Book Lover and Procrastinator

Review of LURE OF SONG AND MAGIC

2012-01-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

THE LURE OF SONG AND MAGIC may be purchased here.

THE LURE OF SONG AND MAGIC
Patricia Rice

Dylan "Oz" Ozwin has been receiving messages from the mysterious "Librarian" with leads to finding his kidnapped son. The Librarian has led him to Syrene, a former child singing sensation. Philippa Seraphina Malcolm James Henderson, who goes by Pippa, doesn't want anyone to know that she was once Syrene. Pippa has made a life for herself in a small California town and wants to be left alone and to not hurt anyone. Oz is determined to find his son and no one will stop him.

THE LURE OF SONG AND MAGIC is an entertaining romance with paranormal elements and an intriguing storyline. I had a little trouble warming to the hero, because he seemed a little pushy and self-absorbed. However, as the character is developed, throughout the story, he becomes more appealing. Even so, my favorite character is Conan, Oz's computer geek brother. Pippa is a likable, if tempestuous character, who has cut herself off from almost everyone, with good reason. Pippa has learned to control her emotions, because of her unique abilities. When Pippa learns that Oz isn't affected by her voice, it is something of a relief that she can be herself around him. Pippa and Oz's relationship grows slowly from two people, who distrust each other, to a couple, who trust and love each other. There is, also, a good mystery about who kidnapped Oz's son, and why he was kidnapped.

All in all, THE LURE OF SONG AND MAGIC is a nice romance with a neat mystery and lovely characters. I really hope Ms. Rice writes Conan's story, soon.

NOTE: I was sent this book, in return for an unbiased review.

Review of LOTHAIRE

2012-01-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

LOTHAIRE can be purchased here.

LOTHAIRE
Kresley Cole

Lothaire, the Enemy of Old, is one determined vampire and is, totally, focused on his "endgame". Lothaire seeks to rule the Horde vampires, but before that can happen, he must aid the being whom he thinks is his mate, Saroya. Saroya, the vampire goddess, has been cursed to only possess humans and has no body truly her own. Lothaire intends to turn Elizabeth "Ellie" Peirce, the human Saroya has possessed, and get rid of her spirit, so that Saroya can have her body all to herself. Before Lothaire can do this, he has many things to do, such as obtain a magical ring. Lothaire decides the best place for Ellie is prison, where his enemies want think to look for her, and where she is headed after Saroya goes on several killing sprees using her body. However, Lothaire doesn't count on Ellie's intelligence and tenacity.

The Immortals after Dark is my favorite series, and I've been waiting for great anticipation for Lothaire's story. Lothaire is one seriously messed up character, who is driven by revenge and, also, a little mad from all the memories, that he has absorbed by draining his victims dry. I had trouble seeing how Ms. Cole could possibly redeem Lothaire, but thankfully, she doesn't disappoint. Lothaire is redeemed, somewhat, but still has a serious edge to him-- he is not someone to mess with. Elizabeth is one spunky heroine, which she has to be, in order to stand toe to toe with Lothaire. Elizabeth gets knocked down, but keeps getting right back up and fighting. There is plenty of action, and intense, hot, love scenes in this novel, and it is not for the squeamish, because Lothaire can be one brutal dude.

All in all, LOTHAIRE is a great read and makes an excellent addition to the IAD series.

NOTE: This is my personal copy and I gave an unbiased review.

Review of VAMPIRE GENERAL: INTERN WITH THE VAMPIRE

2012-01-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

VAMPIRE GENERAL can be purchased here.

VAMPIRE GENERAL
Kit Iwasaki

Aline Harmon, an intern at Weston County Hospital, is having a bad day after listening to Dr. William Rocque, a patient in the ER, about another patient in the ER and getting fired. Aline's day turns even stranger when Rocque offers her an internship at a hospital, that she has never heard of. Intrigued, Aline follows Rocque to the hospital and enters a world, that she never knew existed.

VAMPIRE GENERAL is a unique tale, that reminded me of an episode of ER, with the added bonus of vampires, mermaids, and other paranormal creatures. Aline is a great character, and I got wrapped up in her story. The other characters in this story are intriguing and surprising, too. One character, who I thought had villainous tendencies, shocked me by doing something totally heroic. Aline's shift has so many ups and downs, that it is a real rollercoaster ride, and I found myself rooting for her.

NOTE: I was sent this book, in return for an unbiased review.

Check out this giveaway at Tiffany's Bookshelf

2012-01-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Tiffany's Bookshelf: 200 Book Celebration Giveaway: At the beginning of 2011, I set a crazy goal to read and review 200 books this year. Believe it or not, I actually accomplished my goal, an...

Interview and Giveaway with Terry Spear

2011-12-28T15:39:00.001-08:00

Terry Spear Interview, Author of Dreaming of the Wolf

Please welcome Terry Spear,author of the Heart of the Wolf series.

BL: Willyou tell us a little about yourself?

TS: I’m a creature of habit, aren’t we all? I LOVE chocolate. It’s terrible toget such a reputation, but at work (library), my co-workers know that if it’snot chocolate, I don’t eat it. It all started out when I was a baby.

Myparents left me alone in the back seat of their car with a chocolate cake tocelebrate their 2^nd anniversary. Number one, you do not leave a babyalone in the car. And number two, you do not leave a baby alone with achocolate cake in the back seat of a car. I had chocolate in my ears, diaper,everywhere. And they couldn’t afford another cake.

I wenton from that illustrious beginning to loving vampires after I saw a college playwhen I was a teen where Dracula was kissing the heroine so seductively and Iwanted to be her. And I always loved ghost stories. But then the real worldintruded and I had to get a degree and go to work, so after earning my MBA andretiring from the US Army Reserves, I went on to work on what I lovebest—writing stories. But I also make award-winning teddy bears that have beenfeatured in magazines and found homes all over the world as far away asAustralia, Russia, and France!

\ BL: Whatauthors have influenced you the most?

TS: Children’s literature—princes rescuing the princesses, or some such romancestories for children. But also I loved Jack London’s White Fang and Call of theWild. I read my first Norwegian tale also about a polar bear shifter, andloved myths and legends and folk tales from around the world.

3. BL: Whatmade you choose werewolves, and what are your favorite werewolfcharacteristics?

TS: I was writing vampires, but the market was so crowded, I decided to writeabout werewolves, another underdog in the paranormal world. They were muchabused in literature as being ill-mannered, beastly, and not at all the loving,sexy, hot characters they truly are. So I wrote them based on real wolves, andthat means they’re loyal, protective, family-oriented, and if they’re the goodguys, really great guys!

4. BL: Shiftersare my favorite paranormal creature, what are your favorites and why?

TS: I love both wolf shifters, whenthey’re wolves, not beastly monsters, and vampires. Both have bite, are hot,(well, in my world even my vampires are; not cold and dead), sexy, and theyhave a special place in my heart. Reference the underdog.

5. BL: Theheroine of Dreaming of the Wolf has aunique profession; please tell us something interesting you learned aboutbounty hunting.

TS: I was reading how oftentimes they like to use women bounty hunters to pickup women who have missed their court dates because of the sexual harassmentissue. Also, that they really don’t have to have military or police typetraining to become a bounty hunter. One of the bounty hunters said that hemostly used logic, rather than force to get the perp to go with him.

6. BL: What isthe most interesting thing you have learned, when doing research?

TS: My favorite real life wolf tale was about a true happily ever after storyof love between wolves. A female wolf had a litter of pups she was caring foron her own. Her mate had been killed by hunters, and she was alone, no wolfpack. She would have lost her pups to predators, unable to protect and hunt forthem at the same time. A wolf biologist discovered her, and took her intocustody along with her pups.

In acompound in the wild, he took care of her, keeping human contact to a minimumuntil her pups could be old enough to leave the compound with her. But a treefell during a storm, and crashed down on top of the fence allowing some of themore adventurous wolf pups to escape.

Thiswas dangerous for them, but she never left the den, staying with the remainingpups, but a male wolf began to stay with her pups outside of the enclosure. Thepups would return to their mother, then again leave the compound and be withthe male. Then when they were old enough, the biologist freed the mother andher pups and the female took the male for her mate, who was already serving aspapa for her pups. It truly was a happily ever after. Wolf style.

7. BL: Do youhave a pet peeve about something in books? My pet peeve is the TSTL (toostupid to live) heroine.

TS: OH YEAH. Me too!!! I was reading a YA where the girl is going into acemetery during a terrible storm. No reason. She’s just going. And not onlythat but she’s telling herself how stupid this is. But she’s going to do it anyway.Right. TSTL heroine. The author kept killing off everyone that you grew tolove, but the heroine. SHE had to live through all four books. LOL. Another petpeeve of mine is when an author names all her men women’s names and her women,men’s names. I have a hard enough time keeping names straight in a story! :)

8. BL: Willyou tell us a little bit about the books, that you are currently working on?

TS: I finished writing the sequel to Heartof the Highland Wolf, this one Ian’s brother Duncan’s story, set in theGrand Cayman Islands (Title TBD). The clan’s still after their stolen money,but Duncan gets distracted when he runs into a female wolf on the island…andhim a dark warrior, who NEVER gets distracted by anything!

I’ve also finished up the first book in the jaguar shifter series, which willbe in stores next fall. Lots of new research had to be done, and now I’mworking on two new wolf tales. The first is Tom’s story. Jake just got his in Dreaming of the Wolf, so Tom’s got tohave his! He’s feeling rather glum that his two older brothers have mates andbabies are on the way. He goes into the mountains to try and track down a wolfthat’s hunting sheep, werewolf or wolf, they don’t know, and he ends up at thepack’s cabin in a blizzard, when an angel falls from the sky…kinda.

And I’mworking on the second oldest Highland brother’s story, Cearnach’s in The Highland Wolf Wedding. Normallyhappy-go-lucky, he’s determined to go to a wedding for his former girlfriendwho is marrying into an enemy’s clan, until an American wolf runs him off theroad. And that’s when things go from bad to worse in a heartbeat.

And I’mworking on the opening of the 2^nd jaguar story, Maya’s story, sisterof the hero in the first story. So lots of good wolves and jaguars coming!

Thanks so much for taking thetime to do an interview!

DREAMING OF THE WOLF by TERRY SPEAR—INSTORES DECEMBER 2011

A fierce hunter…

AliciaGreiston is a no-nonsense bounty hunter determined to bring a ring of mobstersto justice. Her dogged pursuit of the crime family has forced her to avoidrelationships—any man would only become a target for retribution. Luckily, JakeSilver is more than a man, and his instincts are telling him to stop at nothingto protect her.

An animal passion…

However,the mob isn’t entirely human either, and soon Alicia must flee for her life.When Alicia and Jake’s passion begins to spill over into their dreams, Jakelearns he will have to do more than defend her—he’ll have to show his mate theway of the wolf.

ABOUTTHE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Terry Spear has written a dozen paranormal romance novels, with over 60,000 copies sold. She received a Publishers Weekly's Best Book of the Year Award in 2008 for Heart of the Wolf. A retired officer of the U. S. Army Reserves, Terry is a librarian by day. She lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit www.terryspear.com.

GIVEAWAY (US AND CANADA ONLY)

Danielle from Sourcebooks has kindly offered two copies of DREAMING OF THE WOLF. To enter simply leave a comment with a valid e-mail address. Giveaway ends midnight January 10th.

Review of DREAMING OF THE WOLF

2011-12-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

DREAMING OF THE WOLF can be purchased here.

DREAMING OF THE WOLF
Terry Spear

Alicia Greiston, a bounty hunter after the mobsters responsible for her mother's death, is surprised when a stranger insinuates himself into a conflict with one of the mobsters. The stranger, Jake Silver, who just happens to be a werewolf, can't let anything happen to the beautiful woman. When he starts dreaming of Alicia, Jake thinks that she might be his mate. Unfortunately, the mobsters are still in the picture and very dangerous.

Shifters are my favorite paranormal creature and shifter romances are my books of choice. Luckily, Ms. Spear doesn't disappoint with this action-packed, character driven werewolf romance. Once Jake realizes that Alicia is his mate, he is one determined, protective werewolf. Fortunately, Alicia is an intelligent, capable heroine, who has a very unique occupation. The secondary characters are great and Jake's pack gives a real sense of family, and the mobsters are true villains with no redeeming qualities.

All in all, DREAMING OF THE WOLF is a great read, which I recommend to the reader of shifter romances.

NOTE: I received this book in return for an impartial review.

Gift Card Winner

2011-12-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Gift Card Giveaway was a great success. Thanks to everyone who participated! The winner of my $10 Amazon gift card was:

RANDI

Randi has been notified and sent her gift card.

Be on the lookout for my interview and giveaway with Terry Spear at the end of the month. Hope everyone has a happy holidays!

Review of HOT ZONE

2011-12-11T16:37:00.001-08:00

HOT ZONE can be purchased here.

HOT ZONE
Catherine Mann

Amelia Bailey is in the Bahamas to help her brother and his wife with the legalities of adopting a baby boy. After a devestating earthquake, Amelia and her new nephew are trapped under the rubble that used to be their hotel. Luckily, Master Sargeant Hugh Franco, a pararescueman, is able to find and rescue them. Unfortunately, the danger doesn't end there, because Amelia and Hugh witness some activities of a baby smuggling ring.

HOT ZONE is an intense, action-packed, romantic suspense with great characters and a lovely secondary romance. Hugh is a great hero, who is protective, loving, and strong, but has to work through some issues before he can commit to a relationship. After his wife and daughter were killed in a plane crash, Hugh shut himself off, emotionally, and focused on his job, exclusively. Now, he finds himself slowly developing feelings for Amelia, and he must come to terms with the loss of his wife and daughter. Amelia makes a great heroine for Hugh, because she is a true fighter and is very protective of her nephew. Amelia's brother and sister-in-law are, also, dealing with some issues, and the resolution of their issues is poignant and sigh-inducing.

All in all, HOT ZONE makes a great read for the romantic suspense lover.

NOTE: I received this book in return for an impartial review.

Gift Card Giveaway Hop

2011-12-07T15:10:00.001-08:00

Book Lover and Procrastinator is stop 6 on the hop.I'm giving away a $10 amazon e-giftcard to a lucky follower. Just leave a comment with your GFC follower name. You can get an additional entry by following me on twitter. Just say you do and leave your twitter name in a comment. Please leave an e-mail at which you can be reached. US only.Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Attack of the Book for hosting the hop. Below are the links to the others in the hop, so hop away. Hop starts Dec. 9th and ends Dec. 13th. at midnight cst. I'm posting this early, but please don't enter until the 9th. Hopefully, I will pick and contact the winner within 48 hrs. The winner will have 48 hrs. in which to get back with me. Thanks for participating!

Check out this giveaway at Once Upon a Twitlight.

2011-12-03T02:32:00.000-08:00

Once Upon a Twilight!: Giveaway: Simon & Schuster Adult Books Mega Giveaw...: Thanks to Simon & Schuster, we have a amazing offer for you guys today. Simon & Schuster is graciously offering 7 books from their colle...

Winner of the Gratitude Giveaway

2011-11-28T19:21:00.001-08:00

The Gratitude Giveaway was a great success. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and to all my followers. The winner is:

SOPHIA ROSE confirmed and sent

Review of LADY SOPHIE'S CHISTMAS WISH

2011-11-26T08:10:00.001-08:00

LADY SOPHIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH can be purchased here.

LADY SOPHIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH
Grace Burrowes

Lady Sophie Windham, who considers herself on the shelf, has schemed to get several days to herself in her family's London mansion, before she must travel to Kent for a family Christmas. Unfortunately, one of the maids deserts her baby in Sophie's care, and Sophie, who knows nothing of babies, is forced to accept the aid of a kind gentleman, Wilhelm "Vim" Lucifer Charpentier. Vim, who is to one day inherit his uncle's estate, has been traveling abroad for years and has returned to help set the estate to rights. Unfortunately, some bad memories have made Vim reluctant to return to the estate, and a baby in need and a snowstorm are good excuses to delay traveling to the estate in Kent.

LADY SOPHIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH is a heart-warming, regency romance with endearing characters. Let me just state, upfront, that I love the characters of Vim and Sophie. They are made for each other, and the fact, that they are thrown together and, slowly, fall for each other, made it all the more delicious. Sophie is the sensible one with the heart of gold, who takes in strays. Vim is a great understated hero--not the usual over the top alpha-- but he still can hold his own, if need be. Vim can't stand to hear a baby cry, which makes me love him all the more.

All in all, LADY SOPHIE'S CHRISTMAS WISH is the perfect feel-good, sigh-inducing romance read for the holidays--or anytime for that matter.

NOTE: I was given this book in return for an impartial review.

Review of EMBRACE THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR

2011-11-20T19:13:00.001-08:00

EMBRACE THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR can be purchased here.

EMBRACE THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR
Anita Clenney

Shay Logan has returned to Virginia after nine years, in which she has cut herself off from her best friend, Cody McBain. Cody, who is a member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, has been fighting demons but is, now, a PI. Unfortunately, the demon, who tried to kill Shay as an infant, is determined to finish the job, and Cody, who has loved Shay since they were children, is determined to save her.

EMBRACE THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR is an entertaining, action-packed, paranormal romance, which has a captivating plot and is filled with yummy Scotsmen. Cody is a great hero, who is very protective of Shay, but is forced to keep them apart. Shay is a strong heroine, who comes into her own by the end of the book after a couple of TSTL (too stupid to live) moments.

Ms. Clenney creates a very intriguing world filled with characters to root for. The next book in this series can't be released soon enough.

NOTE: I received this book, in return for an impartial review.

Review of THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART

2011-11-19T11:41:00.001-08:00

THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART can be purchased here.

THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART
Amanda Forester

Lady Isabelle Tynesdale runs away from the people sent to take her back to her estranged husband. Isabelle has been under the protection of her uncle, who has recently passed away. Because she has inherited her uncle's estate, Isabelle fears for her safety from her husband. Isabelle gets seperated from her party, and ,unknowingly, crosses the border into Scotland. Once there, Isabelle is saved from three brigands by Laird David Campbell, who doesn't believe the yarn Isabelle tells him, but can't desert her, even when he tries.

THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART is one of the best reads of the year. It is vastly entertaining, and I found myself chuckling through much of the book. David is a great hero, who has much responsibility, in a time of strife in Scotland. David has some tough decisions to make, as far as, marriage is concerned, for the good of his clan. David is a true hero with a good heart and a great sense of humor. Isabelle is in a great predicament and sets about scheming to get herself out of it. Many times her schemes go awry, and Isabelle reminded me of Lucy from the I Love Lucy series. Many of the fixes, Isabelle got herself into, were hilarious. David and Isabelle make a great couple and David's clan and siblings are great secondary characters.

Do yourself a favor and get THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART. It's a great romance with lots of humor and endearing characters thrown in.

NOTE: I was given this book, in return for an unbiased review.

Gratitude Giveaways Blog Hop

2011-11-16T07:29:00.001-08:00

Book Lover and Procrastinator is stop 167 on the hop.
I'm giving away a $10 amazon e-giftcard to a lucky follower.
Just leave a comment. Please leave an e-mail at which you can be reached. US only.
Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and All-Consuming Books for hosting the hop. Below are the links to the others in the hop, so hop away. Hop starts Nov. 17th and ends Nov. 27th. at midnight cst. I'm posting this early, but please don't enter until the 17th. Hopefully, I will pick and contact the winner within 48 hrs. The winner will have 48 hrs. in which to get back with me. Thanks for participating!

Update: I made a mistake in that there can only be one entry in this hop. If you already entered to receive two points, please forgive me. I can only give you one. Thanks for understanding.

Review of TALL, DARK AND COWBOY

2011-11-11T14:56:00.001-08:00

TALL, DARK, AND COWBOY can be purchased here.

TALL, DARK, AND COWBOY
Joanne Kennedy

Lacey Bradford leaves her hometown in a hurry, after one of her ex-husband's slimy cohorts makes threats, because her ex has disappeared and might have turned states evidence. Lacey is headed toward the one person, who she thinks might help her, Chase Caldwell. Lacey hasn't seen Chase since high school, when he was always around and had helped her out of a tough situation before. When Lacey arrives in the small Wyoming town where Chase lives, almost broke and with a car on its last legs, she is surprised at the reception, that she receives from a hunky, but hardened Chase.

TALL, DARK, AND COWBOY is an enjoyable, feel-good read with a yummy hero and a good-hearted, if at times ditzy, heroine. Chase is a great hero, who has experienced some setbacks which have hardened him a little, but underneath he is a great guy. Chase has shut himself off from people, in order to protect himself, but after Lacey storms back into his life, he doesn't stand a chance. Lacey has always allowed someone else to take care of her, but realizes that she needs to be more self-reliant. While her attempts to stand on her own two feet don't always end well, she does grow and mature throughout the book.

All in all, TALL, DARK, AND COWBOY is a nice, heart-warming read, which I recommend.

NOTE: I received this book in return for an impartial review.

Review of The Virtuoso

2011-11-10T11:29:00.001-08:00

THE VIRTUOSO can be purchased here.

THE VIRTUOSO
Grace Burrowes

Lord Valentine Windham, the youngest son of a Duke, wins an estate in a card game and decides to set the place to rights, after seeing its neglected state. After all, Valentine needs something to occupy his time, since he can no longer practice his obsession of playing the piano. Because of an ailment to his hand which makes playing the piano almost impossible, Valentine has been advised to stop playing until his hand heals. Once on the estate, Valentine meets the young widow, who lives in the cottage nearby, and there is an attaction between them. Unfortunately, the widow has secrets and is reluctant to let anyone close to her.

THE VIRTUOSO is an entertaining, historical romance with a great hero, but the heroine isn't my cup of tea. Valentine, whose whole self-image is wrapped up in his music, is left rudderless when he can no longer play. Luckily, Valentine has great friends and family, who offer a great support system. Even so, the time spent without his music becomes a time of self-discovery, and a time to realize, that he is more than just his music. Valentine is a great hero, who is strong, artistic and sensitive, as well as being very handsome. Ellen is a beautiful woman, who has known great sorrow in her life. While I can understand some of Ellen's actions, at a time, when women had no power and were considered property, I wish that she had shown more backbone and revealed her secrets sooner. With that said, Ellen does seem to be Valentine's perfect match, and they make a a great couple.

NOTE: I was given this book in return for an impartial review.

Review of THE STORM THAT IS STERLING

2011-11-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

THE STORM THAT IS STERLING can be purchased here.

THE STORM THAT IS STERLING
Lisa Renee Jones

Sterling Jeter was forced to join the army and stand up the pretty girl from his hometown, with whom he had a date, Rebecca Burns. Fourteen years later, these two meet again, but the circumstances have changed drastically. Sterling is no longer human, after being injected with alien DNA in an effort to create supersoldiers. Unfortunately, the supersoldiers have split into two factions: one bent on world domination and the other opposed to them. The evil faction is selling a highly addictive drug called ICE. Sterling and his friends are trying to stop the production of ICE, and Rebecca, an astrobiologist, may be their only hope to find an antidote or immunization for ICE.

THE STORM THAT IS STERLING is an entertaining paranormal romance with a unique premise and great characters. Although I haven't read the first book in this series, I had no trouble following the storyline. This book has plenty of action, intrigue, and is filled with yummy supersoldiers. Sterling, who was raised by an abusive, alcoholic grandmother, makes a great tortured hero. Sterling is protective, strong, intelligent and is trying to save the world. What more could you ask from a hero? Rebecca is his perfect match and equally brave and strong. I, only, wish that she had been more upfront with Sterling. While I understand the reasons for her actions, I wish Rebecca would have revealed her secret sooner. Other than this small quibble, I greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series.

NOTE: I was sent this book in return for an impartial review.

Winner of Spooktacular Giveaway

2011-11-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Halloween! The Spooktacular hop was a great success. Thanks to everyone for participating. The winner of the gift card is:

Spaz!!!!

Spaz has been e-mailed and responded.

SPOOKTACULAR GIVEAWAY HOP

2011-10-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday, so let's celebrate!
Book Lover and Procrastinator is stop 156 on the hop.
I'm giving away a $10 amazon e-giftcard to a lucky follower.
+2 for old followers
+1 for new followers
Just leave a comment with your points. Please leave an e-mail at which you can be reached. US only.

Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and TheDiaryofaBookworm for hosting the hop. Below are the links to the others in the hop, so hop away. Hop starts Oct. 24th and ends Nov. 1st. at midnight cst. I'm posting this early, but please don't enter until the 24th. Hopefully, I will pick and contact the winner within 48 hrs. The winner will have 48 hrs. in which to get back with me. Thanks for participating!

Book That I Can't Wait to Read

2011-10-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

I love Kenyon's Dark-hunter, Dream-hunter, and Were-hunter series. I read the excerpt for The Guardian and it blew me away. I really can't wait for it to come out! If you want to find out more about this book, go here.
November 1st seems like so far away!

Check out this Winnie the Pooh giveaway

2011-10-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

I love Winnie the Pooh and all the characters, especially tigger. The Etherton Photography blog is having a giveaway for the new dvd and some swag. Go here to enter.

Check Out this Giveaway!

2011-10-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Book Diva: Giveaway: One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost: I am giving a way a signed copy of One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost. This is her latest release in the Night Huntress series (Cat and ...

Check out this blogs Spooktacular Giveaways

2011-10-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

A Book-lovers' Review: Trick or Treat Day 1 Spooktacular Giveaways: Here at A Book-Lovers Review Trick or Treating will begin today, October 13th and end on Halloween night October 31st. I will ha...

Review of MR. DARCY'S BITE

2011-10-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Mr. Darcy's Bite can be purchased here.

Mr. Darcy's Bite
Mary Lydon Simonson

Mr. Darcy has seemingly been courting Elizabeth Bennett for months, but hasn't popped the question. Elizabeth wonders what Mr. Darcy's purpose could be, after all Jane and Bingley have been married for over six months. Darcy invites Elizabeth to Pemberley along with his sister and cousin, Anne, and promises to reveal a secret, which will affect Elizabeth's decision about him as a husband.

When I read the blurb for this book, I was intrigued. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book and werewolf/shapeshifter romances are my favorite genre. A combination of the two seemed like a dream come true, and Mr. Darcy's Bite doesn't disappoint. The only small quibble, that I had with the book was that the author's voice seemed a little to modern at times. However, this didn't detract much from the enjoyment of the book as a whole. Darcy and Elizabeth are the same great couple, that I expected, and I was happy to see Anne get a bigger role in this book.

All in all, Mr. Darcy's Bite is a great read, which I highly recommend.

NOTE: I was sent this book in return for an impartial review.

Coming Soon to Book Lover and Procrastinator!

2011-10-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

Review of DEMON MARKED

2011-10-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

DEMON MARKED
Meljean Brook

Ash couldn't remember, who she was and had been hospitalized in a mental institution for three years. The fact that Ash isn't human, is an added mystery for her. Searching for answers to her past, Ash runs into Nicholas St. Croix. Nicholas knows that Ash must be a demon, because she looks like his girlfriend, who was killed by a demon posing as his mother. Nicholas decides to use Ash to get to the demon posing as his mother. Meanwhile, Lucifer and the demon posing as Nicholas' mother, also, have nefarious plans for Ash.

Demon Marked is an intense, enjoyable paranormal romance with multi-faceted characters and plenty of action. Ash is learning and experiencing life, and, although she is part demon, her goodness shines through. Nicholas has cut himself off from his emotions, in an effort to combat the demon, who is posing as his mother. This has made him almost as bad as the demon, whom he seeks revenge upon. Slowly, almost against his will, Nicholas begins to care for Ash, and this love saves him in the end. Demon Marked is a great love story, and I can't wait for the next story in the series, Michael's story.

NOTE: I purchased this book and gave an impartial review.

Review of Redneck Zombies

2011-09-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in the Zombie event. For a full listing of all the fun go here.

I had intended to do a review of Evil Dead, but that was more demon than zombie, so I watched Redneck Zombies. In Redneck Zombies, a drum of radioactive chemicals is being transported by a marijuana-smoking soldier, who immediately loses it in the backwoods. A redneck gives the drum to some idiot moonshiners, who spill the chemicals into their mash. They make their moonshine, anyway, and sell it. The moonshine makes people turn into zombies and the fun ensues.

Redneck Zombies is definitely a B movie, and it could have had better acting and special effects. However, there were moments of hilarity and cheesiness. Unfortunately, these weren't a regular feature of this flick, so I find myself having a tough time recommending it.

Review of Moonbeams

2011-09-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Moonbeams can be purchased at Amazon, B&N, Smashwords.

Moonbeams
Lakisha Spletzer

Shayleah D'athmoon, an elf Peacekeeper for the First Ones, travels around with a group of compatriots fighting for just causes. During the middle of one such fight, three outlander humans appear, and Shayleah saves them. The three are totally fish out of water, unused to the violence and creatures in the Veil, so Shayleah takes them with her until she can return them to their world. Unfortunately, an evil lurks in the background and has plans for Shayleah, her friends, and the humans.

Moonbeams is an enjoyable fantasy read with compelling characters and an imaginative world. With that said, it took me awhile to get into the book. The pace in the beginning is a little slow, perhaps, because of the introduction of numerous characters. However, once I got into the book, it got my attention and held it until the very end, which is something of a cliffhanger. All the characters had me rooting for them, except for one, Megan, one of the human outlanders. Megan is spoiled, petty, and needs to be gagged. It will be interesting to see how Ms. Spletzer redeems Megan in later books of the series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, and recommend Moonbeams to fantasy readers.

NOTE: I was sent this book in return for an impartial review.

Review of FITZWILLIAM DARCY: ROCK STAR

2011-09-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

FITZWILLIAM DARCY: ROCKSTAR
Heather Lynn Rigaud

Fitzwilliam Darcy, famous rock guitarist of the band Slurry, has a dilemma. It seems Slurry has a bad reputation, and no top level opening act will work with them. Darcy decides to hire an up-and-coming all female band, called Long Bourne Suffering, but gets off on the wrong foot with Elizabeth Bennett, a member of Long Bourne Suffering, when she overhears him make some disparaging remarks about her band members and herself. Thus, starts a tempestuous relationship between these two.

FITZWILLAM DARCY: ROCKSTAR is a modern retelling of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, which falls short when compared with the original, but is enjoyable, when taken on its own merit. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite book, and I enjoy reading its retellings, sequels, and mash-ups. With that said, I don't expect any work to equal the original, but I hope to revisit beloved characters and experience an enjoyable read. This book is enjoyable, but some of the characters didn't resemble the original characters much. While Charlotte had some of the characteristics, that I expected, she barely resembles the original. However, I greatly enjoyed the different course Charlotte Lucas' life takes in this version. Wickham is more villainous than ever before, and Mr. Collins is even more creepy. Lizzy is more irrational and temperamental than I expected, and there were times that i wanted to knock some sense into her. Darcy is the character, that most resembles his P&P counterpart, which is a good thing. Darcy makes a sigh-worthy rock god. It is lovely, that there isn't just one romance in this book, but three.

All in all, FITZWILLIAM DARCY: ROCKSTAR is entertaining when taken on its own merits, but it pales in comparison to the original. Also, be warned that this is a story about the modern rock world so expect plenty of sex and a gritter reality.

NOTE: This book was sent to me in return for an impartial review.

Review of SHIFTERS OF 2040

2011-09-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

SHIFTERS OF 2040
Ami Blackwelder

Melissa Marn, a scientist for the SCM (Shifters Counterinsurgency Military), is overworked and having second thoughts about some of her research. After a one night stand with a man, who turns out to be a shifter, Melissa discovers that she is pregnant. Melissa, now, has some very tough decisions to face. Because she works for the organization that is trying to exterminate the shifters, an alien race, Melissa is in greater danger than an ordinary person of being discovered. Meanwhile, the shifters and their hybrid children struggle to survive in a harsh, dangerous world.

SHIFTERS OF 2040 is an enjoyable paranormal story with action-packed scenes, great world-building, and a lot of romance. The characters are multi-dimensional and the plot is unique. While I enjoyed the book, greatly, the character of Melissa annoyed me at times, but I can understand her struggles. Since Melissa sought her father's approval and was almost brain washed into a military mind-set, her actions are understandable. I grew to care for the shifters and the hybrids and to root for them to overcome and survive. However, I'm hesitant to read the next book in the series, for fear that many of them won't survive.

NOTE: I was given this book in return for an impartial review.

MIA for the next little while

2011-08-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone,
I'm scheduled for surgery, which will hopefully only require a one night stay in the hospital. Hopefully, I can be back and posting within the next week or so. I'll just be glad, when it is over.

Review of RED'S HOT COWBOY

2011-08-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

May be purchased here.

RED'S HOT COWBOY
Carolyn Brown

On Christmas Eve, Pearl Richland is just settling in to the motel, that she inherited from her aunt, when a blackout in a portion of Henrietta causes her motel to fill up. Among the guests is a handsome cowboy, Wil Marshall, who looks to be a bad boy. Because of this, Pearl vows to steer clear of Wil, but the attraction between these two is a force to be reckoned with.

RED'S HOT COWBOY is an entertaining, contemporary romance, which the title captures to a tee. Wil Marshall is one hot cowboy, who might appear to be a bad boy, but has many admirable qualities. Pearl, who has a reputation for being a party girl, has a hot temper, but a really good heart. The fact that Pearl helped an abused woman makes her an admirable character. RED'S HOT COWBOY is filled with quirky, endearing characters, who made this reader want to visit Henrietta.

Note: I received this book in return for an unbiased review.

Sourcebooks is celebrating Georgette Heyer's Birthday with a great special on e-books!

2011-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday, August 15th, Sourcebooks will run all of Georgette Heyer's books on sale.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MS. HEYER!

eBooks Available for $1.99

August 15-August 21, 2011

Heyer’s Birthday: August 16, 2011

REGENCY ROMANCE

1. Arabella

2. Bath Tangle

3. Beauvallet

4. The Black Moth

5. Black Sheep

6. Charity Girl

7. The Convenient Marriage

8. The Corinthian

9. Cotillion

10. Cousin Kate

11. Devil’s Cub

12. False Colours

13. Faro’s Daughter

14. The Foundling

15. Frederica

16. Friday’s Child

17. The Grand Sophy

18. Lady of Quality

19. The Masqueraders

20. The Nonesuch

21. Powder and Patch

22. The Quiet Gentleman

23. Regency Buck

24. The Reluctant Widow

25. Sylvester

26. The Talisman Ring

27. These Old Shades

28. Venetia

MYSTERY

29. Behold, Here’s Poison

30. A Blunt Instrument

31. Death in the Stocks

32. Detection Unlimited

33. Duplicate Death

34. Envious Casca

35. Footsteps in the Dark

36. No Wind of Blame

37. Penhallow

38. They Found Him Dead

39. Unfinished Clue

40. Why Shoot a Butler?

HISTORICAL FICTION

41. The Conqueror

42. An Infamous Army

43. My Lord John

44. Royal Escape

45. Simon the Coldheart

46. Spanish Bride

NON-FICTION

47. Georgette Heyer's Regency World

Books can be purchased here.

Pages of Forbidden Love: Giveaway for My One Year Blogoversary!

2011-08-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Pages of Forbidden Love: Giveaway for My One Year Blogoversary!: " The day is here.. My blog is one year old. It has been a long road but a happy one to get to the big mile marker of one year of blogging..."

Check out this Giveaway!!!

2011-08-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Gripped into Books: 1000 Followers Giveaway!!!: "Hey guys!

I'll just get straight to the point! There's more than 1000 followers on my blog! YAY! I would have never have thought tha..."

Review of THE LADY OF THE STORM

2011-08-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

THE LADY OF THE STORM can be purchased at Sourcebooks.

THE LADY OF THE STORM
Kathryne Kennedy

Cecily Sutton, who is half-elf and half-human, has lived a fairly uneventful life in a small village in England. Around the time of William the Conqueror, England was invaded by seven elven lords, who each took a portion of England as their own. The elven lords are cruel and have subjugated the humans. Because of this, there is an active rebellion. When Cecily's village is attacked, she uses great powers, which she has kept hidden, to save the village. Unfortunately, that use of power brings her to the attention of Breden, her elven biological father. Giles Beaumont, who has been charged with keeping Cecily safe, must take her to the leaders of the Rebellion, and they must seek Cecily's adoptive father, who has gone missing.

THE LADY OF THE STORM is an enjoyable fantasy romance with plenty of adventure and complex and intriguing world building. Ms. Kennedy creates an awe-inspiring world, which draws the reader in and keeps the interest high throughout. Giles and Cecily make a wonderful couple, who must overcome, not only physical obstacles but emotional ones, in order to be together. At first, Giles doesn't consider himself, the son of a blacksmith, good enough for Cecily. The class distinction means little to Cecily, who must overcome her own insecurities. Just when it seems these two can, finally, be together, they are torn apart and must struggle to be together.

Filled with spectacular descriptions and imagery, THE LADY OF THE STORM makes a great read for the lover of fantasy romance, and I highly recommend it. The next book in this series can't come out soon enough!

NOTE: I was given this book in return for an impartial review.

My Overstuffed Bookshelf: Win A Kindle!!!

2011-08-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

My Overstuffed Bookshelf: Win A Kindle!!!: "Wow! I have been blogging for 2 years now! I am so excited to share this milestone with everyone! I wanted to do something special because ..."

Deals from Sourcebooks

2011-08-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

AUGUST eBOOK DEALS FROM SOURCEBOOKS

In honor of The Vampire Next Door, book 3 in the sassy paranormal romance series by Ashlyn Chase, book 1, STRANGE NEIGHBORS will be available for FREE from 8/2/11-8/8/11! How can a who is witch afraid of the dark and a vampire who can’t survive in sunlight find a way to be together?

Jeanette Baker is a beloved romance author, and Sourcebooks Casablanca is proud to be bringing her books back in print! With Catriona, a captivating tale of love, danger, and a passion that endures across the boundaries of time, heading back into stores this month, LEGACY will be available for FREE from 8/2/11-8/8/11!!

Are you looking for an adventurous book full of goblins, pixies, fairies and more? Book 2 by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Elliot and the Pixie Plot, hits stores this month but you can start the series from the beginning for FREE this week only (8/2/11-8/8/11) by reading ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR.

Would you like to brush up on your vocab skills? Or perhaps you know a high school graduate or current student getting ready to head back to school… Download these two reference/study aids to have the best conversation skills in town—not to mention it helps out with testing and college admissions! Fiske 250 Words Every High School Graduate Needs to Know and Fiske 250 Words Every High School Freshman Needs to Know will both be available for $1.99 for two weeks, 8/2/11-8/15/11!

Review of THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR

2011-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR is available at Sourcebooks.

THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR
Ashlyn Chase

Sly Flores lost his wife, when a vampire attacked and turned him. Since that time Sly has kept pretty much to himself, but he has devoted his time to keeping the neighborhood safe. After an incident leaves him with a broken fang, Sly seeks help from the pretty witch, Morgaine, who lives in his apartment building. Morgaine has some intense phobias, which keeps her tied to the apartment building. These two realize, that they are attracted to each other, but Sly's maker has been hunting him and anyone close to him may be in danger.

THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR is an amusing, paranormal romance filled with quirky characters. While this is an entertaining read, there is one character that seemed a little over the top. Gwyneth, Morgaine's cousin, seemed a little overblown, but perhaps in later books, she will be a bit toned down. I really enjoyed the paranormal characters in this book, and Sly and Morgaine make a charming couple. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series.

NOTE: I was given this book in return for an unbiased review.

Review of SYLVESTER, OR THE WICKED UNCLE

2011-07-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

You can purchase SYLVESTER at Sourcebooks.

SYLVESTER, OR THE WICKED UNCLE
Georgette Heyer

Sylvester, the Duke of Salford, has decided, that it is time to pick a wife, and he has narrowed his list of candidates down to five. When Sylvester's mother learns of his plans, she hopes that he will find someone to love and mentions her best friend's daughter, Phoebe Marlow. Sylvester decides to add Phoebe to his list of candidates in hopes of pleasing his mother. When Phoebe learns that the Duke of Salford might propose to her, she becomes upset because she took a dislike for him in her first season. In fact, because of his sinister eyebrows, Phoebe makes him the villain in her novel, which is soon to be published.

SYLVESTER, OR THE WICKED UNCLE is a Regency romp at its best. Ms. Heyer creates characters that are realistic, lively, and humorous and the secondary characters are just as entertaining. I,especiallly like Sir Nugent, who is very ridiculous, but completely oblivious to the fact. Sylvester, at first, doesn't know what to do with the outspoken, Phoebe. After all, she doesn't meet any of his requirements, in fact, she is unacceptable as a wife. However, Sylvester finds himself drawn to Phoebe and put into his place several times. Phoebe , on the other hand, discovers the good qualities in Sylvester.

SYLVESTER, OR THE WICKED UNCLE is an enjoyable read with many laugh-out-loud moments and a memorable cast of characters. I highly recommend it.

NOTE: I was given this book in return for an impartial review.

Winnemucca Release Day Blitz

2011-07-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Winnemucca, YA Author’s Debut Paranormal Coming-Of-AgeNovel, Explores Freedom & Forgiveness To Benefit Wounded Warriors

Monterey Peninsula, CA,July 15, 2011 – Laura A. H. Elliott releases heryoung-adult debut novel, Winnemucca, for the Kindle on Amazon.com. Winnemuccais a small-town fairy tale about a teenage girl’s enchanted road trip to hertrue self no matter who or what tries to stop her. One of two digital editionsincludes Laura’s digital signature with a donation to the Wounded Warrior project,in her nephew’s honor. Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa9n1KIpaWw

“The story is told in poetic prose that Ihave not read since the writers of an older age. The tone of the story is setthrough the voice of the girl runaway before she has even realized her owntalents, and is spoken with ‘the sound truth makes being said,’ as Ray Bradburyonce coined the term. Emerging from a sea of derivative and formulaic novels,WINNEMUCCA is a fresh view of a world that is at once savage and beautiful, crushingand hopeful, and above all, brings magic back to ancient storytelling bybringing our attention back to the little things that matter, and the shiftingnature of perception and reality alike.” -Rachel Coles, YA Book Reviewer andAuthor of 5 Young Adult Paranormal Fiction Novels

“The voice is distinct and the world shecreates is both magical and mundane. As I read the book it reminded me of NeilGaiman’s AMERICAN GODS.” -Matthew Hill, editor

“The themes in my work are always the same:freedom and forgiveness. I am fascinated how the footprints of our ancestorscan follow us into the future. I enjoy illuminating these ideas in my fiction.In this novel, I explore courage and the cost of freedom. I’m hoping WINNEMUCCAwill get generations of people talking to each other about the role of freedomand forgiveness in their lives.” - Laura A. H. Elliott. Her favorite quote fromthe book: “Fear’s as blind as love.”

Laura’s travel and personal essays have beenpublished in The Los Angeles Times andother Southern California newspapers and magazines. She honed her storytellingskills as a multimedia designer at TheLos Angeles Times and E! Entertainment Television but learns the mostaround dinner tables. She has two grown daughters and currently resides on theMonterey Peninsula, with her husband, Joe, and their Aussie shepherd, Oso.

For more information contact:

www.authorlaura.com

elliwrite@yahoo.com

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004KFSC92

http://www.facebook.com/Laura.A.H.Elliott

@Laurawriting

Laura In TheNews:

Author Interviewwith YA Author Abbi Glines http://www.abbiglines.com/2011/07/meet-author-of-todays-new-ya-release.html

For newscoverage about our nephew, Cody:

http://www.ksby.com/videos/local-marine-recovering-from-severe-injuries-he-received-in-afghanistan/

One mistakechanges her life forever. One answer will set her free.

Once upon a timeGinny’s road blood ripened, the day she got wise to love. Engaged to the highschool quarterback, his quarter-carat ring and enchanting smile should havebeen enough for her. But, she stands him up and takes a walk where every stepquestions her happily ever after gone-bad and the fate of the mother she neverknew. The mother her father refuses to talk about. Ginny fights to untangle herbig, fat, lie-of-a-life on an enchanted road trip to Winnemucca, where shebelieves all her answers lie, no matter who or what tries to stop her.

From the author:

The giveaway: I have five books and the $15 Amazon gift cert. to giveaway. I'll monitor comments on the blogs and pick a random winner.

Here are the rules: I'm going to giveaway five copies of Winnemucca [the digitally signed, Wounded Warriors Edition] during the blitz and one Amazon $15 gift certificate. To win, I'd like readers to leave their road trip story in thecomments of the blogger [with their email address in case of a win!]. I'd also like them to also "like" me at http://www.facebook.com/Laura.A.H.Elliott Giveaway goes until 10PM July 28th, PST

You can find the tour dates here.

Bad Ass Chicks That Bite: Adrian Phoenix Giveaway!

2011-07-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Bad Ass Chicks That Bite: Adrian Phoenix Giveaway!: "Hoodoo book #2 Hoodoo book #1 So today is Sunday and it's time for the giveaway that I promised you! Unfortunately Kallie co..."

2011-07-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

If I Could Turn Back Time – Time-Travel/Time Slip eBooks for $2.99! (7/19/2011 – 7/25/2011)
http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials.html

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

This hauntingly beautiful tale of love and time travel by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Susanna Kearsley features a modern American heroine who settles in near castle ruins in Scotland to write a novel about the 1708 Jacobite Rebellion only to discover the vivid scenes and the romantic hero she’s imagining actually exist...

What Would Jane Austen Do? By Laurie Brown

Eleanor is a costume designer, in England for the Jane Austen festival, where her room at the inn is haunted. In the middle of the night she encounters two ghosts--sisters whose brother was killed in a duel over 200 years ago. The sisters persuade her to travel back in time with them to act as a diversion to the roguish lord who killed their brother… Eleanor is swept into a country house party, where she encounters and befriends Jane Austen and tries to help the ghost sisters. But there’s much more to Lord Shermont than the ghosts knew, and as Eleanor dances and flirts with him, she begins to lose her heart...

Legacy by Jeanette Baker

Casablanca Classics presents this haunting Scottish time travel from Daphne Award winning and bestselling author Jeanette Baker. When Christina Murray inherits her family’s ancestral Scottish home, she has also inherited a violent legacy of passion, bloodshed and genetic memory that only the breathtakingly handsome Ian Douglas can help her to overcome.

The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman

Alysandir Mackinnon rules his clan with a fair but iron fist, but when he encounters a bewitching young beauty who may or may not be a dangerous spy, but is surely in mortal danger, he’s compelled to help… Thrown back in time to the tumultuous, dangerous Scottish Highlands of the 16th century, Isobella Douglas has a lot to learn about her ancestors, herself, and her place in the world. Especially when she encounters a Highland laird who puts modern men to shame. Each one has secrets to keep, until they begin to strike a chord in each other’s hearts that’s never been touched before…

Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine

With a story as mesmerizing as it is chilling, Lady of Hay explores how Jo, a journalist investigating hypnotic regression, plunges into the life of Matilda, Lady of Hay—who lived eight hundred years earlier. As she learns of Matilda’s unhappy marriage, her troubled love for Richard de Clare, and the brutal treatment she received from King John, it seems that Jo’s past and present are hopelessly entwined. Centuries later, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again—and she has no choice but to brave both lives if she wants to shake the iron grip of history.

Book Faery: 1200 (GFC) Followers Giveaway Contest!

2011-07-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Book Faery: 1200 (GFC) Followers Giveaway Contest!

Check out this great giveaway!

Books like Fairytales: Giveaway Time!!!!

2011-07-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

Books like Fairytales: Giveaway Time!!!!: "Giveaway Time! I'll pick a winner when I reach 200 followers! So go ahead fill out the form bellow and spread the word! Rules: You must..."

Guest Post and Giveaway with L. K. Rigel

2011-07-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second stop on the Bleeder blog tour. Keep reading for the guest post, a giveaway of this great novel, and a chance for $100 gift card at the tour's end.

Thanks so much to Marlene and Book Lover & Procrastinator for hosting Bleeder on its blog tour. BL&P’s trivia question for the $100 giveaway is about totems, so I thought I’d post about tattoos and totems in the world of Apocalypto.

In the Apocalypto series, female fertility was once nearly destroyed. When the goddess Asherah made select girls fertile in order to save humanity, some started having children before they were old enough.

This enraged Asherah. She wants her chalices, as she calls them, admired and pampered. Impregnating a bleeder before she was 18 was bad for the girl and, worse, an act of disrespect to the goddess.

So Asherah decided to give each bleeder a “totem” when they came of age to indicate that they were blessed and ready for action, so to speak. The bleeder has the totem tattooed on her left arm during the Rites of May, the week of celebration and ritual when bleeders become consecrated chalices.

The totem represents something significant about the chalice’s essential nature and serves as a touchstone. She can meditate on the image and discover deeper self-understanding. Jordana’s totem is a mongoose. I love this, because her completion tattoo is a copperhead snake – a natural enemy of the mongoose.

Another kind of tattoo in Apocalypto is the service tat. Every city has its own symbol. For Garrick, the symbol is a black raptor talon. Allel’s symbol is a honeybee. The symbol of Luxor is a red dagger. The princes of the cities have their symbol tattooed on their clavicle when they become king.

As a bleeder completes each contract to provide royal children to the cities, she tattoos the city’s symbol somewhere on her body to commemorate the service. Every bleeder/chalice is required by Red City to complete at least three contracts for two children. Celia of Allel has twelve tats when Mal meets her.

The bleeders call the tattoo for the final contract their “completion tattoo” and always have it put on their left cheek. This shows the world that they are in retirement from breeding.

There is another tattoo no one really talks about: the pink rosebud. This is put on the forehead of “proof-of-service” children – children that chalices have outside of contract to prove their fertility and thus raise their contract prices.

You can find Bleeder at the following places:
Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

To enter my giveaway for an e-copy of Bleeder, just leave a question or comment for the author and an email address. Giveaway ends July 17th at 11:59 cst. The winner will have 48hrs. to respond to an e-mail.

Here is my question for the random drawing.

Loading...

If this doesn't work go here.

The next blog stop: July 11 – vvb32 Reads

For a full tour line-up, visit here

LK Rigel lives in California with her cat, Coleridge. She was once a singing waitress, scored the independent science fantasy karate movie Lucid Dreams, and was a reporter for the Sacromento Rock 'N Roll News. Her BA is in humanities and religious studies. Her work has appeared in Literary Mama and Tattoo Highway. Her short story "Slurp" will appear in Anne Frasier's 2011 Halloween anthology Deadly Treats published by Nodin Press.

Review of Bleeder

2011-07-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

Mal, who lives in a rather primitive and dangerous settlement of Garrick, knows long hours of work and endless hunger. When an emissary from Red City arrives and Mal is determined to be a Bleeder, Mal's life changes, for she is to be taken to Red City and trained to become a Chalice, a woman who will carry children for royalty. On the way to Red City, the emissary and her contingent stop at Allel, to determine if another girl is, also, a Breeder. While there, Mal meets Prince Emund of Allel and Prince Garrick of Garrick, both handsome and destined to play a role in her life.

Ms. Rigel creates a unique and vivid world filled with political intrigue,fantasy, and action, coupled with a great love story. Mal, who trades a life of poverty for one of luxury, is trapped in a gilded cage, although she doesn't realize it at first. Forced to bare children for the highest bidder, her life is one of ceremonies and duty, but she, slowly, discovers a need for something more than the duty to which she was brainwashed. Edmund is a truly great hero, for he is strong, sympathetic, protective, and loving. I became totally caught up in Edmund and Mal's plight and found myself on the edge of my seat awaiting the outcome.

All in all, Bleeder is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it, for its imaginative world-building and superb love story.

Winner of the Freedom Blog Hop

2011-07-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Freedom Blog Hop has ended and it was a great success. I found some new blogs to visit and picked up some wonderful new followers. The winner of my giveaway is

Elle

Elle has been e-mailed and she responded. Congrats!

Freedom Giveaway Hop

2011-06-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

Book Lover and Procrastinator is stop 231 on the hop.
I'm giving away a $10 amazon e-giftcard to a lucky follower.
+2 for old followers
+1 for new followers
Just leave a comment with your points. Please leave an e-mail at which you can be reached. US only.

Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Simply Stacie for hosting the hop. Below are the links to the others in the hop, so hop away. Hop starts July 1st and ends July 7th at midnight cst. I'm posting this early, but please don't enter until the 1st. Hopefully, I will pick and contact the winner within 48 hrs. The winner will have 48 hrs. in which to get back with me. Thanks for participating!

The linky doesn't want to work for me so go here for a listing of blogs.

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV – Guest Post by Michele Bardsley + A 25$ Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

2011-06-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV – Guest Post by Michele Bardsley + A 25$ Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV–Jeanne C. Stein Interview & 7 Signed Book Set + Swag Giveaway!

2011-06-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV–Jeanne C. Stein Interview & 7 Signed Book Set + Swag Giveaway!

Review of Green Lantern Movie

2011-06-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

I finally got to see Green Lantern, and I wasn't totally blown away but didn't hate it either. I would give it a C, because it was okay and entertained me. It seemed like the pacing for the movie was off and it dragged in spots. I wasn't feeling any real chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and the female lead. There were some nice humorous moments and the actor playing Hector was exceptional. Ryan Reynolds is smoking hot in this movie. I wonder how much he works out. Anyway, to recap:

Movie Score: C
Eye Candy Score: A+

The Mod Podge Bookshelf: 1,000 Mod Podge Books

2011-06-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

The Mod Podge Bookshelf: 1,000 Mod Podge Books: "My first Blog'O'Versary will be July 26th, 2011! I am very excited by this news and proud, proud of this thing I have created, the friends ..."

Upcoming Blog Tour and Stuff

2011-06-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

I'll be participating in the Bleeder blog tour and hope to have a review posted in the near future. This looks like a good one, and I hope y'all will come back and participate. I saw X-men last week and loved it. Now, I really want to see Green Lantern. The reviews aren't very good for it, but I really like Ryan Reynolds and hope it is better than the press says. Even if it is pretty bad, I'll get to look at Ryan Reynolds, so I can't lose. Which movies are y'all looking forward to?

Giveaway Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV – Dakota Banks' Guest Blog + SIGNED Book & 25$ Amazon GC Giveaway!

2011-06-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this great giveaway

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV – Dakota Banks' Guest Blog + SIGNED Book & 25$ Amazon GC Giveaway!

Review of IT HAPPENED ONE BITE

2011-06-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE
Lydia Dare
Sourcebooks, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4022-4507-7

Blair Lindsay, part of a coven of five Scottish witches, travels with her brothers to her mother's ancestral home, a castle in need of a good cleaning. James Maitland, Lord Kettering, is a vampyre, who has been trapped for decades in the Lindsay's castle. It seems the previous seer of the coven told the coven members, that James was a danger to Blair, and they trapped him in the castle. When Blair arrives, James wakes up and isn't a very happy camper. Neither Blair nor James knows whether to trust the other, but their mutual attraction is evident.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is a very entertaining paranormal romance with great characters and an enjoyable plot with several humorous moments. James is a suave, debonair vampyre used to charming his way through life, but he is thrown for a loop by Blair and more often than not, when around her gets foot-in-mouth disease. It is great fun watching James struggle against his growing feelings for Blair. Blair is a warrior witch, used to being in charge, and is blessed with a stubborn streak. Very protective of her family and friends, Blair seeks someone, who will love her for herself-- as the strong, intelligent woman that she is. Beloved characters from Ms. Dare's previous books make appearances and charming new characters are introduced. This reader, especially, likes Brannock, Blair's younger brother, who could be counted on to lighten the mood.

Overall, IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is a marvelous read, which I highly recommend. I'm on pins and needles to read the next in the series, IN THE HEAT OF THE BITE.

Note: I purchased this book and gave an impartial review.

Check out this giveaway!

2011-06-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Taking Time for Mommy is offering a chance to win these two books, just go
here. These look really good and are on my wishlist. I love werewolf romances!

Review IMPROPER LADIES

2011-06-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

IMPROPER LADIES
Amanda McCabe
Signet Eclipse, September 2010
ISBN: 978-0-451-23108-6

IMPROPER LADIES is an anthology of two previously published regency traditional titles. In "The Golden Feather", Caroline Aldritch is forced to run a gaming establishment under disguise as a masked Mrs. Archer, when her husband dies leaving only a gaming house for support. Will Caroline be unmasked, when the attractive Lord Lyndon arrives on the scene? In "Rules of Love", widow, Rosalind Chase, runs a conservatory for girls and is having problems with her younger brother gambling and getting into mischief. Rosalind blames Lord Morley, her brother's idol, for his bad behavior. These two come into conflict, when Lord Morley arrives to fetch his sister.

I have missed the traditional regency, since they quit publishing them several years ago. IMPROPER LADIES is a reprint of two of Ms. McCabe's traditional regencies. While both stories are enjoyable and charming, I find that I prefer "The Rules of Love". I felt more of a connection between Rosalind and Lord Morley and really enjoyed their love story. "The Golden Feather" is entertaining but a little darker in nature, and the secrets seem to last a little too long.

Overall, IMPROPER LADIES is a good read for someone looking for a sweet, charming romance. I recommend it.

NOTE: I reviewed this book for the PNR group. I gave an impartial review. http://paranormalromance.org/reviews/

Great Deals from Sourcebooks and Some Free e-books

2011-06-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

JUNE eBook Deals from Sourcebooks!

New York Times Bestselling Author, Grace Burrowes has the next book in her delightful regency romance series in stores this month: The Soldier. During this exciting time: The Soldier will be $2.99 for 2 weeks (06/07/2011 – 06/20/2011) and The Heir at $0.99 for 5 weeks (05/02/2011 – 06/06/2011)—so get them both while you can!

In honor of Terry Spear’s latest, Heart of the Highland Wolf, hitting stores Seduced by the Wolf will be FREE during the first week of publication of Heart of the Highland Wolf. Terry’s werewolves act like real wolves—including mating for life!

Have you ever met a hero that can purrrrrr? Find one in The Cat Star Chronicles, the out of this world sexy series by Cheryl Brooks! Book 7, Virgin, is in stores now! To celebrate, you can download Outcast for FREE during the first week of publication of Virgin! 06/07/2011 – 06/13/2011 only.

It’s Hannah Montana meets Project Runway! Get the first book in this great middle grade series, The Allegra Biscotti Collection, for FREE this week only, and meet Allegra Biscotti, a fabulous and famous fashion designer—only no one knows because she’s actually Emma Rose, and still in junior high! If you love this book, don’t get your threads in knot—book 2, Who What Wear! Is now available.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could find out HIS side of the story? Matt Dunn, a women’s fiction author who just so happens to be a guy, tells all in The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook, which is free this week, in honor of Ex-Girlfriends United hitting stores! Did I mention he’s British?!

Christmas in June? Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley is free for one week! Love her awesome wit, hilarious scenarios and super sweet love stories? Her brand new US release, Wish You Were Here is now available!

Did you know Georgette Heyer wrote two Gothic Regency Romances? The Quiet Gentleman is dark, moody, and not what anyone expects! Still craving the frothy, effervescent tone of Heyer? Get one of her most beloved, Cotillion, for free this week!

Winner of Splash into Summer blog hop

2011-06-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

The Splash into Summer hop was a great success, even with the blogger issues. I really enjoyed myself, and y'all gave me some good books to add to my wishlist. Welcome to all my new followers.

The winner is

Krystal!

She has already received her prize. Thanks everyone for making this hop such a great success.

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV – Jess Haines Guest Blogs & International Giveaway!

2011-06-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life: BHSV – Jess Haines Guest Blogs & International Giveaway!

Bookish: Huge 500 Followers Celebration Giveaway - Internat...

2011-05-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

Bookish: Huge 500 Followers Celebration Giveaway - Internat...: "In just one month I went from 200 followers to 500! This calls for another CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY!!! And let's make it even more AWESOMELY B..."

Books 4 Learning: Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop

2011-05-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Books 4 Learning: Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop: "I am A Reader, Not a Writer blog is hosting the Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop . Click HERE for a list of all participating blogs. Bo..."

Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop

2011-05-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away a $10 amazon e-giftcard to a lucky follower.
+3 for old followers
+1 for new followers
Just leave a comment with your points and answer this question: What is the best book, that you have read so far this year? Please leave an e-mail at which you can be reached. US only.

Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Page Turners Blog for hosting the hop. Below are the links to the others in the hop, so hop away. Hop starts May 25th and ends May 31st at midnight cst. I'm posting this early, but please don't enter until the 25th. Hopefully, I will pick and contact the winner within 48 hrs. The winner will have 48 hrs. in which to get back with me. Thanks for participating!

The linky doesn't want to work for me so go here for a listing of blogs.

A Myriad of Books: Vampire Extravaganza Giveaway

2011-05-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

A Myriad of Books: Vampire Extravaganza Giveaway: "Yep, after six years and who knows how many screenings of The Lost Boys, I finally seemed to have kicked my vampire habit. For the most pa..."

Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf: 500+ Followers & 6 Month Blogoversary GIVEAWAY! (I...

2011-05-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf: 500+ Followers & 6 Month Blogoversary GIVEAWAY! (I...: "Hello everyone! I am so excited that not only have I reached my 6th month blogging, but I have also reached 500+ blog followers! *DOUBLE S..."

Review LEGEND DESTINY

2011-05-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

LEGEND DESTINY
Nance Bulow-Morgan
Outskirts Press, 2010
978-14327-6098-4

While on her way to the Academy of Sages for apprentice ceremony, Diony is attacked. Charged with murder, after defending herself, Diony learns that she has a destiny to overthrow the evil Overlord Kaedl, who has brought pain and squalor to the city of Mareese. Diony is confronted with the fact, that she has great powers but lacks knowledge. In order to gain that knowledge before she confronts the Overlord, Diony flees with some friends. Unfortunately, the Overlord still seeks her destruction.

LEGEND DESTINY is an entertaining fantasy with great characters and a couple of lovely romances. Even though, at times, the plot seems a little convoluted and I had to reread portions to get the gist, it did offer a fair amount of enjoyment, especially after the initial stages. I found myself caught up in Diony's plight and rooting for her. Diony's mate, Brynal, is a great hero, because he is so strong and supportive, yet allows Diony to be who she needs to be. Every woman could use a mate like Brynal. There is plenty of action and adventure contained within the pages of LEGEND DESTINY, and the ending is satisfying.

NOTE: I received this copy in return for an impartial review.

Check out this great giveaway.

2011-05-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

http://kristenhaskins.blogspot.com/2011/05/8-month-blogoversary-yea-i-know-im-2.html

Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides prize pack giveaway ends 6-3

2011-05-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides prize pack giveaway ends 6-3

Check out this great giveaway.

2011-05-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Go to the here to enter for books by Lisa Renee Jones.

Sassy Book Lovers: Mother's Day Giveaway

2011-05-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Sassy Book Lovers: Mother's Day Giveaway: "First Renee and I would love to wish all the Mother's out there a wonderful Mother's Day, we hope you all get absolutely spoilt rotten and h..."

Review BORN OF SHADOWS

2011-05-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

BORN OF SHADOWS
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Grand Central Publishing, April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-446-57325-2

Caillen Dagen, a smuggler, has spent much of his life looking out for his three sisters, but this time one of his sisters gets him into a real mess. Desideria, daughter to a queen and a member of her guard, seeks to prove herself to her mother but is hampered by prejudice against her mixed heritage. These two meet up after an attempted assassination throws them together, and the sparks fly-- literally and figuratively.

Ms. Kenyon continues her league series, which is set in a vivid, imaginative world and has complex, intriguing characters. Let me state up front, that I love Caillen's snarky, irreverent comments and attitude. The interactions between his friends and him are priceless. Caillen has been forced to be tough, in order to survive his harsh upbringing, but he loves his family and friends. Desideria hasn't had a cushy life for herself, either. Born into a military family and almost, ostracized because of her mixed heritage, Desideria needed to be tough to survive. However, her toughness is softened and strengthened by a love of family and great core values. These two make a great couple and it was thrilling to read their story. The only small quibble, that I have with the book is Caillen's thoughts about not being able to trust people. These thoughts seemed to be excessive and after awhile, became repetitive and annoying. Other than this minor point, I greatly enjoyed BORN OF SHADOWS and can't wait for the next in the series.

Note: I purchased this book and gave an impartial review.

Once Upon a Twilight!: OUaT's Blow-Out Inventory Giveaway!

2011-05-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

Once Upon a Twilight!: OUaT's Blow-Out Inventory Giveaway!: "So I decided a few days ago that I needed to make room in my bookshelves. I have been to a few signings and Teen Book Con lately and have b..."

Please vote in the cover contest at cover cafe.

2011-05-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.covercafe.com/contest/2010/contest2010intro.shtml\

If you have the time, please vote in this cover contest. There are some awesome covers up this year and some awesomely bad ones in the worst category.

Review of STEALING KATHRYN

2011-05-05T04:21:00.000-07:00

Adrian, also known as Sandman, Morpheus, or Bogeyman, receives energy from fears and nightmares from people living in the Earth dimension and transfers it to his people in another dimension. Kathryn Louise MacDonough has been having nightmares about a shadowy figure, while she tries to nurse her family back to health. Adrian keeps treasures, that he has collected in his lonely castle and decides that Kathryn will be his most treasured prize. Unfortunately, Adrian broke one of his peoples rules, when he brought Kathryn over.

STEALING KATHRYN is an enjoyable paranormal romance with intense, erotic love scenes and a complex, exciting world. Ms. Frank takes one of my favorite themes, beauty and the beast, and puts her own spin on it. Drawn to Kathryn's beauty and innocence, Adrian, who has become monstrous because of the negative energy he absorbs, feels he must have her. The once handsome Adrian is a beast, inside and out. He is barely clinging on to the last threads of his humanity and Kathryn becomes a lifeline. Kathryn, at first, is angry but sees Adrian's pain and wishes to help him. Kathryn seems a little wishy-washy, at times, which makes her defense of Adrian, in the end, all the more poignant.

If you enjoy a hot, beauty and the beast themed romance, give STEALING KATHRYN a try.

NOTE: I reviewed this book for the PNR group. I gave an impartial review. http://paranormalromance.org/reviews/

Lark Rise to Cranford

2011-05-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

I have a great fondness for British period pieces, as long as they aren't really sad. I rented this series and have been enjoying it immensely. It takes place during the Victorian era, and centers around two communities-- one rural and poor, the other more urban and middle class. It highlights the struggles and foibles of the people and has been greatly entertaining. I recommend it, if you enjoy British period pieces.

iLive, iLaugh, iLove Books: Giveaway: 400 Followers of Awesome!

2011-04-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

iLive, iLaugh, iLove Books: Giveaway: 400 Followers of Awesome!: "Well, daaaaang. After only three months of blogging, I've reached 400 followers!! I could never have reached this level of awesomeness witho..."

Paranormal Romance: 100 Follower Giveaway! Enter to WIN

2011-04-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

Paranormal Romance: 100 Follower Giveaway! Enter to WIN: "WOW ! I can’t believe I reached 100 followers . When I started this blog I didn’t expect to get 10 followers let alone 100. So as a thanks ..."

The Journey and Musings of a Single Country Gal: Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!!! April ...

2011-04-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

The Journey and Musings of a Single Country Gal: Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!!! April ...: "Welcome to the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy at I'm a Reader Not a Writer and Yara at Once Upon A Twilight . Thi..."

Review of HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS

2011-04-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS
Kandy Shepherd
The Berkley Publishing Group, July 2010
ISBN: 978-0-425-23429-7

Serena Oakley, a former model, who is tired of being infamous, dresses down and opens Paws-A-While, an upscale dog daycare and spa in San Francisco. Serena hopes to put her modeling career behind her and use her love for dogs to carve out a new career. Unfortunately, someone is stealing identities and the trail left by the thief leads PI, Nick Whalen, right to Serena's door.

Because I have been feeling a little down, HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS just hit the spot for me. It is a heart-warming, contemporary romance, with likable characters, adorable animals, and a hot hero. There were many humorous moments in this book, and I enjoyed the chemistry between the Nick and Serena. I only have one small quibble with a few of the Serena's choices, which seemed a little irrational to me. Other than this sometimes annoying tendency of the heroine, I greatly enjoyed HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS and recommend it.

NOTE: I reviewed this book for the PNR group. I gave an impartial review. http://paranormalromance.org/reviews/

A Myriad of Books: Half-a-Blogoversary Mega Giveaway!

2011-04-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

A Myriad of Books: Half-a-Blogoversary Mega Giveaway!: "It's my Blogoversary, guys!!! *squeals* Okay, so it will be my blogoversary in exactly six months. It's my Half-a-Blogoversary, anyway, a..."

The Bookish Type: A Cornucopia of Dystopia: Giveaway of Enclave by A...

2011-04-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Bookish Type: A Cornucopia of Dystopia: Giveaway of Enclave by A...: "Thanks to Ksenia at Feiwel and Friends, I'm able to give away a copy of the exciting new release Enclave by Ann Aguirre! New York C..."

Winners

2011-04-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

The winner of my blogiversary is

Tara

The winner of Shadow Cat is

Madam Marsee

The winners have been notified and responded.

My family is celebrating my birthday this weekend and my cousin is making a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies cake for me. If it turns out well I'll try and post pics. Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes.

SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: Eternal Rider Book Review And Giveaway

2011-04-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: Eternal Rider Book Review And ~~Giveaway~~

Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me: Vacation + Giveaway

2011-04-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me: Vacation + Giveaway: "Dear lovely readers, I'll be going to Italy on the 21st! It's a two week trip and I'll be checking out the sites at several places such as R..."

Interview and Giveaway with Reena Jacobs

2011-04-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Reena Jacobs. She has kindly volunteered to be my first interview. So without further ado:

BLP: Please tell us a little about yourself.

Awesome question. How about I tell you with a true story?

As I sat on the couch one afternoon in my slob suit-pajama bottoms and an old t-shirt complete with holes-I asked my husband to describe my personality. Before we get to his answer a bit of setup. Straight out of bed, my natural hair (kinky spirals) was doing that Pointy-haired boss thing from Dilbert. I hadn't left the house for days, choosing to spend the entire week lounging during spring break. Who am I kidding? Spring break had nothing to do with my appearance. That was my normal stay-at-home mom routine. My hard-working husband, on the other hand, had put in a marathon cleaning session in order to correct my substandard housekeeping. So, his response to my question? Meticulous.

As Inigo Montoya said in The Princess Bride,"I do not think that word means what you think it means."

I even read the definition for him, and he stuck by it. :) So a little about myself--I'm a meticulous sloth.

BLP: Describe your writing process.

Usually, I start a story by writing a beginning scene or two. I typically have no idea where the story is heading at that time. Once I've jotted down the start, I plot the story and plug my outline into my favorite writing program(Storybox developed by Mark Fassett). From there, I just type until the story is finished. Since I have an outline, I often skip around.

BLP: As a self-published author, what has your experience been like? Pros and cons?

Tough. :) The greatest benefit I've had so far with self-publishing is being free of the query process. It's time consuming, to say the least. Though it may seem like a petty issue, for me it isn't.
During the nine months I spent querying, I did very little writing--other than modifying query letters, that is. I can not express to you my relief when I realized I'd never have to write or send another query letter again.

Once I relieved myself of that burden, my creativity, motivation, and writing levels bumped exponentially. Since September, I've released a short story called Control Freaks: Brandon's Story, Shadow Cat, and completed the first draft of three other works. Now I need to muster a bit of motivation for some second draft editing.

The cons? Trying to get noticed amongst the masses without major backing. :) Seems everyone's pushing a book these days. It's like being in a crowd of thousands with everyone raising their hands shouting, "Pick me!" I'm a loner and prefer to fade into the background, so stepping up my social game is a challenge.

Traditional? Indie? It's really about tolerance levels and tradeoffs. For me, not having to query outweighs any cons associated with self-publishing.

BLP: What was your inspiration for Shadow Cat?

I get this question often, and it always leaves me floundering for an answer. I honestly don't remember when or how the idea sprung upon me, but research propelled much of Shadow Cat's creation. I spent a lot of time exploring Malaysian folklore for the supernatural aspects of the story. Then there was the many, many showers-- nothing like a hot shower to get those creative juices flowing.

BLP: I understand that you have two sequels in the works. Can you tell us anything about them?

Oh goodie! I'm so glad you asked. Teehee. I've written each book of the Striped Ones so it progresses the story of the penanggalan (a type of bodiless demon) dilemma. Other than a few scene gaps, Chasing Shadows (book two) and The Shadow Within (book three) are written and ready for a round of editing.

Chasing Shadows picks up where Shadow Cat leaves off and follows Mujur, the shifty wehr-tiger we meet toward the middle of book one. We learn about his background which is as questionable as him. For those familiar with wehr-tigers, you'll recall that the species tend to be quite tall in stature. Mujur's heroine, Kecil, is a mite of a thing. Don't let her size fool you; she can maul a human as well as any wehr-tigress.

The Shadow Within sends us to New York City and follows Bryan, Eric's assistant. I doubt Bryan realizes this, but I'm totally crushing on him. And if I weren't married to a wonderful man, I'd be completely envious of his heroine. Jacky. One of the things I love about The Shadow Within is it introduces characters who star in a few other works in progress. So even though The Shadow Within concludes the Striped Ones storyline, we don't have to say goodbye to our beloved characters.

BLP: If Shadow Cats were made into a film, who would you pick to play the main roles?

That's a tough one. I'm still leaning toward Sean Faris for the role of Eric. The rest, I'm not familiar enough with Malaysian actresses to even give a shot at Berani. Perhaps your readers have suggestions. :)

Now for some fun, frivolous questions.
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek
favorite older tv series? Sliders
favorite recent tv series? House
favorite movie? The Joy Luck Club
favorite book? The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Forgive my lack of originality. :)

BLP: Who are some authors on your must buy list?

Right now, I only have one author on my instant buy list. Strike that, she's on my preorder list. :) That place of honor goes to Kresley Cole. I have quite a few authors I'm extremely fond of and are high on my buy list, but none of them have earned my trust like Ms. Cole. The woman has never let me down.

Thanks for the wonderful interview and everything, Marlene.

BLP: Thanks for taking the time to be my first interviewee. I'm looking forward to the Shadow Cat sequels!

Shadow Cat is available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Smashwords.

Giveaway:
Reena has kindly donated two kindle copies of Shadow Cat. See my review here. All you have to do to enter is leave Reena a question or comment. The giveaway will close midnight on April 14. I will notify the winners and they will have 48 hrs. to respond. So everyone enter, you don't want to miss out on a really good read.

Three Boys and an Old lady: Spring Break Getaway Giveaway: Crane Air Purifier...

2011-04-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Three Boys and an Old lady: Spring Break Getaway Giveaway: Crane Air Purifier..

My Blogiversary and Birthday

2011-04-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

April is the month for my birthday and, also, the month that I started my blog. Very soon, I will have been blogging for one year. I have met some wonderful bloggers, readers, and authors during that time and hope to continue to meet great people from the book blogging community. I had hoped to do an extravaganza, but finances and health issues put a kink in my plans. However, I do have a special giveaway for my great followers. The winner will received up to $20 worth of books from the Book Depository. If the Book Depository ships in your area, you may enter. So my international followers are welcome to enter.
Rules:
You must be a follower.
+5 old follower
+1 new follower
Leave me a comment with your total and e-mail.
Giveaway goes until April 12 at midnight. I will e-mail the winner, and they will have 48 hrs. to get back with me. Once they pick their books, I will order them from the Book Depository and have them shipped to them.
Thanks to everyone for a great first year!

Planet Print: Almost 100 followers/7 month blogoversary giveaway...

2011-03-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Planet Print: Almost 100 followers/7 month blogoversary giveaway...: "So, lately I feel like I've been a bit of a rubbish blogger: I have a ton of reviews to get out, my posting hasn't been regular and I just h..."

Review of WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST

2011-03-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST
Eloisa James
Avon, February 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61129-188-9

Miss Lynnette Berry is seeped in scandal after a flirtation with a prince goes awry, and it is bandied about that she is expecting. Desperate to see her settled, Lynnette's father and aunt decide to contact the Duke of Windebanke, who is equally as desperate to see his son settled. Because Piers Yelverton, the Earl of Marchant and the Duke of Windebanke's son, is a crippled, bad-tempered, doctor, who lives in a castle in Wales, he is known as the beast by London society. Lynnette, who is a beauty and used to entrancing men with her looks, may be in for a surprise, when she meets the beast.

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST is a wonderful historical romance with great characters and amusing dialogue. Piers is a truly great hero, warts and all. I loved his bad temper and snarky comments. Piers is a brilliant doctor, who doesn't suffer fools lightly. When confronted with Lynnette, Piers sees past her beauty to discover the determined, intelligent woman underneath. I love the fact, that Piers sees past Lynnette's stratagems and isn't bowled over by her famous male-enticing smile. Lynette, on the other hand, isn't just a beauty, for she is well-read and able to hold her own with Piers. These two, flawed, but endearing characters are perfect for each other, and their romance is very satisfying.

NOTE: I own this book and gave an impartial review.

The Qwillery: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After: Book Trailer and Giveaway - March 24, 2011

2011-03-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Qwillery: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After: Book Trailer and Giveaway - March 24, 2011

The Mod Podge Bookshelf: Blooming Books Giveaway

2011-03-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Mod Podge Bookshelf: Blooming Books Giveaway: "Welcome to the Blooming Books Giveaway! A multi-blog giveaway hosted by Enna Isilee of Squeaky Books and me! March 20th marked the firs..."

SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: Texas Blue Book Review And Giveaway

2011-03-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: Texas Blue Book Review And ~~Giveaway~~

Review of SHADOW CAT: A STRIPED ONES NOVEL

2011-03-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

SHADOW CAT: A STRIPED ONES NOVEL
Reena Jacobs

Ericson Randall, the CEO of Nora Tech Pharmaceuticals, needs for the scientific expedition to the rainforest of Malayasia to go without a hitch, because his position in the company may depend on it. Unfortunately, the researchers are thrown out of the country after destroying a section of rainforest. When his assisstant, Bryan Hayes, suggests that Eric journey with him to Malaysia, Eric sees a way out of a sticky situation at home and a way to straighten out his Malaysian problems.

Berani, a tiger shifter, dislikes the intruders in her forest, but when she spies Eric, Berani is fascinated. Eric is, also, drawn to Berani. When Eric gets too close, Berani reacts by scratching him. Leading to a tumultuous courtship. Meanwhile, some evil beings pose a danger to Berani's people and the researchers.

Wow! I loved this book. Ms. Jacobs creates an imaginative, complex world filled with interesting, multi-faceted characters. The imagery is vivid and this reader soon became engrossed in the story. Ericson, who only lives for his business, soon, realizes there is more to life after meeting Berani. Berani, who tries to help her people, learns she doesn't have to do everything by herself. Interwoven throughout the book is the message of conservation, which really struck a chord with me. There are, also, some vicious creatures, which threaten everything, that Berani and Ericson hold dear. The ending is wonderfully exciting, and action-packed, and I have my fingers crossed, that Ms. Jacobs writes another book set in this spectacular world.

NOTE: I received this copy in return for an impartial review.

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