In My Mailbox - July 10, 2011

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. It's a fun way to share what books we got for the week. They can be from publishers, the library, bought, or whatever. They don't have to be from the mailbox. Mine usually aren't! 

Another week where I managed to not buy any books! Yay! It's hard. I've definitely had the urge to go the Powells. I got a couple of awesome books anyways, though!


Won:

Betrayal | Mayandree Michel

Goodreads

I won this from Bonnie on A Backwards Story! It's signed and personalized by the author. Thanks Bonnie and Mayandree!

Gifted:

Halfway to the Grave | Jeanine Frost

Goodreads

This gifted to me by Amanda from On a Book Bender via RAK! Thanks Amanda!! That was such an awesome surprise. I can not wait to read it! :) 

What did you guys get this week?

Review: Dragon Bound

Title: Dragon Bound (Elder Races #1)
Author: Thea Harrison
Publisher: Berkley
Goodreads

Description (from Goodreads):

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful-and passionate-of the Elder races.

Review:

This book was GOOD!  So, so good.

I loved the way that Harrison wrote this. She surprised me by using unexpected words and phrases; It was refreshing and exciting! There was one line towards the end of the novel that I thought was just awesome and perfect. I can't tell you what it is because I don't want to give anything away, but it was one of those scenes where you feel all giddy and sigh to yourself.

The storyline was fantastic! Here is the gist of it: Pia is forced to steal something from a man (who can transform into a dragon) when others find out about her magical side that she has kept hidden for her entire life. There was lots of mystery and I loved that way that Thea Harrison only gave little bits at a time. It kept me turning that pages as fast as I could, that's for sure!

It's a paranormal romance, so it's definitely meant for readers who are mature enough to read about sex. Ok, warning said! The scenes in this book were hot and satisfying! Harrison sure does know how to paint a Steamy scene. The ones in this book may be my favorite of all of the ones I've ever read!

This is a total must read. If you like the Lords of the Underworld series or the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, definitely check out Dragon Bound! Even J.R. Ward is quoted on the cover as saying fans of TBDB will love this story.

The only bad thing I have to say is that I have to wait for the next books in the series to come out! If I could, I would devour them right now. Both the second and third books come out this year, so I don't have too long to wait!

Review: River Cast

Title: River Cast
Author: Samantha Young
Goodreads | Amazon

I received a digital copy of this book from the author to review. This is my honest opinion.

Description: 

Enter a world of fierce wolves, stunning magic and romance...  

The war is escalating.

Caia is caught between her loyalty to the Daylights and her new insight into the hearts of the Midnights. Invited to train at the Centre under the tutelage of the Daylights, Caia and Lucien immerse themselves in the world of the Head of the Coven, Marita. With an upcoming battle hanging over their heads, Caia and her Alpha struggle to understand Marita’s vision for the future of the Coven, and withstand her manipulation and plans for them. Plans that are sure to separate Caia from Pack Errante; plans that inadvertently push Caia not only further away from Lucien, but from all Daylights. 

Conflicted… Caia must choose a side in the war. And her choice may mean sacrificing all those she has come to love. 

YA Paranormal Romance for mature teens+ (some content may not be suitable for younger readers)

Review:

A great addition to the Tale of Lunarmorte!

I have to say that I liked the first book more, but by just a little bit. With the first book, we get the unique paranormal world built upon the history of the Greek Gods, and the excitement that goes along with the newness is hard to beat. With that said, River Cast was still a great book with lots of mystery and detail.

In this book, we get to hear from Jaeden's point of view, too. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like that, but it definitely added to the story and made it more well rounded. She really added so much more depth to the story! Jaeden rocks.

There was a new love story in River Cast, and it was great! I love Ryder! I think I like him even more than Lucien! He is caring and knows exactly what the object of his affection needs.

Caia seems to suffer from a desire to be strong by handling problems by herself instead of letting others know what is really going on. She tries to handle it all herself, and kind of alienates herself by doing so. She is a very caring and selfless character, though: giving up what she really wants for the good of her pack and the rest of the world. She's definitely growing up and learning how to make tough choices. 

In My Mailbox - July 3, 2011

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. It's a fun way to share what books we got for the week. They can be from publishers, the library, bought, or whatever. They don't have to be from the mailbox. Mine usually aren't! 

 

I did well this week, and didn't buy anything! Woo! I did get a couple awesome books, though. :D

Won:

The Beginning of After | Jennifer Castle

Goodreads 

I won an ARC from the author! She had a contest on her blog, and I actually won! Totally unexpected. She even asked if I wanted it personalized! I'm a happy girl. :D

Gifted (via RAK - see sidebar if you have no idea what RAK is):

 Hourglass | Myra McEntire

Goodreads
Ivy of Ivy Reads sent this ARC to me! Thank you Ivy. :) 

Gifted, just because:

Lisa, from Lisa the Nerd, sent me this super duper cute bookmark! Sweet, right? It was a surprise. I love it! I'm assuming she made it, because it's all crafty and has a J on it. Yay! I was going to share this a few weeks ago on a vlog, but I haven't done a vlog in a while.  : /

For Review via Netgalley:

Tris and Izzie | Mette Ivie Harrison

Goodreads

Surprisingly, this one is just up for grabs! You don't even have to be approved. I hope I can get around to reading this one!

Great week for me! What did you get?