Blog Housekeeping [11]

It's that time again! Time to polish up your blog until it shines!

**I have been a great big slacker since my last Blog Housekeeping post. Today is going to be a major cleanup day. MAJOR. *begins checking the list of THINGS TO DO*

Update:

• review archive - are you responsible for sites other than your own? Don't forget about those
• sidebar - check for buttons or links for events that have ended. Have any new events coming up? Now's the time to add them.
• reading challenges - update your progress, add links to challenges where you can link up. If you're a challenge host, do you try to comment on linked reviews? Now's your chance!
• blogrolls -  clean 'em up!
• crosspost - do you crosspost to Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, Library Thing? Don't forget to add your reviews to Netgalley or Edelwiess for those ARCs.
• check your subscription and social media links - if this isn't something that you normally check, now's an excellent time to make sure it's doing what it should be doing. (check out Felicia's Tech Tips for ideas on what to do if you're getting errors on your subscription link)
• check your static pages (About, Review Policy, etc) for outdated information, broken links, etc.
• review your profiles - when was the last time you updated your Goodreads or Facebook profiles? Is everything up to date?

Get ahead:

• May is nearly over! Have you drafted your weekly wrap-up posts? Do you prepare review posts for upcoming books so you can simply write up the review once you've finished reading?

Misc:

• respond to review requests and other bloggy emails
• check your spam folder - legitimate emails can sometimes slip through, catch them now.
• check the spam filter on the blog - get rid of the spam! save the legits!
• make the rounds - check back on blogs where you left comments, maybe spread a few new comments around like candy.

Did you do everything that applies to you? Well done! Now...

BACK UP YOUR BLOG!

| Blogger tutorial | Wordpress tutorial |

The next post is scheduled for 6/8 and I expect to see YOU here!

Review: Dark Side of the Moon by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Dark Side of the Moon (Dark-Hunter #10, Were-Hunter #5) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Susan Michaels was once the hottest reporter on the Beltway Beat until a major scandal ruined her life and left her writing stories about alien babies and Elvis sightings. Life as she once knew it is over, or so she thinks, but then she gets a lead on a story that could salvage her extinct career. She heads to the local animal shelter, expecting a hot news tip, which she gets in the form of a major police cover-up ... for a ring of soul-sucking vampires out to take over Seattle. So much for saving her credibility.

And if that isn't bad enough, she gets talked into adopting a cat and finds she's allergic to it. A cat that turns out to be a shapeshifter who claims to be an immortal vampire slayer on the prowl for the same corrupt cops. her first thought: seek professional help.

But as Susan's drawn into Ravyn's dark and dangerous world, she comes to realize that there's a lot more at stake than just her defunct career. Now it's no longer a question of bringing the truth to her readers; it's a matter of saving their very lives and souls.

Ravyn's life was shattered over four hundred years ago, when he mistakenly trusted the wrong human with the truth of his existence. He lost his family, his honor, and his life. Now, in order to save the people of Seattle, he's forced to confront that nightmare all over again, and to trust another woman with the secret that could destroy him.

In the world of the Dark-Hunters, life is always dangerous. But never more so than now, when a very human woman can shatter their entire world with just one story. The only question is ... will she?

My Thoughts: *stares* *stares some more* Holy crud, A LOT of things happen here. A LOT. We get to see an oddly noble side of Stryker, Nick makes his (not so) triumphant return, and the wheels are set in motion for some BIG things down the line. Not going to lie, Nick's part in this story kind of slayed me. His anger at Ash and how that one moment in time changed him from an laid back, slightly sarcastic guy into someone who is willing to strike out at his former best friend the way he does... *weeps* Poor Nick.

But this isn't Nick's story. This is Ravyn and Susan's. And they pretty much rock. I love how Susan had the badass fighter thing going for her. I admire a girl who can kick ass with the best of them. Ravyn... well, the family dynamics going on in the background were pretty awful and the fact that he had to deal with all the things he dealt with on his own ... the guy deals well. All things considered.

The background characters are (as always) stellar. We finally get to see how Stryker and his Daimons always know the worst possible time to attack. Stryker's plan to take over Seattle, I have to admit that it was pretty ingenious. He's one of them that I love to hate. The fact that he does have that streak of fair play despite his overwhelming desire to spill Dark-Hunter blood -- and Ash's blood in particular -- makes him *somewhat* sympathetic at times. Somewhat. At times. I still love to hate him, though.

The reread's still going strong! The world of the Dark-Hunters continues to expand and I'm loving it all over again!

Books in the Dark-Hunter Universe
1. Fantasy Lover
2. Night Pleasures
3. Night Embrace
4. Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter #4, Were-Hunter #1)
5. Kiss of the Night
6. Night Play (Dark-Hunter #6, Were-Hunter#2)
7. Seize the Night
8. Sins of the Night
9. Unleash the Night (Dark-Hunter #9, Were-Hunter #3)
10. Dark Side of the Moon (Dark-Hunter #10, Were-Hunter #4) - Paperback | Kindle
11. The Dream-Hunter (Dark-Hunter #11, Dream-Hunter #1)
12. Devil May Cry
13. Upon the Midnight Clear (Dark-Hunter #13, Dream-Hunter #2)
14. Dream Chaser (Dark-Hunter #14, Dream-Hunter #3)
15. Acheron
16. One Silent Night
17. Dream Warrior (Dark-Hunter #17, Dream-Hunter #4)
18. Bad Moon Rising (Dark-Hunter #18, Were-Hunter #5, Hellchaser #3)
19. No Mercy (Dark-Hunter #19, Were-Hunter #6)
20. Retribution (Dark-Hunter #20, Were-Hunter #7)
21. The Guardian (Dark-Hunter #21, Dream-Hunter #5, Were-Hunter #8, Hellchaser #4)
22. Time-Untime (Dark-Hunter #22, Hellchaser #5)
23. Styxx

Author Links
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Review: Unleash the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Unleash the Night (Dark-Hunter #9, Were-Hunter #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Synopsis (Goodreads):

It's a predator-eat-predator world for the Were-Hunters. Danger haunts any given day. There is no one to trust. No one to love. Not if they want to live...

An orphan with no clan that will claim him, Wren Tigarian grew to adulthood under the close scrutiny and mistrust of those around him. A forbidden blend of two animals - snow leopard and white tiger - Wren has never listened to anyone when there was something he wanted. Now he wants Marguerite.

Marguerite D'Aubert Goudeau is the daughter of a prominent U.S. senator who hates the socialite life she's forced to live. Like her mother before her, she has strong Cajun roots that her father doesn't understand. Still, she has no choice but to try and conform to a world where she feels like an outsider. But the world of rich and powerful humans is never to meet the world of the Were-Hunters who exist side by side with them, unseen, unknown, undetected. To break this law is to call down a wrath of the highest order.

In order to have Marguerite, Wren must fight not just the humans who will never accept his animal nature, but the Were-Hunters who want him dead for endangering their world. It's a race against time and magic without boundary that could cost Marguerite and Wren not just their lives, but their very souls...

My Thoughts: I have a confession to make. It's not a particularly dark confession, but it is a confession all the same. *deep breath* Here goes. I *really* like these Were-Hunters. They're dark and a little dangerous. They have no problem spilling blood and they get VERY protective of the people they consider their own. I LIKE ALL THOSE THINGS! A LOT!

Wren is the solitary Katagaria who's hovered in the shadows at Sanctuary every time we've met him in the past. His past is brutal and bloody and he doesn't think very highly of himself. Maggie has some serious daddy issues and just wants a chance to live her life doing the things that she wants to do. There's something very sweet in the way Wren softens and gentles around her. I love it when a strong man falls. LOVE IT.

This book is very light on the Dark-Hunters and has zero sightings of Daimons BUT we get a cool look at the inner workings of the Were-Hunter society. We also get to see shades of Fang and Aimee (those two have the forbidden side of "forbidden romance" down pat) and get a peek at how mercenary Nicolette can be when it comes to her family.

I'm down with more Were-Hunter books, btw. I am totally in love with how feral these guys get when those they love are in danger. The fight, they draw blood, they're unstoppable even when they've been shot and beaten down. I <3 these guys so hard!

Books in the Dark-Hunter Universe
1. Fantasy Lover
2. Night Pleasures
3. Night Embrace
4. Dance with the Devil (Dark-Hunter #4, Were-Hunter #1)
5. Kiss of the Night
6. Night Play (Dark-Hunter #6, Were-Hunter #2)
7. Seize the Night
8. Sins of the Night
9. Unleash the Night (Dark-Hunter #9, Were-Hunter #3) - Paperback | Kindle
10. Dark Side of the Moon (Dark-Hunter #10, Were-Hunter #4)
11. The Dream-Hunter (Dark-Hunter #11, Dream-Hunter #1)
12. Devil May Cry
13. Upon the Midnight Clear (Dark-Hunter #13, Dream-Hunter #2)
14. Dream Chaser (Dark-Hunter #14, Dream-Hunter #3)
15. Acheron
16. One Silent Night
17. Dream Warrior (Dark-Hunter #17, Dream-Hunter #4)
18. Bad Moon Rising (Dark-Hunter #18, Were-Hunter #5, Hellchaser #3)
19. No Mercy (Dark-Hunter #19, Were-Hunter #6)
20. Retribution (Dark-Hunter #20, Were-Hunter #7)
21. The Guardian (Dark-Hunter #21, Dream-Hunter #5, Were-Hunter #8, Hellchaser #4)
22. Time-Untime (Dark-Hunter #22, Hellchaser #5)
23. Styxx

Author Links
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Review: Fairyvision by J.L. Bryan

Fairyvision (Songs of Magic #5) by J.L. Bryan
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Jason, Erin, and the other Zebras go on a world tour with their enchanted instruments, only to encounter the mysterious supernatural Folk of India and the Far East. While they tangle with their record company, Erin tries to avoid dealing with the secrets she's learned about herself, while Jason pieces together a mystery surrounding a very special golden guitar called Caliburn.

In Faerie, Aoide the Lutist and her troupe finally return home from their long adventure. They're struggling to get new gigs, but Aoide senses opportunity in the form of special new magic mirrors that can broadcast concerts, plays, and other entertainment all over Faerie...

My Thoughts: Man, oh, man. Those poor Zebras are caught up in the whirlwind of their success but they don't get the chance to appreciate it. They're traveling around the world, seeing things that most kids their age will never see and they spend their days running from gig to gig until they're exhausted and cranky. Plus, Mitch is kinda a kiss-butt douche and I have no idea how the other members of the band manage to put up with him since he came into a little money.

I seriously love all the goings on in Faerie. Aoide and her friends journey back to Sidhe City (vampires!), Lia's terrible task (I don't actually like that part, but I like Lia), Icarus and his muscular arms (heh!)... Faerie is FUN! Well, not all of Faerie is fun. Mab's not fun. She's kind of nutty. But all the punny things that happen there. ALL THE PUNS!

Meanwhile, back with Jason and crew, on top of the Zebras' 9 billion city tour, they're forced to take part in a reality show. Which ends up being just as horrific as you'd think. Erin and Jason are getting closer, the director of the reality show is trying to drive a wedge between all the band mates (because what's a good reality show without the DRAMA!), and Erin is forced to be a spokesperson for some really horrific pants.

Also... Ninja fairies. *fist pump*

The crazy is still going strong, Malarkay Records need a swift kick in the pants (along with all the various people who work for them), and the THINGS THAT HAPPEN at the end gave me a case of crazy eyes. Oh, noes, Zebras! The future's not looking so bright at the moment. I expect that only the greatest of shenanigans will be able to get them out of this predicament. Get to it, kiddies!

Books in this series
1. Fairy Metal Thunder
2. Fairy Blues
3. Fairystruck
4. Fairyland
5. Fairyvision - Kindle

Author Links
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Fairyvision was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: How Beauty Loved the Beast by Jax Garren

How Beauty Loved the Beast (Tales of the Underlight #3) by Jax Garren
Synopsis (Goodreads):

It’s all been leading to this.

Jolie Benoit has become a skilled agent of the Underlight, relying on her savvy to complete assignments while Sergeant Wesley Haukon was out of commission. But an unexpected clue to the Order of Ananke’s diabolical scheme rattles Jolie, and she turns to Hauk for comfort.

It’s been years since Hauk took comfort from the touch of another person, though his love for Jolie is deep and powerful. Uncomfortable in his skin, scarred by a terrible fire, he is unable to give in to the pleasures that Jolie so desperately wants to grant him.

Meanwhile, the Order is lurking in the shadows—and when they strike, the blow is swift and terrible. Hauk and Jolie scramble to fight for their community, but with the future of the Underlight threatened, no one is safe. And Hauk will never be the same…

My Thoughts: I honestly don't think I can adequately express how very, very much I adore this entire series. Everything about it works for me. From Hauk's first time with Jolie to the relationship that developed between them as the story progressed. I just love it to pieces. This installment allowed their relationship to move forward physically while showing Hauk's insecurities with his scars and imperfections. The reality of his scars doesn't scare Jolie but this isn't about Jolie. It's about Hauk being comfortable in his own skin and being able to meet her as an equal on that front.

And it takes him time to reach that point.

There were parts of this book that killed me. There were parts that made me smile in giddy delight. There were parts that were heartbreaking. AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

Jolie and Hauk had a rough journey. The Order of Ananke didn't make things easy from the start and, in fact, they made things a whole lot worse before it started getting better. But it was worth it. THINGS HAPPEN here. Big things. Terrible things.

Without those things, Hauk and Jolie wouldn't end up where they ended up. And I approve of where they ended. In a big way.

Bottom line, this is a great ending to a fabulous series. I want to dive into it again from the beginning.

Books in this series
1. How Beauty Met the Beast
2. How Beauty Saved the Beast
3. How Beauty Loved the Beast - Kindle

Author Links
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

How Beauty Loved the Beast was provided for review by Carina Press through NetGalley.

Review: Settle by Brina Courtney

The Complete Cryptid Tales series synopsis

You think seeing ghosts is weird? Tell me something I don't know.

My childhood best friend Jeremy happens to be a ghost.

My life is a puzzle, and the biggest piece missing has been my dad. Since his disappearance when I was six it's been tough, but Jeremy has been by my side through it all.

But now Jeremy has gone missing too and I feel like I'm never going to get all the answers I've been looking for.

Fate intervenes when Hugh, a real live college beefcake, starts taking an interest in me. He divulges that he also shares my little "gift" of seeing the dead and I know I'm finally getting closer to finding all the pieces.

However, the more the puzzle is completed, the more questions I have.

Senior year is hard enough as it is, but clearly I like a challenge.

Books in this series
0.5. Ignite
1. Reveal
2. Capture
3. Settle - Kindle
The Complete Cryptid Tales series - Kindle

For my stop on the tour today, I'll be reviewing Settle, book three in the series. Check out my reviews on the previous books above.

Settle (Cryptid Tales #3) by Brina Courtney
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Betrayal leaves nasty scars. A soul departs. Love must conquer all, or be lost forever.

Shay's life has once again fallen into mystery as she discovers her father's whereabouts. On a mission to locate him and bring him home she learns more about who to trust than she thought possible. Her group of cryptids will be forced to rise again and defeat their common enemy, but they will also discover another hidden threat. As their queen, Shay's discoveries in Settle, the final installment of the Cryptid Tales series, will shake the cryptid world forever.

My Thoughts: Shay's been through a lot since book one, hasn't she? She's found out things about her parents, about herself, about her place in a world that was formerly hidden from her. She's gone toe to toe with some really nasty bad guys and somehow she's managed to hold it all together.

While I enjoyed the book overall, I did question some of Shay's decisions. For a girl who has an entire set of beings looking to her for guidance, she does some things that don't necessarily put them first. I can understand her desire to hunt for her father but it felt like she rushed into it without much of a plan. Given her age, this driving want to do it now now now makes sense but, at the same time, I hoped that she would see how important she was to the other Cryptids.

And yet... if she hadn't gone after him, who knows what sort of diabolical machinations would have sprung from his experiments. NOBODY likes diabolical machinations. Except evil geniuses and megalomaniacs. At least that's been my experience.

Overall, this was a solid ending to Shay's story that left some nicely dangling threads for the future tales. The bad guys were bad, the backstabbing was fierce, but Shay and her crew kept battling on. That's all you can ask for in your genetically enhanced lady leaders!

About the author

Brina Courtney is a young adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She's spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs.

Find her at: | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

Tour Schedule & Giveaway 

5/1/2013 - Paranormal Reads
5/2/2013 - Only God Can Make a Tree
5/3/2013 - Ren's Rambles
5/6/2013 - Ramblings of a Diva Booknerd
5/7/2013 - Musings of a Blogder
5/8/2013 - The Unbecoming of Books
5/9/2013 - Paranormal Book Club
5/10/2013 - The YA Bookshelf
5/13/2013 - A Chick Reading
5/14/2013 - Book Briefs
5/15/2013 - Inside the Pages of a Book
5/16/2013 - My Two Cents
5/17/2013 - Steele Reviews
5/20/2013 - Two Chicks on Books
5/21/2013 - Caught Between the Pages
5/22/2013 - Reading The Paranormal
5/23/2013 - Bookish Things & More
5/24/2013 - TSK TSK What to Read
5/27/2013 - Fictitious Delicious
5/28/2013 - Teen Blurb
5/29/2013 - New Adult Addiction
5/30/2013 - Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
5/31/2013 - Book Nerds Across America

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Top Off Tuesday - I'll take a side order of madness with that!

I've decided to join Felicia, Christi and Amanda for their gratuitous shirtless covers on Tuesdays. Because nothing says Tuesday like flashing some skin! Hop over to Felicia's blog to see who else is participating!

Besides the very pretty cover (hellllo, Dex!), this series is ah-mazing. I am crazy in love with it. CRAZY IN LOVE!

And With Madness Comes the Light (Experiment in Terror #6.5) by Karina Halle

The Man. The Mystery. The Madness.

Dex Foray has never been anyone’s fool – until he missed his chance for happiness with Perry Palomino. Broken and alone, Dex has no choice but to rise from the ashes Perry left behind and find his own path to redemption. But nothing in Dex’s life has ever come easily, especially when there’s a dark madness waiting in the wings.