Saturday, January 5, 2013

Spend My Money - Graphic Novels

As promised, you will have a chance to help me spend my Christmas gift certificates!
 
Since it is Saturday, I thought I would start with Graphic Novels.  This genre is my newest obsession and while I have already purchased several, there are still a ton more I wish I could get. So check out the options below (the titles will link you to the goodreads page and synopsis). 
 
 
The Options:
 
 










 
 
 
Okay, so what do you think? Which Graphic Novel should I spend my money on? Which one would you like to see reviewed during Follower's Month? 
 
Post below which title you are voting for and I will tally them on Friday the 11th!







New Year, New Happenings

Boy, I can't believe we have already started 2013!! Where on earth did my 2012 go anyway? Well, as I am sure many of my faithful followers have already figured out is that I completely dropped the ball on my Challenges this year! Surprise, surprise right?! But I totally have an excuse, I swear!!
 
 


See?! Isn't he an adorable excuse too (yes I am hoping the cute factor gets me off the hook)!
 
 
Well, last year is in the past so I won't worry about those challenges too much ;)  However, this year is just beginning and I have some planning to do and goals to set. 
 
Since last month was so overwhelming, I will be taking it a little easier this month.  I will be posting the new challenges I will be participating in this year.  I will also make sure to post a wrap up of last year too.   I am very excited for what I have planned for the blog this year. Since Munchkin was born I have really started getting things moving on here and I hope to keep that momentum going.  February will be all about romance, of course.  March will be my special month, I will share some of my favorite books with you through out that month.  I am even planning on having an entire month directed by you, my readers will be picking the books I read and review. 
 
 
But before we get to all of that good stuff, did you all have a great holiday season?! Did you get lots of great books?  I didn't get any books, but Munchkin did get a bunch of new books for me to read to him.  My amazing Hubby also got me a Kindle!! YAY!! So excited to read a lot more books on it.  I also received a bunch of gift certificates for both Barnes and Noble and Amazon!  So I need your help picking which books to spend them on, so keep your eyes peeled for posts label "Spend My Money" and come give your opinion on which books I should purchase in different genres!!
 
 
So I hope you all are having a fantastic year so far (the whole 5 days of it)!


Friday, January 4, 2013

Bedtime Story: Little Blue Truck


Synopsis: "Beep! Beep! Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up--that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.
Filled with truck sounds and animals noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others
."
 
 
My Review: This was a great book for Munchkin.  The images are bright and bold so they attract his attention. The animal noises are a great touch and help with teaching.  I also like the moral of the story of being kind to others and making friends instead of rushing through life and trying to make your way on your own.
 
 
My Rating: I liked this book and so did Munchkin, we give it a rating of Four Paws!
 
 
 
Good Night, Sweet Dreams!


Thursday, January 3, 2013

After Dark Review of Dance of Desire by Catherine Kean

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)
 



Synopsis: "Desperate to save her brother Rudd from being condemned as a traitor, Lady Rexana Villeaux must dance in disguise at a feast for the High Sheriff of Warringham. Her goal is to distract him so her servant can steal a damning missive from the sheriff's solar. Dressed in the gauzy costume of a desert courtesan, dancing with all the passion and sensuality in her soul, she succeeds in her mission. And, at the same time, condemns herself.

Fane Linford, the banished son of an English earl, joined Richard's crusade only to find himself a captive in a hellish eastern prison. He survived the years of torment, it's rumored, because of the love of a Saracen courtesan. The rumors are true. And when he sees Rexana dance, Richard has promised Fane an English bride, yet he desires only one woman—the exotic dancer who tempted him. Then he discovers the dancer's identity. And learns her brother is in his dungeon, accused of plotting against the throne. It is more temptation than Fane can resist.

The last thing Rexana wants is marriage to the dark and brooding Sheriff of Warringham. But her brother is his prisoner, and there may be only one way to save him. Taking the greatest chance of her life, Rexana becomes the sheriff's bride. And learns that the Dance of Desire was only a beginning."


My Review: This was an enjoyable historical romance with some interesting ideas. Though with the slightly unusual touches, the underlying story still seems to be like so many other historical romances I have read, misunderstandings, lack of communication and betrayal all lead to a unstable relationship and drive wedges further between the couple. I do have to say though I enjoyed the way dancing was integrated into the story. I did prefer Fane as a character over the rest of the characters, and while Rudd had a background role I still rather liked him. Rexanna was a love/hate character for me, while I loved her dedication to her brother, I didn't like how she went about things. With those issues, I still rather enjoyed reading the story.
 
 
My Rating:  This was a middle of the road book for me.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and Stump Wag.