Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

Title: Iron Kissed
Author: Patricia Briggs

Series: Mercy Thompson #3

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Publisher: Ace

Release Date: 2008, January 2

Format: Paperback, 287 pages

Source: Public Library

 

Rating: 4/5

 

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

 

When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.

 

Review:

 

I have heard so much about this series on the Internet that I thought that I would give it a whirl.  It wasn't until I got down to writing this review that I realized I had started with the 3rd book in the series instead of the first book.  Yeah me and my blonde moment!

 

When I started this book it sucked me in right away.  I am actually short sleep and cranky today because I stayed up reading instead of sleeping.  I thought that the character of Mercy was a kick ass heroine who is loyal to her friends and loved ones.  This is really the first book that I've read where the heroine takes names and kicks butt.  I loved that there was an air of mystery to the story as well.  In the case of this book it was "who done it."  And Mercy has to figure it out to clear Zee.

 

Being that I started with the 3rd book instead of the first book in the series I'm not quite sure if there is build up to Mercy having to chose between Adam and Sam but I do like the way it finally played out.  I'm not going to say anymore about it other than read the book to find out who she chooses. HAHAHA.

 

I was really impressed with how well structured the dialogue between the characters was.  From other reviews that I've read by other bloggers who have reviewed other Patricia Briggs books, this author is REALLY good at writing engaging and well thought out dialogue.  The other characters in the book may have only had small parts but even the smallest part was an important piece of the puzzle.

 

Overall, I should have started with the first book.  But I am really happy that I picked up the series out of the library.  I'm defiantly going to continue reading it.  I have to know more about Mercy Thompson!



Let the Library Loving Challenge Begin!

This is a library-loving blog challenge!
For every commenter on this post and the review of The Secret Year between now and April 1, I will donate .25 to my local library: Mount Horeb Public Library, up to an amount of $100.
How easy could it be? You comment, I cough up the money, the library gets a gift! If you don’t know what to say in your comment, “I love libraries” will do.
Note that my pledge is “per commenter”—so if a single person leaves 50 comments, that still only counts once! But you can do more by spreading the word ... please link to this post, tweet about it, and send your friends here so they can comment and raise more money.

If you’re moved to make a flat-fee donation to your library, or to start your own challenge, you are quite welcome, and please leave that information in the comments.
For a complete list of participating bloggers (and to visit other sites where you can help libraries just by leaving a comment!) visit the writerjenn blog at http://writerjenn.livejournal.com/

Library Loving Blog Challenge

Jennifer Hubbard, the author of The Secret Year and several of her author friends are holding a Library Loving Blog Challenge. Last year the group raised over $1600 for local libraries and literary charities. This year the challenge runs from March 23 until March 27 (or when ever you decide). There is still time to sign up (though Jen will be away from her computer the 19th-21st, but will get back to you ASAP). Here is how the challenge works (I borrowed this information from Jen's blog): If you're willing, you put up a blog post during that week (although you can pick the exact dates of your involvement, and whether you want to do a shorter timeframe or even extend past that time). You agree to donate a certain amount of money for every comment you receive on that post by a certain date. (You pick the amount.) The money goes to your local library, bookmobile, or other literacy-based charity; or if your local system is already well-funded, perhaps you'd like to pick another library that needs help. It's up to you! You can set a cap on the donation if need be. I will even help you write the blog posts; I try to make your workload minimal. Ideally, you visit the other participating blogs and leave comments, thus helping them meet their challenge goals. You spread the word to try to bring as many people as possible to the participating blogs, and to raise consciousness about our libraries. Libraries have suffered in this economy like everyone else--budget cuts are affecting all levels of government. But at the same time, library usage is increasing, not only because the books, tapes, DVDs, CDs, etc., are free to borrow, but because libraries provide so many other services--assisting people with job searches, for example. If you don't have a blog, you can join the challenge by using another social network (e.g., Facebook) or by offering to make a flat donation to your library, or by commenting and spreading the word. As Ben Bailey says on the TV game show Cash Cab: "So what do you say? Are you in?"* If so, please leave a comment below with your contact info, or if you want to keep your info private, email me at jennifer[at]jenniferhubbard[dot]com. (Last year's participants: If you've already RSVPed to me about the 2010 challenge, no need to do so again.) Aside from helping libraries, we had a lot of fun with this challenge last year. And please spread the word that I'm currently seeking challengers to join me. Thank you! I am participating this year....How about you?

Never Cry Werewolf review **Tiny Spoiler**

Never Cry Werewolf
Heather Davis
224 pages
Rating: 4/5

Source: Public Library
Challenges:

Synopsis:

Moonlight can totally change your life.
And it all starts so simply.
You. Him.
The moon.
You're toast.
Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had "borrowed" that Porsche?). But her stepmother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior: Suddenly Shelby's summer plans are on the shelf, and she's being packed off to brat camp. It's good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.
Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there's more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby's help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn't be getting tangled up with another bad boy . . . but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good-looking one? One thing's for sure: That pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again.

Review:

I picked this one up at the library after waiting for what seemed like an eternity for my number to come up. Is it just me or does the girl on the cover look at least a little bit like Kate Hudson only brunette?! I really liked this book....I am really happy with it! Shelby has some issues...She's got a stepmom from hell, her dad would rather just believe her stepmom than try and communicate with Shelby, her mom passed away and on top of that Shelby doesn't trust anyone...herself included! After this last "miscommunication" Shelby finds herself shipped off to "brat camp" where she hopes she doesn't screw up (because if she does she get's sent to an even eviler "brat camp") and meets some interesting people....some good, some not so good and then there's Austin.

See Austin has his own set of troubles to deal with. See his family is "blessed" genetically....they turn into werewolves. And because his medication to keep his "condition" was confiscated from him he is endanger of turning into a werewolf while he's at camp! That and he has a super HUGE crush on Shelby and the feeling is mutual.

I guess in the end it all works out for the best. I was a little disappointed though...it wasn't anything terrible. It was a little disappointing that I had to wait until the LAST PAGE for Shelby and Austin to kiss!

What I was really thinking:

The Beginning: UH OH!

The Middle: I like Austin a lot! I could be friends with him.

The End: FINALLY! (A good finally...not a bad one.)

King of the Wind Review

King of the Wind
Marguerite Henry
176 pages

Source: Public Library
Challenges: Support Your Local Library Challenge, 2010 YA Challenge, 144 Books in 2010, 100+ Challenge

Synopsis:
He was named “Sham” for the sun, this golden-red stallion born in the Sultan of Morocco’s stone stables. Upon his heel was a small white spot, the symbol of speed. But on his chest was the symbol of misfortune. Although he was swift as the desert winds, Sham’s pedigree would be scorned all his life by cruel masters and owners.
This is the classic story of Sham and his friend, the stable boy Agba. their adventures take them from the sands of the Sahara. to the royal courts of France, and finally to the green pastures and stately homes of England. For Sham was the renowned Godolphin Arabian, whose blood flows through the veins of almost every superior thoroughbred. Sham’s speed — like his story — has become legendary.

Review: I’ve always been a big fan of animal stories. I am also a HUGE fan of horses…They’re just so beautiful to look at! Marguerite Henry has been one of my all time favorite YA authors since I was young…Well since I got my first library card anyway. I picked up this book while pursusing the MG shelves at my local library and I came home and devoured this book in one sitting. This book is fiction but it is based on ACTUAL events that took place. There are MANY famous racehorses that can trace their ancestory back to “Sham.” The characters are endearing, Sham the bay colt that nobody took a liking to for a VERY long time and Agba a mute boy who is put in charge of Sham. The story itself is a roller coaster for both Sham and Agba but in the end everything works out for the best. Overall, I will most definately be reading more of Ms. Henry’s books in the future!

Duke We're Glad We Knew You Review

Duke We're Glad We Knew You
Herb Fagen
4/5


Source: Library



Synopsis: To millions of movie fans, John Wayne was heroism personified, and to this day he is as big a star as he was in his prime. He was voted the 5th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly, the 4th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Premiere magazine, and #13 Greatest Actor on the 50 Greatest Screen Legends list put out by the American Film Institute.


Here, in loving memory of the Duke thirty years after his death, is the updated and expanded edition of Duke, We're Glad We Knew You, featuring never-before-seen photos and interviews. The legendary icon is made real through vivid anecdotes and observations from the insiders who worked, gambled, drank, and fought with the outsized personality that was John Wayne. Candid, funny, revealing, moving and inspiring, this two-fisted tribute shows John Wayne as the true hero he was.



Review: John Wayne is my personal ALL TIME FAVORITE actor. He is quoted as saying "you shouldn't go to movies if you don't believe in hero's." This book is a collection of rememberances from those fortunate enough to have worked with Duke Wayne during his impressive film career. From Harry Carey Jr. to Ben Johnson they are all there telling us their stories of the Duke. Stories that just goes to show that even John Wayne was human.

Fireproof Review

Fireproof
Eric Wilson

Source: Library

Synopsis: Growing up, his wife Catherine always dreamed of amrryuing a loving, brave firefighter...just like her father. Now, after seven years of marriage, she wonders when she stopped being "good enough." Countless arguments and anger have them wanting to move on to something with more sparks.
As they prepare for divorce, Caleb's father challenges him to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, for his father's sake more than for his amrriage.
Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marraige are worth fighting for. His job is to rescue others. Now Captain Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever...rescuing his wife's heart.
Complete with action, humor, and romance, this entertaining novel by Eric Wilson will have you laughing, inspired, and challenged. Based on the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the Fireproof novel includes subplots, characters, and back story not included in the movie.

Review: I'm going to keep this one short and sweet. I very rarely say this but the movie is better than the book in this case. I did NOT care for all the "extras" that were put into the book at all. For me personally, the book was pretty much the movie word for word plus all those extremely unwanted "extras."

Broken A Love Story Review

Broken A Love Story
Lisa Jones

Source: Library

Synopsis: Writer Lisa Jones went to Wyoming for a four-day magazine assignment and came home four years later with a new life.

At a dusty corral on the Wind River Indian Reservation, she met Stanford Addison, a Northern Arapaho who seemed to transform everything around him. He gentled horses rather than breaking them by force. It was said that he could heal people of everything from cancer to bipolar disorder. He did all this from a wheelchair; he had been a quadriplegic for more than twenty years.

Intrigued, Lisa sat at Stanford's kitchen table and watched. She saw neighbors from the reservation and visitors from as far away as Holland bump up the dirt road to his battered modular home, seeking guidance and healing for what had broken in their lives. She followed him into the sweat lodge — a framework of willow limbs covered with quilts — where he used prayer and heat to shrink tumors and soothe agitated souls. Standing on his sun-blasted porch, pit bulls padding past her, she felt the vibration from thundering bands of Arabian horses that Stanford's young nephews brought to the ring to train.

And she listened to his story. Stanford spent his teenage years busting broncs, seducing girls, and dealing drugs. At twenty, he left the house for another night of partying. By morning, a violent accident had robbed him of his physical prowess and left in its place unwelcome spiritual powers — an exchange so shocking that Stanford spent several years trying to kill himself. But eventually he surrendered to his new life and mysterious gifts.

Over the years Lisa was a frequent visitor to Stanford's place, the reservation and its people worked on her, exposing and healing theplaces where she, too, was broken.

Broken entwines her story with Stanford's, exploring powerful spirits, material poverty, spiritual wealth, friendship, violence, confusion, death, and above all else,"a love that comes before and after and above and below romantic love."

Review: I was looking through our libraries shelf of "new" releases when I came upon this one. The cover is what caught my eye....I have a "thing" for horses....I just LOVE them. As I was reading I got a little lesson in Native American history, which I did not expect but I thought it fit really well with the story. I also learned that life on the "rez" is not all that great....you pretty much have to learn how to go without in many case and that you are judged by your skin color. The characters (main and supporting) all have very interesting stories too. A little something that I picked up from this book from the author and the rest of the characters is that we are all a little bit "broken" it's just a matter of figuring out how to put the pieces back together again.

Overall, this was a really good book. I was really happy that I checked this one out. It did take me a little longer to get read than I would have liked (dang real life!) but it was totally worth that extra time.

I Love A Man In Uniform Review

I Love A Man In Uniform A Memoir of Love, War, and Other Battles
Lily Burana

Synopsis - 10/10

Plot - 10/10

Characters - 10/10

Overall Story - 10/10

Conclusion - 10/10

Overall Score - 50/50

Synopsis: An all-American love story about a former punk-rock stripper and her unlikely marriage to an officer in the U.S. Army.

In this brave, eloquent, and often funny memoir, critically acclaimed author Lily Burana writes about love, war, and the realities of military marriage with an honesty few writers would dare.

A former exotic dancer who once had a penchant for anarchist politics and purple hair dye, Lily's rebellious past never would have suggested a marriage into the military. But then she met Mike, a Military Intelligence officer, and fell hopelessly in love, resulting in a most unorthodox romance-poignant, passionate, and utterly unpredictable.

After Lily and Mike said "I do" in a brief, pre-deployment City Hall ceremony, Mike left for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Lily was left in a strange town to endure his absence alone, with no support system and little knowledge of the vast and confusing military world into which she had married.

Upon Mike's return from the war, the couple moved to historic West Point, where Lily found that life on base had its own challenges. As the war continued and the past intruded unexpectedly into the present, Lily and Mike found themselves plunged into the nightmare of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Struggling to cope in a community where admitting weakness is the ultimate taboo and "suck it up" is the suggested response to emotional pain, Lily suffered from depression so severe, it almost ended their marriage. With the help of a revolutionary therapeutic technique, the couple made their way out of the darkness and back to each other. Through it all, Lily wrangled with her preconceptions about the military and found herplace within the uniquely supportive sisterhood of military wives.

From harrowing emotion to the dishy details of life on base, Lily Burana bares her heart and soul as a modern military spouse. I Love a Man in Uniform is a profoundly moving story of how a woman can locate, and heal, her true self as a dedicated Army wife, free spirit, and freedom-loving American.

Review: I was perusing the shelves at my local library when I found this gem. Personally, I think the synopsis pretty much says what I would have said about it. I LOVED this book, which is pretty evident by the elusive perfect score. Once I got started reading it I had a very hard time putting it down. It's funny, it's a tear jerker but most importantly....It's real.

I'm proud of myself....

I've finally paid my library fine, a whole $5...Thought it was considerably more but I was good with that number, and now I've finally figured out how to order books from my public library from my home computer. It's the small things in life. :)

Have a great day everyone!