Interview and Giveaway with Terry Spear

Terry Spear Interview, Author of Dreaming of the Wolf

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

          BL:      Will you tell us a little about yourself?

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

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

I went on from that illustrious beginning to loving vampires after I saw a college play when I was a teen where Dracula was kissing the heroine so seductively and I wanted to be her. And I always loved ghost stories. But then the real world intruded and I had to get a degree and go to work, so after earning my MBA and retiring from the US Army Reserves, I went on to work on what I love best—writing stories. But I also make award-winning teddy bears that have been featured in magazines and found homes all over the world as far away as Australia, Russia, and France!

 \      BL:  What authors have influenced you the most?

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

3.      BL: What made you choose werewolves, and what are your favorite werewolf characteristics?

TS: I was writing vampires, but the market was so crowded, I decided to write about werewolves, another underdog in the paranormal world. They were much abused 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, and that means they’re loyal, protective, family-oriented, and if they’re the good guys, really great guys!

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

TS:  I love both wolf shifters, when they’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 they have a special place in my heart. Reference the underdog.

5.      BL: The heroine of Dreaming of the Wolf has a unique profession; please tell us something interesting you learned about bounty hunting.

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

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

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

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

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

7.     BL:  Do you have a pet peeve about something in books?  My pet peeve is the TSTL (too stupid to live) heroine.

TS: OH YEAH. Me too!!! I was reading a YA where the girl is going into a cemetery during a terrible storm. No reason. She’s just going. And not only that 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 to love, but the heroine. SHE had to live through all four books. LOL. Another pet peeve 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:  Will you tell us a little bit about the books, that you are currently working on?

TS: I finished writing the sequel to Heart of the Highland Wolf, this one Ian’s brother Duncan’s story, set in the Grand 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…and him a dark warrior, who NEVER gets distracted by anything!

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

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

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

Thanks so much for taking the time to do an interview!

DREAMING OF THE WOLF by TERRY SPEAR—IN STORES DECEMBER 2011

A fierce hunter…

Alicia Greiston is a no-nonsense bounty hunter determined to bring a ring of mobsters to justice. Her dogged pursuit of the crime family has forced her to avoid relationships—any man would only become a target for retribution. Luckily, Jake Silver is more than a man, and his instincts are telling him to stop at nothing to 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, Jake learns he will have to do more than defend her—he’ll have to show his mate the way of the wolf.

ABOUT THE 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

                                                          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!

Review of DEMON MARKED

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                             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!

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!

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!!!

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

                       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!!!

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

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

                                 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

                                                      
                                                          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

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

Monterey Peninsula, CA, July 15, 2011 – Laura A. H. Elliott releases her young-adult debut novel, Winnemucca, for the Kindle on Amazon.com. Winnemucca is a small-town fairy tale about a teenage girl’s enchanted road trip to her true self no matter who or what tries to stop her. One of two digital editions includes 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 I have not read since the writers of an older age. The tone of the story is set through the voice of the girl runaway before she has even realized her own talents, and is spoken with ‘the sound truth makes being said,’ as Ray Bradbury once 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, crushing and hopeful, and above all, brings magic back to ancient storytelling by bringing our attention back to the little things that matter, and the shifting nature of perception and reality alike.” -Rachel Coles, YA Book Reviewer and Author of 5 Young Adult Paranormal Fiction Novels

“The voice is distinct and the world she creates is both magical and mundane. As I read the book it reminded me of Neil Gaiman’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 ancestors can 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 WINNEMUCCA will get generations of people talking to each other about the role of freedom and forgiveness in their lives.” - Laura A. H. Elliott. Her favorite quote from the book: “Fear’s as blind as love.”

Laura’s travel and personal essays have been published in The Los Angeles Times and other Southern California newspapers and magazines. She honed her storytelling skills as a multimedia designer at The Los Angeles Times and E! Entertainment Television but learns the most around dinner tables. She has two grown daughters and currently resides on the Monterey 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 The News:

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

For news coverage about our nephew, Cody:

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

One mistake changes her life forever. One answer will set her free.

Once upon a time Ginny’s road blood ripened, the day she got wise to love. Engaged to the high school quarterback, his quarter-carat ring and enchanting smile should have been enough for her. But, she stands him up and takes a walk where every step questions her happily ever after gone-bad and the fate of the mother she never knew. The mother her father refuses to talk about. Ginny fights to untangle her big, fat, lie-of-a-life on an enchanted road trip to Winnemucca, where she believes 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.