Friday, April 30, 2010

In My Mailbox [51]

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



Review:
My Name Is Memory- Ann Brashares
Nancy's Theory of Style- Grace Coppersmith
The Turning- Helen Ellis
Girl In Translation- Jean Kwok
A Breath of Magic- Tracy Madison

Thanks to Dorchester Publishing, Penguin, Simon & Schuster & Sourcebooks





Paperback Swap:
The Society of S- Susan Hubbard

Bought:
Burned- P.C. & Kristin Cast
Angel Slayer- Michele Hauf
Vampire Vendetta- Alexis Morgan
The Fury- L.J. Smith

Darkly Luminous Winner

The winner of The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is:

donnas



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

You have 5 days to claim your prize.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

[Review & Giveaway] - A Breath of Magic

Title: A Breath of Magic
Author: Tracy Madison
Series: Magic
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: April 27, 2010

I received this book for review from Dorchester Publishing.

Summary: Waiting to Exhale

Chloe Nichols is holding her breath. All her life, finding true happiness with a family has seemed as easy as...well, snagging a bubble off the wind—a bubble that her current boyfriend seems dead set on bursting. Yes, every time Chloe mentions her one true desire, Kyle shoots down her hopes. But he hasn’t reckoned with the awesome power of Gypsy magic, or with loyal kith and kin. One way or another, Chloe’s going to get her happily-ever-after. One could sometimes be found after you’d convinced a man he loves you, right? All Fate needs is a little puff in the right direction...

Thoughts: Chloe wants to find her true love and she wants to find him now. She's become a bit obsessed about it. With a boyfriend that doesn't believe in true love or soul mates it has been kinda hard. She is through with waiting and isn't above using magic to get want she wants. With a little help from her new family she hopes her dreams will become reality.

This book is the third installment in the Magic series. With each book it's always a new magic or talent and with each book the stories get better and better. I've always considered the first book, A Taste of Magic to be my favorite. But really each book has something special that I've really liked.

A Breath of Magic is a fantastically fun read, full of twists that will delight the reader. The gypsy magic is charming as ever. The story is emotional fueled, that you might want to have some tissue close at hand when you read it. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like Chloe, but she did grow on me. There were times when you just want to shake her, but she turned out to be a very lovable character. While every girl's journey in this series, has been difficult in it's own way. I think Chloe's has been hardest. But when all is said and done the emotional roller coaster both she and her true love went through is very much worth it in the end. This is one I would definitely recommend, especially for the true romantics out there.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
By Magic Alone - December 2010

Giveaway is now CLOSED!

Giveaway:
Thanks to Tracy I have a copy of A Breath of Magic to giveaway. This one is open to everyone- including International readers. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. The winner will be announced on May 7th. Good Luck!



***Also if you want to purchase this book right now Dorchester Publishing is having a 50% off sale for the next five days for Mother's Day. Promo code is Mom10. Because A Breath of Magic is a special promotion this month (Their Hot & New promo), it's already only $3.50, so with the promo code, it's only $1.75.

April Contest- Winners

and the winners are:
Diana Owen-Emerson
Velvet Haven

Kristy
Beautiful Dead: Jonas

Book Junkie

The Dead Travel Fast

Elaine G.

And Falling, Fly



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

You have 5 days to claim your prize.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

[ARC Review] - Tall, Dark, and Wolfish

Title: Tall, Dark & Wolfish
Author: Lydia Dare
Series: Westfield Brothers
Genre: Paranormal/Historical Romance
Release Date: May 4, 2010

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: HE'S LOST OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF HIMSELF...

Lord Benjamin Westfield is a powerful werewolf--until one full moon. His life now shattered, he rushes off to Scotland in search of the healer who can restore his inner beast, only to find she's not at all what he expected...

SHE WOULD MAKE HIM WHOLE, IF SHE COULD...

Young, beautiful witch Elspeth Campbell will do anything to help anyone who calls upon her healing arts. Until Lord Benjamin shows up, and she suddenly discovers she may need him even more than he needs her...

Thoughts: Benjamin Westfield is a werewolf, but he has lost the most important part of his being. A loss so deeply felt that it makes him feel broken. After some advice he rushes of the Scotland where he encounters the healer, Elspeth. In her hands, he believes he'll find his salvation. But fate is at work and what he finds is so much more.

I have been on a bit of shifter kick this month, and Lydia Dare has added fuel to my addiction. I'm not sure if this will be everybody's cup of tea -- but I'm really loving this series. Tall, Dark, and Wolfish has turned out to be a very sensual story, the heat is definitely turn up in this installment. Elspeth is a spirited lass, and one strong heroine, while our hero Ben is the kinda man mother's warn their daughters about. So of course he is very hard to resist. The only thing I disliked was Ellie's meddling coven. While there hearts are in the right place, they were a bit annoying at times. Otherwise for me this was a page turn and I can't wait to read the next installment.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
The Wolf Next Door - June 1, 2010
The Taming of the Wolf - November 2, 2010

Monday, April 26, 2010

[Review &Giveaway] - The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker

Title: The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker
Author: Leanna Renee Hieber
Series: Strangely Beautiful
Genre: Historical Romance/Fantasy
Release Date: April 27, 2010

I received this book for review from Dorchester Publishing.

Summary: With radiant, snow-white skin and hair, Percy Parker was a beacon for Fate. True love had found her, in the tempestuous form of Professor Alexi Rychman. But her mythic destiny was not complete. Accompanying the ghosts with which she alone can converse, new and terrifying omens loomed. A war was coming, a desperate ploy of a spectral host. Victorian London would be overrun.

Yet, Percy kept faith. Within the mighty bastion of Athens Academy, alongside The Guard whose magic shielded mortals from the agents of the Underworld, she counted herself among friends. Wreathed in hallowed fire, they would stand together, no matter what dreams--or nightmares--might comes.

Thoughts: The story starts the day after the big battle. Percy has survived her fever and saved the day. Now that the goddess powers have awakened in Percy, she is plunged in and is part of The Guard. With the first battle won comes relief, but things are just beginning for Percy and her new family.

Last year I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and well it really went above and beyond of what I expected and absolutely fell in love with the Gothic feel and its characters. So, when I received a copy of book two you can probably imagine my excitement.

It was a treat visiting Percy's world again. I loved the romance, the magic and action packed scenes with the Guard. Alexi & Percy's romance plays a big part in the book an it is very sweet. Percy is quite the innocent, which is really fun to watch. While I think in any other character all the blushing and giggling might become a bit annoying, but in Percy it just makes her more endearing. I probably mentioned this in my review of Strangely Beautiful, but another thing I love about these stories is the London that Ms Hieber has created, it is dark and very inviting, magical. It is as much a character in the story as Percy is.

Leanna Renee Hieber's writing voice shines brightly. I love it. The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is a lush love story and an enthralling tale about good vs. evil. I look forward to the continuation of the series and learning more about the secondary characters.

If your a fan of the Paranormal genre and haven't picked this series up. I definitely urge you to do so, you missing out on a pretty amazing world.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
A Midwinter Fantasy (Anthology)- October 2010
Leanna's contribution is "A Christmas Carroll" featuring her
Strangely Beautiful characters Rebecca & Michael


***Giveaway is now closed***

Giveaway:
I ended up with two copies of this book, so one copy is up for grabs. To enter leave comment along with an email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on April 30th. Good Luck!


Sunday, April 25, 2010

Cover Discovery

Release Date: May 18, 2010


Release Date: July 2010
Comic Book Issue #1


Release Date: August 24, 2010


Release Date: September 28, 2010


Saturday, April 24, 2010

[Review] - Wicked Becomes You

Title: Wicked Becomes You
Author: Meredith Duran
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: April 27, 2010

I received this book for review from Simon and Schuster.

Summary: She’s pretty enough to be popular, and Lord knows she’s rich enough for it. But what society loves best about Gwen Maudsley is how very, very nice she is. So when a cad jilts her at the altar—again—an outraged London bays for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If nice no longer works for her, then it’s time to learn to be naughty. Happily, she knows the perfect tutor, Alexander Ramsey, her late brother’s best friend and a notorious rogue.

Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex’s aloof demeanor veils a very personal interest in her. He has no desire to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But amidst the glittering temptations of Parisian nights, Alex’s past and Gwen’s wildness enter a collision course. As their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs...

Thoughts: Nice is a word that is used to describe Gwen Maudsley, while lucky isn't a word associated with her at all. First her brother comes to bad ends. Then she is left by not just one, but two fiances. There is only so much a girl can take and frankly Gwen has had enough of "nice". Being wicked sounds good right about now and so she sets her sights on and the most wicked of them all, the rake Alex Ramsey.

This book was my first venture into Duran's historical world, it doesn't take long to realize this author has a talent for drawing the reader in and writing the most interesting characters. I found both Gwen and Alex engaging and definitely delicious when they are brought together. I did feel bad for Gwen, being jilted is never fun and if anyone deserved a bit of wildness it's definitely her. Within the pages of Wicked Becomes You, you will find adventure and hot tingling romance that will keep you turning the page.

Score: 4 Stars

Favorite Lines/Quotes: "England was a wicked bitch who wished him ill."

Author Website: http://meredithduran.com/

Other titles:
The Duke of Shadows
Written on Your Skin

Bound by Your Touch

Friday, April 23, 2010

In My Mailbox [50]

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



I didn't get any books in the mail this week, but I did buy a few. Most of them I bought at Borders, except for Radiant Shadows which I found at Target and Dark Succession can be purchased at All Romance Ebooks.

Bought:
Tales of the Otherworld- Kelley Armstrong
Dark Succession- Teresa D'Amario
Jekel Loves Hyde- Beth Fantaskey
In Shade & Shadow- Barb & J.C. Hendee
The Mane Squeeze- Shelly Laurentston
Eyes Like Stars- Lisa Mantchev
Radiant Shadows- Melissa Marr
Succubus Shadows- Richelle Mead
Night Runner- Max Turner

Free Reads:
The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove- Marta Acosta
Becoming- Moria Rogers
Little Things- Moira Rogers

I also got some swag this week. Thanks to
Yasmine Galenorn, Rachel Hawkins & Elizabeth Hoyt

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Contest Alert

Tracy Madison is having fantastic giveaway on her blog all through the month of May. Starting on April 26th. She'll be having weekly giveaway's. Here is some of the prizes:

-$10 Borders Gift Card
-$5 Caribou Coffee Gift Card
-Signed copy of A Taste of Magic
-Signed copy of A Stroke of Magic
-A Breath of Magic mini-gift pack that includes: a totebag, sticky notes, keychain, bookmark(s) and a signed cover flat.

Plus she is having a Magic related contest too.

For more detail's stop by Tracy's Blog!














Magic Series

A Taste of Magic - Out Now
A Stroke of Magic- Out Now

A Breath of Magic- 4/27
By Magic Alone- Dec 2010

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

[Series Spotlight] - True Mates

True Mates series by: Teresa D'Amario

She Wolf- Book 1

A small town veterinarian has a big time problem. She's not human.

Plagued as a child with an extra-sensitive sense of smell, strength, and eyesight, Anna Callaway always thought she was special. But she didn't understand how special until she met Kieran Hunter.

He insists they are True Mates, but he's not human either. He's wolven.

Kieran is a protector of his race. No longer the Alpha of his pack, he spends his time searching out and punishing any who may reveal their race to humans. While patrolling, he finds two wolven about to kidnap Anna. He battles to protect her, but is surprised to find himself drawn to her in a way he never expected.

The couple must learn to deal with their differences before they can address their similarities. But when three men kidnap Anna, she must decide if she is to embrace the wolven way of life, or return to her quiet existence. And whether to abandon the man who claims her as his True Mate







Dark Succession- Book 2 Out Today!!

Nora Hunt is the daughter of former pack leader Sean Hunt and niece to Kieran Hunt. Emotionally and physically scarred after being held captive for weeks, she's finally ready to move on with her life. But when she meets Ryland, she discovers not only a world of darkness and pain, but discovers Ryland may not be any better than those who held her captive all those weeks.

When Ryland Keegan steps in as Alpha of his dead brother's pack, he inherits a pack of savage rogue wolven, as well as a legacy of violence, lies and five women held captive within the pack's confines.

But when Ryland's pack members start dying one at a time, he must decide if Nora is the catalyst or the killer. Can he trust his True Mate? Or will he be relegated to a life of leading the dregs of Wolven society?






Make sure to stop by A Writer's Dream, Teresa will be there today promoting her latest release Dark Succession. You don't want to miss the contests, excerpts and sneak peaks!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Winners [Rogues & Werewolves]

and the winners are...


An Earl to Enchant:
  • Patti
  • jeanette8042


A Certain Wolfish Charm:
  • Lea
  • s7anna


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

You have 5 days to claim your prize.

Friday, April 16, 2010

In My Mailbox [49]

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




Review:
Picture the Dead- Adele Griffin & Lisa Brown
The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker- Leanna Renee Hieber
Seduced by the Wolf- Terry Spear
Georgette Heyer's Regency World- Jennifer Kloester

Thanks to Sourcebooks & Dorchester Publishing

Bought:
Silver Borne- Patricia Briggs
Changes- Jim Butcher
BSC: The Summer Before- Ann M. Martin
Sanctuary- Moira Rogers

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Lydia Dare

I'm excited to welcome Lydia Dare to the blog today. Debut author of A Certain Wolfish Charm.

Welcome ladies!

In October of 2009, Jodie and I were at a workshop offered by our local RWA chapter and started talking about what was hot in romance. Jodie was stalled on her work-in-progress and I hadn’t written any pages worth keeping in quite some time. Regencies have always been my favorite genre to read, and I had a plot idea for a werewolf Regency novel. Jodie can spout more Regency rules and regulations than an encyclopedia, so I set out to pick her brain.


Jodie: No, you can’t write that in a Regency.

Tammy: Why not?

Jodie: Because she couldn’t inherit.

Tammy: Well, darn, I want to write this story.

Jodie: (shrugs) Then write it, but you have to stay true to the time period.

Tammy: How do I do that? I don’t know all the Regency rules. (A light bulb goes off.) We should write it together.

Jodie: Will they have sex when he’s furry?

Tammy: Don’t know. Maybe. (My turn to shrug.)

Jodie: Ok. Let’s write it.

And at that very same conference, Jodie and I mapped out our overall plot and got a good idea of what the story was going to be about. We also decided what our characters looked like and what their names were. Then we went home and Jodie wrote the first five pages. Then she sent them to me and two months later, we had a book. We had set up some pretty charismatic characters (by our standards) in the first book, so it was pretty natural to jump right into book two because their stories had to be written, too. We just couldn’t leave them there hanging.

We started to query publishers, trying to find someone who wanted to publish our work, and we found a home with Sourcebooks. We had heard Dominique speak at the Sourcebooks Spotlight at the RWA National Conference the year before and she was so enthusiastic that she makes you believe anything can happen. And Deb Werksman’s dedication to her authors is unsurpassed. So, pitching to Sourcebooks was natural for us, and we’re just thankful they fell in love with our wolves as quickly as we did.

Being a debut author has been a fun and exciting experience. Having a partner to share it with has been an added benefit. We have two sets of eyes working on edits. And while one of us writes, the other one can take care of the other tasks like proofreading. Then we swap. When we got our starred review from Publishers Weekly for A Certain Wolfish Charm, we were able to celebrate together. When we do our workshop for our local RWA chapter on “team writing” we’ll do it together.

Of course, there are some funny outtakes that are a natural result of writing as a team, like the time we cast a young waiter as a wolf pup in an upcoming book. That kid thought we were nuts when we asked to take his picture. And there have been some pretty odd conversations we’ve had about plots when we’re at restaurants, most of which have gained us an odd look from nosy people who listen in. Like when we finally decided the hero and heroine wouldn’t have sex when he was furry after all. :-)

A CERTAIN WOLFISH CHARM
by LYDIA DARE—IN STORES APRIL 2010!
He gets crankier and crankier as the moon gets full…

The rules of society can be beastly—especially when you’re a werewolf and it’s that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn’t help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is…

A woman whose charm is stronger that the moon…

When Lily’s beloved nephew’s behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy’s cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon’s idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue.

They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other’s darkest secrets…

About the Author
Lydia Dare is the writing team of Tammy Falkner and Jodie Pearson. Both Tammy and Jodie are active members of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and live near Raleigh, North Carolina. They are working together on their next paranormal historical trilogy as Lydia Dare, which will be released by Sourcebooks Casablanca in Spring 2011! For more information, please visit http://www.lydiadare.com/.

Giveaway:
Thanks to Sourcebooks I have 2 copies of A Certain Wolfish Charm to giveaway. Open to U.S. & Canada. Winners will be announced on April 19th. Good Luck!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Amelia Grey

I'm happy to Welcome back Amelia Grey, author of the Rogues' Dynasty Series to my blog.

Good morning! Thank you for having me at Anna’s Book Blog. Today I thought I would talk about inspiration and particularly, where I got the inspiration for my Rogues’ Dynasty Series.

I’ve been hooked on reading for as long as I can remember. In grade school, I loved reading Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys mysteries. I liked familiar characters that I could read about over and over again, but yet the stories were different each time. Those books entertained me many, many nights. Some of my all time favorite series are John Jakes’ historical series The Kent Family Chronicles, and more recently, Amanda Quick’s Arcane Society Series has me buying every book. If you’re a fan of any of these books, like me, then you know why I wanted to write a series of books, too.

I’ve read a lot of connecting books over the years, and I’ve found that my favorites are the ones that are developed around the hero rather than heroines. Not that there haven’t been some great series out there based on heroines or like Debbie MacComber’s successful series about a town. But for me, I wanted to follow three handsome, titled gentlemen from gleaming ballrooms and gaming hells all the way to the hallowed doors of matrimony. There is just something extremely appealing and very sexy to me about a hero born to power, and privilege.

I wanted each book had to stand alone. That meant I couldn’t carry over any plotlines to the other books. I knew I had to make each hero, each heroine, and each story exciting and different, and yet keep the same tone, flavor, and some of the same characters in all three books. And, I have to tell you I have loved doing that. I’ve received many wonderful comments from readers about my secondary character Sir Randolph Gibson. In fact, just the other day, a fan wrote to me that she wanted to see Sir Randolph get his very own book! But that is for another time.

The first book of my Rogues’ Dynasty Series is A Duke to Die For, and it came out in April 2009. In A Duke to Die For, the hero’s life was chaotic and undisciplined, so I gave him a beautiful and quite charming heroine who was timely and organized to get under his skin and stay there. For fun I had her believe she was cursed, and for intrigue I had him be in danger because of it.

The middle book, A Marquis to Marry was an October release and is currently on sale wherever books are sold. In A Marquis to Marry, the hero is a fun-loving rogue and very happily a bachelor, so I had to give him a beautiful, fascinating woman who had the power, charm, and all it took to make him want to settle down to just one woman. For enjoyment, I had him in possession of a priceless necklace of pearls that belonged to her family, and then for intrigue I had them stolen.

An Earl to Enchant is the third book in the series and is now on sale at your favorite local or on line bookstore. In An Earl to Enchant, the hero is a planner who plays by the rules and has no idea what to do with an enchanting heroine who ignores convention and steals his heart with her impulsive ways. For merriment, I had the heroine pursuing the hero, and for intrigue I had a killer pursuing her.

I could not be happier with the way The Rogues’ Dynasty Series turned out and I give all the credit to the wonderful writers who went before me and wrote such exciting series. I’m thrilled by how well my books are being received by reviewers and readers, and delighted to tell you that my inspiration is still going strong. I’ll be adding three more very sexy heroes to The Rogues’ Dynasty next year.

So now that I’ve told you a little about the inspiration for my series, you tell me, what it is that makes you want to read a book in a series?

The first chapter of my latest book An Earl to Enchant, the third book in the Rogues’ Dynasty Series is available on my website. I invite you to stop by and give it a try.

I’m always happy to hear from readers. Please e-mail me at ameliagrey@comcast.net or visit my website at http://www.ameliagrey.com.


AN EARL TO ENCHANT
by AMELIA GREY
—IN STORES APRIL 2010
He’s determined not to be a hero…

Lord Morgandale is as notorious as he is dashing, and he’s determined no woman will tie him down. But from the moment Arianna Sweet appears on his doorstep, he cannot resist the lure of her fascinating personality, exotic wardrobe, and tempting green eyes…

She has a deadly secret…

Arianna Sweet never imagined the significance of her father’s research until after his untimely death. Now she is in possession of his groundbreaking discovery, one that someone would kill for. She can’t tell Lord Morgandale her secret, but she knows she needs his help, desperately…

About the Author:
Winner of the Booksellers Best Award and the Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter, Amelia Grey's books have been sold in Europe, Russia and China. Married for twenty-five years to her high school sweetheart, she has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and now calls Panama City Beach, Florida, home. For more information, please visit http://www.ameliagrey.com.

Giveaway:
Thanks to Sourcebooks I have two copies of An Earl to Enchant to giveaway. Open to U.S. & Canada. Winners will be announced on April 19th. Good Luck!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Poetry Speaks... Winner

and the winner is....

Kelsey


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

You have 5 days to claim your prize.

Friday, April 9, 2010

In My Mailbox [48]

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




Review:
Wicked Becomes You- Meredith Duran
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster)

Shadow Bound- Erin Kellison
(Thanks to Dorchester Publishing)


Library:
The Poison Eaters and Other Stories- Holly Black

Bought:
The Reckoning- Kelley Armstrong
The Beast in Him- Shelly Laurenston
The Mane Attraction- Shelly Laurenston
Fablehaven- Brandon Mull
Incubus Lucky- Stella & Audra Price

*goodies/swag from Rachel Vincent

Thursday, April 8, 2010

[Review] - Fearless Desires

Title: Fearless Desires
Author: Stacey Espino
Series: Immortal Love
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Erotica
Release Date: March 17, 2010

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: Delius never asked for his fate, but in a world that placed all its faith in prophecy, he would be a fool to challenge it. He felt like a parasite, forced to live off the fear of humans.

From the first time Delius became trapped in Selina's mind and seduced by her provocative thoughts, he was drawn to her. She was a mystery that turned into an obsession. Yet, for them to have a life together, Delius would have to go against his own race that demanded he fulfill his destiny. One that did not include Selina.

Thoughts: Fate has never been kind to Delius. He is a fear demon - feeding on humans fears, creating terrible nightmares for sleeping victims. He is the boogeyman in the closet and he detests every minute of it. When he becomes trapped in Selina's mind, it is too much. He can't pull away. She's too tempting with her seductive thoughts. But for them to truly be together Delius will have to abandon his race and give up his destiny....

This is the first book in the Immortal Love series and one that I enjoyed. A curious story of demons and nightmares. I found the whole concept interesting. As demon stories go, I thought this one was unique. Fearless Desires is a compelling story. Full of passion and destiny, very seductive. I loved Delius and his brothers. Stacey Espino has written a delectable tale - that takes you away.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
Fearless Love- 2010
Saving Grace- 2010
Damaged Cowboys- 2010
Fearless Passion- TBA

Where to Buy:
BookStrand

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

[ARC Review] - An Earl to Enchant

Title: An Earl To Enchant
Author: Amelia Grey
Series: The Rogues' Dynasty
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: April 6, 2010

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: HE’S DETERMINED NOT TO BE A HERO . . .

Lord Morgandale is as notorious as he is dashing, and he’s determined no woman will tie him down. But from the moment Arianna Sweet appears on his doorstep, exhausted after a grueling journey, he cannot resist the lure of the fascinating beauty, her exotic wardrobe, or tempting green eyes . . .

SHE HAS A DEADLY SECRET . . .

Arianna Sweet never imagined the significance of her father’s research until after his untimely death. Now she is in possession of his groundbreaking discovery, a discovery that someone would kill for. She can’t tell Lord Morgandale her secret, but she knows she needs his help, desperately.

Thoughts: An Earl to Enchant was just that, an enchanting read. Also funny and sweet. Ms. Grey doesn't disappoint, this is the third and last story and it makes a perfect ending to the trilogy. I love the intrigue that is pored into each book. I enjoyed both the characters of Lucas and Arianna. Especially Lucas, he is ever the stubborn male, but charming and sexy. A must read for any regency fan.

Score: 3 Stars

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

The Rogues' Dynasty:
A Duke to Die For
A Marquis to Marry
An Earl to Enchant

Upcoming Books:
An Earl to Enchant - April 6, 2010
Never A Bride - September 7, 2010

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

[Review] - Mind Games

Title: Mind Games
Author: Carolyn Crane
Series: The Disillusionists
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: March 23, 2010

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.

Thoughts: This is another book I've been highly anticipating and it didn't let me down. I loved very minute of it. Mind Games is action packed and full of thrills and chills that keep you turning the page. Dangerous and original new world. An Urban Fantasy delight. I thought Justine was a great heroine, and her hypochondria makes her even more special. Carolyn Crane has created an intense and exciting debut with the most intriguing characters. This is a book not to be missed.

Score: 5 Stars

Author Website: http://authorcarolyncrane.com/

Upcoming Releases:
Double Cross- September 28, 2010

Monday, April 5, 2010

[ARC Review] - Poetry Speaks Who I Am + Giveaway

Title: Poetry Speaks Who I Am
Editor: Elise Paschen
Series: Poetry Speaks
Genre: Poetry/Young Adult
Release Date: March 1, 2010

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: This is not poetry class…There is no memorization required…there will not be a test…

But these are more than 100 amazing poems about you, who you are, and who you are becoming.

Dive in—find the one you love, the one that makes you angry, the one that makes you laugh, the one that knocks the wind out of you,
And add your own inside the book.

Catch the energy, feel the pain, and hear the wonder on an exclusive audio CD featuring many of these poets reading their own work.

Thoughts: My freshman year of High school I fell in love with poetry after doing a unit of it in English class. I wrote for years and years after that and even got a few published. But since becoming obsessed with books I haven't done much writing. But when I was offered to review this book, I grabbed at the chance.

Poetry Speaks Who I Am is a wonderful book, this is type of tool I wish I had back when I was learning about poetry. In this book there are some of the greatest poets and some of my favorites. Some of the poets included are Maya Angelou, Edgar Allen Poe, Langston Hughes, John Keats, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and William Shakespeare. Not only does it hold all these great poets but it also comes with a CD with some of the featured authors reading their work. Plus in the back of the book there is space to write your own words. While this is aimed for young adults., I believe readers of all ages will enjoy this book.

Score: 4 Stars

Editor Website: http://www.elisepaschen.com/

April is National Poetry Month, it was introduced back in 1996. You can learn more about the history of the celebration here. Another great site to visit is, Poets.org


Giveaway:
Thanks to Sourcebooks I have a copy of this book to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. and Canada. The winner will be announced on April 11th. Good Luck!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

In My Mailbox [47]

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


Review:
Fearless Desires- Stacey Espino (Thanks to Stacey)

Bought:
Ninth Grade Slays- Heather Brewer
Tenth Grade Bleeds- Heather Brewer
Mind Games- Carolyn Crane
Her Vampire Husband- Michele Hauf
Shadow of the Moon- Rachel Hawthorne
Lion's Heat- Lora Leigh
Fang- James Patterson

Friday, April 2, 2010

[ARC Review] - A Certain Wolfish Charm

Title: A Certain Wolfish Charm
Author: Lydia Dare
Series: Westfield Werewolves
Genre: Paranormal/Historical Romance
Release Date: April 6, 2010

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: HE GETS CRANKIER AND CRANKIER AS THE MOON GETS FULL...

The rules of Society can be beastly--especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful and sinfully handsome., and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, maybe as untamable as he is...

A WOMAN WHOSE CHARM IS STRONGER THAN THE MOON...

When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his home and engaged to the rogue.

They both may have bitten off more than they can chew which each begins to discover the other's darkest secrets...

Thoughts: Lily has raised her nephew, Oliver since his parents died in a terrible accident. He's always been the sweetest thing, but since turning 12 he's been anything but. So she turns to his legal guardian for help, the rogue Simon Westfield. He as continually ignored her letters so she thinks a meeting face to face will get his attention. What Lily doesn't know is that she'll get alot more than she bargained or hoped for.

This was a pager turner for me, I very much enjoyed the story and loved the characters. Lily is quite the tough cookie and Simon, definitely a force to be reckoned with. So, it's no surprise that when these two are the in the same room- sparks fly. A Certain Wolfish Charm is fresh, entertaining and deliciously steamy. A howling good read.

If your a fan of Ronda Thompson's Wild Wulfs of London, your going to love the Westfield Werewolves.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
A Certain Wolfish Charm- April 6, 2010
Tall, Dark and Wolfish- May 4, 2010
The Wolf Next Door- June 1, 2010
The Taming of the Wolf- Nov 2, 2010

Thursday, April 1, 2010

April Giveaway

Happy April !!! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Spring. This month I'm giving away 4 different tiles, with four winners. Open to U.S. & Canada. To enter fill out the form below. Winners will be announced on April 29th.
Good Luck!


Velvet Haven
By: Sophie Renwick

Book Summary: Hidden from mortals for all eternity, Annwyn, the Otherworld, is home to shapeshifters, wraiths and dragons. But in a nightclub called Velvet Haven, desire brings humans and immortals together…

Built atop the mystic passageway to Annwyn, the gothic nightclub Velvet Haven has seen its share of lost souls—both mortal and immortal. It is here that Bran, the shapeshifter king of the Sidhe, searches for his brother, who is ensnared by a centuries-old curse. When a vision foretells his own death, he knows his time to find Carden is running out.

For help he must turn to Mairi, a mortal woman with an unusual aura. Bran has never liked humans, other than using their sexual pleasure to restore his magic energy. But with Mairi everything is different. Her lush curves and teasing caresses enflame him like no Sidhe has ever done. He has no idea that the woman he’s falling for holds the key to his destruction – or his salvation.


Beautiful Dead: Jonas
By: Eden Maguire

Book Summary: Darina's year goes from bad to worse when her boyfriend, Phoenix, is killed in a knife fight, making him the fourth student from their high school to die that year. She's certain that she's going crazy when she sees him and the others in an abandoned barn, but when Phoenix kisses her, she's convinced he's come back… to life?

Jonas, Summer, Arizona, and Phoenix have been brought back from limbo by the enigmatic and sometimes frightening Hunter, and are allowed to remain in the world of the living for one year in order to set right a wrong linked to their deaths. In exchange for being allowed to see Phoenix, Darina agrees to help the undead teens find justice, starting with Jonas… whose year is nearly up.

Darina must discover who is behind Jonas's fatal motorcycle accident… without becoming a victim herself… and keep the Beautiful Dead a secret. She would sacrifice anything to help her beloved Phoenix, but setting him free might mean losing him forever.


And Falling, Fly
By: Skyler White

Book Summary: In a dark and seedy underground of burned-out rock stars and angels-turned- vampires, a revolutionary neuroscientist and a fallen angel must put medicine against mythology in an attempt to erase their tortured pasts...but at what price?

Olivia, vampire and fallen angel of desire, is hopeless...and damned. Since the fall from Eden, she has hungered for love, but fed only on desire. Dominic O'Shaughnessy is a neuroscientist plagued by impossible visions. When his research and her despair collide at L'Otel Mathillide-a subterranean hell of beauty, demons, and dreams-rationalist and angel unite in a clash of desire and damnation that threatens to destroy them both.

In this fractures Hotel of the Damned, Olivia and Dominic discover the only force consistent in their opposing realities is the deep, erotic gravity between them. Bound to each other finally in a knot of interwoven freedoms, Dominic and Olivia-the vision-touched scientist and the earth-bound angel, reborn and undead-encounter the mystery of love and find it is both fall...and flight.


The Dead Travel Fast
By: Deanna Raybourn

Book Summary: A husband, a family, a comfortable life: Theodora Lestrange lives in terror of it all.

With a modest inheritance and the three gowns that comprise her entire wardrobe, Theodora leaves Edinburgh — and a disappointed suitor — far behind. She is bound for Roumania, where tales of vampires are still whispered, to visit an old friend and write the book that will bring her true independence.

She arrives at a magnificent, decaying castle in the Carpathians replete with eccentric inhabitants: the ailing dowager; the troubled steward; her own fearful friend, Cosmina. But all are outstripped in dark glamour by the castle's master, Count Andrei Dragulescu.

Bewildering and bewitching in equal measure, the brooding nobleman ignites Theodora's imagination and awakens passions in her that she can neither deny nor conceal. His allure is superlative, his dominion over the superstitious town, absolute — Theodora may simply be one more person under his sway.

Before her sojourn is ended — or her novel completed — Theodora will have encountered things as strange and terrible as they are seductive. For obsession can prove fatal...and she is in danger of falling prey to more than desire.






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