Throwback Thursday: A New Leash on Life by Emily Carmichael

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is A New Leash on Life by Emily Carmichael

Genre: Adult Fiction (Contemporary Romance
The Blurb:

Dog trainer Jane Connor has always preferred the company of canines, so when her kennel is destroyed in an Arizona wildfire, she finds her whole world in ashes. Jane managed to rescue all the animals, but her status as a local hero won’t pay the bills. Soon she’s reluctantly agreeing to work on a reality TV series about life on the dog show circuit–starring herself and her golden retriever, Shadow.

Jane has complete confidence in Shadow’s star quality–until she sets eyes on their chief competitor: an irritatingly perfect little papillon! Worse, the dog is attached at the leash to hunky Cole Forrest. Jane can hardly hide her attraction off-camera, so how will she conceal it from a national audience? It’s exactly the kind of distraction she doesn’t need. But in a summer of surprises, Jane just might discover that an old dog learn new tricks–when love is the treat.

My Review: 

This was one of those books that's just fun. A New Leash on Life was a quick and light read. I picked the book up on a whim a few years ago because I was going to have a few hours of nothing-ness and I didn't have a nook back then. The dog on the cover caught my eye. There's nothing deep or meaningful about it, but it has dogs and a romance so count me in!

Throwback Thursday: Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker.

Genre: Adult Fiction (Speculative Fiction)

The Blurb:

A pair of fierce but beautiful eyes look out from the undergrowth of conifers. She is an intelligent killer...

So begins one of the most extraordinary novels you will ever read. The time is 120 million years ago, the place is the plains of prehistoric Utah, and the eyes belong to an unforgettable heroine. Her name is Raptor Red, and she is a female Raptor dinosaur.

Painting a rich and colorful picture of a lush prehistoric world, leading paleontologist Robert T. Bakker tells his story from within Raptor Red's extraordinary mind, dramatizing his revolutionary theories in this exciting tale. From a tragic loss to the fierce struggle for survival to a daring migration to the Pacific Ocean to escape a deadly new predator, Raptor Red combines fact an fiction to capture for the first time the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of the most magnificent, enigmatic creatures ever to walk the face of the earth.

My Review: 

I'm really bringing out my inner geek with this one, but I was still on a Jurassic Park high(not that the JP high ever really ended) at the time, and raptors completely captivated my attention to begin with. Raptor Red is a female Utahraptor and the book allows you to see what her life might have been like for a year through her eyes. Her story is full of action and surprisingly emotional as she travels with her sister and her sister's children, and a male raptor who hopes to get in Raptor Red's good graces. This is a must read for any dino lovers out there.

To learn more about Robert T. Bakker and his books, check out his Goodreads page.

Throwback Thursday: Neanderthal by John Darnton

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is Neanderthal by John Darnton.

Genre: Adult Fiction (Science Fiction/Thriller/Speculative Fiction)

The Blurb:

In the remote mountains of central Asia, an eminent Harvard archeologist discovers something extraordinary. He sends a cryptic message to two colleagues. But then, he disappears.

Matt Mattison and Susan Arnot-- once lovers, now academic rivals-- are going where few humans have ever walked, looking for a relic band of creatures that have existed for over 40,000 years, that possess powers man can only imagine, and that are about to change the face of civilization forever.

My Review: 
I read Neanderthal when I was in high school and was completely sucked in by this book. I let a friend borrow it who liked it so much they never gave it back. It was one of those books that you could actually see happening. It was so easy to visualize a colony of prehistoric creatures hidden in some remote area living their lives untouched by humans. Though entertaining, the drama surrounding the people didn't interest me too much, but I enjoyed the Neanderthals and the authors interpretation of what they were like. This book gets mixed reviews. People either love it or they hate it. I happened to really enjoy it. It was fast paced with non-stop action. Plus, I loved the idea that the Neanderthals are out there somewhere still. Who knows? Maybe they are!

To learn more about John Darnton and his books, visit his website.

Throwback Thursday: The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray.

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Goodreads Blurb:

It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father a laudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.

The Order - the mysterious group her mother was once part of - is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.

My Review: 
The Sweet Far Thing is the final book in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray. This was the longest as well as the darkest book in the trilogy. The beginning is a little slow, but the second half will keep you engaged. There are unexpected twists and an ending that I definitely didn't see coming. Each character had their own story within this trilogy. I can't say that they all got their happy ending, but their were no loose ends left in their stories. I have a definite love-hate relationship with the ending. To avoid giving too much away, I'll leave it at that.

Check out my reviews of the previous two books in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy: A Great and Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels.

To learn more about Libba Bray and her books, visit her website and blog.

Throwback Thursday: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray.

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Goodreads Blurb:

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.

My Review: 
A Great and Terrible Beauty is the first book in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. This story includes mystery, drama, humor, suspense, & romance. It has a little bit of everything, making it a story that would entertain most audiences of all ages. There were moments that Gemma's friends irritated me. Actually, I wouldn't really call it a friendship. They only met together to escape from lives they have no control over. I would run away too. So, it's more of an alliance I suppose. The story mixed the realities young women faced from the Victorian Era with magic and fantasy to create something thoroughly addictive. Libba Bray weaved her story in such a way that even though it's pure make believe, it felt real while you read it. I found myself escaping into this book as much as the characters escaped into their newly found world.

To learn more about Libba Bray and her books, visit her website and blog.

Throwback Thursday: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare.

Genre: Children's/Young Adult Fiction/Historical Fiction

Blurb:

Kit Tyler must leave behind shimmering Caribbean islands to join the stern Puritan community of her relatives. She soon feels caged, until she meets the old woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond. But when their friendship is discovered, Kit herself is accused of witchcraft!

My Review: 

I never read The Witch of Blackbird Pond while I was still in school like most people have, but a friend I worked with talked me into reading it a couple years ago. Since I considered this book a "homework" type book, I pre-judged it as boring before I ever opened the cover. I was in for a surprise. The writing of Elizabeth George Speare quickly brought me back in time. The story gave you a look at Puritan life, including its prejudices and false accusations. The main character, Kit, is a spunky, free spirit who already sticks out in her new town. Then she befriends the town's outcast, thought to be a witch, despite any negative repercussions it could cause for herself from society. The book is very well written and teaches some valuable lessons all while keeping you entertained. This is technically a children's book, but I think both young adults and adults would enjoy it just as much if not more.

To learn more about Elizabeth George Speare and her books, visit her page on Goodreads.

Throwback Thursday: Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick any book released more than 5 years ago. Adult, YA, Children’s; doesn’t matter. Any great book will do.

2. Write up a short summary of the book (include the title, author, and cover art) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.

3. Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.

4. Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list!

This week, my throwback is Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause.

 Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Fantasy/Paranormal Romance/Horror)

Blurb:

Vivian Gandillon relishes the change, the sweet, fierce ache that carries her from girl to wolf. At sixteen, she is beautiful and strong, and all the young wolves are on her tail. But Vivian still grieves for her dead father; her pack remains leaderless and in disarray, and she feels lost in the suburbs of Maryland. She longs for a normal life. But what is normal for a werewolf?

Then Vivian falls in love with a human, a meat-boy. Aiden is kind and gentle, a welcome relief from the squabbling pack. He’s fascinated by magic, and Vivian longs to reveal herself to him. Surely he would understand her and delight in the wonder of her dual nature, not fear her as an ordinary human would.

Vivian’s divided loyalties are strained further when a brutal murder threatens to expose the pack. Moving between two worlds, she does not seem to belong in either. What is she really—human or beast? Which tastes sweeter—blood or chocolate?

My Review: 

Blood and Chocolate is one of those books people seem to either love or hate. I fall more on the love side. I decided to read this book after seeing the movie several years ago. I never knew it existed until I saw the movie. Let me go ahead and tell you, the two are completely different, but I enjoyed them both. Because I saw the movie first, there were many parts in the book that completely shocked me. The book is a coming of age story with a twisted dark side. Vivian is a confident and at times concieted young lady and wolf who is coming to terms with new feelings, changes, and first love. She definitely has a vicious side to her. Her first love happens to be human, and of course, that is a no no among her pack. So, it has the whole forbidden love appeal. This book is technically young adult, but I think it fits in well with adult fiction too. I think some of the content would make it more appropriate for an older young adult age group rather than younger.


To learn more about Annette Curtis Klause and her books, visit her blog. You can also find her on Goodreads.

Throwback Thursday: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while. I'm using is as an opportunity to go back and review books that I read before I started actually reviewing books. Time to play a little catch up!

 Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)

Blurb:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

My Review: 
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick is the first book in the Hush, Hush Series. This book has so many things I love to have in the books I read. I'm already an Angel/Fallen angel fan. I just can't get enough of them and the mystery that surrounds them. Which leads me to the next thing I love to have in books: The handsome, mysterious bad boy. Patch is the epitome of dark and mysterious. I enjoyed the intense relationship that formed between Patch and Nora. It was full of the anticipation factor which draws me right into a book. I've seen many reviews compare the book to Twilight, and I can definitely see similarities too, but I don't feel like it took away from the story. Lastly, I loved the cover. As I've said before, I'm a sucker for a pretty cover. The cover of Hush, Hush is lovely and a perfect fit for the book. Hush, Hush was one of those books that wouldn't let me put it down.

To learn more about Becca Fitzpatrick and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out my reviews for the other books in this series!

Throwback Thursday: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature co-hosted by Never Too Fond of Books and The Housework Can Wait. This is a fun way to write about and review beloved books we haven't read in a while.

 Genre: Adult Fiction (Historical Fiction/Romance)

Blurb:

As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie.

It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

My Review: 
Water for Elephants was a book that I never really thought about reading, but after enjoying two of Sara Gruen's other books, Riding Lessons and Flying Changes, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to give it a go. I guess the big reason why I never planned on reading this book was because I expected there would be quite a bit of animal cruelty taking place, and that is something I don't tolerate well, even when it is fictional. With that being said, this became a book that I think every animal lover should read. It stirred so much emotion in me that I felt like I became a part of the story as I read. With each turn of the page, it came more and more alive. There were moments that brought me to tears while others brought out the giggles. I'm Team Rosie all the way! What started out as a book that I wasn't too keen on reading, became one of my favorite books of all time.

To learn more about Sara Gruen and her books, visit her website.