Whew crazy week lol...mostly cause I'm a procrastinator and waited till the last minute to get all my schoolwork done. I did get three new books this week, despite my crazy schedule! Here they are:

Ecstasy by Jacquelyn Frank

Synopsis:

Among the Shadow dwellers, Trace holds power that some as willing to kill for. Without a stranger's aid, one rival would surely have succeeded, but Trace's brush with death is less surprising to him than his reaction to the beautiful, fragile human who heals him. By rights, Trace should hardly even register Ashla's existence within the realms of Shadow scape, but instead he is drawn to everything about her - her innocence, her courage, and her lush, sensual heat.After a terrifying car crash, Ashla Townsend wakes up to find that the bustling New York she knew is now eerie and desolate. Just when she's convinced she's alone, Ashla is confronted by a dark warrior who draws her deeper into a world she never knew existed. The bond between Ashla and Trace is a mystery to both, but searching for answers will mean confronting long-hidden secrets, and uncovering a threat that could destroy everything Trace holds precious.

Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank

Synopsis:

Magnus is a man of contradictions - a spiritual leader in a warrior's body. To him, laws are for enforcing and visions must be followed - even if that means freeing a beautiful slave and making her his reluctant handmaiden. Betrayed once before, Magnus can barely bring himself to trust another woman. Yet Daenaira's fiery innocence is drawing them both into a reckless inferno of desire. Daenaira grew up hearing tales of a fearsome priest who seemed more myth than reality. But Magnus is very real - every inch of him - and so is the treachery surrounding them. Beneath Sanctuary's calm surface, an enemy is scheming to unleash havoc on the Shadowdwellers, unless Magnus trusts in a union ordained by fate, and sealed by unending bliss.

Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank

Synopsis:

Discipline. Penance. Order. A Sanctuary priest's life revolves around such things. But when Sagan is taken captive and thrust into the Alaskan wilderness, he encounters a woman who challenges his faith and his self-control. Valera is a natural born witch who almost lost herself to the lure of dark magic. By rights, Sagan should shun her, but convention will count for nothing in the face of a passion that could change the world of the Shadowdwellers forever...As Chancellor of the Shadowdwellers, Malaya's first duty is to her people. Her bodyguard, Guin, knows this only too well. For tradition's sake, Malaya must marry, and the thought of this lush, vibrant, woman in a loveless union is impossible for him to bear. Guin loves Malaya - not as a subject loves his queen but as a man craves a woman. And even if he cannot keep her, he'll show her everything she stands to lose...

I love the titles! In My Mailbox was created by The Story Siren.

I'm so touched, I have recently been nominated for two awards! The Kreativ Award from pirate penguin and Beautiful Bingo Award from Patti at Book Addict. Thank you both so much!

The rules are simple: pick seven favorite things, then nominate seven favorite blogs.

1. Lol reading of course :)
2. Belly button rings
3. Country music
4. Babies (they're soo cute!)
5. Cruise's
6. Eric from True Blood *sigh*
7. Barnes and Nobles

Awesome Blogs:

1. Author Kelly Moran's Blog
2. Ashley's Library
3. Dark Diva Reviews
4. DIK (Desert Island Keepers)
5. Heather's Reading Romance
6. Pink-Princess Book Reviews
7. Poisoned Rationality

This "B-I-N-G-O" BEAUTIFUL BLOG AWARD means that this blog is...

B: Beautiful- Romance Rookie

I: Informative- A Journey of Books

N: Neighborly- Romance Book Wyrm

G: Gorgeous- Sapphire Romance Relm

O: Outstanding- Presenting Lenore

Synopsis:

She hadn't known she'd slept with the boss. But the next morning Jewel Henley learned the exotic stranger who'd swept her off her feet was her new employer, Piers Anetakis. And before she could explain, Jewel found herself without a job…and pregnant.After five months Piers had finally tracked down his one-night lover. Determined to explain the mistakes that had been made, he was confronted with an undeniable truth. Jewel was carrying his child. His Greek honor demanded they marry. Yet was there more between them than lust…and was it enough to make their marriage of convenience last?

Review:

I enjoyed this book, it was a nice ending to a good mini-series. I really enjoy Maya Banks writing style. She always makes sure her readers get both characters point of view.

However, it's not a novel that made a huge impression. There was nothing that grabbed me and sucked me in. I was disappointed, because I felt that there was so much potential for the story that just didn't happen.

The characters were well written, and the dialogue was satisfying. What bothered me was you never really find out much about Jewel's past. An her friend, Kirk, just seemed to come out of the woodwork then disappeared just as quickly. When it came to Piers, though, Banks was more forthcoming with his past. It felt like I was just getting to know him...then BAM! The end. I was like, "that's it?!" "NO!!" it was such a shame because it felt like it ended right after the climax, with no real conclusion.

Overall, it's a worth while read if you have started the series. It's light and fairly easy going, so if your in the mood for a traditional romance novel this is the book you might want to try. MATURE CONTENT BE ADVISED

Cover: 4.5

Plot: 3.5

Characters: 3.8

Writing: 4

Overall: 3.9

Looking at my posts I realized that I haven't done a In My Mailbox in a while. I promise I'm not slacking off, lol, just have been a little overwhelmed with moving into a new place and getting my classes settled. :) I did get two new books this week which I'm very excited about! I hope to be able to finish them this week, but who knows what will happen with my rapidly accumulating homework.

Anchor and Storm by Kate Poole

Synopsis:

Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander, had not given much thought to marrying and producing an heir...until he meets Emily Sinclair. When their easy companionship grows into love, they learn that Edgar's progressively debilitating disease could be passed on to his children. As their joy turns to despair Edgar finds a solution. If he can't get her with child he knows just the man who can. But will Emily agree to his plan?

Angus MacNeill, Lord Callander's groom, thinks Emily married Edgar for his title, his money and the security he can give her. And when Edgar approaches him with a very unusual request Angus questions his master's motives. Still, it doesn't stop him from accepting Callander's terms -- it's the only way he can be with Emily, even if only until she conceives.

Deeply in love with Edgar, Emily will do anything he asks of her. But she never suspected he'd ask something like this! Despite Edgar's reassurances she worries that his plan could destroy their marriage rather than strengthen it. And when she makes her choice, Emily wonders if there's room enough for two men in her heart -- and in her bed.

In Over Her Head by Judi Fennell

Synopsis:

When Erica Peck, one terrified-of-the-ocean marina owner, finds herself at the bottom of the sea conversing with a Mer man named Reel, she thinks she's died and gone to her own version of Hell. When the Oceanic Council demands she and Reel retrieve a lost cache of diamonds from the resident sea monster in return for their lives, she knows she's died and gone to Hell.

When they escape the monster and end up on a deserted island, she amends her opinion - she's died and gone to Heaven.

But when Reel sacrifices himself to allow her to return to her world, she realizes that, Heaven or Hell, with Reel, she's In Over Her Head.

In My Mailbox was created by: .The Story Siren.

Synopsis:

From afar, Sheriff Jackson Deveau has always loved Elle Drake, the youngest telepath of seven sisters. After a long time away she’s finally returning home to the small coastal village of Sea Haven. But someone has been following Elle, someone who doesn’t want her to make it back. And when Elle fails to arrive, her disappearance strikes fear in the hearts of everyone who loves her. Now it’s left to Jackson to uncover the mystery of Elle’s vanishing, and rescue her from an unseen danger. But Sea Haven is no longer safe for anyone, and it’ll take the powers of all the Drake sisters and their men to survive the coming storm.

Review:

OK, so I know Hidden Currents has been listed as my "currently reading" book for quiet some time now. I just wanted to take my time and truly savor it. Have you ever got really into a series that when the last book finally comes out you don't want it to end? Well, that's how it was for me. :)

Hidden Currents had to be the most emotionally trying book in the Drake Sisters series. To be completely honest the beginning of this book broke my heart, I don't remember ever crying so much while reading. The trauma that Elle went through for the beginning, an even after her rescue, really made me respect her strong will and courage. The struggles she went through to rebuild her life were so real. There were times when I expected her to just fall apart, but of course like any good romance she had a strong and supportive man to catch her. Jackson and Elle were perfect for one another, there was always so much emotion flowing between them. They needed each other to help heal from their terrifying experiences.

I think this was the first book, with the exception of Lover Beware, where all seven sisters made a repeating appearance. It's always enjoyable to see other characters after their happily-ever-after's. I feel that all the characters contributed to create a feeling of home, love, and family. The book just came together so perfectly, and the plot was very well planned. I love it when authors keep me guessing about whats to come. This is a wonderful story, it does pull at heartstrings, but its a worthwhile journey. MATURE CONTENT BE ADVISED

Cover: 5

Plot: 5

Characters: 4.5

Writing: 4.8

Overall: 4.8

I am so grateful, I have been nominated for One Lovely Blog award. Thank you Michelle! So I am now going to nominate three more blogs that I think are fantastic. Here are the guidelines:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Nominees:

Steph- Steph in the City

Aphrodisia Authors

Maggie- Bean Bag Books

I'm so excited The Tycoon's Secret Affair by Maya Banks just came out today! So I'm on my way out the door to get myself a copy. :)

I'm so excited about reaching 50 followers that I have decided to host my first ever contest! I have selected four books and there will be three winners. The winner who comes in first place will have the choice of which two books he/she would like. Here are the books I have selected:

Be With Me by Maya banks

Three men. One woman.

Hutch Bishop, Cam Douglas, and Sawyer Pritchard were juvenile delinquents with a reckless and wildly sexy side. But they had more in common than that. They had Regina Fallon, a wealthy but lonely girl from the right side of the tracks who formed an unusual friendship with the boys. She felt protected. She felt needed. She felt loved… for the first time in her life. By all three.

So much closer than just friends.

Today, she’s a police officer, dedicated to her badge, and wary of reigniting her relationship with the hot trio after one night of passion left her confused—and stunned—by what they wanted from her. But when a mysterious attempt is made on her life, Hutch, Cam, and Sawyer jump in to protect her again. Now, Regina and her three lovers are forming an all-new bond. It’s more exciting, more intense, and—as a killer looms in the shadows—more dangerous than ever before.

When Darkness Comes by Alexandra Ivy

It's been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she's survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a man she both desires and fears. For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago, Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death. A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil - and a desperate race to save their love...



Touch of the Wolf by Susan Krinard

Braden Forster, Earl of Greyburn, promises his fierce grandfather that he won't allow their family werewolves who are "a breed apart from mankind, but living among humanity"to become extinct. In 1860, Forster's grandfather charges him to restore the purity of his clan's blood through shrewd intermarriages. Fifteen years later, Cassidy Holt, the Forster family's distant cousin, travels from the deserts of New Mexico to the earl's secluded estate in the north of England in search of her mother's mysterious past. Unable to transform into a werewolf at will, Cassidy disappoints her new-found familyespecially Forster, who has arranged for her to marry his younger brother. However, despite his well-laid plans for the family, Forster finds he cannot resist Cassidy's impressive beauty and courageous will. Cassidy, too, falls for the earl, whose intense passion brings her to the realization that she is also capable of transformation.



The Bride Hunt by Margo MaGuire

Her life is in the hands of a man she dares not love . . .

Lady Isabel Louvet is a woman of noble birth, wit, courage, and beauty. But though these qualities make her an excellent bride, they cannot save her when, on the night she was meant to choose a groom, wild Scottish brigands storm the walls of her father's castle. As what should be a celebration turns to terror and bloodshed, Isabel is carried away from her family to be offered to a Scottish chieftain as a slave . . . or worse.

But unbeknownst to Isabel, she has a champion, a feared warrior and knight of legend named Anvrai d'Arques. His visage bears the scars of battle, but his heart remains pure in its devotion to country and king—that is, until he sets out to rescue Isabel. Her fierce spirit of survival stirs his passion more than combat ever could, and with her touch his world forever shifts. Now, with the Scottish on their heels and a country on the brink of war, they must go forth in battle together—to save themselves, to protect their countrymen, and to find a love that can set them both forever free.

The contest will end September 11th at midnight. :) I'm also adding signed bookmarks of Rampant, each winner will get one.

1+ for becoming a follower

2+ being a follower (this applies to my first 52 followers)

3+ for posting about this contest or adding a link onto your sidebar

2+ commenting on which book appeals to you the most

I had a wonderful week, I received two awards: Spread the Love from SusiSunshine and the Heartfelt award by the Tainted Poet!

I don't know what the rules are for Spread the love, so I'm just going to nominate 5 people. Here they are:
Sandy- The Pirate Penguin Reads

Kate- The Neverending Bookshelf

Erotic Horizon

Taschima- The Bloody Bookacholic

Eli- The Tainted Poet



The Heartfelt Award:

Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.

Rules:

Put the logo on your blog/post.Nominate up to to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside. Be sure to link your nominees within your post.Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

Here are the nominees:

Lizzy- Cornucopia of Reviews

Barbara- Happily Forever After

Mary- Bookfan Mary

Kristen- Bookworming in the 21st Century

Marie- Cupcake Witch

Devotion

Zac- Dirty Pages

Lovin Me Some Romance

A Book Lover's Diary

I'm so touched I have been nominated for the Spread the Love award by SusiSunshine. This is the first time I have been nominated for an award and I'm very greatful. Thank you Susi! :) Here's what it looks like:

Hi everybody! Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I've just got back from vacation and I'm still trying to adjust to reality. :) I have recently received a wonderful opportunity hosted by CSN home office furniture to review a bookcase/shelf. I went and searched through the site and found some truly beautiful bookcases that are just amazing. I dream of someday having my own library in my home, and I found some that meet my fantasy expectations perfectly:
















As much as I would love to indulge myself and choose a large bookcase to fill, I am moving back into a new dorm in a few short weeks. Therefore, I have chosen a beautiful bookcase that I feel will meet my storage needs as well as not take up too much space. I feel that this is a practical, as well as beautiful bookcase for those with limited space, such as living in a dorm.















I highly encourage everyone to search the site as there are so many wonderful items to choose from!

Once again I'm out of town this week. I just love to travel and see new places, but it does hinder how active I am on putting up posts. This is my last little vacation before returning to college *sigh*. This week I got 4 new books In My Mailbox! I'm very excited about them, so here they are:


Montana Mistress by Sara Orwig

Struggling hotel owner Laurel Tolson had had enough of wealthy, arrogant men who thought their money could buy anything and anyone. But then tycoon Chase Bkennett swept into her little Montana town and made her an offer as enticing as it was indecent. He'd more than match the price of her entire hotel—if she'd be his mistress for just one month. The idea was shocking, scandalous, yet strangely seductive. But soon she realized that sharing Chase's bed could never be enough. She wanted to share his life, forever….



The Once and Future Prince by Olivia Gates

He would have been king of Castaldini…until scandal sent Prince Leandro D'Agostino into exile. Now Phoebe Alexander, his secret lover who'd refused to leave with him, had come to convince him to accept his rightful crown. But the pain of betrayal still coursed through Leandro's veins. He would rule only if Phoebe bowed to his wishes.Scorched from the decisions of her past, Phoebe was willing to do Leandro's royal bidding. She knew she could never be his queen, but she would freely become the prince's lover. Then an unexpected pregnancy changed everything.

The Moretti Arrangement by Katherine Garbera

What was he going to do with Angelina?Dominic Moretti knew he could fire his secretary—he was certainly within his rights to do so. What he really wanted, he realized, was to make her…pay.

Revenge wasn't a noble trait, but she'd stolen from him. And he still didn't know why. All the time he'd trusted her, all the time he'd been fighting his attraction to her, she'd been plotting with his enemy. Yet now he held all the cards. He could do whatever he wanted with Angelina. And he wanted her to be his…completely.And now he had the means to make that happen.

Daddy by Surprise by Debra Salonen

Kat Petroski has a weakness for swoo. That indescribable charm guys from the wilder side have. Not that falling for it has worked out for her, since she-s a twice-divorced mother of two. So she-s got an early-warning swoo alert. Then Jack Treadwell walks into her life.

Between his motorcycle and his adventure-seeking attitude, Jack has all the trappings she can-t resist and should. Still, is that the real Jack? Something tells her he may be more dentist than biker. But is he father material? Because swoo aside, Kat-s a mom first. And the man who wins her heart must first win over her boys.

In My Mailbox was created by: The Story Siren