Kainani's Readz

Bitten by Books » Jessica Andersen Guest Blog, Chat and Contest LIVE Here!

2010-04-07T12:11:00.000-10:00

My Favorite Reads for January

2010-02-16T11:18:00.000-10:00

Sorry I’m late in posting my favorite picks from my January Readz. I had 11 reads and there were two that stood out. Here they are:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Summary:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she 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 will cost her life.

My thoughts: I’ll admit that I’m not one for young adult romance. I read the Twilight series and for me the series was okay but not WOW. So I put reading YA books on the back burner. But it was the cover that drew my attention to this book. So I gave the book a try and I am very happy I did.

The book did not disappoint. I loved how Patch was so mysterious. All the characters were great. I thoroughly loved the plot. The plot had me guessing all the way up to the end on Patch’s true identity. There were clues and hunches while reading but everything is really confirmed towards the end. Also right up to the end, I trying to figure out who really was the villain. I love when a book does that. I was sucked in from the beginning and I could not put the book down. I can’t wait for the sequel. And after reading this book, I’m now looking forward to trying other young adult authors again.

My rating: 5 out 5 stars

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

Summary:
In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life…

She’s a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure—but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his desire to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable—and let Tayla possess him, body and soul…

My thoughts: I’ve completed reading the 1^st three books in the series. I’ve read the books out of order but after reading all three, this is my favorite thus far. I really enjoyed the world and the plotline. The concept of a demon hospital was very creative and believable. I really fell in love with Eidolon. Tayla grew on me. I liked seeing how she comes to realize everything isn’t as black and white as she thought it was. The book is a page-turner with lots of action, adventure and hot steamy romance scenes.

I highly recommend the series. The fourth book in the series, Ecstasy Unveiled was just released on January 26^th. I can’t wait to read it.

My rating: 5 out 5 stars

My Favorite Reads for December

2010-01-05T11:56:00.001-10:00

I read a lot of books in December and there are two book's that stood out. First was Jane Porter's Duty, Desire and the Desert Prince and second was Sherrilyn Kenyon's Born of Night.

Duty, Desire and the Desert King by Jane Porter

Summary:
As the black sheep of the Fehrs, a powerful desert family, middle son Zayed has sworn off love and marriage. This playboy prince is happiest when cruising the casinos of Monte Carlo. But then family tragedy leaves him the heir to his kingdom's throne. Custom dictates that a wife must be seated beside him, and he's got just the bride in mind….

Rou Tournell is a feisty, independent woman—and if she won't marry Zayed for duty, maybe desire will help persuade her….

My thoughts: This was my first time reading a Jane Porter book and it was also my first time reading a Harlequin Presents book. The 3rd of the Sheikh books, this book can be read as a stand alone. I was able to keep up with the storyline and didn't even realize that there were previous books. The book was a fast read and very heart warming and delightful story. When the couple is together all their insecurities diminish and their love for one another shines bright. However, duties call and they are separated only to have fate bring them back together in a warm and heartfelt surprise.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Born of Night by Sherriyn Kenyon

Summary:
In the Ichidian Universe, The League and their ruthless assassins rule all. Expertly trained and highly valued, the League Assassins are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption . . .

Command Assassin Nykyrian Quikiades once turned his back on the League—and has been hunted by them ever since. Though many have tried, none can kill him or stop him from completing his current mission: to protect Kiara Zamir, a woman whose father’s political alliance has made her a target.

As her world becomes even deadlier, Kiara must entrust her life to the same kind of beast who once killed her mother and left her for dead. Old enemies and new threaten them both and the only way they can survive is to overcome their suspicions and learn to trust in the very ones who threaten them the most: each other.

My thoughts: Wow, this book sucked me in. I couldn't put it down. It was an action packed romance novel with a sci-fi flare. The universe Ms. Kenyon creates is not a difficult one to follow. The romance between Nykyrian and Kiara is beautiful and tender. A great and heartwarming ending. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

December 20th Book Gathering with Authors Jane Poter & Cherry Adair. Location: Aina Haina, Hawaii

2009-12-28T17:48:00.000-10:00

Thanks to Kellie Chang for putting on such an awesome gathering. It was nice to meet new people with similar interests. A big mahalo to authors Jane Porter & Cherry Adair for taking time out of their busy schedule and spending it with us. A special thanks to Jane for inviting us into your home.

Also thanks to all the other authors who contibuted to Kellie's event: Jessica Andersen, Kate Douglas, Jennifer Haymore, Sabrina Jeffries, Rosemary Laurey, Kim Lenox, Melissa Mayhue, Nalini Singh & Beth Williamson. I wish I could name them all but there are just so many. Thank you, we had a blast. Happy reading to everyone!

Kellie's Reading Gang with Authors Jane Porter & Cherry Adair

Kainani, Cherry Adair & Chas.

Kainani & Jane Porter

Chas & Kainani

Curl up with a Book and a Nook! Contest

2009-12-28T13:20:00.001-10:00

Updated my blog

2009-10-29T12:41:00.000-10:00

Well it's been almost 2 months since I updated my blog. I finally did it. I've updated my Readz lists to the left & posted new books to my in box. I've been having problems with the comment section. So I'm sorry if you can't leave me a comment. I hope to fix it a little later. I haven't had time to write any reviews. I hope to get to that latter. For now enjoy the pictures. Mahalo

My In Box:

2009-10-29T12:04:00.000-10:00

These two are my most current purchases from Amazon & B&N:

These are my August & September Contest Wins:

These two books were given to me from my sister-in-law. These are new authors to add to my TBR list:

I've finally signed up and started using PaperBackSwap.com
and these are the books I received:

New To My Shelf:

2009-09-09T10:22:00.001-10:00

These two books are recent contest wins. Thanks to Joy Nash & Something Wicked:

Annette McCleave from Borders and Larissa Ione from B&N are new authors for me. Can't wait to start these two series:

These books are from Borders and are continuing series I have to finish reading:

These books are from B&N. As you can see, I need to catch-up on series I haven't quite finished yet:

My Review: The Kitchen Witch (Accidental Witch Trilogy, Bk 1) by Annette Blair - 3.75 stars

2009-09-09T09:41:00.000-10:00

Don't let the title fool you. This read more like a plain or contemporary romance story. There are no real witches or magic in this book. It was a slow read for me. However, it was a cute tale and I don't regret reading it. I will eventually read the rest of the trilogy.

My Review: Dark Immortal (The Immortal Series, Bk 3) by J.K. Coi - 4.0 stars

2009-09-09T09:37:00.000-10:00

My first book by J.K. Coi. and I liked it. The book was pretty easy to follow considering I had not read any of the early books in this series. I didn't expect things to turn out the way they did. I enjoyed the secondary plot with Karnage and Emma more than the main characters, Alric and Diana. Dark Immortal is emotional, thrilling, sexy, and a page-turner. I'll for sure be reading the first two books and can't wait her next book in the series.

Lucky in Love Give Away - Ends 9/30/09

2009-09-08T08:48:00.000-10:00

Blurb from Goodreads:

When hunky rancher "Lucky Beau" Luckadeau accuses spitfire Milli Torres of stealing his prize bull, she promptly shoots at him, triggering a feud that only gets resolved when they discover they share a steamy hot memory from a night long ago…

It was a night of passion that has always haunted Lucky. The mysterious beauty he seduced at a cousin's wedding disappeared. He's always been lucky at cards, lucky with cattle, and lucky with land, but he's never been lucky in love.

Now Milli Torres has come to southern Oklahoma to help out on her grandfather's ranch. A cut fence and a big, mean Angus bull in the pasture are bad enough, but then she looks up and sees Beau Luckadeau. Great God Almighty, how did he get from Louisiana to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and what in the hell is she going to do if he recognizes her?

Peeking Between the Pages gives away Mr. Darcy, Vampyre (ends 9/5)

2009-08-31T11:00:00.000-10:00

August Giveaway: Dreamfever or Covet! Hurry Ends today 8/31/09. Click here!

2009-08-31T10:30:00.001-10:00

Megan Hart's Pleasure and Purpose Book Trailer

2009-08-31T09:53:00.000-10:00

Demonica

2009-08-25T16:11:00.001-10:00

Today Interview & Contest with Annette McCleave on SciFiGuy.ca

2009-08-24T22:20:00.000-10:00

Excerpt:

“I promise not to take more than five minutes of his time.” Drusus smiled again, deeper and longer this time, diving through the protective layers of her conscious mind. Devout believers could not be possessed, but they could be influenced. All it took was a firm, gentle touch.

The nun’s shoulders eased and she beckoned him farther inside. “Can’t see the harm in that. Come, I’ll show you to his room.”

He followed her up the stairs, flinching as he narrowly avoided bumping his shoulder on a large wooden crucifix on the wall. The scent of lemons was harsh now, burning his nostrils, clawing at his skin, but he pushed on. Everything worth having demanded a high price. And he was close to his prize; he could sense the faint undercurrent of the relic’s power.

The old nun smiled shyly at him as she waved him into the sparsely furnished bedroom at the end of the hall. Feeling magnanimous, he returned her smile.

Then he faced the priest.

Like the other Protectors he’d encountered over the years, this one recognized him immediately, despite the intricate human veneer he’d adopted for the occasion. Something in the eyes, perhaps. No matter, it simplified his task. He shut the door.

“Let’s get to the point, shall we? The Linen, if you will.”

“You’re too late,” the priest responded. “It’s gone.”

The words snatched the breath from his lungs, their meaning instantly clear: Although there’d been nothing but confusion in his eyes last night, at some point MacGregor had experienced an epiphany. He’d stolen the Linen. Again. “When did he come?”

The rosary in the priest’s hands slid from one bead to the next as he prayed, silently weaving a powerful shield. “Just after lunch.”

Click on the picture above to be linked to SciFiGuy.ca. Also check out Annette's website for her blog tour dates.

Interview & Contest with Elizabeth Leiknes

2009-08-24T21:29:00.000-10:00

Interview & Contest with Elizabeth Leiknes on patricias-vampire-notes.blogspot.com. Ends August 27, 2008!

Contest: The Calling by David Mack

2009-08-22T20:54:00.000-10:00

Contest: The Calling by David Mack - Ends August 31, 2009

BLURB:

HEAR THE CALLING.

No one would guess by looking at Tom Nash that he's extraordinary, and that's just fine with him. A tall, broad-shouldered jack-of-all-trades from Sawyer, Pennsylvania, Tom has a knack for fixing things. He also hides a secret talent: he hears people's prayers. Stranger still, 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…

SEEK THE TRUTH.
Heeding the call and leaving his home for New York City, Tom discovers a secret world beyond the range of mortal perception — a world of angels and demons and those who serve them. With the guidance of a knowing stranger named Erin, Tom learns that he himself is one of The Called, born with a divine purpose and a daunting task: to help the powers of Heaven in the war against the agents of Hell, an army of fallen angels known as the Scorned. Thrust into an epic battle of the sacred and the profane, Tom Nash must find the girl who prayed for his help — because her fate will determine whether humanity deserves to be saved, or damned for all eternity…

Watch the movie trailer of The Wolfman in theaters February 12th 2010

2009-08-22T13:13:00.000-10:00

Starring Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt & Hugo Weaving

TheWolfmanMovie.com

Intertwined Sweepstakes

2009-08-21T09:02:00.001-10:00

My Review: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

2009-08-20T10:43:00.000-10:00

This story was funny, a little suspenseful, sad and romantic. The devotion between Henry and Claire is constant and enduring. I liked that they were flawed characters. We see two people struggling to maintain some kind of normalcy. They have disagreements & misunderstandings but remain committed to one another. It’s just amazing how the author intricately sequenced everything. Plainly put, the book is just beautifully written.

SPOILERS: I held back on giving it five stars. It seemed to be missing a few things & had a few holes. As I read this book, I found myself having to skim back to previous pages. The jumping around was confusing at times. I’d read a little and have to skim back so I could remember what year, what ages are they and so forth. But this didn’t bother me too much. It was worth overlooking. I would have liked however, to have see more of the secondary character developments. More of Gomez's and Charisse's flawed marriage would have been helpful. Then when Henry went through the whole frost bit episode he didn’t time travel. I kept thinking “oh no, don’t let him time travel now.” And he didn’t but then that left me wondering, how was that possible? Pretty much through out the whole book he time travels. There was nothing mentioned about why he didn’t time travel while he was down and out of it. I also didn’t like the scene towards the end with Gomez & Claire. After this scene nothing is said between Claire & Gomez. How could Claire do that to her best friend Charisse? Then from 2008 the story jumps to the end. It’s 2054 and Claire is 82. It would have been nice to read just a little about Claire’s & Alba’s life in between those years. And I would have liked to known if Dr. Kendrick finally found a cure for chrono displacement disorder and if Alba chose to use the cure or not. At the end I'm left with a bittersweet ending. I’m happy on one hand that Claire finally gets to see Henry but sad she had to wait so long.

All in all, I did enjoy this book. The love story was amazing and it was worth the time to read. 4 out 5 stars.

My Review: High Country Bride (The McKaslin Clan) by Jillian Hart

2009-08-20T10:40:00.000-10:00

This book was a historically sweet story of two widows finding love. It’s a great time period and interesting plot. Not what I’m accustom to reading. The romance is very subtle and very, very mild. There are no major twists or excitement/action. Aiden is a widowed farmer afraid to love again. Joanna is a widowed farmer’s wife who has fallen on some bad times. Aiden takes Joanna and her two children in. Joanna slowly falls in love and we are left waiting for Aiden to realize he can have a happy ending with Joanna. All in all, it was a fast read and heartfelt story line. 3.75 out of 5 stars.

Guest Author & Giveaway: Robyn DeHart featuring Seduce Me

2009-08-18T14:51:00.000-10:00

Don't miss out on the great contest @ seductivemusings.blogspot.com. Ends August 22nd!

Book 1 in The Legend Hunters series

The Legend Hunters ...The Men of Solomon's meet in secret, their very existence only a rumor among the best of Victorian society. They are treasure hunters, men of wealth and title, seekers of myths and legends. And no legend is as alluring as the tale of Pandora's Box...

Fielding Grey is a treasure seeker with a taste for danger and experienced women. His latest mission: wrest Pandora's fabled box from a notorious criminal mastermind. Not in the job description: save an innocent damsel in distress.

A bookish miss, Esme Worthington has favored dusty tomes over society balls, and thrilling tales over flirtations. But when two scoundrels break into her home, she is thrust into a real-life adventure. Pursued and suddenly possessing the forbidden box, Esme can't resist peeking inside. Under the spell of Pandora's seductive curse, she's soon offering herself to Fielding – body and soul. With her reluctant rescuer determined to resist her charms, can the two outwit an enemy who will stop at nothing to seize their precious prize?

Guest Author & Giveaway: Rita Herron featuring Dark Hunger @ Seductive Musings. Ends August 22nd!

2009-08-18T10:43:00.000-10:00

SEDUCTIVE MUSINGS CONTEST: RITA HERRON

HE'S EVERYTHING SHE FEARS...

Reporter Annabelle Armstrong will go to any lengths to deliver a story, even track down Quinton Valtrez, a man she believes is a coldhearted assassin. Yet the truth about the darkly sensual Quinton is even more shocking...and the overwhelming desire he ignites is one she vows to resist.

SHE'S EVERYTHING HE CRAVES

Quinton has fought his demonic powers since he was a child. Now using his gifts for the good of national security, he can't let himself be distracted by the beautiful, determined Annabelle. But his need for her is sudden, fierce--and could soon cost Annabelle her life. For a wicked enemy is out for vengeance, a demon who wants to draw Quinton into a life of pure evil and is willing to use Annabelle as bait. To save her, Quinton must achieve the near impossible: tame the sinister force that is both his inheritance and his curse before it claims him forever.

My Review: Careful What You Wish For by Lucy Finn

2009-08-18T10:28:00.000-10:00

This warm whimsical romantic fantasy stars an intelligent lawyer with commitment issues and a kind hearted genie. At first Ravine was very skeptical about a genie she finds in a bottle. Through out the book Ravine struggles with her feelings for him as well as his feelings for her. These insecurities sometimes caused her to take her fustrations out on Gene. However, as the story unfolds with suspence, humor, sadness and mild romance, Ravine comes into her own and you are charmed and pleased with her character development. As for Gene, well what can I say but he's perfect. He's the kind of guy any women would like to settle down with.

Ms. Finn makes the tale fun and enables her readers to wish we all had our own personal genie.

My rating: 4 stars

My Review: Skykeepers (Final Prophecy, Book 3) by Jessica Andersen

2009-08-15T10:29:00.000-10:00

By far the best book yet. Sasha & Michael have become my favorite Nightkeepers couple thus far.

Book 3 picks up where book 2 ended. So expect a very action packed & highly suspenseful adventure. There are a lot of surprises and the hot sizzling attraction between Sasha & Michael will have you over the edge. The book is very fast paced and kept me captivated from start to finish. I give it 5 stars.

Cooler Contest

2009-08-01T21:41:00.001-10:00

Stolen Heat by Elisabeth Naughton Releases 7/28/09....Check out the Contest

2009-08-01T17:29:00.001-10:00

7/31 Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Author Vicki Pettersson

2009-07-31T08:45:00.001-10:00

Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Author Vicki Pettersson

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Release Party, Chat and Contest with Author Rita Herron

2009-07-30T08:54:00.001-10:00

Release Party, Chat and Contest with Author Rita Herron

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Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Stacia Kane

2009-07-28T09:54:00.001-10:00

Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Stacia Kane

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Check out Annette Blair's Triple Witches Trilogy! Visit: http://www.annetteblair.com

2009-07-27T18:32:00.000-10:00

Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Annette Blair

2009-07-27T12:11:00.001-10:00

Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Annette Blair

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Release Party, Chat and Contest with Author Jeaniene Frost

2009-07-23T09:41:00.001-10:00

Release Party, Chat and Contest with Author Jeaniene Frost

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Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Mike Carey

2009-07-23T08:22:00.001-10:00

Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Mike Carey

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Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Author Jackie Kessler

2009-07-21T07:35:00.001-10:00

Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Author Jackie Kessler

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2009-07-20T18:29:00.001-10:00

Okay it's been a while since I've updated my readz. I'll get to it. Just not right now. LOL. I'm currently trying to finish Karen Marie Moning's Faefever. I'm struggling with it though. This is my 3rd attempt to read the book. Everytime I've borrowed it from the library and never finished. I hope I can finish it this time. LOL. Tata for now.

Bitten by Books - Virtual Launch Party, Chat & Sony e-Reader Contest with Author Rachel Caine

2009-06-30T07:59:00.001-10:00

2009-06-22T09:46:00.001-10:00

2009-06-22T09:43:00.000-10:00

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8351

Sanctuary Lost - On Sale Now

2009-06-16T17:31:00.001-10:00

2009-04-29T21:51:00.001-10:00

I'm testing blogging from my mobile. Cool!