September 2011 - Reading List

Vampire Academy GN- Richelle Mead [4 Stars]
The Sookie Stackhouse Companion- Charlaine Harris [4 Stars]
The Goblin King- Shona Husk [4 Stars]
Fateful- Claudia Gray [5 Stars]
Dark Taste of Rapture- Gena Showalter [5 Stars]
Unleashed- Sara Humphreys [4 Stars]
Hexed- Kevin Hearne [4 Stars]
Grave Sight Pt. 1 GN- Charlaine Harris [3 Stars]
The Renfield Syndrome- J.A. Saare [5 Stars]
Dreamland- Alyson Noel [3 Stars]
Succubus Revealed- Richelle Mead [5 Stars]
New York to Dallas- J.D. Robb [3 Stars]
The Hidden- Jessica Verday [4 Stars]
Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish- Grace Burrowes [4 Stars]
Storm Born, Issue #1- Richelle Mead [4 Stars]
Storm Born, Issue #2- Richelle Mead [4 Stars]
Storm Born, Issue #3- Richelle Mead [4 Stars]
Spell Bound- Stephanie Julian [4 Stars]
Visions of Skyfire- Regan Hastings [4 Stars]
Hammered- Kevin Hearne [4 Stars]
Anna Dressed In Blood- Kendare Blake [5 Stars]

Upcoming In October:

• Guest Blog & Giveaway with Sara Humphreys
• Halloween Giveaway
• Guest blog with Mayra Calvani
• Guest blog with Heather Marie Adkins
• Guest Blog & Giveaway with SM Reine

[Review] - Storm Born, Issue #3

Title: Storm Born, Issue #3
Writers: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artists: Dave Hamann
Cover Artists: Dave Hamann & Jennyson Rosero
Series: Dark Swan
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Release Date: September 21, 2011

I received this issue for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary:  Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman, guarding our world from the invasion of Otherworldly creatures. Eugenie has decided to cross into the Otherworld alone to rescue Jasmine a girl no else will.

Entering one of the most dangerous dimensions alone isn't easy or safe but no one ever said being a hero was. Unfortunately for Eugenie, she will come face to face with her past and learn truths she would have preferred were left buried.

Thoughts: Eugenie journeys into the Otherworld, to find the missing Jasmine, but she is careful to bring some help with her. The action in Issue #3 is a bit tame compared to the other installments, but still wonderful. Dazzling art with vibrant colors. The Otherworld reveals temptations and secrets from the past for Eugenie. All I say is give me more. I'm loving this graphic novel. I'm hooked on the story. I didn't think I would enjoy it this much. Dark Swan is quickly becoming a must read.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:

Storm Born Issue #1 (out now) Things From Another World
Dark Swan Vol. 1 (October 4, 2011) Amazon & Things From Another World

Click to enlarge the graphics. All graphics were posted with the permission of the publisher.

Random Acts of Kindness- Septmeber 2011

From Book ♥ Soulmates... "Random Acts of Kindness" is just a fun & thoughtful way to share a surprise with fellow bloggers & bookworms by giving them something from their online wishlist 'just because'. Share YOUR wishlist and maybe someone will surprise you! Learn more here.






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

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke to

Jen @ Romancing the Book

Fateful by Claudia Gray to

Sara @ Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog

[Review] - Storm Born, Issue #2

Title: Storm Born, Issue #2
Writers: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artists: Dave Hamann
Cover Artists: Dave Hamann & Jennyson Rosero
Series: Dark Swan
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Release Date: June 2011

I received this issue for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary:  Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman, guarding our world from the invasion of Otherworldy creatures. Those who try have "The Dark Swan" to contend with.

But Eugenie's about to cross into the Otherworld alone to rescue a girl that nobody else will. Will she make it back across alive?

Thoughts: In the second issue of Storm Born, Eugenie comes to terms with the fact she can no long ignore all the creatures from Otherworld finding her and actually knowing who she is and her real name. She finds this very fact disturbing, so she takes on case of finding the lost Jasmine.

In issue #1 Eugenie meets the very hunky Kiyo who is brutally honest, but also quite mysterious. The intimate scenes are sexy. But were tastefully done. Issue #2 finds them still in bed together, when danger strikes and the actions of Kiyo shake Eugenie deeply. A fantastic piece of the story, I'm loving the action. It's flows smoothly and grabs your attention for more. Eugenie is a much more fiercer character than I originally thought, I can't wait to read more.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:

Storm Born, Issue #2 (out now)- Sea Lion Books
Dark Swan Vol. 1 (October 4, 2011) Amazon & Things From Another World

Click to enlarge the graphics. All graphics were posted with the permission of the publisher.

October Book Releases

1st

The Vampire's Seduction- Cynthia Cooke
Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish- Grace Burrowes
Utterly Charming- Kristine Grayson
Unleashed- Sara Humphreys
The Goblin King- Shona Husk
Beautiful Dead: Phoenix- Eden Maguire
Lord of Rage- Jill Monroe
Mr. Darcy's Bite- Mary Simonsen
Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels- Sarah Wendell

3rd

Palace of the Damned- Darren Shan

4th

Forbidden Embers- Tessa Adams
Angel of Darkness- Anthology
Down These Strange Streets- Anthology
Men Out of Uniform- Anthology
Steamlust: Steampunk Erotic Romance- Anthology
Under the Midnight Sun- Vivian Arend (pbk)
Better Off Dead- D.D. Barant
Belong to Me- Shayla Black
Inferno's Kiss- Monica Burns
Eve- Anna Carey
Interview with a Gargoyle- Jennifer Colgan
Wolf at the Door- MaryJanice Davidson
A Touch of Crimson- Sylvia Day
Chosen By Fate- Virna DePaul
The Vengeful Dead- J.N. Duncan
Carrier of the Mark- Leigh Fallon
Silence- Becca Fitzpatrick
Wolf's Edge- W.D. Gagliani
Grave Sight Pt 2: graphic novel- Charlaine Harris
Serpent's Kiss- Thea Harrison
Visions of Skyfire- Regan Hastings
In Memories We Fear- Barb Hendee
Vampire Knight Vol. 13- Matsuri Hino
Brightarrow Burning- Isabo Kelly
Much Ado About Vampires- Katie MacAlister
The Blood Coven Vampires Vol. 1- Mari Mancusi
Thief- Anitra Lynn Mcleod (pbk)
Jane Austen: Blood Persuasion- Janet Mullany
Dead Mann Walking- Stefan Petrucha
Forbidden Attraction- Lorie O'Clare
Haunting Embrace- Erin Quinn
Radiant Desire- Inara Scott
Werewolf in the North Woods- Vicki Lewis Thompson
Frail- Joan Frances Turner
Blood Eternal- Marie Treanor
How to Party with a Killer Vampire- Penny Warner
Variant- Robison Wells

7th

Kiss of Night- Debbie Viguié

8th

Seers- Heather Frost

11th

The Death Cure- James Dashner
Devoted- Hilary Duff
Tris & Izzie- Mette Ivie Harrison
Awake At Dawn- C.C. Hunter
Unforsaken- Sophie Littlefield
Clawed- Beverly Rae

15th

A Midwinter Fantasy- Anthology (pbk)

18th

Half-Blood- Jennifer L. Armentrout (pbk)
Ashes of A Black Frost- Chris Evans
The Shattered Vine- Laura Anne Gilman
Dearly, Departed- Lia Habel
Swear- Nina Malkin
The Viper- Monica McCarthy
Seizure- Kathy Reichs
The Scorpio Races- Maggie Stiefvater
Beautiful Chaos- Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Beauty and the Werewolf- Mercedes Lackey

24th

Scandalous Desires- Elizabeth Hoyt

25th

The Real Werewives of Vampire County- Anthology
Darkness Rising- Keri Arthur
Never Love A Highlander- Maya Banks
Destined- P.C Cast + Kristin Cast
Hidden Talent- Bianca D'Arc
Crave- Melissa Darnell
Between the Sea and Sky- Jaclyn Dolamore
Adam- Jacquelyn Frank
The Hollows Insider- Kim Harrison
Claimed By Pleasure- Jaymie Holland
Devishly Hot- Kathy Love
The Iron Knight- Julie Kagawa
Trance- Kelly Medding
Flesh and Blood- Kristen Painter
Ecstasdy Untamed- Pamela Palmer
Mastiff- Tamora Pierce
Angel Town- Lilith Saintcrow
The Bite Before Christmas- Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost
Beauty Dates the Beast- Jessica Sims
The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Phantom- L.J. Smith
If You Hear Her- Shiloh Walker
Love In Flames- N.J. Walters
The Shadow Reader- Sandy Williams
The Poison Diaries: Nightshade- Maryrose Wood
Claimed- Rebecca Zanetti

31st

The Curse of Four- Caitlinn Kittredge

[Review] - Storm Born, Issue #1

Title: Storm Born, Issue #1
Writers: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artists: Dave Hamann
Cover Artists: Dave Hamann & Jennyson Rosero
Series: Dark Swan
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Release Date: May 2011

I received this issue for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary:  Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banished Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld's most popular bacherlorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past...

Thoughts: While I'm a big fan of the Vampire Academy and Georgina Kincaid I have yet to start Mead's Dark Swan series. So, when I got the chance to review the graphic novel, I jumped at the chance.

The first issue propels you right into the thick of Eugenie Markham's life, as she cast a powerful ghost from a ordinary shoe.  Issue #1 is fast paced and the energy was great.  I loved the start of this story, I wish I picked this one up long before now. Eugenie is everything I like in my heroines, mouthy and kick ass. The art pops off the page. Especially the look of Eugenie, I think she is captured better here, then in the mass market book covers. Whether you are a fan of graphic novels or the Dark Swan series, you won't want to miss this one.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:
Storm Born, Issue #1 (out now!)- Sea Lion Books
Dark Swan Vol. 1 (October 4, 2011) Amazon & Things From Another World

Click to enlarge the graphics. All graphics were posted with the permission of the publisher.

Giveaway: Sacrifice

Sacrifice
Crave #2

By Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz

Book Description:

Gabriel and Shay are convinced that they can make their relationship work. Knowing that Shay is half-vampire, Gabriel thinks that his coven will embrace her as one of their own, but instead they view her as an abomination, a thing that doesn't belong in either world.

And they want her dead. Now Gabriel must make the ultimate decision - watch his love be killed by his coven or defy the people closest to him, the people he has spent centuries with to save her.

GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to Melinda Metz & Laura J. Burns I have (2) copies of Sacrifice to giveaway.  To enter leave a comment along with your email address.  This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents. The winners will be announced on October 1st. Good Luck!

[ARC Review] - The Goblin King

Title: The Goblin King
Author: Shona Husk
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: October 1, 2011

I received this book for review from Sourcebooks.

Summary: ONCE UPON A TIME...
A man was cursed to the Shadowlands, his heart replaced with a cold lump of gold. In legends, he became known as

THE GOBLIN KING.
For a favored few he will grant a wish. Yet, desperately clinging to his waning human soul, his one own desire remains unfulfilled:

A WILLING QUEEN.
But who would consent to move from the modern-day worl into the realm of nightmares? No matter how deep his falor, loving him is dangerous. And the one woman who might dare to try could also destroy forever his chance at a HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

Thoughts: Roan was cursed to the Shadowlands. Now he is legend, The Goblin King. His only care and desire is for gold. But then he is summoned by Eliza and all that changes. Once he has her - she becomes vital to his being. Eliza can make or break his world.

This is the first book that contained a goblin that I enjoyed. The Goblin King was an exciting read. It has a great fairy-tale feel to it. Dark, fresh and tantalizing. I loved that yes Roan is a Goblin, but he's also a cursed man. Husk has created a rich new world. I thought it was a great story, with a beautiful ending.

Score: 4 Stars

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

Upcoming Releases:

The Summons (The Goblin King prequel, out now)
Dark Vow- November 14, 2011
Brightwater Blood- January 31, 2012
Kiss of the Goblin Prince- May 2012
For the Love of a Goblin Warrior- Fall 2012

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Kendare Blake - Book Signing

Saturday I attended Kendare Blake's (author, of Anna Dressed In Blood) book signing. For those who don't know, Kendare grew up in Cambridge, Minnesota. She came home for a special post-launch party. I'm just a few towns over from Cambridge, so I was excited to be able to attend.  The signing was hosted by local bookstore Scout & Morgan Books.  This was only my second signing, but by far my favorite. I loved the atmosphere it was quite cozy. Below are pictures from the reading & questions afterwards.

Reading Chapter One

These pics are all from the Q&A Kendare did after the reading. She answered all sorts of questions about query letters, how long it took to get with a publisher, favorite authors and even questions from her family and childhood friends. Also touched upon was the cover art and the title of book two, which will be called Girl of Nightmares. (2012)

 

  

I took the pictures with my cell phone, so sorry for the blurry spots. Click on the graphics to enlarge. You can't see real good in the pictures but cake was served, which was pretty cool. It was the white house from the cover along with the title in dark red icing.  A few of us girls were offered books from Kendare. (Thank you!) I picked out Luminous by Dawn Metcalf.  All in all I had a wonderful time.


Signed books. I picked up one for myself and a second signed copy. Check back in October for my Halloween giveaway for a chance to win it.

Kendare's signing was hosted by Scout & Morgan Books (website). Although I don't know how many, the store has stock of signed copies of Anna Dressed In Blood available.  If you interested in getting your own signed copy, here is the information you'll need.

Scout & Morgan Books
114 Buchanan St. North
Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-2474

In My Mailbox [123]

 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...

Today I attended Kendare Blake's signing, which was a great time. I'll be doing a seperate post with pictures tomorrow. I picked up a extra signed copy to giveaway, so look for that coming up.

ebooks & comic books

Review:
Visions of Skyfire- Regan Hastings
Omega Mine- Aline Hunter
How To Worship A Goddess- Stephanie Julian
Spell Bound- Stephanie Julian
Dark Swan: Issues #1-3- Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Pariah: Issues #1-3- Aron Warner & Phillip Gelatt

Thank you to Regan Hastings, Aline Hunter, Sea Lion Books, Sourcebooks & Stephanie Julian.

BookMooch:
Master of None- Sonya Bateman

Received:
Luminous- Dawn Metcalf

Thank you Kendare!

Bought:
Bound By Night- Amanda Ashley
Anna Dressed In Blood- Kendare Blake
Demon Marked- Meljean Brook
Where There's A Wolf, There's A Way- Lisi Harrison

[Promo] - Hush, Hush: The Graphic Novel

HUSH, HUSH

the graphic novel

Writer(s): Becca Fitzpatrick, Derek Ruiz

Artist Name(s): Jennyson, Mel Joy

Cover Artist(s): Johan

Release Date: November 8, 2011

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She is never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora is not sure who to trust.

Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She cannot decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen — and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life!

http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com/

http://sealionbooks.com/

Thanks to Sea Lion Books I have a Hush, Hush wallpaper to share with you. Click the graphic to view a bigger image. 

[Promo] - Song of the Nile

Song of the Nile

Cleopatra's Daughter #2
By Stephanie Dray

Coming October 4, 2011

Sorceress. Seductress. Schemer. Cleopatra's daughter is the one woman with the power to destroy an empire...

Having survived her perilous childhood as a royal captive of Rome, Selene pledged her loyalty to Augustus and swore she would become his very own Cleopatra. Now the young queen faces an uncertain destiny in a foreign land.

The magic of Isis flowing through her veins is what makes her indispensable to the emperor. Against a backdrop of imperial politics and religious persecution, Cleopatra's daughter beguiles her way to the very precipice of power. She has never forgotten her birthright, but will the price of her mother's throne be more than she's willing to pay?

http://www.stephaniedray.com/

Cover Discovery

Release Date: October 3, 2011

Release Date: November 22, 2011

Release Date: December 20, 2011

 Release Date: May 29, 2012

Release Date: June 2012

[Review] - The Renfield Syndrome

Title: The Renfield Syndrome
Author: J.A. Saare
Series: Rhiannon's Law
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 23, 2011

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary:  Vampires, and werewolves, and demons, oh my.

Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.

Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.

After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.

Thoughts: If you have read the first book you know that Rhiannon has been sent to the future, October 28, 2112. That's exactly where we find our girl at the beginning of book two. But the hits keep coming. Not only  has she learned  what year it is but also that the human race is dying out from something called the Renfield Syndrome. She decides the first thing she must do is find Disco. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...

An amazing, intense read. Rhiannon is put through the ringer in this one. While she is brilliantly mouthy, it's her actions that make her who she is. The Renefield Syndrome is a whole new ballgame- and one that includes half-demons and werewolves. I loved it.  Dark, sexy and a great adrenaline rush. The twists and turns of this story will have you on the edge of your seat. Yes, Ms. Saare it was definitely worth the wait!

Score: 5 Stars

Author Website: http://jasaare.com/

Upcoming Releases:
Crimson Sunrise (Crimson Trilogy #2)- 2011
Omega Mine (writing as Aline Hunter)- September 23, 2011
The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3)- 2012

Guest Blog with J.A. Saare

It's a pleasure to welcome back J.A. Saare, author of Dead, Undead or Somewhere In Between & The Renfield Syndrome.

I know it’s a bit early to discuss Halloween, but when Anna asked me to stop by the blog I couldn’t help myself. This time of year is my favorite. The leaves change color, the temperature drops, and you know Christmas is right around the corner.

In celebration, I thought I’d share five things I love about Halloween.

5. The Change in Season. I absolutely love the fall. Although I wear my boots year round, when autumn arrives, I’m actually in style when I venture out to shop. Sweaters are also a plus, since they are super comfy and wonderful to lounge around in.

4. The Decorations. Our yard becomes a creepy display of ghosts, skeletons, and headstones. I love searching for signs, things to hang from the trees and, of course, pumpkins to carve. With four children it has become a family tradition. By the end of September the kiddos are asking when we can pull the bins down from the attic and get the house (both inside and out) into proper form.

3. Horror Movies. I’m a horror movie nut, and Halloween is the perfect time to break out the classics. Fright Night, The Company of Wolves, The Monster Squad, Once Bitten, Trick ‘r Treat and Dracula are just a few of the favorites I watch each year. 

2. The Costumes / Trick or Treating. Although I don’t dress up every year, I do enjoy helping the kiddos pick out or design their costumes. It’s especially fun when you pull out the make-up and turn them into something they think is super scary.

1. Haunted Houses. Every year my husband and I visit at least one. Last year we were fortunate enough to travel to four! I’m not easily rattled, so we kept searching for one that could make me scream or jump. We visited Sloss Furnace, Arx Mortis, Lester Hospital, and Atrox Factory. Unfortunately, I never got my fix. Even when I was in the front of the group at Arx Mortis, which should be the best seat in the house, the people behind me were terrified and wanted to rush through.

Not cool when you’re a gore whore and want to take it all in.

However, despite the lack of scares, Atrox Factory was a definite winner. The actors touch the visitors and the effects are amazing. I made sure to stay at the back of the line and walked through at my own pace. If you don’t scare easily, I always recommend you go to the back of the line. Yes, more things jump out at you, but you get your money’s worth. *grin*

So what about you? Do you love Halloween? Are you planning on visiting any haunted houses this year? Leave a comment and tell me what your plans are!

Links to Haunted Houses if you want to link to them:

http://www.arxmortis.com
http://www.frightfurnace.com
http://www.atroxfactory.com
http://www.thehauntedlesterhospital.com/

_____________________________________________________________

THE RENFIELD SYNDROME

By. J.A. Saare

Out Now!

Vampires, and werewolves, and demons, oh my.

Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.

Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.

After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.

Where to Buy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Mundania Press

To learn more about J.A. and her books check out your website:

http://jasaare.com/

In My Mailbox [122]

 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...

added to my Kindle

Review:
Darkest Hunger- Aline Hunter
Dreamland- Alyson Noel

Thank you to Aline Hunter & Macmillan Audio.

Paperback Swap:
Crave the Night- Susan Sizemore
Covet- J.R. Ward

Bought:
Grave Sight Pt.1 Graphic Novel- Charlaine Harris
Virtue and Vice- Megan Hart
Succubus Revealed- Richelle Mead
New York To Dallas- J.D. Robb

What did you get this week?

Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

Winners - Shadow Set & BBAW

Shadow Set winner: 

Denise Z

BBAW winners:

Grace

(Shadowfever & Dark Lover)

Robin K

(Game of Thrones & Dark Taste of Rapture)

*Congrats! Please send your mailing information here:*

annasbookblog@gmail.com

You have 5 days to claim your prizes.

All giveaway winners are chosen through Random.org

Referral List! (getting an update)

Back in August 2010 I started putting together a Referral List. When I put the form together I didn't really think hard about what to add. So I am updating the post and form. The new form will be more specific in the format and genre categories.  I am unable to accept every review request I get, so having the referral list is great tool for helping those authors and bloggers as well.   If you have any questions, you can email me at annasbookblog@gmail.com

***Feel free to enter your information, all I ask is that you have a book blog.
***If you signed up previously feel free to sign up again to make known what formats and genres you prefer.

BBAW 2011: Reading and Blogging

http://bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/

Today's topic is Readers, with several sub-topics to pick from. One of the sub-questions is Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging?  Here are a few titles that I love, that I probably would have never picked up if they hadn't come so highly recommend by book bloggers.

Daughter of the Blood - Anne Bishop

I was pretty new to blogging when Amy C from Romance Book Wyrm told me  how much she loved this book/series and that I should give it a try.  I'm picky when it comes to fantasy so I was a bit leery at first. I didn't pick it up right away, but when I did I was blown away by this world. So dark, but brightly lush has well. This book definitely made me more open to the fantasy genre.

Book Description:

Seven hundred years ago, a Black Widow witch saw an ancient prophecy come to life in her web of dreams and visions. Now the Dark Kingdom readies itself for the arrival of its Queen, a Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But she is still young, still open to influence-and corruption.

Whoever controls the Queen controls the darkness. Three men-sworn enemies-know this. And they know the power that hides behind the blue eyes of an innocent young girl. And so begins a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, where the weapons are hate and love-and the prize could be terrible beyond imagining...

 Secrets of A Summer  Night - Lisa Kleypas

When I met Barbara from Happily Forever After a few years ago. I wasn't too open to reading Historical Romance. Mind you I had read the genre before, but not a lot.  She told me I had to read The Wallflowers series, a must read. Not only did she recommend the book, she sent me a copy.  I am so glad she did. I read the first book Secrets of A Summer Night in just a little over 24 hours. Then preceded to go out and purchase the rest of this series. I was absolutely sucked in to this story of Wallflowers and eager to read more. Reading this first book lead me to read more books by Lisa Klepas and after that it lead me to Julia Quinn & Elizabeth Hoyt. Thank you Barbara!

Book Description:
Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband.So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.

Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing—and persistent—admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition . . . but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction.

Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon—and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses . . . and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

 Naked In Death - J.D. Robb

Ever since I became friends with Christine from The Happily Ever After... She has urged me to try J.D. Robb's In Death series a try.  I'm a Paranormal girl so I always put them off. Not really being into Romantic Suspense. Last year I was in a rut and need a change so I decided to read book 1, Naked In Death.  Once again I was amazed how much I enjoyed it. Eve and Roarke are incredible characters to read about. I also liked the fact there was a touch of the futuristic to the series.  I'm nowhere near caught up in the series, but I have read the first three books and so far I'm really liking it.

Book Description:
Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all - and knows that her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire - and suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about - except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.

 Three books I wouldn't have read if it weren't for my fellow bloggers and now I recommend them to you!

TBR: Recent Additions [8]

Here are the recent additions to my TBR/Wish list:


Cold Days
The Dresden Files #14
Jim Butcher
2012

Miss Violet and the Great War
Strangely Beautiful #4
Leanna Renee Hieber
2012

Velveteen
Velveteen #1
Daniel Marks
2012

The Savage Grace
The Dark Divine #3
Bree Despain
March 13, 2012

Once Burned
Night Prince #1
Jeaniene Frost
March 27, 2012

Stygian's Honor
Breeds #27
Lora Leigh
March 27, 2012

Bear Meets Girl
Pride #7
Shelly Laurenston
April 1, 2012

Deadly Descendant
Descendants #2
Jenna Black
April 24, 2012

Deadlocked
Sookie Stackhouse #12
Charlaine Harris
May 1st, 2012

Tangle of Need
Psy-Changeling #11
Nalini Singh
May 29, 2012

Dark Companion
Marta Acosta
June 2012

Undead and Unstable
Undead/Queen Betsy #11
MaryJanice Davidson
June 5, 2012

[Promo] - Sherrilyn Kenyon's Coffin Box Set

I know we are still in September but it's never too early to think about Christmas shopping. If you are looking for something for the vampire fan in your life, this item is just the thing. :)

SHERRILYN KENYON'S COFFIN BOX SET
OUT NOW!

This Special Collector’s Edition Box Set includes audio CDs (unabridged) for the first three books in the Dark-Hunter Series. The set also includes an AUTOGRAPHED keepsake suitable for framing!

NIGHT PLEASURES

He is solitude. He is darkness. He is the ruler of the night. Yet Kyrian of Thrace has just woken up handcuffed to his worst nightmare: An accountant. Worse, she's being hunted by one of the most lethal vampires out there. And if Amanda Devereaux goes down, then he does too. But it's not just their lives that are hanging in the balance. With the fate of the world in their hands, Kyrian and Amanda are all that stands between humanity and oblivion. Let's hope they win.

NIGHT EMBRACE

Talon was an ancient Celtic warrior who made a big mistake—he killed the son of a Celtic god Camulus.  Camulus swore vengeance, claiming that no one Talon loved would be safe—they all would die horrible deaths in front of his eyes.  When, after everyone else he loves has dies, Talon’s sister is murdered in front of his eyes, he barters his soul to Artemis for the chance to protect strangers from the vampires that stalk the night.  Two thousand years later in modern-day New Orleans, he meets Sunshine—a woman who, against his will, makes him love again.  Of course, it’s Mardi Gras, and New Orleans is filled with vampires, Dionysius in the middle of a complex plot, and Camulus as his confederate.  Now Talon and Sunshine have to block the gods, and somehow figure out how to break the curse.  Or Sunshine will be the next to die…

DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. Zarek, a man who endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter, never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to him and made that feral beast want to be human again. Made him want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?

Where to Buy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Macmillan Audio

In the past two years, New York Times bestselling author SHERRILYN KENYON has claimed the #1 spot twelve times. This extraordinary bestseller continues to top every genre she writes. With more than 23 million copies of her books in print in over 30 countries, her current series include: The Dark- Hunters, The League, Lords of Avalon, BAD Agency, Chronicles of Nick and the forthcoming Nevermore.

[Trailer] - Breaking Dawn Pt. 1

Coming November 18, 2011

BBAW Giveaway

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter

GIVEAWAY: 

I changed this giveaway several times time, but finally settled on the four titles above. There will be 2 winners, each winner will receive two books. Please read the entering info carefully.  To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Also don't forget to mention the 2 titles you'd like to win.  This giveaway is open to U.S & Canada. The winner will be announced on  September 17th. Good Luck!

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Erin Kellison

The Gate

First of all, thank you to Anna for hosting me here today. And thank you to everyone for stopping by. I’m giving away a set of my Shadow books—Shadow Bound, Shadow Fall, and Shadowman—to one lucky reader. Just comment below to be entered.

Bad guys abound in my September release, Shadowman, but none is worse than the Gate. Why? Because the Gate takes on the humor of the place to which it leads—Hell.  It’s all bad. Mean bad. It knows your deepest hopes and fears and knows just what you need to hear in order for you to do what it wants. And it wants only one thing: For someone to throw it wide.

Shadowman, my hero, doesn’t care about good and bad. He forges the Gate out of the memories of the woman he loves, Kathleen, who he believes is suffering in Hell. Each strike of his hammer is powered by the love he has for her, and so makes the Gate near indestructible. The fact that a gate to Hell poses serious risks to humanity doesn’t sway him at all; there is no greater good if she, of all people, has been sent there.

kat-a-kat-a-kat

The Gate rattles on its posts, whispering in the minds of all who draw near. Even the angels, who eventually take it into their custody, aren’t immune. It wants to be opened.

The trouble with using an inanimate object as my chief villain is that it’s more an abstraction than it is an active, layered character with a personal history and complex motivations. So The Gate had to be opened, just a crack, to let out a single devil, who does have a history, desires, and hopes all her own. In my series, a devil is the opposite of an angel—a devil is a really, really bad person. In this case, Rose Anne Petty. She does The Gate’s dirty work with a gleeful pleasure. (Actually, Rose was one of my all time favorite characters to write.)

Here’s a little excerpt of the Gate and Rose getting to know each other:

She used her nails to scratch and scrape at the black line under her cuticles. Evidence was such a trial. One hand was a little worse for wear. At first she thought the knuckles were just swollen from the fight, but the bones seemed different, too. Longer. The muscles were corded and sinewy, the fingernails coarser.  Didn’t look right. That hand, her bad hand, she’d have to keep carefully hidden, or else people would stare.

Reasonably clean, she drew on another of her new shirts, a lovely pale yellow, like her sunny nature.

When she emerged, a coffee was waiting for her at the pick-up counter. As she walked out the door a customer yelled behind her, “Hey that’s mine!” but Rose paid him no mind. She made a point not to respond to uncouth behavior like shouting. His mother should have taught him better. If he persisted, Rose would.

She got back in her car feeling much refreshed, and looked down the street for signs of a freeway entrance. Somewhere along the way she’d have to dump the body in her truck before it started to smell. Unclean things, bodies. Maybe it’d be quicker to leave the car instead and find herself another, something roomier that didn’t smell like cigarettes. She didn’t want to keep Mickey waiting. Twelve years was enough, sweet man. A green sign directed her to I-95 heading south.

But the kat in Rose’s head said, That way! West. Go that way!

And then she knew what the sound was. She should have recognized it at once. The rattle had to be the gate. No matter how far she ran, she’d never be free of Hell.

kat-a-kat: That way!

No. She accelerated to exit the intersection. Before morning she could be in Mickey’s arms.
kat-a-kat: Obey me. Turn. Now.

It really wasn’t fair. All she wanted to do was get back to her sweetheart—12 years!—before she was caught and sent back to the bad place. And here the bad place was coming after her before she could do a really good deed. A big one. Mickey would know just the thing.

kat-a-kat: Kill a woman, and you’ll never have to fear that place again.

Rose eased her foot off the gas. “Any woman?” That was easy. Women were everywhere.

__________________________________________________________

Shadowman

by Erin Kellison
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Out Now!

Ghosts

They haunt the halls of the Segue Institute, terrifying the living, refusing to cross over. But one soul is driven by a very different force.

Love

It survives even death. And Kathleen O'Brien swore she would return to those she was forced to leave too soon.

Shadowman

He broke every rule to have her in life; now he will defy the angels to find her in death.

The Gate

Forging it is his single hope of being reunited with his beloved, but through it an abomination enters the world. Leaving a trail of blood and violence, the devil hunts her too. Pursued through realms of bright fantasy and dark reality, Kathleen is about to be taken... 

Where to Buy:  

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | The Book Depository | Indie Bound

GIVEAWAY:

Yes, you read that right Erin is giveaway a set (Shadow Bound, Shadow Fall & Shadowman) of her books to one lucky winner.  To enter leave a comment along with your email address. This giveaway is open to everyone, that includes International residents as well.  The winner will be announced on September 17th. Good Luck!

BBAW 2011: Community

http://bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/

Book Blogger Appreciation Week kick off. This is my third year participating. If you are new to blogging or wonder what it's all about check it out through the link above. It's a fun time. :)

Today's daily topic is: Community

I have been blogging for 4 years now and I am still in awe with how great the blogging community is and the wonderful blogs & people that are out there. No matter what genre your passionate about, you'll find your place among us.  I thought about this topic quite a bit and there are a lot great blogs out there that I could name. But there are two blogs that a frequent everyday. While both are miles from me they are truly great bloggers and wonderful friends.

I met Michelle from Michelle's Book Blog in 2007 on MySpace. I see her as my book mate through our love of Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. Although we differ when it comes to Zombies (she loves them and I do not. ;)) We do agree on most things when it comes to PNR & UF. She is a excellent reviewer/blogger and a great friend. Reviewing close to all the books she reads. I'm always interested in what she thought, even the reviews/books that are not necessarily my thing. None of my friends here at home read what I do, so it's really great to have someone to talk to about all the books I read. Whether it's chatting about the latest books we bought or discussions about the latest True Blood episode, we always have a good time.

A few years ago Amy of My Overstuffed Bookshelf actually stumbled upon my blog. She had sent me a email. Explaining who she was and that she was new to blogging and asking for advice.  At the time I still felt pretty new to blogging and really didn't think I could help much. But I thought about it, and well dang I wish I had, had someone to help me when I was starting out. So I emailed her back and we've been friends ever since. She is a wonderful reviewer/blogger. What I really love about Amy is the passion she has for what she reads and her blogger friends.  I've seen many times when there has been negativity towards a book, author or blogger... she always has your back with fierce conviction.



This seems to have turned out to be more about friendship than Community/blogging. But for me they go hand in hand. If you get a chance stop by and check these two blogs out. :)