Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2012 Reading Challenge - Read 150 books in 2012!

I know I talked about not participating in a lot of challenges this year, but I am participating in the 2012 Reading Challenge at Goodreads.  I will be adding all the books I read for all the challenges and hope that I can read at least 150 books.  Last year I read 148 books so I am hoping that I can get to 150 in 2012!  
Wish me luck!

Monday, January 2, 2012

If we're choosing sides....and we are ~ I choose Team Outcast!!!


This week celebrates the first full novel release in the Children of the Undying seriesHammer Down involves the meeting of two strong people–a mercenary heroine who leads her own trucker crew, and a half-demon hero who leads an outcast settlement.
In celebration of their new book, Hammer Down, Moira Rogers is having an

EREADER CONTEST: Trucker vs Outcast Throwdown!

I am picking Team Outcast!
What team are you picking?

Disclaimer: This post is part of Moira Rogers's Post-Apocalyptic Trucker vs Outcast Showdown. A comment on this post will enter you to win your choice of a NOOK Simple Touch, or a Kindle Touch or Kobo Touch with special offers. For rules, details on more ways to enter or information on how to pick your own side, visit the contest page at Moira Rogers's website.

And the grand prizes for this epic brawl pitting  friend against friend?
Grand Prizes Picture, Wifi Ad Supported Versions of Kobo, Nook & Kindle Touch

Blog Tour: Blood of Anteros by Georgia Cates

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.
You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.
You can see my review by clicking HERE.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!
It is with great pleasure that I host Georgia Cates!

 When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
There are a lot of people out there that think they will write a book one day, but that day never comes. Many authors know they want to be writers from the time they are young children, but that was not the case for me. I always wanted to assist in the delivery of babies and that’s what I have done for the past 13 years as a labor and delivery nurse. It has been a fulfilling career, but I became restless about 2 years ago, as my desire to write grew stronger. I was a reader before I was a writer and I found myself searching for this book that didn’t exist, so I decided to write it. I am an avid lover of paranormal romance, but I don’t want to read about teenagers and their drama, so I wrote an adult vampire romance without the erotica factor. I know there are readers like me out there looking for this book and now it exists.

 How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?
I have worked from the time I could legally do so, but my lists of jobs are rather short. I have held 3 different jobs in 21 years. I guess I’m something of a loyal dog. I worked in a jewelry store from age 15-20 before moving on to a banking operations position from age 20-23 and I have spent the last 13 years as a labor and delivery nurse. Oh, and did I mention... my husband put me to work as a graphic designer for his web-based buisiness 3 years ago. Whew! I’m tired just thinking about all that work!

I admit I like repetition because it make me comfortable, so pursuing a change of career at 36 is completely out of character for me, but I’m loving every minute of it.

 How long does it take you to write a book?
It took about 3 months to complete and edit Blood of Anteros, but I began to think about it

I “toyed” with the idea of writing Blood of Anteros for about 2 years before I finally sat down and became serious about it. It is my first book and I kept thinking, “I’ll do it one day.” It evolved several times during those 2 years before it solidified into what it is today, but it really took about 3 months to write and edit once I actually got started.

 What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I am so dependent upon music for my writing. I use it for inspiration, brainstorming or just to generally get me in the mood for writing. It makes me feel good and I don’t know where I would be without it.

 Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?
I absolutely have a routine. Again, music is always my anchor. I am a huge music head and there is rarely a time when I don’t listen to music. I have a huge playlist that plays the entire time I write. When I hear an inspiring song, I listen to it over and over as I see the scene of the book playing out in my head, like a movie.

 Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?
I guess I’m beating a dead horse now, but sometimes I hear lyrics that spawn an amazing idea for a scene between characters in my mind. I also do a lot of research on legends and mythology, which I adapt to fit my story. Mostly, ideas strike me when I least expect it, so I keep a small notebook in my purse at all times.


 How do you decide what you want to write about?
Anything I write is something I would want to read. I wouldn’t dare attempt to write a western and I’ve always heard that you write about what you know. Obviously, I don’t know vampires, (or do I?) and elements in my book are things I experience and find familiar. I’m married to my best friend and love of my life, so I use our marriage as a reflection in the relationships of my characters.

 What books have most influenced your life?
The Bible, without a doubt. How could I say that a book written by man influenced my life more than the Word of God?

 What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?
I admit I have a terrible memory, but The Witch of Blackbird Pond stands out in my mind. I remember buying it at the book fair at school because the cover was so interesting. I still judge a book by it’s cover after all of these years.

 What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis. The tentative date for release is November 30, 2011. Quinn and I became friends by corresponding about our books and now we critique for one another.

 What do you like to do when you are not writing?
How could I not say reading? I know, that’s a given, and I have to beat the dead horse again by saying listening to music. My newest hobby is photo manipulation. I know, who in their right mind would tackle the 700 pound gorilla of graphics? What can I say? I like a challenge.  

 What is your favorite comfort food?
My lasagna. Nobody beats it.

 What do you think makes a good story?
A reader should never finish a book and think, “Well, that went exactly as I thought it would.” It MUST have the element of surprise for it to be considered a good story. I love when I finish a book and I’m “wowed” by an unexpected turn of events.

Fun random questions: 
dogs or cats?
Cats, 2 as a matter of fact.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. I’m a ogre without it.

Dark or milk chocolate?
Dark. And I prefer it paired with raspberries.

Rocks or flowers?
Flowers. It’s easier to kill with kindness. Rocks as weapons are just messy.

Night or day?
Night. Always.

Favorite color?
Red always catches my eye.

Crayons or markers?
Crayons. I’m a mother and they’re not as messy.

Pens or pencils?
Pens because I never make mistakes.

Now - onto the book...
Book Description:
     Cruel circumstances turned Curry Brennan into the wretched
 monster he hates and refuses to accept, but when an unexpected
 turn of events releases him from the bond of his obsessive maker,
 her returns to the home he knew 161 years earlier and finds the 
return of happiness and joy in something he didn’t know existed.
     Puzzled by his growing attraction to Chansey Leclaire, a human, 
he is unable to resist the captivating relationship that threatens to 
reveal his existence as a vampire. He eventually discovers the reason 
he was destined to find what he didn’t know he searched for and is 
faced with the cruel realization that the living and the immortal undead
 will always be separated by one thing. Eternity.
 
Brief Excerpt:
I was tantalized by the mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to 
find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of 
her essence didn’t entice the monster within, so what did that make her?
 I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; 
although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained.

Buy links: Click Here or Here to buy this wonderful story!
More about the author:
I am a wife, mother of two daughters and a labor and delivery nurse. I have recently added Paranormal Romance Writer to my list of things to keep be busy, but I am ecstatic to release my debut novel, Blood of Anteros, the first book in The Vampire Agápe Series.
Like others that enjoy a great story of paranormal romance, I am easily bored by the tale of an obtainable, ordinary romance and was inspired to create The Vampire Agápe Series. When I am not tied up with my family or delivering babies, I am working feverishly on the second book in The Vampire Agápe Series.
Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!
Happy Reading!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

2011 Reading Challenges - - - year end wrap up!

2011 rang in with high hopes, lots of optimism and some giant crazy addiction to reading challenges!
I signed up for 20 + reading challenges ~ this is how it worked out:
The Vampire Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Parajunkee's View:

My goal: 20 books

read: 21 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

Paranormal Romance Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Bitten by Paranormal Romance:

My goal: 20 books

read: 21 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!





Shifter Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Parajunkee's View:

My goal: 20 books

read: 17 books

Failed - - - but oh so close!




Fantasy Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Darlyn and books:

My goal: 6 books

read: 9 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!





Kick Ass Heroine Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Diva's Bookcase:

My goal: 12 books

read: 16 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!






2011 Debut Author Reading Challenge ~ hosted by The Story Siren:

My goal: 12 books

read: 12 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!



Steampunk Reading Challenge ~ hosted at www.rikkidonovan.com :

My goal:  10 books
read:  10 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!


The  2011 Awesome Author Challenge ~ hosted by At Home with Books:

My goal: 6-10 books
read:  8 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 YA Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Jamie Loves YA:

My goal: 20 books

read:  23 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!


2011 A - Z Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Book Junky:

My goal:  26 books (obviously)

read: 20 :(

FAILED: - (  
(almost though)


2011 New Authors Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Literary Escapism:

My goal: 15 books

read: 25 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!




2011 Lords of the Underworld Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Reading with Tequila:

My goal: 8 books

read: 1 book

FAILED miserably at this one:(
(I did buy the entire series though - so I will still get them read!)

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge ~ hosted by The Lady Bug Reads:

My goal: 20 books

read: 100+ books!

SUCCESSFUL!!!





2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge ~ by Reading with Tequila


My Goal: 20 books


Read: 4 books


FAILED! 






2011 To Be Read Challenge ~ hosted by Roof Beam Reader

My Goal: 12 books

Read: 2 books

FAILED!



100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 ~ hosted by Book Chick City
and
100+ Reading Challenge ~ hosted by My Overstuffed Book Shelf

My Goal: 100+ books
Read: 148 books                    SUCCESSFUL!!!


2011 Summer Romance Challenge ~ hosted by Book Chick City

My Goal: 8 books

Read: 33 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!




Sizzling Summer Romance Challenge ~ hosted by Secrets of a Book Lover and Reading Between the Wines

My Goal: 10 books

Read: 29 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge ~ hosted by True Book Addict

My Goal: 2-4 books

Read: 4 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!



Holiday Reading Challenge 2011 ~ hosted by Book Lovers Inc.

My Goal: 4-6 books

Read: 4 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!



2011 Reward Challenge ~ hosted by Good Golly, Miss Holly

My Goal:  5 books

Read:  5 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!


Thanks to all my faithful followers for sticking by me all year!
My goal for 2012...no more than five challenges! We shall see!
Happy Reading!

Review: Blood of Anteros: The Vampire Agape Series #1 by Georgia Cates

The Blood of Anteros: The Vampire Agape Series #1 by Georgia Cates

Amazon Product Description:
I was tantalized by mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of her essence didn’t entice the monster within, so what did that make her? I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained.

Cruel circumstances turned Curry Brennan into the wretched monster he hates and refuses to accept, but when an expected turn of events releases him from the bond of his obsessive maker, he returns to the home he knew 161 years earlier and finds the return of happiness and joy in something he didn’t know existed. Puzzled by his growing attraction to Chansey Leclaire, a human, he is unable to resist the captivating relationship that threatens to reveal his existence as a vampire. He eventually discovers the reason he was destined to find what he didn’t know he searched for and is faced with the cruel realization that the living and the immortal undead will always be separated by one thing. Eternity.
My thoughts:
Completely enjoyed this story!  The story is original, the characters are fantastic, the plot is clever and intriguing.  It is well paced and well written.  


I was thrilled with the fact that Georgia Cates brings us into the story at what should have been the end.  We begin the story with Curry planning to end his life, but what happens is incredible - in the moment when his life should end, it begins anew.  
Curry is a wonderful character, creatively constructed with a great personality and a little bit too much old school for the world, but Chansey, Anna and Grady find it a welcome and endearing trait.  
All the characters are carefully created to fit their place in the story.  Even Julian (who is icky!!!) is well done.
I enjoyed the mythology incorporated into the story and truly liked the idea of the Agape.  Who wouldn't want to find the ONE person who was actually created to be their soul mate?!


I loved the way everything comes together for Chansey and Curry.  Well worth the read, don't miss out on this one!  I can't wait for book #2.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Review: Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis

Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis

Amazon Product Description:
With the challenge complete and the corrupt Alpha of Coldspring defeated Fane is now free to complete the mate bond with Jacque and perform the Blood Rites. Although the challenge is done, the affects are far reaching. Once it is known that Vasile one of the strongest Alphas in the world is in America, specifically Coldspring, TX, there is one Alpha who cannot over look the significance of this. An Alpha who happens to share Jacque's DNA, but is this the one she needs to fear? 
With her mom driving and her two best friends, Jen and Sally in tow, Jacque set off for her happily ever after. She will soon realize a plan has been put in motion that will change her course and possibly tear her from Fane's grasp forever. It will take a wolf pack, her mother's love, her two best friend's unrelenting determination, her own will to survive and the undying love of her mate to bring her home. The question remains, if she fights, if she endures, who will she be, what will be left once she is back in her mates arms?
My thoughts:
This was my first book by Quinn Loftis.  I was thrilled!  I have already gone and gotten Prince of Wolves and absolutely cannot wait for the next book, Just One Drop, which is sure to be Jen and Decebel's story!  That is sure to be a wild ride!  
So...about this book:
The characters are wonderful.  Each has a fantastic and well developed personality.  They seem to embody the very ideas of family, friendship, and loyalty.  At times I had a hard time putting these personalities into teenagers, but loved them just the same.  I was fascinated by the 3 musketeers-type relationship between Jen, Sally and Jac - three women that get along is rare and it was fun to be a part of it while reading the story.  The men in the book are incredible - even the bad guys! 
One of my favorite parts of shifter stories is the bond/soul mate idea.  I love the dedication and give all that we see in bonded pairs.  Alina (Fane's mother) tells Jen about the bond on page 145/146 and it is amazingly written!  The last sentence goes like this, 
     "She gets a friend, a lover, a mate, the only man in this world who can complete her and give her the other half of her soul."
I can't imagine that kind of total devotion - although the thought of someone being able to read my mind at any given time is terrifying!
The story is a well paced emotional roller coaster and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.  I couldn't turn the pages fast enough for my liking, but was so into the story that skimming to get to the next page faster was absolutely NOT an option! 
If you enjoy shifter stories, or if you have even wanted to read a shifter story to see if you would like them - DO NOT miss this one!