Movie Trailer: Gravity

"Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney). But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone-tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth...and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space."

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Early Review: Binding the Shadows by Jenn Bennett

Title: Binding the Shadows

Author: Jenn Bennett

Series: Arcadia Bell, book 3

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Pocket Books

Source: Review copy from author

Format: E-book

“Demons sure know how to kill a girl’s buzz. 

Renegade mage and bartender Arcadia Bell has had a rough year, but now the door to her already unstable world is becoming completely unhinged. When a citywide crime wave erupts, Cady’s demon-friendly tiki bar is robbed by Earthbounds wielding surreal demonic abilities that just flat-out shouldn’t exist. With the help of her devilishly delicious boyfriend, Lon Butler, Cady sets out to find the people who wronged her—but her targets aren’t the only ones experiencing unnatural metamorphoses. Can Cady track down the monsters responsible before the monster inside her destroys everything—and everyone—she loves? If she survives this adventure, one thing is certain: it’s last call for life as she knows it.” 

Binding the Shadows is the third book in the Arcadia Bell series by Jenn Bennett.

Sometimes after reading a first book in a series you can’t believe it’s a debut novel. After finishing it you start to follow the author and look forward to the second book, and then you read the second book and can’t believe it was even better than the first one. After that, you start to stalk the author and start the countdown to the release of the following installment. Then you read the third book and you can’t believe it, it’s even better than previous two books, you are in awe with the author and start to consider moving to the same town where the author lives; if you are her neighbor there is a possibility that you could spy through her window and get a peek to the manuscript of next book. Then it occurs to you that maybe the author writes about demons because she has dealings with them, maybe she sold her soul to one or promise to make them famous in exchange of gifting her with a genius writing style. If that is the case demons could visit her frequently and it would be better if you don’t live close to her.

All those thoughts and more passed through my head after I finished Binding the Shadows. Why? Because this book was made of awesome.

One of the best things about this book and this series in general is how Mrs. Bennett writes her characters in a way that they grow in front of our eyes.

I loved Cady since the moment I met her in Kindling the Moon (first book in the series) and my love for her has only intensified throughout the books. I love that she is not perfect and as any other person has insecurities. I also love that she can ask for help when needed and loves Lone and Jupe unconditionally because in them she has finally found the family she never had.

In Binding the Shadows Cady is experiencing many changes, things she can’t explain are happening to her, and when she look for answers what she learns is not pretty or easy to take. The good thing is that she’s not alone; Lon is there and will be there for her when she needs him.

Lon is a dreamy hero, he’s an alpha and a protector at heart. He feels life has giving him a chance to be happy in Cady’s arms and is willing to do anything to keep her safe and by his side.

Cady and Lon together are stronger than apart, they know this and they won’t permit anything to come between them.

In Binding the Shadows we meet Lon’s ex-wife, his ex-mother in law and ex-sister in law. As is expected this brings some conflict to the story and increases Cady’s insecurities, but Lon as the gentle, caring and loving man he is makes sure that it’s clear to everybody around him than Cady is very important in his life and is there to stay. *swoon*

I usually don’t like kids in books because (usually) they don’t bring anything to the story and feel more like fillers than real characters. That’s not the case with Lon’s son, Jupe. Jupe is as important in this series and as well-written as Cady or Lon. I really could not imagine these books without him.

Jupe is another character that we have seen grow page by page. I really like how awkward (in a good way), funny, different and sweet he is.

I also love how he has accepted Cady in their lives and sees her almost as the mother he has never had and wish he could have.

I like Jupe so much and he is such a great character that I think he should have a spin-off (YA) series just for him.

In Binding the Shadows we also see some characters from previous books like Cady’s best friend Kar-Yee, the demon/drug dealer Hajo, Cady’s mother and the head of the Hellfire Club, Ambrose Dare. These characters played important roles in many of the events in Binding the Shadows. I don’t want to say much about them, let’s just say that one these characters will get what he/she deserves and for the others we’ll have to wait and see what Mrs. Bennett has in store for them in future books.

Mrs. Bennett character and relationships development is top-notch. Her world building is creative, vivid and realistic. Her writing is fluid, spotless and with the perfect balance of drama and humor. Binding the Shadows is not only action packed, but it’s also an emotional rollercoaster-page-turner that you won’t be able to put down.

Binding the Shadows exceed my expectations and left me dying for more. The end may be considered a cliffhanger for some; for me it was actually something I was expecting because there were signs here and there of what it was to come, so it wasn’t a shocking surprise for me but one that left me wanting to move near to Atlanta, more specifically Mrs. Bennett neighborhood.

Binding the Shadows could be read as a stand-alone because Mrs. Bennett does a good job reminding us about events from previous books without being repetitive, still I recommend you to start with Kindling the Moon and go from there to get the whole Arcadia Bell experience. I can’t recommend you enough this book and this series in general.

I’m eagerly waiting for May 2014 to the release of next book in the series, Crossing the Æthyr.

My Verdict: 5 Paws

Other books in the series

Kindling the Moon

Summoning the Night

Leashing the Tempest (novella)

Binding the Shadows

Crossing the Æthyr (May 2014)

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CATS-ilicious Thursdays

Cover Revealed: The Spider by Jennifer Estep

The Spider

Jennifer Estep

Elemental Assassin # 10

Urban Fantasy

December 31st, 2013

"For the first time, the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadly assassin “the Spider” are revealed in full. In a story that pre-dates the other nine books in the series, Gin Blanco goes through her paces to become the most feared assassin in the Ashland."

The Jessica McClain Ultimate Swag Giveaway

Amanda Carlson is hosting an Ultimate Swag Giveaway to celebrate the release of Hot Blooded, second book in her highly successful Jessica McClain Series.

This giveaway is open internationally, to participate you only need to fill up the Rafflecopter form below. 

Full Blooded 
Jessica McClain #1 

"Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared. 

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her. 

But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves. 

When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life."

Hot Blooded 
Jessica McClain #2

"It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain. 

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps. 

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.  

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.  

All in a day's work for a girl. 

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties..."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: All He Ever Dreamed by Shannon Stacey

Title: All He Ever Dreamed

Author: Shannon Stacey

Series: Kowalski Family, book 6

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harkequin

Source: Review copy from publisher

Format: E-book

“Josh Kowalski is tired of holding down the fort—better known as the Northern Star Lodge—while his siblings are off living their dreams. Now that his oldest brother has returned to Whitford, Maine for good, Josh is free to chase some dreams of his own. 

As the daughter of the lodge's longtime housekeeper, Katie Davis grew up alongside the Kowalski kids. Though she's always been "one of the guys", her feelings for Josh are anything but sisterly. And after a hot late-night encounter in the kitchen, it's clear Josh finally sees her as the woman she is. 

Katie's been waiting years for Josh to notice her, but now that he has, she's afraid it's too late. Giving her heart to a man who can't wait to leave town is one sure way to have it broken. But Josh keeps coming up with excuses not to leave—could it be that everything he's ever wanted is closer than he could have imagined?” 

All He Ever Dreamed is the sixth book in the Kowalski Family series by Shannon Stacey.

Before All He Ever Dreamed I had only read first two books in this series; despite noticing there was a backstory regarding some of the characters I can say All He Ever Dreamed can be easily read as a stand-alone.

Since the death of his father Josh Kowalski has been stuck managing the family business. Years have passed and Josh is tired of his life, the last thing he wants is continuing managing the Northern Star Lodge. All his siblings went away and live their lives while he was left behind with all the responsibility. After being honest for the first time to his brothers and sister about his feelings towards the lodge and his dissatisfying life, Josh is just waiting for an opportunity to leave the lodge and the town behind.

Katie Davis has been Josh best friend since she can remember, she has also being in love with him for much of her life, but sadly Josh only sees her as his buddy. All this changes suddenly one night when Josh realizes Katie is not only his friend but also a very beautiful woman. Katie takes advantage of these new awaken feelings in Josh and despite knowing that Josh’s ultimate plan is to leave the lodge and the town behind they start a relationship.

Things are going well between them but the ghost of Josh’s leaving is always on the horizon, until one day when the opportunity arises. Now Josh will need to decide if his dream is out of town or if it has been by his side all his life.

I have mixed feelings about All He Ever Dreamed. There were things I like and some others not so much.

I liked Josh siblings and the interest they show in helping Josh in this book; but still I couldn’t believe that they all had been so selfish and no one of them ever thought about asking Josh if managing the Lodge was what he wanted to do, or if he wanted to go to college or do something else with his life like they all have done. It was easy to see they felt guilty and they should because what they did it was not fair with Josh.

I liked Josh and understood his desire to do something else, what I didn’t understand was that if he wanted to leave town so much and do something else with his life why he didn’t have a plan. What he said he wanted to do was something he could have easily done if he only would have taken couple of weeks of vacation a year. His lack of planning in his life made him feel immature for his age.

Another thing I didn’t quiet believe is that he never saw Katie as a woman and only as a “buddy”, he never noticed she had a nice body or that she was beautiful. He’s a man and he could be the best friend/buddy or anything, guys always notice those things.

I felt bad for Katie; I can’t imagine being in love with somebody very close to you and that person being oblivious to your feelings for so many years. I also felt that she settle for anything with him. For example, on the beginning of their relationship she didn’t know what kind of relationship they were having, she was ok with only being friends with benefits just to be with him. Also at the end, after what happened between them (I’m trying not too give spoilers away), when Josh’s professes his love for her she was to quick to accept, if I would have been her I would have liked to have more guarantees to make sure that I was what he really wanted and not the best option because he couldn’t find anything better. 

Talking about their relationship there was something lacking here. I believe they were friends and had a good friendship, but when their relationship changed I didn’t feel the romance. It was very physical but I didn’t feel a real romantic connection between them.

Notwithstanding the little problems I had with the story and the characters All He Ever Dreamed was a well-written, fun and sweet read. All He Ever Dreamed is perfect for those days when you want something light and easy to read or if you like small town romance stories.

My Verdict: 3 ½ Stars

Other books in the series

Exclusively Yours

Undeniable Yours

Yours to Keep

All He Ever Needed

All He Ever Desired

All He Ever Dreamed

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Movie Trailer: Ender's Game

"In the near future, a hostile alien race (called the Formics) have attacked Earth. If not for the legendary heroics of International Fleet Commander, Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, the highly esteemed Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Military are training only the best young children to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy, but strategically brilliant boy is pulled out of his school to join the elite. 

Arriving at Battle School, Ender quickly and easily masters increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers. Ender is soon ordained by Graff as the military’s next great hope, resulting in his promotion to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Mazer Rackham, himself, to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth and save the human race."

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