Thursday, March 31, 2011

Fool for Books Giveaway Hop!

Inspired Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer, with some help from The Bookish Snob, is hosting another great Giveaway Hop!

Click here to go to the Linky!

I am #67 on the Linky list - Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy the hop!

So ~~~~ the information you really want: What am I giving away?
I was lucky and was given two copies of The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead- from Stephen R. Lawhead!  So, I am keeping one and giving one to the lucky follower whose entry number gets drawn by random.org!
The giveaway runs from April 1, 2011 until midnight on April 2, 2011.  The winner will be chosen by random.org on April 3, 2011, the winner will be emailed and the book sent to the address listed on the form.
Rules:
1. Must be a follower - 2. Must be 13 years old or older. - 3. Must complete the form (fully)


The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead!

Amazon Product Description:
It is the ultimate quest for the ultimate treasure. Chasing a map tattooed on human skin. Across an omniverse of intereing realities. To unravel the future of the future.
Kit Livingston's great-grandfather appears to him in a deserted alley during a tumultuous storm. He reveals an unbelievable story: that the ley lines throughout Britain are not merely the stuff of legend or the weekend hobby of deluded cranks, but pathways to other worlds. To those who know how to use them, they grant the ability to travel the multi-layered universe of which we ordinarily inhabit only a tiny part.
One explorer knew more than most. Braving every danger, he toured both time and space on voyages of heroic discovery. Ever on his guard, and fearful of becoming lost in the cosmos, he developed an intricate code--a roadmap of symbols--that he tattooed onto his own body. This Skin Map has since been lost in time. Now the race is on to recover all the pieces and discover its secrets.
But the Skin Map itself is not the ultimate goal. It is merely the beginning of a vast and marvelous quest for a prize beyond imagining.
The Bright Empires series--from acclaimed author Stephen Lawhead--is a unique blending of epic treasure hunt, ancient history, alternate realities, cutting-edge physics, philosophy, and mystery. The result is a page-turning, fantastical adventure like no other.


To enter this giveaway hop - please make sure you are a follower and fill out this form!

April is Net Galley Month!

For those that don't know, NetGalley is a way for publishers to share their digital galleys securely to readers. Bloggers, librarians, booksellers.

Emily at Red House Books has declared April to be Net Galley Month!  I think this is a fantastic idea!  I am a Net Galley member and I too have amassed quite a list of galleys that I have been trying to get read and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to get me going on them!  So.... the idea is to read as many Net Galley books as possible in April 2011!  If you are interested in participating - then go here and sign up to be a part of this!

The books I am hoping to finish are:

Hunting Human by Amanda E. Alvarez - - 4/1/11 - Review
Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler - 4/2/11 - Review
Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer by Maureen McGowan - 4/3/11 - Review
The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter by Frank L. Cole - 4/16/11 - Review
In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane - 4/20/11 - Review
Forever Vampire by Michele Hauf - 4/22/22 - Review
Invisible Inkling by Emily Jenkins - 4/24/11 - Review
The Vampire Dimitri by Colleen Gleason - 4/25/11 - Review

Steam and Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape
Badlands by Seleste DeLaney
The Mysterious Lady Law by Robert Appleton

I will post the reviews and link them here as I finish the books!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Review: Phantom Evil by Heather Graham

Phantom Evil by Heather Graham
Pub. date: 3/29/2011

Pre-order the Hardcover version for $14.17 at Amazon.com
I got this book as an e-book ARC from Netgalley.com

Amazon Product Description:
A secret government unit is formed under the oversight of Adam Harrison, famed paranormal investigator. The six members he's gathered know a little of the otherworldly—each has honed a psychic talent of their own.
Jackson Crow, part English, part Cheyenne, heads the group. Haunted by his experience with an ancestral ghost who saved his life as a child, and the recent murders of two previous teammates, Jackson can't tell if Adam's demoted him or given him an extraordinary opportunity. Despite his link to the realm of spirits, he's well aware that the living commit the most heinous crimes, with spiritualist charlatans existing merely to fool and seduce the unwary.
To counterbalance Jackson's careful skepticism, Adam Harrison has paired him with Angela Hawkins, a young woman who learned the painful lesson of loss at an early age. A police officer utilizing her paranormal intuition in Virginia, she already has her hands full. But Adam's call to New Orleans is strong.
The case: In a historic mansion in New Orleans's French Quarter, a senator's wife falls to her death from a balcony. Most think she jumped, distraught over the loss of her young son. Some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits that inhabit the house—once the site of a serial killer's grisly work.
Whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion, greed and desire will cast the pair into danger of losing their lives…and their immortal souls.

My thoughts:
This was an edge of the seat thriller, ghost story with a romance on the side!  The characters are wonderful and the setting is fantastic.  I fell in love with the characters in the first few pages and couldn't wait to find out what happened next.  The author takes the reader through the wringer with the emotional rollercoaster that is this story.  This is a story of good vs. evil, life vs. death, real vs. unreal, natural vs. supernatural and the power of goodness and love.  If you enjoy ghost stories, love stories, mysteries, or thrillers - this is a must read!!!


New Orleans is the perfect setting for a ghost story and the author takes full advantage of that fact, using religion, folklore, and legend to add their own edge to her wonderfully written tale.  The descriptions of the city and the people are colorful, imaginative, and complete.  You feel as though you are right there with them as part of the team.  


The plot is thick and twisted - which is what we are all looking for in a great thriller/mystery. The author keeps you guessing and then second-guessing what you think you know and what you think you have figured out for certain.  


The characters are carefully created and realistic.  Each appears to have been developed with the others in mind so that they work together seamlessly.  The storyline is character driven and both the characters and the story have been meticulously maintained throughout the book.  

Happy Publication Date Vampire Voss!


Happy Pub. Date to The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason!

It's a fantastic read - go check it out!!!
You can see my review by clicking here!

Monday, March 28, 2011

I have completed my first 2011 Challenge!

I have just completed my 10 books for this challenge!  
 My goal was the Totally Awesome Level of 6-10 books.  
Here is my list!
1.  Marked (Book1: House of Night) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast - - 1/15/11 - reviewed here
2. Danann Frost Falls From Grace by Joanne Valiukas - 2/7/11
3. Lace and Leather by Leanore Elliott - 2/5/11 - reviewed here
4. Scourge by David H. Burton - 2/5/11 - 
5. Foresight: The Gods of Fate Book 1 by Sherry D. Ficklin - 2/22/11 - reviewed here
6. The Arrival by Nicole MacDonald - 2/25/11 - reviewed here
7. The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris - 3/11/11 - review here
8. The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter - 3/5/11 - reviewed here
9. The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford - 3/17/11 - reviewed here
10. The Mind Readers by Lori Brighton - 3/27/11 - reviewed here

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Review: The Mind Readers by Lori Brighton

Mind Readers by Lori Brighton

Amazon Product Description:
Cameron Winters is a freak. Fortunately, no one but her family knows the truth …that Cameron can read minds. For years Cameron has hidden behind a facade of normalcy, warned that there are those who would do her harm. When gorgeous and mysterious Lewis Douglas arrives he destroys everything Cameron has ever believed and tempts her with possibilities of freedom. Determined to embrace her hidden talents, Cameron heads to a secret haven with Lewis; a place where she meets others like her, Mind Readers. 

But as Cameron soon finds out some things are too good to be true. When the Mind Readers realize the extent of Cameron’s abilities, they want to use her powers for their own needs. Cameron suddenly finds herself involved in a war in which her idea of what is right and wrong is greatly tested. In the end she’ll be forced to make a choice that will not only threaten her relationship with Lewis, but her very life. 


My thoughts:
I just finished reading this and wish book 2 was already out! 
The author does a great job of building suspense and leaves you wondering throughout the whole book - Is Aaron really the "good" guy that Lewis believes he is?  I, always the cynic, thought from the start there was something fishy with him - but of course that seed was planted when Lewis and Cameron get to the mansion and there are armed guards at the "gate" to the property - - - that is never a good sign.
I really enjoyed the characters.  The high school friends that Cameron has are well done and totally believable.  The grandmother is great, not super mushy but you get the impression that there is so much more that you don't know yet.  Cameron is a great character - searching for the answers to many of life's questions.
I fell as fast for Lewis as Cameron did - and I am sure I was just as disappointed later in the story.  I wasn't sure what to think of Maddox - still not...
This is a wonderful story about what is right and what is wrong -  - and what a person is willing to do or sacrifice for what they believe.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Review: Wilder's Mate: Bloodhounds #1 by Moira Rogers

Wilder's Mate (Bloodhounds #1) by Moira Rogers

Amazon Product Description:

Think a vampire-hunting bloodhound is dangerous? Try threatening his woman.

Bloodhounds, Book 1
Wilder Harding is a bloodhound, created by the Guild to hunt down and kill vampires on America’s frontier. His enhanced abilities come with a high price: on the full moon, he becomes capable of savagery beyond telling, while the new moon brings a sexual hunger that borders on madness.
Rescuing a weapons inventor from undead kidnappers is just another assignment, though one with an added complication—keeping his hands off the man’s pretty young apprentice, who insists on tagging along.
At odds with polite society, Satira’s only constant has been the aging weapons inventor who treats her like a daughter. She isn’t going to trust Wilder with Nathaniel’s life, not when the Guild might decide the old man isn’t worth saving. Besides, if there’s one thing she’s learned, it’s that brains are more important than brawn.
As the search stretches far longer than Wilder planned, he finds himself fighting against time. If Satira is still at his side when the new moon comes, nothing will stop him from claiming her. Worse, she seems all too willing. If their passion unlocks the beast inside, no one will be safe. Not even the man they’re fighting to save.

Warning: This book contains a crude, gun-slinging, vampire-hunting hero who howls at the full moon and a smart, stubborn heroine who invents mad-scientist weapons. Also included: wild frontier adventures, brothels, danger, betrayal and a good dose of wicked loving in an alternate Wild West.

My thoughts:
I love Moira Rogers books!  I haven't read everything of hers, but I believe I have everything so I will get to them.  


She creates characters that I just can't help loving.  Her men are always incredible and her women are always smart, headstrong, independent and sexy.  She seems to manage to put just the right spin on each character and then puts the characters together in just the right match to create the best story.  


The story has a bit of everything.  Love, loss, honor, betrayal, friendship, and intrigue.  
This story puts a different spin on the paranormal by adding the bloodhound - as opposed to the traditional werewolf type shifter.  I was thrilled to see so much compassion from Wilder when it came to the ghouls, Archer, Hunter, and Nataniel.  The idea behind the Bloodhounds seems to be that they are somewhat mindless in their hunting of vampires, but he proves this theory wrong both with his behavior and the way he treats people.  I loved the human side of his beast-like persona.
The book has a few main characters, but I also enjoyed the secondary characters very much.  Polly made me laugh out loud when she was setting up Satira's disguise.  


This was a great story, read it through in one sitting - would recommend it to fans of all things paranormal - as long as they don't mind some hot and heavy sections.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Review: Blood of the White Witch (Of Witches and Warlocks Book 3) by Lacey Weatherford

And the Blog Tour continues.... hosted by The Bookish Snob - check it out!
Once again - remember to go to Smashwords.com and download the first book for free with this coupon - 
then go and get the other two books - only $2.99 each!


Blood of the White Witch
Book 3 - Of Witches and Warlocks by Lacey Weatherford

Amazon Product Description:
When love came knocking on the door of novice witch, Portia Mullins, in the form of handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum, she had no idea how quickly the attraction between them would escalate. Now she finds her relationship with Vance taken to a whole new level, in a way she had never dreamed possible at this point and time of her life. Yet even as the personal connection between them explodes, the two quickly find themselves in a world of shifting balances. While searching for Vance's missing mother, they realize they are suddenly unsure of who to trust, learning that sometimes things are not always as they appear. When Vance's demon characteristics abruptly begin to resurface again without warning, the horrible truth comes out, crashing down upon them and shattering some of their most precious dreams. Once the deadly secret is uncovered, Portia and Vance find themselves hastily rushing against the hands of time in an attempt to stop an ancient ritual from being performed. But will they be successful before fate reaches out to twist them cruelly, possibly separating them and changing magic forever? Passion, loyalties, powers, and family ties, will all be tested when dangerous adventures abound in this third installment in the Of Witches and Warlocks series, Blood of the White Witch.
My thoughts:
~ short version ~
Yet another wild ride from Lacey Weatherford!  We see the same incredible characters in this story that we have come to know and love in the first two books in this series and only come to love them more!  Another must read!  

Blood of the White Witch is filled with danger, romance, intrigue, trust, deception, and love.  The story starts off right where we left off in book two and the plot hits the ground running.  Once again Lacey has created a phenomenal story that keeps you turning the pages!

~long version~ (spoiler alert)
I was impressed that Lacey Weatherford was able to create such an intense, emotional, young adult romance without ever losing the integrity of the YA part of that romance.   She was able to communicate the tremendous physical attraction between Vance and Portia without being graphic.
I couldn't put this one down!  The story has more twists than ever before with the deception and betrayal of  more of Vance's family.   I was sad when I realized that they were playing on his desire to be a part of a family, although I was expecting them to not be what they seemed to be.  So many people in this one are not who and what they appear to be, but we do get to meet new and helpful people in this book too.
The struggle of good against evil continues......
I couldn't put this one down - read it cover to cover in one sitting!  Got to the end - devastated!  I only wish book 4 was available - I don't know how I will survive the wait!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Review: The Demon Kiss (Of Witches and Warlocks) by Lacey Weatherford


The Of Witches and Warlocks Blog Tour Continues....

You can still get Book 1 - The Trouble with Spells free using the coupon code below - 


Of Witches and Warlocks Book 2
The Demon Kiss by Lacey Weatherford

I got this book at Smashword.com for $2.99!


Amazon product description:
Can someone else's past come back to bite you? After being drained of nearly all the blood in her body, novice witch, Portia Mullins, wakes up to find that her warlock boyfriend, Vance Mangum, has fled in search of his demon father. Determined to keep him from facing the evil alone Portia follows after him, unknowingly setting herself on the path of a new adventure that will take her, Vance, and their coven over international borders, into a foreign place where they will discover that the black magic which awaits them is far worse than they ever imagined. Portia finds herself tangled up in a web of lies and deceit in another's quest for demonic power in the excitingly romantic second paranormal novel in the Of Witches and Warlocks Series, The Demon Kiss.


My thoughts:
~ the quick note ~
Demon Kiss is a fast-paced, tragic, triumphant, romantic, inspirational, emotionally loaded, powerful story.  It grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let you go!  This is a "cover to cover, hope you downloaded book three on the same day" read.  


If you haven't started the series at all - go get all three books (four is coming soon) - or if you have already read book 1 - then grab something to snack on, something to drink and get set up in your favorite reading spot and plan for a read-a-thon!


~ the longer version ~ (spoiler alert)
I am totally in love with this series!  I finished the first book and immediately went looking for more! I was thrilled to find books two and three on Smashwords, so I bought and downloaded them both right then.  I couldn't wait to get going on The Demon Kiss.  


     Demon Kiss started right away from where The Trouble With Spells left off.  
Once again I was captured by the characters and intrigued by the story.  
     We are in back in another  "Can love conquer all" situation.  
Portia sets out in search of Vance - the love of her life - and in the company of her two best friends.  Once they find Vance, we are taken on an emotional whirlwind ride and left breathless.  
     The connection between Vance and Portia is stronger than ever and they finally decide to work together to try to find and destroy Vance's demon father (Damien).  This sets them up for a multi-country search for Damien.  They discover that he is stealing power from other witches and warlocks with what is called the Demon Kiss and the only way to save everyone is to stop him.  They finally find him, but he has found them too and comes for Portia just like she has seen in her dreams so many times.  
     Once Damien has Portia, the story seems to fly by as Vance sets out to save her.  There is an epic battle between Vance and Damien.  Of course (because there is a book 3) Vance is victorious.  


This one too ends with a cliffhanger - hence my suggestion to have the next book already! 



Monday, March 21, 2011

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Winners!


I can't believe I have so many followers now!  I was super shocked to see how many entries I had for this giveaway - I am totally geekin' out over having followers from all over the world!  I had 278 entries!
I am so excited that when random.org chose the winning number (191) and it was domestic - I decided that I would generate a new number until I had an international winner -
 thank goodness for my budget the second number chosen was (116) and was international!
So.....without any more delay....
Winners!
#191 - - Paranormal Opinion - from Maryville, MO
and 
#116 - - Aleetha - from Indonesia

I will be emailing the winners shortly - they have already chosen their books which will be ordered by Friday (3/25/11) and I will send confirmation #'s then!

Thanks to all who entered!  
The next follower giveaway is in April! Good luck!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Review: The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford

The Trouble with Spells: Book 1 of the Witches and Warlocks series by Lacey Weatherford

Amazon Product Description:
Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the schools handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.


Wow!  I am so impressed!  I was IN from the very start.  The characters are beautifully written and the story is fantastic.  I was on the edge of my chair, turning pages as fast as I could read them!  Couldn't get enough of this book!  It has all the elements of a must read.  It has non-stop action, daring deeds, good vs. evil, danger and suspense, as well as being an all out love story.  

All of the characters have been carefully created and as a reader I found myself drawn to each of them for different reasons:
Portia - she is a genuinely nice young girl, adjusts remarkably well to finding out that she is a witch, and falls HARD and FAST for the school "bad boy" Vance.
Vance - the school "bad boy" but truly a powerful warlock who has been secretly in love with Portia for 2 years before they finally get to meet and find out she loves him too, he is running from his father and his father's evil plan for him.
Grandma Mullins - an amazing, wise, powerful, loving, supportive woman, she leads the coven.
Stacey - Portia's mother who is not magical in a witch sense, but is in her own way and who is completely comfortable in her role as the only non-magical member of the family.
Sean - Portia's dad who seems to always find the right balance, he is the second most powerful person in the coven.
Brad - Shelly's boyfriend who you expect to be the dumb jock with no ability to befriend the "bad boy" Vance, but who completely surprises you by being so very much more.
Shelly - Portia's best friend, she falls under the spell of an evil witch, spends a bit of time being jealous of the relationship that appears to be taking her best friend but comes around.
There are more characters, but obviously these are my favorites.  They are so well created that I found myself completely invested in their lives in no time.  It was refreshing to read a YA love story with no love triangle and even the willingness of Portia to die to save Vance doesn't rub the reader wrong.
Loved the book - can't wait to read the next one!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Let's Hop! and Of Witches and Warlocks Blog Tour!

It's Friday!  Let's Hop!  
The question of the week is: "Do you read only one book at a time, or do you have several going at once?"
My answer is: "Heavens no!  I seem to always have at least 2 or 3 going at the same time!"

For my hop today I am helping promote the upcoming 
Of Witches and Warlocks Blog Tour!  I have finished book one - The Trouble with Spells (review to post this weekend) and I loved it!!!  I have already bought books 2 and 3 so I plan to spend my weekend reading those as well!  Happy hopping - Happy reading - Have a great weekend!


The blog tour is being presented by The Bookish Snob!

The tour kicks off March 17 and ends April 24 with a Grand Finale Kindle Giveaway!

You can get to the blog tour schedule by clicking here!
My scheduled stop is April 14 and will be an interview with the author Lacey Weatherford!
Be sure to stop back and check it out!

If you want to (and I strongly suggest you do!) go to Smashwords and download the books!  You can use the coupon code to get the first one for free and books 2 and 3 are $2.99 each.

Review: Scourge by David H. Burton

Scourge by David H. Burton
(I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)

Amazon product description:
Two dads, five siblings, and goggles!

Grim Doyle has always known his life was not exactly "normal", and things get even more curious when he discovers a set of stones that sweep him and his family to the fantasy, steampunk world of Verne - a place they had escaped from years ago. Now that they've returned, Grim and his siblings hide from the evil Lord Victor and his minions. And while learning about Jinns, Mystics, and the power of absinth they try to discover who is trying to kill them with the deadly Scourge.


My thoughts:
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book.  I had not heard much about it before I read it, and I am new to the steampunk genre.  I was pleasantly surprised  - this was an entertaining and enjoyable read.


I think that David H. Burton does a nice job developing his characters.  They all had distinct personality traits that complimented each other.  There are a wide variety of characters from different worlds in the story and I was impressed with his attention to detail in that regard. 


The world building is well done.  David gives fantastical descriptions of Verne and the people and machines.  He is descriptive in his language and the reader is easily able to paint a picture of what is going on in the story at any given time.  


I was impressed with the story line, he is very imaginative and creative.  I found myself on the edge of my seat at times and hoping for the story to turn the way I wanted.  


To sum it up - - - I think this is well written, entertaining, and just the right blend of thrill and mystery.  I would readily recommend it to my readers and will be looking for more stories in the Grim Doyle series.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!!!


and 
Cindy at Books Complete Me 

I am giving away a book of your choice (up to $15.00 US) anywhere the Book Depository ships free.
Giveaway ends at midnight on March 20, 2011

Rules:
1. You MUST be a follower - after all it is for my followers! 
2. You must be 13 or older.
3. You must fill out this form!  
Comments are great, but not necessary to enter.


There will be one winner who will be chosen by random.org. This giveaway is international as long as the book depository does ship free to your country. Please note that if you are the winner and you live in the US, I reserve the right to order the books from a store of my choosing. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Review: The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld Series Prequel - -
The Darkest Fire

Amazon Product Description:
He is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. She is the goddess of oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords -- and discover a passion unlike any other.... Don’t miss this sizzling prequel to Gena Showalter's breathtaking new paranormal series, The Lords of the Underworld! Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful.... “Showalter at her finest.” --New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning on The Darkest Night.


My thoughts:
Since I signed up for the Lords of the Underworld Challenge I decided I might as well start with the prequel and go from there.  This was my first Gena Showalter (even though one of my friends lives and breathes Lords of the Underworld - I had yet to try one).  I was not disappointed.  I don't know if anything could have lived up to what this series had been built to by my friend, but I enjoyed the story but would liked for it to have been longer.  
I think that this story would easily stand alone, but I believe that it was a great place to start and to get some of the background for the series.  


I liked the characters, Kadence and Geryon, he is the guardian to the gates of hell and she is the goddess of Oppression.  They have loved each other from afar and finally one day she speaks to him.  From their first conversation their journey begins and as they travel and spend time together finally admit their love for one another.  It's a bit like beauty and the beast in a way.  I won't spoil it for you by telling more - - 


There isn't much world building in this one - as they reside in hell, but she does a nice job on the descriptions of the other inhabitants and the surroundings.


At the very end of the story the gods realize that the wall between Earth and Hell has been breached and the Demon Lords has been loosed on Earth.  They built a box that drew, captured, and held the Demon Lords.  They gave said box to a woman named Pandora to ensure its safety.....so onto the rest of the series!





Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Review: The Serengeti Shifters Series by Vivi Andrews


Serengeti Heat: Serengeti Shifters Book 1 by Vivi Andrews

Amazon Product Description:
The fur's about to fly... A Sexy Shifter story.

Ava Minor is done being the good girl. As the smallest and weakest in a pride of shape-shifting lions where size and strength rule, she's never had any choice but to toe the line. Now, with sexy, nomadic alpha Landon King winning control of the pride, she grabs her one chance to let her inner feline out to play.
Landon would rather focus on reforming the antiquated traditions of his new pride than taking a mate...until the rebellious Ava crosses his path. All his noble intentions go up in flames, incinerated by the heat she exudes—especially when he realizes she's in heat.
Ava, knowing she isn't mate material, is determined to revel in one wild night before she's sent back to her place in the pride pecking order.
Except Landon has no intention of letting his daring, seductive lioness go...


Serengeti Storm: Serengeti Shifters Book 2 by Vivi Andrews


Amazon Product Description:
The bitch is back, and nothing gets in her way. Except her own heart…Serengeti Shifters, Book 2
Shana Delray is hissing mad. The pride’s Alpha has chosen a mate—and it’s not her. Bred to be his consort, she’s not going to let some runt of the litter take her destined place—no matter how much ass she has to kick in the process.
Her way back into the pride is Caleb Minor—her former lover, the Alpha’s loyal enforcer…and the runt’s brother. And if she has to go through Caleb to get what she wants, so be it. She’ll do whatever it takes to pry the little usurper out of her way.
Caleb’s familiarity with Shana’s manipulative ways serves him well when he’s assigned to keep the seething she-cat in line. A nearly impossible task, as he’s forced to use his body—in more ways than one—to save her from herself. Now if only he can save his battered heart from the explosive desire that isn’t as dormant as he’d thought.
Caleb’s stronger now. Tougher and harder. And, to Shana’s fury, he won’t be used. The harder she pushes, the more she finds her heart yielding…and suddenly she wonders if she can somehow win back the man she spent a decade trying to destroy…


Serengeti Lightning: Serengeti Shifters Book 3 by Vivi Andrews


Amazon Product Description:
Love can be a force of nature...Serengeti Shifters, Book 3
Mara Leonard is through hitting the snooze button on her biological clock. The Three Rocks Pride schoolteacher is ready to get serious about starting a family, and she needs a serious man to make that happen.
Regrettably, that means crossing less-than-serious Michael Minor off her list of potential mates. Michael is impulsive and passionate, but his spontaneity leaks into shapeshifting whenever his emotions run high—a tendency he should have outgrown long ago. As a sex buddy, he’s delicious. Daddy material? Disqualified.
Michael is blindsided by Mara’s rejection. Nine years separate them, and his genetic malady means no one in the pride treats him as an adult. But if she thinks he’ll simply slink away to lick his wounds while she steps into the arms of another man, she has seriously underestimated him.
The tricky part will be convincing his over-analytical lover that he’s more than a disposable sex toy. That real bravery means tearing up her damn checklist and following her heart. And doing it without letting their explosive sexual chemistry expose the Pride’s secrets to the outside world.
My thoughts:
Wow - these were fast paced, energetic reads!  I found myself unwilling to put each one down until the end!  The characters are well created with all the "right" stuff: personality, charm, great bodies, dedicated, driven, loyal... you know what I mean - - - - the guys are all the guy we dream about (probably because they don't exist anywhere but in these kinds of stories) and the girls are all daring, sexy, and win in the end!  
I read this series in three days - one per day, but each of the stories in one sitting - literally read them cover to cover without putting them down. 

Vivi Andrews has created a world full of lion shifters who live together on a huge ranch in a compound setting.  They have everything they need to survive without having to deal with humans, their own stores, schools, and so on.  The world she creates for her shifters is realistic and easy to believe in.  The characters she creates are amazing and I found myself instantly invested in their lives and hoping that they would get what they were searching for. I enjoyed each story very much - each has a different set of main characters with a host of supporting people who are around throughout the series.  These are definitely adult and pretty riskay!  If you like hot PNR this series was a fun one!


Monday, March 14, 2011

Winner!!! Foresight by Sherry D. Ficklin

The Winner is #8!!!

Ricki M.
I have emailed Sherry Ficklin and she will be sending out your copy of Foresight! 
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This book is available on Amazon.com for FREE!!!

Book description (flap blurb):
For over 150 years, Pride And Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen herself called this brilliant work her "own darling child." Pride And Prejudice, the story of Mrs. Bennet's attempts to marry off her five daughters is one of the best-loved and most enduring classics in English literature. Excitement fizzes through the Bennet household at Longbourn in Hertfordshire when young, eligible Mr. Charles Bingley rents the fine house nearby. He may have sisters, but he also has male friends, and one of these -- the haughty, and even wealthier, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy -- irks the vivacious Elizabeth Bennet, the second of the Bennet girls. She annoys him. Which is how we know they must one day marry. The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and Darcy is a splendid rendition of civilized sparring. As the characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, Jane Austen's radiantly caustic wit and keen observation sparkle.




I added this book to my 2011 reads first because I tend to shy away from "the classics" and second because a good friend of mine tells me regularly that this is her all-time favorite book and that she re-reads it many times each year.  On that note, here are my thoughts...


I have to start by saving how truly grateful I am that I don't live in the time period in which the book is set - I would go crazy!!!  The social strictures and the very way people spoke....... although I have to admit I am less than social and struggle for conversation topics, so perhaps it would make me crazy because I would be so unsuccessful there. 


Miss Austen did write a timeless classic - 
Her characters are wonderful.  You are drawn in and tied up in the lives of the Bennets from the start.  Elizabeth's sisters drive you to distraction and her mother....incredibly well developed and written character.  Each of the characters, no matter the size of the role they play in the story is creative and complete.  
She sets her story with attention to detail, leaving nothing to be figured out or questionable in the world she built.  This is one thing that gives the story the ability to be timeless.  She is so thorough in her descriptions and details that the reader has a complete picture of the world that the Bennets live in.


I had seen the movie (both the old and the new versions - on a side note, the sisters in the old version will make you fast forward--constant gigglers) and have to admit that I found myself seeing the movie while I read the book and it kept me from getting too caught up in the language that seemed to use soooooo many words to say something short.  


All in all - it was a great read, shorter than I had expected it to be considering that the word "classic" makes me think tome!  I enjoyed the story and would readily recommend it to others.  It has also made me think that perhaps I should start reading more "classics" - - 





Sunday, March 13, 2011

Beth Revis - AMAZING FIVE (5) Book Giveaway!


Beth Revis is giving these five books away! Click the link below to go to the information page!
http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/2011/03/win-all-five-signed-copies-of.html

Good luck to us all - but I do hope I win!!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

It's Friday!!!


It's Friday - let's hop!  The Book Blogger Hop is from Crazy For Books 
and it happens every week Friday until Monday!

This week's question:
"If I gave you £50 (or $80) and sent you into a bookshop right now, 
what would be in your basket when you finally staggered to the till?"

Wow!  I would love you!  My wishlist is staggering!  What would I leave with?
As many books as I could for certain!
The Cat Adams Trilogy - Blood Song, Siren Song, Demon Song
Something Secret This Way Comes by Sierra Dean
Nancy Holder's Possession series
and 
Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
* there are so many more - but I think I have run out of money - - again:(

Hope you have a weekend filled with comfort foods and great stories!  Happy reading!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Review: Blameless (Parasol Protectorate #3) by Gail Carriger

Blameless by Gail Carriger

Amazon Product Description:
Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.

Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.

While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto.



My thoughts:
I love this series!  I completely enjoyed the first two books and was looking forward to this one!  I was not disappointed!  I was less than thrilled with Lord Maccon's behavior, but of course I was supposed to be.  I was thrilled that Professor Lyall gets to play such a large role in this book.  He has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series and it was great to see him get so much print in this book.


The author once again builds an incredible story that is both believable and too much "the thing".  She continues to create characters that the reader can truly sink their teeth into.  The relationship dynamics between many of the characters are so balanced that it seems one could not stand without the other.  In this third book of the series, suddenly these interdependent characters are playing strong, independent roles - it is pleasantly surprising.


The thing that stands out the most for me is the spectrum of emotion in this story - the reader is sent on a roller coaster ride throughout the story.


I love the end - I am always excited when a series is not over at the end of a book - no one really wants a book to end in a cliff hanger, but I get so involved in the lives of the characters that I just don't want the series to be over.  So, on that note - can't wait for the next one! 



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Review: The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason


The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason

Amazon Product Description:
Voss, also known as Viscount Dewhurst, relishes the sensual pleasures immortality affords. A member of the Dracule—a cabal of powerful, secretive noblemen marked with a talisman that reveals their bartered souls—the mercenary Voss has remained carefully neutral…until Angelica.
Angelica Woodmore possesses the Sight, an ability invaluable to both sides of a looming war among the Dracule. Her very scent envelops Voss in a scarlet fog of hunger—for her body and her blood. But he is utterly unprepared for the new desire that overcomes him—to protect her.
Now Voss must battle his very nature to be with Angelica…but this vampire never backs down from a fight.

I got this as an ARC from Netgalley.com - 


My thoughts:
I LOVED these Characters!  I can't say enough about the author's ability to create incredible characters.  Voss of course is my favorite - who could read this story and not walk away absolutely in love with Voss.  Angelica is the perfect match!  Her personality is fantastic, her spunky attitude is great.  There are so many characters that seem to play small parts, but as the story progresses they become more.


The setting is ideal! Jane Austen meets Bram Stoker!  I enjoyed the chaperones and social engagements of the time.  The fashions and trends were fun considering how important appearance is to Voss.


I found myself not wanting to put the story down.  I was so into the lives of the characters that I just had to know what was going to happen next.  


This is not your average hot, fast romance story - - - it is a wonderfully thought out, beautifully written story of life, love, the differences between people, the journey to happiness, and the chance to be the person you choose to be.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Review: Gunnar - Hurricane Horse by Judy Andrekson


Gunnar: Hurricane Horse by Judy Andrekson

Amazon Product Description:
Each book in the True Horse Stories focuses on a contemporary horse from a different part of the world, and each animal is, in his or her own way, a hero.

PBJ Decks Smokin Gun (Gunner) is an American Paint Horse, one of the many of Heather Lott Goodwin's herd, and a valuable show animal that won the World Championship Paint Horse title. When Hurricane Katrina passed over the Goodwin property, it took with it the fences, the cattle, and several horses. Heather and her family lived in their horse trailer for six weeks and considered themselves lucky to have safe, comfortable shelter. After the storm, they searched for the animals and recovered many of them. But three months passed before they located Gunner, a hundred miles away. They were told he was in terrible shape and should be put down. Nevertheless, Heather drove on washed-out roads to bring him home, starving, dehydrated, and blind in one eye. With the help of a vet and her mother, she nursed him back to health. Amazingly, nine months later, he was well enough to compete again in the World Championship Paint Horse Show. Gunner's story is a testament to love and to determination.


My thoughts:
I wasn't ready for this book - I thought that this would be a light, fast read.  This idea was reinforced by the illustrations and the short length of the book.  I enjoyed the story very much.  I found the descriptions of the world of training and showing horses to be accurate and interesting without getting too involved.  I found myself laughing and crying.  I had no idea that the story would take ahold of my heart the way it did.  I was not prepared for the end of the story and the dedication.  It's a great read - be ready with the tissue.