Dead Ever After - Charlaine Harris

WOW FINALLY!! I finally got my video uploaded to YouTube. This was just a complete train wreck, LOL! I think it mainly had to do with the fact that the video is quite long...about 22 to be exact and in HD (I might need to rethink that in the future...hahahha!). I know but I absolutely love (obsessed) with this series so I did have quite a bit to say about the final installment.

I just want to say (as you’ll probably see in the video) I absolutely love (and I mean like seriously not healthy) love Eric Northman. I still to this day think that Charlaine Harris should have put Eric and Sookie together but I can’t change it and well it is what it is.

Also with that being said I was absolutely shocked that I actually liked it (after finding out about the leaked ending online). I went in wanting to hate it but I’m glad I kept an open mind and it allowed me to enjoy it.

I will say this though...I do NOT like how Charlaine Harris made Eric in this book (and that’s probably why I only gave it 3 stars).

Okay without further ado....

　
　

I hope you guys will enjoy and I’ll see ya soon!!

Happy Reading,
Mindy

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(I mean without Eric Northman are you really surprised, LOL!!)

Lover Unleashed - J.R. Ward

IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THIS SERIES THERE ARE SOME BRIEF SPOILERS!!

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either. 

When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul. 

As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

So after reading the last book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood (BDB) series Lover Mine I was ready for this one!! I just cannot seem to get enough of those leather wearing, hip hop listening, bad ass vampires who stalk the night in Caldwell!!

I remember while reading the earlier books in the series I really liked Manny and actually felt really bad for the guy when the one woman he thought maybe he could be with ended up dead. Although as we know she was dead but her ghost form remained and she is mated to Vishous! And when Payne was introduced I loved her from the start and thought she was probably one of the most interesting characters in the series. 

The relationship between Manny and Payne is so sweet and heartwarming. I found myself smiling like a complete goof ball when I read their scenes...lame I know but I don't care!

We also learn about the demise of Payne and Vishous' sire brought on by Payne. 

Soon there is a new band of vampires in Caldwell looking for revenge and soo much more. But through it all Manny and Payne come together and realize that despite their differences (uh well human and vampire) true love really does conquer all.  The particular lines that really got a hold of me and struck me straight in the heart was this on pages 53-54:

                  It finally happened, he thought as he burrowed under his shirt and took hold of his heavy cross. All his life he'd wondered why he'd never fallen in love, and now he knew: He'd been waiting for this moment, this woman, this time. The female is mine, he thought. 

After that I was lost and I knew I would have a soft spot for Manny. 

Another reason I loved this book so much was honestly for all the Vishousness that we got, LOL! I have made it no secret that he is by far my favorite character in the BDB...okay if I'm being completely honest with you guys Vishous ranks second only to Eric Northman from The Sookie Stackhouse books as by far my favorite fictional male character. After him is Harry Potter, LOL!!! In this book we get to see a kinder and gentler side of V and see just how must pain he carries and even after everything Jane and he go through they still find in each other their peace and grounding. 

Also I have to say this I'm not one of the many fans of the storyline of Qhuinn and Blay and no it isn't because I'm close minded or whatever...just so you know I watch Glee and I was routing for Kurt and Blaine so NEH! Anyway I just never felt that deep connection that other's must. I honestly felt that between Qhuinn and Layla was the most chemistry. I mean I have to admit there was more chemistry between Butch and V when V fancied himself in love with Butch so again it was not from not liking the whole male on male scenario. 

Also, after reading these books I have noticed that there is no power on this Earth that keeps those members of the BDB away from their shellans.  I mean every time in the books when the two meet instantaneously the males permeated the marking scent but we have never experienced this with Qhuinn and Blay. So I ask how could it be possible that they end up together? When with the others nothing, not even their own selves, have kept them from mating with the women in their lives. Also why have neither of them used the marking scent while in each other's company? UH because they obviously are not meant to be more than friends. Again look at V and Butch they started out the same way (although Qhuinn seems to think he is in love with Blay and Blay likewise feels the same - which I think might be real) but now they have the strongest bond and we all know that V does not do well with emotions. 

So I'm sorry if Blay and Qhuinn end up together I will feel cheated because it is like that is the easy way out. But some might argue that if they don't end up together that would be the easy way out. 

I just feel that when Qhuinn is with Layla he feels free to be himself there is no need to hide. He even admits his alleged love for Blay to her when he has not muttered a word to no one else. I just feel that she would be good for him and Blay deserves some happiness and while I love Qhuinn I just get this feeling that they would just be to toxic together.

OKAY I will shut up now and congrats if you made it this far past my confusing babble, LOL! I wish I had a gold star to give you but alas verily I find myself naught in possession of a golden star...OK seriously I'm starting to speak like one of the Chosen in these books...time for bed!!

OH YEAH if you want to read it for yourself just go here -->Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 9)

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Currently Reading: Claimed by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Up Next: Seducing the Governess by Margo Maguire

Listening To:  Yes AGAIN sorry I love it!!  :)

The Devil Wears Plaid - Teresa Medeiros

AN INNOCENT WOMAN

Emmaline Marlow is about to wed the extremely powerful laird of the Hepburn clan to save her father from debtor's prison when ruffian Jamie Sinclair bursts into the abbey on a magnificent black horse and abduts her in one strong swoop. Though he is Hepburn's sworn enemy, Emma's mysterious captor is everything her bridegroom is not--handsome, virile, dangerous...and a perilous temptation for her yearning heart.

A DANGEROUS MAN
Jamie expects Emma to be some milksop English miss, not a fiery, defiant beauty whose irresistible charms will tempt him at every turn. But he cannot allow either one of them to forget he is her enemy and she his pawn in the deadly Highland feud between the clans. Stealing his enemy's bride was simple, but can he claim her innocence without losing his heart?

I was sooo excited to get this book because one Teresa Medeiros has quickly become probably my favorite historical romance author and two it involves a Scottish Highlander...mmmmm yummy!! Not only was it a Highlander (oh those kilts...*swoon*) but a kidnapped bride to boot!! I love that storyline and for me it never gets old and Mrs. Medeiros makes it even more wonderful!!

Emmaline Marlowe had resigned herself to marry the rich Hepburn in order to not only save her father from the workhouse and give her sisters a chance at good matches but to atone for her so called sins when she was merely seventeen.

Jamie Sinclair wants nothing more than the Hepburn to admit his grizzly hand in the death of Jamie' parents and he thinks the only way to do this is to capture his bride-to-be and hold her for ransom...not gold nor diamonds but the truth.

The Hepburns and the Sinclairs are sworn enemies and when Jamie's parents (a tale of Romeo and Juliet - one a Hepburn and the other a Sinclair) fall in love and have Jamie out of wedlock they are murdered when they were allegedly heading to get married. Jamie's search for the truth will bring him the one thing he never planned on or thought he would ever want or need...true love. With Emmaline's strength and courage Jamie finds that icy heart of his melting at a mere touch of her lips and when the truth finally comes out it will only be Emma's love that will keep him grounded.

OH MY GOSH I so wish I could tell you guys what really happens but I do not want to spoil it!! I love, love, love Teresa Medeiros...she is the freaking bomb diggity schizzle!! She makes the plot fast paced but doesn't skimp out on any details which is AH-MAZING!! Also, her love scenes just have soo much more passion and feeling than a lot of others I read. She also has a lot of humor in her books which I love a lot because some books can get soo loaded down with drama and heavy things that there is nothing there to break it up but I love when every now and then you find yourself laughing out loud. Although when you are in a public place and people look at you oddly it might not be a good thing but then again who cares what others think when you are reading an awesome story!!

If you want to get your hands on Jamie and Emma's story then just go here --> The Devil Wears Plaid to get your very own copy!!!

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HOLY COW I still have forgotten my review on The Expendables I'm beginning to think I will never remember it!!

Twice Tempted by a Rogue - Tessa Dare

How long could she resist him?

Luck is a double-edged sword for brooding war hero Rhys St. Maur. His death wish went unanswered on the battlefield, while fate allowed the murder of his friend in the elite gentlemen’s society known as the Stud Club. Out of options, Rhys returns to his ancestral home on the moors of Devonshire, expecting anything but a chance at redemption in the arms of a beautiful innkeeper, who dares him to take on the demons of his past — and the sweet temptation of a woman’s love.
Meredith Maddox believes in hard work, not fate, and romance isn’t part of her plan. But when Rhys returns, battle-scarred, world-weary, and more dangerously attractive than ever, the lovely widow is torn between determination and desire. As a deep mystery and dangerous smugglers threaten much more than their passionate reckoning, Meredith discovers that she must trust everything to a wager her heart placed long ago.


Well Tessa Dare did it again! She followed the debut of this series with another wonderfully, touching, sweet, saucy, sexy tale.

OH MY how my heart bled for Rhys. Also, I loved Meredith. I thought she was strong, self reliant and pretty bad ace to take on huge drunk louts. But also, I wanted to bop her on the head a few times. I mean here was this guy she had loved all her life and he was standing there practically begging her to marry him and she wouldn't give the guy a shot...WTF? However, she did redeem herself in the end!! Also, there was someone in the town sabotaging Rhys at every turn and it was never someone I would have guessed and I will not reveal that here!!

Also, finally we got some more answers as to the murder of the founder of the Stud Club. It turns out the final answers will lie in the last book Three Nights with a Scoundrel. It seems that maybe Leo (the founder) was not the intended target but in fact Julian Bellamy...so soon I will find out that burning question as to what happened to Leo.

Also, sorry about the short review but I'm very tired right now and my bed is calling my  name!!  OH and before I forget to get your own copy of Rhys and Meredith's story just go here -->Twice Tempted by a Rogue

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Lover Enshrined - J.R. Ward

SPOLIERS AHEAD!!! YE'VE BEEN WARNED!!

Description:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now, a dutiful twin must choose between two lives...


Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

What? Could it be? Could another of the Brotherhood have wiggled his way to the top spot on my list pushing Vishous down to number 2....NO! BUT that does not mean that I did not love this story because I did!!

I found that Cormia and Phury fit well together. Her pureness helping take the edge off of his demons! Phury did take my breath away and it was not just from the red smoke but his whole self everything about him you thought you might have known from the previous books was blown out of the water but then when the scattered pieces landed again what you saw was the same Phury but with other edges some hardened from spending most of his life first looking for Zsadist then being wound like a top waiting for Zsadist to finally lose it then harboring feelings for Bella and trying to make sense of all of it. I think after everything he went through I might have turned to the Wizard as well in my head and smoked up a bit. I also like how J.R. Ward just didn't make him better like *snap* that. At the end of the book he was still battling his addiction but he was working on it and willing to become a bigger person from it!! And that there showed me he more than deserved to be #2 on my list...so far my list is as follows:

1. Vishous
2. Phury
3. Butch
4. Wrath
5. Rhage
6. Zsadist

BUT do not get it twisted that was hard for me to do because looking at it now I'm thinking "I sooo should bump Rhage up to #3" but oh well I think if you ask me tomorrow they will be in different positions (save for Vishous)!!

OMG finallly Tohrment is back and who is this Lassiter character he is very likable and from what I can tell one sexy angel!! Also somehow I knew it was Lash that was the Omega's child because in my heart of hearts I just couldn't allow it to be either Blay or Qhuinn!!

Well my glorious, lovely readers I'm off to get started on Rehvenge's story...hmm where will he rank on this list....

If you want to read Phury and Cormia's story just go here --> Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) or if you have yet to read any of them and you need the first six books in the series just go here -->J.R. Ward Box Set

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Lover Unbound - J.R. Ward

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Description:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now, the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will…

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous son of the Bloodletter possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp, he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time- until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her.

Since the first book of this series I have been waiting to get my hands on Vishous' story. I don't know from that first book just something about him captivated me...maybe it was his brain...yeah I'm a geek lover or nerd lover whatevs!!!

OH BOY I simply loved this book!! It was sweet, heartwrenching, erotic and full of excitement!! OH MAN to find out that my boy was into the hard core type of stuff didn't turn me away from him at all after learning of his story!! Also I was finally glad to see that maybe the feelings he thought he had for Butch were just from the fact that he had never really cared for anyone in his long life and for the first time he did and he just thought he was in love with the guy.

I really loved Jane...she was a total smartass (kind of like me) she didn't take crap from anyone and she was exactly what Vishous needed in his life. She took him for everything he was from vampire to sexual dominant...yeah hot right??

Well I gave this five stars simply because Vishous still has my heart and Phury right now is working his way in there (I'm reading his story now)!! I have to say I was a little disappointed that in the end Jane gets to stay with Vishous but as a ghost?? I was deeply hurt by that because maybe I like Vishous so much I wanted him to have everything because I think his character deserved it but after much pondering he seemed to be happy and so therefore how could I not be happy for him!!

So you wanna read Vishous and Jane's story well then just go here --> Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5) or you need to read the first six books then go here -->J.R. Ward Box Set

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Lover Revealed - J.R. Ward

SPOLERS!! SPOLIERS!!! SPOILERS!!!! OK is that enough warning???

Description:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now, an ally of the Black Dagger Brotherhood will face the challenge of his life and the evil of the ages.

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world- to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, found by a miracle, the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him...


Other than Vishous so far I've been looking forward to the book of Butch "cop" O'Neal!! We've teased throughout the last three books with Butch and Marissa and I'm finally glad the two got their happily ever after!! The chemistry between Butch and Marissa is incredible and their passion is just as hot!!

The two do have to overcome quite a few obstacles what with Butch being a human and Marissa being a vampire and a part of the glymera (aristocracy of the vampire world). Right at the beginning of the book Butch is kidnapped by the lessers and tortured in hopes that he will give up information on the Brotherhood but Butch holds true to his brothers in arms but what happens next was totally shocking!! The Omega cuts off a finger and buries it in Butch's stomach and from there it takes Vishous (my fictional boyfriend) to remove it and use his own curse to help. In the end it comes out that Butch is the long foretold prophecy of the Lessening Society.  Now with the power to literally suck out the essence of the lessers and send them into the void without having to return to the vein of the Omega the Brotherhood now has the weapon they need to ultimately defeat the Omega. Also we find out that Butch and Vishous are the Dark and the Light and the Brotherhood needs both to wage the war against the Omega and the Lessenging Society. THEN it is found out that Butch is actually a descendant of the King, Wrath (Dark Lover). With that bloodline Vishous is able to turn Butch into a Vampire and then he is inducted into the society under the name of Dhestroyer!!

WHOA I didn't mean to get into all that but whatever!! The more I read of these books the more I want and well now I'm off to read the one I've been wanting to read since I read the first book Lover Unbound oh Vishous here I come!!

If you want to read Butch and Marissa's story just go here -->  Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 4) or if you have not read the other books you can get the first six books in a box set here -->J.R. Ward Box Set

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Lover Awakened - J. R. Ward

Description:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

Well I was told that these books just get better and better as they go along....WOW those people would be absolutely correct!!

I wanted soo much to be able to reach through the pages and give Zsadist a big hug and tell him he was very deserving of happiness and more importantly that he deserved to be mated with Bella. His story was soul crushing and the fact that he was able to overcome all of that and reach out and find love with Bella was very powerful and touching! It is proof positive that love is in deed a very powerful thing.

In this book there of course was the love blooming between Zsadist and Bella but along with love came tragedy to the Brotherhood...I was soo dumfounded at it that I just had to sit with my mouth open staring at the page for a moment! And oh no I will not tell you will just have to read it for yourselves!!

OH man I am more than ready to pick up the next book Lover Revealed but I've been waiting for what feels like forever for Julia Quinn's new book Ten Things I Love About You to come out so I'm going to pick it up because I am sooo ready to read Sebastian Grey's story...yeah Mrs. Quinn has kept us on the hook with him for awhile and finally he has his own book...YIPPEEE!!!

OH okay back to Lover Awakened...if you want to get your hands on this book just go here
--> Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3) or of course if you are saying to yourself  "self I really want to read all the books" well to get you started you can go here -->J.R. Ward Box Set to get the first six books to get you started!!

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Lover Eternal - J. R. Ward

Description:

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...


OMG this story was sooo sweet I was literally crying at the end especially with what the Scribe Virgin said to them...it was a very touching moment and I believe it showed a little of her humanity as well.

Rhage and Mary's chemistry is like off the charts!! I can sort of relate to Mary...you know she can't believe that someone as beautiful as Rhage (his nickname is Hollywood) would ever be interested in a girl like her...simple not over the top beautiful and works at a law office (hmmm this is sort of creepy)...so where the heck is my Hollywood...YOOOHOOO Alexander Skarsgard!!!

Again the Brotherhood comes together to form some of the best characters ever and the story I'm sooo ready to read is Vishous...I've got a huge crush on him but I've two books (I believe) before I get to his!!

Sorry this review is kinda short but it is time for bed and I really want to read to keep reading the next book in the series Lover Awakened...OH YEAH Zhadist...he is one I love as well!!!

If you want to get your hands on this book just go here -->Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2)

OR if you want to get your hands on the first six books at one time go here -->J.R. Ward Box Set

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Dark Lover - J.R. Ward

Description:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

Well after much recommendation from friends, family and the wonderful ladies over at the Eloisa James/Julia Quinn Bulletin Board (http://eloisjames.net/board) I decided to throw caution to the wind and try this series out.

My only question after book one is this - WHAT THE HECK TOOK ME SOO FREAKIN' LONG???

This book was great!! The characters are wonderful so now I cannot wait to read their stories and I was hooked only after the first chapter and never once did it lose my attention!! I was at work mostly by myself yesterday and when I was really into it the phone would ring...UGH! Oh well I finished it off today and now I've sunk my teeth (get it...sunk teeth...they are vampires...oh well tough crowd) into the next one and I went out and bought the boxed set yesterday merely because the store did not have the third book by itself unless it was in the boxed set so yes I couldn't stand it so I had to buy them even though I already had the first one but I plan on giving that extra one to my sister.

I loved Wrath he was sooo powerfully magnetic and even a little unsure of himself and Beth was just the right compliment to him tough and did not take any crap from him no matter who he was!!!

Well I really must leave you because I have got to get back to my book and if you are thinking hey I would like to check that out go here --> Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1) to get the very first book or if you want you can go here -->J.R. Ward Box Set to get the boxed set of the first six books!!

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