Friday, August 31, 2012

Embrace (Kane Wolves #2) by Annalise Grey



 
This book is a mature young adult paranormal romance/fantasy novel.  (Rated NC-17)
 
4.5 out of 5 stars
 
Work with me.  I'm trying something new.  Let me know if you can't read the font.
 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

If you pirate a book, do you eat the grapes while still in the grocery store?



Today, I have with me the author of Game of Zeus and Mimic of Rune series, Aimee Laine.

 
If you pirate a book, do you eat the grapes while still in the grocery store?


I’ve thought a lot about ePiracy since becoming a published author. You see, before it didn’t ‘hurt’ because I didn’t do it. I didn’t feel it. I didn’t experience any of the effects of someone taking my work and putting it out there ‘for free’. I just didn’t.

Did that make me naive? Stupid? Uneducated? Not know the rules?

No. Not at all.

I still understood that stealing is stealing. I learned that when I was three or four, maybe five. I don’t really remember when because not stealing is ingrained my psyche. It’s part of the makeup of person that I am.

If something is owned by someone else, and it’s meant to be paid for, I don’t take it and give it away unless given express permission to do so.

Now, how does this relate to grapes in a grocery store?

Well ... have you ever been shopping, picking out lettuce, tomatoes, maybe bananas and watched as someone picked grapes right from the bunch, popping them into their mouths and eating them right there ... before getting to the cash register?

Yup. I’ve seen it.

Is that stealing?

Yes, it is.

And, there’s NO WAY for the store to estimate just how much a person has eaten because people, unlike fruit, aren’t weighed at entry and weighed at exit. This sampling as some like to call it, as if that’s a euphemistic term to not say stealing, actually does hurt the grocery store’s bottom line, and while you may think one grape isn’t going to cost them that much, how about the 10 that you eat, the 10 that someone else does, the 10 others and so on until 1000s of grapes are eaten and never paid for?

You see? Just one grape may seem like so little, but it’s not just one. It’s the whole.

Yes, some grocery stores give away food, in specially marked containers, to entice shoppers to buy. But if those grapes aren’t in those dome-shaped, plastic containes marked ‘SAMPLES’, they aren’t free!

Just because grapes are easy pickin’ and open to all because of their packaging, doesn’t mean they are to be consumed without payment.

The same goes for an ebook. Just because it’s there and easy to download doesn’t mean you should grab it for your eReader. If you haven’t paid for it or borrowed it from a friend or library like a paperback (who have the right to share it with you), you’ve just eaten the grapes without paying.

So unless you’re two years old and haven’t yet learned this rule, I’m pretty sure you know the truth.

If stealing grapes is wrong, so is stealing books. Period. The same rule applies.

Aimee Laine

http://www.aimeelaine.com

Aimee is a romantic at heart and a southern transplant with a bit of the accent (but not a whole bunch). She's married to her high school sweetheart, and with him, she's produced three native North Carolinians, two of whom share the same DNA.

With an MBA and a degree in Applied Mathematics, there's absolutely no reason she should be writing romance novels. Then again, she shouldn't need a calculator to add two numbers, either ... but she does.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Eighty Days Yellow (Eighty Days #1) by Vina Jackson

 
Eighty Days Yellow (Eighty Days #1) by Vina Jackson
 
This is an adult erotica novel (Rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)
 
3.8 out of 5 stars
 
Book Summary
 
Caught in a frustrating relationship with a man who can't accept her for who she is, passionate, flame-haired violinist Summer finds release in her music. She spends her afternoons busking on the underground, lost in the works of Vivaldi or Mendelssohn. When her violin is damaged beyond repair, Summer receives a surprising proposition from Dominik, a university professor with powerful desires, who has been captivated by Summer ever since he heard her perform. Dominik will replace her priceless violin, but only if she agrees to play for him in a private concert.

Unable to deny the chemistry between them, Dominik and Summer embark on an intense affair full of daring twists and turns, as unpredictable as it is thrilling. For Summer it is a chance to finally embrace her long-denied dark side, but she'll soon learn that where there's pleasure must come pain. And can a relationship born of such all-consuming passion, ever really survive?
 
My Review
 
This book was brought to my attention as comparable to Fifty Shades of Grey. So I leaped on it. Let me just say that this book is more like Fifty Shades of Fucked Up, pardon my language. Anyway, still I’m compelled to read more and soon if possible. Okay my review will follow my roller coaster ratings from beginning to end.

Always, I begin at four stars for everyone. This one was no different. We meet Summer. And let me say that she is no saint and I’m okay with that. I don’t have to like the main character to enjoy story. More than that, I find that I admire Summer for making no bones about who and what she is. I can appreciate that what she does is no her own terms and isn’t hurting anyone else in the process.

The story then picks up in this strange game of push and pull between Summer and Dominik. I am fascinated at this point. It’s a bit weird and almost unbelievable yet I do believe. I could see it based on the personalities of both. So I am stared like a rabbit in a fox hole. This large section of the story is hot, hot, hot and all five shiny stars for me.

Then we hit about the 70% or 80% mark of the book and Summer changes. The girl who did what she wanted how and when she wanted became what she said she wasn’t. She began to do things she knew weren’t right at the whim of another for no real compelling reason. If she was heartbroken, I might have understood it. Yet, the author really didn’t convey that as the reason for her slippery fall. The things she did out right grossed me out, repulsed me. This shouldn’t have affected my rating but the believability of her actions just wasn’t there.

On top of it Dominik did things that are a “NO” in my book. You just don’t cross certain lines and he did.

Further disturbing is the resolution of the story. It was as if the publisher gave a limit on the number of words and the author realized she had to wrap it up. The solution came to quickly and unbelievably, forced. Still there was a bit of a cliff hanger and I would have much preferred if the cliff hanger would have come before the plane ride (for those who’ve read, you understand what I’m saying).

Anyway, I still was captured by this story enough to look for the next book which is only available in the UK. I want to read more and bad. I’m not sure what that says about me, lol.

Do I recommend, well if you liked the sex and BDSM of Fifty Shades of Grey, you will probably enjoy this one. If you like the romance of Fifty, this isn’t it. Still, overall I quite enjoyed. Did I mention I read straight through the night until 4am. Now that things are back on track sort of, I want to see when the preverbal shit hits the fan of the truth of everything is revealed.

FYI, I was so conflicted over this book I had to use formulas to rate it.

My book boyfriend Dominik (sort of). (Oh and he may not be exactly the picture of Dominik, but you get the idea.)



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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

 
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) ~ Cassandra Clare
 
This is a young adult fantasy book.  (Rated PG-13)
 
4.5 out of 5 stars
 
Book Summary
 
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends. With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.
 
My Review
 
Okay, now I understand the fascination with this series. This was a good book. Almost five stars but not quite.
 
The characters were well written as expected. We learn a lot more about Will which made me fall in love with him. We even learn more about Charlotte and Henry. It was just really an eye opening book in that way.
 
The story line is tragic. There was misunderstanding which I normally hate, but there were strong reasons for it which made it forgivable. There was just one thing that made this book not a five star book for me. The predictability of the timing of the event surrounding Tessa, Jem and Will towards the end of the book. I saw it coming and I was thinking to myself Cassandra Clare is going to show just how outstanding she is as a writer and not do what was expected. Yet there it was. Disappointing on so many levels. I can only see this ending like Bloodrose for there to be a HEA. And that would be disappointing to.
 
Still, I wait on baited breath for the next book just like everyone else. And hope for the best.
 
Overall, this series is shaping up better than TMI. I’m reading City of Lost Souls now. So be on the look out for my review in a couple of days.
 
Audio Review

Ed Westwick and Heather Lind narrated this one. Let me just say that individually they did a great job. Ed’s voice is sexy as all hell and I couldn’t have been more pleased that he was reading this one. My problem was how the duo was mixed in this story. And unfortunately, I didn’t really like it. If guys were in a chapter more he would read. Otherwise Heather would. I would have much preferred it the way that it was done with the Fever series. When the guy read the guy narration and the girl read the girl parts. Because this book is third person there really isn’t a clear POV change, thus making it confusing when who was chosen to read what. Anyway, I still enjoyed.

My book boyfriend, WILL. (in shouty caps no less.)
 
 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare


Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

This is a young adult steampunk novel (Rated PG-13)

4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Review

I’ve heard a LOT about this series. Mostly good things. I’ve actually not listened to the latest TMI/Jace book because Jace has disappointed me in the last two books. But after these, I think I will give it ago.

Now back to business. This book moves kinda slow but not really. It’s kinda dull but interesting. All in all it was an okay read better than a lot of things I’ve read recently. Enough so I am intrigued to continue on.

Will had a very Jace feel to me. Brooding and always pushing someone away for their own good. I kind of wish she would have chosen different characteristic. This storyline is almost “used up” in YA. Jem was refreshing. He was kind and sweet but not in the syrupy way that makes you gag. I actually really enjoyed him. Oh, Tessa. She was okay. Nothing exciting but she had a backbone and didn’t whine.

Audio Review

Jennifer Ehle did a decent job with this one. Her accents were spot on but at times she sounded a bit older than the book “feel”. Still, I was definitely pulled back in time with her inflections and overall voice. Good job.

Overall, it was a good read. I don’t regret and will push on.

My book boyfriend, Jem.



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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Be Apart of the Solution, Don't Pirate eBooks!




There is a misconception that famous authors are somehow rich and rolling in the money.  So who cares that we pirate their books.  That is a misconception.  Take what Jeanine Frost had to say about just that two years ago.


Myth # 1: If you’re a writer published in print by a large NY-based house, then you’re making a lot of money. Or, at least, you’ve living off your writing income and you’ve quit your day job.

Very often, this is not true. Again, established authors with solid careers and several books in print often do support themselves writing, but for the new author, things are quite different.

Across the board for fiction in all genres, including both small and large publishing houses, the average advance for a new author for a first book is reportedly $5,000.00. Out of that, if the author has an agent, 15% commission is shaves right off the top. Then, as an author, you’re often encouraged to get a website. The average starting cost of a basic website, if you’re not technically-inclined yourself, is $1,000.00 (and can go way up from there). After that, you have the cost of self-promotion, which can include attending a conference, investing in promotional items, or doing a mailing.

So, what do you have left over? Not much (if anything), and then you have to factor in paying taxes on your writing advance, too. Plus, if you’re intending to write full time, and you don’t have a spouse with health care coverage, then you’re paying out of that advance for your own health care, too.

Still, once your book comes out, you’re getting the big bucks then, right?
Not so fast.

First, your publisher pays themselves back the advance they gave you. Let’s say you’re published in mass market paperback format at $6.99 per book, and your contract reads that you get an 8% royalty on the negotiated sale price of each book (note: book prices and royalty percentages vary within mass market format, plus hardcover or trade paperbacks have different prices/royalties as well). At the $6.99 sale price with an 8% royalty rate, that means an author gets around $.55 (yep, that’s 55 cents) for every book sold. To pay back an average new author advance of $5,000.00, that author would have to sell over nine thousand copies before he or she even begins to earn another dime in royalties on their book.

Now, that doesn’t sound too bad, though. Most new author print runs from large NY houses are at least ten thousand copies, so those houses expect to sell that many books. And some initial print runs are far larger, which means the publisher expects to sell many more books than would cover an initial advance of $5,000.00.


This was taken from Jeaniene's post http://jeanienefrost.com/2010/01/publishing-money-myths/ with her express permission. Click the link to view the full article.

In the end, the cost of an eBook is usually less than a print book reducing the amount the author actually makes. In the end, you hurt your favorite authors by sharing their work without express permission. If their books don't sell, the publishing houses don't buy. And then you wonder why your favorite series hits an abrupt end.

BE APART OF THE SOLUTION, DON'T BE A PIRATE!

 



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #2) by Larissa Ione


Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #2) by Larissa Ione

This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

2.5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She’s been marked as Satan’s bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself—and everyone else—safe is to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she’s kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.

Arik Wagner knows the saying “love hurts” better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he’s topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth.

My Review

I love this author, but this wasn’t her shinny moment. I still have faith in her writing even though this book was an epic fail. This story was a little too cheesy, a lot too predictable, and overall felt forced. The last 10% of the book kind of explained away all the other but a little too late.

The Than story line was the biggest predictability. SPOILERS. I mean, he’s over 5000 years old, yet some woman the Agi (sorry I listened so not sure on spelling) picks is going to be Than’s undoing? Come on. All kinds of women over the years and this one makes him slip up. And, no I didn’t predict how they were going to “you know”. That part was just awful. There wasn’t anything good about that storyline and I was left disgusted. Then a child, ugh. It’s not good for a girl to get raped and the same can be said the other way around. If they get together in the third book, I’m going to hate it. END OF SPOILERS.

Audio Review
I can’t say I loved Hillary Huber’s narration on this book. It’s was certainly not bad. Some of the voices sounded the same and it didn’t help that the story wasn’t goo.

Overall, it was a dud for me. I wouldn’t recommend.

My book boyfriend is Arik. (for the life of me I don’t remember many details of his look. So I’m going off of feelings/instinct)



*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Prowl (Prowl Trilogy #1) by Amber Garza


Prowl (Prowl Trilogy #1) ~ Amber Garza

This is a young adult christian romance novel (Rated PG-14)

3.5 of out 5 stars

Book Summary

Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Smith is sent away to spend a boring summer at her grandma's. But then she meets Wesley. He tells her exactly what she wants to hear and has information about her past that no one else knows. It's almost like he can read her mind.

Only Wesley isn't who he seems.

By the time Mackenzie discovers his true identity it may be too late. She's in too deep and he won't let her go. Now Mackenzie must call on the strongest power of all in order to save her life.

My Review

This story is about a troubled girl with a lot to learn. What I really liked about this story was that Kenzie makes mistakes. She isn’t perfect and she doesn’t try to be even when she’s on the mend.

This story has strong Christian themes that surround the demons that make up this story. Even still, if you like paranormal, this story should bother too terribly much. It’s like any story of good and evil except that God is specifically reference.

The story is light and flow pretty well. I only had a problem with the timing of events which didn’t add up in the story giving it an insta love feel. Still I enjoyed it.

My book boyfriend is Isaac.



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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Crimson Darkness Blog Tour Stop - Sneak Peak! YAY!

If you've read Crimson Midnight, you are going to absolutely love Crimson Darkness.  And I have a sneak peek.  If you haven't read Crimson Midnight, what are you waiting for.



This book is rated NC-17.  Just a warning.  Here is your sneak peek....


“Shit.” Raven brought the van to a smooth stop.  The lights rigged to the vehicle gave them a good 3ft halo of light but none of them needed light to see what was making Raven curse colourfully under his breath.

To the left of the van, suspended inelegantly from a lamppost, were the remains of a human body.  Its torso was intact but the arms and a leg were missing, as was half of its face, exposing some brain matter.  Wire had been wound around the body to hold it in place.  This alone would have been horrific but never enough to stop Raven in his tracks.  Thistle’s gaze searched further, past the halo of light, further into the darkness. 

“Oh. My. God.” Kris bit out and then swallowed a gag.

Every lamppost as far as Thistle’s eyes could see held a similar warning.  Body upon body in various stages of mutilation were strung up in a row.

Raven shook his head and reached for the key in the ignition, ready to turn it back on.

There was nothing they could do for the dead.  Over the past weeks they had seen some truly awful things, things that left a dirty imprint in her mind and made her want to gag and vomit, but this…this was almost organised.  Her eyes searched the dark, the fury simmering just beneath the surface.  They had to be close by; the things that had done this. Watching…waiting… 

The engine purred to life and something moved in the periphery of her vision. 

“Wait!” Thistle placed a hand over Raven’s.  “Look.” She pointed through the windscreen. A sleek dark shape moved sinuously toward one of the bodies furthest away from them.  On all fours and close to the ground, almost as long as a mini-car, it blended into the darkness around it.

Kris leaned forward so he was positioned in the gap between the two front seats. “Sneaky.”

Raven was watching the creature, his eyes narrowed speculatively.  “We should go.”

“What?” Thistle glared at him incredulously.  “We need to kill that fucker, that’s what we need to do!” The fury was rising. She could feel it hot in her throat.

“I’ve seen one of those before, Thistle. And trust me, they do not run alone.”

“A pack?” Damon asked.

“A big pack.” Raven said.

“We should go,” Kris said.  “We don’t have much juice left in these suits, not to mention we are not equipped to deal with a pack of those…whatever they are.”

“Sleekers,” Raven said. “I call them Sleekers.”

The engine was still purring. Raven reached down to release the clutch and that’s when Thistle saw it.

“Wait!” She reached for her crossbow lying on the floor of the van between her legs.

Gabriel leaned through the gap in the seats placing a hand over hers, pressing the crossbow down onto her thighs. “What the hell are you doing?”

“It’s alive.” She wrenched her hand from under his, elbowing him away, and reached for the door.  Raven made a grab for her but she was too quick. In less than a second she had her feet firmly on the road, crossbow braced and primed to fire.

“Thistle, get back in the van now!” Gabriel commanded.  She ignored him, readying herself to take the shot.  She aimed not at the creature but at the body it was headed toward. 

Realization dawned. “She’s aiming for the body,” Gabriel said.  “It’s still alive.”

The body raised its head, its eyes full of un-vocalised pain. Jared’s eyes…Jared’s pain. “Fuck you, you fucking fucker! You can’t have him!” She released the arrow.   There was a whoosh as it cut through the air and a soft thunk as it buried itself in the body’s forehead. 

The Sleeker whipped round to face them. Head close to the ground, it seemed to expand in size.

“What the-” Thistle was cut off as a hand gripped her elbow, hauling her back toward the van.

“Get in the car now!” Raven practically shoved her in before slamming the door.


Join us as we celebrate the upcoming launch of Crimson Darkness, the second book in the Crimson Series. There will be sneak peaks, character guest posts and plenty of giveaways. Don’t miss out! Add these dates to your diary!

The Tour Stops:

20th August – Join us on Laura’s blog to find out what some of the Crimson Cast would like for their birthday!
http://littlereadridinghood.com/?p=571

21st August – Join Terri on her blog for a sneak peek into Crimson Darkness!
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.co.uk/

22nd  August – Head on over to see Lissa for another sneak peek and giveaway!
http://booknutreviews.blogspot.co.uk/

24th August - Pop over to Think Think’s blog for another glimpse into the pages of Crimson Darkness and a giveaway.
http://thinksbooks.blogspot.co.uk/

25th August – There’s some karaoke going on over in Lissa’s corner today!
http://booknutreviews.blogspot.co.uk/

26th August - Alana has a glimpse into the past, back when the werewolves were in their teens.
http://darkobsessionchronicles.blogspot.co.uk/

27th  August – Pay Maggie a visit for another Crimson Darkness sneak peek!
http://readingdiva.com/

28th  August -  Join Mel for a previously unpublished scene from Crimson Midnight, and a giveaway!
http://soireb.blogspot.com/

29th August – Chill out with Sheri for her interview with Raven, and another chance in a giveaway!
http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.co.uk/

After the Blog Tour, come and join us for an interview with the werewolf pack!
30th August – AMOS CASSIDY – MEET THE PACK!
http://crimsonseries.wordpress.com/

And then…
CRIMSON DARKNESS is released on September 1st 2012!
Available on:
Amazon UK
Amazon
Smashwords

Monday, August 20, 2012

Long Hard Ride (Rough Riders #1) by Lorelei James

Long Hard Ride (Rough Riders #1) ~ Lorelei James

This is an adult erotica novel (Rated NC-17 for the sexiness of it all)

4.5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Channing Kinkaid itches for a wild western adventure with an untamed man. Enter Colby McKay, bull rider, saddle bronc buster and calf roper. He knows he's found a woman who's up to the challenge of cutting loose. Intrigued by Channing's bold proposition to "horse around" on the road, Colby proposes sexual escapades not only in his bed, but in those of his two rodeo traveling partners. Can Channing give up total control? Especially when not all is as it seems with the sexy trio?

My Review

I got another recommendation to read this one, so I went ahead and read it since I’d purchased it a while back. It was another one I was shaking my head for having waited so long to read.

This erotica is girls, so I don’t expect plots to be deep. Yet, I also need something except just sex. And this author did a masterful job of giving me exactly what was needed to make this absolutely perfect.

I was a little shocked by Channie. Being adventurous is okay, but a 360 change in personality is another. But I didn’t let that bother me too much. The rest is gravy. Colby was too hot for words, but so were his companions. I can’t wait to read their story.

Do I recommend, yes. If you like erotica, this is your meal ticket.

My book boyfriend, Colby. (I have to give thanks to my BGC friend Karla for this pic)


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Crimson Darkness Cover Reveal

OMG!  I love this series.  I'm happy to bring you the cover for the sequel to Crimson Midnight!


This is an adult urban fantasy novel

I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THE RELEASE OF THIS BOOK!


Book Blurb....

London is in the grip of an unnatural darkness. Rose is in the grasp of an unrelenting power and Raven and Thistle, along with their supernatural allies, are battling to survive and find a way to restore their home city.

For the fey, the song remains the same. They must return the power to Faerie or die. Unfortunately for them, the task has been superseded by an even more important one - help save Earth or perish along with it!

For Rose, the stakes are even higher as she is forced to make a terrible deal that will damn her if she does and damn her if she doesn’t. 

Now enemies must work together as allies if they are to save their worlds from an ancient threat…


THIS BOOK WILL BE RELEASED AUGUST 1, 2012.

I highly recommend this series.  It's gritty, sexy and all kinds of good.  I loved the first, and I'm certain I will love this one.  I got a preview!  Oh, so good!

Check out my review of the first book, Crimson Midnight and yummy pick for Roman.  Oh, I love Roman!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Always a Bridesmaid ~ Cindi Meyers
This is an adult contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)
4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

She's sworn off weddings…

After two failed relationships and six stints as a bridesmaid, Stephanie Ludlow is convinced she’s man-poison. So when her hormones point due south to her sexy—but not so charming—new landlord, she can't help the sparks that fly. It’s a good thing she’s declared a strict "no sex" policy, because Mike Brubaker might as well have “it’s not happening” tattooed across his delectable chest.

He's sworn off love…

Spurned single dad Mike has learned the hard way women are the source of all evil and should be avoided at any cost. And that definitely includes his gorgeous new tenant. But when they're thrown together in the wedding party from hell, both will stop at nothing to fight the heat building between them. Giving in is not an option for either of them. May the best man—or woman—win.

My Review

Waking up at 3am, I needed something to do. I pick up a book thinking my eyes would tire and send me back to sleep. No such luck with this story.

Never got sleepy and read right through until it was time to get up and go. This is what I like to call a light read. It’s nothing to heavy but it is also not a flakey story. It was just the right mix of everything that makes a contemporary romance novel good. It’s not a novella, but it’s not so long you can’t read in a day.

I truly enjoyed it. And hey, no love triangle. Still there was a bit of drama to keep my blood pumping. And don’t forget about the steamy scenes, yum.

Overall, an enjoyable read I would recommend.

My book boyfriend is Mike.



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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Dragon's Teeth by Suzanne Van Rooyen Blog Tour w/ Interview


Dragon's Teeth by Suzanne Van Rooyen

Book Blurb....

You can never outrun your past...After years of war ravage the globe and decimate humanity, civilization is revitalized in the city of New Arcadia, a cybernetic playground where longevity treatments promise near immortality.Detective Cyrus, fond of fedoras and narcotics, is hired by Benji MacDowell, heir-apparent to an eugenics empire, to find MacDowell's long-lost biological father. Employing his network of shady contacts within the underbelly of the city, Cyrus uncovers a murderous web of corporate corruption and political conspiracy with ties to the old Order, a tyrannical organization whose sole intent was perfecting the next generation of genetically engineered soldiers.Now Cyrus knows too much and finds himself caught in the cross-hairs of super-soldier assassins while the dark secrets of his past snap at his heels, forcing him to confront the truth he's been running from... and discover his own terrifying purpose.

I for one want to sink my teeth into this one!

Author Interview

1. What was your inspiration for the story?

Watching the TV show Dark Angel and the film Equilibrium - I loved the dystopian worlds presented in those two stories. This inspired a short story idea of my own for a noir anthology. That short story evolved pretty quickly into a full length novel. The noir aspect was inspired by Raymond Chandler, an author I was introduced during a course in cinema at university. A whole bunch of different kind of just melded together at the right time to produce my story.

2. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I think I've always been a writer but I only wanted to be a writer about two years ago. Until then I thought I wanted to be a music researcher. But nothing makes me as happy as writing does and I'm glad I'm turning a mere hobby into something more.

3. Will you be releasing any books in the near future 2012/2013?

Yes, I have a YA science fiction novel called 'Obscura Burning' (Etopia Press) scheduled for released in December this year. I've also just signed with an agent and we'll be going on submission with my YA cyberpunk novel pretty soon.

4. What is your next project?

I'm working on two YA novels, one is pure science fiction set on Callisto and the other is a zombie retelling of the Jack Frost myth.

5. What is the one thing you want people to know about you?

Tough question. Perhaps that I'll always be a musician first. Music is my foundation and I try to involve music in all my stories. I can't write without music playing, and it's to music that I turn whenever I need some inspiration.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1) by Nalini Singh

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1) ~ Nalini Singh

This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

2.5 out of 5 stars

Book Sumamry

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation" - the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion - and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities - or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation...

My Review

What an epic disaster. Maybe my hopes were too high. I really liked her Guild Hunter series but this was awful. Sorry, it was. At least for me.

Where to begin.

Setting – this is the future. I expect technology to be futuristic. This was written in 2008, so it should be fairly easy to come up with something new. Nothing. It was like we were in 2008. Very disappointing.

SPOILERS

Characters – Sasha is supposed to be cold because she Psy. Fine, I get that she’s different so she feels. Fine. She’s dreaming about Lucas and she doesn’t put it together that they are real. The whole thing is ludicrous. The two of them are suppose to be smart. They are questioning each other in the dream but they don’t’ put it together.

Lucas is a stereotypical alpha male with no life to him other than the obvious script. I feel no draw between them and don’t understand why he’s compelled towards her over other woman. He’s willing to chose her over his pack mates and he doesn’t even know her. The mate thing isn’t explained so I could use that as an excuse for blatant instant love.

Plot – there is barely any. Sasha is supposed linked to the net and her powerful mother doesn’t use the connection to find her when she goes awol for a time. Really, they didn’t figure it out. The whole thing with the killer, he supposedly so smart he hasn’t been caught yet he doesn’t figure out something is up with Sasha.

END OF SPOILER

Overall, I don’t want to continue with the series but I already bought book two. Ugh! Not for me, but a lot of people like it, so don’t take my word. It may interest you.

Audio Review

Angela Dawe did a good job. She did a good job with the character and keeping them separate and straight without me having to pay attention to hard at who was talking. Nothing however could overcome the weak writing.

My book possible boyfriend Lucas. (Honestly, I have no idea what the guy looks like and I can’t be bothered to search my audio book for his looks. ) He's a changling right.  Strong and Hot.  This should work.


 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2) by Deborah Harkness


Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2) ~ Deborah Harkness

This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary


"Together we lifted our feet and stepped into the unknown"—the thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestseller A Discovery of Witches

Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel, A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and reluctant witch, and the handsome geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont; together they found themselves at the center of a supernatural battle over an enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782.

Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens.

Deborah Harkness has crafted a gripping journey through a world of alchemy, time travel, and magical discoveries, delivering one of the most hotly anticipated novels of the season.


My Review

I really liked history in school and find myself surprised I don’t read as many historical novels because I do enjoy them.

This novel was a bit different than other historical novels. The author took liberties in taking real life characters from the past and fictionalizing them. I’m not sure how much I liked that especially the ending but I’ll get there.

We travel a lot in the book and meet a host of characters. Some of my favorites are Phillip and then when they visited Prague. I won’t give anything away, but there was one character a bit larger than life that was really interesting.

Let’s get down to business. Plot holes galore for a traditionally published book. Maybe it was a bit too long and the editor just was overwhelmed. Anyway, if you haven’t read please skip to end of spoilers for an overall view of the book.

SPOILERS (sorry, it can’t be helped)

I had a few problems with the story. Still I gave it 4 stars so they aren’t that bad. Okay, you’ll have to forgive my spelling of character’s names as I did listen and not read. I did try to research the author’s website for character’s names and didn’t get what I was looking for. I also looked at other lengthy reviews and got nowhere there either. So here I go.
  •  Matthew has a sister Vern or something like that. Anyway, I found it curious that she called “Isabo”(spelling) her step mother. Phillip sired her. And I guess I’m okay with that. But Matthew was sired by Isabo but he doesn’t call Phillip, stepfather? And it is never really explained why the difference.
  • Here is my biggest problem. Kit. He loves Matthew. Okay fine. When he divulges information about Diana that can get her killed, Matthew kicks him out. I’m okay with that. It was his best friend, it may be hard to kill the guy. Matthew had something really bad happen to him and he find solace with Kit. Okay maybe. He’s doing opium with Kit, hmmm. Kit could take advantage of him. Diana seems okay with it. Whatever, I wouldn’t have been. But when Diana comes home extremely tired with her medical condition, Kit is there. He asked her to leave with him. She left Matthew feigning she was too tired. But she leaves with Kit, the guy who’s tried to being harm to her before. It’s beyond unbelievable even for fiction. I thought Diana going outside from the Isabo’s home in France in the first book after Matthew repeated told her not to was bad. This was far worse. Still Matthew doesn’t kill Kit. Even Diana is risking her life to save Kit who’s tried to kill her twice. Come on.
  • Another big problem. When they return to the present, she can only get to her home in Cambridge. Why not try to travel walk to Isabo once they are in the present? Why are they worried about a car, plane and passport? And why would it conveniently not work for them to get to Isabo from the past. The world building just doesn’t add up. There just wasn’t a credible reason why they didn’t at least try.
  • The whole thing about past Matthew disappearing was fine. But how he was intent on everyone knowing that he had a wife when the past Matthew would come back without a wife bothered me. I thought he’d leave himself a note or something to explain. But no, they stepped all over the past changing things without a care. Again, it didn’t add up.
  • I didn’t like the ending. I have an idea of what the author was trying to do, but honestly, I would have preferred to read more about what happened in the present. I read about theories about Shakespeare taking Marlow’s work. This because when Marlow was introduced, I wanted to read up on the historical figures she was using in her work. I didn’t need that last bit. It was meaningless.
END of SPOILER

Overall, I thought it was better than the first book mainly because we were doing things instead of sitting in the library learning nothing of consequence. Not sure that we learned a great deal about what’s to come to pass in the next book, but it was entertaining.

Audio Review
Jenniger Ikeda again did a stellar job.  I’ll repeat myself form the last time.  She was amazing at throwing her voice, capturing accents, speaking in other languages.  She made the book bearable when it was slow and swept me away into this world the whole time.

My Book Boyfriend, Matthew. (I’m using a different picture because he was in the past. I’m not a historian so not sure if the costume is quite right, but you get the point.)




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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Onyx (Lux Series #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review and Info about a GIVEAWAY!


Onyx (Lux series #2) ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is a young adult paranomal romance (Rated NC-17)

5 out of 5 stars

Book Summary

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.

Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.


My Review

I was given the wonderful opportunity to read an ARC of ONYX. What can I say, I loved it.

Characters – Katy is going through a lot in the story and JLA doesn’t hold back when it comes to storyline. A lot is going on which makes this a fast pace read. Katy will grow in this story as she has to deal with the aftermath of the events of Obsidian. There is also a new guy in town which throws a monkey wrench into everything. Daemon. I found him to be a jerk in Obsidian. In fact, I had become team Dawson after reading Shadows. But in Onyx, we really see a different side of Daemon which made me love him.

Storyline – What can you expect with a JLA novel. Everything is fast pace and there is never a dull moment. I soaked this story up through a straw like a big gulp. And boy did I have brain freeze. The twists in this story are vast and I had whiplash trying to keep up in a good way. Expect the unexpected. I didn’t want it to end. JLA’s stories are the kinds you want to devour.

I can’t possibly say more without given spoilers away and you need to have the full experience.

I really love this book. It was every bit amazing. So if you haven’t read this or any of the books in the Lux series, what are you waiting for.


SIGNS THAT DAEMON IS A SEXY ASSHAT

10.  We meet him shirtless and perfect. (of course he’s sexy)

9.    He makes no apology for being rude.

8.    He knows he’s hot and knows you think so too.

7.    He’s super controlling

6.    He has amazing green eyes.

5.    He’s over the top protective.

4.   He’s a warrior through and through.

3.   He has a beautiful face.

2.   He calls Katy “Kitten”

1.   He would risk everything for her.


Here is a picture that just says it all.
Overall, it was awesome. Do I recommend, heck yes!

My book boyfriend, Daemon.



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GIVEAWAY OVER AT PASSIONATE BOOK DIVAS!

http://passionatebookdivas.com/?p=4124

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.