In My Mailbox & Book Shopping [14]

Thanks to Sourcebooks

Picked these ones up at Target and Walmart

Thanks to MichelleG

Today I received these items plus a bunch of author goodies from AmyC for my birthday. While my birthday isn't until the 6th I tired to be strong and not to open it, but it kept calling my name. And no your eyes aren't deceiving you... that is a penis lollipop. LMAO! Thanks Amy! :)

Gypsy Magic Winners....

Winner of A Taste of Magic is...
Lea

Winner of A Stroke of Magic is...
Chris


Send your mailing information to:
annasbookblog@gmail.com


Congrats!!!

Two YA Blogs to Check out...

Both these blogs are run by Reyna. Definitely worth a looksie,
she's got some cool items featured.

Out of the Notebook And Into the Blog
..here products for teens are reviewed

Garden of Books (For Teens)
...here YA Books are reviewed

[Review] - Mr. Darcy's Diary

Title: Mr. Darcy's Diary
Author: Amanda Grange
Genre: Historical Romance
Year: 2007

Summary: The only place Darcy could share is innermost feelings...

...was in the private pages of his diary...Torn between his sense of duty to his family name and his growing passion for Elizabeth Bennet, all he can do is struggle not to fall in love. A skillfully and graceful imagining of the hero's point of view in one of the most beloved and enduring loves stories of all time.

Thoughts: Mr. Darcy's Diary is a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice. Written in diary format and from Mr. Darcy's point of view. The reader gets insight to Darcy's deepest feelings about Elizabeth and more. Why he thinks and acts the way he does. Being an Austen fan, I highly enjoyed this book. It's almost as good as the original. I found it very entertaining and insightful.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre- August 1, 2009

August Book Releases

1st
Cold Moon Rising- C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp
Geektastic- Anthology
Cape Storm- Rachel Caine
The Undoing of a Lady- Nichola Cornick
Sentinels: Lion Heart- Doranna Durgin
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre- Amanda Grange
Tortured- Amanda McIntyre
The Seeker- Lindsay McKenna
Bound By Love- Rosemary Rogers
Cast In Silence- Michelle Sagara
Bound By Steel- Kirsten Saell
Shiver- Maggie Stiefvater
My Soul To Take- Rachel Vincent

4th
Skykeepers- Jessica Andersen
The Other Eden- Sarah Bryant
Bequiled- Maureen Child
Stripped- Marica Colette
Mortal Compass- Ann Cory
Laid Bare- Lauren Dane
The Stranger I Married- Sylvia Day
Storm of Visions- Christina Dodd
Bloody Right- Georgia Evans
Beyond the Rain- Jess Granger
The Path of Razors- Chris Marie Green
Highland Obsession- Dawn Halliday
Beloved Vampire- Joey W. Hill
Vampire Knight Vol. 7- Matsuri Hino
Saving Midnight- Emma Holly
Bad Moon Rising- Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Red Tree- Caitlin R. Kiernan
Bengal's Heart- Lora Leigh
Lord of Pleasure- Delilah Marvelle
The Second Betrayal- Cheyenne McCray
Eclipse- Stephenie Meyer (paperback)
Breaking Dawn- Stephenie Meyer (Special Edition)
Thirst No. 1- Christopher Pike
Haunting Beauty- Erin Quinn
Vanished- Kat Richardson
Spider-Touched- Jory Strong

6th
Nekropolis- Tim Waggoner

7th
Don't Tempt The Phoenix- C.J. England

10th
A Gift At Daybreak- Stella & Audra Price

11th
The Hottie Next Door- Anthology
Death, The Vamp & His Brother- Lexxie Cooper
Sting of Desire- Lillian Feisty

15th
By The Blood We Live- Anthology

18th
Grady's Awakening- Bianca D'Arc
Killing Silk- Nathalie Gray
Dreamfever- Karen Marie Moning
The Dame- R.A. Salvatore
Selkie Island- Jorrie Spencer
Elfland- Freda Warrington

25th
Sexy Beast VII- Anthology
Unbound- Anthology
Ariel- Steven R. Boyett
Hunting Ground- Patricia Briggs
Mercy Thompson: Homecoming- Patricia Briggs
Surrender of a Siren- Tessa Dare
Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men- Molly Harper
The Laird Who Loved me- Karen Hawkins
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker- Leanna Renee Hieber
Lucan- Susan Kearney
Blood Promise- Richelle Mead
Run, Wolf- Keith Melton
Night's Cold Kiss- Tracey O'Hara
Passion Untamed- Pamela Palmer
Possession- Devyn Quinn
To Tempt A Knight- Geri Russell
Retribution- Jeanne C. Stein
Wolfbreed- S.A. Swann

28th
Taking Karre- Michelle M. Pillow


***If I missed any releases, let me know and I'll post them.
***Keep in mind dates are subject to change

[Giveaway] - Tracy Madison's Gypsy Magic Series **Contest Closed**

Earlier this year I got the chance to review Tracy Madison's A Taste of Magic (here's my Review). Now Tracy has offered up a signed copies of each book from her Gypsy Magic series to give away here on my blog.

To enter leave a comment, along with you email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. I'll pick two winners on July 31st. Good Luck! :)

Book Description:

Elizabeth Stevens is one bite away from happiness.

Today is Elizabeth Stevens’s birthday, and not only is it the one-year anniversary of her husband leaving her, it’s also the day her bakery is required to make a cake—for her ex’s next wedding. If there’s a bitter taste in her mouth, no one can blame her.

But today, Liz is about to receive a gift. Her Grandma Verda isn’t just wacky; she’s a little witchy. An ancient gypsy magic has been passed through her family bloodline for generations, and it’s Liz’s turn to be empowered. Henceforth, everything she bakes will have a dash of delight and a pinch of wishes-can-come-true. From her hunky policeman neighbor, to her gorgeous personal trainer, to her bum of an ex-husband, everyone Liz knows is going to taste her power. Revenge is sweet…and it’s only the first dish to be served.

Book Description:

You know how freaky it is, to expect one taste and get another? Imagine picking up a can of tepid ginger ale and taking a swig of delicious, icy cold peppermint tea. Alice Raymond did just that. And though the tea is exactly what she wants, she bought herself a soda.

No, Alice’s life isn’t exactly paint-by-numbers. After breaking things off with her lying, stealing, bum of an ex, she discovered she’s pregnant. Motherhood was definitely on her “someday” wish list, but a baby means less time for her art and no time for recent hallucinations that include this switcharoo with the tea. She has to impress her new boss, the ridiculously long-lashed, smoky-eyed Ethan Gallagher, and she has to deal with her family, who have started rambling about gypsy curses. Only a soul-deep bond with the right man can save her and her child? As if being single wasn’t pressure enough!


Upcoming Releases:
A Breath of Magic- May 2010
Untitled Book #4- Late 2010

http://www.tracymadison.com/

[Promo] - The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker

Coming August 25, 2009

Book Description:

What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death….

http://www.leannareneehieber.com/

[Review] - In Over Her Head

Title: In Over Her Head
Author: Judi Fennell
Series: Mer
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Year: 2009

Summary: He Lives Under the Sea...

Reel Tritone is the rebellious royal second son of the ruler of a vast undersea kingdom, and he's always been fascinated by humans...

She's terrified of the Ocean...

Marina owner Erica Peck would never go swimming willingly--but she's forced into the water and is nearly eaten by a shark. Luckily Reel is nearby to save her, and he discovers she's the women he's been searching for...

Before she knows it, Erica is off with Reel on a wild underwater adventure to recover a stolen treasure, battle a jealous sea monster, and, of course, defy a death edict from the kingdom's high court. But even if they make it through their madcap mission alive, can they find a way to stay together when she hates the water and he cant' survive on land?

Thoughts: When I first picked up this book I wasn't too sure I was gonna like. But I really loved it. It was a fast page turner that I couldn't put down. If you enjoy reading about fantasy creatures you'll enjoy this one. Some of the underwater creatures remind me of the characters in The Little Mermaid, which I love. But this book is very much for adults. In Over Her Head was a wonderful surprise of adventure, wonderment and steamy fun.

I highly recommend In Over Her Head. It'll definitely be on my Top 20 at the end of the year.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
Wild Blue Under- November 1, 2009
Catch Of A Lifetime- February 1, 2010

Dark-Hunter Winner

And the winner is...

CANDICE

Send your mailing information to:
annasbookblog@gmail.com


***Make sure to stop by on Monday. I'm giving away copies of
Tracy Madison's A Taste of Magic & A Stroke of Magic***

In My Mailbox [13]

Here's what I got this past week...

I finished reading this one a few days ago. I loved every bit of it. I can't wait
till my copy of Faefever arrives. :)

Book Description:

Mackayla Lane's ordinary life underwent a complete makeover when she landed on Ireland's shores and was plunged into a dark, deadly realm unlike any she ever imagined. In her fight to stay alive, Mac must find the Sinsar Dubh—a million-year old book of the blackest magic imaginable that holds the key to power over both the worlds of Fae and Man. Pursued by Fae assassins, surrounded by mysterious figures she knows she cannot trust, Mac finds herself torn between two deadly and irresistible men: V'lane, the insatiable Fae, who can turn sensual arousal into an obsession for any woman; and the ever-inscrutable Jericho Barrons, a man as alluring as he is mysterious.

For centuries, the shadowy realm of the Fae has coexisted with that of humans. Now the walls between the two are coming down, and Mac is the only thing that stands between them...

I won this book over at There's No Such Thing As Too Many Books. Thanks Blanche!

Book Description:

Kelsey Howard is happy with the single life. She has friends, a job tending bar, a nice apartment, and the freedom to enjoy wild sex games with strangers- the riskier the better. But what she really wants is love.

Then Kelsey realizes she's got a voyeuristic neighbor watching her every move-and every move she makes is arousing them both. Not only is she not scared, she thinks she may have found her soul mate. Especially when she meets the mystery man in the flesh. That's when the fun really starts, and Kelsey realizes just how far she's prepared to go for love.

Book Description:

531 a.d.: The tiny island of Kell is said to be enchanted, inhabited by an extraordinary creature who comforts shipwrecked sailors passing into the next world. Prince Aedan of the Isles believes in no such nonsense—until he awakens on Kell itself and meets the sensuous siren who rescued him from the sea.

1721: Ronan MacMhuirich, Earl of Kell, is the target of an unlikely assassin: Leila, a mysterious woman from an exotic land. But his irresistibly beautiful would-be slayer is in just as much danger as Ronan when she falls for this man with a magic of his own.

2004: What do you do when you inherit a Scottish island you never knew existed—and find yourself pursued by a handsome stranger who wants to buy it from you? That’s what happens to Ruri Kell when she accepts Iain MacInnes’s invitation to visit her birthright, and listens to a proposition as sinfully tempting as everything else about him.

[Giveaway] - The Dark-Hunters Vol. 1

I was so shocked to find this book at Walmart that I picked up two copies. One for myself and one to giveaway. To enter leave a comment, and to get a second entry tell me who your favorite character is from the series. Feel free to name more than one. Open to U.S. & Canada. I'll pick a winner on July 25th.

Vol. 1- tells the story of Kyrian- Night Pleasures
Vol. 2- comes out May 1, 2010

Book Description:

In the war against vampires, mankind has only one hope: The Dark-Hunters. Ancient warriors who died of brutal betrayal, the Dark-Hunters have sworn themselves into the service of the goddess Artemis to protect us.

It’s a pact with pretty good perks. Immortality, power, psychic abilities, wealth and a cool wardrobe. But it comes with a few drawbacks: fatal sun poisoning and a new, irreparable dental problem. But aside from the fangs and nocturnal lifestyle, it’s not so bad. Until Kyrian meets the most frightening thing imaginable. An accountant who’s being hunted by one of the most lethal vampires out there. If Amanda Devereaux goes down, so does he and no offense, he doesn’t want to die (hence the whole immortality thing). And he doesn’t want humanity dead either which is a good thing for us since he and Amanda are all that stands between us and oblivion. Let’s hope they win.

Some of my favorite charactes are: Kyrian, Vane, Acheron, Wren & of course Simi. :)

Book News

Jeri Smith-Ready has announced that the third book in the WVMP series will be called Bring On The Night.

Devyn Quinn has a new release coming November 2009 called Soul Of the Wildcat.

James Patterson has a new Maximum Ride book- Fang coming out March 15, 2010.

Moon Craving, Book two in Lucy Monroe's Children of the Moon series is coming February 2010. If you haven't heard of this series, you can find more info HERE

Cindy Spencer Pape has a new installment in the Heroes of Stone series, called Stone and Sky coming out October 28, 2009. Excerpt HERE.

Lorie O'Clare has a new story- Wicked, that takes place in the Lunewulf/Cariboo Universe. The e-book can be purchased HERE.

Mari Mancusi's Blood Coven Vampire series, is finally getting a fourth book. Bad Blood comes out January 2010.

Erin McCarthy has a new release coming out in her Seven Deadly Sins series called, The Taking. Comes out January 2010, in Trade Paperback.

The latest news in The Twilight Saga is that the book is being turned into a Graphic Novel. Learn more about the project HERE.

Bianca D'Arc has two release coming in 2010 from Kensington Brava. Half Past Dead- January 2010 & Once Bitten, Twice Dead- March 2010.

[Series Spotlight] - The Negotiator Trilogy

I just finished reading the first book in this series. I came across this series when I was looking for gargoyle stories. I really enjoyed this one. I thought the world building in this book was wonderful. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Book Description:

WHAT SECRETS LIE SHROUDED IN DARKNESS?

Okay, so jogging through Central Park after midnight wasn't a bright idea. But Margrit Knight never thought she'd encounter a dark new world filled with magical beings--not to mention a dying woman and a mysterious stranger with blood on his hands. Her logical, lawyer instincts told her it couldn't all be real--but she could hardly deny what she'd seen...and touched.

The mystery man, Alban, was a gargoyle. One of the fabled Old Races who had hidden their existence for centuries. Now he was a murder suspect, and he needed Margrit's help to take the heat off him and find the real killer. And as the dead pile up, it's a race against the sunrise to clear Alban's name and keep them both alive...

Book Description:

A covenant broken. A hell unleashed... New York City's only legal counsel to the fabled Old Races, Margrit Knight is levelheaded in all matters extraordinary. But when she's summoned to negotiate a peace treaty among rival factions, her own mortal world threatens to fall apart. Margrit's been in hot water before, but reentering the underworld brings a new set of problems. And a new set of friends and enemies, including a ruthless vampire mobster, a dragonlord who won't take no for an answer, a band of subversive selkies...oh, and Alban Korund, the sexy gargoyle who got her into this mess -- and whose granite-strong touch still haunts her every fantasy...

Book Description:

War has erupted among the five Old Races, and Margrit is responsible for the death that caused it. Now New York City's most unusual lawyer finds herself facing her toughest negotiation yet. And with her gargoyle lover, Alban, taken prisoner, Margrit's only allies--a dragon bitter about his fall, a vampire determined to hold his standing at any cost and a mortal detective with no idea what he's up against--have demands of their own.

Determined to rescue Alban and torn between conflicting loyalties as the battle seeps into the human world, Margrit soon realizes the only way out is through the fire....

http://cemurphy.net/

[Cover Art] - Black Magic Sanction

Coming February 23, 2010
The Hollows series - Book #8

Thanks to Tez Says & SciFiGuy.ca for posting this news. This is one of my
favorite series, can't wait to read this one.

In My Mailbox [12]

Here's what I got this past week...

Thanks to Harlequin Teen

[ARC Review] - My Soul To Take

Title: My Soul To Take
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Year: 2009

I received this book for review from Harlequin Teen.

Summary: Something Is Wrong With Kaylee Cavanaugh

She doesn't see dead people, but...

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about the need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next...

SOUL SCREAMERS The last thing you hear before you die...


Thoughts: Ms. Vincent has created an exciting new world, with intriguing characters and a mysterious plot. My Soul To Take is enthralling from page one. An emotional read, which I had a hard time putting it down. The romance was charming as well. I'm looking forward to see how that progresses.

I loved the story and the characters, I highly recommend this one. While this is a Young Adult book, I believe this book will be enjoyed by all ages.

Score: 5 Stars

Author Website: http://rachelvincent.com/

Upcoming Releases:
My Soul To Lose- Out Now
My Soul To Take- August 1, 2009
My Soul To Save- January 1, 2010

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

The Second Annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week kicks off September 14th and runs till September 18th. This event was created last year by Amy Riley from My Friend Amy in an effort to recognize the hard work and contribution of book bloggers to the promotion and preservation of a literate culture actively engaged in discussing books, authors, and a lifestyle of reading.

If you want to take part in Book Blogger Appreciation Week you need to
register you blog HERE Also help get the word out about Book Blogger
Appreciation Week by posting on your blog about it.

Knight of Desire Winners

And the Winners are:

Kristie (J)

Christine

AmyC

robynl

CindyW

Send your mailing information to annasbookblog@gmail.com

Congrats!!

Things I Am Not Allowed To Do At Hogwarts

So, today is the big day. Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince is finally in theaters. Anyone planning to go this week??? I'll be going on Friday and I can't wait. Below is something I posted back in 2007. It's just too funny, I had to post it again. FYI: I'm not the author of any of these. I found this on photobucket.

Things I Am Not Allowed To Do At Hogwarts

I will not poke Hufflepuffs with spoons, nor will I insist that their House colors indicate hat they are "covered in bees"

No matter how good a fake Australian accent I can do, I will not imitate Steve Irwin during Care of Magical Creatures Class

Growing marijuana or hallucinogenic mushrooms is not "an extra credit project for Herbology

"I've heard every possible joke about Oliver Wood's name" is not a challenge

The Giant Squid is not an appropriate date to the Yule Ball

I will not use Umbridge's quill to write "I told you I was hardcore"

If a classmate falls asleep, I will not take advantage of that fact and draw a Dark Mark on their arm

Starting a betting pool on the fate of this years DADA teacher is tasteless and tacky, not a clever money-making concept

I will not start every potions class by asking Professor Snape if today's project is suitable for use as a sexual lubricant

Seamus Finnegan is not "after me Lucky Charms"

I will not call the DADA teacher Kenny, even if he is wearing an orange
anorak

There is no such thing as a were-thylacine

I will not bring a Magic Eight Ball to Divination Class

Tricking a school house elf into stripping does not mean they are now mine, even if I yell "Pwned!"

I am not a sloth animagus

I am not a triple Animagus

I am allowed to have a toad, rat, cat or owl. I am not allowed to have a reticulated python, snow leopard, Tasmanian devil or piranha

I do not weigh the same as a duck

030. Remus Lupin does not want a flea collar

I will stop asking the Arithmancy teacher what the square of -1 is

Any resemblance between Dementors and Nazgul is coincidental

i will not change the password to the prefects' bath to "Makes getting clean
almost as fun as getting dirty

There is no such thing as an Invisibility thong

Professor Flitwick does not wish to be addressed as "Admiral Naismith"

Asking "How do you keep a Gryffindor in suspense? and walking away is only funny the first time

42 is not the answer to every question on the OWLs

It is a bad idea to tell Professor McGonagall she takes her self soo seriously

I am not to Owl copies of the Evil Overlord list to suspected Death Eaters

I will stop asking when we will learn to make "Love Potion Number Nine"

I will not ask Dumbledore to show me the pointy hat trick

I will not teach the first years to sing "A Wizard's Staff Has A Knob On The End"

I will not take out a life insurance policy on Harry Potter

Sirius Black did not found the Sirius Cybernetics Corp.

My name is not Captain Subtext

I will not refer to Kingsley Shacklebolt as a "Big Black Sex Auror"

Professor Flitwick's first name is not Yoda

I am no the Defense Against the Boring Classes Professor

It is generally accepted that cats and dragons cannot interbreed and I should not attempt to disprove this theory, no matter how wicked the result would be

Gryffindor courage does not come int bottles labeled "Firewhiskey"

First years are not to be fed to Fluffy

A wand is for magic only, it is not for picking noses, playing snooker, or drumming on desks, no matter how bored I become

It is not appropriate to slip sample bottles of Selsun Blue into Professor Snape's personal postbox

I will not impersonate the Swedish Chef in Potions Class

First-years should no be encouraged to befriend the Whomping Willow

Novelty or holiday-themed ties are not to be worn with my school uniform

I will not use my socks to make hand-puppets of the Slytherin house mascot

When fighting Death Eaters in the annual June battle of Good v. Evil, I will not lift my wand skyward and shout "There can be only ONE!"

I should not refer to DADA professors as "canaries in the coal mine"

I will not say the phrase "Dude, get a life." to Lord Voldemort

I will not put books of muggle fairy tales in the history section of the library

There is not now, nor has there ever been, a fifth house at Hogwarts.
And I am not a member of that house nor am I it's founder

I will not refer to the Accio charm as "The Force"

Albus Dumbledore's proper title is "Headmaster" not "My Liege"

I will not use Slytherin and Gryffindor first years as Christmas decorations

Calling the Ghostbusters is a cruel joke to play on the resident ghosts and poltergeists

If asked in class what Avada Kedavra curse does, yelling "It does DEATH!!!" maybe correct but is not the manner in which one should answer

I am not allowed to lock Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in a closet to see if hot gay sex will occur

Ravenclaws do not find a sign saying "The library is closed for an indefinite time period" amusing in any sense

A time turner is not a flux capacitor, and I should therefore not install one in any muggle cars

I am not allowed to use silencing charms on my Professors

I will not claim my X-Files tapes are Auror Training Videos

When being interrogated by a member of staff, I am not to wave my hand and announce "There are not the droids you are looking for"

I am not authorized to negotiate a peace treaty with Voldemort

I will not follow potions instructions in reverse order just to see what happens

If the thought of a spell makes me giggle for longer than 15 seconds, I am to assume that I am not allowed to do it

I will not under any circumstances, ask Harry Potter who died and made him boss

I am not allowed to introduce Peeves to paint balling

I am not allowed to give the Gryffindors Pixie Stix

I will not lock the Slytherins and Gryffindors In a room together and take bets on which house will come out alive

I will not give Hagrid Pokemon Cards and convince him that they are real animals

I will not teach the house elves to impersonate Jar Jar Binks

I will not sing The Badger Song during Hufflepuff-Slytherin quiditch matches

I will not tell first years that they should build a tree house in the Whomping Willow

I will not douse Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak with lemon juice to see if he will become visible when wearing it and standing near the fire in the Common Room

I will not yell "Believe it.... or not!" after any of Dumbledore's speeches

Bringing fortune cookies to Divination class does not count as extra credit

My name is not "The Dark Lord Happy-Pants" and I'm not allowed to sign my papers as such

There is no such thing as the Chamber of Double Secrets Probation

I will not attempt to magically animate my marshmallow Peeps

I will never ask Harry if his scar senses are tingling

Voldemort is not Ganandorf and the Triforce is not hidden in Hogwarts

I will not sing the entire Multiplication Rock series during Arithmancy exams

I will not charm the suits of armor to do a rendition of "Knight of the Round Table for the Christmas Feast

I will not call Professor McGonagall "McGoogles"

I am not allowed to make lightsaber sounds with my wand

I will not dress up as Voldemort for Halloween

I will not wear my DEATH EATER AND PROUD OF IT! shirt to school

I am not allowed to declare an official Hug a Slytherin Day

It is not necessary for me to yell "BAMF" every time I Apparate

I will not steal Gryffindor's sword from Dumbledor's office and use it to patrol the hallways

I am not allowed to sing my own personal spy music while wandering the hallways

It is a bad idea to tell Professor Snape he takes himself too seriously

I will not dress up in a Dementor suit and use a Dustbuster on Harry's lips to get him to do what I want

"To conquer the Earth with an army of flying monkeys" is no an appropriate career choice

I will not sing "We're off to see the wizard" when sent to the Headmasters office

It is not necessary to yell "BURN!" every time Snape takes points from Gryffindor

I will not hold my wand in the air before casting spells and shot "I have the power!"

[Review] - Finders Keepers

Title: Finders Keepers
Author: Linnea Sinclair
Genre: Futuristic Romance
Year: 2005

Summary: Independent trader Trilby Elliot is making some not-quite-legal modifications to her starfreighter, when an unexpected visitor falls out of space. Literally. He's crashed onto the uninhabited planet of Avanar in a crippled 'Sko fighter-the last place you'd expect to find a Zafharin military officer because the 'Sko and the Zafharin have been at war as long as Trilby can remember.

Rhis Vanur is your typically arrogant Zafharin. But to Trilby's surprise, he doesn't look down on her or her slapdash ship. Still, Trilby's learned the hard way that even though she found Rhis, she can't keep him. She's just a low-budget jump jockey as far as men like him are concerned. She's not falling for his offer to help...until Port Rumor reports her best friend missing and Trilby learns that the 'Sko are hunting both her and Rhis. Now they're in it together for better, for worse-or till death blasts them to oblivion....

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one, more than I thought I would. If you like
Science Fiction with a splash of romance you'll like this book.

Trilby is on a deserted planet, making repairs to her ship when Rhis pretty much falls into her lap. Although she has reason to be, Trilby is a bit crabby for a good chunky of the book. At times her attitude was a bit annoying, but I loved her character anyway. Both Rhis and Trilby's characters make for a wonderful story.

This was my first time reading anything by Linnea Sinclair, it was a nice change from vampires and werewolves (not that I'm giving up on them anytime soon.) but, I am looking forward to reading her other books. Finders Keepers as far as I can tell is a stand-alone novel.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Other titles by Linnea Sinclair:
Gabriel's Ghost
An Accidental Goddess
Games of Command
The Down Home Zombie Blues
Shades of Dark
Hope's Folly

[Cover Art] - Inked

I found this over at Karen Chance's Website.
Can't wait to read this one. I love the cover too. :)

[Trailer] - Being Human

Coming to BBC America On July 25th
I'm looking forward to seeing this one. :)

Quicky Winner

And the Winner is....

Mishel

Send your mailing information to annasbookblog@gmail.com
You have until July 17th to claim your winnings.

Congrats!

[Promo] - The Light of Burning Shadows

Coming July 28, 2009

Book Description:

"They might be doomed, damned, and buggered for all eternity, but that didn't mean they couldn't sparkle like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion."

Musket and cannon, bow and arrow, and magic and diplomacy vie for supremacy once again in this second epic fantasy adventure from acclaimed author Chris Evans. As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves' perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, takes on greater urgency.

The Iron Elves, shunned by their own people for bearing the mark of the Shadow Monarch, and desperately wanting to forever erase this shame, became legendary for their prowess on the battlefield as the Calahrian Imperial Army's elite shock troops. But when their commanding officer, Konowa Swift Dragon, murdered the Viceroy of Elfkyna, he was exiled, and these brave elves were banished to a remote desert outpost, doomed and leaderless, their honor in tatters.

Recalled to duty to reform his regiment from the dregs of the Imperial Army, Konowa thwarted the plans of the Shadow Monarch at the Battle of Luuguth Jor -- ensuring that the fabled Red Star, a source of great natural energy, did not fall into Her hands. Now Konowa must cross storm-tossed seas to seek out the lost elves and the prophesied return of another Star somewhere in a desert wasteland roiling with mysterious power, infernos of swirling magic, and legends brought back to life in new and terrible ways. And the fate of every living creature will come to depend on a small band of ragged and desperatesoldiers, whose very loyalty to the Empire they have sworn to serve is no longer certain. When death is but a temporary condition, a terrifying question arises: who is the true ally -- and fearsome enemy -- in a growing conflict that threatens all?

Author Website

Quicky Contest **Closed**

One lucky winner will receive all three of these books. Leave a comment to enter. I'll pick a winner on Monday July 13th. Make sure to leave and email address. Open to U.S & Canada.

Good Things Come In Threes- Anthology
Bound By Your Touch- Meredith Duran
Dirty Sexy Knitting- Christie Ridgeway (ARC)

[Review] - My Soul To Lose

Title: My Soul to Lose
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Year: 2009

Summary: Kaylee Cavanaugh's trip to the mall ends with a brutal panic attack and a brain scrambling shriek she can't stop. Her secret fear is exposed. It's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

But the hospital isn't a safe place for Kaylee, and getting out won't be easy because everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, who has a secret of her own...


Thoughts: Kaylee is a high school student that has some pretty serious panic attacks. She's in the mall when she has the mother of all panic attacks, one that changes everything for her.

This is a prequel to the upcoming book My Soul To Take. A fast read, but a good lead in to the first book. I enjoyed it. I wasn't sure I'd read this series, but reading this novella definitely sparked my interest. I look forward to seeing what's going happen to Kaylee.

Score: 3 Stars

Author Website: http://rachelvincent.com/

You can download a free copy of this novella at the Author's Website .

Upcoming Releases:
My Soul To Take- August 1, 2009
My Soul To Save- January 1, 2010

In My Mailbox [11]

Thanks to Michelle

Thanks to Hachette Book Group

Thanks to Phenix Publicity

The Grand Sophy Winners

And the winners are....

SHANNON

HEATHER D

Please send your mailing information to: annasbookblog@gmail.com
You have until July 15th to claim your prize.

Antsy...

So, yesterday I finished reading The Highwayman, that was good and all. But now I had to find something else to read. Not that I'm running out or anything, but sometimes it's hard to decide. I picked up and started four different books and then put them down. I still want to read them, I just wasn't in the mood for Them. Finally found one that clicked, Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair. So, far I'm really enjoying this one.


I also stopped by Walmart today and they actually had the new releases out. I got:

Branded by Fire- Nalini Singh

Breaking Midnight- Emma Holly

Staked- J.F. Lewis (I just realized I have this in Trade paperback, I hate when that happens)

The Dark-Hunters Vol. 1- Sherrilyn Kenyon

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows- J.K. Rowling (yay! It's finally in paperback)

[Promo] - The Stolen One

Out Now!

Book Description:

When her adoptive mother dies, Katherine Bab takes the chance she has been waiting for her whole life: she moves from her country village to London, to uncover the secret of who she really is. Before long, Kat has become the favorite of Queen Elizabeth herself, and rumors are swirling-could fiery-haired Kat be the secret daughter of the Virgin Queen. Kat's got plenty of other things to figure out, as well . . . such as how to choose between her childhood love and the two handsome men at court vying for her affections.

Author Website

Knight of Desire Giveaway

Courtesy of Hachette Book Group & Forever Books
I have 5 copies of Margaret Mallory's Knight of Desire

To enter leave a comment on this post. To get an extra entry, mention this contest on your blog. Leave me a link on where you blogged about it and an email address. I will announce the winners on July 15th.

Important Info:
Books will be shipped from the publisher
Open to U.S. & Canada
No P.O. Boxes

Book Description:

FEARLESS IN BATTLE

His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

TENDER IN BED

Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she’s keeping secrets and dares not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.

Author Website


Good Luck :)

Eye Candy...

If your looking for some Eye Candy, you should check out Author, Cheryl Brooks' Blog . Her blog is X-Rated, so if your not into that kinda thing you should probably pass on it. ;)

[Promo] - A Darkness Forged In Fire

Book Description:

Iron Elves Book 1

In this world, Konowa Swift Dragon, former commander of the Empire's elite Iron Elves, is looked upon as anything but ordinary. He's murdered a Viceroy, been court-martialed, seen his beloved regiment disbanded, and finally been banished in disgrace to the one place he despises the most — the forest.

Now, all he wants is to be left alone with his misery...but for Konowa, nothing is ever that simple. The mysterious and alluring Visyna Tekoy, the highborn daughter of an elfkynan governor, seeks him out in the dangerous wild with a royal decree that he resume his commission as an officer in Her Majesty's Imperial Army, effective immediately.

For in the east, a falling Red Star heralds the return of a magic long vanished from the earth. Rebellion grows within the Empire as a frantic race to reach the Star unfolds. It is a chance for Konowa to redeem himself — even if the entire affair appears doomed to be a suicide mission...

and that the soldiers recruited for the task are not at all what he expects. And worse, his key adversary in the perilous race for the Star is the dreaded Shadow Monarch — a legendary elf-witch whose machinations for absolute domination spread deeperthan Konowa could ever imagine....

Author Website

[Promo] - The Atlantis Legacy

Book Descriptions:
This the the first two books in one volume.

Raising Atlantis Book 1:

A glacial earthquake exposes a mysterious monument older than the Earth itself. The pope reveals a terrifying vision of apocalyptic disaster. And two miles below the ice of Antarctica, the legend of a lost civilization awaits. Archaeologist Conrad Yeats must race to unlock its devastating power...or prepare for the ultimate doomsday.


The Atlantis Prophecy Book 2:

Archaeologist Conrad Yeats discovers in his father's tombstone the key to a mysterious centuriesold warning that lies hidden beneath the monuments of the nation's capital. Now, with the help of beautiful Vatican linguist Serena Serghetti, he must destroy a powerful ancient organization before it raises an empire that could threaten the world.

Author Website

Blogs to Check Out [2]

Here are some cool blogs I recently add to my blog list:

Books, Books and More Books

Book Junkie

Book Reviews By Bobbie

Caffey's Reads

Confessions of a Romance Book Addict

I ♥ Book Gossip

Leotine's Book Realm

Randi Romance Reader

Seductive Musings

Smexy Books

Tynga's Urban Fantasy Reviews

Yankee Romance Reviewers

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is one book I highly recommend. Thanks to AmyC for recommending it. I just finished reading and loved every bit of it. I think anyone who has found friendship through their love of books will enjoy this book.

AmyC thought this was such a wonderful book she came up with The Traveling Potato Peel Pie Society. In which the book would be passed around from reader to reader. So far the book has been to New York, Finland, New Jersey, Louisana and here with me in Minnesota. If you want to learn more about her idea, you can check out her original post HERE

Book Description:
January 1946: writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.

Offical Website

In My Mailbox [10]

Here is what I got in the mail this past week....

Rituals of Passion- Lacey Alexander

Darkness Burning- Delilah Devlin

A Duke to Die For- Amelia Grey

The Highwayman- Michele Hauf

The Vampire Queen's Servent- Joey W. Hill

Heated Fantasies- Elizabeth Lapthorne

Up In Smoke- Katie MacAlister

The Seeker- Lindsay McKenna

Dark Elves: Taken- Jet Mykles

Vision Captured- Lorie O'Clare

Call of the Lycan- Michelle M. Pillow

What Happens In London- Julia Quinn

A Kind of Magic- Susan Sizemore

I hope everyone who is celebrating has a Safe &
Happy 4th of July!!!

[Review/Book Giveaway] - The Grand Sophy

Title: The Grand Sophy
Author: Georgette Heyer
Genre: Historical Romance
Year: 2009 (Originally Published in 1950)

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: When Lady Ombersley agrees to take in her young niece, no one expects Sophy, who sweeps in and immediately takes the ton by storm.

Sophy discovers that her aunt's family is in desperate need of her talent for setting everything right: Ceclia is in love with a poet, Charles has tyrannical tendencies that are being aggravated by his grim fiancee, her uncle is of no use at all, and the younger children are in desperate need of some fun and freedom. By the time she's done, Sophy has commandeered Charles's horses, his household, and finally, his heart.

Thoughts: At first I had doubts about reading this book, but in the end I absolutely loved it. Sophy splashes on the pages by chapter three and doesn't stop till the last page. With her vibrant personality you can't help but being drawn in, she is a pure delight. The Grand Sophy was an exciting, charming read. The characters grab you and don't let go. You can't help but want to see what Sophy will do next.

Georgette Heyer, is definitely a pioneer of the Historical Romance genre. I think any one today that is reading this genre should read Ms. Heyer at least once.

Score: 4 Stars

Book Giveaway: Sourcebooks has offered up two copies of The Grand Sophy to giveaway. To enter, leave a comment on this post. Please leave an email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. I will pick a winner on July 10th. ***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED***

About the Author:
The late Georgette Heyer was a very private woman. Her historical novels have charmed and delighted millions of readers for decades, though she rarely reached out to the public to discuss her works or personal life. She was born in Wimbledon in August 1902, and her first novel, The Black Moth, published when she was 19, was an instant success.

Heyer published 56 books over the next 53 years, until her death from lung cancer in 1974. Her work included Regency novels, mysteries and historical fiction. Known also as the Queen of Regency romance, Heyer was legendary for her research, historical accuracy and her extraordinary plots and characterizations. Her last book, My Lord John, was published posthumously in 1975. She was married to George Ronald Rougier, a barrister, and they had one son, Richard.

Damn, Walmart!

I had planned not to buy any books this month, since I pre-order most of the ones on my list. You can see below how well that worked out. Walmart is to blame, usually they suck at getting new releases out. :P