Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle

Title: Kissing Shakespeare
Author: Pamela Mingle
Release Date: August 14th, 2012
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 352
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Young Adult

Miranda has Shakespeare in her blood: she hopes one day to become a Shakespearean actor like her famous parents. At least, she does until her disastrous performance in her school's staging of The Taming of the Shrew. Humiliated, Miranda skips the opening-night party. All she wants to do is hide.

Fellow cast member, Stephen Langford, has other plans for Miranda. When he steps out of the backstage shadows and asks if she'd like to meet Shakespeare, Miranda thinks he's a total nutcase. But before she can object, Stephen whisks her back to 16th century England—the world Stephen's really from. He wants Miranda to use her acting talents and modern-day charms on the young Will Shakespeare. Without her help, Stephen claims, the world will lost its greatest playwright.

Miranda isn't convinced she's the girl for the job. Why would Shakespeare care about her? And just who is this infuriating time traveler, Stephen Langford? Reluctantly, she agrees to help, knowing that it's her only chance of getting back to the present and her "real" life. What Miranda doesn't bargain for is finding true love . . . with no acting required

Surprisingly, I really wasn't sure what to expect. I mean, this is pretty cool to me to be able to time travel back in time and get to meet the Shakespeare! And I had no idea how someone like Miranda, who has to masquerade as Olivia, Stephen Langford's sister, and seduce Shakespeare away from joining the Jesuit order. Who, during this time period in England, were being persecuted and killed. If Shakespeare were to join this order the greatest writer in history and all his plays would be lost throughout time. But, is Miranda up to the challenge?

I personally wasn't sure how Mingle would take this story but I was really impressed. Miranda is a player, like her two parent's, but she doesn't think she's very good, but she's about to find out just how good. 

Miranda was a likeable character and I found myself smiling every time Stephen was brought into the scene. And the awkwardness she experienced as she's adjusting to a different century felt very real. I liked the blunders she made along the way or how she was never sure if her speech was acceptable or not. 

Though, if I had to find something I didn't like it would be just how quickly she accepted everything. Granted, she did fight (and almost kill) Stephen, but I just felt that she should have put up much more of a fight against it. Though, accepting it quicker will help get the plot going. 

This was a quick read and I just found myself smiling and laughing a lot. I love this take on Shakespeare and what Miranda has to do. And Stephen, when he talked about his experience in the 21st century I thought was must enjoyable. Or maybe it was just the idea of a boy watching Gossip Girl...either way, he was instantly likable. The chemistry between the two I found fitting.

Mingle really made an impression on me. This is a delightful summer read that is light and full of enjoyable moments. 

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

Title: Never Love a Highlander
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: October 25th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 327
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: In Bed With A Highlander & Seduction Of A Highland Lass
Age Group: Adult

Caelen McCabe's young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but protect her heart and her pride from another man's humiliation. Despite everything, the heat in Caelen's touch melts her defenses and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna's true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife's love is too precious to lose

This series was amazing. It had a spectacular beginning, a wonderful middle that moved the series along nicely, and now it had an epic ending. 

At first, I didn't like Rionna, just because I thought she might split Alaric and Keeley, and while she wasn't at fault, I still blamed her a little. But, near the ending I really started to appreciate it. She really did seem regretful at what almost happened. 

And like the other females, she's so strong. Finding out her dad's a jerk and sacrificing her freedom to marry the last McCabe brother that holds so much guilt on his shoulder for events that took place over eight years ago, and one who swore never to fall in love. 

Now, I really did have some issues with this book. First, because Caelen is holding something that happened long ago still haunt him to the day (but I get it because, I mean, his dad did die in that) but still, like, move on? Please? And I also found the issues with Duncan Cameron's reason for attacking the McCabe a little...eh, you can move on too, right? But, I'm guessing it all had to do with a pride thing, which makes me a little upset. I find that the Duncan Cameron being their enemy because of Mairin and what she'll inherit a little more believable, because its up to date and relevant.

But, anyways, back to this book. Caelen is given the McDonald clan, who are not very happy to have him as Laird and now he has to prove himself to them, as well as trying to take care of a wife who would rather be sword fighting than be a gentle lady. 

In this battle of both husband and wife trying to make each other into something that they're not, they learn from each other. 

I truly enjoyed this book and found the battle scene to be wonderful. The way things ended was surprising but very fitting to say the least. 

Banks proved to be a wonderful author from the very first book to the last. The brothers and their wives proving to be strong and stubborn and wonderfully romantic. I am so glad I was able to read this series.  

Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks

Title: Seduction of a Highland Lass
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 343
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: In Bed With A Highlander
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.

An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric's keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

I absolutely positively love this series. The brother's are too much for me, but I cannot get enough of them. They are like everyone's Highlander addiction, though I am still loyal to Jamie Fraser, I still have to give a little love to these men. 

Alaric I always liked a little. Caelen was always fierce and Ewan was always off trying to make sure the keep was put together, but Alaric fell in between, which I guess makes sense since he is the middle child. Anyways, there was always something tender but fierce about him that I liked and wanted more of. 

I was surprised at the way this book was heading and biting my nails throughout the entire thing. I could not imagine what it must have felt like having to decide between loyalty and following his heart. I was a little upset it took so damn long for him to make the decision, but it would make for a short book. 

What I mostly like is how the main drama from the first book carried over. The threat of Duncan Cameron is still a gray cloud over the McCabe's and obstacles that these brothers face were not what they were prepared for. 

I love this series because of the witty humor, the short tempered lasses, the stubborn men, and romance to last a lifetime. These type of books are almost getting predictable, but like most things it's the way they occur that makes the reading worthwhile. Banks brings in a new twist to a Highland love story that will forever go on. 

The character's are strong and stay true to themselves. Nothing more could be ask from a great tale with a lot of anticipated drama and little digs here and there from both sides to remind the reader's of the greater threat, that when it comes to blows, will be very worth it.

In Bed With A Highlander by Maya Banks

Title: In Bed With A Highlander
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: August 30th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 361
Format: NookBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Ewan, the eldest of the McCabe brothers, is a ruggedly powerful warrior. With the time ripe for battle, Ewan is poised to take back what is his --- until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust into his life.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that had made her a pawn --- and wary of love. But her attraction to Ewan McCabe makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch. Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons --- and embrace a love that means more than revenge or land.

Wow, when I first saw this book I knew I had to have it just because it had Highlander all over it. As most know, or should know by now, I just love Highland men, especially when I can peg those against Jamie Fraser, who somehow keeps coming back up on top. But, did Ewan come daringly close to stealing my heart. 

I love how the author shows both his hard and soft side. He's the type of man that will come at someone completely aggressive and threatening, but when getting on the right side he can be protective, loving, and like most Highland men I find in these romance novels he is also overbearing, stubborn, and in desperate need of a woman to break him out of his shell.

In strolls in Mairin. The illegitimate daughter of the deceased king she comes with a favorable dowry and land! Thus she has become the target for a very threatening and dangerous man, Duncan Cameron. Now, in order to escape his clutches, and in desperate need of money himself, Ewan takes Mairin.

But, she's about to prove to be the most difficult, uncooperative, and loving woman he has ever met.

The love between the two blossomed from the moment they met and reader's just can't help but smile at how cute they are. They aren't like couples who are in love that are just annoying; this is true, deep love that they share. I just how much Ewan wanted to throttle Mairin for being so difficult, yet if she were submissive I doubt he'd feel the same way about her. And is this woman bloodthirsty! She comes out with punishments that could make the strongest Highlander quiver.

Overall I love this story and I especially love how Banks drives her reader's crazy. I almost thought for a second the entire trilogy would take place for one thing, but apparently not.

And the love scenes between the two. Wow, Banks knows how to make love scenes like a mastermind.

I only wish this book had been longer, but I am so happy with the way events played out and how Banks showed Mairin's strong and difficult character throughout the whole thing. This will make for a spectacular series, I'm sure.

Getting Over Mr. Right by Chrissie Manby

Title: Getting Over Mr. Right
Author: Chrissie Manby
Release Date: July 10th, 2012
Publisher: Random House Publishing
Pages: 304
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Adult

BEEN DUMPED? GET MAD. BUT NOT THIS MAD.

Have you ever had your heart broken? How did you get over it?
If a pint of ice cream cheered you up and you were able to delete his number and start again then . . .
You’re a weirdo and this book is not for you.
 
But if you reacted with denial, begging, or a spot of casual witchcraft, then you’ve come to the right place. This is one woman’s journey from love to lunacy and back again. If you ever recall past heartbreaks with acute embarrassment and an urge to go into hiding, this will make you feel better. Sure, you may have sent his new girlfriend a bunch of dead roses, but did you spend a grand on psychic hot-lines and a voodoo curse?

Holy crap, I was laughing so hard it was difficult to concentrate. I have never been in a formal relationship, well, one, but that only lasted like two months so I really don't count it, but I have been with friends who have had multiple relationships and most of them have been the dumped. And, they get depressed or angry, but at least they pick themselves up and go at it again. I have never, in my life, seen someone like Ashleigh behave in such a way before.

This girl was hysterical and so real, and I felt so embarrassed for her. I hope I never get to the point where I am desperate for a man. I mean, I give her mad credit for fighting for what she wants. But, I also have to be reminded that people cannot force love on someone else. It doesn't work like that.

Personally, I found Michael not even worth being called Mr. Right. He dumps her through Facebook (Like really, really?!) and then has pity sex with her afterwards and just says that "I am a man" ('cause that excuse works every time) and treats her like crap. Still, she goes after him.

Ashleigh is hilarious and a very real woman, who expresses her desperation to find love and how she handles the loss of it. Reader's see her spiral towards near insanity and back again. Manby did an amazing job in forming the main character and really had me laughing at every page.

I was laughing from page one. If you are a fan of Meg Cabot or Sarah Dessen, this book is one for the. While, it is an adult book because of the sexual content, I find that almost anyone who enjoys chick lit can enjoy this book. For a moment I thought this book should be called "What NOT To Do When You Get Dumped" but Manby did an amazing job.

The Deserter by Peadar O. Guilin

Title: The Deserter
Author: Peadar O. Guilin
Release Date: March 13th, 2012
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 336
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: The Inferior
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 4 Stars

The humans are weak and vulnerable. Soon the beasts that share their stone-age world will kill and eat them. To save his tribe, Stopmouth must make his way to the Roof, the mysterious hi-tech world above the surface. But the Roof has its own problems. The nano technology that controls everything from the environment to the human body is collapsing. A virus has already destroyed the Upstairs, sending millions of refugees to seek shelter below. And now a rebellion against the Commission, organized by the fanatical Religious, is about to break. Hunted by the Commission's Elite Agents through the overcrowded, decaying city of the future, Stopmouth must succeed in a hunt of his own: to find the secret power hidden in the Roof's computerized brain, and return to his people before it is too late.

This is the second book that I have read that is the second in the series. I should really pay attention to what I request before I request it, but either way this book did in some ways make sense.

I'm not going to lie, I highly recommend reading the first book, which I wish I did. But after a while the reader can keep up with who is who and the main drama surrounding the novel, which I think worked well for Guilin. Even if someone doesn't read the first book, they at least won't be completely lost.

Stopmouth spends much of the novel looking for his love as he travels to a civilization that is supposed to be mainly utopian, but soon the discovery of the dystopia that is hidden beneath this novel. The novel did not differ from other traditional SF setting and the villains were pretty predictable as far as they are concerned. His own originality came with the basic plot-line, because I have not read a book with a character like Stopmouth before.

The ending felt a little rushed, but I think overall the novel did well to get it's point across. I think that Guilin could have done a little more to make some of the characters believable.

It didn't go too fast and it didn't go to slow, which I think helped Guilin a lot as well. I'm not sure what to say about this book that would not give too much away, because this book was good, but I felt like it could be better. Maybe it was just that I needed to read the first book for this to click for me a lot sooner or maybe it was just that there was something in his writing that turned me off, but I just felt a little meh about it.

It was good enough to receive a four in my book, but I feel like it needed a little something to add that spice to it. But I think it would be worth the read, for those that are looking for something.

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

Title: Someone Else's Life
Author: Katie Dale
Release Date: February 14th, 2012
Publisher: Random House Children's Book
Pages: 512
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

When 17-year-old Rosie's mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington's Disease, her pain is intensified by the knowledge that she has a fifty percent chance of inheriting the crippling disease herself. Only when Rosie tells her mother's best friend, "Aunt Sarah," that she is going to test for the disease does Sarah, a midwife, reveal that Trudie wasn't her real mother after all. Rosie was swapped at birth with a sickly baby who was destined to die.
Devastated, Rosie decides to trace her real mother, joining her ex-boyfriend on his gap year travels, to find her birth mother in California. But all does not go as planned. As Rosie discovers yet more of her family's deeply buried secrets and lies, she is left with an agonizing decision of her own, one which will be the most heart breaking and far-reaching of all.

I actually had to run to the store and buy myself an official copy because I don't think a book has touched me as much as this novel has.

At first I thought this would be a little dull and I was questioning why I even requested this book in the first place, but from the first page the magic that Dale weaves into this tale cannot go without saying. She brings to life Rosie and all her characters; she makes the reader feel like they are taking part in this crazy world that Rosie has been thrust into.

The author has a beautiful way of writing that is both haunting and gets deep into the reader's skin. I  could never imagine what it would be like to Rosie and being in her shoes and seeing what she had to go through is really something that no one can miss. This book is one that should be talked about more and more, and I would even think something that should be remembered. Topics that get faced in this novel are very personal and very heart wrenching, there were moments when I just wanted all of Rosie's misery to end, but at the same time I knew Dale had something going here.

I don't think I imagined the ending to be what it was; at this stage of my reading life I feel like most books are a little predictable. Reading enough YA, a trend starts to appear, but I like Dale because this was not an ending I would have pictured. I don't know how I feel about it exactly, so it really does leave it to the reader to decide.

Get this book, get this book for a friend, get this book for your mom, heck, get this book for your dog. It is an incredible story that must, must, must be read because Dale's powerful words cannot go missed.

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Title: The Demon Lover
Author: Juliet Dark
Release Date: December 27th, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 416
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 4-5 Stars

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart

This is one of those books where it might be difficult to say, "I loved it!" or "I hate it!" This book feels like it's trapped in some weird world between the two. On the one hand there were certain moments where I was really, really enjoying the story and I couldn't put it down, and then there were moments where I just didn't want to keep reading this book because the characters frustrated me. I am torn.

When Callie moves to Fairwick to teach at the local college, dreams of a incubus vising her in the night start to haunt her. As she starts to get settled into this new life she realizes that all those that live around her are not what they seem. For the most part, I really did enjoy this book. It was great to step way from YA and into the adult world. The character of Callie interested me a lot because she was fun to read and had a great personality, but at the same time she frustrated me. I know it's the authors intention to purposely keep the main character out of knowing too much, I still felt like she was figuring things out at the last minute. And the biggest realization of a mistake she made did come at the last minute or what I think was the last moment.

The story line was actually original. I really liked the way the author made such a diverse group of characters, and even expanded when it came to the fairy tale world. They had this life in them and it would be easy to pick out some of their secrets, some which Callie seems to be ignorant on.

This book does leave with more questions than answers but it is only the first in the series, and I hope that in the next book to come Callie will regain something that she lost, and for those that read the book will know what that thing is. I won't lie and say I wasn't mad at her for her choice, and mad at the others because all they could do was sit around and feel bad for what happened. That was something I didn't like in this book, the way people just sat around and thought how bad they felt, and if they didn't do that they instead went into another extreme. It's like these magic people need to live in this world of extremes.

But for a large part I did like this book and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Callie.