Boyfriend of the Week ~ Daniel Radcliffe

It's that TIME again EYE CANDY FRIDAY and we have Everyday Wena to thank for it. This week's Hottie is in honor of my Harry Potter week review and although I feel naughty thinking about him I can't help but think WOW he's really grown up!!!!

This week's Hottie is... Daniel Radcliffe

Anyway Happy New Year to all of you!!!! I hope 2011 holds wonderful things, good health, lots of laughter, and of course a stack of fantastic books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review ~ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It’s Harry Potter errr week here at Sara Is Reading What and since we’ve reviewed Deathly Hallows Part 1 I thought I would catch you up on my review of book 4 and 5

TITLE: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

AUTHOR: J. K. Rowlings

COPYRIGHT: June 1, 2003
TYPE: YA Fantasy
PAGES: 870
SERIES: yes
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

REASON FOR READ: I wanted to re-read the books before movie 7 and then I got sucked in.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
The fifth hefty installment to J.K. Rowling's renowned Harry Potter series takes a uniquely psychological and intensely dark turn, bringing the boy wizard at odds with his own identity and friendships as he continues to fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Now fifteen years old with four Voldemort battles under his belt, Harry feels frustrated about the growing public skepticism about the Dark Lord's return. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic is also voicing its doubt, and all of Hogwarts comes under the watchful eye of an oppressive Ministry representative. Despite the additional problems of looming O.W.L. exams and Hagrid's inexplicable absence, Harry's main preoccupation is his vivid dreams that take him to places -- and make him witness events -- that horrify and intrigue him. These dreams provide a shocking clue to his very existence, and when eventually they lead Harry to confrontation, the wizard must cope with a tragic death and a telling prophecy about his future.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit this is my Favorite book out of the series so far. The first time I read through this series I was more of a fan of the Goblet of Fire. This time I have changed my mind. Harry is growing up he isn’t perfect and well everyone around him who knows him sees it. He’s more selfish, his immaturity really shines here, and his frustrations as a teenager suck you in. I really feel that this is the book that Harry can fully grow into his own and we as the audience get a sense of what is to come. Honestly after this book I didn’t think that the chosen one was such a great thing.

THINGS I LIKED:
I love that Harry is becoming the man he is suppose to be. That being said Ms. Rowlings kept him a teenager by making him feel left out, forgotten, him against the world, selfish thoughts even though he thought he wasn’t being that way. Harry to me became more like a real 15 year old boy instead of the poor boy who lost his family.

I love the Order and discovering who is in and who isn’t. Learning about the first time that Voldemort came and how they barely managed to survive. To me this helps us understand the real danger out there.

I loved how Ron and Hermione became even better friends with Harry sticking with him through all the doubt that the magical world had. They were doing everything they could to make him not feel alone. They took the laughter and ridicule too even though they didn’t have to. They really proved to Harry and us no matter what they are with him through it all.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
Everything I disliked about this book was more like I hated how everyone doubted Harry until he proved it kind of things. Nothing is wrong with this story there are parts where it drags. Parts where I wanted to shake Harry and tell him to get over it and well parts where I wanted to stand up and yell at people making fun of Harry. But, there was nothing over all wrong with this story its still a favorite of mine and one I am sure I will re-read again.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me

Would you recommend this book? Yes I would recommend the whole series.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Re-Read Challenge

Reviewing Next:
I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell

Review ~ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

It’s Harry Potter errr week here at Sara Is Reading What and since we’ve reviewed Deathly Hallows Part 1 I thought I would catch you up on my review of book 4 and 5


TITLE: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
AUTHOR: J. K. Rowlings
COPYRIGHT: September 1, 2002
TYPE: YA Fantasy
PAGES: 734
SERIES: yes
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

REASON FOR READ: I wanted to re-read the books before movie 7 and then I got sucked in.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
First, imagine if you will, the sleepy but mysterious village of Little Hangleton, and what happened at the Riddle House. No, the Riddle House is not a place for riddles, but a home where the family died of fright. The man accused of murdering them was eventually released, but when he returns to the Riddle House, he overhears a curious conversation between someone named Wormtail and a terrible, dark presence by the name of Lord Voldemort -- oh, so sorry He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Volde... (oops, almost said it again) He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is one of the most powerful Dark wizards -- and he wants Harry Potter.

When Harry wakes from a particularly vivid dream, the scar on his forehead throbs, and he knows something is up. Harry's been living in a dreadful house on Privet Drive with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and greedy cousin, Dudley. They won't even let him do any wizardry -- you know Muggles, how they can't really handle that kind of stuff.

Harry's uncle and aunt like to let the neighbors think that Harry goes to St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys rather than to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He has to hide his magic -- and even broomsticks aren't a suitable topic of conversation in the Dursley household. But everything is about to change for Harry, beginning with this particular summer vacation.

It starts with a letter from Mrs. Weasley, Harry's friend Ron's mother. She invites him to come spend the rest of the summer with the Weasleys and to go see the Quidditch World Cup. Quidditch is Harry's favorite sport in the world, and it isn't often that the Quidditch World Cup is in Britain. Faster than you can say "Hogwarts," Harry travels by fire to the Burrow, and the dark and threatening adventure begins.

On the way, Harry discovers that his interest in girls is becoming more nerve-wracking -- how is a young wizard to ask a girl to the Yule Ball? And what of the Goblet of Fire itself? And the Triwizard Tournament? And then, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named might be seeking Harry out even now!

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
The first time I read through this series this book was my favorite. I loved it so much that I was in pins and needles wondering how bad the movie would be. The movie didn’t turn out so bad I was pleasantly surprised by it. Anyway as far as the book is concerned I liked being introduced to Mad Eye Moody and learning more about the Tri-Wizard Tournament what it is and how it works. I loved the scene where we are introduced to the other magical schools. This author has a fantastic imagination to think of all the different schools and the way they learn and teach magic.

THINGS I LIKED:
I absolutely loved learning about the different schools out there that were just like Hogwarts. I enjoyed learning the culture and methods of teaching. The new personalities were very strong and made a lasting impression.

The Tournament itself was quite interesting how she came up with the 3 separate games and rules for them are fascinating. I loved watching Harry try to figure out how to win them without the help of Ron in the first match. However, Hermione stuck by Harry’s side throughout the whole Tournament. I loved that she never once questioned if Harry did and stood by his side throughout the whole Tournament. She even was the first to believe that Voldemort was back besides Dumbledore.

The twist at the end involving Mad Eye was very Oh Crap didn’t see that coming the first time however, this time it was just a nice ending and I could see how she brought it together throughout the book.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
I hated that Ron acted the way he did when it came the tournament. I mean I get the whole I’m jealous thing but really? He’s your best friend why wouldn’t you believe him when he told you that he didn’t put his name in it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me
Would you recommend this book? Yes I would recommend the whole series.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Re-Read Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Review ~ The Heir by Grace Burrowes

Sorry guys I was sick over the weekend and I am finally back to work which mean access to a computer YAY. So here is that long awaited review!!!

TITLE: The Heir

AUTHOR: Grace Burrowes

COPYRIGHT: 12/7/2010

TYPE: Historical Romance

PAGES: 384

SERIES: yes

From Grace herself: Devlin's story, "The Soldier," will come out in June 2011, Val's story, "The Virtuoso," will come out in October 2011, and we start with their five sisters with, "Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish."

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook sent me an ARC to review

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In The Heir, the first in the series, the Earl of Wyndham, weighed down by responsibilities and determined to avoid the rounds of country houses of and matchmaking mamas, decides to summer in London. There he discovers a potentially perfect duchess in his lovely, mysterious housekeeper...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I really enjoyed reading this book it took me back to the days when I first discovered romance and why I fell in love with this genre. The characters are done in such a way you can't help but fall in love with them. This includes the siblings. Usually when siblings are involved I know there is going to be a series and with this book I can't help but be glad for that (this is usually far from the case.) I have to admit I am very curious about the sisters to learn more about them.
THINGS I LIKED:
well to simplify here's a list of 10 reason I love this book

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I have to admit if there was a flaw in this book at all it was the current Duke. He is constantly meddling in his son's life making Gayle miserable. I absolutely hated that he convinced Gayle's mistress to get with child by another man, thinking that this would convince him to marry her, and claim the other man's baby as his own thinking that he had done this and take responsibility. Thank God Val warned him and let me be honest it really bugged me that a father would do this even though I understood that he wanted Gayle to get marry and have heirs you can't trick or lie to your son to make it happen and expect you won't fight about it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me

Would you recommend this book? Um yeah in fact I think I have recommended it a bit much LOL!

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Historical Romance
Romance Reading Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Eventually I need to review my HP books and I am thinking I might do that when I review the movie.

Boyfriend of the Week ~ Karl Urban

It's that TIME again EYE CANDY FRIDAY and we have Everyday Wena to thank for it. This week's Hottie is in honor of Movie Monday's Red.... Karl Urban

Quick review ~ Tempt Me with Darkness by Shayla Black

Title: Tempt Me with Darknessw

Author: Shayla Black

Type: Paranormal Romance?/Urban Fantasy Romance... or a mix up to you

Published: 8/26/2008 (Shit maybe the others are out I might have to find out...)

Pages: 359

Format: Ebook

Ever read her before: Nope this was my first one

Reason for reading: Pocket After Dark had it as a free read 

Thoughts:

While not the best book I've read all year it isn't the worst and my interest is peaked if there should happen to be another. The problem I had was the accent that the Hero had. OMG I wanted to strangle him half the time the other half when spoke without the accent I loved him. Example: 'Twould be more accurate to ask why I could achieve it with you methinks. The answer is, I know not. pg 113 SERIOUSLY? but then your normal later on.

The only other issue is Oliva's acceptance of magic was pretty smooth and easy. NOT SO MUCH if it happened to me. While I would love to be magically there is no way in hell I would be cool with it that fast. Nor would I believe I was just b/c the guy who I believe raped me even though he didn't said I was...

PS to clear it up there was NO RAPE scene that was witnessed or experienced that we had to read through. There is a rape but in a it happened by the bad guy we just learn about it afterward...er... well actually we know its going to happen but anyway different story and kind of important to the story so I won't go there.

Either way I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next in the series especially if the next deals with Bram

And there you go a quickie review from me on an ebook.

Edited note: Apparently this is a series and there are 4 total with the 5th coming out...
Fated #1.5 ~ Ronin and Kari's story (no idea who they are)
Seduce Me in the Shadow #2 ~ Caden and Sydney's story
Possess Me at Midnight #3 ~ Ice and Sabelle's story (OMG I might have to get this one I love Sabelle!)
Entice Me at Twilight #4 ~ Duke and Felicia's story (no clue who Felicia is but I heart Duke)
Embrace Me at Daw #5 ~ Lucan and Anka's Story (since they are already mated in the first book I think this is a prequel...)

No idea when Bram gets his story to which I am very upset *pouts* but I guess I should pay more attention to future releases!

Review ~ Beneath the Thirteen Moons by Kathryne Kennedy

TITLE: Beneath the Thirteen Moons

AUTHOR: Kathryne Kennedy
COPYRIGHT: re-release 12/7/2010 original: 12/5/2003
TYPE: Fantasy/Romance
PAGES: 384
SERIES: no

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook sent me an ARC to review

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Kathryne Kennedy's award-winning first book, now available for the first time to the trade market, features a magical, watery world in which mammoth trees grow up from the ocean floor, supporting all life within their canopy. In spite of the beauty and abundance, the world is harshly divided into two classes: pampered royalty and struggling have-nots. In search of a Healer for her swampland village, smuggler Mahri Zin inadvertently kidnaps the heir to the throne, Korl Com'nder. As the two become lovers, they discover that not only are their fates intertwined, but the very survival of their peoples depends on them...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I was mixed on this book while I loved the world building, the rules, the magic, the creation of plant life and creatures. I didn't enjoy the H/H I thought they were immature, rude, and complained a lot. I was okay with buying into the whole mating thing but after awhile I even grew frustrated with that.
THINGS I LIKED:
- I LOVE LOVE LOVE the world building it was awesome and inspiring. To create a world with 13 moons where the people either live in the swamp (poor class) or in the trees (rich class). She even went so far to create different looks and different amounts of power based on gentics. It was just awesome to read just the ecosystem alone she created would keep anyone interested. To create a world with 13 moons where the people either live in the swamp (poor class) or in the trees (rich class). She even went so far to create different looks and different amounts of power based on gentics.Then add to magical/power the people have through root they chew and you have a fantastic world that you either want to live in or visit.
- Jaja the pet who chose to live with Mahri is wonderful makes me want to have an animal that is more intelligent then me but still loves to be with me.
-I did enjoy the fact that even though Mahri had to be independent that she was willing to give all of that up in order to save her niece I think that spoke very highly of Mahri.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I hated the whole "I hate you so I am going to constantly tell you that you won't like me b/c I'm just a river rat and I will resent you for thinking that but everytime you look at me I want to rip my clothes off and make mad passionate love to you" The sad part is I actually understood the rip your clothes off but I hated how long Mahri kept going on and on about hating the Prince b/c he was a Prince she didn't even try to get to know him.
- I also didn't get the whole immature act I felt that Mahri gave us. For being a powerful magical person who has lost a loved one and son she just seemed to carry herself in the oh I am happy to be free but guilty for feeling that way but hate Korl but I love him and why is everyone making me do something I don't want to do...

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Because I loved the world building I will be keeping this book.

Would you recommend this book? This book is classified as a paranormal romance but I see it more as a fantasy romance. Either way I would recommend it if you are looking for a wonderful world with some romance.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Harry Potter 5