GIVEAWAY: Louise's 2011 Faves & 2012 Wants

All of the fabulous reviewers I have working with me on Between the Covers are part of this craziness I call my blog because they love to read and they want to share that love with others. We all have a total and complete love affair with books which we want to pass on to you, our followers.

In that spirit, Chris came up with the idea of an end of year round up... the books we loved most in 2011 and the ones we're most anticipating in 2012. We've compiled our lists and checked them twice. *snickers* Sorry, I couldn't resist! We've made changes to allow for some of us loving the same books. *laughs* And now we want to share our lists with you. Each day 12/27 - 12/31 We'll be posting the list from one of the reviewers here on BtC. You'll get to see which books we couldn't put down this year, and which ones we're dying to get our hands on for next.

And there's a bonus prize... free books!

*cue wild follower applause for this brilliant idea... and free books*

Followers can enter to win ONE (1) book off of the "2011 faves" list. You are free to enter each day's giveaway. The giveaway begins 12/27 and runs through 01/06/12. Winners will be announced on 01/07/12.

Now... on to the books!

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Today we're featuring me!!! Me!!! Me!!!! *clears throat and adjusts hem of decorum* Louise's list. I love each of the books I chose and hope you do, too. If you haven't read the 2011 ones yet... *waves you off* Go, run to the bookstore, get them NOW… we’ll be here when you get back.

~ ~ FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2011 ~ ~

Children of Paranioa by Trevor Shane
Condessions Of a D List Supervillain by Jim Bernheimer




This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5) by Jeaniene Frost
River Marked by Patrica Briggs



Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter

~ ~ MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2012 ~ ~

Infamous (Chronicles of Nick #3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter




City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Black Dawn (Morganville Vampires #12) by Rachel Caine



Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors (Jane Jameson #4) by Molly Harper
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*pulls on my bragging britches* Aren't my choices awesomesauce and amazeballs? Now for your chance to win ONE (1) of my 2011 favorites...

~ ~ DA RULZ ~ ~

* You MUST be 13+ years of age.
* You MUST be a Between the Covers blog follower.
* You MUST live in a country The Book Depository ships to.
* You may leave a comment on this post for ONE (1) extra entry - Anonymous comments DO NOT count.
* Giveaway runs 12/30/11 - 01/06/12.
* Winners will be announced 01/07/12.
* You MUST fill out the FORM BELOW.

*THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED*

Happy reading and good luck! Be sure to leave us a comment to tell us whether my picks were on your lists.

GIVEAWAY: Jess' 2011 Faves & 2012 Wants

All of the fabulous reviewers I have working with me on Between the Covers are part of this craziness I call my blog because they love to read and they want to share that love with others. We all have a total and complete love affair with books which we want to pass on to you, our followers.

In that spirit, Chris came up with the idea of an end of year round up... the books we loved most in 2011 and the ones we're most anticipating in 2012. We've compiled our lists and checked them twice. *snickers* Sorry, I couldn't resist! We've made changes to allow for some of us loving the same books. *laughs* And now we want to share our lists with you. Each day 12/27 - 12/31 We'll be posting the list from one of the reviewers here on BtC. You'll get to see which books we couldn't put down this year, and which ones we're dying to get our hands on for next.

And there's a bonus prize... free books!

*cue wild follower applause for this brilliant idea... and free books*

Followers can enter to win ONE (1) book off of the "2011 faves" list. You are free to enter each day's giveaway. The giveaway begins 12/27 and runs through 01/06/12. Winners will be announced on 01/07/12.

Now... on to the books!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today we're featuring Jess' list, and I have to say I love some of the books she chose. In fact, she and I almost thumb wrestled Karen for the right to claim Lover Reborn for our own lists! #TrueFact If you haven't read the 2011 ones yet... *waves you off* Go, run to the bookstore, get them NOW… we’ll be here when you get back.

~ ~ FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2011 ~ ~

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton
Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark #11) by Kresley Cole




Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione
Lethal by Sandra Brown



Taken by Fire (ACRO #6) by Sydney Croft

~ ~ MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2012 ~ ~

A Perfect Blodd by Kim Harrison
Kiss of the Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton




Lothaire (Immortals After Dark #12) by Kresley Cole
Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter



Fated (The Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel

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Aren't Jess' choices awesomesauce? Now for your chance to win ONE (1) of her 2011 favorites...

~ ~ DA RULZ ~ ~

* You MUST be 13+ years of age.
* You MUST be a Between the Covers blog follower.
* You MUST live in a country The Book Depository ships to.
* You may leave a comment on this post for ONE (1) extra entry - Anonymous comments DO NOT count.
* Giveaway runs 12/30/11 - 01/06/12.
* Winners will be announced 01/07/12.
* You MUST fill out the FORM BELOW.

*THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED*

Happy reading and good luck! Be sure to leave us a comment to tell us whether Jess' picks were on your lists.

GIVEAWAY: Karen's 2011 Faves & 2012 Wants

All of the fabulous reviewers I have working with me on Between the Covers are part of this craziness I call my blog because they love to read and they want to share that love with others. We all have a total and complete love affair with books which we want to pass on to you, our followers.

In that spirit, Chris came up with the idea of an end of year round up... the books we loved most in 2011 and the ones we're most anticipating in 2012. We've compiled our lists and checked them twice. *snickers* Sorry, I couldn't resist! We've made changes to allow for some of us loving the same books. *laughs* And now we want to share our lists with you. Each day 12/27 - 12/31 We'll be posting the list from one of the reviewers here on BtC. You'll get to see which books we couldn't put down this year, and which ones we're dying to get our hands on for next.

And there's a bonus prize... free books!

*cue wild follower applause for this brilliant idea... and free books*

Followers can enter to win ONE (1) book off of the "2011 faves" list. You are free to enter each day's giveaway. The giveaway begins 12/27 and runs through 01/06/12. Winners will be announced on 01/07/12.

Now... on to the books!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today we're featuring Karen's list, and I have to say I love some of the books she chose. In fact, I almost thumb wrestled her for the right to claim Lover Reborn and Shadowfever for my own list. #TrueFact If you haven't read the 2011 ones yet... go, run to the bookstore, get them NOW!! *waves you off* Go… we’ll be here when you get back.

~ ~ FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2011 ~ ~

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost
Demon Dark by Penelope Fletcher




Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James



Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh

~ ~ MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2012 ~ ~

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward




Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione



Iced by Karen Marie Moning

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Karen’s choices are awesome, aren’t they? Now for your chance to win ONE (1) of her 2011 favorites...

~ ~ DA RULZ ~ ~

* You MUST be 13+ years of age.
* You MUST be a Between the Covers blog follower.
* You MUST live in a country The Book Depository ships to.
* You may leave a comment on this post for ONE (1) extra entry - Anonymous comments DO NOT count.
* Giveaway runs 12/28/11 - 01/06/12.
* Winners will be announced 01/07/12.
* You MUST fill out the FORM BELOW.

*THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED*

Happy reading and good luck! Be sure to leave us a comment to tell us whether Karen’s picks were on your lists.

GIVEAWAY: Chris' 2011 Faves & 2012 Wants

All of the fabulous reviewers I have working with me on Between the Covers are part of this craziness I call my blog because they love to read and they want to share that love with others. We all have a total and complete love affair with books which we want to pass on to you, our followers.

In that spirit, Chris came up with the idea of a end of year round up... our books we loved most in 2011 and the ones we're most anticipating in 2012. We've compiled our lists and checked them twice. *snickers* Sorry, I couldn't resist! We've made changes to allow for some of us loving the same books. *laughs* And now we want to share our lists with you. Each day 12/27 - 12/31 I'll be posting the list from one of the reviewers here on BtC. You'll get to see which books we couldn't put down this year, and which ones we're dying to get our hands on for next.

And there's a bonus prize... free books!

*cue wild follower applause for this brilliant idea... and free books*

Followers can enter to win ONE (1) book off of the "2011 faves" list. You are free to enter each day's giveaway. The giveaway begins today (12/27) and runs through 01/06/12. Winners will be announced on 01/07/12.

Now... on to the books!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today we're featuring Chris' list, and I have to say I love the books he chose. If you haven't read the 2011 ones yet... go, run to the bookstore, get them NOW!! *laughs*

~ ~ FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2011 ~ ~

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline




Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion



Across the Universe by Beth Revis

~ ~ MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2012 ~ ~

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins




A Million Suns by Beth Revis
Insurgent by Veronica Roth



The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

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Chris picked some really great books, didn't he? Now for your chance to win ONE (1) of his 2011 favorites...

~ ~ DA RULZ ~ ~

* You MUST be 13+ years of age.
* You MUST be a Between the Covers blog follower.
* You MUST live in a country The Book Depository ships to.
* You may leave a comment on this post for ONE (1) extra entry - Anonymous comments DO NOT count.
* Giveaway runs 12/27/11 - 01/06/12.
* Winners will be announced 01/07/12.
* You MUST fill out the FORM BELOW.

*THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED*

Happy reading and good luck! Be sure to leave us a comment to tell us whether Chris' picks were on your lists.

Happy Holidays

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, another holiday I am unaware of *only pretends to know everything* ... or no holiday at all... all of us here at Between the Covers wish you and yours happiness as 2011 comes to a close, and best wishes for the new year.

May you all be surrounded with loved ones... family or friends, it makes no difference to the heart.

*blows kisses to all of the wonderful BtC followers*

REVIEW: Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication: August 2011

(Cedar Fort, Inc.)


Goodreads Summary: Chicago businessman and bachelor Devon Pierce is completely unprepared to be the guardian of Australian four-year-old Ryan Caldwell. But Ryan's solicitor, Stella Walker, won't take no for an answer. Little does Devon know this "minor" adjustment will grant him a future he never expected to have. Told in a fast-paced, poignant, and witty style, Minor Adjustments will take you on a journey of humor, growth, romance, and love.

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Review: Minor Adjustments is a sweet, wholesome story about family, values and character. Devon Pierce owns his own company and is a self-proclaimed workaholic. One day he is asked to come to Australia by a solicitor to deal with the request from a young woman, Lindsay, who lived with his family for nine months as a foreign exchange student ten years earlier. Upon learning that she was dying of cancer, Lindsay decided that her four-year-old son, Ryan Devon, would be best taken care of by Devon, as he and his family had made a tremendous impact on her during her stay with them. Lindsay enlists the help of her best friend and solicitor, Stella, to coordinate the guardianship. But Stella has come to love Ryan as if he were her own child and wants what is best for him, so she persuades Devon to come and spend two weeks with Ryan in Australia before making a decision.

As Devon gets to know Ryan he comes to care for him, and the story explores the “minor adjustments” that Devon makes in his life to accommodate the addition of the small boy who loves custard. Plot elements include a blooming romance between Stella and Devon, the unexpected appearance of Ryan’s deadbeat-dad birth father, and Devon’s self-doubt about his parenting abilities. Anderson illuminates the critical role that a good man of character and a loving family plays in the life of a child.

Minor Adjustments is an inspirational story that conveys a sense of family, faith and humor. Anderson is very adept at writing “clean” romance, so there is no overt sex or cursing in the book. If you are looking for a nice, wholesome story of family, romance and happily-ever-afters, then you’ll love this book.

Rating: 3.5 stars

RETRO REVIEW: Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

photo source: myrecurringdream

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Lover Awakened
by J.R. Ward

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 434 (paperback)

Publication: September 2006

(Signet)

Goodreads Summary: 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…

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Review: Okay... first things first. Zsadist is mine. See? *points to photographic proof*



So, back off ladies. I will not hesitate to use the shanking spork to protect what's mine. Now that we've got that settled...

I need to pause for a moment and get something out of my system so that I may continue this review in my usual solemn and professional manner.

*insert BDB fan girl scream HERE*
Okay... All better.

Lover Awakened is the third book in J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Picking up in the weeks following Lover Eternal, (see review HERE) this book tells the story of the warrior Zsadist. *pets my pretty Z pic*

WARNING: This book deals with sexual abuse and includes scenes which may be uncomfortable for some.

Zsadist is the most brutal, vicious and cruel of the warriors. Simply looking at him inspires terror in most. Not even his brothers like fighting alongside him. He oozes hatred from his very pores.

But he has good cause for his cruel demeanor. Held captive for almost a century, used as a blood slave… and worse… his hatred grew strong and deep. Once rescued by his twin brother, Phury, he was physically safe, but nothing could erase the memories of his captivity from his mind... or diminish the impact of the nightmares he carries.

Bella has lived a much different life than Zsadist. A member of the glymera, pampered, protected and much loved younger sister of Rehvenge, she has known no hardship. But she is no less trapped than Zsadist was. Her brother controls her world, allowing her only the illusion of freedom. Yet despite their differences Bella is unable to forget the harsh and dangerous warrior.

When Bella is kidnapped by Lessers, Zsadist does what he does best… hunts and kills his enemy. Driven by a need he doesn’t understand, he searches mercilessly for Bella, her safety… or vengeance for her death… his consuming thought.

This is my absolute, hands down, without a doubt, do-I-need-to-spell-it-out-for-you favorite book of the series. I love a tortured hero, and Zsadist is that and so much more. I love a heroine with spunk, and Ward is very good at writing those. Bella is no exception. While these two characters seem so drastically different, they are in reality each others perfect compliment.

Zsadist’s story, told in flashback style, made me wince in horror, infuriated me and made me cry. He is one of the most misunderstood characters of this series. Ward always does an excellent job with character development, but in my trying-to-be-unbiased-and-probably-failing-miserably opinion, Zsadist exhibits the most growth of any within the series. He is not at all what you have been led to believe in the first two books. *pauses* Well, actually… he is exactly what you’ve been shown IF you have been paying attention. He is a male of worth. #NuffSaid

Bella is much more than the decorative piece of furniture most females of the glymera are, and is stronger than anyone ever knew… her brother and herself included. She shows her strength and proves the adage that you can be victimized without becoming a victim. The two together were incredible to watch unfold on the page, and I cried at the conclusion. #LoveNotesFTW

The only downside for me in this book… and it was a HUGE downside… was a side story arc that involved other characters in this world. As I am determined to keep this review spoiler free, I won’t rant about my feelings over these events. If you follow my personal account on twitter, you already know them. *grumbles internally… LOTS*

Yet again Ward’s writing is quick and sharp, the dialogue flowing in an entertaining if not grammatically correct manner. And once again, this book contains much smoking hot sex, so read it with an ice cold bottle of water handy… and maybe open a window to let some cold air in. Take note, BtCers… kissing will take on a whole new meaning for you after this one. *winks*

Rating: 4.5 stars