The Dwelling- Susie Moloney

It's Halloween.

I'm usually more excited about this, but seeing as how I am on a liquid diet today and can't touch the candy or the roasted pumpkin seeds... well... I am a bit of a grump.
Person:"What are you going as for Halloween this year Irene?" 
Me: "A colonoscopy patient"

Wherever you are, I hope that your costume is amazing, your candy stash is plentiful and your intestines are in good health.

I sat here wondering which frightening book I could help a lovely author promote today. I have been staring at my bookshelf. The truth is most of my scarier novels, I haven't read them awhile, but there is always that one.... literally the most terrifying book I believe I own....that still taunts me. Taunts me even though it is well hidden......so much so that it again it overpowers all the other books and I am compelled to tell you about it....again.....
I know that I have blogged about this earlier on in my blogging days, but since I am now declaring it 'Throwback Monday' (Screw waiting for Thursday)... I am going to re-share that original post with you in this new, updated version.

If you or your friends are looking for something creepy to read this Halloween.... You need to find a copy of The Dwelling by Susie Moloney which released in 2003! I've had great feedback from people who did read this after the first time I recommended it and they were not disappointed.

Here's the official synopsis:


FOR SALE: Newly renovated single-family home. New hardwood floors, all appliances. Bathroom, 3+ bedrooms, unique decor, must be seen.. . .
362 Belisle Street is a homeowner’s dream. Recently renovated! Victorian detail! Good neighborhood! A steal at $95,900! Real estate agent Glenn Darnley wonders why this charming property keeps coming back on the market. Perhaps the clawed feet of the old bath-tub look a little too real. Or maybe it’s the faint hospital-like smell of the room at the end of the hall. Or the haunting music that seems to come from nowhere.. . .

Three families buy 362 Belisle, but no one stays there for long. For this dream house has a mind and a heart of its own. It’s waiting patiently for its dream owner.

Open the door to a spine-chilling novel of terror in which home is not where you live – it’s where you hope to get out alive.. . .


Now... here's my original blog taken from a few years ago.

I like to think I don’t scare easily.....well....unless (picture this) I’m in a dark basement,  watching a scary scene from the movie IT (Stephen King)  and my young sister runs down the stairs in a clown costume screaming my name. NOT COOL SHEENA!! I eventually peeled myself off the ceiling, changed my soiled 'delicates' to than find her and yell at her! Fifteen years later and I still haven’t got over it. I don't like clowns!!!But I digress….

I went through a Horror novel phase a few years ago and came across some seriously frightening books (by John Saul, Douglas Klegg, Scott Smith, Sarah Pinborough) Entertaining, good for a shiver, but I always maintained ‘It’s just a book’ and moved on with my life.

Enter ‘The Dwelling’ by Susie Moloney. The scariest book on my bookshelf!

Do you remember that episode of Friends, where Rachael finds Joey’s copy of the Shining in the freezer?
 “The Dwelling” to me is my ‘Freak-me-out-Freezer Novel’

Now, I haven’t read it in a long time, and I have only ever read it once. Why? Because I kid you not, it disturbed me so much that I had to hide it on my bookshelf behind other books. Out of sight, out of mind! I didn’t want to be reminded of what the pages contained. Talk about a heart-pounding fright-fest. We have moved several times, and for the longest time, I just left it in one of my many boxes of ‘books I can’t fit on my shelves’. Recently it has ended up back on my shelf (behind other books of course) and the only reason I am reminded of that is because my toddler decided to rearrange the shelves the other day. Oh look, there it was. Staring up at me, mocking me….

I am curious… if I read it again will it scare me as much as it did before? I refuse to get rid of it, just in case I decide I want to find out. I can assure you though, that wont be any time soon. (Enter horrified shudder HERE)

I am sure some of you are thinking, "well than would you just tell us what the book is about"!!

In short, it is about a house that is constantly on the market.  It shares the story of the people who end up living in it, and you find out why the house is always changing hands rather quickly. Each person in each story seems haunted in a different manner. From what I am ‘willing’ to remember, the stories were well told, and seemed in a lot of ways ‘plausible’ if you believe in the paranormal. The way she writes is fluid and it hooks you. The book is a page turner and will make you chew your nails until they bleed. A good excuse to go for a manicure. It may also make you wet yourself, so a side note, you may want to stock up on Depends while reading.  

At this point, maybe some of you are thinking, 'Oh Irene, I am sure you are exaggerating, it can't be that scary'.
If that thought crossed your mind 'oh brave and skeptical one', you need to find a copy of this book, read it than tell me what you think!

To the rest, that are unsure what to think..I say to you: If you like your Stephen King, if you love your Anne Rice, or are just looking for a good ‘scare’, Than make room in your freezer and read ‘The Dwelling’ by Susie Moloney, at night, right before bed, with only a dim lamp on…..maybe clutching a teddy bear for moral support.....

I DARE you.

I hope you can scare up a copy!

Happy Halloween and Happy Reading!

Royally Screwed ~ Emma Chase

I will admit that recently I have been in a bit of a funk.
I have been in the mood to read something, but I didn't know what.
I kinda wanted to re-read something, but again, I didn't know which direction to go in.
This funk happens from time to time, as I am sure you are well aware.
Sometimes we bibliophiles get so overwhelmed with our choices we sit back, maybe take in a Netflix series (my latest binge has been Jessica Jones) take a walk and wait for a book to jump out at us and smack us in the face. I'll admit that recently I bought a few books that I do want to read, but I just couldn't bring myself to bother because they weren't exactly what I was looking for.

I would personally like to thank the one, the only Emma Chase for releasing Royally Screwed on a day where I needed a book to punch me in the face and say "READ ME!"

Royal Screwed is book Numero Uno in the newest series by Emma Chase!
It's a modern day fairy tale, and as you know, this mama loves a good fairy tale. (Even better when they are a little more adult in nature) If you are into Contemporary Romances or have a serious Will or Harry crush, then you're gonna wanna read this!

So what can I tell you about Royally Screwed? (Besides how much I get a kick out of that title?!)

Prince Nicholas is the handsome playboy heir to the throne of Wessco that all the women lust after.
Olivia is the pretty girl in the coffee shop who not just makes pies, but makes rude arseholes wear them when they cross a line.
He's a charmer, she's a spitfire.
They come from completely different worlds, but are made for each other! The couple are on a time limit which they are both very well aware of, but when that time limit is up...the question is can they both walk away unscathed?

Speaking of time limits, I had tried to put myself on one yesterday (Silliness) so I could read a bit and then get on with some housework.(A mothers work is never done......)
 I started reading around noon with a time limit of 1:30pm to stop and do the dishes. (Sounds reasonable, right?)
The following is an example of how that went:

1:30: "Just 10 more minutes"
1:40pm "AH what the hell, I will read until 2pm"
2pm: "10 more minutes."
2:10pm: "Another 10...."

This pattern continued until I had no choice to put my Kobo down at 3:40pm and go get my kids off the school bus. The real kicker? I had to power my Kobo off RIGHT at a distinct turning point toward the end of the novel. It ate at me while I ran the kids off to their lessons. (Just my luck) However, I did finish the book yesterday evening. With the end, I sighed heavily, took notes for this blog and then I FINALLY did the dishes.

I am trying to sit here and think of which part of the novel stood out to me the most, or which part was my favorite. Was it when they met? Her Cinderella moment with friends? Her time with the Queen? The ending? Nope. Can't pick. For me, I equally loved this book from start to finish. I can't even nitpick the slightest detail. (Other then I am a bit whiny that now I have to wait for the rest of the series to be released!) I actually think while I immensely enjoyed her other novels, that this is going to be the series of hers I love the most.(It's okay, we can pick favorites)

What else can I say? It's a fantastic book, it was just what the doctor ordered and if anything....dishes and laundry can always wait! (I ain't Cinderella)
If you are anything like me and love a great romance that has a sense of humor, some sexy bits and a touch of style, then make sure you go out and get Royally Screwed! (Hehehehehe.......)

Also, if you love books by Christina Lauren and Alice Clayton then you aren't going to want to miss any of the books by Emma Chase!

As I mentioned above 'Royally Screwed' is book one, to be followed by book two 'Royally Matched' and book three 'Royally Endowed' (Screeeeeech....Can't wait!!!)
You can find more information about author Emma Chase and her writing by visiting her website: (Click that link)
And I will try to keep you posted via my Facebook Page about her future releases. 

Royal Screwed Synopsis:

 Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, Crowned Prince of Wessco, aka “His Royal Hotness,” is wickedly charming, devastatingly handsome, and unabashedly arrogant―hard not to be when people are constantly bowing down to you.

Then, one snowy night in Manhattan, the prince meets a dark haired beauty who doesn’t bow down. Instead, she throws a pie in his face.

Nicholas wants to find out if she tastes as good as her pie, and this heir apparent is used to getting what he wants.

Dating a prince isn’t what waitress Olivia Hammond ever imagined it would be.
There’s a disapproving queen, a wildly inappropriate spare heir, relentless paparazzi, and brutal public scrutiny. While they’ve traded in horse drawn carriages for Rolls Royces and haven’t chopped anyone’s head off lately―the royals are far from accepting of this commoner.

But to Olivia―Nicholas is worth it.

Nicholas grew up with the whole world watching, and now Marriage Watch is in full force. In the end, Nicholas has to decide who he is and, more importantly, who he wants to be: a King... or the man who gets to love Olivia forever.


 Happy Reading!





 

Beautiful ~ Christina Lauren

When you're a book addict, every so often a series or author comes along that gets you excited. So excited that you want to make everyone read that novel and make those people happy too.

Since it is Thanksgiving here in Canada-Land, not only am I sharing that novel but I am "Giving Thanks" for one of my top 10 favorite book collections out there!

 If you have read the Beautiful Series by Christina Lauren (aka writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings) then you will know that it is a collection of one of the most entertaining, witty and sexy reads you can find. Period. The End. Stamped It. Debate Over.

I first wrote about the original novel Beautiful Bastard a couple of years ago. When I read it, I was driving my friends nuts telling them they haaaaad to read it too. That book alone is so good, I can actually picture myself throwing copies at people whilst pretending to be Oprah:

"And YOU read this book....and YOU read this book.... and YOU read this book.....EVERYBODY OF A MATURE AGE- WHO LOVES A GOOD ROMANCE- READ THIS BOOK!"
(Don't think I wouldn't. I would)

Well my dears, if you haven't heard the latest news, then let me share: The final installment of the Beautiful series (aptly named 'Beautiful') was released last week.

I had such mixed emotions with this news:

“YES!!! A new book in the series to read!” 

Followed by:

“Noooooo!!! What do you mean the series is over???” 

And of course the afterthought:

 “Eeeeek……when am I going to find time to read it???”

(I made it through that emotional roller coaster…. I may have not slept one night…however I will be okay)

Normally I like to go back and binge read the whole series before picking up the newest one, but considering October is my crazy month, I just didn't have the time. That's okay though, I have read each book and novella in this series so many times so jumping right in to Beautiful was fine for me without needing a refresher course. I will list all the titles for you at the end of this entry.
 
I will tell you that the entire series for me is one that I can, have and will read over and over again. It's like a good friend. Always there for you when you need it. While I am sad to see the series end, I think the authors did rather well with finishing it off. (And the good news is, they have other books! I will get to them another day!)
The biggest story line of this particular novel is how Pippa (Ruby's BFF) and Jensen (Hannah's Brother) meet and have their own sexy adventure. They're lucky to have their friends in tow as they embark on a wine tour and learn to be 'friends'. She's a quirky one that Pippa. Actually some of her antics reminded me of me.... (There is a scene involving standing on a chair and singing.... totally me.... or the one part where she says something completely inappropriate to the.....oh well...just read the book and just know that I share some of her more amusing traits..and I hope you do too.....)
Jensen is a rather uptight sort, so it's nice to watch his world get turned upside down throughout the story as HE makes a boo boo that leads to some hilarity. I love it when a man whether real or fictional gets thrown off balance by a women. Jensen needed a bit of a push (So did my hubby..hehehe...) and Pippa came along at the right time for him. Whether he likes it or not.
As a fan, one of the things that I really appreciated and loved are the multiple epilogues when the book concludes that feature all of our favorite characters. What a lovely way to complete the stories of these couples and let us have one last goodbye. Well done.
(For the actual book synopsis scroll down)

Now that I have done my duty and told you all about Beautiful, I have one more thing to do: Buy the rest of this collection for my bookshelf. With the exception of Beautiful Bastard, the rest of the novels are sitting on my e-reader and well, I need the hard copies too. I mean, what happens if technology fails one day? What is a girl to do? (I'm practicing my excuse for when my husband asks me why I am bringing more books into the house!)

To those who wont read a series until it is complete..... This one is done now. So go on. Scoot.... Grab yourself every title I listed. You can thank me later. (I like wine, diamonds and tropical vacations)

To those who are fans and didn't know it has been released already... Get on it! The book wont read itself! ;)

To Christina and Lauren. THANK YOU for gifting us romanticals such an amazing series to read!! Fingers Crossed for all things Hollywood!

Oh and one very important final note: 'Beautiful' pairs very well with a lovely Pinot Noir.

Happy Reading and Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians!


Series List: (Click on the underscored titles to see my previous blogs on them)

Beautiful Bastard

Beautiful Stranger

Beautiful Bitch

Beautiful Bombshell

Beautiful Player

Beautiful Beginning

Beautiful Beloved

Beautiful Secret

and finally....

Beautiful


Here's the synopsis for Beautiful:

Featuring the entire BEAUTIFUL series cast for one final hurrah!
A FREE-SPIRITED GIRL IN NEED OF A BREAK.
A MAN WEIGHED DOWN BY RESPONSIBILITY.
A ROAD TRIP VACATION WHERE ALL BETS ARE OFF.
OH, AND A LOT OF WINE.

After walking in on her boyfriend shagging another girl in their place, Pippa Bay Cox ditches London for the States to go on a drunken road trip with Ruby Miller and some of her Beautiful friends.
Scaling the career ladder is the default way to deal with heartbreak—and to just deal—for Jensen Bergstrom. Absolutely buried by his drive and workload, he rarely takes time for himself. But when his sister Hanna convinces him to join the gang on a two-week wine tour, he has a rare moment of cutting loose. Of course, it’s only once he’s committed that he realizes the strange girl he met briefly on the plane is coming along, too. She might be too much for him…or he might realize his life has become too small and needs her to make it bigger, crazier.
With this circle of friends there’s always something going on: from Chloe and Sara’s unexpected personality swaps to Will’s new domestic side to Bennett’s text message barrage and George’s own happily-ever-after. In short, their adventures in love, friendship, and hilarity are nothing short of Beautiful.