My Soul to Take, Soul Screamers, Book One by Rachel Vincent

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen / Harlequin Enterprises
Pages:  384

From the Cover:   

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

Kaylee Cavanaugh is your average high school student.  She worries about what to wear, where to sit, why her cousin and her crowd are so vile, and why she doesn't have a date on Saturday night.   What she worries about most is going back to the mental hospital and her next panic attack, and when she'll know without being told who's going to die next.

When Kaylee and her best friend, Emma, sneak into one of the hottest dance club, everything's thing great until a gorgeous blonde stands next to Kaylee.  She's shrouded in shadows, and as Kaylee sees the darkness, the scream starts to build in the pit of her soul, claws at her throat for release, as she presses her lips tightly together, hoping against hope that she can stop the panic attack in time.  But she knows the cute little blonde only has moments to live.

Nash Hudson, one of the hottest guy in school and part of in crowd, and someone her cousin would have no problem being with sees Kaylee at the club, he knows what's about to happen, and guides her to relative quiet of the alley where he can whisper and chant the scream away.  Because Nash knows what wrong with Kaylee.  He knows because he's one too, and he's drawn to Kaylee and her need to release the soul song.

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent is an amazingly quick read that had me flipping pages, entranced by one of the best YA series I've read to date.  I loved the short story prequel to this series, My Soul to Lose, it had me begging for Kaylee's continuing story.  Kaylee is an average teenage with one difference.  She's a bean sidhe from the legends of old.  A soul screamer, one who knows when the unthinkable is about to happen and sings for the soul's release, unable to affect the events because if a soul is saved, another must be taken in it's place.  The scales have to be balanced.  Her family has deep roots in Ireland where the legend was born, only this legend is founded in truth.  Nash, her new boyfriend, is also a bean sidhe, he doesn't see the soul before it's demise, he guides the soul to the next place.  He can also guide the soul back to it's body, but the price of doing so is too great.  When he hears Kaylee's song, though beautiful to his ears, it's ear splitting to others around her.  Bean sidhes are destined to be together, to help reach other, and only Nash can help Kaylee through the trying times yet to come.

MSTT is a must read for teens and adults alike, fast paced page turner that I had trouble putting down.  I enjoyed it immensely.  It has all the elements of a good paranormal romance with toned down sexuality needed for a younger audience, but still with enough romance to keep adults coming back for more.  The cover art for this series is amazing well done.  The colors match the tone of the books, bringing the reader into the story before it ever begins.  I can't wait to see where Ms. Vincent takes this series as well as seeing how Kaylee grows into her heritage and her new knowledge.  It also has elements of a great urban fantasy, a whole society of death seers with Reapers and their counterparts.  This series is just starting to unfold, and already I'm hooked, pre-ordering the third book in the series.  I highly recommend this series for readers who enjoy excellent YA, paranormal romance readers, and lovers of urban fantasy.  I know you won't be disappointed, I certainly wasn't.

I purchased this book for my own enjoyment.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Divine Misdemeanors (Merry Gentry, Book 8) by Laurell K. Hamltion

Publisher:  Random House Publishing
Pages:  352

Following on the heels of the heart-stopping conclusion to Swallowing Darkness, Laurell K. Hamilton and Meredith Gentry are back!

Between dark faerie magic and the deepest desires lies the world of Meredith Gentry, princess, private eye, and powerful player in a game of supernatural sexual intrigue. The tension in this extraordinary saga continues to mount as Merry, pregnant with twins, refuses the throne of faerie and retreats with her bodyguards to Los Angeles in an attempt to protect the new life growing within her. Both the deadly destructive factions of the faerie courts -- as well as those who would worship her -- will be equally dangerous to her attempts to create a peaceful haven for her unborn children. Filled with riveting twists, this new novel adds yet another unforgettable chapter to a story that is both epic and breathtaking.

Princess Meredith Nic Essus is finally bringing Faerie to fruition.  She's the first royal in more centuries than the fey of old want to remember, to bring new life to either court, the Unseelie (Dark Court) or Seelie (Light Court).  She's expecting twins from a multitude of fathers, her Royal Guard, her lovers.  Faerie is slowly being driven mad with it's fading magic and fading numbers as Merry and her men become stronger and more powerful; their magical being reborn.  The Goddess has blessed them, chosen them to bring life.  But the madness in leaking away from Faerie and into the human world.  Someone or something is killing the fey of fairytales and leaving the pretty pictures of the pretty little death behind, and it's up to Merry and her men to solve the crime before it comes to their door.

Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton is the eighth book in the Merry Gentry series, giving us the continuing tales of Princess Meredeth Nic Essus whose father was murder when she was only a child, leaving her the only opposition to the madness Queen Andais and equally insane son, Prince Cel.  Andais has sworn the crown to Merry if she conceives, but Merry realizing she'll never be safe in either Court, abdicates.  She has killed Prince Cel in the battle between good and evil, sickness and insanity versus peace and health.  Queen Andais is more insane than ever with the loss of her son, torturing those she thinks are in alliance with Merry and those who deny her desires, the Queen's favor is not relished.  Assassins will soon claim her life, and then Merry's life may be in jeopardy.  She has left the Faerie Mounds, taking with her all she can claim, her men, the ladies of Prince Cel, Kitto the Snake Goblin, Royal and his twin sister-the demi-fey in alliance with her.  Galen, the green knight, Darkness, Killing Frost, Barinthus, the sea-god, Rhys, the death-god, Nicca and Biddy all have come with her to the lands of Southern California, L.A. and the Gray Agency.

 Divine Misdemeanors is a multi-faceted tale of what can happen when fey reach the breaking point, human and fey alike are their prey and only Merry can stop the killing.  It's twisting tale and just when you think you've discovered the answers, it twists again.  Laurell K Hamilton's very persona comes through in the voice of Merry.  I don't know how closely their personalities reflect each other, but LKH's voice is the voice I hear when reading Merry.  She's strong in her small stature and commanding.  There's a little more sex in the book than I'm usually comfortable with, but fey takes lovers easier than humans, and it brings their magic to life with the power of release.  It's a little more toned down than some of the books in the middle of the series, but if multiple partners and sharing isn't for you, try something else.  I felt it was a good read, a page turner, and recommend for urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers.  I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. 

I picked this book up for  my own enjoyment.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Master and The Muses by Amanda McIntyre

Publisher:  Spice/Harlequin
Pages:  416

(Release Date: June 1, 2010)

From the Cover:   Icon, rebel, unabashed romantic...with a single look, painter Thomas Rodin conveys the ecstasy of creativity-the pleasures awaiting the woman who can fuel his artistry. As fate would have it, he finds that inspiration not in one woman but three: an apprentice milliner, a prostitute and the daughter of a stableman. What follows are three transcendent tales of women bewitched by a master of seduction-a slave as much to his art as to his boundless passion.

***May Contain Spoilers (though I try to avoid spoilers, beware)***

Thomas Rodin is a man of many talents and many pleasures.  He finds it hard to refuse himself, after all he is the master of his domain, the master artisan.  He's passionate to a fault with his muses, trying to be what they all want as they try to conform to his life.  He is a true artist, able to see the beauty in the world around him, as well as the not so pretty world that in reality, he must live in.  The Royal Academy has seen him as a thorn in their side for far too long, not that they were ever tolerant of someone who resides outside the bounds of proper society.  But, no one likes to be criticized, least of all Thomas.  He's always been a bit disdainful of the Academy, but in reality, he'd like nothing more than the acceptance of that snobbish crowd, to gain their respect.  In doing so, he may have to grow up to be the man that his muses need him to be.

The Master and The Muses by Amanda McIntyre is a book told in three inter weaving stories centered around the artist Thomas Rodin and his muses.  The muses are the women that inspire Thomas to be more than he is, to create an everlasting portrait of life, love, and he hopes, future happiness.

The Book of Helen:  Helen is a red-headed muse who is not at all of the temperament described by her red locks.  She timid, raised to be a refined lady, steady fast in her beliefs, but young enough to be tempted by fate.  William Rodin is what fate brings to her door.  He's spies the young beauty realizing she would be a perfect muse for his ever searching brother.  But, can William let Thomas possess what he most desires?

The Book of Sara:  Sara is a headstrong raven-haired beauty who is willing to do whatever it takes to make her own way in the world.  Even if it means leaving the quiet comfort of her uncle's farm to explore the city and what it has to offer.  Little does she know that on her adventure to the Globe Theater, she's playing into fate's hands as well.  Upon meeting the rakish Mr. Rodin, she is destined to become his next muse.  But she has always desired an adventure, can she takes want fate offers without asking for more?

The Book of Grace:  Grace is one of the lost souls, misused and taken for granted.  She's stolen away as a young child to be bought and sold for the pleasure of a cruel master.  When an escape from her life is seen, she grabs it, even if it means a life on the streets.  But she's strong and smart, able to live by her wits and her body if necessary.  Thomas Rodin is what fate brings to Grace's door, but will he be enough for this lost soul or will he refuse what is before him in his need to bring new muses into his life, denying that he might have one true muse?

The Master and The Muses was an enjoyable read full of erotic romance, intertwined lives, and the mysteries of the artist and of life.  As I began to read The Master and The Muses, I wasn't at all sure if I was going to be able to tolerate Mr. Thomas Rodin and his attitudes.  He was a kind and gentle man, but a rogue and a user of women.  He never raised a hand in anger, never abused the women who became his muses, but as he grew tired of their affections, he left them to their own devices to find love and life.  He wasn't a bad man, just a man who liked women, wanted women to like him, and in his own way, he made sure each of his muses had their desires fulfilled, even if it wasn't by him.  By the end of the book, I once again loved Thomas with his wild little boy ways, tantrums, and wild passions.  There is no other way to describe Thomas except as a man governed by his passions.  The one revolving character throughout the book is Grace, she's the glue of the story, holding the pieces together.  But, she comes to realize that unless Thomas can give as much as he expects to receive, then she'll have to learn to live without him.

The Master and The Muses is very much an enjoyable read with many twists and turns.  The erotica is told sometimes with humor of the unexpected and always told as a love story.  It is a red hot romance, both fun and sophisticated.  The cover art of this book is probably one of the best I've seen in a while, it depicts Thomas Rodin almost perfectly especially his eyes and tousled curls.  I recommend this book to lovers of historical romance who don't mind steam with their romance.  This is definitely a tale told with erotica, so be prepared for the level of sensuality.  If you haven't tried Amanda McIntyre, give this book a try, it was well worth my time.  For a little taste of Thomas and what's in store for his muses, click here.  If you'd like to pre-order this book, click here or at Amazon, here.

Here's a peek at the awesome book trailer.



I received this book from Spice/Harlequin and Net Galley for review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Prom 2010......Let's Get Ready to Rumble.....!!!

Okay, Kirsten's prom 2010, it was freaking scary... LOL... First she had a prom date, then she didn't, then she did, and then he brought a date with him on their date.... I know, and these are the days of my life....

Kirsten "pinning" (she cheated, it was a magnet) on Zach's buttoneer.

Kirsten and Zach

Aw.....  Pretty

I think she could take him, look at those muscles...his...not there, LOL

Heather (favorite senior cheerleader and prom queen - yay!) and Kirsten (other favorite cheerleader)

And...just because I wanted to.....

Patrick... rockin out in the real world

Cover Alert:: Jocelynn Drake ~~~ Pray For Dawn

Publisher:  Eos Books / Harper Collins

Pages:  384

(Release Date:  6-29-10)

From the Cover: 

Pray for salvation . . .

Pray for daylight . . .

Murder has pulled Mira out of the shadows and back into the living world . . .

As the fire-wielding enforcer of the nightwalker coven wrestles with the mind-destroying ghosts of her dark past, the slaying of a senator's daughter in Savannah threatens to expose her kind to the brilliant light of day. The dawn of chaos has come. The naturi have broken free of their eternal prison to feed on the defenseless and unbelieving of an unprepared Earth. 

Mira and Danaus—vampire and vampire slayer—must unite to prevent the annihilation of their separate races. But for Danaus the challenge is intensified, for he must also fight the bori who covets his soul. And Mira, the nightwalker he must protect—whose power is the Earth's last hope—is rapidly going insane.

Isn't this the best cover??  I love the full bodied cover with Mira standing in the background.  I hope this our first peek at Danaus, it doesn't match exactly with my picture of the mysterious slayer, but it's pretty damn close, lol.  I love both of these characters and I can't wait to get the next in the series into my hands.  Guaranteed to be a must read!

Wait for Dusk (Book Five in the Dark Days Series) to be announced soon.