Visionary Druidic Dreams

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas Review

2012-01-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

MY TAKE:

Fifteen pages in - My heart ached and went out for Lucy. The more I read the more I thought "That poor girl". But the end of that fifteen pages, the good that came out of the bad, made me smile.

I can understand Lucy's rapt attention in the glassblowers. My dad was friends with people in the Globe factory. They blew those glass balls that people put out in their front yards in pestals. Lisa did a wonderful job of describing that! Her research on that was spot on!

30 pages in - I am cackling here. I love this part. Lucy and Sam are talking about what their sexes do with breakups.

Sam: It is a lot simpler for guys. We jsut drink a lot of beer, go a few days without shaving, and buy an appliance

Lucy: You mean like a toaster?

Sam: No, Something that makes noise. Like a leaf blower or chain saw. Very Healing

Oh man that part right there got me howling with laughter where I HAD to read it to my hubby. Even he laughed.

50 Pages in - Had to pause here because Justine and Zoe's characters are great! Such diversity between two characters. These two girls, especially Justine and her love for confrontation, is what every gal needs in her life. Just that scene alone makes me hope Kleypas decides, once the Nolan's are done, that she'll consider writing a book for Zoe and Justine. Zoe, from what little is divulged, deserves a happily ever after.

165 pages in - Revisiting Mark, Maggie, and Holly was like seeing long-time friends again. The connection is just there. And I was struck with how much I actually missed the Nolans. There is just something about them that tugs at the heartstrings, that makes you relate and bond with.

The scene between Mark and Holly brought actual tears to the eyes. It's a wonderful continuation from Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, touching the heart as the soul.

The last hundred pages flew by...and all the way, through the sheen of happy tears at the ending, I was given the thought... Rainshadow Road conveys what romance is all about.

That through the scared skeletons of the past, Nolan managed to work through the dark shadow that was his family's supposed legacy. The two of them, Lucy and Sam, were cynics when it came to love, each colored from family's, yet somehow, the two managed to find the magic of love, that cynic or no, love shines through.

Kleypas never lost the magic that was the Nolans, what was introduced in Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor. Sometimes, anticipated books in a series can fall flat... Not Rainshadow Road. The magic of the story continues..

Now I am eagerly awaiting the next installment, for Alex... Lisa Kleypas never disappoints - be her historical or contemporary..

Five Shillelagh and a bear claw

November 2011

2011-12-02T17:21:00.001-08:00

1. Deadly Harvest – Heather Graham – Suspense – Book 2 of Flynn Brother

2. Animal Magnetism – Jill Shalvis – Contemp – Book 1 of the Animals

3. Animal Attraction – Jill Shalvis – Contemp – Book 2 of the Animals

4. King of the Isles – Debbie Mazzuca – Historical Romance (more like historical fantasy)

5. The Betrayal – Sheila Hendrix – Young Adult

6. Never Cry Wolf – Cynthia Eden – Paranormal

7. Head Over Heels – Jill Shalvis – Contemp – Book 3 in Lucky Harbor

Scrumptious Prizes - Donna Grant and Lisa Renee Jones

2011-11-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.lisareneejones.com/blog/

Made you look! LOL. Now go to Donna's site and Lisa Renee Jones for the on deets on this contest. I am just being a messenger.

King of the Isles - Debbie Mazzuca Review

2011-11-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

Did this review a little differently. Instead of waiting until I finished the book, I stopped at intervals or important places to jot down the thoughts and opinions fluttering through my head.

Evangeline may be powerfully persuasive in her way, but convincing the notoriously wild Highland king Lachlan MacLeod to strengthen his alliances with a strategic marriage seems to be asking the impossible. Stubborn and proud, Lachlan seems determined to go against her will, even if it means endangering the people he's sworn to protect and the enchanted isle that has already seen so much discord. Yet the battle-scarred Highlander cannot ignore his sultry advisor for long. When his mentor is kidnapped, forcing him to ride into combat alongside the beautiful Evangeline, he must choose between her safety and his own independence. It's a choice he makes in an instant ...but once wed to the woman he could not resist, he'll soon find that his heart is in even greater danger than his kingdom

My Take: - Won this Advanced Reading Copy off a contest Kensington Publishing Corp had on Twitter. If I could compare this author to another author out there... Donna Grant comes to mind with that highlander magic mixed with the Fae.

- New to me author

So far I am 48 pages in and Mazzuca's written voice is spellbinding. This is definitely a book I would recommend for those who love magic, Celtic myth (Fae) and hints of Scottish element. All things that tickle my fancy and interest.

Now I have not read the two previous books before King of Isles. I get hints that Syrene and Aidan have a book, but so far I really do not feel handicapped reading this first. It does spark my curiousness. I will reserve my judgement about getting the two previous books once I finish the book.

So, I am on page 208. The book is still engrossing. Evangeline and Lachlan both are considered tortured. Lachlan being in the physical and emotional sense. Evangeline more haunted and emotionally abused.

The two of them have such common ground that I can really see the two coming together. Evangeline has some baggage still. Lachlan too that they need to overcome.

So I wrapped up the remainder of the story and it's nearly 2 am in the morning. Yes, there were moments when Evangeline and Lachland aggrivated the hell out of me but glad the issue was resolved quickly.

Now the ultimate question is.... Will I read the first two stories in this series, oh yes. I found I enjoyed the side characters. I like to learn more about them.

Will I read more from this author? That is a given since she did weave such magic in her words.

The children in this book made me smile, cackle even.

Now there were a couple of times I wanted to knock Lachlan and Evangeline's head together but grief and anger does play havoc on our senses.

Joan Swan's Awesome Contests Shout-out / Pimp out

2011-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

     So, I have been agonizing for nearly two weeks how to do this post. How I can totally help my gal Joan Swan promote ( pimp out) this eight (8) week long giveaway in preparation for her debut book titled "Fever" releasing February of 2012.

     Not only is this woman talented in words but in book thongs to boot. Yes, I am the proud owner of several of her book thongs.

    First Week is over.

    The second week coming to a close on October 23 - Winner will win a customized eReader skin of Fever's cover - Have I mentioned how lickable her cover is?

    The Third week - The prize is Godiva Pumpkin Patch Truffles. The ending is 10/30

   The Fourth week - Customized eReader skin with Fever cover - The ending for that is 11/6

The Fifth Week -Godiva Chocolate Lava Cake Truggles - The ending for this is 11/13

The Sixth Week - Customized eReader Skin with Fever cover - The ending for this 11/20

The Seventh Week - Godiva Creme Brulee truffles - The ending is 11/27

The Eighth Week - Customized eReader skin of Fever's cover - This ends on 12/4

Grand Prize - $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Along with each week's prize is an Early copy of Fever.      http://www.joanswan.com/buzz.giveaway.htm --> Details to the Contest Above

<--Now tell me you would NOT want this on your eReader? I will shamelessly state that I would LOVE to have this Kindle skin for my kindle.

But wait... there is more! The mega Giveaway!

You could win a seven... 7 day stay in a two bedroom/bathroom condo at Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge set on the edge of majestic Lake Tahoe.

     Giveaway runs from October 1 through November 30th, and the Winner is Chosen on December 10th.

     Doesn't that sound sweet and heavenly?? Here is the link to further explains the details to this contest ( because well I know I would NEVER be able to explain the details clearly) http://joanswan.com/escapeandenjoy.htm

Please, please, please mark your calenders for Fever's release. If you pre-order, you can go to Amazon, etc.

Read an excerpt to convince you to preorder or rush out to buy the book when it comes out: http://joanswan.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-fever-excerpt.html

Where Demons Fear to Tread

2011-10-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: Fledgling guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares enter Devil’s Paradise nightclub on a mission – to retrieve the wayward Hollywood “It Boy” she’s assigned to protect. But she’s ambushed by the club’s owner, Archdemon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure-seeking humans. He won’t release the lost soul Serena is supposed to guard. Unless she accepts his dangerous wager…

After the disastrous way his human life ended, Julian vowed that no woman would get the better of him again. Yet this sexy-sweet angel, smelling of fresh ocean air and happiness, triggers centuries-old feelings. Now, their high-stakes game of seduction, where angels fall from grace and where demons fear to tread, will lead them either to an eternity in hell…or a deliciously hot heaven.

My Take: New to me author. Please bear with me for I really stink at reviews. The cliché "Caught me by page one" totally went into effect here. By the time I started I was hooked, immersed, and before I knew it I was one page fifty, then a hundred. I really wanted people to leave me alone so I could devour more pages!

The outside world fell away and I was immersed with Serena and Lucian, what was brewing between them. Stephanie's concepts with angels and demons made sense to me. I liked the mere thought, the idea of it.

Lucian for all his decandant evilness is redeemed. Serena's character, I can not pin point about her that I liked so much. She was not weak but nether was she strong. Strong in her faith, I will give her that. She had her doubts even as an angel.

By close to the end... the little memorial service, my eyes were totally misting and I was actually choking up. That is a definite sign of a keeper book. I can not wait for more of this world by Stephanie.

FYI - Since this deals with angels... those worried that it would get too "preachy", don't worry about it.

Five Shillelagh and a bear claw

Lisa and Donna's Release Day Fun!

2011-09-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

   Hear yeh,

   hear yeh!

   You guys are missing out on some seriously sweet contests! Lisa Renee Jones and Donna Grant (who you seen my review on Shadow Highlander) are having some fun hourly contests.

Lisa and Donna are alternating the contests on their respected blogs

http://dgrantauthor.wordpress.com/       and http://www.lisareneejones.com/blog/

http://dgrantauthor.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/contest-5/

Their New Releases And at $.99 on Amazon and BN. (Which is quite the deal!)

Hot Vampire Seduction is the second book in a hot, erotic vampire series, but stands alone as its own story. Reading out of order will not hurt the enjoyment of the story.

Explicit -- hot! Ménage included – you have been warned.

About the series:

The Wardens series begins with the three Brooks brothers, Evan (34), Aiden (32) and Taylor (28). They were early settlers of the town of Braunfels, Texas. When the town was haunted by a series of brutal animal attacks, that left a half-dozen townsmen murdered, the Brooks brothers took things into their own hands. Armed and ready for action, they set out into the wilderness, determined to find this animal and kill it. What they found was a female vampire who decided the brothers were scrumptious morsels, worth keeping around for a lifetime. She attacked the brothers and turned them to vampires.

No sooner did she turn them, though, than another vampire appeared and killed her. This vampire declared himself a “Warden” of the Vampire Council. Wardens uphold the rules of the Vampire race and report to the Council. Killing a human is punishable by death and their ‘Maker’ had broken that rule. The brothers were then taken to the Council, where they were taught how to survive without killing, how to mingle with humans as if one of them, and when to move on from a location so that they would not be suspected as vampires. Most importantly, they learned who their enemies were and how to defeat them. In the end, the brothers were granted a financial dowry that had belonged to their Maker and given the choice of freedom, under Council rule, or an alternative—to become Wardens.

Now, the brothers travel together as Wardens, tracking outlaw vampires, killing them and protecting innocent humans. It is their eternal duty.

A Highlander bent on revenge...Braden MacAlister only has vengeance on his mind. It has consumed him since the murder of his family. His every thought, every action is in bringing down the man responsible. Until he lays eyes on Jean.

A lass who dared to challenge her heart...
Jean MacKay's entire existence is turned upside down when her clan is invaded by Niall MacDougall and he takes her prisoner. Yet, everything changes when Niall and his men are surrounded by The Ghost

A union which bound two hearts...
Whispers of Braden MacAlister run rampant through the Highlands, but it isn't until Jean sees the imposing warrior for herself that she realizes he is the answer to all their prayers. Jean defies everything to stand next to Braden and the love developing between them. But will it be enough to put an end to Niall once and for all?

The Lost - Caridad Pineiro Review

2011-09-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

Adam Bruno is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam-just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .

Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She's drawn to his strength of mind and body; he's attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or-if Adam's powers rage out of control-destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.

My Take: The ending clearly makes you anticipate and desperately want The Claimed; however I was delighted when my hunch/guess proved true at the end.

It was great to meet more of the Carerras. We met Bobbie briefly in Stronger Than Sin, not enough to get a feel for her character. The only other Carerra we see in here is Tony (sorry everyone for wanting Mick and Lily, along with the Carerrar matriach)

Gotta love the Carerras though: their sense of family, their inner strength, and determination to stand by those they love.

Bobbie shows these traits and more. She's a warrior, a fighter. She's been through hell but fighting not to let it keep her down, foraging onward the best of her ability. A character that a reader can admire and look up to.

Adam... the mysterious geeky hero! Shy to boot! Hehe. Enough that I can say about that.

This was completely different from Stronger Than Sin and Sins of the Flesh, opening the doors to a new series. The paranormal element in this is different, unique, fresh.

August 2011's Reads

2011-08-31T21:04:00.001-07:00

1. Crave the Moon – Lori Handeland

2. Deadly Lies – Cynthia Eden

3. The Darkness Beyond – Alexis Morgan

4. Dark Awakening – Kendra Leigh Castle

5. The Sweetest Thing – Jill Shalvis

6. Untamed Highlander – Donna Grant

7. Shadow Highlander – Donna Grant (ARC)

8. Retribution – Sherrilyn Kenyon

9. Eternal Kiss – Laura Wright

10. Tempted – Elisabeth Naughton (ARC)

11. Blood Magic – Jennifer Lyon (Still Reading)

Tempted by Elisabeth Naughton Review

2011-08-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Book Blurb:
DEMETRIUS—He’s the hulking, brooding warrior his fellow Guardians avoid. Too dark. Too damaged. And given his heritage, he knows it’s best to keep everyone at arm’s length.

Isadora is missing. The words pounded through his head like a frantic drumbeat. For her own protection, Demetrius had done all he could to avoid the fragile princess, his soul mate. And now she was gone—kidnapped. To get her back, he’ll have to go to the black place in his soul he’s always shunned. As daemons ravage the human realm and his loyalty to the Guardians is put to the ultimate test, Demetrius realizes that Isadora is stronger than anyone thought. And finally letting her into his heart may be the only way to save them both.

MY TAKE: Third book in the “Eternal Guardian” series.

First I wanted to say how addicting these books are. Elisabeth’s writing, depth of story, surreal characters claimed me by the first page of Marked, that never waned one iota with Marked, Entwined, and Tempted. I was instantly swept away. She, Laura Wright, and Nalini Singh have totally won, more like run me over with their first books, wowed me where I became an instant fan.

Now I was a little leery going in Tempted only because a friend was not happy with Demetrius’s attitude. She did not think he redeemed himself enough, did not grovel enough. Yes, to put this as frank as possible, Demetrius was an ass of the first order in the previous two books.

Everything, from his reasoning’s became apparent in Tempted. “I” seen where he was coming from in the why he felt the need to behave so shoddy and crappy towards her. Not everyone is going to understand that, which is fine, their loss or maybe I do have a shred of empathy as friends accuse me of.

Now I did not see the loop about Nick in there, though I really hope he finds a lady despite all that is learned in there.

As for Isadora… In Marked she was too timid, too meek, and really just aggravated the heck out of me. She had no backbone; however, by the ending of Marked, and through Entwined Isadora really showed growth in her character. That growth appeared in Tempted.

She was a heroine that I could like, do like in fact. I really like it when a heroine comes into her own, and Isadora clearly does that in Tempted.

Along with Nick finding a special someone, I clearly want to see more of Orpheus. Okay, he’s totally won me… and needless to say that I want the Council to choke on gravel. Cannot wait for more installments of this series!

Five Shillelagh and a bear claw

Review on the ARC of Shadow Highlander - Donna Grant

2011-08-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

First I would like to thank Donna Grant for emailing me while I was on vacation to let me know I won this ARC. Had she not and I learned I missed out, I would have been so upset.

Sent on a dangerous mission into the shadowy world of the Druids, Galen must find a powerful ancient relic to defeat the enemies of Castle MacLeod. But what he discovers is far more powerful - and far more dangerous. A Druid lass whose beauty is as spellbinding as any magic.

Reaghan is the most enchanting woman Galen has even met - and the most enigmatic. She alone is immune to his mind-reading gifts. He alone makes her feel safe and secure. But Reaghan holds a secret power deep inside her that could destroy them both. And if Galen hopes to hold this captivating woman in his arms every night, he must defeat the darkness that draws closer around her every day.

My take: Another brilliant book by Donna! Words can not convey just how much I enjoyed this book! Never once did I get bored, anticipating what would happened next and keeping me on my toes. From page one I was entranced...

In the previous books we've met Galen, one of the warriors, but it was nice to get feedback about him, how his past was still harsh yet different from the others.

And then there is Reaghan. She may not be a warrior like Larena but in all that she did showed a strength. New players have been introduced that makes my mouth just water and get ancy to learn more.

Simply can not gush enough about this book or behave like a fangirl!

Five Shillelagh and a bear claw

The Qwillery: Interview with Caitlin Kittredge and Giveaway - Au...

2011-08-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Qwillery: Interview with Caitlin Kittredge and Giveaway - Au...: Please welcome to Caitlin Kittredge to The Qwillery. Devil's Business (Black London 4) is out tomorrow. TQ: What would you say is your...

C.S. Maxwell---Where's My Muse?: First Book to Give Away

2011-07-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

C.S. Maxwell---Where's My Muse?: First Book to Give Away: "The voting for the first book giveaway has ended and the first book to be offered is --- WOW! What a cover! I must admit, that the cover ..."

June 2011 Reads

2011-07-02T16:21:00.001-07:00

1. Dragon Bound – Thea Harrison

2. Kiss of snow – Nalini Singh

3. The legend of Michael – Lisa Renee Jones

4. Just like Heaven – Julia Quinn

5. Bound by Darkness – Alexis Morgan

6. Deadly Heat – Cynthia Eden

7. Desire Untamed – Pamela Palmer

8. Burning Alive – Shannon K. Butcher

9. My Irish Warrior – Kris Kennedy

Warrior Betrayed - Addison Fox Review

2011-04-27T01:05:00.000-07:00

Forty years ago, Eirene, the Goddess of Peace, spurned her position to run away with a mortal. Furious with her daughter, Themis set a curse upon Eirene's unborn child; to one day replace her mother on Mount Olympus.

Montant Grant lost contact with her mother many years ago. Now as she struggles to lead her late father's shipping company, she's also dealing with the sudden reappearance of her mother. The frail woman is spouting nonsense about Mount Olympus, immortal warriors and long-standing curses. But after suspicious activity puts the company's future -- and possibly Montana's life -- at risk, she decides to take her mother's last bit of advice...

When Montana asks Quinn Tanner for help, she confronts the sexy, security executive about his secret identity: he's a Taurus Warrior. Quinn denies it, but he can't deny his powerful attraction to the high-power heiress. With worldwide peace in the balance, it's up to Quinn to help Montana rise to her destiny -- even as they're falling in love...

MY TAKE:Eirene, Goddess of Peace, Daughter of Themis and Zeus knew the price for giving up godhood for love.

Warrior Betrayed takes place about six months after Warrior Avenged. I like how evenly space “time” is between books, not too much time separates them, just enough to let the characters settle before another problem arises or their nemesis strikes again.

Few issues Quinn had in the previous book crops back up here mostly guilt on his part. It added to the flavor of the story, gave his character more depth, showed flaws and it really hammered that even though he’s immortal, in no way is he “perfect”. He was pinged for Taurus!

Montana in the beginning I was not quite sure how I liked her character. In no way was she weak and clingy but neither was she snarky, kick-ass take names type of character I generally like. She was sort of in-between which was sort of refreshing.

This book had more humor than the previous two. Book Two had humor; I found that I giggled with Ava and Ilsa’s interaction. Now combine those two with Montana. I giggled and grinned which got odd looks from my children because I was enjoying the interaction and the story unfolding. I found that, after reading this, that I have a fondness for the word “asshat” and want to use it even more (which ironically I do use it especially when my hubby is being a jerk)

Ah and we cannot forget Montana’s personal assistant Jackson whom I adored his character.

Really books need to come with a warning: Be prepared for some sleepless nights. The book was so engaging for two nights I did not get to bed until three am. Every time I tried to sneak a read during the day I got way-laid.

We also get to meet some new members to the Zodiacs. I profess I am curious about the relationship between Drake and Emerson, the witch. The suspense about the nymph Callie has me curious and needing more information.

Definitely give this book a definite druid approval. Thank you Addison Fox for letting me win this ARC, and for a rousing and engaging story.

Kilted Highlanders at Bittenbybooks

2011-04-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

    Definitely caught your attention now, didn't I? Good!

   Since I have your undivided attention I want to talk about this author, Donna Grant. She has a new release out today. UNTAMED HIGHLANDER is book four in her Dark Sword series.

  Now why should you read this series? For those who love sexy highlanders with a paranormal element, that should be enough, right? The series also has something for the druid lovers. I really like Grant's originality with the druids.

Instead of making one large "good" sect, they too are divided into "Good" and "evil". Not everyone can be good. Facts of life.

    So head on over to Bitten by books, read the excerpt, ask a question.: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=41063

Week's New Books

2011-04-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

This week has been really great on the book front. I must admit I loved getting a book in the mail almost each day. It made checking the mail a wonderful trip despite the storms that has been battering my area.

As Montana Grant struggles to lead her late father's company, her estranged mother suddenly reappears, spouting nonsense about Mount Olympus, immortal warriors, and curses. But after an event that puts the company's future-and Montana's life-at risk, she decides to take her mother's last but of advice.

Quinn Tanner is Montana's security specialist-and a Taurus Warrior. With worldwide peace hanging in the balance, it's up to Quinn to help Montana rise to her destiny-even as they're falling in love.

When I found out I won this ARC copy I was giddy. I had planned on reading Warrior's Avenged, Book 2 in this series soonish, but with book three, I had a double reason.

SIGNED

She wants revenge . . .

Six months after her lover died in an arsonist's blaze, firefighter Lora Spade calls in the FBI's elite Serial Services Division to track the elusive killer. When Special Agent Kenton Lake is lured into a violent inferno, Lora pulls him to safety and is stunned - not by the fire, but by her own searing attraction to Kent. For the first time in months, she longs for something other than vengeance.

He wants her . . .

Kenton's interest in Lora should be purely professional. But one fleeting kiss and he can't get her out of his mind. Her combination of strength and vulnerability makes him want to protect her, and that means solving this case - and fast. For even the passion igniting between them can't hide a terrifying truth: Lora is the next target in a murderer's sadistic, fiery game.

A vicious killer wants only . . .

DEADLY HEAT

* Chuckles * Now I just have to get a signed copy of Deadly Lies to complete the series. Once I finish Singh, Addison Fox, and yes Alexis Morgan, I do plan to read this book

Caught between two worlds, a powerful warrior must choose between impossible destinies when he meets a woman whose love will either make or break him. . . .

As the daughter of a Regent, Sasha has long known about the secret underworld of the Paladins and their work protecting her kind from the dark forces on the other side of the energy barrier. So when she is sent on her first solo investigation, on the path to becoming the first female Regent, she is determined to get the Seattle Paladins in line. Offering sanctuary to their Kalith enemies is simply unacceptable! But when she meets Larem, she is inexorably drawn to a dark and valiant warrior who is not at all what he appears to be. As the power struggle between Regents and Paladins rages on, someone starts making attacks on her life. Sasha must choose between loyalty to her own kind and the warrior she loves . . . with the very fate of humanity hanging in the balance.

Angel's Blood & Archangel's Kiss - Nalini Singh Review

2011-04-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

ANGEL'S KISS by Nalini Singh

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other - and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break.

My thoughts and views : Relatively new to Nalini Singh (this year) the author has wowed me with the clear cleverness of her world-building, the depths and strength of her characters, and how expertly she weaves the plot line.

As people probably noticed I am now familiar with Singh's Psy-Changeling series. I had planned to read this series next; however I had a change of plans when I was chosen to champion this series. I did have to bump Play of Passion for this book and the next.

Elena Deveraux is the epitome of the heroines I like. She is hunter-born - which means that she was born with the unique skills to hunt vampires. The word that comes to mind whenever I think of Elena is "Ballsy", her snark and mouth, especially the way she interacts with some minor characters along with the Archangel Raphael pleases me.

She grabbed me from the beginning. Here is a woman, with a unique beauty, but with a painful secret. The tortured aspect of her character makes her interesting, to bond. She is "beyond" perfect

Now Raphael was a harder sell for me. To put it lightly, he was a straight up, cold, asshole. His interactions with Elena left me floundering. Then, the more Elena worked on him, the more I started to like him.ARCHANGEL's KISS By Nalini Singh

Like with most books I started to like a side-character more. Illium's character was just so loveable. I do have to mention this... I really like the twist Singh did to her vampires in this series, the difference of it refreshing. Vampires are not really what I am interested in, but this turn, struck me as clear brilliance.

Overall I am eternally thankful to the Goddess that I decided to read this author. It pains me that I did not read this author sooner. Do I plan to read and continue with this series? You bet.

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find that she has become an angel-and that her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, likes having her under his control. But almost immediately, Raphael must ready Elena for a flight to Beijing, to attend a ball thrown by the archangel Lijuan. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan's power lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena...

My Take: Archangel’s Kiss starts off a year after Angel’s Blood. The epic fight against the sociopathic bloodborn Uram has left its mark on both Raphael and Elena. The Archangel and Hunter may be bruised but they are very much alive. They are also adapting to the recent changes in their lives:

Elena sprouting beautiful, midnight-dark wings. Warrior wings as Raphael fondly describes them.

This rare metamorphosis from human to immortal had not really changed Elena’s kick-ass, snarky attitude. She may be Angel-made however Elena still thought like a human, like the Hunter she was born to be.

Elena is still the tough-as-nails, strong-willed woman from the first book; she just needs to adjust to the new changes in her body and come to terms with the memories of the past resurfacing. Luckily for her she is not alone, but had the help and protection of her beautiful, blue-eyed Archangel and his trusted Seven at her disposal.

She is not the only one that has changed, has grown since the fight with Uram. Elena’s influence has continued to “humanize” Raphael. Some in the angel and vampire circle see this as a weakness to exploit, but Raphael sees this more as a strength. Elena grounds him, keeping him from ever becoming the monster they witnessed with the other Archangel.

Singh is a true “Bard”, a skilled story-teller with no real parallel. She does not “feed” or “tell” the facts of her unique and beautiful world. It literally blossoms inside your head from the characters on the page that you understand it a bit more, letting it digest way easier than the telling.

Books Received

2011-04-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

These are books that I won from another blog.

Reclusive collector Cutter Merlin is seldom seen in Key West - lately, not at all. Officer Liam Beckett visits Merlin's curious house and discovers the gentleman in his study. In his death grip: a volume of occult lore and a reliquary. His eyes are wide with fright, his mouth a horrified rictus where spiders now dwell.

Kelsey Donovan returns to the old house to catalog her estranged grandfather's collection of artifacts and antiquities, vowing to see his treasures divested properly. But she cannot ignore the sense that she's being watched, the reports of malevolent black figures, the pervasive smell of death.

Is the Merlin house haunted, even cursed? Liam knows well that some ghost stories are true and he swears to protect Kelsey. But there are forces at work for whom one more life is a pittance to pay for their deepest desire...

Me - Will have to find the first two books in this series so I can read this! I can't wait! I really enjoy Heather Graham's Suspense books. I've read Graham for quite a long time even under her alias Shannon Drake.

THE HELLIONS OF HALSTEAD HALL

When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.

Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him. Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.

Me - Another author whom I have enjoyed for a good long time. I really need to get the previous two books in this series too.

He's a bastard and a gambler and society's favourite reprobate. But to Lady Kiri Lawford he's a hero - braver than the smugglers whom he rescues her from, more honorable than any lord she's ever met, and far more attractive than any man has a right to be. How can she not fall in love? But Damian Mackenzie has secrets that leave no room in his life for courting high-born young ladies - especially not the sister of one of his oldest friends. Yet when Kiri's quick thinking reveals a deadly threat to England's crown, Damian learns that she is nowhere near as prim and respectable as he first assumed...and the lady is far more alluring than any man can resist.

Me - This will be my second book from this author. I have read one book Distant Magic which I really liked. It had historical and paranormal intertwined.

An immortal war has been brewing in the darkness...and now one woman has stumbled into the shadows.

Chicago private investigator Kira Graceling should have just kept on walking. But her sense of duty refused to let her ignore the moans of pain coming from inside a warehouse just before dawn. Suddenly she finds herself in a world she's only imagined in her worst nightmares.

At the center is Mencheres, a breathtaking Master vampire who thought he'd seen it all. Then Kira appears - this fearless, beautiful....human who braved death to rescue him. Though her burns for her, keeping Kira in his world means risking her life. Yet sending her away is unthinkable.

But with danger closing in, Mencheres must choose either the woman he craves, or embracing the darkest magic to defeat an enemy bent on his eternal destruction.

Me - I have two or three books of this author in my TBR pile. Ironically not the first one of this series. Drat, will definitely have to hunt for that one so I can read it.

madness \mad-nes\ n (14c): the quality or state of being mad: a: rage b: insanity c: extreme folly d: ecstasy, enthusiasm.

And, added in the margins of the dictionary owned by James Tremont, the 9th Duke of Parkerton, one additional definition:

e: the state of finding oneself mistaken for a solicitor by a duke-hunting beauty who needs to be enthusiastically taught the true meaning of love.

Rage, insanity, extreme folly, and ecstasy will most likely be involved.

Me - Knew to me author.

The vicious burns scarring the victims' flesh reveal the agony of their last moments. Each woman was branded with a star, then stabbed through the heart. With every death, a vengeful killer finds a brief, blissful moment of calm. But soon it's time for the bloodshed to start again. Ten years ago, Eva Rayburn and her sorority sisters were celebrating the end of the school year. That party turned into a nightmare Eva can't forget. Now she's trying to start over in her Virginia hometown, but a new nightmare has begun. Every victim is linked to her. And Detective Deacon Garrison isn't sure whether this mysterious woman needs investigating - or protecting. Only Eva's death will bring peace. Only her tortured screams will silence the rage that has been building for ten long years. Because what started that night at the sorority can never be stopped - not until the last victim has been marked for death.

Me - Another knew to me author. I can't wait really to dive into this one.

Psy Changeling - Nalini Singh Binge still going strong

2011-04-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Psy-Changeling Slave to Sensation

READ

Visions of Heat

READ

Caressed by Ice

READ

Mine to Possess

READ

Hostage to Pleasure

READ

Branded by Fire

READ

Blaze of Memory

READ

Bonds of Justice About to start

Play of Passion

For those who have not read this author you really ought considering to do so. You are missing out on a wonderful world. Now I do not climb on author's bandwagons easily unless they fascinated and caught me in their world.

Nalini did just that. She has became an auto buy for me. Now I have not read her other series. That's next in line.

I've even convinced a friend to check them out.

New Books received

2011-04-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

So far the two books I received was:

Two Men Are One Too Many . . . Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life. But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor.

My thoughts - This is a new to me author; however from all I heard from a book group I am in she is worth the read. It has been a while since I read a straight up contemporary book. Before I can read this author, I will have to get the previous book

Once reserved for mystics and seers, the tarot is one of the best tools for boosting your creativity and shifting your imagination into high gear. Famous authors such as John Steinbeck and Stephen King have used the tarot deck to tap into deep wells of inspiration, and you can enliven your own writing the same way—whether you craft short stories, novels, poetry, nonfiction, or even business proposals. This book on reading tarot cards and applying them to your writing will guide you through each stage of the creative process, from fleshing out a premise to promoting a finished work. Enhance your storytelling technique through over 500 enjoyable writing prompts, exploratory games for groups and individuals, tarot journaling, and other idea-stimulating activities that call upon the archetypal imagery and multi-layered symbolism in the tarot. Infuse flair and originality into your work as you learn to: • Interpret symbols, myths, and learn to read all seventy-eight cards in the tarot card deck • Use classic tarot layouts and spreads to structure your story • Brainstorm story ideas and develop dialogue and plot • Create detailed settings, powerful scenes, and dynamic characters • Overcome writer's block and breathe new life into existing projects As a writer, you hold the power of creation in your hands. By exploring the tarot and incorporating it into your writing practice, you will set your creative potential soaring to new heights. My Thoughts - I could NOT wait to get my hands on this! I was floundering with this idea of mine. I had characters but no definite plot. Friend mentioned using Tarot, an idea I introduced thanks because of Laura Bickle. We were using it as an exercise with characters. I mentioned that we were using her method in my mini group and Laura was gracious enough to recommend this book

Nalini Singh Psy-Changeling Series Binge

2011-04-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

For those curious (like the felines) I read my first Nalini Singh in January of this year. She has been on my "To try out" list for some time; especially since my friend Lillie sent Caressed by Ice in one of the several boxes of discarded books to me.

2011 I decided would be the year I tried many "New-to-me" authors. I've been keeping amazingly well with this. When hubby told me to order $50 dollars worth of books from half.com, Slave to Sensation was top most on the list.

Needless to say that by the middle of "Slave to Sensation" I was "HOOKED". Book friend from one of the yahoo book groups I am in, she graciously gave me her extra copy of "Visions of Heat". Also, with a Gift Card I won to Amazon and hubby giving me license to order books from half.com I bought the next three after Caressed by Ice.

February and March I took a little break from Singh. I've been neglecting and ignoring the other books in my "To be Read" List. However, at the end of March, I decided that I was going back to the Psy-Changeling. The books are that addicting.

Then I learned in May the book I so been anticipating (yes I even looked to see what the next ones were about) comes out. From Slave to Sensation and throughout the books I have been hoping and praying not ot be disappointed in who Hawk's mate would be. There has been two instances with authors who disappointed me because of a pairing. Honestly I don't think I would accept it if Hawk did not get paired with Sienna.

However, one blaring thing was evident... before Hawk and Sienna's book comes out, I needed to be caught up with the books. With that incentive, I decided "What the heck, a Singh Psy-Changeling Binge" Since I already read the first three that left the rest. I started this weekish:

Mine to Possess - Read

Hostage of Pleasure - Read

Branded by Fire - Currently Reading (158 pages left to go)

Blaze of Memory

Bonds of Justice

Play of Passion

Cynthia Eden Deadly Fear Review

2011-04-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

FBI Special Agents Monica Davenport and Luke Dante are sent to the quiet town of Jasper, Mississippi. Although the modi operandi are different, it soon becomes clear that the two murders there are linked - by the notes from the killer and by the victims' fear. When the next woman goes missing, Lavery receives a call and a man's voice whispers, 'What scares you?; Luke has never had a chance to watch Monica work on a profile before and he's amazed at the way she gets into the killer's head, retracing steps at the crime scenes, understanding the fierce need to stir terror in the victims. The killer is now totally focused on Monica. Finally, he's found someone who understands. Someone who knows the thrill of the hunt. The sheriff thinks that the killer will flee but Monica knows that running isn't an option for him. She doesn't think he fears getting caught - that's not what scares him. She thinks the bastard is playing a game - has been from the beginning and he's not going to stop until the game ends.

My Take on Deadly Fear by Cynthia Edens: This is my second Cynthia Eden book (but my first non-paranormal by her). This series had been massively pimped on a book site I’m in, and when I was uncertain what book to choose to read next, people voted for this one (Easier to make such choices with help!)

The heroine and hero are both “tortured”. And yes, I DO love a good tortured hero/heroine book. Why I read so much of Eve Silver’s gothic historical. It was nice to see yet another author allow not only the hero to be tortured but the heroine.

Mainly we focus on the heroine’s past, the way it shaped and molded her into the woman she became. Plus, her past really went neck and neck with the plot of the story. Now Cynthia did not leave out the mystery of what drove the hero neither but unlike most books it was not the main focus. Though their tragic backgrounds forged them into two different weapons, Luke and Monica were the perfect match. They meshed in the perfect balance due to their personalities.

Monica, despite what happened came out to be a strong person not about to become a victim again. Luke I loved his determination and perseverance where Monica was concerned. The overall effect gave us a thrilling, on the edge of your seat, adventure with hot, steamy romance.

I will definitely be reading Deadly Heat and Deadly Lies (because well I do have a penchant for connecting with the underdogs and minor characters in books, and well, I somehow liked Samantha. She stuck out on me) in the future.

This visionary druid gives this books two thumbs up.

March 2011's Reads

2011-04-10T09:02:00.001-07:00

1. Eternal Hunger - Laura Wright
2. Rogue Oracle - Alayna Williams
3. Moon Cursed - Lori Handeland
4. Last of the Demon Slayers - Angie Fox
5. Devil's Highlander - Veronica Wolff
6. Blood Trinity - Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
7. Devil's Own - Veronica Wolff

Eternal Rider Review

2011-04-03T17:00:00.001-07:00

Synopsis: They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him. Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

My Thoughts: To put into simpler terms how much I enjoyed Larissa Ione’s “Eternal Rider”: Holy Shit, that was freaking AWESOME!

Yup! Those six words sums it up nicely. I do have to admit that it had been a month or two since I got that worked up over a book, got that absorbed that time seemed to not exist. The last time that happened to me was in January when I read Singh’s Psy/Changeling books.

In the beginning I will admit that I was uncertain on how to react to Cara. The types of heroines I usually like and connect to are like Sin, Limos. The tough as nails, hold their own amidst males, and snarky. I LOVE snarky (even in my heros!)

Cara may have started off weak which normally annoys me. Somehow Cara didn’t. I really sympathized with the woman, all that she went through. Then, as the further we got into the book, and Cara’s inner strength is revealed, I really started liking her.

Ione has a gift on making her heroines likeable (okay maybe that’s me.) Okay, more than her heroines, her heros too.

Cara was the perfect “fit” for Ares. Really I could gush on and on, go all fan-girly but I won’t; especially since I do not write reveals too often (but this book deserved it). I will say it again, each Ione book, even this spin off, gets better and better!

For those who really liked the past characters will be in for a treat. Yeah we see Kynan a lot in there, Reaver too, but we get to see Shade’s brother in law Arik more in this book. So yeah, it was a treat to see all those characters we loved in the Demonica series here. And Wraith never changed! Shhh! Can I say that I have a thing for Than? The entire celtic thing really snagged me. Okay so anything celtic is hot to me. Okay I’ll shut up and say “I CANNOT wait for the next installment!” This Visionary druid gives Eternal Rider two thumbs up...

Good Deed. Being a Good Samaritan

2011-02-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like the scare when your nine-year-old comes in, from school and announces "There is a lost boy outside in the drive way."

Yes, that statement was meet with stunned silence. My heart went out for the boy. There was no way I was going to sit peacefully and idly inside my home and let a child be scared out of his wits, not sure WHAT to do.

So I shove my feet into my shoes, grabbed hubby's cell phone (since mine without being plugged in would be dead since it does not hold a charge), and out the door I went to help this child (what makes me angry is that my husband remains laid out on the couch, not moving nor concerned).

Austin comes with me. So we are walking at the end of the drive and I ask "How old is this boy?"

"Fifth grade." I breath a little easier but still I can imagine the fright this boy had.

Austin leads me to the boy and I ask "Do you know your parents number? I don't have a car to take you hom but I will remain with you until they pick you up." He nods his head and so I hand over the cell to let him call his parents. Unfortunately no one is home and find out he's suppose to be going to a babysitters. He leaves a voice message.

Here I am trying to wrack my brain on how to help this boy. I ask him if anything is familiar? If it was not that far I would have walked him. He asked me if I knew this one place, and I profess I really don't know Parkersburg that well, just a few choice places here or there. So, we are walking when we see a bus coming down the road close to us.

The two of us flag the bus down. Thankfully the bus driver stops. I explain that the kid got off on the wrong place. He asks the kid where he's suppose to get off. He tells the driver the same thing as me. The driver comments that he is not going in that direction and it is a good distance away.

I tell the man "I do not know this kid but I will NOT let him be alone." This ultimately makes the driver come to a decision. He thanks me and tells the kid to get on his bus. To say I am relieaved for this boy is a small description. I like to think that if such a thing happened to one of my boys, there would be a good samaritain who would do the same for them. I really hope the boy gets to his sitters safely.

Dreams of a Dark Warrior Review

2011-02-21T21:53:00.001-08:00

Book Synopsis:

He vowed he'd come for her. . . Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives—only an endless yearning.

She awaits his return. . .When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals, unaware that he belongs to their world.

To sate a desire more powerful than death. . .Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan's torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

My Take: I've anticipated this book since "Pleasure of a Dark Prince". Regin's behavior, especially her texts to Lucia, cracked me up to the point I could not wait for her story. Now Regin is nothing compaired to Nix but she is a close second in the favorite department due to her "way".

Dreams of a Dark Warrior takes place relatively at the same time as Demon From the Dark. I was curious on how Cole was going to redeem Declan since all in all he was an ass in Demon From the Dark.

I was quite content with how the story unfolded. Lothaire is a big mystery still, and I was happy to get my Nix fix. That Valkyrie gets me. In a way I really do want Nix and Lothaire to be a couple. The two balances each other nicely.

Plus, Dreams of a Dark Warrior has to be the longest book I've read in some time (and has to be the longest of the Immortal books by my estimation) but do NOT let that daunt you. I would highly recommend this book!

Two Druid Thumbs (and two bear claws) up!

Kate Pearce is at Bitten by books - Kindle prize

2011-02-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Now I bet "Kindle prize" drew your attention. Bittenbybooks is where I won my Kindle, so the group is legit.

Rachel at Bittenbybooks asked us to pimp out Kate Pearce's book and the contest at Bittenbybooks. Now I wish I could tell you more about the author, but since she is new to me I really can not say much except the covers. Beautiful aren't they!

So head on over to Bittenbybooks, answer Kate's questions, ask her own. http://www.bittenbybooks.com/?p=36119

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews Review

2011-02-09T23:42:00.001-08:00

Once and awhile a book compels me to write up a review. Now mind you I feel self-conscious writing them, afraid of giving too much away or dropping spoilers to ruin it for others.

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews more than compelled me. I have had many people, friends actually highly recommend Ilona’s Kate Daniels’ books; especially my good friend Joyce - who I remember around the summer time text me how excellent the series was.

Not exactly a New Years Resolution but I told myself in 2011 that I wanted to read “new-to-me-authors”, to finally get around to a lot of authors/series friends recommended. Magic Bites was one of them that I purchased to try and I am so glad that I did. My only complaint is why I waited so long.

The first thing that drew me to the series was the main character Kate Daniels. Sure, we know that she is a mercenary for hire, independent, snarky (gotta live wise-ass remarks), and kicks ass. Everything that I like in a lead feminine character yet Andrews still wraps an air of mystery around Kate. There is more to be unveiled I predict at a later date.

Side characters. Derek the werewolf eventually grew on me… but Curran, drew my interest too. There is a lot about the Lord of the Beasts that needs to be brought to light.

From page one I was hooked in the tale. Every spare time I got I used to read further in the book, and actually stayed up to three am to finish the book. Will I pick up further Kate Daniel’s books? That is a resounding “Damn straight!”

Magic Bites earned this Visionary Druid's full approval...

Today's Goodies

2011-02-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews

Book Syn:
Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren't for the magic...

When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.

Kate Daniels is a down on her luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate's guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta's magic circles.

The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, aparamilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings - and the death of Kate's guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressued by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she's way out of her league - but she wouldn't have it any other way...

This book came highly recommended by two or three friends of mine. My friend Joyce actually threatened to buy me the set.

Yesterday's Goodies...

2011-02-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

First, I am going to mention the "New To Me Authors"

Touch a Dark Wolf - Jennifer St. Giles

Book Synopsis: Jennifer St. Giles begins a dazzling new series that takes you into a world of seductive shape shifters and mystical beings, and into the hearts of a band of heroic warriors known as The Shadowmen. . . .

Yesterday, Erin Morgan worked for a pioneering Manhattan medical center. Today, she's on the run, witness to a chilling conspiracy. Fleeing for her life in the Tennessee mountains, she is run off the road by a mysterious beast . . . and things only get stranger when she wakes the next day to find a naked Adonis sprawled on the hood of her car.

For centuries, Jared has been a shape shifter, sworn to protect mortals like Erin. But in saving her, Jared has damned himself, for the poison from his battle wound stirs a terrible blood lust. Determined to protect Erin, Jared stays by her side and discovers a sensual rapture beyond imagining . . . and a love that can change his fate. But can Jared overcome his savage thirst and protect Erin from the beast within?

I've been eyeing this author for some time. Then around when I got my 20 dollar gift card to Amazon I won, a friend suggested it, so, I looked to see which book was the first in the series and that was the one I ordered.

My Wicked Enemy - Carolyn Jewel

Book Synopsis:
A desire that can't be controlled...

Carson Philips is a witch on the run. For years, the notorious mage, Alvaro Magellan, has held her as his psychological prisoner. But once Carson gets a glimpse of the true extent of his evil, she flees Magellan's mansion--stealing a stone talisman of unimaginable power on the way. Her only hope for survival is a demon who ignites a voracious hunger in her she can't deny, a longing she can't resist...

A hunger that can't be sated...

Nikodemus is a warlord with a mission: Kill Magellan and his green-eyed witch at any cost. But when he meets the desperate Carson, the pull of her magic takes his breathe away. He's not sure he can trust this tantalizing woman--she is his enemy--and less sure he can keep his hands off her. But Magellan will stop at nothing to reclaim what belongs to him. Can Nikodemus stop him before his desire for Carson destroys them both?

Friend of mine highly recommended this book so I had to give it a chance.

Sins of the Flesh - Eve Silver

Book Synopsis:The blood of the Underworld lord of evil runs through soul reaper Malthus Krayl's veins. Raised to fight for survival and to kill for victory, he can destroy anyone who poses a threat. As he searches for the one responsible for his brother's murder, he refuses to succumb to any distraction.until his sworn enemy crosses his path and tempts him beyond all reason.

Calliope Kane, a Daughter of Aset, has a personal hatred for soul reapers. Their savage attack against her family still haunts her. But only Malthus can help her find the traitors of her kind, and only she can help him hunt the source of betrayal amongst the reapers. As they unite, the danger grows closer.and the passion between them ignites.

Eve Silver is an auto buy for me!

Branded by Fire - Nalini Singh

Book Synopsis:
When a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped, DarkRiver sentinel Mercy, a cat, and SnowDancer lieutenant Riley, a wolf, must work together to track the young man - before his shadowy captors decide he's no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it'll leave them both branded by fire

New favorite series of this year... This series took me by storm and I wondered why the hell I waited THIS long..

Goodies in the Mail

2011-02-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

When my twelve year old son came in the house with not one but four packages all marked for me, oh yes, I squeed!

Movie/Blue-ray wise

The Slayers Revolution: Season 4
Now anyone that knows me know how much I love this anime. You have your action, magic, swords, and comedy.

You have the red head Lina who is rather flat in the breast department (don't say that to her) but she is a very talented and destructive sorceress.

Then there is her companion/bodyguard Gourry who excellent with the sword but not much up there in brains (psst and I do so hope they become a love interest)

I have Slayers, Slayers Next, and Slayers Try. I have to get Season Five. The Ultimate Slayers fan would.

What other goodies did Rao get?

Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara - I bought this book because Tracey has the same music tastes as me! I was floored when I seen her answer a question with an Inkubus Sukkubus song! Then to learn she likes Within Temptation and Nightwish, yup she sold me. However I should have "thought" and got the first book. Oh well I can rememdy that hopefully by next week.

Book Synopsis: After centuries of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens the tenuous peace.

Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness, including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes . . . and forbidden lovers.

A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.

Black Wings - Christina Henry - What can I say it looked so good when it was promoted so I snatched it. Plus I think someone recommended it.

Book Synopsis: As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...

By Possession - Madeline Hunter - Mel, an Aussie friend sent this book. We both forgot how she said I could have the book if I wanted it. I have the other books in this series so this helps me greatly.

Book Synopsis
A Common Lady

For years she had thought he was dead. Yet when Addis de Valence strode into Moira Falkner's cottage, there was no mistaking the sharp planes of his face, and the scar she herself had helped to heal. The young squire who had once been her hero was now her lord, a hardened man who returned to claim the son she had raised as her own. But Moira couldn't deny that Addis roused a passion she never thought to feel-and a perilous hope for a future that could never be....

An Uncommon Love

Addis returned from the Crusades to find his lands usurped by his stepbrother, and his country on the brink of rebellion. Determined to reclaim his birthright, Addis could not afford to be distracted by a woman-even one as tempting as Moira. Yet the only living part of his contented past lay in Moira-and his desire for her was more dangerous than his deadly battles with the king's men. By law, Moira belonged to him...but possessing her heart might be far more difficult.

Don't miss any of Madeline Hunter's enchanting trio of novels... where love blossoms among the splendors of 14th-century London.

January 2011's Reads

2011-01-31T15:25:00.000-08:00

1.
Title: Moving Target
Author: Multi-Authors including Mercedes Lackey

2.
Title: Marked
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
* New Author who made it on my autobuys

3.
Title: Slave to Sensation
Author: Nalini Singh
* New author who has made it definitely on my autobuy
4.
Title: Canterella; Volume 7 (manga)
Author: You Higuri

5.
Title: Return to Labyrinth: Volume 1 (manga)
Author: ........

6.
Title: Riding the Storm
Author: Sydney Croft
* New to me author - I have read Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler's but not them as Sydney Croft..will be getting more when I can buy them

7.
Title: RG Veda; Volume 10 (manga)
Author: Clamp

8.
Title: Ravished by a Viking
Author: Delilah Devlin

* New to me author

9.
Title: Visions of Heat
Author: Nalini Singh

10.
Title: Forbidden Highlander
Author: Donna Grant

11.
Title: The Inquisitor
Author: Nathie

More like self published This was a free download from an artist I follow on deviant. It was only a 29 paged story. Male/Male pairing. Story can be found on www.fragmentally.de

12.
Title: Velvet Haven
Author: Sophie Renwick

(still reading will probably finish tonight)

Kids and Kindles

2011-01-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

While back ago, my nine year old son seen the commercials for Kindles. Austin knows his momma is a reader (you would think the mountain of books around her computer is a clue and how she hits the books section), so he turns around and asks

"Mom do you want one of those?" He points to the television screen.

It's really sweet that he thinks of me, but I shake my head. "Aust, I already have one. Mine is more white than black-gray."

"Oh!" Then he thinks for a bit and out of the blue. "Can I have it?"

Of course now I am laughing. "Nooo, because it's the only one I have!"

I know why he asked. This past year and some, hubby has convinced me to upgrade on a few things like my cellphone. My 12-year-old got my prepared phone. So the little gears in his head moved, thinking if he asked first and being the only child so far in this household who reads (My oldest has no desire) he'd get first crack at it if I upgrade.

So, I thought the matter was forgotten/closed/zipped. Well, I thought wrong! Hubby was browsing on Amazon when he called me over. He tapped the screen at the kindle on display there. "Austin wants one of those. He said with the money he gets from the income tax he is going to buy one. I told him he can't buy it at Walmart."

Austin can be... tenancious and single minded about things. That he did NOT drop the idea but ran behind my back to his father did not surprise me.

"So are you going to buy him a kindle?" Hubby would not put that much money to an electronic that may not get usage. I thought I should ask.Part of me fears it is just Austin wanting the electronic. He would soon learn that you can not play games on an ereader and his interest in it would wane.

"Not the kindle but the hundred dollar reader I seen elsewhere." I thought that was fair. See how he would treat the ereader first before upgrading to him to something like the kindle/Nook whatever.

Then hubby goes "I hope you are ready to order him some books." Oi!

Pictures with Eve Silver's books

2011-01-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

Eve Silver - a favorite author of mine (and auto-buy author) - is having a neat and fun contest that I just could not resist. Take a picture of yourself with one of her books OR if you do not like your pictures being taken, to take a picture of a book with different props.

Well my props are more of the canine bend, and well I just could not resist the cuteness factor. You could take more than one picture but they have to be different props and different books. Since I own a good deal of her books that was NOT a problem. Onto the pictures.

This darling is Nyxie, the Pomchii (half pomerian and half chihuahua), and she is nearly one years old (in April).

My hubby found this darling at his work's parking lot early in the morning. Someone bought her but then did not want her. Hubby could not leave her there for some idjit to run over.

She is more hubby's dog than anything else. She is modeling His Wicked Sins.

This is my Dark Prince, Warlock. He is a black and red toy dachshund; he is also Two Years old. He's the only male doggie in the household and the females beat up on him.

He's my snuggle bunny, and so I had him model the first book I bought of Silver's.

This dear-heart is Cynder, medium haired miniature dachshund, and she will be two in April.

She is modeling one of Silver's gothic historicals "Seduced by a Stranger"

Ooops, now how did my Dev Bear get in there. Looks like he got caught reading "Sins of the Soul", and it looks like he got pretty far.

Dev, my love, please no spoilers I have not gotten a chance to read that book yet!

Last, but not least, is the latest sweetheart. She is my funnest prop. This sweetie is Simi, the daughter of Warlock and Cynder (she'll be three months on the 28th).

She does look so much like her daddy doesn't she? It took me seven tries until this one tugged at my heart.

Meh

2010-12-25T17:43:00.000-08:00

Really was not feeling the Christmas spirit...

And I am so damn glad it's done and over with. This was the first Christmas Eve and Day I did not spend at my mother's. Thanks to my husband's continued idiocy and car problems (heater doesn't work and flat tire), mom and the step dad. came out on the 23rd to hand out their gifts, which I decided to let the boys open it infront of them.

It was even harder because I had to let go of yet another puppy. Worse, this pup was my favorite because she was a lovable thing. Everytime I picked her up she would give me kisses. True to her nature she reached up to kiss the woman who wanted a pup, and that got her chosen. So now I am down to two babies.

The boys got two flannel shirts a piece save for Gabe; he got one camo flannel and spongebob pajamas (which he LOVED). Then the boys got a sweater hoody (West Virginia). Which I told them they could wear to school. The oldest two boys got these super cool hats. Gaby got a camo hat with matching mitten gloves. The older two got gloves too, the best kind to go out and play in snow.

From my uncle they got twenty dollars to go spend. Even Harlen and I got money too. So, New Years Eve, I will probably be on half.com ordering me some books. Books at least give me some form of pleasure and they are the truest friends a person can have.

Mom got Harlen some yarn (two shades of green and white) and socks, since he needs the damned things. For me, mom got me a black and white stripped shirt, sapphire earrings from Avon (every year I expect something from Avon because mom loves avon stuff), and a troll bead bracelet she made.

Christmas Eve and Day I planned on going no where, but evidently, my will and desires mean nothing. Christmas Eve I got guilt tripped to go to his mother's. His brother in law was coming to pick us up. The reason I loath going to such family gatherings is how utterly alone and "not apart" I feel. These people enjoy making it known I was not what they wanted for Harlen.

The boys' got movie tickets and toys. Hubby got two fleece pajamma pants, thermal socks (which he told at home he would never wear them, to take them if I wanted too), two shirts with flags on them, bike pump (to use for his balloons), and art supplies: art pencils (prang), two art books, these small shader things, pencil holder and two mechanical pencils.

Myself, I too got two shirts with flags on them, art supplies: colored pencils (which I gave them to my sons. My friend got me spoiled when she bought my first set of Prisma colors, and I love the depth and feel they provide, and so I won't use any others save for them), two art books, smaller shader things, pencil holder, art pencils, socks, crock pot (which I already had one I rarely use), and I am sorry to say these granny style boxer/sleep shorts (they are black and white boxes which looks like you tie in the front. Hideous to say the least.)

This is how bad those shorts-things are: My husband, now and then, knows my particular style.. What I will wear and what I will flat out refuse, toss to the side and forget. Well, when we came home, he looks at me and said "You can have one of my fleece pajama pants because I know you won't wear those short things.

Why ever she chose those things for me... Her daughters made out like bandits because they "made" lists and expect pretty much what is on those lists. So the one got oodles of those toe socks and nice pajama set. The other got fleece pajama pants and a two piece pajama set. Even the son in law made out like a bandit.

Since he and I are pretty set in the art supplies' brands we like and prefer, he knew I would give the colored pencils to the boys. I know prisma color coloring - pencils are expensive. Those types of things I buy at income tax time or myself because I know what I need and don't need. Especially since I've been using them more this year. I kept the drawing pencils. Hubby gave me his mechanical pencils since he doesn't use or like them. We both gave the small sketch pencil thingies to the boys. The sketch books were put to the side for the boys. Harlen likes hardback sketch and I like the spiral.

What irritated me most... why I really hate attending such functions, it always circles around the two sil's and the only two granddaughters. I get really tired of the obvious favoritism. They got the one neice a barbie house, made her open it last of all. You can tell this girl already knows she's better than people.. I was so ready to go home after five minutes...

So when I got home it was a blessing. I had wanted to write but I was already in a dismal mood. The boys seem to be pleased with what they got. Those paper guitars ended up a great hit with them. Then Austin was estatic over his John Cena shirt, hat, and necklace. He's still wearing the shirt. LOL.

Harlen is probably pissed at me... but I got so sick of seeing the tree, cleaning around it, and chasing the pups away from the garland, that I dismantled the fucking thing. I really do not have anything to be down and depressed about... but I am. Last night I just wanted to cry myself to sleep. The same thing today.

Nancy A Collins at Bittenby books

2010-12-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

New-to-me author.

So head on over to Bittenbybooks to read the interview, answer her questions, ask some of your own questions. The prize is 75 dollar gift-card to amazon.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34371

Kris Cook is at Bitten by Books

2010-12-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Kris Cook is currently hanging out at Bitten by books, talking about his series Texas Wolf Pack... And well, for those not familiar with the author, well, you learn something interesting.. Not saying.

So head on over to Bitten by books. Answer his question, even ask him a question or two.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34315

Jennifer Rainey is at Bittenbybooks

2010-12-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Rainey - from my understanding a semi-new author - is hanging out at Bitten by books. So come on over, read her interview, answer her questions and toss out a few questions of your own.

The prize is a 50 dollar Amazon Gift-card.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34206

Carole Nelson Douglas is at Bitten by Books

2010-12-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Bitten by Books got Carole Nelson Douglas. So head on over to read her blog and Contest.

She was talking about alcohol drink mixes. Sounds good? Well she even has a recipe. Something neat to try this season, ne? Well head on over, answer her question, throw out a question to her...

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34213

Clare Willis is at Bittenbybooks

2010-12-07T18:14:00.000-08:00

Another new to me author! From reading the article, she is an author who likes to inject her stories with humor! Wee! I need a good humorous book from time to time.

So head on over to read the interview, anwer her questions and throw out some questions. Here is the link http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33955

S.L. Wright at Bitten by books

2010-12-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

New to me author... but damn, the thought of emotion-eating demons living underground, sort of like Larissa Ione's Demonica books really wets my appetite.

Doesn't it sound good?

Plus, this is a chance to win a Kindle! So what are you waiting for, hurry over to bitten by books, ask her some questions, answer her questions. Overall have fun. http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33965

Sarah Beth Drust is at Bittenbybooks

2010-12-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

Another new to me author! So why don't you show her some support by coming by Bittenbybooks to read her interview (I know just reading it made me interested in her books), answer her questions and shoot off a few questions for HER to answer...

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33777

Cheyenne McCray is at bittenbybooks

2010-12-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

Squee! Now here is an author I read!

And I especially love how she used drows! Yup, yup, any author who can write drows in their stories gets kudos and thumbs upfor me. But yeah, she is currently hanging out on Bittenbybooks, so head on over to read the interview, ask some questions.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33747

Rachel Aaron Interview/Contest at Bitten by books

2010-12-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

Another new-to-me author. I really enjoyed her interview at Bittenbybooks. Here is another author who shares my love for manga and anime! So come on over and read the interview, answer her questions, and ask a few.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33737

Cynthia Eden at Bitten by books

2010-11-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

Now I know there are many fans of this author! Thanks to the generosity of my friend Bama, I got to read this author!

Very HOT! No disappointment in these books and author!

So head on over to Bitten by books http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33703

Christina Henry at Bitten By books

2010-11-30T11:08:00.001-08:00

New to me author... But from reading the interview (hey you have to go read the interview and questions yourself!) I am definitely going to put this book on my "Must read List"

So head on over to Bitten by books and read the interview. Hey while you are there, answer her questions and ask her a few.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33694

Lisa Desrocher on Bitten by books

2010-11-29T16:07:00.001-08:00

For readers who like Angels would really like this book. Or so my understanding from reading the interview on Bitten by Books. Interested in reading for yourself, head on over to Bitten by books..http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33635

Marjorie M Liu at Bittenbybooks

2010-11-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

The awesome author and creator of the Dirk & Steel books! Yes, yes I have read quite a few of this author's works. Sure, due to money I have gotten behind which I really ought to remedy.

I really gotta get the rest of the books in the series!

The humor in Tiger Eye is what possessed me to read more of this author's works. I still to this day giggle when I remember this one scene! But anyhow, she is currently at Bitten by books, talking about her latest book and answering questions. So head on over. http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33611

Larissa's Life's 3rd Anniversary Contest

2010-11-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

Snitched off Larissa's Life

Hey everyone! So here’s the thing, tomorrow, November 26th, this little blog of mine is going to be 3 years. For the first couple of years the blog was mainly a personal blog, where I shared my stories, adventures and whatever came to my mind. However, a little over an year ago i decided to start sharing my opinion on the books I had been reading and that’s how this blog as you know it started.

I am Jewish, but since this year I will be spending Xmas with my mom and stepdad (who are not Jewish) in Portugal, I decided to have this giveaway be a celebration of both dates. Please remember you don’t have to celebrate Xmas to participate =D

Let’s get down to business, shall we?

Alien Tango - Gini Koch
Sin Undone - Larissa Ione
Double Cross - Carolyn Crane
Magic BLeeds - Ilona Andrews
City of ghosts - Stacia Kane
Crazy for Love - Victoria Dahl
Lover Mine - JR Ward
Blameless - Gail Carriger
Silverborne - Patricia Briggs

To enter head over here! http://www.larissaslife.com/2010/11/3rd-blogoversary-xmas-giveaway.html##

Donna Grant is at Bittenbybooks

2010-11-09T12:02:00.001-08:00

Highlanders ... sexy warriors

Druids (hey if you are a druid lover like me)

So have I caught your attention on that. Alright, you over there, stick your tongue back in your mouth and cease with the drooling. LOL.

Donna Grant currently has a character interview over at Bitten bybooks. Quinn is answering some questions. So head on over and ask him some questions or even Donna.

Link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33005

Taylor Keating at Bittenbybooks

2010-11-09T11:58:00.001-08:00

New - to - me - author.

Game Over came highly recommended in the Writeminded Yahoo group. The gals (well the ones who read it) had awesome words to say about the book. I may just have to pick up the book because of that.

She is currently at Bittenbybooks. She has an interview and asked some interesting questions. Especially if people is a gamer or not! So head on over to shoot off a few of your own questions, answer hers and just have fun!

The Link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=33010

Lucy Snyder at Bittenbybooks

2010-11-08T21:26:00.001-08:00

Another new to me author! In her interview at Bittenbybooks Lucy talks about a few of her favorite fairy tales and bedtime stories!

She even asks about others' favorites! So come on over, answer her question, ask her a few and just have fun!

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32965

Bekka Black at Bitten by books

2010-11-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

New to me author. She does a neat twist with IDracula.

Definitely something people needs to come over to Bittenbybooks to read her interview and see for themselves. She even has an interesting question.

Which would you give up first? Internet or Running water! So head on over to Bittenbybooks, answer her questions and ask a few. Overall have fun!

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32970

Allyson James / Jennifer Ashley at Bittenbybooks

2010-11-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Woot! Another author that I have read!

My first introduction to Jennifer Ashley / Allyson James was with the Immortal books that she did with Joy Nash and Robin Pop. I remember reading about the series in Romantic Times Review.

Hunter! He is my favorite out of the brothers.

But yeah, she is currently hanging out at Bitten by books. She asked some questions, so throw out some of your own! http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32836

NALINI SINGH at Bitten by books

2010-11-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Another popular author is at Bitten by books. Nalini Singh has been highly recommended to me by several of my book friends. I have been holding out until I can find the first book in her Psy series before taking the plunge.

I do however have Caressed by Ice.

So head on over to Bitten by books, answer her question, throw out some questions and just have fun: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32825

GENA SHOWALTER FANS - Bitten By books

2010-11-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

My first foray with Showalter's books was with The Darkest Night. She was brought to my attention by my friend Keeshe who absolutely loved her Atlantis series, telling me to keep an eye out for a particular book.

Keeshe has never steered me wrong with books. I do remember her going on and on about this "latest" series by Showalter, that I absolutely had to pick it up like "now".

So when I spotted The Darkest Night in the Used Book Store I nabbed it. Another friend had sent me The Stone Prince and Savor Me Slowly (sad to say they are still in my tbr pile sorry!). But after reading TDN I was hooked on this series. I do remember December and January getting myself caught up by getting books from the library.

But yeah, she is currently hanging out at Bitten by books. So come on over, ask her some questions for I know many of you have them. Heck even answer her questions.

Here is the link (for I know you guys want it) http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32812

Skyler White at Bitten by Books

2010-11-02T13:30:00.001-07:00

Any Dark Fantasy fans here?

Skyler White talks about the research she put in for this book. Very informative. So head on over to read for yourself, answer the questions she posed and ask some of your own.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32754

Devon Monk at Bitten by books

2010-11-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Attention Steampunk Fans! Here is a book for you!

Yes, well, I do admit that I have not yet read a book in this genre. What's stopping me? Just have not found the right book to open me up to this genre nor really had the money to pick one up.

Money is a good indicator but I am interested in this genre.

What's more? Yes there is more.... You may be able to win a Kindle. Yup, you heard right, a kindle! So come on over, answer Devon's questions, heck even ask her some of your own, and just have fun!

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32769

Caridad Piñeiro is at Bittenbybooks

2010-11-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

I have been eyeing Caridad's books for some time. I really should stop dragging my feet, and buy books by authors I have been eyeing to "try" them out. The only way to see if I'm going to like books or not.

Stronger than Sin is her newest release. If you want to learn more, you have to come to Bitten by books to see her exciting news.

The link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32709

Hey hey Maggie Shayne Fans!!!

2010-10-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

I know there are fans out there!!! I am a big fan of Maggie Shayne's. So guess what? She's currently hanging out at Bittenbybooks. Yup, you have heard correctly. Shayne is at Bittenbybooks!

She is sharing the story about how she got started! So c'mon, throw out some questions for Shayne. She is a wickedly awesome author and very talented lady.

Here is the LInk: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32575

Melissa de la Cruz at Bitten bybooks

2010-10-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

The third contest/interview in Bittenbybooks triple hitter.

Since Melissa de la Cruz is a new to me author there is really not much I can say. If you are a fan, like to tell me some about her books? I'm all ears?

So head on over to read her interview contest, ask her some questions. All in all, join in and have fun: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32537

Juliana Stone at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

Bittenbybooks is having a triple-hitter today!!!

This author came highly recommended to me by several gals in the Writeminded group and on twitter. I even have the first book in my to be read pile!

I have just been incredibly behind on my reading! Yes, Yes I know very bad. Juliana is talking about music and paranormal, so head on over to Bittenbybooks to read her event! Answer her questions and join the fun

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32531

Attention all Rachel Caine Fans!!!!

2010-10-26T16:11:00.001-07:00

Did I get your attention! Good! Guess what?

Rachel Caine is having a kick-arse contest over at Bittenbybooks.

Just what is the hubbub all about? Well, the prize is...... IPAD

Yup, yup! You read that correctly.

How you are wondering can you win that prize (many people are interested in getting one), that you will have to check on your on over at the Bittenbybooks. Heheh, so head on over to Bittenbybooks to see how you can get an entry or two. Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32545

Mindy Klasky at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

For those genie lovers this story is for you! Mindy and her character Teel are doing an interview and answering questions. I have been reading Teel's answers to the questions and she is a riot.

So head on over to Bittenbybooks to join the fun. Think of some really nifty questions to ask her! I love to see the different questions posed.

Here is the link:http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32507

Jo Ramsey is at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Jo Ramsey is today's guest at Bittenbybooks. She is talking about her book Filtration System, the second book in her Reality Shift.

Come on over, enjoy the interview and answer her questions, ask a few of your own and just have fun.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32232

Free book giveaway...

2010-10-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in magic and faery tales?

Faery Tale is about the adventure of one woman, a memoir of sorts on her exploits in searching sites that hold rich mythological meaning in the hopes of regaining the beliefs of childhood.

The synopsis of this book really moves me. Many people believe that magic has died or there never truly was. I however can not accept this. To believe there is no such thing is too bleak.

So come over to BBB and try your hand at winning this book! Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32156

Lakisha Spletzer at Bitten by Books

2010-10-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Lakisha is mixing things up at Bitten by books. The next best thing to Character Interviews are Vlog Interviews. This gives the reader a chance to see the person responsible for the world and characters they love!

You do NOT want to miss this. So head on over, say hi or shoot off some questions.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32169

Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie interview at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Bittenbybooks is having the best kind of interview.

Character Interview with Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie's character's Witch Skye and Amanda! So grab a snack and a drink and come over, read the interview, have fun!

Ask some questions... Or simply come by to drop a "hello"

The link is here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32161

Author H.P. Mallory at Bitten by books

2010-10-18T19:26:00.001-07:00

So the bulk of my posts have been promoting authors making appearances at Bittenbybooks. BBB always has a contest going, and they always bring out an author I have never read before. Because of them, I have broadened my reading.

Today's showcased author is H.P. Mallory. Wish I knew this author well enough to broadcast her works.

So head on over, answer her questions, and ask a few questions of your own. Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=32132

Andrea Cremer at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

This cover is truly wicked! I would love to have a poster to place it on my walls. Some may think it disturbing due to the blood on the lilies.

The woman's eyes really capture one's attention.

Andrea Cremer is currently at Bittenby books, answering questions, asking some questions. So why don't you come by, say hi, ask a question or two, and just join in the fun.

The link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31914

Evolve being featured at Bitten By books

2010-10-13T22:18:00.001-07:00

What is Evolve by chance?

Evolve features twenty-three stories and one poem by a wide range of Canadian authors. It is published by EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing. It was released in the US in September.

It's theme: Vampires.

Heheh, that got the vampire lovers attention! So come on over and read the event going on at Bittenbybooks! You won't regret it! Here is the LInk: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31867

Lish McBride at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

This, by reading the interview on Bittenbybooks, is Lish McBride's debute (she is new to the publishing world). So I want everyone to come over to Bittenbybooks, make her feel welcome, ask her some questions, answer her questions.

C'mon! Let's all go! http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31863

Andrew Kaufman at Bitten by books

2010-10-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

Andrew Kaufman, as his interview states, was once a television journalist now turned author. Sounds neat... Want to learn more about this author? Especially something that he had to experience to put in a book!

Then head over to Bitten by books to read the interview for yourself! Hehe, I said enough just to try to hook your interest.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31759

V.C. Andrew Book Giveaway at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

So, who here has read V.C. Andrews? Now I can safely say that I have read one, possible two books by her during my teen years. Back then, I really did not care what I read, just that I consumed written word.

I am pretty certain my friend Shannon loaned me one or two books by Andrews to read. Then, after highschool, I forgot a good deal of authors I have read during my teen years.

The hubby was given a box full of V.C. Andrew books. They are a favorite of his, so he was estatic on getting these books from his aunt and mother. Since I really hate leaving books in paper boxes, I migrated them into a plastic tote since I have no room on my bookshelf for them.

So if you too are a fan of Andrews, head on over to Bittenbybooks to try to win Daughter of Darkness. Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31754

Erin McCarthy is at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-07T17:27:00.001-07:00

Erin McCarthy... Now I have read one book of hers. Really liked it!

Who else likes Erin? Well, right now she is a guest at Bittenbybooks. She has a profound question about Home. What is home to everyone? So come on over and answer that question.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31530

K.A. M'Lady is at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-07T17:20:00.001-07:00

Guess who one of Bittenbybooks guests are? K.A. M'Lady.

Right now she is talking about monsters, so I would suggest everyone to come to Bittenbybooks to see what she said about them.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31522

Zoe Archer at Bitten by books

2010-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing this author's name a lot of late. Authors and Reviewers have been singing Zoe Archer's praise, which helps me become insanely curious about this author and her books.

She is currently hanging out at Bitten by books. So come on by and enjoy it. Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31462

J.K. Beck and Kindle contest at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know J.K. Beck is Julie Kenner?

Hehe, thanks to Bitten by Books, I just learned that.

So who here has read Julie Kenner. * Raises hand* Friend of mine (Keeshe) was so into her one series, and so loaned me her collection so I can read them..

Another friend highly recommends these books enough that she plans to send down the first book to read. Wee! How can you not pass up such an offer.

There is another reason to join... There is a possibility to win a Kindle. Sweet ne? So come on over, answer and ask her some questions.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31430

Kalayna Price at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Another out-standing cover. Is it just me or is the covers of late being, well, for the lack of a better word "Awesome".

Sadly, I have yet to read anything from this author, but reading the little bit on Bittenbybooks, this and her other series are going on my To Be Bought list. In a way, the background pputs me in mind of Harrison's Hollow's and Brigg's Mercy books where the world is aware of Fae's dexistence than they being secret.

Want to check more.. well come on over, ask some questions.

Here is the link:http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31439

Eden Bradley at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Eden Bradley is currently at Bitten by books, asking some questions and answering them. The main focus of her questions is the allure of vampires. So come on over, tell her what you like about vampires.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31388

Sam Stone is at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

Sam Stone is currently being interviewed and having a contest at Bittenbybooks. One of the questions asked her was "Why do you think Urban Fantasy had become SO popular?" Her insight on this and her answer is excellent.

So come on by, read the rest of the interview, even ask a few questions yourself, or even answer the questions she has posed.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31396

Marta Acosta at Bitten by books

2010-10-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Who here has read Marta Acosta? Friend of mine sent me "Happy Hour at Casa Dracula" two or three months ago. Sad to say it is still circulating in my To Be Read pile.

If you are a fan of this author and series, I would highly suggest you high-gear your behind over to Bittenbybooks. She talks about the series, what direction it's going, and so forth.

Here is the link:http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31405

Editor Jaym Gates Release Party at Bitten by books

2010-10-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Zombie erotica anyone? Hey now, even the dead and rotting like to get frisky and kinky.

Um, I really don't think that is my fetish. No, no, nothing wrong with those of you who are. I just get very uneasy when my partner wants to tear into me and "literally" eat me. I just do not swing that way. LOL

Come over to Bitten by books to see what the hell I'm talking about! You just gotta join in on this! Here is the link * while handing over a blood martini with an eyeball* http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31238

Marie Treanor is at Bittenbybooks

2010-10-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

Marie Treanor I got to chat with via an email chat from Author Island. She was incredibly sweet and wonderful woman! What more, she lives in Scotland, a country that I really want to visit, that and Ireland.

She is currently at Bittenbybooks, answering questions, asking questions to her readers. So come on over, and just have fun!

The link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31208

Merrie Destefano at Bitten By Books

2010-09-30T18:36:00.001-07:00

Merrie Destefano is a new to me author. I have never heard of her before now; however this cover does garauntee me to pick up the book and read the back. Reading her explanation in the back, people having the ability to resurrect is a new and unique quirk which may even have me buying this book. It's fresh, new, unique.

Rao likes unique!

She is currently at Bittenbybooks. So come on over, answer her questions, fire her off some questions and simply have a good time.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31181

Carolyn Crane at Bitten by books

2010-09-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

I have heard wonderful things about this author and book series. Ali, from Simply Ali's blog, raved on and on about it. There is where I won my copy of MIND GAMES, which I have yet to read. I will be rectifying that hopefully sometime in October.

Right now she is currently at Bitten by books, asking readers questions about book covers - which she had some very interesting insight about, answering questions readers asked her. So come on over and join.

I really liked how she broke down her own book covers.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31178

Sketching... Kiirri Character Sheet.

2010-09-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Couple weeks ago I started back in drawing/sketching. To be honest it has been a year or two since I last picked up a pencil and attempted to draw. I use to draw all the time but the hassel of kids and a non-supporting husband does take it's toll.

For a spell I attempted to get back into the swing of things, down to the point of acknowledging my weak points in drawing. Those I decided to work mostly on. Plus, finding reliable and non-provacative or slutty stock is about difficult.

Seems it is all about the sex appeal. My character Kiirri is not that provacative. She really is naive about her sexual allure to men.

Bonnie on my facebook friend's list has been very helpful with my art... From my coloring of linearts to my drawing. After the many linearts I have been working, some confidence leaked in and the want, the craving to draw caught me.

The first part of this I had her breasts too low. Proportions are difficult for me. It is what brings forth a great deal of my aggrivation and irritation. Bonnie put it in a way that did not seem too condescending as others can often be.

Yeah, I will never achieve the greatness of some people... But you know what? I really don't want to. This is my style evidently. This still is in the progress stage. I need to work on the arms and legs. Then the garments.

Decided to do a Character Vital Sheet on her:

VITALS:
GENDER, AGE, PLACE OF RESIDENCE OF THE CHARACTER.
Female
20ish
Little sylvan-style cottage deep in Ellyon Woods, which is really close to Elven Sanctuary, Minerva, and Exodus. The bulk of the forest is beneath Elven Sanctuary’s jurisdiction and acts as a boundary marker for the Human Realm, Minerva and the Realm Exodus.

BIRTHPLACE. ALL CITIES/TOWNS OF RESIDENCE FROM BIRTH TO CURRENT.
Aviara - this small village in Minerva is technically a border village. Ellyon Woods flanks its one side which brings game for food, furs for selling, and lumber for building.

Ellyon Woods . The forest was her playground and resonates with her soul being a changeling (natural shape changer)

OCCUPATION, IF ANY. MOST AND LEAST FAVORITE JOB EVER.
Mercenary - After all the weapons training Kiirri received, and remembering vague bits of her birth father’s stories of being a mercenary, it was the obvious choice for her to become. Plus, it requires her to travel quite often, not remaining in one place.

RELIGION. EDUCATIONAL LEVEL (AND SCHOOLS, IF ANY).
Kiirri has a reverence and respect for all pantheon, and she does not follow just one.
High Educational Level many would say. Her adopted sylvan mother was sort of a scholarly type and she taught Kiirri a wide-range of topics from languages: drow, elven, common to histories and the like.

NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND THEIR RELATIVE AGES.
None. Kiirri was an only child. Her parents were murdered when she was five or six years of age. What her mother was not aware of, nor did her husband or daughter suspected, Meadra was pregnant. Zhimmer believed her only child was stillborn.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS:
HEIGHT, WEIGHT, RACE.
5’5’’

Changeling/Human

EYE-COLOR, SKIN-COLOR, AND HAIR COLOR. HOW DOES CHARACTER WEAR HER/HIS HAIR.
Azure blue
Peach
Golden-blonde
The sides in a complicated yet sylvan-style knot-braid that stopped just above the gentle curve of her rounded ears, the end dangled, barely grazing the shoulder, and looped toward the nape to be banded with stiff leather. The rest was woven in a tight, neat braid down her back

FIRST THING A STRANGER WOULD NOTICE ABOUT CHARACTER.
The aura or sense of purity and innocence about her

DESCRIBE CHARACTER'S FEATURES.
Ordinarily human features: normal shaped eyes, delicately arched brows, rounded cheeks. Many do say her features are delicate and noble in a sense.

DESCRIBE CHARACTER'S BODY.
Curvy, lean without looking unnourished

FAVORITE THINGS:
TIME OF DAY; TIME OF YEAR; TYPE OF WEATHER.
Morning - she can be quite irritating (especially to us non-morning people)
Autumn - Though autumn and winters are not too chilly in this area. Elven Sanctuary being close to Feidan’s equator, so the winters and autumns are mild. Perhaps a snow here or there. Despite that, the leaves still change their hue, and she enjoys the splash of colors their change brings to the forest.
Sunny with a hint of a breeze. It was her favorite time with Zhimmer, out in the forest, learning from her adoptive mother. Good weather to simple sit in the grass, head tilted up, and simply bask in the warmth against your face.

SINGER OR MUSICIAN (AND WHY?), SONG.
Minstrels or Bards - Elvish or Human, it really does not matter to Kiirri. Being on the move, often sleeping out in the elements, to have the opportunity to enjoy a bard or minstrel’s music/song is a treat.

Sylvan Lullaby her adopted mother often sang to her when Kiirri was young. The melody and lyrics reached her through her most traumatic times.

Another song she likes, which it is rarely sung anymore, is the account of Kementhyr and the Demon King Dogma. Smattering of elvish ballads.

TYPES OF PETS.
Kiirri’s pet does not make an appearance until later in the story (black cray-panther named Midnight); however, being a changeling and having the ability to communicate telepathically, all animals have a penchant of friending her.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY (IF APPLICABLE). SLEEPING POSITION. FOODS OR BEVERAGES.
Kiirri’s virginal except close to the end of the story. Kheldin initiates her gently.
On her left side
Elvish honey-mead

COLOR, AND WHY, AND HOW DOES CHARACTER INCLUDE THIS COLOR IN HIS OR HER LIFE?
Nature colors; however ice-blue, the color of Kheldin’s eyes, are fast becoming a favorite shade/color to her.

When you grow up with a sylvan-elf as a mother one learns to revere and respect the woodlands, along with wearing browns, greens, and grays does wonders in helping one camouflage themselves into their scenery. A lesson that Kiirri caught on quickly.

BEHAVIOR:
HOW DOES CHARACTER ACT AROUND POLICE OFFICIALS. VENDORS. THE DYING? HIS OR HER PARENTS. STRANGERS?
Being a mercenary, and often times bounty-hunter (depending on the job available) she works closely with police officials. Unless they prove to be untrustworthy, she would treat them accordingly.

Polite yet aloof.

Being a softie in heart, she would be considerate, kind and thoughtful. Even though she may not know the dying person she would still mourn.

Ehh, since her parents died when she was five/six, Kiirri often grows somber, melancholy when remembering the people responsible for her life. There is unconditional love. With Zhimmer she always behaved respectful, mindful to the teachings, and with love.

HOW DOES CHARACTER UNCONSCIOUSLY SHOW IRRITATION. SATISFACTION? LUST?
In irritation - sometimes her hold on her ability to shift slips. Her rounded pupils will lengthen to ovals, faint fang action in the mouth, and her voice roughens. All this is more pronounced when agitated or angered.

Satisfaction - Her features seem to light up, and she has a ready smile on her face. Her blue eyes seem to sparkle

HOW, WHEN, AND WHY DOES THE CHARACTER LIE TO OTHERS? HOW, WHEN, AND WHY DOES CHARACTER LIE TO HIM/HERSELF?
When she feels the “lie” would save another’s life or emotions.

Often she would “Lie” to herself to convince herself that what she did was justified on sparing another.

WHAT DOES CHARACTER SINGS IF SHE/HE THINKS NO ONE IS LOOKING?
Sylvan Lullaby

ACTIVITIES:
WHAT DOES CHARACTER ENJOY DOING DURING THE MORNING, AFTERNOON, AND NIGHTS?
-----------------------------------

DOES CHARACTER HAVE A LOVER, PARTNER OR SPOUSE? NAME REASONS CHARACTER IS WITH THIS PARTNER, LOVER, OR SPOUSE.
Kheldin “Fei” Morindum, drow, mage, mercenary, member of The Phoenix Wing mercenary group.

Fei, as Kiirri affectionately calls him, defied great odds to free Kiirri of her torment, to free her enough so that she could live life and to have a future. Never once did Fei, even when Kiirri was being noble in what she perceived on sparing him of his life, quit on her or stopped believing in her.

Outside their circle of friends and the members of The Phoenix Wing, people frowned on their relationship. They felt a human (that’s how they seen her) should not be or fornicate or love a drow. Neither Kiirri nor Kheldin cared about stereotypes.

Kiirri looked beyond the outter shell to the man beneath and liked the nobleness there. Kheldin may be drow but he did not behave like his dark kin. No, Kheldin’s heart was that of a knight and sylvan.

DOES CHARACTER DAYDREAM? WHAT ABOUT? DOES CHARACTER WORRY? WHAT ABOUT? She tries not to daydream; she really can not afford the whimsy.
Yes, she worries. Kiirri worries often that she will slip up, make a mistake that would either cost her, her very existence or the health of one of her friends. This nags and eats at her.

POSSESSIONS:
NUMBER OF KEYS ON A KEYCHAIN? WHAT DO THEY OPEN?
One - the cottage she inherited from Zhimmer in Ellyon Woods.

ITEM (S) IN CHARACTER'S BEDROOM OTHERS WOULD NOTICE?
-----------------------------------

NAME SOME POSSESSIONS OR TALENTS THAT THE CHARACTER POSSESS.
Talents -- Her ability to assume any animal’s shape.
Her innate ability to communicate telepathic with animals. Just the merging of the mind, they need no words. She understands them, and they understand her.

Possessions: The Dallig Blade - The long-sword was almost plain in its workmanship, nothing out of the ordinary for a mercenary to own and yet, there is a sense of age about it. Its pommel was an ordinary circular shape with intricate blending of human, dwarves, and elven whorls etched in the center and accented with flakes of pale, almost icy blue and blooded red stones.

The stone chips are nearly non-existent except when the light plays on them just right. They give the illusion of stone-glass, to give the sword a bit of posh than simply ordinary. Nothing to make it gaudy or one to be stolen for its beauty.

Supple brown leather wound around the grip to insure the holder’s hands did not slip. The cross-guard was a simple, elongated C shape with its maw open towards the blade. Another branch or prong springs forth from the C’s belly, more slender and round, curling with its balled points nearly touching the blade’s edge.

The whorl-design on the pommel matches the design on the nearly flat cross-guard with more blue and red slivers. Down the length of the blade, on either side of the fuller are ancient, arcane runes of protection.

The icy-blue stone flakes absorb the light while the blooded red chips respond to fire. The sword-smith infused a mild fire dweomer into the iron. Why the sword: hilt and blade is always warm (never hot, more like body-heat temperature) to the touch.

Silver, detailed oak-leaved ear wrap (sylvan design) on her left ear.

In Ellyon Woods, in a jewelry box, she has the simple bands her parents used to wed.

MOST OFT-WORN SHOES. LONGEST-OWNED PIECE OF CLOTHING.
The last pair of boots Zhimmer bought for Kiirri before the ambush that took the sylvan-elf’s life. Kiirri wears them whenever she’s home, which is sparingly, and constantly being on the road, she often has to replace her boots.

The leather patch-work jerkin; it belonged to Zhimmer (along with the Pauldrons and bracers)

HISTORY:
WHAT DOES CHARACTER THINK NOW OF MOM AND DAD? BROTHERS AND SISTERS. FAMILY MEMBERS?
Since her parents are dead she really misses them. Their memory is vague but the emotions are warm whenever she thinks of the parents who died. The same thought applies to Zhimmer. There is often the thought of “What If” that crosses her mind. What if they survived? How would her life be different?

NAME SOME CHILDHOOD EVENTS THAT SHAPED CHARACTER'S PERSONALITY AND/OR VIEWS?
-----------------------------------

CHARACTER'S FIRST LOVE.. HOW DID IT END (IF IT DID END).
Kheldin -- And it did not end.

THE LAST TIME CHARACTER CRIED WAS WHEN?
Zhimmer’s death. Hm, can not give up too much info or else I would be giving spoilers to the story.

LEAST FAVORITE:
PERSON OR PERSONS? FOOD OR DRINK? ETC?
The demons that have been hunting her down and not caring on the destruction and the lives they take.

THING ABOUT OWN BEHAVIOR? THING ABOUT OWN BODY?
-----------------------------------

OTHER:
CHARACTER'S NAME. HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE HIS/HER NAME. DID YOU DECIDE THIS BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS.
Kiirri Dallig
Keyr-ree Dale-leeg
Way before; although, I do tend to alternate between one “L” or two in her surname. This is still up to debate, though as of right now I am liking it better with two “L”s.

Rachel Vincent at Bitten by books

2010-09-29T14:22:00.003-07:00

Is it true? The Faythe books are coming to an end?

For those curious about this, you would have to read for yourself at Bittenbybooks. Rachel Vincent will answer that question.

She is also taking on questions about the series.So do you have a burning question about anything in the series, here is your opportunity to ask.

The link is here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31160

Stephanie Draven at Bitten by books

2010-09-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Draven has some vastly interesting information about nymphs.

Why? The heroine of her book "Poisoned Kisses" is a nymph. Which is nifty. I am so liking how authors are bringing various races from lore, working on them, making their own tweaks so the race is uniquely theirs.

So grab a drink, maybe a snack and head on over to Bitten by books, read her interview and awesome insight on nymphs, ask her a question, even answer her question.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31152

Erica Hayes is at Bittenbybooks

2010-09-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

I have to say that of late there has been some seriously awesome covers out. You can really see the progression and growth, the change from now's covers to books I read ten to fifteen years ago.

This is another great photo. I so want to be this chick.

Mm, I have read where the heroine is a banshee. Now that is a race that I have not seen in books or even as a main character. I think I seen one, but that key element really snagged my attention.

However, Erica is hanging out at Bittenbybooks. Why not come over, drop a question, answer hers and have fun! Here is the link http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31084

Jennifer Estep at Bittenbybooks

2010-09-28T18:01:00.001-07:00

First I have to say this cover seriously kicks ass!

This cover would garauntee me to pick the book up and read the back. If the synopsis grabs me then it is safe to say it would be bought. The Cover Gods/Goddess has been extremely kind to her!

Jennifer Estep is a new to me author. She's currently at Bittenbybooks. And she comments on wimpy heroines, and how that is not her type of thing. I adore this author for that because I want a strong, ballsy, snarky heroine!

So come on over to Bittenbybooks, tell her who your favorite heroine (hey it can be anyone and I put anime heroines in there!)

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31088

At Bittenbybooks: Book and Jewelry Giveaway: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-09-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard/seen this author during the Dabwaha voting.

Are Angels your thing? Head on over to Bittenbybooks. There is a sweet prize. Now I am not much into Angels; however, my mother is. Why I always try to get her something angel-ish.

So come on over... http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=31078

Kerrelyn Sparks at Bitten by books

2010-09-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

This author I have been eyeing for some time. Just too many books I want to read, so little time (and too little money to buy all the ones I want). I have heard a good number of reviews about this author's work.

Has anyone ever read her works? Whatcha think? Good? Should I read them?

Well, she is currently hanging out at Bittenbybooks. So come over, answer her questions (since I haven't read her series I can't) and ask her a question. But I have to admit that cover is YUMMY!

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30995

M.K. Hobson at Bitten By books

2010-09-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

Again, another attention grabber of a cover. Very "mystic" and definitely fits the theme with a Witch and Warlock characters.

M.K. did a Vlog interview (this really gives you a sense of closeness to the author, to see the mastermind behind the scenes.) So come on over to Bitten by books, shoot out a question.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30847

Laura Resnick at Bitten By Books

2010-09-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Now is that not an eye-catching cover?

Laura Resnick is a new-to-me author, but the opening line in her event at Bitten by books really catches your attention:

Overdressed zombies, vicious gargoyles, a severed hand… and the night is still young!

Curious Yet? Well head on over to Bitten by Books to read the rest of the interview and event. Laura has some really neat questions she asked readers about comedy. Why should she be the only one to ask questions. You can always ask her one.

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30852

The Darkest Hour - Maya Banks Book Review

2010-09-17T23:37:00.000-07:00

Now the people who know me are aware of my reservations on doing book reviews.

First I feel that I suck at them.

Two, I fear giving up spoilers and ruining it for another.

Now there are books that simply prompt me to try my hand at reviews. I feel they "deserve" them because they are that good. The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks is one of those books.

The Darkest Hour was my second foray with Maya's works. This was not as erotic as For Her Pleasure, my first Maya book I read.

Was I disappointed? Heck fire no!

The scenes were not only hot but major tear-jerkers. This book will invoke your emotions, I should give that fair warning out for my heart pained for the hero and heroine.

Will I pick up further KGI books? You betcha! I found that I really liked the Kelly brothers, their interaction with each other and what they perceive as family. And, I really latched and connected with the character Rusty. I should warn all that I do have a penchant on liking side characters usually more than the main ones.

Little kernal of hope sprung that eventually she'll get a book, and well that she'd end up with the youngest of the Kelly family due to their interactions in the book. Yush that is a major hint hint to the author. LOL..

So yeah, this druid definitely gives The Darkest Hour two thumbs up and her Dev Bear's two claws up in approval.

Maria V Snyder at Bittenbybooks!

2010-09-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Instead of an author interveiw, this is a character interview.

Honestly I simply love when authors do character interviews; instead of the author's insight, we instead get the characters which helps to make them feel, appear real in our perspectives.

There are times when I wish an author would do more because certain characters you just connect to.

So head on over, ask some questions, and just have fun. Here is the link. http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30706

C.E. Murphy is at Bittenbybooks

2010-09-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Now this is an author I have been eye-balling for some time (there is really quite many of them) but never really gotten around to picking up a book to try.

Oddly enough I picked up an anthology from the library and guess who one of the authors is. Yup, you gotcha. CE Murphy. I honestly snatched the book because of Mercedes Lackey... and I am one of those people that reads EVERY story in an anthology.

But she is currently at Bittenbybooks. So come on over, shoot off some questions and join in the fun!

Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30702

Bitten by Books: Kindle contest/Blog Mania

2010-09-16T20:24:00.001-07:00

Bitten by Books is having another Kindle contest...

Then why am I entering such contests? Especially since I already own a kindle... Simple, I have three friends who would really like an ereader and right now with the economy being as it is, money is scarce.

In one friend's defense, she has two children. These three have done things for me, helped me out in a jam, and gotten things signed by authors for me.

If I won, then it would be a gift to say "Thank You" for everything they have done in the past for me and that I am so glad they are my friends.

And for you doubters out there... Through Bitten by books is where I got my kindle. So, yes, you do actually win an ereader. Here is the link: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30559