Thursday's Dirty Little Secret

 

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies of Under The Covers where we answer a new question and divulge or darkest dirtiest secrets. This week's question is:

Complete the following sentences with fictional character names:

I would have a one night stand with...

I would marry....

I would like to be sandwiched between....

I would turn bi for...

 

 This is a great one!

I would have a one night stand with Ranger from the Stephanie Plum series.

I would marry Illium from the Guild Hunter series.

I would like to be sandwiched between Qhuinn and Blaylock form BDB! They would go bi for me for one night right?

I would turn bi for Georgina Kincaid, our favorite succubus!

And there you have it Wicked Readers! Now you know! I'd love to hear your answers too so head on over to the above link and link up!

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine where we discuss the upcoming releases that we are just dying for! This week at Wickedly Bookish, I am absolutely dying to read:

Destined

P.C. Cast & Kirsten Cast

House of Night Series #9
Release Date: October 25, 2011 

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

I have been following this series since the beginning. The first four books were amazing, but from there on the books have taken a dive. The two most recent ones Burned and Awakened were better and renewed my interest in the series, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. Then why, you may ask, are you dying for it's release? Well Wicked Readers, I just can't give up on this series. I keep hoping that we will get back to that awesomeness of the first four. I keep hoping that my faith will be rewarded and that this series will go back to its roots and not prove to be the money siphoning franchise it is turning out to be. Sometimes I wonder... Did they authors plan for it to be drawn out unecessarily with filler book after filler book? Or did they start out with the hope of people liking it, and then when they did, they decided, "Hey let's get all the money we can out of this one?" I really just want to see what happens to my favorite characters and find out what they heck they are doing with Heath's storyline! 

Book Review: Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead

Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead
Christiana Miller
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Humor
Rating 5

Mara just can't seem to catch a break. Her witchy ways are getting her into trouble left and right and just when things start to look up, she realizes the cozy country cottage she inherited from her Aunt Tillie has a few dark passengers. Will Mara be able to survive her legacy with the help of  her own power, a tricky toad, and a flamboyantly fearless best friend?

This was so much fun to read I didn't want it to end! Christiana Miller weaves a captivating spell with a whole lot of humor, a generous portion of thrill, and just a dash of heat.

By no means would I call this a paranormal romance, however I feel it fits into the urban fantasy category nicely with its magical and chilling elements.Right from the start I knew I was going to love this book. The humor, sometimes quirky, sometimes dry, is non-stop and often offers relief from some of the scarier moments of the story. I had to stop reading this at night because Mara's dreams and her interactions with the cottage's other inhabitants were seriously creeping me out.

Miller's grasp of creating memorable and nearly palpable characters is incredible. As much as I love Mara, I'd have to say Gus was my favorite character. He is honestly just so funny and crazy you never know what he's going to do next. Gus is also a great friend to Mara. I teared up when they had to part ways for our girl to go live in Aunt Tillie's house. I missed Gus right along with Mara and felt her joy whenever he popped back into the story. 

If you are looking for a paranormal story that has it all, this is it! You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll probably pee your pants at some point whether it be from laughter or fear or both. I just can't begin to emphasize how well this book integrates humor and drama in just the right amounts. Whatever emotions, or bodily functions, this book evokes in you, there is no doubt you will have a great time.

For more information on Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead, a possible sequel, and the author herself, stay tuned this month for our Wicked interview with Christiana Miller. In the meantime, go pick yourself up a copy! 
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

Author of the Month: Christiana Miller

September's Author of the Month Is:

 Christiana Miller Author of Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead

Author Bio

Christiana Miller is a novelist, screenwriter and mom who's led an unusual life. She's had her DNA shot into space, where she's currently cohabiting in a drawer with Stephen Colbert and Stephen Hawking. She's been the voices of all the female warriors in the games Mortal Kombat II and III. She's been the writing intern on one of the Star Trek series and walked through the Starship Enterprise. Some of her more unusual jobs include working as a fortune-teller for charity events, reading coffee grounds and tarot cards; working as an actress for murder mystery parties; and being paid to play pinball. If her life was a TV show, it would be a wacky dramedy filled with unique characters who get themselves into bizarre situations. If you want to know more about her and the people in her world, check out her website at www.ChristianaMiller.com

Retrieved From:http://www.christianamiller.com/Christiana_Miller_Site/My_Books.html

 As you Wicked Readers know, Wickedly Bookish features only indie authors. I've picked Christiana Miller for this month because of her wickedly witchy tale Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and should have the review up soon. In the meantime, enjoy some of Christiana's favorite quotes from the book!

"Blasphemy, thy name is woman. When the Gods give you a gift, it's impolite to spit in their many-splendoured eyes."

"Call me ungrateful, but I would happily trade it in for a toaster."

"Sacrilege, woman! Lord Grundleshanks the Deadly is a most important toad. A poisonous toad. The Emperor of Toads." Gus tapped on the glass. "I can't believe he's letting that cricket jackboot all over his head. Come on, boy. Crickets are just glorified cockroaches. Chomp, chomp."

 

"One of the problems with being a witch is when you ask the universe a question, it generally gives you an answer. Or just enough of one to ruin a perfectly good week."

 

"Just because someone can do magic, doesn't mean they should."

 Check in all month for reviews, weekly discussion threads, and an interview with the author herself! Want to know more about Christiana Miller now? Visit her at:

Christiana's Official Website 

Follow Her On Twitter 

Like Her On Facebook 

Book Review: Shameless

Shameless
Anne Stuart
House of Rohan #4
Historical Romance, Harlequin
Rating 5

I was graciously provided with a copy for review by Netgalley for Harlequin. Having never read this series before with the exception of a short story, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book could easily be read on its own. I absolutely loved the setting, characters, and sultry situations the couple gets themselves into.

Bennedick Rohan is in the market for a new wife after the loss of his previous two to childbirth. He is also in the market for a mistress. Rohan knows what he wants, a subservient wife to provide him with an heir, and an adventurous mistress to please him in bed. When he meets Melsande Carstaris, widow and good Samaritan, he finds neither, and both.

I love the contrast of these two characters. Melisande is sweet and naively virginal to the pleasure of the flesh as her first marriage was to an elderly man. She spends her days helping former prostitutes find a better life for themselves by teaching them a trade and giving them a place to stay while they get on their feet... and off their backs. Sorry couldn't help it! Benedick has set out to dedicate himself to experiencing all the pleasure and depravity he can until he meets Melisande and finds himself annoyingly infatuated with  her. These two are so different from each other that they are absolutely perfect together rattling off dry quips and finding themselves in compromising situations.

This was a great read. It really had it all, humor, romance, and a few thrills towards the end. I will most definitely be starting the series from the beginning so I can find out more about the Heavenly Host, a secret deviant society. I also am interested to read the stories of some of the couples briefly mentioned in this story. So I guess while I wait for the next installment to come out, (I hope it's about Brandon and Emma!), I will be catching up on what I missed out on!



Don't miss out on this weekend's blog hop over at The Blog Entourage where I am a weekly guest entertainment blogger.

Thursday's Dirty Little Secret

 

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies of Under the Covers where we bloggers divulge a new secret about ourselves each week. This week's question is:

If you could spend the day with your favorite heroine, who would you pick and what would you do? 

  This was a no brainer for me. I would choose Stephanie Plum any day! What!? You may ask. You aren't picking a paranormal character? Jess this is so unlike you! Yes, Wicked Readers it is. However Stephanie and I were cut of the same cloth, the same klutzy, dumb luck driven, frizzy haired cloth. I love her to death! Steph and I would race around town in that monster of a baby blue Buick catching fugitives with a pair of handcuffs and a buxom former ho, Lula. We'd stop at the Cluck n' a Bucket for some lunch and then head over to Rangers to drool at him all day and beg him to utter his famous line, "Babe." After he left we would sneak up to his penthouse and sniff his shower gel. Dinner at her parents house would not be dull as we enjoy her moms pot roast and watch Grandma Mazur attempt to dress up like Lady Gaga. And finally our day would not be complete until we got shot at or blew up a car and had to wait for Joe Morelli to come pick us up. Joe would shake his head is disbelief and would kick my cute little butt out of the Plum world with a "I already have enough on my hands with one Stephanie. I don't need a Jess on my hands too." 

 Sound like fun? You should check out the series! There is never a dull moment in Stephanie's world.

Book Review: Hunting Ground

Hunting Ground
Patricia Briggs
Alpha & Omega #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Creature Feature: Werewolves, Vampires, Fae
Rating: 3

Anna and Charles attend a werewolf conference in Seattle where the world's alphas are gathering to decide whether to come out to the public or not. Politics and danger await them as someone has it out for Anna.

I didn't like this one as much as the first. Don't get me wrong, I love this series, this couple, and this world. I liked Hunting Ground it just lacked that wonderful welling up of emotion I got from the first book and the short story that precedes it. Anna and Charles are a wonderful match and Anna is proving to be such a strong willed and utterly courageous mate. This newest installment in the series was an interesting lesson in werewolf politics and pack magic, and the inclusion of Arthurian legend really brought it all together near the end. I just would have liked to see something more concrete on Anna and Charles' relationship. It almost feels like we are back at the short story. When is Anna going to finally trust Charles and open up to him? It's just a bit frustrating to me.

That being said, I am looking forward to the release of the next book Fair Game which is set to release February 2nd, 2012. Now isn't that just a nice long wait?

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted over at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming book releases we are eagerly awaiting. This week's pick is:

Archangel's Blade is the fourth installment in Nalini Singh's popular Guild Hunter series. Now I have yet to read the third book Archangel's Consort, however the unique style of this book intrigues me. The entire book veers away from our main characters Elena and Raphael and focuses on Dimitri! What a strange choice! I'm excited to see how Singh pulls this off and enjoy me some Dimitri! Expected release date is September 6th.

So, what new releases are you looking forward to Wicked Readers?

Thrift Store Treasures

This week's trip to the local thrift store bagged me these awesome titles at just $8.98. What thrift store gems have you picked up lately?

Sunday Spotlight On: Historical Fiction

Becoming Marie Antoinette
Juliet Grey
Marie Antoinette #1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4

Marie Antoinette gets a revival and a more flattering coat of paint in this first installment of the new Marie Antoinette series by Juliet Grey.

What can I say? I have always been fascinated with a handful of historical leading ladies and Marie is one of the top 5. When I thought of her before this book, I pictured lush, scrumptious desserts and wispy cotton candy hair piled high on an overly pampered and exceedingly empty head. Think the Kirsten Dunst movie adaptation, which I loved by the way. After reading Becoming, which chronicles Marie's story from childhood to her husband's rise to the French throne, I feel like historians and poorly informed high school history teachers have been pulling the wool over my eyes. I realize this is historical fiction, however the author leaves us readers a note at the end about what is historically accurate and what she embellished for story's sake.

Written from Marie's perspective and supplemented by journal entries and correspondence  between the major players in her accession to dauphine, Becoming Marie Antoinette allows the reader to feel a kinship with this infamous historical figure. Another thing that struck me as unique and pleasing was Grey's characterization of Louis Auguste. Rather than the cold, indifferent husband he is most commonly represented as, Grey offers us a shy, and painfully socially awkward boy. The way she progresses the relationship between him and Marie is both frustrating and achingly sweet.

This book would be a great way for anyone interested in learning more about this wonderful heroine, to become better acquainted with the young Marie Antoinette. I enjoyed reading this book very much and look forward to the next release, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow, which is expected to be published sometime in 2012.

Short Story Review: Love's Rise

Love's Rise
Mica Jade
Genre: Short Stories, Erotica, Romance
Rating: 4

Love's Rise was by far my favorite Mica Jade short story. I had a hard time even characterizing it as erotica, because erotica focuses on the sex, however this Neil and Kelly's story has real life depth to it, that most erotica is missing.

After a flood devastates their home, Neil and Kelley must band together to pick up the pieces of their shattered world for the sake of their children. The tragedy also forces them to come to terms with the decrepit state of their marriage that has been deteriorating over recent years. Will Neil be able to convince his wife that he is ready to not only rebuild their home, but also their marriage? Will Kelly be able to trust him again?

Love's Rise is a feast for the heart, bringing much needed meaning to woman's erotic fiction. Jade acknowledges that not everything is always perfect, no matter how sexy you are. Marriages are tough and can weaken over the years as we get overly comfortable, but when love is on the rise, there is still a chance for it to be wonderful again.

Friday, Nerdy Friday: Upcoming Game Releases For September

Dead Island 

It's time for a vacation! Let''s see, we'll need to bring sunblock, towels, swimsuits, and ... a shotgun? With the ever growing popularity of zombies in our books, movies, and video games it was just a matter of time until we took them on vacation. Dead Island releases September 6th in the U.S. and September 9th everywhere else. Visit the Official Dead Island Website for more details.

God of War Origins Collection 

Let's take Kratos back to his gory roots, his gory PSP based roots. Finally! We can play these short but sweet God of War morsels on the big screen! Get yourself ready to relive all the puzzles, blood, bosses, blood, sex mini-games, and oh yes, more blood. God of War Origins Collection releases September 13 in the U.S. Check out the collection at Amazon.com  

 Shin Megami Tensai: Persona 2: Innocent Sin

The only game in the Persona series to never get a formal U.S. release is finally coming to the PSP! This will be a great addition to the collection of owners of both the 1st and 3rd games in the series which have already been released on the PSP. I am personally very excited about this release as I have played P3P and thought it was just incredible. Get your copy September 20th. Pre-order your copy at GameStop.com

 Ico and Shadow of Colosus Collection

Another exciting PS3 combo release announced at E3 this year. Play the Playstation 2 classics with updated graphics and sound on your PS3. I'm excited to get the chance to play these. I've heard lots of good things especially about Shadow of Colosus. Set to release int he U.S. September 27th. Read the article at IGN.com

 Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny

Yes! Another Rune Factory for the Wii! Up until recent years, Rune factory has been exclusive to the Nintendo DS. That all changed with Rune Factory Frontier. I'm excited to say we Rune Factory fans will get another on September 27th with Rune Factory Tides of Destiny. Who will the new bachelors and bachelorettes be? What's the story line this time? I guess we'll just have to wait and find out! The official website is in Japanese folks so if you would like to find out more info, please visit your purchasing website of choice or head over to IGN.com

 X-men Destiny 

As if we video game junkies didn't have enough to be excited about this September. I've saved the best for last! X-Men Destiny looks freaking awesome and releases on the 27th as well. Which system will you buy it for? Not trying to be prejudiced here, but if you buy it for the DS I will slap you silly. Go big or go home! *cough*xbox*cough* Ahem! Anyways... visit the Official Website for trailers, characters, and general infoness. 

Short Story Review: Love's Passion

Love's Passion
Mica Jade
Genre: Erotic Short Story, Romance
Rating:4

Beth is experiencing deep feelings of loss after attending her daughter's wedding. Her husband Sam is determined to cheer her up and relive the day they conceived their baby girl.

Love's Passion is by far the sweetest love story of Jade's erotic tales I've read so far. Beth and Sam have a powerful connection fueled by many years of marriage that is set ablaze after sending their daughter off to her new life. The story line is a bit reminiscent of Love's Bite in that the couple sneak onto a stranger's property for their rendezvous. The idea doesn't seem as fresh after reading it twice, however the amazing love scene just about makes up for it. As a reviewer, it is my job to find these flaws, however I feel the casual reader will find a new and exciting experience with each of Mica Jade's stories.

Incredible Indies

 As you've probably noticed, Wickedly Bookish loves indie authors! I make it a point to promote these under appreciated writers and offer you, as the reader, a map to navigate the sometimes rocky waters of buying worthwhile indie titles. Anyone and their mom can publish that little story they've been working on and not all of them are very good. So how do you get your money's worth?

Every month, I will be featuring a different, fabulous indie author along with at least one of their titles and a special interview. So join me to get to know these hardworking indies and fill up your eReader of choice with Wickedly priced and Wickedly fun reads.

Are you an indie author? Want your book reviewed here on Wickedly Bookish and a chance at being the author of the month? Leave your contact info in the comment section, or email me at wickedlybookish@gmail.com

Book Review: Succubus Dreams

Succubus Dreams
Richelle Mead
Georgina Kincaid #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Creature Feature: Demons, Angels, Vampires
Rating: 4

Georgina Kincaid, succubus extraordinaire, is experiencing some vivid dreams that are leaving her drained of all that sexy energy when she wakes. With her new job as manager of Emerald City Books, her more than complicated relationship with author Seth Mortensen, and an apprentice succubus in town, Georgie really has her work cut out for her.

It is no secret that this series has not been my favorite. Georgina is just not a character I relate to or sympathize with. I still really don't like Georgina, however this book has redeemed the series for me. The plot was on par with the first book. I mean a succubus being preyed on by dream demons? What irony! We get some sexy time with Seth and a few new characters are introduced. I really think what did it for me in this book, was the introduction of Dante Moriarty. I absolutely love Dante with his dark past and sexy sarcastic attitude. He has some of the funniest lines in the book and I am definitely rooting for him.

The antics with Tawny, the apprentice succubus, were really annoying and completely detracted from the main story. I understand that it was all linked to the main plot in the end, but when it was all said and done, it just felt like a bad side story jostling for attention. I have a feeling it will play a bigger part in the series overall, but it did nothing for me here. Georgina is already slutty enough without having to make out with robobabe.

That being said, the sex scenes are taken to another level in this book. Yes some of them are seriously hot, however they just made me dislike Georgina more. She reminds me so much of an ex-friend I had in high school that, once in the real world, turned into a total slut who cared nothing for others feelings and had very little respect for committed relationships. I think it's fair to say I'm never going to like Georgina, but I do enjoy reading about the crap she gets herself into and her continuing troubles with Seth.

Ah...we all knew it had to come to this. Now for the spoilers. Do not read on if you haven't read Succubus Dreams yet, or if you do not wish to be spoiled!

I know a lot of you are upset about Seth cheating on Georgina with Maddie and breaking up with her. Before we pull out the flame throwers, let's be honest here. First of all, Georgina gave Seth full permission to sleep with other people due to the chaste nature of their relationship. They can't have sex or she will eventually kill him so she tells him to get it elsewhere. Therefore she has no right to be pissed off. She goes out and sleeps with other men in completely slutty situations all the time, but gets mad when her poor blue balled boy toy gets it from the cute assistant manager. Hypocritical much? Seth really could have handled the break up better, however his points were completely valid. They can have no significant future together. They can't have kids and grow old together and Seth deserves to have those things for himself if he wants. He knew what he was getting himself into when the relationship started, but his feelings changed and he couldn't handle it. I don't really blame him at all. I know a lot of you are heartbroken for Georgina, but let's face it, she constantly sets herself up for failure! Dante's palm reading only brings this into a more concrete light. The girl is going to live forever she either needs to find herself an immortal lover, who she can't slowly kill off, or she needs to realize if she's going to date mortals that there are consequences. Her shape shifting ways can't compensate for everything she doesn't have to offer. Is that mean? Maybe, but it's also true. Her friends try and tell her this every single book.

Now that I've gotten that rant out of the way, sorry guys, I feel can say with confidence that this series is one to follow. The first two books were ok, but it really picks up here at the third installment. I'm eager to read the next one Succubus Heat to see what happens when Georgina doesn't have someone to answer to. Maybe we'll get a little more Dante? We can only hope.