Midnight's Daughter by Karen Chance

Here is another book that has been sitting on my book shelf for a while. And yet again, I find that I put off another great book for far too long.

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Unlike most dhampirs, though, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity. Now Dory's vampire father has come to her for help— again. Her Uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula), cruelest among vampires, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare to put him back there.Although Dory prefers to work alone, Dracula is the only thing that truly scares her—and when she has to face him, she'll take all the help she can get...

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I instantly took a liking to Dorina. She is fun and feisty. There was plenty of action in this book, whether it is Dory trying to avoid trouble or making it for herself.
I also really liked the "love interest" put in place for Dory, Louis-Cesare. He's stubborn and likes to have his commands obeyed. Their interaction is hilarious.
One of my favorite characters was Olga. She isn't a main character, and is only in the book for a little while, but she is memorable.

I am looking forward to reading book #2, Death's Mistress. She also has another series, The Cassie Palmer series. Some of the characters from the series make appearances in both.

Visit the author's website here.

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

I am a big fan of young adult books, and The Darkest Powers series is one of my favorites. The Reckoning, is the third installment in the series. If you haven't read them, start with The Summoning.

My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal.
But normal is one thing I'm not. For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother—who just happens to be a sorcerer—but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf. Not normal.
My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us—permanently. Definitely not normal.
And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying. As far away from normal as it gets.

I like how the characters don't have control of their powers. They come together, this rag tag bunch of kids, and have to take care of each other while trying to learn how to control the new, and sometimes scary, powers they possess and stay away from the group of supernatural/scientists that tinkered with them.

My favorite character has to be Derek. He is bossy and pushy and doesn't like to have his orders second guessed. But he is also sweet and caring and puts others safety before his own. I really like how Armstrong makes him vulnerable as well. She created this big bad werewolf, but made him not in control of his powers, so we get to see the fear and uncertainty right along with him. I love the interaction between him and Chloe. I have been rooting for them since the first book.

Each character in this series has grown and developed. I am happy with the outcome of the series and only wish it wasn't the end for Chloe, Derek, Simon and Tori.

Visit the authors' website here

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

I love, love, love the Mercy Thompson series. Patricia Briggs is one of my favorite authors.

When mechanic and shapeshifter Mercy Thompson attempts to return a powerful Fae book she'd previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.
It seems the book contains secret knowledge-and the Fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side-leaving Mercy to cover for him, lest his own father declare Sam's life forfeit.
All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she might not have many more to live...

So here we are at the fifth book in the series. Most books by this time are getting a littel weird the characters are starting to act differently, the plot points run flat and the reader loses interest. Not so for Mercy Thompson.

In this installment we get to see more of what it is like to be a part of a pack (which I personally have been looking forward to). Sam starts acting a little off kilter, and Mercy is being, well Mercy.

My favorite character from this book is Ben. I have been a fan of Ben ever since he took a bullet for Adam. And in my opinion he has gotten better with every book.

My only real dissappointment with this book is that we don't see Stephen. I am not one of those readers that think Stephen and Mercy should be together (it's ok if you do), but I do enjoy his character. And after the last book being so heavy with him, this book felt like there was a little something missing.

But don't worry. This book is full of drama, excitement, joy, romance and some scary characters. Plenty to keep us all happy and eagerly looking forward to the next installment.

Check out the authors website here.

Heartless by Sara Shepard

In picturesque Rosewood, Pennsylvania, neighbors gossip over picket fences, and gleaming SUVs sit in every crushed-granite driveway. But recently, friendly smiles have been replaced with suspicious glares and accusatory whispers—and it's all because Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer just can't keep their mouths shut. . . .
First they claimed they found a dead body in the woods behind Spencer's house, only to have it vanish without a trace. Then when the same woods went up in flames, they swore they saw someone who's supposed to be dead rise from the ashes. And even after all that, the pretty little liars are still playing with fire.
Hanna's trading in her Dior trench for a straitjacket. Aria's trying to contact the dead. Emily's dumped her boyfriend and is skipping town . . . again. And Spencer thinks someone in her family has gotten away with murder.
The friends insist they're telling the truth about what they saw, but all of Rosewood thinks they're simply out for attention—and nobody likes a girl who cries wolf. So when the big bad killer comes after the girls, will anyone believe them . . . or will they be the next to disappear?

This series I read for pure silly entertainment. Is it a great piece of literature? No. Is it entertaining and a good way to escape the everyday workings of life? YES!!!

The lives of these four girls may not be completely believable but Shepard does a very good job of getting the reader involved with them. And "A" is a good villain, keeping the protagonists on their toes.

The Pretty Little Liars is a perfect piece of escapism!

Kim Harrison Book Signing!!!

I have never been to a book signing and I am proud to say that Kim Harrison was my first. It was a joy and a pleasure to meet Kim and her husband. The question and answer portion gave just enough hint to the future and some insight into her writing style and Hollow's history. It was a lot of fun and I got all my books signed. It was a great night!

Here is the link to her website to see more pictures of the book signing!!!

http://www.kimharrison.net/EventPages/Events2010/BarnesAndNobelMinneapolis10.html