Random Acts of Kindness - January 2012

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.

Books I Sent Out:

Winging It by Deborah Cooke to

Amanda @ MannaB On Books

Love Story by Jennifer Echols to

Megan @ Book Brats Reviews

Books I Received:

The Name of the Star by Maureen Star

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Thank you to Amanda @ MannaB On Books!

Winner - Kiss of the Vampire

and the winner is...

Carol L.

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

February Book Releases

1st

Kiss of the Vampire- Cynthia Garner
Claimed By A Vampire- Rachel Lee
A Warrior's Desire- Pamela Palmer

6th

The Rivals- Daisy Whitney

7th

The Dragon Stirs- Lynda Aicher
Claws and Effect- Amanda Arista
Midnight Enchantments- Anya Bast
Stud- Cheryl Brooks
Unbroken- Rachel Caine
Underwater Love- MaryJanice Davidson
Vampires' Consort- Bonnie Dee
Shaded Vision- Yasmine Galenorn
Vengeance Born- Kylie Griffin
Almost Everything- Tate Hallaway
Deliver Me from Darkness- Tes Hilaire
Something About Witches- Joey W. Hill
City of Dragons- Robin Hobb
The Lord of Illusion- Kathryne Kennedy
Apocalypse to Go- Katharine Kerr
Key of Solomon- Cassiel Knight
Night of the Huntress- Crista McHugh
Wicked Empress- Anitra Lynn McLeod
Dead to You- Lisa McMann
Siren's Desire- Devyn Quinn
Alpha Instinct- Katie Reus
Born Wicked- Jessica Spotswood
King of Darkness- Elisabeth Staab
Inked Magic- Jory Strong
Blood and Bullets- James R. Tuck
Eternal Captive- Laura Wright

8th

The Wood Queen- Karen Mahoney

14th

Slayer's Kiss- Cassi Carver
Bewitching- Alex Flinn
The Nightmare Garden- Caitlin Kittredge
Arcadia Awakens- Kai Meyer
The Wolf Gift- Anne Rice

21st

Fever- Lauren DeStefano
Evermine- Hailey Edwards
The Viking's Touch- Joanna Fulford
A Perfect Blood- Kim Harrison
A Beautiful Evil- Kelley Keaton
Tempted By Blood- Laurie London
Faery Tales & Nightmares- Melissa Marr
Ravel Calls- C.E. Murphy
Celebrity In Death- J.D. Robb
Quinn's Quest- N.J. Walters

28th

How to Be Death- Amber Benson
Burn Me Deadly- Alex Bledsoe
On the Flip Side- Nikki Carter
A Touch Morbid- Leah Clifford
Yours, Mine & Ours- MaryJanice Davidson
By A Thread- Jennifer Estep
Jane Vows Vengeance- Michael Thomas Ford
Black Hole Sun- David Macinnis Gill
BZRK- Michael Grant
Unafraid- Michael Griffo
Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors- Molly Harper
Black Howl- Christina Henry
Torn- Amanda Hocking
My Lord Vampire- Alexandra Ivy
Night Games- Crystal Jordan
Allegiance- Cayla Kluver
Deadly Sins- Lora Leigh
Witchful Thinking- H.P. Mallory
Pandemonium- Lauren Oliver
A Sliver of Shadow- Allison Pang
Getting Familiar with Your Demon- Jodi Redford
The Husband Hunt- Lynsay Sands
Earthseed- Pamela Sarget
The Darkest Seduction- Gena Showalter
Angel's Flight- Nalini Singh
A Distant Tomorrow- Beatrice Small
If You Know Her- Shiloh Walker
Partials- Dan Wells

In My Mailbox [141]

 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...

Also this week I received a box of books from my book fairy. Thank you again for the wonderful surprise. Some of these books will find a home on my tbr shelf and the others I'll be sending to a friend.

Review:

The Wolf Who Loved Me- Lydia Dare

The Vampire Shrink- Lynda Hilburn

Anne of Hollywood- Carol Wolper

Thank you to Simon & Schuster, Sourcebooks & Sterling Publishing.

Bought:

Darker After Midnight- Lara Adrian

What did you get this week?

Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

[Promo] - Anne of Hollywood by Carol Wolper

Re-telling of Anne Boleyn's story, 

set in the 21st Century.

Anne of Hollywood

By Carol Wolper

Out Now

Book Description: “I wasn’t prepared for the enemies. Had I been as gorgeous as a supermodel, or as rich as an heiress, or an actress with an Oscar to my credit, people would still not be happy that I had Henry’s attention, but they’d understand. What they resented was the king coupling with a ‘nobody.’”

Skirts may be shorter now, and messages sent by iPhone, but passion, intrigue, and a lust for power don’t change. National bestselling author Carol Wolper spins a mesmerizing tale of a twenty-first-century Anne Boleyn.

Wily, intelligent, and seductive, with a dark beauty that stands out among the curvy California beach blondes, Anne attracts the attention of Henry Tudor, the handsome corporate mogul who reigns in Hollywood. Every starlet, socialite, and shark wants a piece of Henry, but he only wants Anne. The question is: can she keep him?

Welcome to a privileged world where hidden motives abound, everyone has something to sell, and safe havens don’t exist. With her older sister Mary, a pathetic example of a royal has-been, Anne schemes to win her beloved Henry in the only way that gives a promise of forever—marriage. Success will mean contending with backstabbing “friends,” Henry’s furious ex-wife, and the machinations of her own ambitious family, and staying married to a man who has more options than most and less guilt than is good for either of them will take all her skill. Anne will do anything to hold on to the man—and the lifestyle—she adores, however, even if sticking your neck out in Hollywood means risking far worse than a broken heart. With Henry’s closest confidante scheming against her, and another beautiful contender waiting in the wings, Anne is fighting for her life. Can she muster the charm and wit to pull off her very own Hollywood ending?

Author's Facebook
Amazon
Simon & Schuster

Winner - Broods of Fenrir

and the winner is...

Alicia0605

Congrats! You will be contacted shortly.

You have 5 days to claim your prize.

All giveaway winners are chosen through Random.org

[AudioBook Review] - Lenobia's Vow by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast

Title: Lenobia's Vow
Author: P.C Cast + Kristin Cast
Narrator: Caitlin Davies
Series: House of Night Novellas
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: January 31, 2012

I received this book for review from Macmillan Audio.

Summary:  A great journey…
A new love….
A dark secret revealed.

Evreux, France, 1788: Before she is Zoey’s favorite professor and the House of Night’s powerful horse mistress… Lenobia is just a normal 16-year-old girl – with enough problems to last a lifetime. As the illegitimate daughter of a powerful baron, she has never quite belonged, and instead has to watch her spoiled half-sister, Cecile, get anything she wants. As if that’s not enough, her remarkable beauty draws unwanted attention wherever she goes. For once, she would like to just fit in.

But when fate intervenes, Lenobia suddenly finds herself surrounded by other girls, on a ship bound for New Orleans, where they will be married off to the city’s richest Frenchmen. And they’re not alone…. An evil bishop who is skilled in Dark magic makes the same journey. His appetite for lovely young women makes him dangerous – most of all to Lenobia, who caught his eye back in France. So she remains hidden, making secret visits to the ship’s stables, where a handsome young man and his beautiful Percheron horses soon capture her attention.

Will they make it to land before the bishop discovers her true identity and a powerful evil breaks loose? And will Lenobia follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk.

Thoughts: Lenobia's story starts in 1788. She is a young girl on the verge of womanhood. On a boat headed to New Orleans. But danger lurks aboard the ship. Soon after making land she is Marked to be a fledgling. Her world opens up to good and bad things.

I was excited to see Lenobia would be the next in the novellas. She is one of the most intriguing characters in the House of Night. I've always thought her class would be a fun one to take part in. This second novella in the series is a great read, so far it's my favorite of the novellas. I loved the connection between Lenobia and Martin. Lenobia's Vow is one of hardship, first loves, loss and new beginnings. A vibrant story that has wonderful description. Mostly it is set aboard the ship that is headed to New Orleans.  I was quickly taken with the story.

Lenobia's Vow is read by Caitlin Davies.  This is the third time I've listen to Ms. Davies on audio and she does an amazing job each time.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website:

http://www.pccast.net/
http://www.houseofnightseries.com/

Upcoming Releases:

Neferet's Curse (HON Novella #3)- July 17, 2012
Hidden (House of Night #10)- October 6, 2012

Giveaway: Kiss of the Vampire by Cynthia Garner

Kiss of the Vampire

By Cynthia Garner

February 1, 2012

Warriors of the Rift

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.

Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .

Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing I have a copy of Kiss of the Vampire to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. and Canada. The winner will be announced on January 31, 2012.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books From My TBR...

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each Tuesday features a different topic and you post your top ten list related to the topic.

This weeks topic is a freebie, so we get to pick are own top ten topic. My topic is: 
Top Ten Books from My TBR that I hope to read in 2012

1. The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire #1) by Clay & Susan Griffith

• I bought this title last year. It looked totally amazing and the cover caught me too. The art is done by one of my favorites, Chris McGrath.

2. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

• I have been wanting to read Neil Gaiman for a long time. Last year I read one of his story stories and was blown away by it and that pretty much sealed the deal for reading more of his work.

3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Trilogy #1) by Steig Larsson

• I've seen both the U.S. and Swedish versions of the movie and enjoyed them very much. Lisbeth Salander is a captivating character. I look forward to digging into the series some time in  2012. 

4. Inhertiance (Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini

• Normally I would have rushed out to buy this one the day it came out. Since it's the last one I have put it off, but I definitely want to read it soon.

5. A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire #2) by George R.R. Martin

• I'm still reading Game of Thrones, but eager to move on to book 2. 

6. Dear Mr. Potter: Letters of Love, Loss & Magic by Lily Zalon

• This is one I have already started to read and I'm loving it. If you are a Harry Potter fan this book is a must read!!  Here is the buy link. If you are a true HP fan your gonna instantly connect with these fellow fans. Keep tissues near by.

7. No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper

• I picked this one up on the tag line alone. Looks like it will be a fun read.  It's Terminator meets My Fair Lady in this fascinating debut of black magic and brilliant ball gowns, martial arts and mysticism.

8. Aftermath (Sirantha Jax #5) by Ann Aguirre

• Jax is definitely one of my favorite heroines. The series was such a surprise for me when it came out. I didn't think I'd like it, but end up loving it. Can't wait to read what Jax is up to in this one. 

9. Outlander (Outlander #1)by Diana Gabaldon

• I've had Outlander on my shelves for a good three years, it's definitely time to jump in and see if all the talk about this series is true. 

10. Out of Oz (The Wicked Years #4) by Gregory Maguire

• This is a series that works for some and not for others. I happen to love it a lot. After reading Wicked I actually preferred the story over The Wizard of Oz. After Elphaba's story, Dorthy's just seems quite boring. Out of Oz is suppose to be the last book in the series, so I have been putting this one off too.

[ARC Review] - His Dark Bond by Anne Marsh

Title: His Dark Bond
Author: Anne Marsh
Series: Fallen
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 31, 2012

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: HE HUNGERS FOR HER BODY . . .

Zer is no angel—well, not anymore. He’s explored every flavor of sin imaginable, drinking in the pleasures of humanity. But now he must find the woman who carries his salvation in her very blood…a woman like Nessa St. James.

AND HER SOUL

Nessa has considered the bargain the Fallen offer. Anything she wants in exchange for accepting Zer’s bond? No way. Not her. Not when she finds out about the mind-blowing ritual involved, and the marks of surrender that will ink her skin. But with a serial killer to stop and centuries of experience on his side, this is one job Zer’s going to nail.

Thoughts: Zer is one of the Fallen. Thrown out of heaven by Michael. Cursed to live the life of a goblin. Unless he can find a women who can love and redeem his soul. His Soul Mate.

Dr. Nessa St. James is on list of potential females that are compatible for the Fallen. She wants nothing more to continue her research and make tenure. But in walks a raging storm by the name of Zer, with his man handling ways and her world is forever changed.

I loved this story. Zer is a force. Intense, dominate and simply yummy. Nessa is his opposite in many ways - but they seem to fit very well together. His Dark Bond is a delectable, engaging read. Fast paced action and enough sexy to keep your wanting more. Ms. Marsh's world-building is excellent. The Fallen has become a fast favorite. If you love fallen angel stories you won't want to miss this one.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: http://annemarsh.wordpress.com/

Upcoming Releases:

Savage Bond- January 2012 (Fallen Novella)
Burning Up- October 31, 2012

In My Mailbox [140]

 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:
Lenobia's Vow- P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
Paris, My Sweet- Amy Thomas

Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Sourcebooks.

Bought:
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- Stieg Larsson
The Woman In Black- Susan Hill

What did you get this week?
Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Coral Moore

Where in the world did these werethings come from?
by Coral Moore

Werewolf legends can be traced back to the mythology of ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Scandinavians. One of the first and most widely accessible texts to consolidate much of the folktales was The Book of Were-Wolves, by Sabine Baring-Gould published in 1865. If you’re a lover of all things were, like I am, this is an invaluable reference tool for historical stories and accounts. Early on in the book Baring-Gould gives a brief rundown of a few kinds of shifters:

Among the ancients this kind of insanity went by the names of Lycanthropy, Kuanthropy, or Boanthropy, because those afflicted with it believed themselves to be turned into wolves, dogs, or cows. But in the North of Europe, as we shall see, the shape of a bear, and in Africa that of a hyæna, were often selected in preference. A mere matter of taste!

This is what I want to talk about today, not werewolves specifically but some of the different types of werebeasts and why they hold such an allure for us.

Therianthropy is the more general term for a human that shifts into an animal. The duality of their existence might be part of what makes them so appealing. Where is the line between man and beast drawn? Can humans triumph over their baser instincts? What kind of power can these man/animal hybrids tap into? Their complexity makes them interesting, and maybe that’s why humans turning into animals have been a staple in stories throughout our history.

Though wolves are the most common, there are a huge number of different shifter tales originating all over the world. Werecats can be found in the folklore of many cultures—in the Americas men became jaguars, in Africa they turned into lions, and in Asia people transformed into tigers. Native Americans and Scandinavians both told stories of men that changed into bears. Humans in every corner of the globe have been known to transform into seals (selkie), hyenas (bouda), vultures (chonchon), and foxes (kitsune). Some myths maintained that there were men who could change into any animal at will—skinwalkers in the Americas and rakshasa in India.

This is just a tiny sampling of the many flavors of shapeshifters found in our ancestral cultures. If you want to fuel your imagination with a variety of weres from around the world, there is a list on SeekerWorld that makes for interesting reading.

My own werecreatures are strictly of the wolf variety, although I dove into mythology to put a slightly different spin on them. The werewolves in the world of Broods of Fenrir are of Nordic descent, and as a result have a more primitive feeling than most you’ll read about these days. I also have some ideas for expansion into different types of therianthropes in later books. Do you have a favorite kind of shifter?

***

Stop by and talk with Coral about all things were on her Blog, Goodreads, or Twitter. Find out more about her new Urban Fantasy Broods of Fenrir.

Broods of Fenrir

By Coral Moore

Out Now!

 Shapeshifter Brand Geirson was raised to rule the Broods of Fenrir, but he refused his birthright. Instead, he killed their brutal leader–his own father–and walked away.

For hundreds of years he’s avoided brood society, until a werewolf kills an innocent human woman and Brand finds himself dragged back into the violent politics of the shapeshifters. When the two brood women who mean the most to him come under threat, he must take up the throne and risk becoming the kind of vicious bastard his father was, or let the broods descend further into chaos–taking the friend he swore to protect and his lover with them.

Broods of Fenrir is available in paperback and ebook formats.

Where to Buy:

All Romance eBooks | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Coral I have a digital copy of Broods of Fenrir to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to everyone.  The winner will be announced on January 27th. Good Luck!

[Review] - Broods of Fenrir by Coral Moore

Title: Broods of Fenrir
Author: Coral Moore
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: November 20, 2011

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary:  Shapeshifter Brand Geirson was raised to rule the Broods of Fenrir, but he refused his birthright. Instead, he killed their brutal leader–his own father–and walked away.

For hundreds of years he’s avoided brood society, until a werewolf kills an innocent human woman and Brand finds himself dragged back into the violent politics of the shapeshifters. When the two brood women who mean the most to him come under threat, he must take up the throne and risk becoming the kind of vicious bastard his father was, or let the broods descend further into chaos–taking the friend he swore to protect and his lover with them.

Thoughts: Brand Geirson has been running away from his past and his destiny ever since he killed his brutal father. But with his loved ones in danger, he must come back to his past and the throne - if he expects his world to survive.

A riveting tale.  I found lead character Brand to be fascinating. Not your average Alpha - but a delight all the same. The beautiful cover made me eager to read this one and find out more about Brand. Broods of Fenrir is an intense, fast moving story. The shapeshifters here seem to be more vicious than other wolves I've read about.  I loved that these wolves are rooted in Norse Mythology.  Ms. Moore's writing is smooth and engaging. Wolf and Norse fans alike should give this one a try.

Score: 4 Stars

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


Upcoming Releases:
Elements of Rebellion- February 2012

Waiting On Wednesday [35] - Jane Vows Vengeance by Michael Thomas Ford

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

I haven't read too many mash-ups but Michael Thomas Ford's Jane Fairfax series is one of my favorites. This series features Jane Austen as a vampire. Living undead life among humans and from time to time various literary supernaturals pop in. It's really a fun series. I'm not a fan of this cover so much, but I'm eager to see what Jane and friends are up to.

Title: Jane Vows Vengeance

Series: Jane Fairfax

Author: Michael Thomas Ford

Release Date: February 28, 2012

Book Description:

 How will Jane Austen break the news to her fiancé that she’s not only undead, but also a two-hundred-plus-year-old literary icon?
 
In sleepy upstate New York, Jane’s wedding preparations have taken on a bloodsucking intensity. So when Walter suggests they ditch it all and combine their marriage and honeymoon with a house tour of Europe, Jane jumps at the chance to flee Lord Byron and the lingering threat of Charlotte Brontë. But to Jane’s chagrin, more than one secret from her past is about to resurface.

From an Agatha Christie–style murder mystery to a wedding interrupted by the ghosts of the Princes in the Tower to a shocking revelation about Walter’s mother, nothing about this trip is less than pure mayhem. And when a chance encounter puts Jane on the trail of a legendary device reputed to restore a vampire’s human soul, will our beloved heroine finally be able to vow her love and devotion—or will a vampire hunter’s vengeance drive a stake through her eternal life?

Series Reading Order:

Jane Bites Back

Jane Goes Batty

Jane Vows Vengeance

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I'd Recommend To Someone Who Doesn't Read Paranormal Romance

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each Tuesday features a different topic and you post your top ten list related to the topic.
 
This weeks topic is Top Ten Books I'd Recommend To Someone Who Doesn't Read X (our choice of genre) So here are my recs for people who don't read Paranormal Romance.

1. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

• This was the book that introduced me to "paranormal romance", I had never heard the term before. But after this book I was hooked on the genre and the series.

2. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

• I actually ended picking up both Dark Lover and Lover Eternal, they sat on my shelf for several months. If I would have know how addicting the world was gonna be I would have read them a lot sooner. 

3. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

• AHLNO is the first full book in The Immortals After Dark series. I love the series, Cole writes awesome heroes. What is really great about the series is all the different supernatural creatures that are featured. Vampires, Werewolves, Valkyries, Witches, Demons and more. 

4. Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon

• Night Pleasures is the second book in the Dark-Hunters series and one of my favorites in the series. I don't think I'll ever get sick of these stories. This is another addicting series. If you like tortured souls, you'll enjoy this series.

5. Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

• I picked up SWV thinking it was the first in the series, but its actually the third book. It's my favorite book in the series. Has a great hero and heroine, plus part of the story takes place at the Romantic Times Book Con. Which was just too fun. 

6. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

• Pleasure Unbound wasn't a book I planned to pick up, but I kept hearing time and again how great it was. Turns out all those people were spot on. Ms. Ione writes fantastically bad ass males that are hard to resist. 

7. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

• First book in the Psy/Changeling series, which is paranormal romance, but has a futuristic setting. My friend Amy C got me to read this one. I ended up being blown away by it and went out and bought the rest of the series, it was/is that good. 

8. A Girl's Guide to Vampires by Katie MacAlister

• Katie MacAlister was another first PNR author I read. A Girl's Guide to Vampires is simply a fun read that introduces the read to the Dark Ones world. I loved it, and it's still one of my favorite books in the series. 

9. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian

• This was another book that I didn't originally plan to buy. But between the cover and reviews I read, I couldn't resist picking it. Another great series that has yummy vampire heroes.

10. Desire After Dark- Amanda Ashley

• Desire After Dark is a pleasure read. A great vampire novel. This probably can be said about many authors, but Amanda Ashley writes vampires amazingly well. 

This is my first Top Ten Tuesday and that's my list for this week. It was great fun putting it together. If you aren't familiar with this feature make sure to check the link at the top of the post.

Cover Discovery

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Release Date: June 4, 2012

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Release Date: TBA

In My Mailbox [139]

 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...

Bought:
Lothaire- Kresley Cole
Charmfall- Chloe Neill
Isle of Night- Veronica Wolff

What did you get this week?

Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

Freebie for Friday the 13th

Urban Fantasy Thriller - The Heretic, book one of the Templar Chronicles By Joseph Nassise is a free download for Kindle this weekend starting today.  Here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Heretic-Templar-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B003CT39PE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326377556&sr=8-2

Book Description:
A former SWAT officer turns modern Templar Knight in this exciting new urban fantasy series for fans of Jim Butcher, Rob Thurman, and Patricia Briggs!

A chance encounter with one of the Hellspawn left Cade Williams with certain unique traits, including the ability to walk between the lands of the living and those of the dead. Now, as commander of the Echo Team, the special operations unit within the Templar hierarchy, he has devoted his life to using his "gifts" to protect mankind from the things that lurk in the darkness.

When a Templar commandery is invaded and its occupants mercilessly slaughtered, Knight Commander Williams is called in to hunt down those responsible. His investigation quickly leads him to a cabal of necromancers known as the Council of Nine.

There's only one problem.

The necromancers are allied with the same supernatural creature that left Cade for dead five years before. A creature so powerful that the Templars know it only as the Adversary.

In order to stop the killing, Cade will be forced to face his own personal demons. Not just those deep inside his heart, but also the one that left him scarred, body and soul.

The same demon that has already beaten him once before...

http://josephnassise.com/

Winner - Switched

and the winner...

Inspired Kathy

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

Waiting On Wednesday [34] - A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison

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

The Hollows is one of my favorite series and Pale Demon (book #9) definitely brought changes to the series and some very interesting situations. I can't wait to get back to this series to see what will happen next. 

Title: A Perfect Blood

Series: The Hollows/Rachel Morgan

Author: Kim Harrison

Release Date: February 21, 2012

Book Description:

Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and other. Pulled in to help investigate by the FIB, former witch turned day-walking demon Rachel Morgan soon realizes a horrifying truth — a would-be creator is determined to make his (or her) own demons. But it can’t be done without Rachel’s blood.

As a bounty hunter, Rachel has battled vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, and more. But humanity itself might be her toughest challenge.

Series Reading Order:

Dead Witch Walking

The Good, the Bad and the Undead

Every Which Way But Dead

A Fistful of Charms

For a Few Demons More

The Outlaw Demon Wails

White Witch, Black Curse

Black Magic Sanction

Pale Demon

The Hollows Insider (series companion)

A Perfect Blood (Book #10- 2/21/12)

Ever After (Book #11- 2013)

[Review] - Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Nightshade
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: January 3, 2012

Summary:  Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor.

There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnameable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

Thoughts: Calla knows saving Ren will make Shay very unhappy. But she loves him too and strongly believes he is needed if they are to defeat The Keepers.  Now with Ren, the Scion and the Elemental Cross they march into the final battle - with hope that they'll make it out alive and in victory.

Loved this book! Bloodrose was at the top of my list for most anticipated books of 2012 and it has definitely lived up to the waiting and anticipation.  One of my favorite things about the story is that we get to see more of Ren and the triangle that he, Calla and Shay create.  The story will give you an adrenaline rush, especially in the last 100 pages or so. The action was awesome.  There were a few things that I didn't like so well - but they are big spoilers.  I will say that I'm sad to see this part of the story coming to an end. Bloodrose is a great end to this trilogy.

Score: 5 Stars

Author Website:

http://www.andreacremer.com/
http://www.nightshadebook.com/

Upcoming Releases:

Rift (Nightshade Prequel)- August 7, 2012
Rise (Nightshade Prequel #2)- 2013
The Invisibility Curse (with David Levithan)- 2013
The Inventor's Secret (with David Levithan )- 2013

Winner - Madame Tussaud Pbk & earrings

and the winner is:

Kelsey

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

In My Mailbox [138 - Christmas Edition]

 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.

This past Christmas was made up of awesome gift cards and movies. I finally was able to spend my gift cards this week. Below is what I got. Also some books I received in the mail.

R.A.K.

The Name of the Star- Maureen Johnson

Touch of Power- Maria V. Snyder

(Not pictured, I will feature both in my end of the month RAK post.)

Thank you to Amanda B!

Received:

Shaedes of Gray- Amanda Bonilla

Deep Kiss of Winter- Kresley Cole & Gena Showalter

Left Hand Magic- Nancy A. Collins

Virtual Virgin- Carole Nelson Douglas

Blood Drunk Faded Blue- Angela Lovell

Acquainted With The Night- Piper Maitland
Thank you to Michelle G!

Bought:

Hidden- Kelley Armstrong (Kindle)

Bloodrose- Andrea Cremer

The Graveyard Book- Neil Gaiman

Vampire Knight Vol. 13- Matsuri Hino

Unleashed- Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

Madame Tussaud- Michelle Moran

Once In A Full Moon- Ellen Schrieber

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries Vol. 1: Origins- L.J. Smith

What did you get this week?
Feel free to leave your IMM link in the comments.

January R.A.K. Sign-ups

Random Acts of Kindness is brought to us by the awesome bloggers at
Book ♥ Soulmates. How big is your RAK?

It's a new month, and a new year! A great way to start it, is by joining in the fun. I can't express enough how fantastic this program is. It's a great way to get some of your most wanted books and to send/share books with other readers.  Sign up for January is now open.  To learn more jump over to Isalys & Vanessa's blog - Book ♥ Soulmates.

Links you will need:

• Sign up for January [HERE]
• See who else is participating [HERE]
• If you have any questions regarding RAK, please contact us via the following: rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com

My Wishlists:
Amazon

Goodreads

January Giveaway

This month I'm giving away a copy of Amanda Hocking's Switched.  I haven't had a chance to read my copy yet, but I've heard nothing but good things about it. To enter leave a comment, along with your email address. Open to U.S. residents. The winner will be announced on January 12th. Good Luck!

Switched

Trylle #1
By Amanda Hocking

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.

[Trailer] - Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

OUT TODAY!

Cinder: Book One in The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer


Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time…. Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

Marissa Meyer's Blog:

http://marissameyer.livejournal.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MarissaMeyerAuthor

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/marissa_meyer

Kim Culbertson's The Liberation of Max McTrue Writing Contest

The Liberation of Max McTrue Contest

Brought to you by Figment.com and Kim Culbertson

Kim Culbertson is joining Figment for a whirlwind weekend of Flash Fiction to celebrate her new ebook, The Liberation of Max McTrue!

Enter the Max McTrue Flash Fiction Contest!
There will be a Total of three prizes: Each winner gets a free download of The Liberation of Max McTrue as well as a custom-made “beautiful things” journal. The first place winner will also receive a 30 minute manuscript review by Kim Culbertson.

All you have to do is write a super short story under 500 words that follows one of the four prompts below. Submit your entry between 11:00am on February 3rd, 2012 and 11:59pm on February 5th, 2012. The Figment editorial staff will choose the top ten entries as finalists, and Kim will choose the winners from those finalists.

The Prompts:
(1) Write a story set against the backdrop of a scavenger hunt.
(2) Write a story confined to the periods of a school day. The character can be in school or out of school.
(3) Write a story in which a character is deeply afraid of something.
(4) Come up with a totally ordinary character and then set him/her up to have an extraordinary day.

How to enter:
1.    Go to www.figment.com and sign up.
2.    Once you have received your confirmation email, go to your Figment profile page, click “My Writing,” and “Create Something New.”
3.    Before you start writing, read the full rules on the Max McTrue contest page, which you’ll be able to find under the “Contest” tab on Figment on February 3rd, 2012.
4.    Write an original story, under 500 words, that follows one of the four prompts above.
5.    Go to the “Details” tab of your story, and put maxmctrue in the “Tags” section.
6.    Wait the 2 hours it sometimes takes to see your story appear on the contest page.

_____________________________________________________

The Liberation of Max McTrue

By Kim Culbertson
January 2012

Have you ever had an extraordinary day?

Max hadn’t. Until one winter day when he met a girl.

THE LIBERATION OF MAX MCTRUE takes place in a single day. The classic Boy Meets Girl story. Well, sort of: Boy meets homeschooled girl. Boy ditches school. Boy finds his future. And there's an ice cream truck. And archery. It's a bit like what would happen if Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Alchemist had a kid, well...a kid who was a YA eBook novella. You get the idea.

Max took a day off and found his life.

Who changed your life today?

Top Books- 2011

Although its hard to believe, another year has come and gone. Reading wise, it was a good year. I hit my goal and surpassed it by a few books. Below is a list of my favorite books in each genre. I also included some of my favorite tv shows and movies of 2011. If you are interested is seeing my complete reading list of 2011, it can be found here.

Book Stats

Books Read: 209

Authors Read: 137

48 of those Authors I read for the first time

Reviews: 82

============================================

Paranormal Romance

Dreams of a Dark Warrior- Kresley Cole
How to Flirt with A Naked Werewolf- Molly Harper
Kiss of Snow- Nalini Singh
Dark Taste of Rapture- Gena Showalter
Lover Unleashed- J.R. Ward

Urban Fantasy

Pale Demon- Kim Harrison
Hounded- Kevin Hearne
Dark Descendant- Jenna Black
The Renfield Syndrom- J.A. Saare
Succubus Revealed- Richelle Mead

Young Adult

Anna Dressed In Blood- Kendare Blake
Demonglass- Rachel Hawkins
The Goddess Test- Aimee Carter
Wildefire- Karsten Knight
Touch of Frost- Jennifer Estep

Historical Romance

It Happened One Bite- Lydia Dare
Just Like Heaven- Julia Quinn
The Heir- Grace Burrowes
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron- Jennifer Ashley

Historical Fiction

Madame Tussaud- Michelle Moran
The Night Circus- Erin Morgenstern
Water For Elephants- Sara Gruen

Erotic Romance

Big Bad Beast- Shelly Laurenston
What A Goddess Wants- Stephanie Julian
How To Worship A Goddess- Stephanie Julian

============================================

Favorite Authors in 2011:

Grace Burrowes

Molly Harper

Kevin Hearne

Jennifer Estep

Favorite Series:
The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
Southern Arcana by Moira Rogers

Surprising Favorites
The Calling- Ashley Lynn Willis
Dark Descendent- Jenna Black
13 Little Envelopes- Maureen Johnson

Favorite Covers in 2011

Anna Dressed In Blood- Kendare Blake

Dark Taste of Rapture- Gena Showalter

Wildefire- Karsten Knight

Hounded- Kevin Hearne

============================================

Other Favorites of 2011:

Favorite TV Shows:

Game of Thrones
 Once Upon A Time
Terra Nova
Grimm

Favorite Movies:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2

 Breaking Dawn Part 1

 The Help

Happy 2012! Feel free to leave a link to your end of the year post.