Review # 20: Vampires and Cells by Agnieszka Jòzefina Biskup

Description:

     Vampires and Cells by Agnieszka Jòzefina Biskup is a children's book that uses vampires and other spooky creatures to describe the real-world biology of cells. In its 32 pages it covers from organelles to mitosis and everything in between with simplistic ease, allowing children to gain a lot of information in an exciting way.

Review:

     I received Vampires and Cells from Capstone publishers on NetGalley and was excited to read something pertaining to my field of study. It seems that the recent trend in literature is everything vampires, especially for the preteen through college crowd; and this trend is beginning to stretch to younger readers. That is why this book appealed to me, it makes reading about something scientific much more enjoyable for kids that would rather be reading about cops and monsters.

     This book was smart, well written and illustrated, and very entertaining, (especially the vampire's comments and the depictions of Hooke and Leeuwenhoek). Being a student of microbiology I thoroughly enjoyed what it had to offer, and would recommend it to anyone who wants to get their kids interested in science. 

Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5) 

***I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 19: Tankborn by Karen Sandler

Description:

     Tankborn by Karen Sandler begins with friends Kayla and Mishalla, two Genetically Engineered Non-humans, (GENs), and the futuristic caste society in which they live. Both girls live in the slumlands and are treated as vagrants because all GENs are created, modified, and born in tanks, not in a human mother's womb. Non-GENs get a choice in their upbringing and future, but for Kayla and Mishalla the future is bleak. The only assignment is that of slavery.
     Kayla manages to be assigned to the service of an trueborn elderly man named Zul Manel as a caregiver to his family and children, and it is here that she discovers the terrible reality of what it really means to be a tankborn GEN. Especially when the children of the Manel household begin disappearing and Kayla must find out who she can trust in order to find the children before it is too late. 

Review:

     I received Tankborn from publisher Lee and Low Books on NetGalley and immediately loaded it into my Kindle because I had been hearing good things about it; and guess what, the rumors were true! I like a book with a strong plot, developed characters, fast-paced dialogue, and a sci-fi twist, all of which I found in this beautifully covered ebook. I recently discovered the Dystopian genre and this was a welcome addition to my collection. 

   I loved the terminology as well as the use of the caste system. The rich descriptions of color, race, and class added to the beautiful language usage, especially when describing characters like Kayla, Jal, and Zul. I am a really visual person, so the more details the better. The pace of the book was well appreciated, it took me a few hours to finish, and it was engrossing enough that I was sad when I turned the last digital page and realized it was over. 

   Overall, Tankborn was thoroughly enjoyable Dystopian read that was put together Velcro-tight and had me wishing there was more to be read. 

 Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

Review # 18: Spotlights & Shadows: The Albert Salmi Story by Sandra Grabman

Description: (From book jacket)

      "You know the face. You know the credit list: Lost in Space, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Kung Fu, The Twilight Zone and hundreds more... But who was Albert Salmi? Born of Finnish parents in the Finnish section of Brooklyn, Albert Salmi had a childhood he would recall fondly, even though it was plagued by the hardships of the Great Depression. In an attempt to earn money as a teenager, he broke the law; and the very wise judge gave him a sentence that turned his life around. Salmi set his sights for an acting career and, thanks to the GI Bill, got the best training possible. The result was that for forty years he appeared on the Broadway stage (Bus Stop, etc.), national television (Alfred Hitchcock Presents, I Spy, That Girl, Dallas, etc., etc.), and in countless films (The Unforgiven, Caddyshack, etc.). Sandra Grabman's biography is a frank and loving tribute, combined with many memories from Salmi's family, friends, and co-stars, and includes never-before-published memoirs from the man himself. From humble beginnings -- to a highly successful acting career -- to a tragic death that shocked the world -- Albert Salmi's story is unlike any other you'll ever read."

Review:

     Very well researched and written biography, Spotlights & Shadows told the surprising true story of the life of Albert Salmi, a Finnish-American actor, and his struggles both in his career and in his personal life. I had never known much about his story until I received this book from LT Member Giveaways, and as very interested to find out about his childhood, rise to fame, and the eventual illness that led to his death. I believe Sandra Grabman did an excellent job researching and linking Salmi's autobiographical passages together, although I would have liked to read more about his film career. I would recommend this to anyone interested. 

Rating:  Bounty's Out (3.5/5) 

*** I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 17: Beastly by Alex Flinn

Description: (From book jacket)

"I am a beast. A beast! Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright. I am a monster.
You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll,stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly."

Review:

     I have always enjoyed a good fairy-tale, especially a now-a-days re-imagining of old classics! Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorites, so it is no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed Alex Flinn's Beastly and its "up-to-date" fantastic storyline. I felt that I could identify with the plights of all the characters, especially Kyle. It was refreshing to hear the tale in a whole new way! 

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

Review # 16: Taken Hostage by Ranae Rose

Description: (From Amazon.com)

     "Tiffany isn’t the type to waste time daydreaming about men, but when a hot stranger smoking – in more ways than one – on the steps of the bank she works at takes her breath away, she can’t help it. He catches her attention as she exits the building on her way to lunch break, and she leaves fantasizing about helping the bank’s newest customer-to-be with much more than just his finances. When he finally approaches the counter, it’s not to open a new account, but to demand that Tiffany fill a pillowcase to the brim with cash – at gunpoint. The gorgeous gunman takes Tiffany on the run as his hostage, and her fear can't stand up to her attraction. When he offers to let her return to safety unharmed she realizes that there are many things she wants to do to him, but that walking away isn't one of them."

Review:

    Taken Hostage was a quick beach read that definitely kept my attention. This fast-paced read had just the right amount of action and a lot of heat. The ending was very abrupt, but it was still quite satisfying. I would recommended this to anyone who enjoys being taken "hostage" by a sexy short novella. 

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5) 

*** I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 15: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Description: (From Amazon.com)

     "Three angels are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, their superhuman powers, and their wings. Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and they are unable to resist their attraction to each other. But the angels’ mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?"

Review:

     I was originally excited for this novel, but after the first chapter it felt lacking. The tone was very naive and quite young, most of the descriptions seemed vague. Characters were developed nicely, but their words didn't always seem to match with their personalities. After the first ten chapters, the plot seemed to drag on with the same droll wordings and began to lose touch with the "realistic" feel of the previous chapters. Bethany really annoyed me, because instead of being an independent, strong willed, heroine who fought for both her love and her angelic nature, she was very weak and whiny; often petty and seeming younger and more naive than her age. The cover art was beautiful, and overall the novel itself was alright, but since this is a trilogy, I expect Alexandra Adornetto to step the future books up a notch, or she will lose any older (19-25 age) readers who can't emphasize or believe in the characters they are reading about. 

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

Review # 14: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Description: (From book jacket)

     "And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted - nevermore!

-- from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

    

     At once an homage to one of America's greatest writers and a page-turning psychological mystery that is equal parts horror, humor, and romance, NEVERMORE is the story of Varen -- a Poe-fan and goth -- and Isobel -- a cheerleader and unlikely heroine. When a Lit. project pairs the two together, Isobel finds herself steadily swept into Varen's world, one that he has created in his notebook and in his mind, one where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel slowly learns that dreams can be much more powerful than she'd ever expected, and that pain and despair come in all shades. As labels of "goth" and "cheerleader" fade away, she sees more in Varen than a tall, pale outcast, and a consuming romance is braced against the ever-clearer horror that the most terrifying realities are those within our own minds.

When Isobel has a single chance to rescue Varen from the shadows of his own nightmares, will she be able to save him -- and herself?"

Review:

     Being from Baltimore, the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe, I was intrigued to find this novel at my local library. The side summary seemed interesting, so I thought I would give it a try; and I am so glad I did. Kelly Creagh wrote an excellent novel with beautiful imagery, fully developed characters, a five-star plot, and an ending that had me on edge until I reached a blank white page. I expect that there has to be a sequel to this novel because its abrupt cliff-hanger of an ending left me wanting. Fully recommended! 

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

Review # 13: Haven by Kristi Cook

Description: (From book jacket)

     "Violet McKenna isn’t a normal girl with normal teenage issues; she has more to contend with than most people could handle. Violet thought she was just crazy when she had a vivid vision of her dad’s murder. Her life started falling apart when her premonition came true. She’s had flashes of other events too. The problem was nobody believed her until she found a new school: Winterhaven. At Winterhaven, Violet finally feels like she belongs. She quickly finds a close group friends and discovers that they too have psychic ‘gifts’—as do all the students at Winterhaven. But as soon as she feels settled she discovers the most intriguing and alluring boy she has ever met, and things quickly go awry. As the attraction between them grows, intense visions of the boy’s death start to haunt her. In her premonitions the secret he is unwilling to share begins to reveal itself. And to Violet's horror, she learns that their destinies are intertwined in a critical--and deadly--way."

Review:

     This book felt like a combination of other young adult novels; it was a mix of Twilight and The Sookie Stackhouse Series. It could have definitely had a stronger plot and more developed characters. It wasn't what I expected, with a slow plot and an abrupt ending. I guess if there's a sequel I will try it, but I wasn't too impressed with this book. 

Rating: DNR (2.5/5)

Review # 12: Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano

Description: (From book jacket)

     "By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.      When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?
     Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?"

Review:

      Beautifully written and completely enthralling. Couldn't put it down for the three hours it took me to read it. Characters and imagery were powerful and fully developed. Dialogue was also note-worthy and appreciated. I am definitely looking forward to Fever, and would recommend this trilogy to anyone who wants to get lost in Lauren De Stefano's fantastical world!!! 

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

Review # 11: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

 

Description: (From book jacket)

     "Bronte's infamous Gothic novel tells the story of orphan Jane, a child of unfortunate circumstances. Raised and treated badly by her aunt and cousins and eventually sent away to a cruel boarding school, it is not until Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield that she finds happiness. Meek, measured, but determined, Jane soon falls in love with her brooding and stormy master, Mr Rochester, but it is not long before strange and unnerving events occur in the house and Jane is forced to leave Thornfield to pursue her future."

Review:

     This is one of my all-time favorite books, so I will be succinct and to the point. Charlotte Bronte was an amazing author who could make characters like strong-willed, independent, lively, Jane Eyre and contrast them with brooding, mysterious, and intense characters like Mr. Rochester. I admire her adroit talent with the pen and how she captured and wove a story such as Jane Eyre. This is a story of enthralling passion, romance, love, mystery, and the human condition; what's not to love. 

Rating:  On the Run (4.5/5)

Review # 10: Android Karenina (Quirk Classic) by Leo Tolstoy

Description: (From book jacket)

     "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters co-author Ben H. Winters is back with an all-new collaborator, legendary Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, and the result is Android Karenina an enhanced edition of the classic love story set in a dystopian world of robots, cyborgs, and interstellar space travel.

      As in the original novel, our story follows two relationships: the tragic adulterous romance of Anna Karenina and Count Alexei Vronsky, and the much more hopeful marriage of Konstantin Levin and Kitty Shcherbatskaya.These four, yearning for true love, live in a steampunk-inspired 19th century of mechanical butlers, extraterrestrial-worshiping cults, and airborne debutante balls. Their passions alone would be enough to consume them-but when a secret cabal of radical scientific revolutionaries launches an attack on Russian high society's high-tech lifestyle, our heroes must fight back with all their courage, all their gadgets, and all the power of a sleek new cyborg model like nothing the world has ever seen."

      Filled with the same blend of romance, drama, and fantasy that made the first two Quirk Classics New York Times best sellers, Android Karenina brings this celebrated series into the exciting world of science fiction."

Review:

     Read the original in High School and thought that this would be even better: androids, robots, etc. But unfortunately, I couldn't make myself lumber through it. To me it felt slow and drawn out, even with the advent of new twists on old characters. Imagery was still great as were the illustrations that made the book more interesting and pushed me through the dry dialogue. One of the few mash-ups I wasn't happy with. 

Rating: DNR (2/5)

Review # 9: The Hollow (The Hollow Trilogy) by Jessica Verday

Description: (From book jacket)

     "When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead…and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special. Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity."

Review:

     Satisfying read, liked the tie-in to the Sleepy Hollow mythology. Good plot and enjoyable characters. Will read the next book in the series to see how the characters fare; kind of interested in where the plot will go from here. Recommend to anyone who loves a paranormal romance-ish read. 

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

Review # 8: Betrayals (Strange Angels, Book 2) by Lili St. Crow

Description: (From book jacket)

     "She’s no angel . . .      Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?)
      Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England School for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem— she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide. . .
      Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart?"

Review:

     Damn, this was a good read! Just as fast paced and amazing as the first book in the series. Can't wait to read the next book!!!

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

Review # 7: Strange Angels (Strange Angels, Book 1) by Lili St. Crow

Description: (From book jacket)

     "Dru Anderson has what her grandmother called "the touch." (Comes in handy when you're traveling from town to town with your dad, hunting ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional zombie.)

      Then her dad turns up dead - but still walking - and Dru knows she's next. Even worse, she's got two guys hungry for her affections, and they're not about to let the fiercely independent Dru go it alone. Will Dru discover just how special she really is before coming face-to-fang with whatever - or whoever - is hunting her?"

Review:

     What a book! Had all kinds of creepies in it, vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc; and a kick ass female lead who didn't take crap from anyone. There was quite a bit of strong language, but I thought it added to the characters and how they interacted. This book was completely immersive and I cannot wait to read the second in the series!!! Finished it in 2 hours and couldn't stop! 4/5 stars.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

Review # 6: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Description: (From Amazon.com)

" "My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973."

So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her -- her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, THE LOVELY BONES succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy."

Review:

     I thought that this book was amazing! It kept me enthralled with its pages full of guilt-stricken emotion, and its eerie plot. I had to read the book when I heard the movie was coming out, and I am glad I did. The book conveyed so much more than a 2 hour movie ever could. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys being pulled in to a good read. 

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

Review # 5: Love Each Day: Live Each Day So You Would Want to Live it Again by Gail Bernice Holland

Description: (From book jacket)

"Are We Happy Yet?

      We are used to psychologists, psychiatrists, and other "experts" offering advice about how to be happy and how to live a fulfilling life. Even though the books by these experts can be helpful, sometimes the best way to learn about life is from true stories. Although Love Each Day doesn't specifically tell people how to live a wonderful life, the authentic true stories nevertheless offer timeless lessons about enjoying life. The tapestry of true stories in our lives will always be invaluable. From these stories we not only learn how people from different walks of life live, but also what is important to these individuals. Ultimately, this book inspires readers to spend time treasuring what really matters."

Review:

     Being a recent college graduate, I liked the approach Love Each Day took to defining a meaningful life, and how each day, or better yet, each action can open new doors and create new opportunities. I agree that life is meant to be lived and experienced, not just muddled through, and these short stories of personal experiences reaffirmed it for me. I only wish there had been a more diverse set of stories considering the collection's short length. In the end attitude is one of the keys to having a fulfilled and meaningful (to the individual) life. Overall a good read; and recommended. 

Rating: Bounty's Out (3/5) 

*** I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 4: Anabella Giggles All Night! (Volume 1) by Nev Nickelz

Description: (From Amazon)

     "Anabella Giggles All Night! is a read aloud, daytime, nighttime, bedtime, anytime, modern-day classic. Written in easy-to-read rhyme, it is the perfect book for kids of all ages. In this first book of the Anabella picture book series, Anabella announces her love of laughter and unleashes a long-reaching, unending wave of giggles. When Anabella arrives at school, her teacher attempts to figure out the cause of Anabella’s long-lasting giggles. When her teacher can’t figure it out, she proposes a solution. She asks Anabella to replace her long-lasting giggles with pretty smiles. Anabella does her best to make just a “pretty smile”, but eventually the giggles return! Her giggles span the rest of the day and the entire night. The next morning her mommy goes to wake up what she thinks will be a sleeping Anabella, but instead finds Anabella still giggling and wide awake. In a shout of joy, Anabella confesses that she has giggled all night! But Anabella’s joy is threatened by her mother’s displeasure with the silly Rhompees, who have been playing and laughing with Anabella all night. What will Anabella do? Can she figure out a solution so she and the silly Rhompees can finally go to sleep? Find out what happens in the delightfully cheerful Anabella Giggles All Night!"

Review:

   I received this book from the LT member giveaway program as an ebook. I was not sure what to expect from a children's ebook, but it was very enjoyable for me, and for my friend's young children. The illustrations were adorable and the kids loved the upbeat attitudes of Anabella and the Rhompees. After reading it to them they asked if there were more Anabella stories, and I really hope there are. I liked how the author chose to write this book on a children's level, but also chose to add a theme that children could relate to and, perhaps, learn from. I recommend this to readers with younger children who like to be read to, or who are just beginning to read.

Rating: On the Run (4/5) 

*** I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 3: Moxie for Managers: The Secret to Evolving from Manager to Leader by Ann Tardy

Description: (From LifeMoxie.com)

     "When innovation, progress, and brilliance matter, it’s time to unleash moxie in the middle lane. It’s time for business as unusual. It’s time we all stop selling ourselves and our people unacceptably short. As a middle leader, you have the power to strike the match that will start it all. You are a clandestine superhero with the power to influence people’s behaviors and actions. Your power only works, however, if you operate with the knowledge of influence that every manager must use to ignite change. Apply thenine essential influencing tenets to a battle cry and add a dose of iconoclastic (sometimes irreverent) action, and you have the power to impact from the middle. That’s the power of moxie.

     Ann Tardy’s Moxie for Managers uses behavioral science to blast myths about employee motivation and engagement. Tardy replaces these myths with strategies and tools that influence, instigate, and inspire people to own their work, their own success, and the success of the company. People are hungry to make a difference, but they’re hardwired to hold themselves back. When managers understand how to access and rewire that hardwiring, they can evolve into leaders.

By the end of this book, you will know how to:

1. Master the ten influencing tenets that impact all human beings.
2. Swap “motivating people” with “influencing them to motivate themselves.
3. Drive change in any organization, regardless of your position or title.
4. Become more effective in day-to-day interactions and big picture strategy.
5. Evolve into the leader that anyone would follow into battle.
The time for middle leadership to shine is now!"

Review:

     Wow, talk about self- and coworker-motivation. I received this book from the LT member giveaway program and immediately began highlighting. I just graduated from college and, although I am not in a management position currently, I feel like this book has enabled me to get in the "Moxie" mind-frame to do better work; and to make my work experience better for me and for my coworkers. Ann Tardy's tips for becoming a leader at work also apply to other parts of my life now: classes, projects, interviews, and even friendships. After reading, I felt empowered to make better decisions and to make my experience what I want it to be. Excellent read for those who want to manage both work relationships and life relationships. Highly recommend, and have gotten feedback from friends that it has inspired them to do their best at work and at home also.

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5) 

*** I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 2: Addiction--What's Really Going On?: Inside a Heroin Treatment Program by Deborah McCloskey and Barbara Sinor

Description: (From book jacket)

"Addiction: What's Really Going On? contains powerful true-life stories woven together to form a tapestry filled with pain, joy, defeat, and success. The entire book is molded around Deborah McCloskey's heartfelt desire for her clients to be free of drugs. Her counseling methods both endeared her as "the counselor to get" and locked her into a decade of searching for better ways to help those she felt were stuck on the merry-go-round of a methadone system. This book should be read by teachers, hospitals employees, college students, government officials, and our general adult population whether addicted, sober, or straight."

Review:

     Being a student of medicine, I was very anxious to read Addiction: What's Really Going On?, a book about life inside a heroin treatment program. This was a truly impressive read, both about the author's experiences with patients in the program and the addict's experiences. I had always known what I had heard on television and in books about addiction, but never had I been pushed into the reality of the addiction itself. So much emotion that it made me understand addiction almost like a disease instead of someone's mental inability to cope without the drug. I recommend this to anyone who has ever been curious about the topic and especially those who are dealing with their own, or a loved one's addiction; whether heroin or any other addictive substance. 

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5) 

*** I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review # 1: Legs (A Steamy Contemporary Romance) by Harper Alibeck

From Cover: "Two countries, three centuries, and one fiery journey of two souls destined to make history together"

Description: (From Amazon.com)

"Whose romance are you reliving 100 years later?

     A chance encounter on a mundane morning bus commute leads history scholars Jill Knowles and Seth Hines into a spontaneous, uninhibited romantic encounter that leaves both surprised and reeling -- and destined for more. 
     Determined to become a respected historian in her field, Jill's entire career path is thrown off by a love that seems like deja vu. Meanwhile, Seth has wanted Jill since the first day they met, nearly two years ago. When she makes the first, unexpected move he leaps -- and falls far harder than he ever planned.
     But Seth has a secret that will keep them apart, and when Jill finds out she turns her razor-sharp mind against him by day, yet channels her anger into passion-filled nights. Archives in Toronto, Canada and Santiago, Chile hold the key to their reunion, but Jill and Seth may be too late when each discovers the same century-old secret that could bring them together -- or tear them apart forever.
     Fans of "Dead Again," "Somewhere in Time" and Possession may enjoy the ride as as Legs covers three continents, two centuries, and one fiery journey of two souls destined to make history together.
     Legs is a full-length novel of 50,000 words with two excerpts at the end: a preview of a prequel for Legs, and a section from Arms, the next book in the "A Romance of the Body" series."

Review:

     I have never been into erotic romances, but Legs by Harper Alibeck was a pleasant surprise. The premise of two people linked throughout the ages is nothing new, but the grad school angle was interesting, (and I don't just mean what they did under the desk). I enjoyed the story-line and the characters who seemed decently developed, although the book started rather abruptly. I wish that instead of a prequel, there would have been more background story. A little less intercourse and a little more dialogue would have also added to this novel's charm. Overall this novel was very well written and quite steamy. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good spicy romance that also has an engrossing plot. 

Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)

*** I received this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.