Tuesday, October 28, 2008

[Series Spotlight] - The Others

The Others -- By: Christine Warren

I'm currently reading One Bite With A Stranger. It is the first novel of The Others, but the 6th book St. Martin's Press has published in this series. It was orginally released as an e-book from Ellora's Cave as Fantasy Fix. With success of the 5 books that are out now. Ms. Warren had the chance to expand the first novel from 248 pages, to 332.

The first book by Christine Warren I read was Wolf at the Door, which I absolutely loved. At the time when I was reading it, I thought it was the first in series. Then I found out the series actually started at Ellora's Cave and was called the Fixed Series. I went in search of the rest of the books.

Fantasy Fixed
Fur Factor
Faer Fetched
Fighting Faer
Fur For All
Fur Play

The Good and Bad news about these older stories. Bad News... Ellora's Cave only has Fur Play, Fur For All and Fighting Faer still up to order. The Good News is that St. Martin's Press will eventually re-release these stories.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sullivan Quinn didn't travel 3,000 miles from his native Ireland and his wolf pack just to chase rabidly after the most delectable quarry he's ever seen. Quinn is in America on a mission-to warn his Other brethren of a shadowy group willing to use murder and mayhem to bring them down. But one whiff of this Foxwoman's delicious honeysuckle fragrance and he knows that she is more than a colleague or a conquest...she is his mate.Anthropologist Cassidy Poe is a world-renowned authority on social interaction, but the overpowering desire she feels around Quinn defies every ounce of her expertise. Working by his side to uncover The Others' enemies poses risks she never expected-to her own safety, to those she loves, and to her heart, as every encounter with Quinn proves more blissfully erotic than the last...Now, with no one to trust but each other, Quinn and Cassidy face a foe that's edging closer every day, threatening to destroy the life they've always known, and the passion they've just discovered...



Queen Mab's niece, Fiona, has long been bored to tears by the intrigues of Court life. She'd prefer to cut loose at a punk club, knock back a few Thai beers, and hook up with a likely lad of similar interests. But when Fiona goes AWOL, she only gets as far as Manhattan's Inwood Park before a nasty demon nearly puts a permanent crimp in her plans—and a dark stranger sparks her desire... All work and no play make Tobias Walker one cranky werewolf. After six months of doing his part to keep the peace during the delicate negotiations between the Others and humankind, he'd like nothing more than a good night's sleep—preceded by an enthusiastic mating session. The alluring woman he rescues in the park might be the answer to his most lustful prayers, but only if they can both stay alive long enough to find out who wants her dead and why. Now, Fiona and Tobias must unravel a tangled web of treachery that spans branches of the Fae, Other, and mortal worlds, all the while falling into a dangerous attraction that could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship—or the end for them both...

As a research grunt at a local television station, Abby Baker tends to blend into the background, which is where she’s most comfortable. But when she ends up being the last resort to cover a hot story, Abby discovers a whole new side to her personality when she is possessed by a fiend—a type of rogue demon. Suddenly everyone wants a piece of her. And now the demon Rule—also a hunter of his own kind who have gone astray—is Abby’s only hope…
Meanwhile, the Others—vampires, werewolves, and witches, oh my!—have come out of the supernatural closet and the rest of the humans are all aflutter. Mischief is afoot in the demon realm, and Rule knows that Abby is key to figuring it all out before the fiends tip the fragile balance between the newly-discovered Others and the humans over into an epic battle. Now it’s up to two lost souls to make love, not war ....


Noah Baker never wanted to betray The Others. But if his military commanders want him to covertly investigate a Lupine scientist—whose extraordinary research on sensory perception in werewolves could be used to develop werewolf-sharp senses in human soldiers—Noah must oblige. Even if it means deceiving the woman he desires the most. Samantha Carstairs is the personal assistant to the Alpha of the Silverback Clan, and as best friend to the Lupine community’s most brilliant scientist, she is privy to its most dangerous secret. Noah knows that Sam will never leak the scientific research…so he must find another way to get it, while keeping Sam close. But someone else is after Sam’s secret. Who is the other spy infiltrating The Others? If their genetic secrets get into the wrong hands, all hell could break loose. Now Noah’s true loyalty is put to the test as he fights to protect The Others—and his beloved Sam—and find the imposter…before it’s too late.


Kitty Sugarman is a lot tougher than her name implies. Still, she’s content with how her small- town life keeps her removed from all the changes happening in the world—like the Unveiling of the Others. That is, until a near-tragedy strikes and Kitty discovers she has abilities . . .thanks to a father she never knew was alive. He also happens to be a were-lion and leader of one of the most powerful Prides out West. When Kitty heads to Vegas to find out more about her father, it’s his sexy, seductive second-in-command or baas of the Pride, Marcus Stewart, who commands her attention. Now that she has tempted Marcus’s hunger for a mate, Kitty finds herself stuck in a vicious struggle for her father’s fortune, while deadly unrest stirs within the pride. Kitty’s rivals won’t rest until she’s gone for good, but Marcus will fight until his last breath to save her…even if it means going against the pride.

When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun… The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidâme’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs the Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for… until she—and her feisty friends—discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret…


Coming April 2009

Your So Vein- featuring Ava Markham & Vladimir Rurikovich

Author's Website: http://www.christinewarren.net/

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Cover Art - New Books Coming Our Way

February 24, 2009

January 27, 2009



February 24, 2009



March 3, 2009



March 21, 2009



February 3, 2009


Friday, October 24, 2008

[Review] - The Heretic's Daughter

Title: The Heretic's Daughter
Author: Kathleen Kent
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year: 2008

Summary : In 1752 Sarah Carrier Chapman, confined to her home and week with infirmity, writes a letter to her granddaughter, revealing the secret she has guarded closely for six decades. It is a haunting account of the horrors that enveloped a New England town called Salem, and compelled Sarah, then just a young girl, to make a decision that would change her lifer forever.A little more than a year before the witch trials will begin, Sarah and her family arrive in nearby Andover to face a community gripped by superstition and fear. With the increase of Indian raids and the spread of the plague, the Puritans come to believe that heretics in their midst are responsible for their misfortune.

Based on the accusations of a dozen young girls, neighbor is pitied against neighbor, friend against friend, and the hysteria escalates, sweeping more that two hundred men, women and children into prison on charges of witchcraft--Sara's mother, Martha Carrier, among them.

Often at odds with each other, mother and daughter must now stand defiantly together in the face of imprisonment, torture, and even death. Out of love for her children, Martha asks Sarah to commit an act of heresy--a lie that will most surely condemn Martha even as it will save her daughter

Thoughts: Author Kathleen Kent, who is a direct descendant of Martha Carrier has created a emotional, heart wrenching story. While the witch trials were a big part of the story, it was mother and daughter that are the heart of this book. I don't read Historical Fiction often but, I very much enjoyed this book. It's thick with history and you get a real sense of what Puritan life was like.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: I have yet to come across a website for Kathleen Kent, but there is one for the book. http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/features/hereticsdaughter/index.htm Which has some very interesting information about the Carrier Family Tree and the History of the Salem Witch Trials.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

[Review] - Broken Wing by Judith James

Title: Broken Wing
Author: Judith James
Genre: Historical Romance
Year: 2008

Summary : Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, Gabriel St. Croix has never known tenderness, friendship or affection. Although fluent in sex, he knows nothing of love. Lost and alone inside a nightmare world, all he’s ever wanted was companionship and a place to belong. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy’s family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother’s disappearance. When he’s located, safe and unharmed despite where he as been living. Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own.

Becoming a mercenary, pirate and a professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey, and the greatest gamble of all, is within the darkest reaches of his own heart.

Thoughts: This is not what would normally catch my eye. But since it came highly recommend and that it was such a great love story. I had to read it. This book was truly amazing. It tells of one of the greatest love stories I have read in a very long time. From the first page it captured me. The author has done such a degree of research about the time that the writing is nothing but stellar.

I really loved this book and like all my fellow bloggers I highly recommend reading it. The love that Gabriel and Sarah have is something I believe every person wants for themselves, or at least I would hope so. When the couple were parted and Sarah got that first letter... that's when I really could relate to them and their situation. At one time I was in a long distance relationship for five years. So, I know what its like to have that longing and the heartache. It's very hard to deal with.

I have a long list of favorite books. But is rare that a book really moves me like this one did. When the couple were finally reunited I cried like a baby. It really is a great love story.

Favorite Lines/Scenes:
"I am sorry, madam," he said with a courtly bow, impressive giving the pitching deck. " Might I remark that you seem a rather merry type of widow to me?" "Well," she said, "in truth i didn't care for Lord Munroe very much, and although I didn't wish him dead, I would be a hypocrite to say it causes me any undue sorrow." Leaning into the rail, she closed her eyes and raised her face to the spray.
------------
"I am very fluent when it comes to sex, my dear, believe me." Looking away he continued, "But kissing, well, it's something that lovers do, sweethearts, husbands and wives, not whores and their clients. It's far too intimate and personal...You are, in fact, mignonne, the only woman I have ever kissed. I trust it was memorable at least. My apologies, mademoiselle," he sketched a mocking bow, "for botching the job.
------------
"You breathe life into me. I got to sleep wanting to know what will happen tomorrow. I look at the sky and see mystery and magic. I feel the sword dance in my hand and I feel alive. It's all you Sarah. When I'm with you, I feel like I've been born into another life, where I have friends and a future, and a sweetheart who makes me drunk and wild with kisses she saves only for me. I feel healthy and happy and at peace. I never dared dream of such things. I know I act the fool at times and try your patience. It's just that, every time I look in your eyes, I can see the man that you see, and I can't believe he's really me. I'm so afraid of disappointing you."
------------
"Don't you understand by now that there could never be anyone else? I wanted there to be. It hurt so bad that I wanted to forget you, but I couldn't. You've ruined me for other men. I never believed you were dead, you know. I felt you. I knew you were alive. I knew you were hurting, and lonely, and lost, but I couldn't find you. It broke my heart."

Score: 5 Stars

Author Website: http://www.judithjamesauthor.com/

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Two Dukes of Wyndham

Now most of the Historical Romances I read usually have some paranormal added into the mix. It seems that if there isn't paranormal involved, I can get bored easily. I am slowly breaking myself of that habit. Earlier this year when The Lost Duke of Wyndham was released, it caught my attention and I was hearing great things about it. So, last month I decided to give it a try. I have to say it didn't disappoint. I throughly enjoyed this story, begin sucked in from the first page. It was fun, fast paced read- had a great story and a charming hero. I knew by the end of this book that I had to read the sequel- Mr. Cavendish, I Presume. Again I really enjoyed this story.
The only thing that bothered my about this second book, was that it seem to take forever for the couple to get together. Otherwise I really liked it. This was my first time reading Julia Quinn, and really enjoyed her writing. On my last shopping trip I picked up The Duke and I, I am told it too is a good book. I also picked up Lisa Kleypas... she's been the talk of the blogs lately, I have to see what all the buzz is about. :) If anyone has any Historical Romance recommendations, I'd love to hear them.

5 Stars

Book Description:
Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine... until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have...

4 Stars

Book Description:
Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting...for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all...

It's true. He doesn't. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her...eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas’s world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he’s not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love...with his own fiancée!

http://www.juliaquinn.com/

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Giving Some Blog Lovin'

My Fellow Book-a-holic, Amy C from Romance Book Wyrm has awarded me with the "I Love Your Blog" award. Thanks Amy I feel very loved. :) Now It's my turn to give out this award to some of my favorite blogs.

The rules for this award are that you need to:
1) Add the logo of the award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs!

Barbara from Happily Forever After

Amy C from Romance Book Wyrm

Kristie J & KatieBabs from Ramblings on Romance Etc...

Shannon from Just Another Musing

Tez from Tez Says

Michelle from Michelle's Book Review Blog

Tracy from Tracy's Place

All these ladies have great blogs. I visit them daily... they are my blog fix. :)

Friday, October 10, 2008

Final Twilight Trailer

Here is the final trailer for the Twilight movie. I have to say out of all the ones I've seen, this is my favorite one. :)

Coming November 21, 2008




http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Talking Twilight...

So, earlier today I was sitting in the doctors office waiting to be called in. My mom was with and she was looking at the Entertainment Weekly featuring Edward and Bella. She goes...


Mom: *looking at the cover* He has too much makeup on.
Me: He's suppose to look like that, he's a vampire.
Mom: He isn't good looking.
Me: *mouth dropped open* Yes he is, that's pretty much what Edward looks like.

Little while later....

Mom: That's Edward?
Me: Yep, that's him.
Mom: What's wrong with Jacob? He's way better looking.
Me: Nothing really, But Bella loves Edward.

She hasn't read the books, but is seems she's on Team Jacob. LOL! I'll have to drag her to the movie come November. I found this dialogue amusing for some reason(could be I was running on four hours of sleep) and had to share. :)

Sunday, October 5, 2008

[Review] - Lord of the Fading Lands

Title: Lord of the Fading Lands
Author: C.L. Wilson
Series: Tairen Soul
Genre: Fantasy
Year: 2007

Summary: Long ago, in the magical holocaust known as the Mage Wars, the immortal Fey and their allies fought to defeat the grasping evil of the Elden Mages and their dark-gifted supporters. During those wars, in a fit of grief-induced madness caused by the death of his mate, Fey shapeshifter Rain Tairen Soul nearly destroyed the world in a blaze of tairen fire.

Now, a thousand years later, the fierce Fey king must fight to save his race from the brink of extinction and once again stop the evil rising in the homeland of his enemies, the Eld. The key to his success lies in the mortal city of Celieria, where the Mage Wars began, and with a young woman whose soul sings to him in ways no woman’s ever has, whose presence reawakens the primal fury of the tairen within his soul, and whose vast, untapped power can either save or destroy him and his people.

Thoughts: This book sat on my shelf for quite a few months before I picked it up. I wish I would have read it sooner, cause I absolutely loved it. I was hooked by the second chapter, so much that I went out and bought the third book that just recently came out. Ms Wilson has created such a rich and unique world, that you hate to leave it at the end of the book.

Score: 5 Stars

Author Website: http://www.clwilson.com/

Tairen Soul:
Lord of the Fading Lands
Lady of Light and Shadows
King of Sword and Sky
Queen of Song and Souls

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Books I Read In September

Veiled Truth- Vivi Anna
4 Stars

Spirits Unveiled- Amanda Cummings
5 Stars

Hostage to Pleasure- Nalini Singh
5 Stars

Touch of Darkness- C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp
5 Stars

The Coffin Club- Ellen Schreiber
3 Stars

Tempt Me with Darkness- Shayla Black
3 Stars

Embrace the Night- Karen Chance
4 Stars

Raging Hearts- Amy Blankenship
4 Stars

Wanderlust- Ann Aguirre
4 Stars

The Storm- Jean Johnson
5 Stars

Noah- Jacquelyn Frank
4 Stars

Any Given Doomsday- Lori Handeland
4 Stars

A Giant Problem- Holly Black
3 Stars

The Lost Duke of Wyndham- Julia Quinn
5 Stars

Poltergeist- Kat Richardson
4 Stars

Pure Blood- Caitlin Kittredge
4 Stars

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