March 2010 - Reading List

An Earl to Enchant- Amelia Grey
3 Stars

Black Magic Sanction- Kim Harrison
5 Stars

Dragon Storm- Bianca D'Arc
3 Stars

All Night with a Rogue- Alexandra Hawkins
3 Stars

Moonlight Menage- Stephanie Julian
4 Stars

Battle of the Network Zombies- Mark Henry
4 Stars

Hex Hall- Rachel Hawkins
5 Stars

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter- Seth Grahame-Smith
4 Stars

Poetry Speaks: Who I Am- Elize Paschen (editor)
4 Stars

Everlong- Hailey Edwards
4 Stars

Here Kitty, Kitty- Shelly Laurenston
5 Stars

A Certain Wolfish Charm- Lydia Dare
4 Stars

Supernatural: Heart of the Dragon- Keith R.A. DeCandido
3 Stars

Flirting with Forever- Gwyn Cready
3 Stars

Velvet Haven- Sophie Renwick
4 Stars

Hunter's Need- Shiloh Walker
4 Stars

Twilight Vol. 1- Stephenie Meyer
4 Stars

A Stroke of Magic- Tracy Madison
4 Stars

A House Afire- Emma Kinna
4 Stars

Tsunami Blue- Gayle Ann Williams
5 Stars

Eight Grade Sucks- Heather Brewer
3 Stars

When He Was Bad- Shelley Laurenston & Cynthia Eden
4 Stars

The Mane Event- Shelly Laurenston
5 Stars

Wolf Games- Vivian Arend
4 Stars

The Dark-Hunters Vol. 2- Sherrilyn Kenyon & Claudia Campos
5 Stars


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

Upcoming Events in April:

• April Giveaway (4 titles)
• Guest Blog with Amelia Grey
  
• Guest Blog with Lydia Dare
  

Winners

and the winners are...

Black Magic Sanction:
Raelena (throuthehaze)


Mystery/Thriller:
misskallie2000
(Cruel Intent)

Michelle G.
(Show No Fear)

Amy J.
(Term Limits)

Cybercliper
(The Devil's Punchbowl)

A House Afire:
Kris

More Than Words Vol. 6
Estella Kissell

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

You have 5 days to claim your prizes.

[Review] - Tsunami Blue

Title: Tsunami Blue
Author: Gayle Ann Williams
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 30, 2010

I received this book for review from Dorchester Publishing.

Summary: With her bad ass rain boots, her faithful dog, and the ability to predict the monster tsunamis that have reduced the US to a series of islands, Kathryn O’Malley isn’t afraid of much. Cut off from all society, she takes to the airwaves as Tsunami Blue, hoping to save something of humanity as the world around her crumbles. But Blue should be afraid—because her message reaches the wrong ears.

Now she’s the target of ruthless pirates known as Runners who want to use her special talents for their own profiteering—as soon as they can find her. Blue’s only shot at survival lies with the naked stranger who washes up on her rocky beach. A man who might just be working for Runners himself. Torn between suspicion and attraction, the two will have to navigate a surging tide of danger and deceit if they hope to stay alive.

Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Tsunami Blue is a dangerous new world to fall into. A story filled with danger and the fight for survival. A sexy adventure, not to be missed. I thought Blue was an amazing character, strong and independent but still a bit vulnerable too. She has a great sense of humor and has a habit of having conversations with her dog, which is quite endearing. Blue lives a life of everyday danger, whether it's from the runners or the threat of another Tsunami.

In one scene, Blue finds a stranger has washed on shore. I love her desperation in that moment- her hope for some kind of companionship. Even though she has been alone a long time and her life ripped to pieces - her humanity still shines brightly. Gayle Ann Williams is a debut author. Her characters and world are a wonderful addition to the paranormal genre.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Cover Discovery

Release Date: June 8, 2010
*updated version

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Release Date: October 5, 2010

Release Date: October 26, 2010

These covers are also featured on: Dark Faerie Tales, Escape Between The Pages, Gena Showalter's Blog, Literary Escapism, My Overstuffed Bookshelf & Sherrilyn Kenyon's Website.

[Review] - Everlong

Title: Everlong
Author: Hailey Edwards
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 30, 2010

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: The most damaged heart can fly with the right pair of wings.

Madelyn’s life is far from fairytale perfect. She is second in line for the throne of a corrupt, brutal monarchy. Or at least she was until her dark guardian sacrificed his life to hide her safely in a realm of infinite possibilities.

For years she’s lived among a colony of escaped slaves as her guardian’s widow. Even in this simple life, though, nothing is as it seems. Her hero kept a secret—a younger brother named Clayton Delaney. Warrior, winged demon…and the man who now wants to lay claim to her heart.

No longer cast in his brother’s shadow, Clayton meets all obstacles head on, including one named Maddie. His infatuation with her reaches the breaking point when she undergoes a royal rite of passage, going into heat and pushing them both over the edge.

Just as Maddie learns that some risks are worth taking, she discovers that her guardian may be alive. And she’s forced to make a choice between the man she’d thought she loved, and the demon willing to lend her his wings.

Warning: This book contains virginal angst, a hero who’s too nice for his own good, wings, claws, and convenient use of glamour. It contains heartbreaking loss, conversation with a woodland creature, and sweet, sweet demon loving.

Thoughts: Everlong was an enticing read, from page one I was intrigued. A wonderful mix of paranormal and fantasy. Ms. Edwards has created the perfect definition of fantasy romance. The story opens with an exciting fight scene that instantly pulls you in. I really loved the journey the characters went on. Comparing the situation at the beginning of the book to where they end up is pretty amazing. All elements blended well together. The sexy heroes, danger, the evil relatives and of course romance. A very enjoyable read.

Over the last few months I've enjoyed several stories with winged heroes, Everlong is another one the add to that list. If you enjoy fantasy and hunky winged-demons -- then this is the book for you.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: http://www.haileyedwards.net/

Other titles:
From Ashes
Born of Fire

Where to buy:
Amazon
My Bookstore & More

[Review] - Flirting with Forever

Title: Flirting with Forever
Author: Gwyn Cready
Genre: Romance/Time-Travel
Release Date: March 30, 2010

I received this book for review from Simon & Schuster.

Summary: Art historian Campbell Stratford is about to make a name for herself with her scandalously sexy tell-all "fictographies" of famous seventeenth-century artists, but she's more intimately familiar with her subjects than her eager readers can imagine. Thanks to a time portal she accidentally discovered, she has caused quiet a stir in the Great Beyond.

To save their reputations, the Guild protecting the dead artists convinces playboy Peter Lely, portraitist to the king, to sabotage Cam's latest project. A few hours posing on Sir Peter's modeling chaise leads to a night of seductive passion--then Cam returns home and discovers his betrayal. But before she can turn her angry pen on her lover, Sir Peter makes a surprise visit to the future and transforms Cam's twenty-first-century life into chaos of classic proportions...

Thoughts: This was my first time reading Gwyn Cready and for me it was an entertaining read. Ms Cready has a very nice writing style. I loved that humor was blended in with the romance. I did think the way that Cam got to the 16th century was a bit odd, but very creative. Flirting with Forever was a light, fun read. Full of romance and mischief. I don't read too many time-travel stories but this was a good read. If you like a bit of humor and time-travel with you romance - you'll enjoy this one.

Score: 3 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
Aching of Always- September 28, 2010

[Giveaway] - More Than Words Volume 6

The proceeds from the sale of this book goes to More Than Words Charity program, which aims to enhance the well-being of women. Every year, Harlequin launches a contest to find the women who will inspire beloved and bestselling authors. For more information on the program visit the: More Than Words website.

Book Summary:
(Available April 1, 2010)

Presenting…the sixth annual More Than Words anthology.

Little by little, one person at a time, we can make our world a better place. The five dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have done just that, by discovering a seed of compassion, and nurturing it to effect real change in their communities. To celebrate their accomplishments, five bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

We hope More Than Words inspires you to look into your heart and find the heroine who lives within.

Where to buy:
eHarlequin
Amazon

Giveaway:
Thanks to Harlequin & Planned Television Arts I have a copy of this years volume to giveaway. To enter fill out the form below. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on March 31st. Good Luck!

[Review] - A Stroke of Magic

Title: A Stroke of Magic
Author: Tracy Madison
Series: Magic
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 30, 2009

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: 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!

Thoughts: Having read the first book in this series, I knew I was going be treated to a fun, delicious read. That's definitely what I got with Alice's story. A Stroke of Magic is a wonderful mixture of romance and drama, full of twists and turns. I love the gypsy magic factor that the family has in this series, it's a fresh, unique spin. Madison is a pure delight to read. With the lure of magic and the message to always follow your heart, it's not hard to be captivated by this world.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
A Breath of Magic- April 27, 2010
By Magic Alone- December 2010

[Promo] - Mind Games

Fellow Blogger and Minnesotan, Carolyn Crane is celebrating her first book release today. Mind Games has finally hit the shelves. If you get a chance wish her a Happy Release Day!!

Mind Games
Disillusionist Trilogy #1
By: Carolyn Crane
Website & Blog

Book Summary:

JUSTINE KNOWS SHE’S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW.

Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem.

Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Borders
The Book Depository

Cover Discovery + Upcoming Releases

Release Date: August 31, 2010
Also featured on:
Escape Between the Pages
Le Femme Readers
Mundie Moms

Release Date: September 28th
Also featured on:
Babbling About Books & More
Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings
SciFiGuy.ca

Release Date: October 19, 2010
Also featured on:
Sherrilyn Kenyon's Website
Dianna Love's Website

Release Date: October 26, 2010
Also featured on:
SciFiGuy.ca

Here are some upcoming release dates I've added to my TBR list:

April 6th- Crimes By Moonlight (featuring a new Sookie Stackhouse story)
May 1st- Vampire Vendetta- Alexis Morgan
June 20th- A Taste of True Blood- Leah Wilson (editor)
July 13th- The Atlantis Complex (Artemis Fowl 7)- Eoin Colfer
August 1st- Sins of the Heart- Eve Silver
August 13th- Born to Bite (Argeneau #13)- Lynsay Sands
September 28th- Eat, Prey, Love (Love at Stake #9)- Kerrelyn Sparks
October 5th- Birth of a Killer: The Saga of Larten Crepsley- Darren Shan
December 14- By Royal Decree- Kate Emerson

[Promo/Giveaway] - Mystery/Thrillers

Simon & Schuster were nice enough to send me these titles, but I don't read or review these genres, so they are up for grabs. Keep reading to learn how to enter for chance to win one.

Term Limits
(stand alone, not part of the Mitch Rapp series)
By: Vince Flynn

Book Summary: In one bloody night, three of Washington's most powerful politicians are executed with surgical precision. Their assassins then deliver a shocking ultimatum to the American government: set aside partisan politics and restore power to the people. No one, they warn, is out of their reach -- not even the president. A joint FBI-CIA task force reveals the killers are elite military commandos, but no one knows exactly who they are or when they will strike next. Only Michael O'Rourke, a former U.S. Marine and freshman congressman, holds a clue to the violence: a haunting incident in this own past with explosive implications for his country's future.


The Devil's Punchbowl
(Penn Cage #3)
By: Greg Iles

Book Summary: Penn Cage was elected mayor of Natchez, Mississippi--the hometown he returned to after the death of this wife--on a tide of support for change. Two years into his term, casino gambling has proved a sure bet for bringing new jobs and fresh money to his fading jewel of the Old South. But deep inside the Magnolia Queen, a fantastical repurposed steamboat, a depraved hidden world draws high-stakes players with money to burn on their unquenchable taste for blood sport and the dark vices that go with it. When an old high school friend hands him blood-chilling evidence, Penn alone must beat the odds tracking a sophisticated killer who counters his every move, placing those nearest to him--including his young daughter, his renowned physician father and a lover from the past--in grave danger, and all at the risk of jeopardizing forever the town he loves.


Cruel Intent
(Alison Reynolds #4)
By: J.A. Jance

Book Summary: Ex-television journalist Ali Reynolds just wants a break from excitement to remodel her new home. But when the savagely murdered body of a stay-at-home mom Morgan Forester is found, Ali's contractor Bryan is the prime suspect. Bryan swears he has nothing to do with his wife's murder--but as the investigation progresses, Ali seems to be the only person who believes him. Determined to prove Bryan's innocence, she logs onto singleatheart.com, a dating site for "married singles," and unknowingly lands herself directly in the path of a calculated killer.


Show No Fear
(Anita Reilly #12)
By: Perri O'Shaughnessy

Book Summary: Working as a paralegal and attending law school at night, Nina has her hands full fighting for custody for her young son, Bob and overseeing a medical malpractice lawsuit on behalf of her mother, who is suffering serious health complications from an acupuncture procedure. But when a women plunges to her death near Big Sur and witnesses disappear, Nina suspects there is more to the "accident" than the authorities are saying. With the help of homicide cop Paul van Wagoner, she rushes to uncover a killer in a case that hits painfully close to home.


GIVEAWAY
Thanks again to Simon & Schuster for supplying the books. I have a copy of each, and they are up for grabs. There will be four winners in all. To enter please fill the form below. Open to U.S. & Canada. Winners will be announced on March 31st. Good Luck!

[Review/Giveaway] - A House Afire

Title: A House Afire
Author: Emma Kinna
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: December 1, 2009

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: Phyllis Sorin has seen all sorts of people. With two kind Aunts who rent out the rooms of their house to anyone in need, the people she calls family are a little different from most. There’s Bill, who takes on the personalities of movie characters. There’s Quincy, whose best friend is a drag queen. There’s Anna, an opera singer and kung-fu master.

And Phyllis, well, she’s not exactly normal herself. But even as she begins to navigate high school’s social jungle, Phyllis finds comfort and humor in her odd home.

When Dominick Siddons moves in, however, all of Phyllis's priorities become inferior to finding out his secret. A young lawyer with a vicious wit and ferocious temper, Sid may understand Phyllis in a way no one else can. And through truth and fiction, through the inevitable chaos of the house, Phyllis finds much more than she bargained for.

Thoughts: I thought this was a good read, a surprising one too. I really liked Sid, I found his relationship to Phyllis quite intriguing. A House Afire was, I think a very coming of age story. About learning about yourself and finding oneself. Fast, mysterious and creative world. Emma's writing was a delight to read. I loved the cast of characters. All of them were interesting, really something for everyone in this book. I do think the book was a bit long, but definitely worth the read.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: http://emmakinna.blogspot.com/


Giveaway:
My copy of A House Afire is up for grabs. To enter leave a comment along with you email address. Open to U.S. and Canada. The winner will be announced on March 31st.

Winners (Numbers & All Night with a Rogue)

and the winners are...

Numbers:
Briana (The Book Pixie)
Stella (Ex Libris)
ReaganStar


All Night with a Rogue:
Robin K

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

You have 5 days to claim your prizes.

[Series Spotlight] - Magnus Pack

This month's series spotlight is Magnus Pack by Shelly Laurenston. I recently finished the first three book and loved them. This is a series I highly recommend. Especially if your a shifter fan.

Book Summary:
All Zach Sheridan ever wanted was to become Alpha Male of his Pack and to be left alone. What he definitely didn't need in his life was some needy female demanding his attention. What he never saw coming was the vicious, scarred female who not only demanded his attention but knew exactly how to get it.

Sara Morrighan knew this was the best she could expect from her life. Good friends. A nice place to live. And a safe job. But when Zach rode into her small Texas town with his motorcycle club, Sara knew she wanted more. She knew she wanted him. But after one sexy encounter with her dream biker, everything is starting to change. Her body. Her strength. That new thing she's doing with the snarling. Even her best friends are starting to wonder what's going on with her.

But this is only the beginning. Sara's about to find out her life was meant for so much more. And Zach's about to find true love with the one woman who makes him absolutely insane.

Book Summary:

How much trouble can one small female be to a modern-day shape-shifting Viking? Well…it really depends on local gun laws.

Conall Víga-Feilan, direct descendant of Viking shifters, never thought he'd meet a female strong enough to be his mate. He especially didn't think a short, viper-tongued human would ever fit the bill. But Miki Kendrick isn't some average human. With an IQ off the charts and a special skill with weapons of all kinds, Miki brings the big blond pooch to his knees-and keeps him there.

Miki's way too smart to ever believe in love and she knows a guy like Conall could only want one thing from her. But with the Pack's enemies on her tail and a few days stuck alone with the one man who makes her absolutely wild, Miki is about to discover how persistent one Viking wolf can be.

Book Summary:

What do you do when you've got a hillbilly tiger by the tail? Or maybe the question should be: what wouldn't you do…

Nikolai Vorislav likes his single life just as it is. Simple, relaxing, and quiet. What he doesn't need is some foul-mouthed Texas hellcat living in his house, eating his food, flirting with his idiot brothers, and shooting holes in his home with his granddaddy's gun. But those long legs, dark eyes, and lethal tongue are making Nik insane and he fears he may be caught in the sexiest animal trap ever.

Angelina Santiago doesn't know how she got from Texas to North Carolina in a night or how she ended up in some hillbilly tiger's house wearing only a sheet. What she does know is that she doesn't like good ol' boys with slow, sexy drawls who can't seem to stop rubbing up against her. Yet in order to protect her friends, Angie has to stay with a cat who seems hellbent on finding all sorts of delicious ways to make her purr.

Book Summary:

Miss Congeniality
It's those damn stockings that get me every time. They have this sexy little line down the back and I can't help but stare at her legs...constantly. And you'd think she'd be all over me like every other female in the Seattle area. I'm young, good looking, and one day I'll be Alpha Male of my family's Pack. But Professor Irene Conridge acts like I don't even exist. How is that possible? Now she's got enemies coming out of the woodwork and I have to protect her. Why? Because that's the kind of man I am. Yes, I am that amazing. Of course, it doesn't hurt that while I work to secure her safety, she'll be hanging out at my house. That's hours...days even that I've got Irene Conridge right where I want her.

This anthology also includes a story by Cynthia Eden.

Author Website

Where to Buy:
Amazon

In My Mailbox [46]

In My Mailbox was started over at The Story Siren.
Here's what I got this week:

Review:
Flirting with Forever- Gwyn Cready
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster) I have finished this one up
already so look for a review sometime next week.

A Stroke of Magic- Tracy Madison
(Thanks to Tracy Madison) Getting this one was neat. My
review of A Taste of Magic is quoted at the beginning of the
book. Thanks again to Tracy for letting me know and sending it.

Tsunami Blue- Gayle Ann Williams
(Thanks to Dorchester Publishing)

Bought:
Eight Grade Sucks- Heather Brewer
The Mane Event- Shelly Laurenston
Beautiful Dead: Jonas- Eden Maguire
Twilight Vol. 1- Stephenie Meyer
Gentlemen Prefer Succubi- Jill Myles
The Dead Travel Fast- Deanna Raybourn
Voices of Dragons- Carrie Vaughn

Guest Blog with Lisa M. Campbell

Schizophrenia and the Writer;

or What's that pervert doing behind the tree?
By: Lisa M. Campbell

E.L. Doctorow once said, "Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia." As a reader, I never understood. Now, as a writer, I agree with part of that quote, as I tend to live inside my head more often than not. I'm just not certain the way I go about the writing process is socially acceptable.

Merriam-Webster dictionary describes schizophrenia as "a psychotic disorder characterized by loss of contact with the environment, by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life."

In the beginning, I had a problem with Doctorow's assertion until I dissected this statement and realized his quote wasn't too far off the mark. After all, those of us who write fiction, and romance in particular, spend a lot of time shaping characters, situations, and places in our imagination, agonizing over their fictional lives for days, months and sometimes years.

Now, before you shake your head in complete denial, check your concentration level the next time you study a couple sharing a passionate kiss. Ask yourself this question. Were you a bit more interested in cataloguing hand and lip placement for the upcoming first kiss scene in your manuscript, rather than giving the couple a passing glance? Uh-huh, thought so. Now that I have your attention, ask yourself another question. Do you find yourself falling off chairs, or skulking around corners to eavesdrop on private conversations for the sake of character development? What interests you more, the topic of the discussion, or the emotions behind it? If you have answered at least one of these questions, you, my fellow writer, are completely uninvolved within your external environment. Mmm-hmm… shocking, is it not?

A solitary person, I shy away from such behaviors in my un-writing life, and yet, I have no problem indulging in these dubious traits for the sake of my story. Therefore, I can safely assume this is writer's schizophrenia taking over. Now what, you may ask? Well, the next step should be admitting there is a problem, and finding a solution to correct the behavior before you wind up in an arraignment hearing.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to pin down such inappropriate actions if you're unaware of them. Enlisting the aid of family and friends is a proactive first step, though I have to admit my own husband isn't always useful in certain circumstances. He's a great help positioning himself between my subjects and me when he sees I'm sidling closer to a group, notepad at the ready, to record outbursts and the like. However, he's more than eager to parse a few love scenes when I want to confirm positions or pacing. In this instance, he supports my schizophrenia one hundred percent---and in the end that is all any of us wants; one special someone who understands, accepts, and supports the schizophrenic side of a writer's life.

_____________________________________________________

Superstition's Desire
Author: Lisa M. Campbell
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel

Release Date: June 9, 2009

The lush landscape of the Scottish Highlands holds great beauty, but also great peril. Therefore, when Lady Arabella Wyndmere is spirited away from her English home, she is right to fear for her heart and her welfare.

Held to a deathbed vow, Laird Connal MacRae is honor-bound to deliver Lady Arabella unsullied, to his deposed older brother, as a prize to soothe his ego. Nevertheless, Connal cannot deny the burning ache the spirited beauty has awakened in him.

However, something far more dangerous stalks from the shadows. And in a climate of treachery and betrayal; the greatest risk of all could be surrendering to the depth of feelings of unexpected love.

Author Website
Heetr

Where to Buy:
All Romance Ebooks
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (Kindle)

Interview with Amy Blankenship

Today I'm happy to welcome my good friend Amy Blankenship. She's is the author of the Guardian Heart Crystal series.

Hi Amy, Welcome to Anna's Book Blog! I'm happy to have you here. To start off can you tell the readers a little about yourself?
I live with my husband and children in North Carolina. We have three dogs and four cats that think we are very cool pets. When I’m not writing, I am hanging out with my husband and the teenagers that are trying very hard to raise me. I’ve always loved to read but honestly never thought about writing until I got a craving to read darker stories, and this time I wanted them to do what I wanted them to do. I wrote the first book thinking I was writing it just for me but now I think the guardians are actually telling me what to write.

Vampire Gemini is one of your latest books, can you tells us a little bit about it?
Sure. Kyoko was born to fight the demons among us that we know nothing about. We call them vampires. She thought she knew all the rules… Find them and kill them. Usually she doesn’t even have to find them because something inside her draws them to her. When a powerful vampire follows her home and puts her family in danger, Kyoko leaves home to protect the people she loves vowing to never again let anyone close enough to her to get hurt.

She moves to the city and the heart of the vampire’s breeding ground. She starts to wonder if she didn’t bite off more them she could chew because they are still drawn to her and this time the number of them has skyrocketed. The only clues they have are the ancient scrolls in her grandfather’s possession and they hint that it’s her virgin blood drawing the demons to her.

Not wanting to risk someone she loves, Kyoko decides to get drunk for the first time in her life and sleep with the first stranger that turns her on. Huge mistake. How did she know that the man who had lit her body on fire would turn out to be the twin brother of the vampire that is seeding the city with his demons? How can she fight this dangerous vampire when he keeps saving her life and his every touch sets her ablaze with desire? Worse yet, why is his deadly twin brother so jealous?

Realizing that the enemy has a heart, the lines between good and evil become blurred, leaving Kyoko confused and in a world of danger. Now with an obsessed master vampire stalking her every move and his twin brother starting a vampire war, Kyoko is pulled even closer to the one thing she was supposed to destroy.

How did you come up with the idea for the Guardian Heart Crystal series/Legend?
I have been reading historical romance books since I was 11 years old but had never read a single paranormal romance book. I didn’t even know that was what I started writing when I decided to create my own world and my own guys. One thing I was missing with all the books I’d read was that I didn’t have another book to read about the people I had fallen in love with so I created my own.

In the Guardian Heart Crystal series there are many alternative worlds and these same guardians exist in all of them. I just wanted them to be immortal, dangerous, passionate and very very possessive. They were born to protect the priestess and they all love her and really don’t like to share her with each other, much less the enemy.

Out of all your characters do you have a favorite?
I love all of them, as each story tends to endear me to a different one. I will however admit that I give one of them a harder time then I do the others and people wonder why. It’s because he is my favorite… Toya. I just love to rattle his cage.

What is your writing day like?
I am nocturnal so I write at night while the household sleeps. It is very peaceful and I can watch the movie happen in my mind then write down what I see.

When you’re not writing what kind of books do you like to read?
I stopped reading Historical Romance a couple years ago and started in on paranormal romance. So far these are some of my favorite series:
Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter
Dark Hunters
Monere: Children of the Moon
Riley Jenson Guardian
Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire)

If you could have lunch with any author who would it be?
Sunny, Author of the Monere: Children of the moon series.

What are 3 things that are "must haves" for you when you sit down to write a book?
Caffeine – I write in a dark room with a little desk lamp so as much caffeine as I can get will never be enough.
Note pad – Toya is always giving me hints and if I don’t write them down then he yells at me
Earplugs – The quieter it is, the better I can see the movie happening in my mind and yes, even hear what they are saying.

Besides the Guardian Heart Crystal series you also have a book called Ties That Bind. Do you plan to write anymore books outside of the GHC world?
Yes! The Obsession Series. These books will all stand alone and deal with very dangerous love triangles. I wrote the first one in only 3 weeks not knowing where it would go but I wound up really liking it with its dark side of obsession. These will probably remain shorter books that I do when I’m taking a time out from the guardians. When writing a Guardian book it usually takes at least 9 months because the books are a lot deeper and thicker.

Are there any real life people that have inspired the characters in your series?
Yes! And when they act up I will call them by their Guardian names. But if you have read the books and know the guardians, then I’m sure you can understand why I can’t tell you who they are.

Do you see Guardian Heart Crystal having an end or do you feel it's an open ended series?
Each book is an alternative world that stands with its own beginning and end. But, if you read all the books together then it tells an even deeper story about the guardians. Every time you find out a secret it begins to tie all the books together.

Vampire Gemini - Out Now
Guardian Heart Crystal- Book 6

Kyoko was born to fight demons and thought she knew all the rules until she befriended a half-breed vampire and was accidentally seduced by his master. Realizing that the enemy has a heart, the lines between good and evil become blurred, leaving Kyoko confused and in a world of danger. Now with an obsessed master vampire stalking her every move and his twin brother starting a vampire war, Kyoko is pulled even closer to the one thing she was supposed to destroy.

Learn more about the series at Amy's website.


The Guardian Heart Crystal Series:

Defy Not The Heart
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

Raging Hearts
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

The Heart of Time
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

A Light In the Heart of Darkness
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

A Guardian Possession
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

Vampire Gemini
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

Black Winged Angel
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

Cursed Hearts
Available in: Paperback & Kindle

[Review] - Supernatural: Heart of the Dragon

Title: Heart of the Dragon
Author: Keith R.A. De Candido
Series: Supernatural
Genre: Horror/Fantasy
Release Date: February 16, 2010

I received this book from review from Titan Books.

Summary: Twenty-seven years ago, Sam and Dean Winchester lost their mother to a mysterious and demonic supernatural force. In the years after, their father, John, taught them about the paranormal evil that lives in the dark corners and on the back roads of America... and he taught them how to kill it

When renegade angel Castiel alerts Sam and Dean to a series of particularly brutal killings in San Francisco's Chinatown, they realize the Heart of the Dragon, an ancient evil of unspeakable power, is back! John Winchester faced the terrifying spirit 20 years ago, and the Campbell family fought it 20 years before that - can the boys succeed where their parents and grandparents failed?

Thoughts: The Winchester Brothers have learned that the Heart of the Dragon is back. Two generations of their family have fought and failed to kill this ancient evil. Will the boys succeed or end up repeating history.

I love this show, but I'm way behind in episodes. This is the first time I've read one of the Supernatural novelizations. I did find this story enjoyable. A fast read. Not as exciting as watching the show but still entertaining. Heart of the Dragon has all the elements that we have come to love about the TV show... mystery, danger and of course the paranormal factor. I loved that the book went back and forth between the present and the past. The only thing I missed was the visuals of the Winchester Brothers themselves.

**The 2009 portions of this novel take place shortly after the episode Changing Channels, during the fifth season.

Score: 3 Stars

Author Website: http://www.sff.net/people/krad/

Supernatural Series:
Nevermore- Keith R.A. DeCandido
Witch's Canyon- Jeff Mariotte
Bone Key- Keith R.A. DeCandido
Heart of the Dragon- Keith R.A. DeCandido
The Unholy Cause- Joe Schreiber ~ April 20, 2010
War of the Sons- Rebecca Dessertine & David Reed ~ June 1, 2010

[Review/Giveaway] - All Night with a Rogue

Title: All Night with a Rogue
Author: Alexandra Hawkins
Series: Lords of Vice
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: February 2, 2010

Summary: IT BEGAN AS A FAVOR

Seduce Lady Juliana Ivers and then cast her aside: Those are his sister’s instructions. Alexius Braverton, Marquess of Sinclair--known as Sin to the ton--is happy enough to oblige, especially when he catches a glimpse of his target. Juliana is completely unlike the empty-headed chits who barely hold his attention for a week. A true gentleman would leave her to find a worthy suitor. But then, a Lord of Vice would never claim to be a gentleman.


WOULD IT END IN FOREVER?

Juliana is expected to marry well to improve her family’s finances, even if she secretly longs to make a living through her musical compositions. A dalliance can only complicate matters, though not even practical Juliana can help succumbing to the aptly named Sin. But one unforgettable night will draw her into a scandalous affair and a seduction begun as sport will soon become deliciously, dangerously real

Thoughts: Ever since her father died Juliana's family finances have been precarious. So, its up to her to marry and marry well to help the family. But when Sin sets his eyes on her, Juliana doesn't realize how much her life is about to change.

All Night with a Rogue is a wickedly delicious tale. I thought this was a good read. I loved the wickedness of Marquess of Sinclair. Just one look at him and you know Juliana is in trouble. Sin and Juliana's story is seductive & steamy. I thought the opening of the book was a great scene, definitely draws you in. I believe Historical fans will be delighted with this new series. I look forward to reading about the other Lords.

Score: 3 Stars

Author Website: http://lordsofvice.com/

Upcoming Releases:
Till Dawn with the Devil- August 3, 2010

_____________________________________________________
GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Alexandra I have a copy of All Night with a Rogue up for grabs. To enter leave a comment along with your address. Open to U.S. and Canada. The winner will be announced on March 21st. Good Luck!!

~GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED~

Cover Discovery

Release Date: August 3, 2010
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Release Date: September 1, 2010
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Release Date: September 7, 2010
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Release Date: September 28, 2010
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Release Date: October 5, 2010
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Release Date: November 2, 2010
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The Highlander's Sword- Winners

and the winners are...

Shelia (Bookjourney)
Carrie at In the Hammock Blog


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

You have 5 days to claim your prizes.

In My Mailbox [45]

In My Mailbox was started over at The Story Siren.
Here is what I got this week...

For Review:

Everlong
By: Hailey Edwards
Release Date: March 30, 2010

Book Summary:

The most damaged heart can fly with the right pair of wings.

Madelyn’s life is far from fairytale perfect. She is second in line for the throne of a corrupt, brutal monarchy. Or at least she was until her dark guardian sacrificed his life to hide her safely in a realm of infinite possibilities.

For years she’s lived among a colony of escaped slaves as her guardian’s widow. Even in this simple life, though, nothing is as it seems. Her hero kept a secret—a younger brother named Clayton Delaney. Warrior, winged demon…and the man who now wants to lay claim to her heart.

No longer cast in his brother’s shadow, Clayton meets all obstacles head on, including one named Maddie. His infatuation with her reaches the breaking point when she undergoes a royal rite of passage, going into heat and pushing them both over the edge.

Just as Maddie learns that some risks are worth taking, she discovers that her guardian may be alive. And she’s forced to make a choice between the man she’d thought she loved, and the demon willing to lend her his wings.

Warning: This book contains virginal angst, a hero who’s too nice for his own good, wings, claws, and convenient use of glamour. It contains heartbreaking loss, conversation with a woodland creature, and sweet, sweet demon loving.

(Thanks to Hailey Edwards)

The Wild Irish Sea
By: Loucinda McGary
Release Date: July 6, 2010

Book Summary: Drawn together by a force they can't resist...

The telepathic image of her twin brother fighting for his life sends Amber O'Neill rushing to the rocky shores of Ireland. Desperate to find him, she turns to reclusive local inspector Kevin Hennessey.

Bound together with a passion as relentless as the tide...

His past full of pain, Kevin has withdrawn from the world. But when the rain-drenched American appears on his doorstep with her wild tales of danger, something more than her sensuous beauty makes it impossible for him to turn her away.

The wildness of the sea, the mystery of a selkie prince, and a dangerous band of ruthless smugglers bring two lost souls together in a connection of mind, body, and spirit that can't be denied.

(Thanks to Sourcebooks)

The Fire Lord's Lover
By: Kathryne Kennedy
Release Date: July 6, 2010

Book Summary: If his powers are discovered, his father will destroy him...

In a magical land ruled by ruthless Elven Lords, the Fire Lord's son Dominic Raikes plays a deadly game to conceal his growing might from his malevolent father, until his arranged bride awakens in him passions he thought he had buried forever.

Unless his bride kills him first...

Lady Cassandra has been raised in outward purity and innocence, while secretly being trained as an assassin. Her mission is to bring down the Elven Lord and his champion son. But when she gets to court she discovers that nothing is what it seems, least of all the man she married...

Then Dominic and Cassandra together discover an unspeakable evil, one that threatens the destruction of the magical realm they would give their souls to save...

(Thanks to Sourcebooks)

Supernatural: Heart of the Dragon
By: Keith R.A. DeCandido
Out Now

Book Summary: A Supernatural novel that reveals a previously unseen adventure for the Winchester brothers, from the hit CW series!

When renegade angel Castiel alerts Sam and Dean to a series of particularly brutal killings in San Francisco's Chinatown, they realise the Heart of the Dragon, an ancient evil of unspeakable power, is back! John Winchester faced the terrifying spirit 20 years ago, and the Campbell family fought it 20 years before that - can the boys succeed where their parents and grandparents failed?

(Thanks to Titan Books)

Bought:

The Vampire and the Virgin
By: Kerrelyn Sparks
Out Now

Book Summary:

Olivia’s packing list:
1. Sunscreen
2. Bathing suit
3. Flip-flops

FBI psychologist Olivia Sotiris is looking for a cool ocean breeze, sand between her toes, and a break from her crazy, and sometimes dangerous, life. But when she escapes to the Greek island of Patmos, all she gets is a meddling grandmother trying to marry her off. None of the men there interest her—except a mysterious Scotsman named Robby MacKay.

Robby’s packing list:
1. Synthetic blood
2. More synthetic blood
3. Jogging clothes (even a Vamp has to stay in shape!)

Robby needs to cool off, too, since all he can think about is revenge on the Malcontent bloodsuckers who once held him captive. But then he meets Olivia, the beauty with wild curls and a tempting smile. When a deadly criminal from one of her cases back home tracks her down, Robby will have to save her life, along with giving her a first time she’ll never forget …