September 2009- Reading List

Sea Glass- Maria V. Snyder
4 Stars

An Offer From a Gentleman: The 2nd Epilogue- Julia Quinn
3 Stars

To Sir Philip, With Love: The 2nd Epilogue- Julia Quinn
3 Stars

Mercy Thompson: Homecoming- Patricia Briggs
5 Stars

Lucan- Susan Kearney
4 Stars

Pleasure and Purpose- Megan Hart
5 Stars

A Kiss Before Dying- J.A. Saare
4 Stars

The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
5 Stars

The Hathaway Wedding- Lisa Kleypas
4 Stars

A Marquis To Marry- Amelia Grey
4 Stars

Moon Kissed- Michele Hauf
4 Stars

After the Kiss- Michele Hauf
3 Stars

Seducing A Scottish Bride- Sue-Ellen Welfonder
3 Stars

Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins
5 Stars

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side- Beth Fantaskey
5 Stars

Kitten- Amanda Sidhe
3 Stars

Barely Bewitched- Kimberly Frost
4 Stars

Bengal's Heart- Lora Leigh
4 Stars

City of Bones- Cassandra Clare
4 Stars

Benny & Shrimp- Katarina Mazetti
4 Stars

Uglies- Scott Westerfeld
4 Stars

Hunting Ground- Patricia Briggs
3 Stars

Ballad- Maggie Stiefvater
4 Stars

Cirque Du Freak Vol. 1- Darren Shan & Takahiro Arai
5 Stars

A Highlander's Temptations- Sue-Ellen Welfonder
4 Stars

Cirque Du Freak Vol. 2- Darren Shan & Takahiro Arai
5 Stars

Tempt Me At Twilight- Lisa Kleypas
5 Stars

Zombies for Zombies- David P. Murphy
4 Stars

City of Ashes- Cassandra Clare
4 Stars

House of Cards- C.E. Murphy
4 Stars

Hex In High Heels- Linda Wisdom
4 Stars

The Wyrm King- Holly Black
3 Stars


This was a fairly good month, but it went by too fast. I know it doesn't look it, but I went through a bit of a reading funk. I hate when that happens. Make sure to stop by in October I'll be having authors Sue-Ellen Welfonder, Kylie Brant, Linda Wisdom, Amelia Grey and Amanda Grange stopping by.


Rating System:
5 Stars- Amazing- A Must Read
4 Stars- Loved It
3 Stars- Liked It
2 Stars- It was Ok
1 Stars- Didn't Like It

[ARC Review] - A Highlander's Temptation

Title: A Highlander's Temptation
Author: Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Series: MacKenzie
Genre: Historical Romance
Year: 2009 (Released Today)

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: Darroc MacConacher spends sleepless nights dreaming of a raven-haired beauty who makes him ache with desire. Then his dream comes true: the lady with her lush curves and fair skin appears shipwrecked on his shores. Darroc is immediately drawn to her strength and beauty, and from the moment she lays eyes on this powerful, broad-shouldered warrior, Lady Arabella MacKenzie knows she'll never want another man.

But theirs is a forbidden love. The MacKenzies drove the MacConachers from their lands and destroyed their honor. Now, Darroc can use this sapphire-eyed seductress to shatter his foes. Yet how can he deny the passion that burns between him and Arabella, and ruin the one woman who touches his very soul?


Thoughts: Lady Arabella, eldest daughter of Duncan MacKenzie is lonely and longs for love, adventure and companionship. Mostly against her father's wishes she leaves home to find said adventure and maybe something more.

The sixth book in the MacKenzie series, A Highlander's Temptation was beautifully written. This is only my third time reading from the series, but I absolutely loved what I've read so far. In the prologue Ms. Welfonder writes about a stretch of coast in Scotland in such detail, you feel like you've been transported to that very spot. Her description of the places and time are a delight to read. Fans of Scotland and Highlanders shouldn't pass this series up.

Score: 4 Stars

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

MacKenzie Series:
Devil in a Kilt
Bride of the Beast
Only for a Knight
Until the Knight Comes
Bride for a Knight
Seducing a Scottish Bride
A Highlander's Temptation

MacLean Series:
Knight in My Bed
Master of the Highland
Wedding for a Knight

Writing as Allie Mackay:
Highlander In Her Bed
Highlander In her Dreams
Tall, Dark and Kilted
Some Like It Kilted (February 2, 2010)

Swords of the Six Winner

and the winner is...

Mishel

please send your mailing information here:
annasbookblog@gmail.com

Congrats!!!

[Promo] - Black Winged Angel

Book Description:

Some legends describe him as a god, while others say he is a devil that seeks to kill the gods to gain his freedom. They had given him a name… Darious. His plan was to send every demon back into the pit and his weapon was the fury that raged within him. Saving the humans who avoided him like a dangerous plague, Darious was stunned to find emerald green eyes staring up at him without fear.

Little did Kyoko know that one smoldering glance could tempt a god and blaze his passion that had only known fury. Surrounded by the guardians that love and protect her, do any of them stand a chance against the black winged angel or the demons that have silently invaded the city? Kyoko finds out that it’s hard to run away from Darious when he’s faster then she is.

Black Winged Angel can be purchased at Amazon in paperback & for the kindle.


The Guardian Heart Crystal Series:
Defy Not The Heart
The Heart of Time
Raging Hearts
The Light in the Heart of Darkness
A Guardian's Possession
Vampire Gemini
Black Winged Angel

Author Website

[Review] - Zombies for Zombies

Title: Zombies for Zombies
Author: Daniel P. Murphy
Genre: Humor
Year: 2009

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: So.... You’ve been bitten by a zombie. Bummer.

But there's no need to panic! Yes, your life will be undergoing a major transformation, but this doesn't have to be the end-all it once was when the Disaster first hit. There have been significant breakthroughs in the last decade in helping you keep significant parts of your wit and dignity. Together we can limit the damage.

Zombies for Zombies is a motivational guide designed specifically to make a profound difference in your accidental, strange new life. You say you don't want to become another one of those ghastly creatures you see on the news out in the Tempe Containment Zone? You don't have to—if you follow the great advice inside, including:

* How to dress for your new lifestyle

* Handy recipes for brains

* Fitness ideas for keeping you somewhat energetic

* New skin-care techniques to help ward off "rotting flesh syndrome"

* How to overcome that darned zombie social stigma

* Dance steps for the motor-impaired

Completely Revised and Updated Since the Containment Zone Disaster!

Thoughts: Zombie for Zombies is a how-to-book and advice book, to living as a Zombie. A must for anyone who has been recently bitten. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a huge zombie fan. But if you add in a bit of snark, a little bit of humor then I'm good to go. Which is exactly what I found in Zombies for Zombies, I thought it was hilarious! This book holds all sorts of information that is vital to a zombie. From behavior, to grooming, stories of success and even tips to spice up your zombie sex life. Not to be missed! With the popularity of the paranormal I wonder if this book will spawn other books such as Vampires for Vampires or Werewolves for Werewolves?? ;)

Score: 4 Stars

Author's Website: http://davidpmurphy.com/

[ARC Review] - A Marquis to Marry

Title: A Marquis to Marry
Author: Amelia Grey
Series: The Rogues' Dynasty
Genre: Historical Romance
Year: 2009

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: The Marquis is shocked to find a Duchess on his doorstep...

When his noble visitor accuses Raceworth of hiding priceless stolen pearls belonging to her family, he's angrier than he's ever been. No way is he going to hand over his grandmother's necklace--not to her and definitely not to the other shady characters who are suddenly in pursuit of him.



Especially when she turns out to be young and beautiful...

Relentless as she is, Susannah, Duchess of Brookfield, refuses to be intimidated by the Marquis' commanding presence, chiseled good looks, or charming smile, and his anger isn't going to stop her either. She has proof the pearls are rightfully hers, and she means to have them--no matter what she has to do.

But when the pearls disappear, Race and Susannah have no choice but to join forces, or something immeasurably precious to them both may be gone forever.

Thoughts: Susannah demands Race return the priceless pearls that were stolen from her family years ago. But Race won't budge. There's no way he's handing over his Grandmother's pearl necklace to anyone...

A Marquis to Marry was full of intrigue, suspense and a wonderful romance. On first meeting Susannah and Race detest each other - but also are very attracted to on another, that always makes for a good story. Ms. Grey is a wonderful storyteller. This the second book in The Rogue's Dynasty series. It's the only one it the series I've read but, as far as I can tell it can be read as a stand alone.

Score: 4 Stars

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

The Rogues' Dynasty Series:
A Duke to Die For
A Marquis to Marry- October 1, 2009
An Earl to Enchant- April 2010

October Book Releases

1st
Awakening the Beast- Anthology
Time Raiders: The Avenger- P.C. Cast
A Marquis to Marry- Amelia Grey
The Vampire is Just Not That Into You- Vlad Mezrich
Ballad- Maggie Stiefvater
Immortal Wolf- Bonnie Vanak
A Highlander's Temptation- Sue-Ellen Welfonder

2nd
Hunting Season- Shelly Laurenston

5th
Fire- Kristin Cashore

6th
The Maze Runner- James Dashner
The Van Alen Legacy- Melissa De La Cruz
Ice- Sarah Beth Durst
Taming the Cougar- Vonna Harper
A Touch of Dead- Charlaine Harris
No Greater Pleasure- Megan Hart
Hunting Memories- Barb Hendee
Indiscreet- Carolyn Jewel
Demon Ex Macinn- Julia Kenner
Highland Dragon- Kimberly Killion
One Snowy Knight- Deborah MacGillivray
Caleb- Sarah McCarty
Friday Night Bites- Chloe Neill
Seduce Me By Christmas- Deborah Raleigh
Seduce By Shadows- Jessa Slade
The Border Lord & The Lady- Beatrice Small
Sinjin- Julia Templeton
Shadowlight- Lynn Viehl
Candy Houses- Shiloh Walkerr
Leviathan- Scott Westerfeld
Knight Dreams- C.C. Wiley
Hex in High Heels- Linda Wisdom
Dragon Moon- Rebecca York

9th
Force of Attraction- Mandy M. Roth

13th
Demon Forged- Meljean Brook
The Deep Kiss of Winter- Kresley Cole & Gena Showlater
Hush, Hush- Becca Fitzpatrick
Flesh & Fire- Laura Anne Gilman
Girl in the Arena- Lisa Haines
Shadowfae- Erica Hayes
Last Man on Earthh- Michelle M. Pillow
Alexandra's Legacy- N.J. Walters
Hotter Than Hell- Raine Weaver

14th
House of the Cat- Shelley Munro

16th
Forbidden: The Ascension- Samantha Sommersby

20th
Midnight Falls- R.G. Alexander
The Seeking Kiss- Eden Bradley
Trinity- Lauren Dane
Satin Spar- Kim Knox

21st
Raging Passions- Amanda Sidhe

23rd
Forbidden: The Revolution- Samantha Sommersby

27th
Wolf Fight- Vivian Arend
Child of Darkness- Jennifer Armintrout
Bound By Shadows- Keri Arthur
Never After- Anthology
Possess Me At Midnight- Shayla Black
Tempted- P.C. & Kristin Cast
Bitter Night- Diana Pharaoh Francis
Candle in the Storm- Morgan Howell
To Desire a Devil- Elizabeth Hoyt
Bite Me Fire- Mary Hughes
Destiny's Path- Frewin Jones
Tainted- Julie Kenner
Blood Kin- Maria Lima
Silver Silence- Joy Nash
The Shadow Dragons- James A. Owen
Maximum Ride Vol. 2- James Patterson (manga)
Tempest Rising- Nicole Peeleer
Sanctuary's Price- Moira Rogers
Playing with Fire- Gena Showalter (re-issue)

28th
Stone & Sky- Cindy Spence Pape
Queen of Song & Soul- C.L. Wilson

29th
Fire: Tales of Elemental Spirits- Robin McKinley & Peter Dickinson
Bite Marks- Jennifer Rardin



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

Lucan Winners

And the winners are:

Dottie
Shelia(bookjourney)
Karen W
Lea
Patti

Please send your mailing information here:
annasbookblog@gmail.com


Congrats to all the winners!

In My Mailbox [21]

The In My Mailbox I follow was started over at The Story Siren.


Here is what I got this past week...

I got these two for review. Thanks to Flux and Lessard Public Relations.
You can read my review for Ballad here. Also if you'd like a chance to win a copy of Ballad Angieville is giving one away.

I won these three items over at Gerri Russell's website.
There is still time to enter the contest, it runs until September 29th.

These ones arrived from Paperback Swap and Amazon.

This week I also picked up:

Hot for the Holidays- Anthology
Covet- J.R. Ward
Big Bad Wolf- Christine Warren
Tempt Me At Twilight- Lisa Kleypas
Extras- Scott Westerfeld
Moonlight- Rachel Hawthorne

[Review] - Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie

Title: Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Books of Faerie
Genre: Young Adult
Year: 2009

I received this book for review from Flux.

Summary: James Morgan has an almost unearthly gift for music. And it has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and then feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. James has plenty of reasons to fear the faeries, but as he and Nuala collaborate on an achingly beautiful musical composition, James finds his feelings towards Nuala deepening.

But the rest of the fairies are not as harmless. As Halloween—the day of the dead—draws near, James will have to battle the Faerie Queen and the horned king of the dead to save Nuala's life and his soul.

Thoughts: The Summer & the events with the faeries have ended. James & Deirdre are now attending the music school ThornKing-Ash, where it seems life has gone back to normal. But then James and this music catches the eye of a Soul snatching faerie named Nuala...

Ballad continues the complex battle between human and faerie. It makes for one riveting tale, highly enjoyable. Filled with suspense and adventure. Ms. Stiefvater has created a dark, thrilling world that I look forward to visiting again. I was so excited to see that James was narrating this book, he kinda got pushed aside in book one, and I thought his personality too intriguing not to get his own book. If you think you'll like this book, I suggest reading Lament to see how James & Deirdre's story began.

Score: 4 Stars

Authors Website: http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/

Upcoming Releases:
Ballad- October 1, 2009
Linger- (Fall 2010)

[Giveaway]- Swords of the Six *Contest Closed*

Swords of the Six is the first book in the Sword of the
Dragon series by debut Author Scott Appleton.

Scott is offering one lucky winner a hardcover copy of
Swords of the Six.

To enter leave a comment on this post along with an email address. I will announce the winner on September 29th. Good Luck!

Book Description:

When in ancient times the dragon prophet was betrayed by his choicest warriors, he set in mind a plan to bring the traitors to justice. Nearly one thousand years later he sets new warriors on a quest to mete out justice . . . these warriors' veins flow not with human blood, but the strength of the dragon's. Wielding rusted swords whose blades still drip with the blood of the innocents slain by them, the dragon's human daughters set out to find the first of the traitors.

http://www.theswordofthedragon.com/

[Series Spotlight] - The Hathaways

Mine Till Midnight was first Lisa Kleypas book I read and I have been hooked ever since. Book 3 in this series comes out today, so I thought that this would be the perfect time to spotlight the series. :)

Book Description:
When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men's dreams, Cam has tired of society's petty restrictions and longs to return to his "uncivilized" Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship-but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter...



Book Description:

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins-and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation...and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England...only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It's now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny-or risk losing the only woman he has lived for...



OUT TODAY!!
Book Description:

Poppy Hathaway, who has always longed for a normal, ordinary life, has been abandoned by her true love, Michael Bayning. Caught up in scandal, she has only one way out-- to marry Harry Rutledge, a handsome and mysterious hotel owner. But Harry is a man of many secrets, and eventually Poppy faces a heartwrenching question: What does a heroine do when she ends up married to the villain?

http://www.lisakleypas.com/

[Cover Art] - Mind Games

Carolyn Crane, fellow blogger and fellow Minnesotan announced some excited news over the weekend. She posted the cover art for her upcoming Urban Fantasy novel- Mind Games. Look at the beauty below, the art department did a fantastic job. :) I can't wait to read this one.

Mind Games is scheduled to be released on March 23, 2010 from Spectra. To learn more about Carolyn and her books check out her blog- The Trillionth Page

New Banner

A Big Thanks goes to Barbara from Happily Forever After
for creating my new banner. I love it. Thank You!!
(((HUGS)))

[Giveaway]- Lucan *Contest Closed*

Thanks to Hachette Book Group I'm able to offer 5 lucky winners a copy of
Susan Kearney's Lucan

To enter leave a comment on this post along with your email address. I will announce the 5 winners on September 26th. Open to U.S. and Canada. No P.O. Boxes.

The Pendragon Legacy Book 1- Out Now

Book Description:
THEIR LOVE IS FORBIDDEN
Healer and high priestess of her people, Lady Cael is fated to life without a mate. But a mysterious explorer named Lucan Rourke doesn’t know her secrets, and his touch makes her crave a future that her extraordinary birthright has forbidden her...

BUT DANGER IS NO MATCH FOR DESIRE
Lucan has just one mission on Pendragon: to find the mythical Holy Grail, Earth’s only hope for survival. His powerful attraction to Cael is a distraction he can’t afford, unless he convinces her to join forces with him. Yet working so closely together only heightens their passion...even when the terrifying truth of Cael’s heritage threatens to shatter Lucan’s every belief—and the galaxy itself.

Susan Kearney's Website

My Review of Lucan

[Review] - Benny & Shrimp

Title: Benny & Shrimp
Author: Katarina Mazetti
Genre: Fiction
Year: 2009

I received this book for review from FSB Associates.

Summary: Two Middle-aged misfits and love that should not be as complicated as it seems.

It started in a cemetery, where they begrudgingly share a bench. "Shrimp," the childless young widow and librarian with a sharp intellect and a home so tidy that her jam jars are in alphabetical order, meets Benny, the gentle, overworked milk farmer who fears becoming the village's Old Bachelor. Both driven by an enormous longing and loudly ticking biological clocks, they can't escape the powerful attraction between them.

But how will she learn to accept that he falls asleep at the opera and has a house full of his mother's cross-stitch? An how could he ever feel at home in her minimalist apartment, bare as a dentist's waiting room?

Thoughts: When Benny & Shrimp first encounter each other they have both recently lost a loved one. They are lost and longing for companionship. Total opposites from one another and set in their ways. But is it possible for them to make things work....

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Benny & Shrimp is a charming read, a lovely romance. While both Benny and Shrimp are stubborn and are not really good with change, they are honest and lovable characters. I fell in love with them from the start. Once you start reading this book, you won't want to put it down. My only complaint would be the ending, while I thought the end was good, I was hoping for a bit more.

Score: 4 Stars

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

In My Mailbox [20]

Here is what I got this past week...

Book Description:

Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that?

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.


Book Description:

Britain, Sixth Century A.D. -- A time for pagan magic and Christian piety, a place of mystery, treachery and dark enchantment. Here the legend of Camelot was born and with it, bold pasoins and forbidden desires...

Young, lovely and willful, Gwenhwyfar is chosen by Arthur to be his wife, an honor she reluctantly accepts. Soon, however, she cannot ignore the awakening passion Britain's new king ignites. He is a lover who delights her with his touch,yet whose desires are not shared with her alone.

Seared by the forbidden kiss of Arthur's most trusted warrior, Lancelot, Gwenhwyfar is swept up into a world of unbidden passion, torn by loyalty and love for a husband who betrays her and a man she cannot have.

But in a time where good and evil clash, where magic and chivalry reign...love will prove as fierce a weapon as any sword...


Book Description:

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

BBAW Contest Winners

And the winners are...

Farscapegirl
(Branded By Fire)

booklover1335
(Relentless)

housemouse88
(The Duke & I)

Michelle
(Kushiel's Dart)

ParaJunkee
(Prey)

Tynga
(The Den of Shadows Quartet)

Claim your book by sending your mailing information here:
annasbookblog@gmail.com

Congrats to all the winners!!

BBAW: Reading Meme

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
~No, Never!

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
~That is most horrifying!!

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
~I use bookmarks I've received from Authors.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?
~Fiction

Hard copy or audiobooks?
~Both

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?
~I usually read to the end of Chapters

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?
~I look it up right away.

What are you currently reading?
~Bengal's Heart- Lora Leigh

What is the last book you bought?
~Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?
~I usually read two at a time.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?
~Nope

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?
~Both

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?
~Lately it's been Kristin Cashore and Suzanne Collins

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)
~Author's last name

Catching Fire Winners

and the winners are...

Texas Pixie
Angiegirl
Shannon

Please send your mailing information here:
annasbookblog@gmail.com

You've each won a Catching Fire prize pack that includes...

• T-Shirt- Limited Editon
• Collectible Mocking Jay pin
• A copy of Catching Fire
  

[Promo] - Zombies for Zombies

Book Description:

So....

You’ve been bitten by a zombie.

Bummer.

But there's no need to panic! Yes, your life will be undergoing a major transformation, but this doesn't have to be the end-all it once was when the Disaster first hit. There have been significant breakthroughs in the last decade in helping you keep significant parts of your wit and dignity. Together we can limit the damage.

Zombies for Zombies is a motivational guide designed specifically to make a profound difference in your accidental, strange new life. You say you don't want to become another one of those ghastly creatures you see on the news out in the Tempe Containment Zone? You don't have to—if you follow the great advice inside, including:

* How to dress for your new lifestyle

* Handy recipes for brains

* Fitness ideas for keeping you somewhat energetic

* New skin-care techniques to help ward off "rotting flesh syndrome"

* How to overcome that darned zombie social stigma

* Dance steps for the motor-impaired

Completely Revised and Updated Since the Containment Zone Disaster!

Coming October 1, 2009

http://www.zombiesforzombies.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STIFF COMPETITION --
THE FIRST DATING SERVICE FOR SOMEONE LIKE YOU!!

Michelle Moran Winners

And the winners are...

red headed book child
(The Heretic Queen)

Ladytink_534
(Cleopatra's Daughter)

Winners please send your mailing information here:
annasbookblog@gmail.com

I want to Thank Michelle Moran again for supplying the books for this contest and for Guest Blogging. I've had a wonderful time hosting! :))

BBAW: My Favorite Blogs

Today is the first day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Since its all about Book Bloggers I thought I would mention some of my favorite blogs. I have been blogging for two years now and reading blogs has become just as addicting as blogging itself. I read a little over 100 blogs. Not everyday, but most of them. The very first book blog I started reading on a regular basis was Ramblings on Romance Etc... If you haven't been to see Kristi's blog I recommended it she sure knows her romance. I love all the blogs I read, but below you will find some of my favorite ones. :)

Alaine- Queen of Happy Endings
All I Want & More
Babbling About Books & More
Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
Brooke Reviews
Cindy Reads Romance
Closetwriter
Dear Author
Even Redheads Get the Blues
Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings
Fantasy & SciFi Lovin' News & Review
Gena Showalter's Weblog
Happily Forever After
I ♥ Book Gossip
Just Another Musing
J. Kaye's Book Blog
Literary Escapism
Lovin' Me Some Romance
Loving True Blood in Dallas
Lurv à la Mode
Michelle's Book Blog
My Blog 2.0
Ramblings on Romance Etc...
Renee's Book Addiction
Romance Book Wyrm
SciFiGuy.ca
Sherrilyn Kenyon's Blog
Smexy Books
Super Librarian
TBQ's Personal Book Palace
The Book Smugglers
The Happily Ever After
The League of Reluctant Adults
The Story Siren
There's No Such Thing As Too Many Books
Tracy's Place
Vampire Chix
Vampire Wire

My BBAW Giveaway went up on Sunday. You can enter HERE

[Review] - Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Title: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Genre: Young Adult
Year: 2009

Summary: Marrying a vampire definitely doesn't fit into Jessica's Senior year "get-a-life" plan.

Enter bizarre new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu who claims Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth and he's her long-lost fiance. He's arrogant, officious, embarrassingly overprotective, and, well, incredibly hot.

Armed with a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica tries to imagine the transition from and average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But just when things start to heat up with Lucius, a devious cheerleader sets her sights on him.

Soon Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war--and save Lucius's soul from eternal damnation. All which leaves her to wonder: Wouldn't life be easier if she could just fall for a nice mortal boy?

Thoughts: Jessica is a Senior this year and believes she is gonna have the best year ever. In walks Lucius claiming she's a vampire princess and not only that she is his future wife.

I loved this book! So much so I finished in about a day. I just couldn't put it down. Jessica's journey into the paranormal was exciting to read. Although our heroine goes through a bit a denial, it's soo good when she finally comes around. This book is everything a YA book should be. Jessica's Guide is a wonderful read, with mystery, conflict and romance.

On side note, I've heard a few comments about this book being similar to Twilight. I have to disagree with that, it's really not the case at all.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
Jekel Loves Hyde- Spring 2010

BBAW Giveaway *Contest Closed*

Book Blogger Appreciation Week starts this coming Monday, I thought now would be a nice time to kick off my contest. Ever since signing up for BBAW I've been thinking on what to do for the contest.

The six books below are what I picked out. Each book represents a genre I read and love. The genres being: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Romance & Erotica.

To enter leave a comment about your favorite genre(s), along with your email address. If there is a certain book you hope to win, leave that in the comment too. This contest will run all week. I'll pick the 6 winners on September 18th. Open to U.S. & Canada

You can check out the other BBAW Contests HERE
Good Luck!!!

[ARC Review] - Lucan

Title: Lucan
Author: Susan Kearney
Series: The Pendragon Legacy
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Year: 2009

I received this book for review from Hachette Book Group.

Summary: THEIR LOVE IS FORBIDDEN
Healer and high priestess of her people, Lady Cael is fated to life without a mate. But a mysterious explorer named Lucan Rourke doesn’t know her secrets, and his touch makes her crave a future that her extraordinary birthright has forbidden her...

BUT DANGER IS NO MATCH FOR DESIRE
Lucan has just one mission on Pendragon: to find the mythical Holy Grail, Earth’s only hope for survival. His powerful attraction to Cael is a distraction he can’t afford, unless he convinces her to join forces with him. Yet working so closely together only heightens their passion...even when the terrifying truth of Cael’s heritage threatens to shatter Lucan’s every belief—and the galaxy itself.

Thoughts: Lucan & Cael both work in the same lab on Pendragon & are instantly attracted to one another. Both their worlds, Earth and Pendragon are in desperate situations. The one thing both of their worlds need is the Holy Grail. It could also be the one thing that could tear them apart.

Lucan is a non-stop, entertaining read. Filled with adventure and steamy scenes. Lucan and Cael sizzle. Ms. Kearney has done a wonderful job creating this new world. My favorite part of the story has been the dragon element. I think fans of the King Arthur legends will enjoy this new twist. This was my first time reading Susan Kearney's work, and I have to say I really enjoyed it.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Make sure to stop back on September 20th, I'll be giving away 5 copies of Lucan!

The Pendragon Legacy:
Lucan- Out Now
Rion- December 2009
Jordan- March 2010

[Review] - A Kiss Before Dying

Title: A Kiss Before Dying
Author: J.A. Saare
Genre: Erotica/Paranormal Romance
Year: 2009

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: Katja Morgan has committed the ultimate taboo in the life of a blood slave; she has fallen in love with her master. Vampire Lord Sebastian Arsov is everything she has ever wanted - gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, kind. As their time together nears an end, she carefully constructs the ruse that will allow her to belong to her shellar in both body and soul.

But sharing an evening with her beloved comes at a high price - the cost of her life.

Disguised as a bed slave, Katja enters Sebastian's chambers to experience the pleasures she's been long denied. Including the bite that will ultimately kill her - what slaves refer to as a kiss before dying. As the night fades into the day, will Sebastian discover Katja's true identity before it's too late? Or will he lose the slave he's come to love above all others?

Thoughts: Katja serves as a blood slave to a master vampire. But her time as a blood slave is coming to an end. But she has fallen in love with her vampire, and has great plans of Seduction. Plans that could end up killing her...

This is a delightful short story, that I really loved. Katja is desperately in love with Sebastian and she'll do anything to be with him one time, even if that means giving up her life. A Kiss Before Dying is a fast, fun, steamy read. It has an entertaining plot with compelling characters. Vampire fans will love this one.

Score: 4 stars

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

A Kiss Before Dying is available in e-book format.
It can be purchase at Amira Press

Upcoming Releases:
Crimson Moon
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between
Moon Kissed
Soft As Moonlight
Lick of Frost

[Review] - Pleasure and Purpose

Title: Pleasure and Purpose
Author: Megan Hart
Series: Order of Solace
Genre: Erotica/Fantasy
Year: 2009

Summary: The Handmaidens of the Order of Solace are name for the exquisite services that best reflect their true Calling. Their greatest pleasure is granting solace--devoted as they are to fulfilling the desires of the mind, the needs of the soul, and the cravings of the body.

STILLNESS...Her mission is to soothe the conscience of Edward, a man in need of redemption after a shocking sexual act destroyed a friendship and resulted in a tragedy only spoken about in hushed whispers. What Edward needs is love--the only thing a Handmaiden is forbidden to offer. But Stillness maybe willing to break the rules

HONESTY...She has been with the Order too long, and her heart grows ever more reluctant to serve. Her final assignment is to Cillian, Prince of Firth-- handsome, charmingly irascible, and looking for a maiden who will bed to his every whim. Instead, he gets the unexpected-- a bold, fresh and daring experiment in Honesty.

DETERMINATA...When confronted with an unusual client like Alaric, a man growing more and more lost in a haze of oblivion, there are many ways for a Handmaiden to provide solace--and they don't all involve submission. Mina has just the plan to literally whip her man into shape.

Thoughts: Megan Hart delivers another enthralling, emotionally driven read. This one was hard to put down. Pleasure and Purpose is the first book in the Order of Solace series. Three beautifully written stories. This book is about three friends whose lives are turned around by three women of the Order of Solace. Not only are these stories about finding solace, but they are also about friendship, forgiveness, trust and love. I have to say I was absolutely blown away by this book, and I highly recommend it.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
No Greater Pleasure (Order of Solace)- October 6, 2009
No Reservations- November 10, 2009
Switch- January 2010
Everything Changes- 2010
Naked- 2010

BBAW Shortlist Announced

The Book Blogger Appreciation site has announced the shortlist. Make sure you go and vote. Voting ends on Saturday, September 12 at 11:59pm EST. Click the link to Vote!

I'm excited to announce I was shortlisted for the category of Most Extravagant Giveaways. I love having giveaways and contest, so I'm happy to be nominated in this category! Thanks again to everyone that nominated me!

Congrats to all the nominees!!!!

Guest Blog with Michelle Moran

Today my guest is Author, Michelle Moran. Thanks for stopping by Michelle! :)

Inspiration

For every novel I have written, I can look back and say that there has been a very specific moment of inspiration - usually in some exotic locale or inside a museum - where I’ve said, “Aha! That’s going to be the subject of my next novel.” I never began my writing career with the intention to write books about three different princesses in Egypt. In fact, I had no intention of writing about ancient Egypt at all until I participated in my first archaeological dig.

During my sophomore year in college, I found myself sitting in Anthropology 101, and when the professor mentioned that she was looking for volunteers who would like to join a dig in Israel, I was one of the first students to sign up. When I got to Israel, however, all of my archaeological dreams were dashed (probably because they centered around Indiana Jones). There were no fedora wearing men, no cities carved into rock, and certainly no Ark of the Covenant. I was very disappointed. Not only would a fedora have seemed out of place, but I couldn’t even use the tiny brushes I had packed. Apparently, archaeology is more about digging big ditches with pickaxes rather than dusting off artifacts. And it had never occurred to me until then that in order to get to those artifacts, one had to dig deep into the earth. Volunteering on an archaeological dig was hot, it was sweaty, it was incredibly dirty, and when I look back on the experience through the rose-tinged glasses of time, I think, Wow, was it fantastic! Especially when our team discovered an Egyptian scarab that proved the ancient Israelites had once traded with the Egyptians. Looking at that scarab in the dirt, I began to wonder who had owned it, and what had possessed them to undertake the long journey from their homeland to the fledgling country of Israel.

On my flight back to America I stopped in Berlin, and with a new found appreciation for Egyptology, I visited the museum where Nefertiti’s limestone bust was being housed. The graceful curve of Nefertiti’s neck, her arched brows, and the faintest hint of a smile were captivating to me. Who was this woman with her self-possessed gaze and stunning features? I wanted to know more about Nefertiti’s story, but when I began the research into her life, it proved incredibly difficult. She’d been a woman who’d inspired powerful emotions when she lived over three thousand years ago, and those who had despised her had attempted to erase her name from history. Yet even in the face of such ancient vengeance, some clues remained.

As a young girl Nefertiti had married a Pharaoh who was determined to erase the gods of Egypt and replace them with a sun-god he called Aten. It seemed that Nefertiti’s family allowed her to marry this impetuous king in the hopes that she would tame his wild ambitions. What happened instead, however, was that Nefertiti joined him in building his own capital of Amarna where they ruled together as god and goddess. But the alluring Nefertiti had a sister who seemed to keep her grounded, and in an image of her found in Amarna, the sister is standing off to one side, her arms down while everyone else is enthusiastically praising the royal couple. From this image, and a wealth of other evidence, I tried to recreate the epic life of an Egyptian queen whose husband was to become known as the Heretic King.

Each novel I’ve written has had a similar moment of inspiration for me. In many ways, my second book, The Heretic Queen is a natural progression from Nefertiti. The narrator is orphaned Nefertari, who suffers terribly because of her relationship to the reviled "Heretic Queen". Despite the Heretic Queen's death a generation prior, Nefertari is still tainted by her relationship to Nefertiti, and when young Ramesses falls in love and wishes to marry her, it is a struggle not just against an angry court, but against the wishes of a rebellious people.

But perhaps I would never have chosen to write on Nefertari at all if I hadn't seen her magnificent tomb. At one time, visiting her tomb was practically free, but today, a trip underground to see one of the most magnificent places on earth can cost upwards of five thousand dollars (yes, you read that right). If you want to share the cost and go with a group, the cost lowers to the bargain-basement price of about three thousand. As a guide told us of the phenomenal price, I looked at my husband, and he looked at me. We had flown more than seven thousand miles, suffered the indignities of having to wear the same clothes for three days because of lost luggage… and really, what were the possibilities of our ever returning to Egypt again? There was only one choice. We paid the outrageous price, and I have never forgotten the experience.

While breathing in some of the most expensive air in the world, I saw a tomb that wasn't just fit for a queen, but a goddess. In fact, Nefertari was only one of two (possibly three) queens ever deified in her lifetime, and as I gazed at the vibrant images on her tomb - jackals and bulls, cobras and gods - I knew that this wasn't just any woman, but a woman who had been loved fiercely when she was alive. Because I am a sucker for romances, particularly if those romances actually happened, I immediately wanted to know more about Nefertari and Ramesses the Great. So my next stop was the Hall of Mummies at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. There, resting beneath a heavy arc of glass, was the great Pharaoh himself. For a ninety-something year old man, he didn't look too bad. His short red hair was combed back neatly and his face seemed strangely peaceful in its three thousand year repose. I tried to imagine him as he'd been when he was young - strong, athletic, frighteningly rash and incredibly romantic. Buildings and poetry remain today as testaments to Ramesses's softer side, and in one of Ramesses's more famous poems he calls Nefertari "the one for whom the sun shines." His poetry to her can be found from Luxor to Abu Simbel, and it was my visit to Abu Simbel (where Ramesses built a temple for Nefertari) where I finally decided that I had to tell their story.


It’s the moments like this that an historical fiction author lives for. And it probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that my decision to write Cleopatra’s Daughter came on an underwater dive to see the submerged city of ancient Alexandria. Traveling has been enormously important in my career. My adventures end up inspiring not only what I’m currently writing, but what I’m going to write about in the future.








About the Author:
Michelle Moran was born in the San Fernando Valley, CA. She took an interest in writing from an early age, purchasing Writer's Market and submitting her stories and novellas to publishers from the time she was twelve. When she was accepted into Pomona College she took as many classes as possible in British Literature, particularly Milton, Chaucer, and the Bard. Not surprisingly, she majored in English while she was there. Following a summer in Israel where she worked as a volunteer archaeologist, she earned an MA from the Claremont Graduate University.

Author's Website

Michelle's latest book Cleopatra's Daughter comes out September 15th


If you haven't already you should check out the the contest I'm hosting with Michelle. A signed copy of The Heretic Queen & Cleopatra's Daughter are up for grabs. You can enter HERE.