and is easily distracted. Bo is an OCD professional hockey player who is cleans and organizes when stressed and who makes and keeps schedules and lives his life timed to the minute.


The main problem is this story is a ring of full humans who are kidnapping hybrids to fight in some sort of fight club. Blayne has been targeted and her friends have her watched but they don't tell her. The greatly underestimate her intelligence and ability to take care of herself. Naturally when she finds out she is both hurt and angry. However, she does surprise her friends with her abilities.


These were entertaining and funny erotic romances. I recommend the series for lovers of shifter romances. 


Shelly Laurenston has written many books. You can check out her body of work here.


Challenges: E-Book Reading Challenge, Paranormal Reading Challenge, RYOB Reading Challenge

Mini Reviews: The Beast in Him & The Mane Attraction by Shelly Laurenston

The Beast in Him
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Publication: Brava (April 1, 2008)


Description: In The Mane Event, Shelly Laurenston introduced a whole new breed of heroes sexy, shape-shifting hunks who redefine the term Alpha male. Now, in THE BEAST IN HIM, one gorgeous lone wolf is about to meet his match Some things are so worth waiting for. Like the moment when Jessica Ward accidentally bumps into Bobby Ray Smith and shows him just how far she come since high school. Back then, Jess gangly limbs and bruised heart turned to jelly any time Smitty's "all the better to ravish you with body" came near her. So, some things haven't changed. Except now Jess is a success on her own terms. And she can enjoy a romp or twenty with a big, bad wolf and walk away. Easy. The sexy, polished CEO who hires Smitty's security firm might be a million miles from the lovable geek he knew, but her kiss, her touch, is every bit as hot as he imagined. Jess was never the kind to ask for help, and she doesn't want it now, not even with someone targeting her Pack. But Smittys not going to turn tail and run.

The Mane Attraction
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Publication: Kensington (November 1, 2008)


Description: Ready for something wild? Shelly Laurenston's sensual, shape-shifting heroes are definitely a breed apart. But even the king of the beasts can find himself unexpectedly tamed by the right woman...Weddings have the strangest effect on people. How else to explain the fact that Sissy Mae Smith woke up in Mitch Shaw's bed the morning after her brother Bobby Ray tied the knot? Or that gunmen are trying to kill Mitch, and Sissy Mae now has to escort a bleeding, stubborn, yet still incredibly sexy lion shifter to her Tennessee Pack's turf to keep him safe? It doesn't help that Mitch's appraising gaze makes her feel like the most desirable creature on earth, or that the ultimate stray cat is suddenly acting all kinds of possessive...Mitch is an undercover cop who's about to testify against some dangerous ex-associates. Even more worrisome, he's harboring hot, X-rated fantasies about the fast-talking little canine -- and he has to deal with every male in Sissy Mae's Pack sniffing around her in a way that makes his hackles rise. Mitch has his pride, and he intends to show Sissy Mae that when a lion sets out to make you his mate, the only thing to do is purr, roll over, and enjoy one hell of a ride...


My Thoughts: These were both fun, sexy romances. Jessie Ann had a major crush on Bobbie Ray when they were kids. Bobbie Ray was her protector. But when he left for the Navy, she grew up. Now she is a strong confident Alpha and Bobbie Ray is going to have to work before they will have a relationship. Added to the mix is the he is a wolf and she is a wild dog. They react very differently to stress. Jessie Ann is used to running away or climbing trees when stressed. There are lots of cute moments in this romance.


Sissy Mae is an Alpha wolf who doesn't take any nonsense from men. She is the original love 'em and leave 'em kind of girl. Mitch is a lion who doesn't want any part of a Pride. He is determined to go his own way. But they become best friends because they have the same sense of humor. When Mitch is in danger Sissy Mae takes him back home to Tennessee and they find out that best friends make the best lovers. Again, there was lots of humor and lots about Pack policies.


Both books are recommended for those who like sexy shifter stories. You can learn about more books by Shelly Laurenston here. 


Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge, E-Book Reading Challenge, Bottoms Up Reading Challenge, Paranormal Reading Challenge

Review: The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston

The Mane Event
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Publication: Kensington Books; Reprint edition (October 1, 2009)


Description: Mace Llewellyn. Brendon Shaw. Two tall, gorgeous, sexy alpha heroes who are 100% male--with a little something extra. Lion-shifters, to be exact, who can unleash every woman's animal side and still look good--make that spectacular--in a suit. . .and even better out of it. . .


NYPD cop Desiree "Dez" MacDermot knows she's changed a lot since she palled around with her childhood buddy, Mace. But it's fair to say that Mace has changed even more. It isn't just those too-sexy gold eyes, or the six-four, built-like-a-Navy Seal body. It's something in the way he sniffs her neck and purrs, making her entire body tingle. . . Meanwhile, for Tennessean Ronnie Lee Reed, New York City is the place where any girl--even one who runs with a Pack--can redefine herself. First order of business: find a mate, settle down, and stop using men for sex. Even big, gorgeous, lion shifter men like Brendon Shaw. But she needn't worry, because now that Brendon's set his sights on her, the predator in him is ready to pounce and never let go. . .


My Thoughts: This book contained two short novels. Both were humorous and erotic about two unlikely couples. In the first story, Mace comes out of the Navy and reconnects with the human girl who has intrigued him since he was 14. She, however, is less than interested because she was hurt that he never contacted her after she moved. She is a dog lover; her is a cat (well, lion but close enough for her.) It was a light, funny romance.


The second story is about a shifter-shifter romance. Only Ronnie is a werewolf and Brendon is a were lion and cats and dogs don't normally get along. I like the banter and the relationship between the characters. I also liked that the characters manifested some of the characteristics of the animals the shifted into. 


If you are looking for a light, erotic paranormal, these are for you.


Favorite Quote:


(Our heroine Dez is speaking to her lion-shifter lover and is just a little irked with him.)

She raised herself up on her elbows. her anger making her smell amazing. "Dogs are loyal. They're intuitive. They drag people out of burning buildings. With cats you just hope they don't kill you in your sleep."

There are more books in the series too. Check out Shelly Laurenston's page at Fantastic Fiction to see all of her books.

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge, E-Book Reading Challenge, Bottoms Up Reading Challenge, Paranormal Reading Challenge