Blogoversary Winners

First off I want to thank everyone who stopped by to enter the giveaways and for all the Congrats! Also Thank you and welcome to all the new followers. Here are the giveaway winners:

Box O' Books (YA):

Theresa @ Fade Into Fantasy

Box O' Books (PNR/UF):

Jules@OneBookShy

Dark Hunters Swag Pack:

van_pham

Romance Swag Pack:

Amanda from Novel Addiction

True Blood Prize Pack:

AmyJ

Congrats to all the winners! Please send
your mailing  information here:

annasbookblog@gmail.com

All giveaway winners are chosen through Random.org

Waiting On Wednesday [27] - The Many Sins of Lord Cameron

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly post started by Breaking the Spine. A feature showcasing upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

I love historical romance, but I'm very picky when it comes to the genre. But I do have a few favorites and Jennifer Ashley is one of them. I love her Highland Pleasures series, it's quite addicting. Can't wait to read this new release featuring Cam.  :)

Title: The Many Sins of Lord Cameron

Series: Highland Pleasures

Author: Jennifer Ashley

Release Date: August 2, 2011

Book Summary: A renowned rake, Cameron Mackenzie doesn't care if Ainsley Douglas has a virtuous excuse for sneaking around his bedchamber. He only cares that she's at his mercy. One kiss at a time, he plans to seduce her. But what starts out as a lusty diversion may break Cam's own rules.

Highland Pleasures:
The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron 8/2
The Dukes Perfect Wive 4/3/2012

Random Acts of Kindness- June 2011

I didn't receive any RAK books this month, but I did send a couple out.

Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione:
to Jennifer @ The Book Nympho

Changeling Moon by Dani Harper:
to Sara M @ Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog

Thoughts on True Blood (spoiler free)

Sunday night's Season 4 premiere of True Blood was pretty amazing. I was shocked for most of the episode. I had no idea that it would end up going the way it did, but I loved every minute and can't wait for more.

I have read both good and bad comments on the episode. I feel the ones who going "OMG what have the done to my favorite book" need to set a side what they know of the books.  I know that sounds crazy and being a fan of the books, I can hardly believe I just said that. But I think doing this, they would enjoy the show a lot more.

During Season 1 I did a lot bitching and comparing with the TV show & the book series. Some things still annoy me, but I've learned just to to go with it and enjoy Alan Ball's vision. Something good to remember is that True Blood the TV show is a different creature than the Sookie Stackhouse book series.  In the opening credits towards the end it says: "Based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels" not "Word for Word of the Sookie Stackhouse novels."  :)

July Book Releases

1st

In the Heat of the Bite- Lydia Dare
First Frost- Jennifer Estep
What a Goddess Wants- Stephanie Julian
Touch If You Dare- Stephanie Rowe

4th

Lost Voices- Sarah Porter

5th

Naked City- Anthology
Siren Song- Jenna Black
Skirting the Grave- Annette Blair
Overbite- Meg Cabot
Burning Down the Spouse- Dakota Cassidy
Undead and Undermined- MaryJanice Davidson
Original Sin- Lisa Desrochers
Outlander (20th Anniversary Edition)- Diana Gabaldon
Night Veil- Yasmine Galenorn
Skin Dive- Ava Gray
Deceived By The Others- Jess Haines
Hammered- Kevin Hearne
Vampire Instinct- Joey W. Hill
Blood Secrets- Jeannie Holmes
Dragon Outcast- E.E. Knight
The Siren's Cry- Jennifer Anne Kogler
Conspiracies- Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill
Dangerous Pleasure- Lora Leigh
Dead Iron- Devon Monk
Cold Touch- Leslie Parrish
Grave Dance- Kalayna Price
Viper Moon- Lee Roland
Valhalla- Mandy M. Roth
Bloodlust- Michelle Rowen
My Life As A White Trash Zombie- Diana Rowland
Incarnate- A.C. Ruttan
A Shot in the Dark- K.A. Stewart

12th

Dragon's Oath- P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Bad Taste in Boys- Carrie Harris
Wildcat Fireflies- Amber Kizer
A Dance with Dragons- George R.R. Martin
Texas Gothic- Rosemary Clement-Moore
Blood Work (graphic novel)- Kim Harrison
Ghost Soldiers- Keith Melton
Undercurrent- Tricia Rayburn
Forever- Maggie Stiefvater

19th

The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters- Sierra Dean
Misguided Angel- Melissa De La Cruz (pbk)
Ashes of Angels- Michele Hauf
Rebirth- Sophie Littlefield
Code of the Wolf- Susan Krinard

21st

Ripple- Mandy Hubbard

26th

Spellbound- Kelley Armstrong
Ghost Story- Jim Butcher
Rush of Pleasure- Rhyannon Byrd
Wolfsbane- Andrea Cremer
Dead Alert- Bianca D'Arc
Touch of Frost- Jennifer Estep
Seduce Me in Flames- Jacquelyn Frank
Bound By Moonlight- Nancy Gideon
Shadow Fall- seressia Glass
Hard Spell- Justin Gustainis
Sympathy for the Devil- Justin Gustainis
Black Night- Christina Henry
Conan the Barbarian (Stories that inspired the movie)- Robert E. Howard
Claire de Lune- Christine Johnson (pbk)
Wildefire- Karsten Knight
The Fire King- Marjoire M. Liu
Heroes at Odds- Moira J. Moore
Eye of the Tempest- Nicole Peeler
The Lost- Caridad Pineiro
Shadowflame- Dianne Sylvan
Paranormalcy- Kiersten White (pbk)
Supernatrually- Kiersten White
Sins of the Flesh- J.C. Wilder
My Fair Highlander- Mary Wine

[ARC Review] - What A Goddess Wants

Title: What A Goddess Wants
Author: Stephanie Julian
Series: Forgotten Goddesses
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Release Date: July 1, 2011

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary:  IN HIS ARMS, HER MAGIC POWERS ARE ON THE RISE...

Tessa, Etruscan Goddess of the Dawn, is losing her powers and now there's an Underworld god determined to run her down. She needs a hero and fast, because only sexual energy can give her power. So she seeks out Caligo, whose sexual prowess is legendary...

AND SHE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN BRING HIM INTO THE LIGHT...

Caligo is a fabled Cimmerian warrior determined to stay away from spoiled goddesses who trample hearts after they've had their fun. But there's something irresistibly hot and inviting about Tessa and he knows he's her only change to escape the encroaching darkness...

Thoughts: If I was to pick one word for this story it would be, Hot! Hot! Hot! A tale that is steeped in magic and mythology, I loved it.  Tessa and Caligo are excellent characters. Although as much as I love the cover it doesn't do them justice. Stephanie Julian never fails to wow me. The suspense and passion are a driving force. I know I have said this before and it's still true, Stephanie's world building is amazing.

What A Goddess Wants is fast, exciting and sizzling hot. Looking to crank up the heat this summer - then definitely check out this book.

Score: 5 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:
Grace In Moonlight- TBA
How to Worship A Goddess- December 2011
Sex, Lies & Surveillance- January 2012
Goddess In The Middle- Summer 2012

In My Mailbox [111]

 In My Mailbox is a feature that was started over at The Story Siren. Each week we share what arrived in our mailboxes, bought or found in swaps or at the library.

Here is what I got this past week...

Review:
Fanfare- Renee Ahdieh
Ruby Red- Kerstin Gier

Thank you to Macmillan & Revolution Publishing.

Bought:
Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher

What did you get this week?

Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

Winners - Heart of the Highland Wolf & The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Heart of the Highland Wolf:
Becky
Jenn3128

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making:
Jessica M

Congrats to all of you!

Please send your mailing information here:

annasbookblog@gmail.com

All giveaway winners are chosen through Random.org

Blogoversary Giveaway #4

Last but not least I have a True Blood prize pack to giveaway.  To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. and Canada. The winner will be announced on June 30th.

Items included in the pack:

• True Blood: All Together Now Graphic Novel
• Dead to the World (New TV Tie-In Cover)
• June 2011 Issue of GQ featuring (the lovely) Alexander Skarsgård 
• SFX Magazine (Special Edition), True Blood: The Ultimate Celebration

Waiting On Wednesday [26] - Wolfsbane

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly post started by Breaking the Spine. A feature showcasing upcoming releases that are eagerly anticipated.

The reasons for wanting to read this book are pretty simple. I loved, loved Nightshade. Definitely one of my favorite book of 2010. I can't wait to see what is gonna happen next. Will Calla pick Shay or Ren. Maybe she won't pick at all. I think Shay is a cutie, but I'm hoping its Ren. Either way I'm looking forward to the story.

Title: Wolfbane

Series: Nightshade

Author: Andrea Cremer

Release Date: July 26, 2011

Book Summary:

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended–Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive. (description from goodreads)

Nightshade series:

Nightshade

Wolfsbane

Bloodrose

[Review] - Everlasting

Title: Everlasting
Author: Alyson Noël
Series: The Immortals
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: June 7, 2012

I received this book for review from Zeitghost Media & Macmillan.

Summary:  Their darkest enemies now defeated, Damen and Ever are free to embark upon their final quest—to free Damen from the poison lingering in his body.  If they can just find the antidote, they’ll finally be able to feel each other’s touch—and experience the passionate night they’ve been longing for.  But their fight to be together will lead them into the most formidable terrain yet…into the dark heart of Summerland.

Here in a land of scorched earth and endless rain, Ever and Damen will discover their relationship’s hidden origins, expose a secret history they never imagined and come face to face with the true reason fate keeps tearing them apart.  Only then, when the final mystery is unraveled and the last secret revealed, Ever and Damen’s future will hinge on one ultimate decision that will put everything at stake….even eternity.

Thoughts: Ever and Damen's long journey is coming to an end. Danger lies ahead and  truths will come out.  Also a decision to take leap of faith could either tear them apart and bring them closer together than they've ever been.

Wonderful story. Since book one Ever and Damen's journey has been a very bumpy road - but also a spectacular one as well.  Everlasting is a great ending to the series. I was very pleased with how things ended and I think fans of this series will be too.  Actually I adored the very ending, Ms Noel has done a incredible job of wrapping this up.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:

Dreamland (Riley Blood #3)- September 13, 2011
Untitled (Soul Seekers #1)-  2012

[Promo/Giveaway] - The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a 

Ship of Her Own Making

By: Catherynne M. Valente

"Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful."

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Zeitghost Media & Macmillan I have a copy of The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on June 25th. Good Luck!

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Terry Spear

It's an honor and pleasure to welcome Terry Spear back to the blog!

Thank you all for having me here today! I thought I’d chat about some of the other werewolves out there—the ones that I enjoy reading… which may or may not surprise you! :)

I’ve read a couple of teen werewolf books—The Wereling and Blood and Chocolate that I really enjoyed, and three adult werewolf books for contests, so I don’t want to give away their titles. And that’s it. I’m not a werewolf reader unless they happen to be in a package of books I’m judging for a contest.

The reason isn’t that I don’t love other authors’ werewolves, but that I want to continue writing my unique werewolf worlds, and if an author reads other authors’ books in the same genre, there’s a possibility that the author will pick up some of the other writers’ worlds when writing their own. I will say that I did enjoy one of the author’s werewolf romance books in one of the contests that showed the old way of viewing werewolves and the romance involved, except the hero didn’t have to die. So that was refreshing. But when I wrote Heart of the Highland Wolf, I hadn’t read any adult romance wolf stories at that point, and was glad, too. Instead, I was influenced by old werewolf lore like the wolf man! I don’t remember the exact story, except that the wolf was running through swamps in an old black and white movie. I was also influenced by Jack London’s wolf tales—Call of the Wild and White Fang. These books encouraged me to write a new werewolf creature that was a man and a wolf, not separate, not a beast, but the good in both.

I love reading time travels, and I read every book that I can get hold of that has a time-travel theme. But my own time travel romance that comes out in September, A Ghost of a Chance at Love, isn’t anything like any of the others. I really had thought that since most everyone writes such different stories about going back in time or going forward in time in vastly different time periods or locations with really different ways of getting there, that no one would have a problem with copying anyone else’s storylines.

Still, I saw reviews on one author’s books on Amazon from several fans who said that the author appeared to love another author’s time travel style because they were nearly the same stories.

And that’s the crux of the matter—being careful that our own works are our own works. So I don’t read other authors’ werewolf stories. The same with a new jaguar shifter series I’m currently working on. I have read one jaguar shifter story and the opening few pages of another, but both are very different from what I’m doing with my own series. Like with my werewolves, the jaguar shifter world will only contain jaguar shifters, no vampires or gargoyles or anything else. At least in the beginning, although there are references to werewolves not being real… So you never know where that might lead to in future books. :) And like with my werewolves that are based on real wolves, I’m doing the same with my jaguars. It’s fun learning all there is about them as I create the new series.

So if you’re looking for toothy werewolves who believe it’s more honorable to fight wolf to wolf, come and check out my newest release, Heart of the Highland Wolf. But I have to warn you, they fight with swords while wearing kilts, too. And so what does every red-blooded woman want to know? What does a wolf wear under HIS kilt?

Thanks again, Anna, for having me here today!

HEART OF THE HIGHLAND WOLF

BY TERRY SPEAR

IN STORES JUNE 2011

Each holds a secret they can’t possibly overcome alone…
Julia Wildthorn is sneaking into Argent Castle to steal an ancient relic, but reluctant laird Ian MacNeill may be the key to unlocking the one answer she really wants discovered…

From brilliant storyteller Terry Spear, modern day werewolves meet the rugged Highlands of Scotland, where instinct meets tradition, and clan loyalties give a whole new meaning to danger…

Where To Buy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders | The Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry Spear has an MBA from Monmouth College. An eclectic writer with a PW Best Book of 2008 (Heart of the Wolf), she writes paranormal romance as well as historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit:
http://www.terryspear.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/terry.spear
https://twitter.com/#!/TerrySpear
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tspear

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Sourcebooks I have (2) copies of Heart of the Highland Wolf to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada. Winners will be announced on June 25th. Good Luck!

In My Mailbox [110]

In My Mailbox is a feature that was started over at The Story Siren. Each week we share what arrived in our mailboxes, bought or found in swaps or at the library.

Here is what I got this past week...

Paperback Swap Forum:

The Last Little Blue Envelope- Maureen Johnson

Gifted/Received:
Graveminder- Melissa Marr
Delirium- Lauren Oliver
Forgotten- Cat Patrick

Thank you Michelle G!

Bought:

Sisterhood Everlasting- Ann Brashares

Hit List- Laurell K. Hamilton

Passion- Lauren Kate

Cover Discovery

Release Date: October 25, 2011

 

Release Date: October 25, 2011

Release Date: February 1, 2012

 Release  Date: February 12, 2012

Release Date: April 15, 2012

Blogoversary Giveaway #3

Goodie Pack #1: Dark-Hunters

Package includes:
Dark-Hunter Manga poster, Bad Moon Rising bookmark, Official Kenyon Minion folder, Simi notepad, Tabitha Quote tote bag, Dark-Hunters slap bracelet, Manga pin, Simi fan sticker, Acheron tattoo, Vane key chain, Bite Me! Sticker, Acheron postcard and
Acheron & Simi Doll order forms.

Goodie Pack #2

 This package is full of romance (pnr, erotica, uf, contemp & historical) swag. Items are: tote bag, bookmarks, postcards, pens, book samplers, buttons, collector cards, keychain, cover flats, magnets, business cards and a mousepad (not pictured).

Comments are welcomed, but to enter the giveaway fill out the form below. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada. The winners will be announced June 30th. Good Luck!

[ARC Review] - The Darkest Heart

Title: The Darkest Heart
Author: Thea Devine
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 21, 2011

I received this book for review from Simon & Schuster.

Summary:  Countess Lazlaric wants nothing more than an heir to carry on her family name. But without a beautiful, young, and malleable wife for her son, Charles, a man who has no desire to settle down, she knows an heir is impossible. So when the Countess receives a letter from a lawyer claiming he’s found her long-lost cousin’s daughter, she jumps at the chance to meet the girl.

Senna Landseth is exactly what the Countess had in mind. But beneath Senna’s lovely exterior lies a fraud. The situation Senna finds herself in is rich and opulent beyond her wildest dreams, but the house—and the Lazlaric family—have something dark, dangerous, and deadly lurking in the shadows.

Thoughts: Senna Landseth is exactly what The Countess is looking for, a bride for her son Charles. What The Countess doesn't realize is that Senna is a con and not who she claims to be.  Neither of them know that there is someone more devious than the two of them out there stalking, with a taste for revenge.

Deception and secrets play a big part in The Darkest Heart. This story is dark, dangerous and seductive. It pulled me in right way, especially with the Gothic feel it has. I really loved that.  Ms. Devine has taken the paranormal and historical and weaved them together so perfectly.  All together this was a great story with interesting vampire mythology to sink your teeth into.

Score: 4 Stars

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

In My Mailbox [109]

 In My Mailbox is a feature that was started over at The Story Siren. Each week we share what arrived in our mailboxes, bought or found in swaps or at the library.

Here is what I got this past week...

Review:

Plain Fear: Forsaken- Leanna Ellis

Everlasting- Alyson Noel

Thank you to Macmillan & Sourcebooks.

Bought:

The Reckoning- Kelley Armstrong

The Girl in the Steel Corset- Kady Cross

Hexed- Kevin Hearne

Dead on the Delta- Stacey Jay

Hunter's Fall- Shiloh Walker

What did you get this week? 

Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

Winners - Enclave & Ruby Red

Enclave winner:

Mishel (P.S. I Love Books)

Ruby Red winner:

Melissa (Books and Things)

Congrats to the both of you! 

Please send your mailing information here:

annasbookblog@gmail.com

All giveaway winners are chosen through Random.org

[ARC Review] - Witches of East End

Title: Witches of East End
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Series: The Beauchamp Family
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 21, 2011

I received this book for review from Hyperion & Library Thing Early Reviewers.

Summary: The three Beauchamp women--Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid--live in North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost stuck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful existences. But they are harboring a mighty secret--they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there's Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache.

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it's time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

With a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites, this is a page-turning, deliciously fun, magical summer read fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil.

Thoughts: This book tells the story of Joanna, Ingrid and Freya Beauchamp. Witches, living in the secluded town of North Hampton. For centuries they have had to suppress their magic abilities. Each day that goes by it gets harder for them not to bust out and be who they where meant to be.

Terrific read.  Beautiful setting, It actually made me wish I lived in New England. I was mesmerized by the town and charmed by the Beauchamp women.  Going into this book I was already a fan of Ms. De La Cruz's, so I had a strong feeling I was gonna enjoy it.  What the author has done is expanded on the world she started with the Blue Bloods. I love what she has done with her witches.  Intertwining Salem witch history with her characters, along with Norse mythology.   Witches of East End ended up being a lot more than I thought it would be and I loved it.  An engaging story and I can't wait to read more.

I think Blue Blood fans will enjoy this new series.  If you haven't read Bloody Valentine, I definitely recommend it.  One of the stories in the book is where we meet Freya Beauchamp for the first time.

Score: 5 Stars

Author Website: http://melissa-delacruz.com/

Upcoming Releases:
Lost In Time (Blue Bloods #6)- September 27, 2011
Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel- 2012
Wolf Pact- April 1, 2012
Frozen (The Outerland Chronicles)- 2013

Blogoversary Giveaway #2

I have another Box O' Books to giveaway, this time it is full of Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy titles.

Book included in the box:

Men of the Otherworld- Kelley Armstrong

Eternal Rider- Larissa Ione

Alpha- Rachel Vincent

Rogue Oracle- Alayna Williams

This Side of the Grave- Jeaniene Frost

Dragon Bound- Thea Harrison

Archangel's Consort- Nalini Singh

Demon from the Dark- Kresley Cole

Primal Bonds- Jennifer Ashley

Mercy Burns- Keri Arthur

Some of the books have been read and some bought especially for giveaway. They are in great to perfect condition.

To Enter:

• Leave a comment along with your email address.
• Open to U.S. & Canada
• The winner will be announced June 30th

Winner - Everlasting

and the winner is...

donnas

Congrats! Please send your mailing information here:

annasbookblog@gmail.com

All giveaway winners are chosen through Random.org

Summer Reading: Must Have Books

My Summer buy list is a lot longer than this, these books are at the top of my list. What Summer books are you itchin' to get your hands on?

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher (Jul 26th)

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (Jul 26th)

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley (Aug 2)

Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Aug 2)

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (Aug 23)

Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter (Aug 23)

Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead (Aug 30)

Giveaway: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Ruby Red

By: Kerstin Gier

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential.

Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Giveaway:

Thanks to Zeitghost Media & Macmillan I have a copy of Ruby Red to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on June 11th. Good Luck!

[Review/Giveaway] - Enclave

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguire
Series: Razorland
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: April 12, 2011

I received this book for review from Zeitghost Media & Macmillan.

Summary:  In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

Thoughts: I'm a fan of Aguirre's Sirantha Jax series, so I was eager to see what her YA debut would be like.  Sometimes I'm a mood reader and the first time I picked up Enclave it wasn't working for me.  When I picked it up for a second time- things finally clicked.

Enclave is a dark and captivating story. I haven't had the best luck with dystopian books - but ended up really enjoying this one. I loved the characters and their unique names.  The "Freaks" definitely add to the creepy factor. I wasn't a big fan of the ending. It wasn't a bad ending, but I was just hoping for more. I look forward to book two and I hope we'll see more of Deuce and Fade.

Score: 3 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:

Aftermath (Sirantha Jax #5)- September 2011
Devil's Punch (Corine Solomon #4)- April 2012
Endgame (Sirantha Jax #6)- September 2012
Outpost (Razorland #2)- September 2012

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Giveaway:

I have (1) hardcover copy of Enclave to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on June 11th. Good Luck!

In My Mailbox [108]

 In My Mailbox is a feature that was started over at The Story Siren. Each week we share what arrived in our mailboxes, bought or found in swaps or at the library.

Here is what I got this past week...

Review:
At the King's Pleasure- Kate Emerson

Thank you to Simon & Schuster.

Received:
The Darkest Heart- Thea Devine

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending a finished copy.

Bought:
Magic Slays- Ilona Andrews
Bite Club- Rachel Caine
Almost Final Curtain- Tate Hallaway
Shadow Hills- Anastasia Hopcus
Soul Song- Marjorie M. Liu
Sinful Magic- Jennifer Lyon
Desdaemona- Ben Macallan
Just Like Heaven- Julia Quinn
The Reluctant Vampire- Lynsay Sands
Kiss of Snow- Nalini Singh

What did you get this week?

Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

Giveaway: Everlasting by Alyson Noël

Everlasting

The Immortals #6
By Alyson Noel

The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.


Will they be united—or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Thanks to Zeitghost Media & St. Martins Press I have one copy of Everlasting to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada Only. The winner will be announced on June 8th. Good Luck!

Blogoversary Giveaway #1

June is my Blogoversary month. This year I'm celebrating 4 years blogging. Few days ago I talked about it in post, with a teaser of the giveaways in store. Today I'm kicking off my first giveaway. Up for grabs is a Box O' Books (YA). Scroll down to learn how to enter.

Books included in the box are:

Hearts At Stake- Alexandra Harvey

Hex Hall- Rachel Hawkins (hc)

Hunger- Jackie Morse Kessler

Radiant Shadows- Melissa Marr

Ghost Town- Rachel Caine (pbk)

Strange Angels- Lili St. Crow

The Iron King- Julie Kagawa

Marked- P.C. & Kristin Cast

Some of the books have been read and some bought especially for giveaway. They are in great to perfect condition.

 

To Enter:

• Leave a comment along with your email address. 
• Open to U.S. & Canada
• The winner will be announced June 30th

[Review] - Changeling Moon

Title: Changeling Moon
Author: Dani Harper
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 31, 2011

I received this book for review from FSB Associates.

Summary:  He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything —until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf’s vicious attack.

As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Connor can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside. With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw … and ultimate evil.

Thoughts: Newspaper editor Zoey Tyler is having a bad night. Sitting through a council meeting isn't her idea of fun. But then neither is getting attacked by a wolf. The Macleod Clan has a long history in the town of Dunvegan and whether there really are wolves in town or not. The clan has never had much to worry about.  But Zoey might be a real danger to them.

Good read!  For me the beginning was a bit slow - but it soon picked up the pace.  I loved the small town atmosphere and I definitely liked the Macleod Clan. This turned out to be a great starter for the series. Changeling Moon is a delectable story with a fun romance.  While not my favorite shifter story, the Macleod Clan will keep me coming back for more.

Score: 3 Stars

Author Website: http://daniharper.com/

Upcoming Releases:
Changeling Dream- June 28, 2011
Changeling Dawn- January 2012

May 2011 - Reading List

Blessed- Cynthia Leitich Smith [3 Stars]
The Zero Dog Wars- Keith Melton [4 Stars]
Dead Reckoning- Charlaine Harris [5 Stars]
Monster High- Lisi Harrison [3 Stars]
Big Bad Beast- Shelly Laurenston [5 Stars]
Heart of the Highland Wolf- Terry Spear [4 Stars]
Shadow Touch- Erin Kellison [4 Stars]
Dark Descendant- Jenna Black [4 Stars]
The Ghoul Next Door- Lisi Harrison [3 Stars]
The Strange Case of Finley Jayne- Kady Cross [4 Stars]
Born of Shadows- Sherrilyn Kenyon [4 Stars]
Witches of East End- Melissa De La Cruz [5 Stars]
Enclave- Ann Aguirre [3 Stars]
Ocean of Blood- Darren Shan [4 Stars]
Changeling Moon- Dani Harper [3 Stars]
The Goddess Test- Aimee Carter [5 Stars]
What A Goddess Wants- Stephanie Julian [5 Stars]

Upcoming Events In June:

• Blogoversary Celebration (5 giveaways)
• Enclave by Ann Aguirre (Review/Giveaway)
• Etched In Bone by Adrian Phoenix (Giveaway)
• Guest: Terry Spear (Interview/Giveaway)