Saturday, September 17, 2011

Review: The Last Dragon by Jane Yolen

The Last Dragon by Jane Yolen

I got this book at NetGalley.

Marketing copy from NetGalley:
Master storyteller Jane Yolen (Owl Moon, Sword of the Rightful King) and celebrated fantasy artist Rebecca Guay (Swamp Thing, Magic: The Gathering) weave a textured and lyrical tale of adventure, homelands, and heroism the hard way.

Two hundred years ago, humans drove the dragons from the islands of May. Now, the last of the dragons rises to wreak havoc anew-with only a healer's daughter and a kite-flying would-be hero standing in its way.

* A compelling coming-of-age fantasy with exquisite fully painted art!    


My thoughts:
The art in this book is phenomenal!  Even the font has been chosen carefully to lend it's artistic edge.  I can't wait until this book is in print so I can buy it!  I was drawn in by the incredible cover and was hooked with the phrase:  "Or so the humans believed."
Love her work and continue to be impressed!  Strong characters - wonderful world.  Well worth the read!



Review: A Deadly Whisper and Whispers of Evil - both by Stacey Kennedy

The Watchers: Book One: A Deadly Whisper by Stacey Kennedy

Goodreads description:
Will destiny be enough to break her free of a lifetime of secrets?

Knox, the Seeker, has waited two hundred years for his Watcher and now he's found her. Paxtyn, however, is unwilling to join him. The more he tries to prove himself to her, the more she pushes him away.

Paxtyn has spent a lifetime keeping her secret hidden from the world, but now, she must confront these deadly visions head on. When a string of murders brings her into New Orleans, she must come to terms with her personal demons and use her gift to communicate with spirits to discover who has ended their lives.



The Watchers: Book Two: Whisper of Evil by Stacey Kennedy


Goodreads description:
Nayeli has been locked away, hidden from the world in a mental institution, all due to the whispers of evil which have corrupted her mind. Unbeknownst to her, the voices that have plagued her are a gift given to only one kind―Watchers.

Griffin, her Seeker, is about to break this cage of imprisonment woven around her and give her a new chance at life. But when a demon leaves the confines of Hell to create havoc in Louisiana, will his love for Nayeli free her wounded heart, or will she succumb to the whispers which threaten to steal her soul?
 *WARNING: Explicit sex between a timid Watcher and a gorgeous Seeker, and a ceremony that will certainly raise eyebrows!



My thoughts:
Wow!  I was excited to read these two books because I had already read A Warrior's Witch by Stacey Kennedy and completely fell in love with her characters and her writing style, and I was once again totally impressed!
In this series she has created phenomenal  characters and has given them a fantastic, well developed plot with a fresh twist on the demon hunter.  Her female characters are strong, powerful, funny, passionate, driven to make the world a safer place, sexy, compassionate, and smart.  Her male characters are all those same things wrapped in a body to die for, with a sex drive that would make anyone blush, and looking for "the" woman destined to spend eternity with them.  Really, who could want more?  
Wonderfully written! Exciting to read! She has designed her characters to get under your skin and into your heart, the plot to be heart-stopping and thrilling, combined to leave you unwilling to put the book down until you know that the end is what you are hoping for.


In book one, we see Paxtyn and Knox as the main characters.  They are destined to be soul mates and their very lives hinge on one another's existence, but they just can't seem to get it right.  It was a laugh out loud, cry for them, emotional rollercoaster from the start.  Knox is a Seeker and Paxtyn (unknowingly at first) is a Watcher.  Together with the rest of their team/family they hunt demons and attempt to keep mankind safe.  Paxtyn is strong willed, independent and not at all sure what Knox is all about.  Knox has been looking for his soul mate for an incredibly long time and is completely thrown for a loop when she doesn't seem excited about spending eternity with him.  It was fun to watch their struggle and the reactions of the rest of the family, especially when everyone knows how they feel about each other except them.  Loads of hot, steamy sex to go along with some discoveries about themselves and each other.  


In book two, it is Griffin's turn to find his soul mate; but what he finds in her is a broken shell of a woman who has no true sense of self or self-worth.  Stacey Kennedy has once again written a fantastic tale, she is truly gifted!  This story is emotion on a stick!  Nayeli is an amazing woman; raised with the belief that she was crazy and institutionalized since childhood, Nayeli finds herself in a family who loves and cherishes her while valuing her for her abilities.  She has no idea how to cope with any of it after spending the majority of her life believing that she was of no value.  This book is more than just the story of a group of super demon hunters and the battle of good versus evil, it is the story of one woman's search to find worth and one man's struggle to help her.  I found my heart going out to both Nayeli and Griffin while they forged ahead to conquer not only the demon set on having Nayeli, but to conquer Nayeli's fears and issues before more people die.  Not for the weak or sexually sensitive - graphic deaths and hot, hot, hot steamy romance!


****Fantastic author - Don't miss out on anything that she has written!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Blog Tour: Whispers of Evil by Stacey Kennedy (Giveaway too!)

This book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.
You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE. 
You can buy Stacey Kennedy books HERE.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!
Today's feature: guest post and giveaway!
Please welcome Stacey Kennedy!
Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.


Lovin’ paranormal romances!
Big thanks to The Wormholefor allowing me to share her space today. I tend to write Urban Fantasy Romances because I have a real love for a series that follows the same hero and heroine. ButI’ll admit that writing The Watchers series was a real treat.
I loved how I could start out with two characters, build a whole world around them and then introduced more characters into the fun. I thought I’d hit a roadblock and want to keep writing the characters in A Deadly Whisper, but the exact opposite happened. I was eager to dive into the lives of Griffin and Nayeli, and write Whispers of Evil.
The best part was that I could keep all the same characters, but had the chance to look into each one of their lives on a deeper level.So it wasn’t like I was missing anything, because I still got to keep the characters from the previous books I’d fallen in love with. But I got to fall in love with new characters too.
So what do y’all like—series that follow the same characters, or where a new hero and heroine are introduced in each book?

Can the whispers of evil be hushed by love, or will it be lost forever…
Nayeli has been locked away, hidden from the world in a mental institution, all due to the whispers of evil which have corrupted her mind. Unbeknownst to her, the voices that have plagued her are a gift given to only one kind―Watchers.
Griffin, her Seeker, is about to break this cage of imprisonment woven around her and give her a new chance at life. But when a demon leaves the confines of Hell to create havoc in Louisiana, will his love for Nayeli free her wounded heart, or will she succumb to the whispers which threaten to steal her soul?
*WARNING:  Explicit sex between a timid Watcher and a gorgeous Seeker, and a ceremony that will certainly raise eyebrows!
Buy link - http://www.staceykennedy.com/whispers-of-evil/
Teaser:
A noise drew Griffin away from his thoughts. He glanced over his shoulder, and Nayeli stood behind him, a stunning beauty. The women had obviously not only let her shower, but had given her clothes and makeup. He thought her beautiful before. Now, she was breathtaking, wearing a black camisole and jeans. Her dark hair fell soft and silky over her shoulders. Her eyes appeared sexy outlined by dark eye-shadow. Her cheeks were rosy, and her lips an enticing soft pink. He’d questioned if he could love—Am I capable—now he had no doubt. This woman belonged to him. “You’re back,” he said gently.
“I’m back,” she whispered, now standing in the middle of the room.
He could see her tremble, the fear of what was to come reflected in her eyes. He’d rectify that. She might be afraid of his touches for now. She probably worried that this would hurt, but he would bring her to a point where she begged for his advances. Bring her to a state where she whispered his name from her pouty mouth. “Come here, Nayeli.”
She paused, a moment that left Griffin’s breath in his throat. Her soft green eyes were wide and looked worried. “I…I…”
He let out a long breath and went to her. With each step he took, she reciprocated by taking a step back. He stopped, not wanting to startle her. “Why do you fear me?”
She looked away from his gaze to the prevalent bulge in his black shorts that appeared the moment he saw her. “It’s not you so much, as that.”
Withholding his grin was near impossible. He began his approach to her again in slow, steady movements. She continued her movement backwards until she met the wall with a loud thud. She gasped.
“You fear it now, but in time, you will grow to crave it.”
“I’m not sure I can do this,” she whispered.
He closed in on her, stopped in front of her, and looked down into those eyes that could melt his soul. “You can.” He gave her a firm look. “And you will.”
“But I…”
He leaned down close to her mouth, and her breath came out in quick pants he was sure were due to fear. “Nayeli, you’re safe with me. I have waited years, more years than you could fathom, to have you just like this. I’m only pleased that no one has shared your bed. You have a right to be nervous, even a right to fear what will happen here, but this has to be done, not only for you to join our house, but because I cannot wait another moment not being connected to your body.”
“Will it…” She looked up to him with sweet innocent eyes. “Will it feel good?”
He grinned. “I will ensure it does.” Then, he ran his finger along her soft rosy cheek. “Of course, it may hurt a little at first, but I promise to erase that pain with pleasure.”
A little smile lifted the side of her face. She stepped in closer, and her body came tight against his hardened length. “Well…that doesn’t sound so bad.”
He arched his brow, grinning in return. “No, it doesn’t.” Then, he leaned down and captured her lips, gentle at first, testing her ways. His hands came up around her face as he titled her head back, bringing her mouth higher to meet his. Slowly, she succumbed and parted her lips, and he continued with open mouth kisses. He worked his mouth along with hers in a manner that would weaken her in the knees.
****
And now - the giveaway!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Loads of Winners!

I have had a bunch of giveaways recently and  here are a bunch of winners!!!
Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to all the winners!
Happy Reading!
Burden of Blood Winner: Tiffany H
Carry on the Flame Winner: Joannie S
Picture Perfect Winner: Krysta B
Keepers Winner: Meredith M
The Willows: Haven Winner: Laura K
Vampire's Curse Winner: Latisha D
**all winners have been notified by email - - all e-books will be sent by author/publisher

Roald Dahl Week! (September 13 - 20)

Bri over at Bri Meets Books has declared Roald Dahl Week!
He brought so many wonderful books to us!
It starts today, on September 13 which is Roald Dahl's birthday!

My daughter's favorite book is The BFG!
You can see reviews of this book and buy a copy of it for yourself by clicking HERE.
Happy Birthday!  

Monday, September 12, 2011

Blog Tour: Lucky Charm by Marie Astor (Interview and Giveaway)

This blog tour is being presented by The Bookish Snob Promotions
You can get to the entire blog tour schedule by clicking HERE.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my day of the blog tour!
First please welcome Marie Astor!!!
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which
is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of a
contemporary romance novel, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance
Encounter and Other Stories. In addition to being a writer, Marie is an avid hiker, an
excellent swimmer, a good skier, and a capable badminton player. Currently, Marie is
working on her next novel - stay tuned for details!
And Now....the interview!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

For fear of sounding unoriginal, I must say that I always wanted to be a writer. As a kid, I used to sneak into my dad’s study and usurp his typewriter – the stories I wrote then, were not very long, but I loved the process.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

I work in the field of technical writing. Let’s seen, I’ve had about seven jobs, not counting the one I have now.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

It usually takes me about seven months to a year to write a book (including all the rewrites).

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I usually don’t come up with a title until I’m almost finished with a book – not sure if that counts as a quirk, but I thought I’d mention it anyway.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

I don’t really have a specific routine. I find that when I’m interested in the story, I can’t wait to get to the computer to write the next chapter, and when I’m not writing, I’m constantly thinking about the characters and the storyline.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

I draw inspiration from my own experiences and everyday things I notice on the street. Of course, by the time the original idea has made it into a storyline, it has been changed beyond recognition.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I’m constantly thinking of new ideas for future books. Usually, when I get an idea, I write it down; then, I’ll come back to it a few weeks or months later, and if I still like the premise, there is a good chance that the idea will grow into a book. I’d say about seventy percent of initial ideas get rejected, with the lucky thirty awaiting further development.

For Lucky Charm, the idea started out as a short story I wrote, entitled Lady Luck, which is part of my short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories. But by the time I finished the outline for Lucky Charm, the novel turned out to be very different from the short story that inspired it.

? What books have most influenced your life?

I love to read all kinds of genres: contemporary romance, literary fiction, fantasy, thrillers, but most of all I enjoy a book that has an element of a love story in it.

? What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – this is still one of my favorites.

? What are you reading right now?

I am rereading Sidney Sheldon’s If Tomorrow Comes – it is one of my favorite books – it’s got romance, intrigue, revenge – what more could a reader ask for?

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing or reading, I love to be outdoors, so anything from hiking, to skiing, to swimming, to canoeing, depending on the time of the year.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Macaroni and cheese.

? What do you think makes a good story?

A good love story with an element of intrigue and suspense.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

This is a tough one – there are too many to name, and I refuse to narrow it down to just one!

I suppose because I write cotemporary romance, I’d be expected to name only romance writers, but I love all genres and there are many writers whom I consider my favorites. Some of them are:

From the classics: Edith Wharton, E.M. Forster, Jane Austen.

Contemporary writers: Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts, Kristin Hannah.

Fun random questions: 
·        dogs or cats?

Definitely dogs.

·        Coffee or tea?

I am a tea drinker.

·        Dark or milk chocolate?

Depends on my mood – I love both!

·        Rocks or flowers?

Flowers.

·        Day or night?
  
Day – I love to be outdoors.

·        Favorite color?
 Green.

·        Crayons or markers? 

Crayons –they are more fun, don’t you think?

·        Pens or pencils?

Pens – this way, before you write something down, you have to really think it through. 

You can read my review of the book by clicking HERE.
You can buy your own copy by clicking HERE or HERE.
You can enter to win a copy by clicking on this FORM 
*giveaway is International
*following is not required (but I would love to have you!)
The next stop on the tour is: Sept 13 – Knit, Purl, Stitch
Thanks for stopping by! Happy reading!