Book Whispers

Review: Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay

2012-01-23T22:16:00.001-07:00

Dead on the Delta (Annabelle Lee, book 1) by Stacey Jay

Genre: Urban Fantasy
ISBN: 1439189862 (ISBN13: 9781439189863)
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Paperback

Once upon a time, fairies were the stuff of bedtime stories and sweet dreams. Then came the mutations, and the dreams became nightmares. Mosquito-size fairies now indulge their taste for human blood—and for most humans, a fairy bite means insanity or death. Luckily, Annabelle Lee isn’t most humans. The hard-drinking, smart-mouthed, bicycle-riding redhead is immune to fairy venom, and able to do the dirty work most humans can’t. Including helping law enforcement— and Cane Cooper, the bayou’s sexiest detective—collect evidence when a body is discovered outside the fairy-proof barricades of her Louisiana town.

But Annabelle isn’t equipped to deal with the murder of a sixyear- old girl or a former lover-turned-FBI snob taking an interest in the case. Suddenly her already bumpy relationship with Cane turns even rockier, and even the most trust-worthy friends become suspects. Annabelle’s life is imploding: between relationship drama, a heartbreaking murder investigation, Breeze-crazed drug runners, and a few too many rum and Cokes, Annabelle is a woman on the run—from her past, toward her future, and into the arms of a darkness waiting just for her. . . .

Review:

By the time I finally picked up this book I didn’t know what to think! Is it YA, does it have vampires and werewolves, is it a romance. Sure I should have just looked it up on Goodreads, but that wouldn’t be as fun. After randomly buying it and jumping in before I lost my courage I was pleasantly surprised. Fairies. Not just any kind of fairies blood sucking ones!

When hurricane Katrina happened something else occurred right along with it. The fairies that no one believed in suddenly mutated. (Annoyingly, what mutated them is really never explained.) Not only had they always been real, but now they were bigger and ready to suck on some human blood. With one bite the victim can go insane or die instantly. About 5 percent of humans are immune to the fairy bite and can actually kill the fairy that bites them.

Annabelle Lee is one of the lucky humans immune to the fairy bite. However, she might not be as lucky as people think. Her special gifts have made her see things that have driven her to drink and develop an addiction to her sleeping pills. Again and again, I found myself jumping from loving to hating the main character. Usually characters with addictions like that put me off and I can’t stand the weakness. Annabelle hasn’t had it easy and the more of her past that is revealed it’s harder to hate her. By the end I was left with hope that Annabelle could get over her addictions.

The main bit of story focuses on the murder of a little girl who is the daughter of one of the richest families in town. This little mystery turns out into a full blown holy-cow moment that Jay deserves a standing ovation for. Taking a simple mystery of “who done it” into a drug deal and invisible people plot line is just amazing!

The murder brings to town Annabelle’s ex-boyfriend, Hitch, and even though things ended terribly they still have a spark. The two are just too stubborn and at times to deal with—and Hitch was just unlikeable all around. Annabelle is still obsessing about the sod in a manner that really made me hate her. She has a wonderful new man—Cane—that she’s trying to convince herself she doesn’t love. Even though he understands her and wants her to be herself—plus, is man enough to say what he wants from her—she can’t get over her old flame. All in all, this is a pretty awesome love triangle. You love, hate, and feel everything right up there with Annabelle.

Dead in the Delta delivers something fresh in the world building, heroine, and love story that drives readers’ into throws of happiness. The genre is over populated and it’s truly a pleasure to read something that goes out there and makes the genre instead of just borrowing bits and pieces. Some readers may not like Annabelle for her drug and alcohol addictions, but sometimes loving to hate your main character is part of the fun. This debut is only the beginning into something that is sure to be amazing.

Sexual Content: Our southern bell Annabelle is quite the dirty little bird. While there’s never a sex scene happening there’s dirty thoughts and fond memories of past sexual exploits. A bit of incest to through on top.

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Blood on the Bayou (2)	Paperback \| Kindle	Blood on the Bayou (2)

Lost in the Update

2012-01-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

My poor, poor Book Whispers. It's been neglected. After taking my break from surgery it just seems like the saying "When it rains it pours" is a very true fact of life. I've taken a longer break from BW then I ever intended and I've gotten behind of everything. Reviews, cover releases, Author Gossip, and so much more.

As you can see I've at least had time to do my 2nd year anniversary makeover. That's right BW has hit its 2 year anniversary mark. I feel really happy where my blog is. However, I feel horrible that besides a new look BW has been dead for over a month now.

So expect things to finally start picking up. Posts will go back on and . . . drum rolls please.

My first anniversary giveaway is coming up. You know that big one with a box of books waiting for a new home that I've been raving about ever since I missed my first anniversary!

Van Lowe’s Earth Angel Cyber Monday Giveaway

2011-11-28T21:44:00.001-07:00

Hello all my fab readers!! I’m back so expect to see some regular posts again. Thank you to all the get wells!

The Prize pack contains:

Signed copies of both Boyfriend from Hell and Earth Angel. It doesn’t stop there you can also get a Bath and Body Works Winter Candy Apple Gift Set

Special Delivery! This adorable striped mini mailbox holds travel-sizes of Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Fragrance Mist (3 oz. each) in Bath and Body Works holiday Winter Candy Apple scent! Includes a gift tag on the mailbox's red flag. It’s over a $20 Value!

Don’t forget to stay warm, and stay curled up with a great read. You can win cute matching socks and gloves, a winter beany, mini notebook, a cute broom pen, and a copy of Jennifer Scales by Mary Janice Davidson. Fuzzy black winter hat, purple and black striped fuzzy gloves,

Open to US Shipping Only

Click here to fill out the form to win!!

Shera’s Left the Building

2011-11-22T22:40:00.001-07:00

But I’ll be back. I’ve had some surgery and I’ve been a little off my game. So don’t worry about Book Whispers disappearing into the sunset! Right now I’m on some pain meds and I’m not thinking all the way coherently at this time. Should be back up soon, after all we know what an addict I am.

Right now I’m just trying to get caught up. Though I am taking it slow, after all if you follow me on goodreads I’m sure you couldn’t help but notice my slightly strange replies a couple days ago. (No really, people could tell I was on something!) Thanks to everyone for the wonderful well wishes!

Wednesday Wishes

2011-11-16T21:41:00.001-07:00

It’s back!! Feels like forever since I’ve done one of these!

Above by Leah Bobet

Amazon: Hardback | Kindle
Goodreads: Hardback
Genre: Dystopian
Series: N/A

Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above--like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.
But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home--not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

Besides the amazing cover, this book sounds pretty original.

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

Amazon: Paperback
Goodreads: Paperback
Genre: Dystopian
Series: N/A

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.
Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....
Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

This just sounds amazing. I love how the Urban Fantasy creatures are starting to break into the Dystopian worlds!! Yeah!

Author Interview: Theresa Meyers

2011-11-10T23:09:00.001-07:00

Book Whispers (AKA me) is honored to have Theresa Meyers here to talk about her latest book, The Hunter. It a Steampunk novel. Not quite sure about my readers, but I know I’m pretty new to the genre myself. In fact, I’ve only added a few titles to my TBR pile. Always meaning to take the plunge into this new exciting genre.

After interviewing Meyers I can say I’m really eager to get into the genre—especially her book which I will be reviewing later on.

Book Whispers: In your own words introduce yourself.

Theresa Meyers: Hi, I’m Theresa Meyers. I write paranormal stories that invite you to embrace the unknown. I started writing my first novel when I was 17, but it took me 20 years to become a multi-published author. In between I worked as a florist, a hotel props and décor designer and public relations executive. I’m a bit of a nut about books, partly because I was raised by a true bibliophile. My mother didn’t care if we had a dining room or not, so she filled it with bookcases and we had a library instead. I live on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with my family, a menagerie of pets and an out of control herb garden. I like my tea with milk and sugar and my favorite television shows are Supernatural (Dean girl!) and Grimm. Currently I write for three different publishers, creating vampire and werewolf stories for Harlequin Nocturne in my Sons of Midnight mini series, writing paranormal steampunk for Zebra and crafting dark fae urban fantasy stories for my Shadow Sister series for Entangled Publishing. If you’re looking to find me online I’m often on twitter at Theresa_Meyers, Facebook at TheresaMeyersAuthor, or you can find me at www.theresameyers.com.

Book Whispers: What made you decide to take your three demon hunting brothers—Winchester, Remington and Colt—into a steampunk world instead of our everyday modern world?

Theresa Meyers: When I originally came up with the Jackson brothers in 1998 I knew they were set in the 1880s American West. I knew the eldest brother Winchester was a lawman, the middle brother Remington an attorney and the youngest, Colt, an outlaw. What I didn’t realize at the time was what held these brothers who were so different together. It wasn’t until I started writing paranormal romances, that I realized they were all paranormal Hunters. I could have just left it at that, but then my imagination really kicked into gear and I thought how cool it would be if they had really outrageous inventions/weapons courtesy of their own James Bond-style “Q”. A friend who could act as tech genius behind their specialized hunting gear. It wasn’t until I started looking to see where this story might fit in the historical market that I realized there was actually a name for this kind of thing – steampunk!

Book Whispers: What exactly are the “Darkin” in your book? What kind of mythology inspired them and the name?

Theresa Meyers: Darkin are the collective name for all the supernaturals in my story world. Vampires, demons, shape shifters, naiads, rock monsters, hell hounds – as long as it’s a paranormal being, it’s considered Darkin. Believe it or not there’s an entire history behind the Legion of Hunters that you only hear about or catch glimpses of in the books themselves. Three brothers in the dark ages split the Book of Legend apart to keep it from falling into the hands of the Darkin that were threatening humanity. The Book is kind of a compendium of all Hunter knowledge – how to fight or kill all kinds of supernatural beings. When it was split apart Hunters in certain parts of the globe only learned what was in the piece of the Book which was used in their training. The name Darkin itself refers to children of the night = dark kin.

Book Whispers: Honestly a cowboy on a mechanical steam horse is beyond awesome and I know that has to be my favorite steampunk “gadgetry” from this book. What are some of your favorite steampunk gadgetry featured in The Hunter.

Theresa Meyers: Tempus, Colt’s mechanical horse is my favorite too! Some of the other technology I really enjoyed was Colt’s sting shooter (also on the cover) which is really a steampunk version of a taser powered by a Tesla coil. I also found the dynamic killing machine harbored in the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine to be fun to write.

Book Whispers: Lilly is a succubus that Colt summons over to help him get across some arcane boundaries to battle the baddies. What makes her different from the other succubus ladies out there featured in other books?

Theresa Meyers: Lillity (Lilly) Arliss wasn’t a succubus to start with. She was a girl with an abusive grafter father, who sold her soul to protect her little sister – and rid them both of her father. Lilly also happens to be a big fan of the stories in Darkin lore of the Chosen (a prophecy every one believes refers to Winchester, Remington and Colt). She’s got almost a case of hero worship about Colt to start with, before she ever meets him in person. Combined together, Lilly isn’t your typical succubus. Sexy, yes. Smart, yes. But pleased to rip the souls from the men she seduces? No. It’s just a job to her that she’d rather not have and she’s looking for a way out. Like the rest of us, she just wishes she could have a normal life.

Book Whispers: The first book in the The Legend Chronicles—The Hunter—features Colt as the first brother for the lead. Assuming that each brother will get a book, do you have plans to have more books in the series focusing on other characters?

Theresa Meyers: LOL. Good question. Yes, each brother will have his own book, and there are currently plans for a novella featuring the inventor Marley Turlock. Beyond that I’m brainstorming ideas, but the continuation of this world is really dependent on how well the series is received so the publisher will want to keep it going.

Book Whispers: Now I have to ask how what decided you on naming the three brothers after guns? (Which is so badass!)

Theresa Meyers: Thanks! You know I wish I had a good answer for that. Really that’s just how they came to me – three boys named after their father’s favorite guns. I knew dad was an outlaw. I knew he’d come from a prominent English family and that his father had been named Jack, and the black sheep of the family who’d run off to America. The boy’s dad had changed their family name from that of the English family to Jackson (since he was literally Jack’s son.) Sometimes ideas just show up fully formed like that where the characters come to life, sometimes it takes me a bit longer to get to know them.

Book Whispers: When you're in a writing jam, is there a particular author you look to for inspiration? One that makes you ask, "What would ‘insert author's name here’ do?"

Theresa Meyers: LOL. Yeah J.K. Rowling! No, really, there are so many authors I think, wow, how did they do that? As a writer I’m always trying to refine my process. I don’t really ever compare what I’m writing to someone else, but I do look at how they’ve built their careers, the kinds of choices they’ve made and what worked and didn’t work for them to hopefully keep from reinventing the wheel.

Book Whispers: What Steampunk books would you recommend for newbies of the genre?

Theresa Meyers: You mean besides my stuff? LOL. I absolutely love Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. It’s fantastic! You can also try the Iron series from Meljean Brook. If you’re looking for something that’s more YA and a bit less romance, check out The Girl in the Steel Corset or Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan series. If you’d like something more heavy on the science fiction side, consider going to www.steampunkscholar.com He’s got a tremendous reading suggestion list that’s a wonderful resource.

Book Whispers: For you personally, not your characters, between a vampire love interest and a werewolf love interest which do you prefer? (What team are you on? Team Vampire or Team Werewolf.)

Theresa Meyers: Ooo. Now that’s difficult. I like the vampires I write for Nocturne, but if it came down to Edward vs. Jacob, I’m all about Team Jacob. The werewolves just seem more emotional and human to me and that animalistic quality, where it’s pure instinct makes for a great alpha hero.

Book Whispers: Go wild! Let us know something funny about you, share something that's on your mind, or anything else that's important about your books.

Theresa Meyers: I’m the kind of person who gets creative in multiple ways. I don’t just write. I can fruits and veggies, jams and soups. I make homemade blackberry wine from the bushes that grow practically everywhere around here. I like to read, sew and paint, dance, bake and have tea with my non-writer friends who help get me grounded. When I’m not plunked down in front of a keyboard, I’m usually serving as the taxi for my kids or volunteering at the school or in my community. Most people are really surprised to learn that I’m dyslexic and couldn’t really even read until third grade. It just goes to show your passion isn’t defined by difficulty. It’s all in how badly you want to do something. I collect teddy bears and teapots and recently have discovered a love of all kinds of steampunk hats. I’m married to t he man I went to the PROM with and I knew he was hero material when he suffered through having my little brother squashed in between us in the back seat while my parents drove. (What can I say? They were uber strict.) We’ve been together nearly 25 years so sometimes true love does happen when you’re a teen. I hope you enjoy the introduction to my steampunk world in The Hunter and look forward to seeing more of it in The Slayer, coming out April 2012.

Book Whispers: Again big thanks to Theresa Myers to take the time for an interview! Definitely starting to see the appeal of Steampunk! (After all the hats are amazing!)

The Hunter by Theresa Myer
The Legend Chronicles, book one

Amazon: '>Paperback | '>Kindle
Goodreads: Paperback | Kindle

They're the Chosen—Winchester, Remington and Colt—brothers trained to hunt down supernatural beings using the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It's a hard legacy to shoulder, and it's about to get a lot more dangerous...

A Devil Of A Job

Colt Jackson has gotten his name on many a wanted poster with success in the family business: hunting supernaturals across the frontier. Lately, though, there's a sulfur stink in the wind and the Darkin population is exploding. A rift in the worlds is appearing. To close it, Colt will have to do the unthinkable and work with a demon to pass arcane boundaries no human alone can cross.

Except when he summons his demon, he doesn't get some horned monstrosity: he gets a curvy redheaded succubus named Lilly, who's willing to make a bargain to become human again. He also gets Lilly's secret expertise on the machinations on the dark side of the rift. And her charm and cleverness help to get them out of what his silver-loaded pistol and mechanical horse can't. Of course, when all hell breaks loose, he might have to sacrifice his soul. But what's adventure without a little risk?

"Meyers puts the steam in steampunk." —Cherry Adair

Winner: Destined Giveaway

2011-11-07T21:53:00.001-07:00

Big thanks to Malcolm publishing for this copy to giveaway!!

And the winner is . . .

angie!!

An email has already been sent out to the winner!! (The winner was picked by random.org.) Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway.

Cover Coveting(72): MASSIVE ATTACK!!

2011-11-06T11:42:00.001-07:00

All righty!!! Due to the fact that my computer had a virus and was taking so long to upload things, download, and basically do anything I have gotten so fair behind on reviews, interviews, and of course my beloved covers. So I’m attempting to do this huge post of covers to get caught up. This is in no way the new layout for Cover Coveting. It’s temporary so I can get up to date!!

Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane: Goodreads | Sacrificial Magic'>Amazon
Biting Cold by Chloe Neill: Goodreads | Biting Cold: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel'>Amazon

The Wolf Who Loved Me by Lydia Dare: Goodreads | Amazon'>Amazon
Summoning the Night by Jenn Bennett: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Tangled by Erica O’Rourke: Goodreads | Amazon
Tempest’s Fury by Nicole Peeler: Goodreads | Amazon

The Claimed by Caridad Pineiro: Goodreads | '>Amazon
The Shape of Desire by Sharon Shinn: Goodreads | '>Amazon

The Slayers by Theresa Meyers: Goodreads | '>Amazon
The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney (UK): Goodreads | '>Amazon

Time Untime by Sherrilyn Kenyon: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Until I Die by Amy Plum: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Untouched by Sara Humphreys: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Waking Storms by Sarah Porter: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Wild Wild Death by Casey Daniels: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Shadow Bound by Rachel Vincent: Goodreads | Amazon

Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (Cover make over!): Goodreads | '>Amazon

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Sins of the Son by Linda Poitevin: Goodreads | Sins of the Son (The Grigori Legacy)'>Amazon
Soul Screamers Volume One: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Strange Angles Volume One: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti: Goodreads | '>Amazon
The Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemisin: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers: Goodreads | Amazon

Lies & Omens by Lyn Benedict: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Obsidian Flame by Caris Roane: Goodreads | '>Amazon

On the Prowl by Christine Warren: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Partials by Dan Wells: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Clarity by Kim Harrington (Re-make.): Goodreads | '>Amazon
Perception by Kim Harrington: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson: Goodreads | '>Amazon

The Savage Grace by Bree Despain: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Embrace of the Damned by Anya Bast: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Endlessly by Kiersten White: Goodreads | '>Amazon
Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Everneath by Brodi Ashton: Goodreads | '>Amazon
The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger: Goodreads | '>Amazon

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake: Goodreads | Amazon
Goddess in the Middle by Stephanie Julian: Goodreads | Amazon

Ladies and gentlemen I have run out of steam!! From here on out it’s just Goodreads links!

Avenger's Angel (UK) by Heather Killough-Walden
Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison
Crave by Melissa Darnell

The Dark Elite by Chloe Neill (Two books in one.)
Darkest Knight by Karen Duvall

Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan
Darkness Undone by Jessa Slade

Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black
Deadly is the Kiss by Rhyannon Byrd

Destined by Aprilynne Pike
Devil’s Punch by Ann Aguirre

Captivated by Lauren Dane
Chosen by Sin by Virna Depaul

Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells
A Seal in Wolf’s Clothing by Terry Spear

Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Black Dawn by Rachel Caine
Black Howl by Christina Henry

Archon by Sabrina Benulis
King of Darkness by Elisabeth Staab

North of Need by Laura Kaye
Alien Diplomacy by Gini Koch

A Million Suns by Beth Revis
Apocalypse to Go by Katharine Kerr

Phew! Man this is a lesson learned to never get behind on my Cover Coveting posts!! Since I can’t rant and rave about each cover I’ve decided to choose a Best and Worst cover!

Best cover:	Worst cover:

Giveaway: Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast

2011-10-26T22:10:00.001-06:00

Well things are all back up!! Files were lost in the drama, but for the most part I got them all back. (And have hopefully got back to everyone that needed a reply.)

So what better way to celebrate getting back on track then a giveaway! The lovely people at Malcolm publishing are hosting giveaways so now it’s your lucky chance to win Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast.

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet – which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow…

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more – or possibly less – than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him…

Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him – and everyone – from his own fate? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Giveaway Guidelines:

For USA/ Canada residents only.
Feel out the form below!
Giveaway ends November 6th, so fill out the form fast.
Leave a comment and spread the word. (I won’t make you do an extra points thing.)

Loading...Good luck to everyone!! Plus a big thanks to Malcolm for the copy!

Not Forgotten . . .

2011-10-22T22:22:00.000-06:00

Between anti virus protection failure, Internet provider mix up, health issues, and other annoying things Book Whispers has seemly been forgotten. Not really I'm still constantly obsessing over it and wanting to post. Everything is falling behind and it's driving me mad!!

So first up I have to apologize to all my wonderful readers, who I have yet to respond to (whether through goodreads, email, youtube, or my blog). Authors who had interviews, reviews, and other such things. I should be up and running by Sunday or Monday.

ARC Review: Half-Blood

2011-10-15T22:22:00.001-06:00

***ARC Book release date: October 18, 2011 ***

Half-Blood (Covenant, Book 1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Paranormal YA
ISBN: 0983157200
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Half-Blood

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:

Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden.

And that would kind of suck

Review:

Half-Blood is a heady mix of Vampire Academy and new Greek Mythology. In my book, that’s an excellent combination. Sure, at certain points it read so much like VA that you could actually match up the names to certain characters and some climax points are ruined if you’ve already read VA. Armentrout still has enough originality in Half-Blood that it carries its own, and thoughts of VA are only lingering in the back of your mind.

Half-Blood is steeped in rich Greek mythology, where the children of the gods—Hematoi—walk among humans controlling the four elements. Hematoi’s believe themselves superior to humans, not only that the Hematois are divided amount pures and half-bloods. Pures are the descendants of two Hematoi’s, while halves are children of a Hematoi and a human. In the world that Alex lives in the halfs know that the pures are the law in all decisions. If Alex can’t be a killer of Daimons—her ultimate dream—then the threat of being a drugged slave to her own farther looms over her head.

The love interest, Aiden, immediately enters the storyline to save the day. Of course he’s an older man—at least he’s only 21 and Alex is 17—with the added naughty factor of being a pure. Half-bloods and pures are forbidden to be together, and boy do things really heat up. Aiden is the perfect Sentinel, and maybe the perfect guy. He’s the head of his family after his parents die, left to take care of his brother. For a YA novel Half-Book certainly brought on the smok’in sexual tension!

The cast of characters are all fun to play with. Seth the Apollyon, basically a super Half-blood who can control all the elements, might be Alex’s fated other half. Alex’s father has secret ambitions that may destroy Alex and entrap her in a life that might be worse then being just a mindless drugged slave to the pures. A mother who isn’t quite as dead as Alex thinks and is now killing people. A fun and humorous guy best friend—who is blessedly not at love interest for Alex.

Alex is just the kind of heroine I’ve come to love from Urban Fantasy. She’s brash, mouthy, and doesn’t always use her brains over her brawns. (This can sometimes make me want to slap her upside the head.) In my mind this is darker than the first three books of VA, more like a haunting taste of The Nightshade series. In a world where half breeds are brainwashed slaves one way or another, it’s hard to shake that old time horrors of breeding prejudice among the “elite”. Alex isn’t just tasked with becoming a better fighter and saving lives, she has to take the life of someone she loves the most. In my book that makes Half-Blood one of the must read YA debuts of the year.

Sexaul Content: This is a steamy YA read. Dirty humor—thoughts—and one steamy scene between Alex and Aiden.

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Pure (Book 2) Deity (Book 3) Untitled (Book 4)	Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle	Pure (Book 2) Deity (Book 3) Untitled (Book 4)

Review: The Darkest Kiss

2011-10-12T20:15:00.001-06:00

The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, Book 2) by Gena Showalter

Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 0373772327
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Darkest Kiss

She has tempted many men...but never found her equal. Until now.

Though she has lived for centuries, Anya, goddess of anarchy, has never known pleasure. Until Lucien, the incarnation of death--a warrior eternally doomed to take souls to the hereafter. He draws her like no other. And Anya will risk anything to have him.

But when the merciless Lord of the Underworld is ordered by the gods to claim Anya herself, their uncontrollable attraction becomes an anguished pursuit. Now they must defeat the unconquerable forces that control them, before their thirst for one another demands a sacrifice of love beyond imagining...

Review:

Ahhhhh, now this is what I’m talk’in about! The first book was like this dirty little tease. Bringing me in with the myth, but leaving me wanting for the main couple of the book. Now I have the best of everything, great mythology, good side characters, and a chemistry-exploding couple!

Anya is what I crave in a female lead; witty, a hard core warrior, and a woman who can handle her own sexuality to the X. Some might find her personality a little too slutty, but there's more to her then meets the eyes. The thing is Anya has never needed a man before and she wants everything her freedom can offer her. Even to the point of standing up to the Titans—who over threw the Greek gods from the last book. (In love with her yet?)

Lucien is the Lord of Death. He keeps absolute control on his emotions and actions, never letting his control slip. The secret behind the scars that mar his—obviously once drop-dead—face is pretty shocking, and it’s sad to dig up his past. It wasn’t just one huge pity party to get the reader teary eyed for the hero. It’s beyond enchanting watching Anya slowly break through Lucien’s barriers. When she actually made him smile I found myself fist pumping it and cheering her on.

As mentioned above Anya and Lucien’s relationship is an exploding addiction. When the other plot elements hit the page their story leaves you gripping the pages and staying up late to finish. Cronus—the new Titan in charge—wants Anya’s All Key, which allows it’s wearer to escape anything and shift to any location in the world by a thought. Cronus sends Lucien to kill Anya and get the key. Anya can’t stay away from her killer and Lucien can’t understand the feelings that would make him betray the other Lords. Anya can’t conceive why she is so obsessed with Lucien—to the point of being his personal stalker. She can’t imagine ever giving up her free will for a man. With all of these obstacles in the way it makes for a frustratingly brilliant tale.

To keep the fire burning Showalter adds in the POV of the other Lords. Paris meets a woman that he actually wants to take again—his demon of Promiscuity usually only allows him to take one woman once. Sadly she’s a Hunter and the events that happen are shocking. Reyes—Pain—has to battle his fellow brother to save the woman that has been haunting him since he let her escape.

This book is on fire!! If The Darkest Night left you wondering why this series is so popular, read this book before you make your final decision. When Showalter gets the chemistry right between the hero and heroine it’s an addiction that will eat you up and spit you out. The story isn’t just stuck on the love plot, the other brothers get enough page time that they become real. You can root for more than just the current hero. It’s heady and exactly what I was hoping for this series to have.

Sexual Content: This book is delightfully dirty. From Anya’s naughty outfits and sex talk, to Promiscuity hunting down some women for sex. The sex is hot and this will leave PNR fans with the perfect amount of the two kinds of action we love.

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

Other book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)	Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle	The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)

Review: The Darkest Night

2011-10-11T21:44:00.001-06:00

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1) by Gena Showalter

Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 0373772467
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Darkest Night

His powers -- Inhuman
His passion -- Beyond immortal . . .

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love . . .

Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful . . . Don’t miss this incredible new paranormal series from Gena Showalter!

Review:

First up I’m not going to argue which PNR author was “first” or who is better. Which one had THE idea first and who branched off of it—or stole it. No. I will say that if you’ve finally cracked and joined all of the hub-a-bulu about it there’s certain authors who’s names just keep popping up. J.R. Ward, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, Karen Marie Moning, Richelle Mead, Jeaniene Frost, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Gena Showalter are some of the names at the top of the list. So far I’ve tried all of them with pretty decent success rates. Except for Gena Showalter.

One day I picked up DN off of the shelf in the book store and was ready to purchase it. There was an obscenely long line and I decided to start reading it. Twenty pages in I was unimpressed. (Let’s just say I put the book back and bought a better one.) So when a Ebook copy landed in my lap, the first twenty or so pages where just as unimpressive.

The main character is a the damsel in distress, who has a rare gift that makes here a freak to anyone—except her soon to be mate. Besides her cute penchant for romance novels, herself doubt, insecurities, and total lack of a personality make for a boring time. The “soon to be mate” in question also happens to be a cookie cutter guy. He’s a immortal guardian who’s bonded to the Demon of Violence. That means a lot of mean words, thoughts, grrs, and basically alpha attitude. (Basically he could have popped out of any stereo typical romance.)

What did keep me going was the tease of Showalter’s humor that kept popping up, and the wickedly awesome mythology. The idea of men being the ones to open Pandora’s box amuses me beyond belief! Especially since it was as something as silly as making a point to the gods that they should be the ones protecting it. Learning about each warrior and the demon inside them soon became a heady addiction for me.

At the first of the book the Greek gods are in control and within a matter of page turns the Titans have escaped and the new upper management is already making the Lords lives miserable. Those miserable lives actually interested me more than the main couples. Reyes, possessing the Demon of Pain, meets his lady love when they kidnap her and her entire family. The Titans want Arion, Demon of Wrath, to kill them all. If he refuses he will go insane with the need to kill them. This makes for a pretty interesting triangle, the lady love, the man who loves her, and the best friend of the man who loves her want to kill her. So much better than a love triangle!

It’s a fascinating world on one of my favorite mythologies! Taking the old legend of Pandora’s box and giving it a new life. Sure the main focus of this book left a lot to be desired, but everybody needs to find their footing. The couple had enough of a “personality” that at times I found them very cute, and of course cheered them on. The mythology, other Lords of the Underworld, and promising twists of the future books are sure to make up for it.

Sexual Content: Bad language, dirty talk, and sex scenes. One of the Lords is promiscuity so you know things are really gonna get dirty.

2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out

Other book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)	Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle Paperback \| Kindle	The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)

In My Mailbox – Vlog 17

2011-10-09T22:39:00.001-06:00

I get to show of my goodies for the week! With In My Mailbox I also like to tell you where I found them, what kind of deals are up for grabs. Occasionally I'll even try a different method of buying books to see if it's faster and cheaper somewhere else. (This post also follows The Story Sirens' weekly meme, In My Mailbox.) At the moment I'm a poor college student so you might not see this post every Sunday. If it's not there, that means the book gods have frowned upon me.

Books Featured in Vlog:

Dreamland by Alyson Noel	Amazon \| Goodreads
The Hunter by Theresa Meyers	Amazon \| Goodreads
Succubus Revealed	Amazon \| Goodreads
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles	Amazon \| Goodreads
My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel	Amazon \| Goodreads
Invisible Ring by Anne Bishop	Amazon \| Goodreads
Beauty and the Beast by Hanna Howell	Amazon \| Goodreads
Season of Sacrafice by Mindy L. Klasky	Amazon \| Goodreads
Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb	Amazon \| Goodreads
To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker	Amazon \| Goodreads
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews	Amazon \| Goodreads
The Two Princesses of Bamere by Gail Carson Levine	Amazon \| Goodreads
Before I Die by Jenny Downham	Amazon \| Goodreads
Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill	Amazon \| Goodreads
The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner	Amazon \| Goodreads
Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas	Amazon \| Goodreads

Queen of Dragons by Shanna Abe

Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Three to Ride by Sophie Oak

2011-10-09T11:07:00.001-06:00

Three to Ride (Nights in Bliss, Colorado, Book 1) by Sophie Oak

Genre: Erotica
ISBN: 1610340353 | Ebook
1610340361 | Paperback
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Three to Ride
Goodreads: Three to Ride

[Menage Amour: Erotic Cowboy Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, bondage] Rachel Swift is a woman on the run. Max and Rye Harper are just the men to catch her. A stalker sent Rachel's world reeling. Now she's running for her life, and Bliss, CO, seems like the perfect place to hide. Bliss is a strange little town, filled with artists, nudists, and the occasional conspiracy nut. It's a good place to start over. Horse trainer Max and Sheriff Rye gave up on their dream of finding one perfect woman to share long ago. Rachel walks in, and they're both in love and fighting their true natures. When Rachel's past catches up with her, all of Bliss is in danger. Can Rachel stand up to the man who took everything? Rachel is done running. It's time for her to get back in the saddle and ride. ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Review:

As I’m just getting into the ménage erotica, I’m starting to get the feeling that authors think that only Colorado cowboys like to “share their toys”. Maybe they think they’re the only kind of guys that are man enough for the task, or they’re like me and firmly believe that a man in a good pair of wranglers and can ride a horse is just too sexy to pass up.

Whatever, the case I’m one satisfied reader. The identical twins Alex and Ryan are finger-licking good! Alex has a sour mean boy attitude that hides his big softy side and he’s one tender lover. Where easy going Ryan is dominating and demanding in the sack. Over all a heady combination when combined.

What I liked about Oaks ménage is that there is some build—well, as much build as you can get from 240 pages. Rachel Swift is a woman on the run who has been chased down and hunted by a one-time blind date gone wrong. He’s fixated on her and wants her dead, after he’s done with her of course. She can’t trust the cops, because he is one. When she meets Alex she’s immediately pulled in. Then Ryan enters the stage and the rumors of how the boys like to share women soon get her curious. However, Alex doesn’t want to share.

This book was tons of fun right from the get go, especially with Rachel beating Alex to a pulp with some roses. The guys trying to convince Rachel that she should be with both of them. When all along Rachel is plotting to make them see that she wants them both. This wacky and sexy tale takes place in fictional Bliss Colorado, where strange sexual flavors are OK and the nudists from the nudist colony are always scaring the tourists.

This book is fun in and out of the bedroom giving erotica readers just what they were seeking in an ménage amour title. Maybe due to lack of a decent page count things move on swiftly, like Rachel excepting her two lovers. Either way this is tons of dirty fun! If the sex scenes don’t get your blood pumping the game of predator and prey will. As Rachel’s psycho wanna-be boyfriend sneaks into town ready to take her and her lovers out. Oak also builds up enough of the supporting cast that you can anticipate sequels—trust me you'll want them.

Sexual Content: Threesomes, sex toys, submissive sex, nudists running amuck, and plenty of dirty talk.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Two to Love (Book 2) One to Keep (Book 3) Lost in Bliss (Book 2)	Two to Love (Book 2) One to Keep (Book 3) Lost in Bliss (Book 2)	Two to Love (Book 2) One to Keep (Book 3) Lost in Bliss (Book 2)

Cover Coveting(9)

2011-10-08T22:01:00.001-06:00

Nightborn by Lynn Viehl

Amazon: Nightborn
Goodreads: Nightborn
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Darkyn, Book 8

Shera’s Thoughts:

While it’s still tacky, there is a definite improvement in this series’ covers.

Book Description:

N/A

Previous Books:

Raven Calls by C.E. Murphy

Amazon: Raven Calls
Goodreads: Raven Calls
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Walker Papers, Book 7

Shera’s Thoughts:

The artwork for this series is always so pleasing to the eye.

It doesn’t scream UF, but we all like good looking covers.

Book Description:

Review
"Fans of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files novels and the works of urban fantasists Charles de Lint and Tanya Huff should enjoy this fantasy/mystery's cosmic elements. A good choice."
-Library Journal on Thunderbird Falls

"Tightly written and paced, [Coyote Dreams] has a compelling, interesting protagonist, whose struggles and successes will captivate new and old readers alike."
– RT Book Reviews

"Murphy's fourth Walker Papers offering is another gripping, well-written tale of what must be the world's most reluctant-and stubborn-shaman."
– RT Book Reviews on Walking Dead

Previous Books:

Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Amazon: Sins of the Demon
Goodreads: Sins of the Demon
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Kara Gillian, Book 4

Shera’s Thoughts:

Saw this cover on ATUF a bit ago and it was in black in white.

This has to be the best cover in the series yet. Goodreads has the color version so I’m hoping that it will be published that way.

Book Description:

A LOUISIANA DETECTIVE OF SUPERNATURAL CRIME
The homicide beat in Louisiana isn’t just terrifying, it’s demonic. Detective Kara Gilligan of the supernatural task force has the ability to summon demons to her aid, but she herself is pledged to serve a demonic lord.

And now, people who’ve hurt Kara in the past are dying for no apparent reason. To clear her name and save both the demon and human worlds, she’s in a race against the clock and in a battle for her life that just may take her to hell and back.

Previous Books:

Now or Never by Michele Bardsley

Amazon: Now or Never
Goodreads: Now or Never
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Wizards of Nevermore, Book 2

Shera’s Thoughts:

Eh, nothing special.

I do miss the wicked cool cap from the last time. I feel gypped that it’s only a wolf that they’re trying to bribe us with.

Book Description:

N/A

Previous Books:

My Lord Vampire by Alexandra Ivy

Amazon: My Lord Vampire
Goodreads: My Lord Vampire
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: N/A

Shera’s Thoughts:

They were probably going for sexy.

Honestly all I can say is creepy.

Book Description:

N/A

Previous Books:

N/A

Eternity's Mark by Maeve Greyson

Amazon: Eternity's Mark
Goodreads: Eternity's Mark
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: N/A

Shera’s Thoughts:

Now the men get to look over they’re shoulders.

That should strictly be regulated to females only . . .

Book Description:

Sacred blood flows in Hannah MacPherson’s veins; she’s just too hardheaded to realize it. After losing a husband to the Iraq war, she’s squirreled herself away in a tiny town where she snarls at any man who gives her a second glance. But Taggart de Gaelson knows more about Hannah than she could ever fathom. As her assigned protector, Taggart’s grown tired of Hannah ignoring his messages from Scotland—and now he’s come to retrieve her.
The balance of the Continuum depends on a race of sacred creatures who maintain the strength of the portals. Only Hannah’s touch can release the hatchlings from their eggs. Sworn to protect Hannah from others who lust for control of the beasts, Taggart must win her trust. But as he battles at her side, can he protect his heart?

Previous Books:

N/A

Blood on the Bayou by Stacey Jay

Amazon: Blood on the Bayou
Goodreads: Blood on the Bayou
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Annabelle Lee, Book 2

Shera’s Thoughts:

Love it, love it!!!!

The first book was so good, and I love that they’re following that up with a wonderful cover.

Book Description:

The second book in a new urban fantasy series featuring mosquito-sized fairies with poisonous bites that drive humans insane.It's only been three weeks since Annabelle helped solve the murder of Grace Beauchamp, and in the process, she discovered a secret world of invisible, magic-working people who have decided she might have what it takes to join their ranks.
As best as she can determine, Annabelle’s attack by a group of fairies has infected her with paranormal ability she did not previously possess, including being able to mentally move objects and heal wounds. Her new abilities appear to have few negative side effects, aside from creepy dreams. But would that change if she stopped injecting herself with the mystery drug delivered to her by the even more mysterious Tucker, one of the Invisibles? Leery of trusting criminals with her health, Annabelle wishes she had someone she could talk to about the changes in her life. Enter Hitch, FBI agent and Annabelle’s ex, who’s back in Donaldsonville on an off-the-books investigation. Hitch suspects that there’s a government-funded illegal lab that’s developing a controversial fairy-killing spray that could adversely affect the existence of every living thing in the delta—including humans. And Hitch and Annabelle will have to find a way to work together if they're going to find a way to shut it down.

Previous Books:

Sparks Fly by Katie MacAlister

Amazon: Sparks Fly
Goodreads: Sparks Fly
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Light Dragons, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

I like the tattoo.

Book Description:

N/A

Previous Books:

Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

Amazon: Tangle of Need
Goodreads: Tangle of Need
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Psy-Changeling, Book 11

Shera’s Thoughts:

This series has suffered too long with these terrible covers. It is clear to me that this Singh is incredible to keep selling books with this butt ugly covers.

It’s all her baby.

Book Description:

N/A

Previous Books:

Cover Coveting()

2011-10-06T23:16:00.001-06:00

Wow!! I’m so behind on all the latest covers!! It’s amazing when you’re doing one thing to update your blog all the posts just seem to get out of control. So you might be seeing heavy cover spamming for a bit.

Also notice that the Author’s Thoughts bit is going goodbye. It’s to hard to haunt down what the authors think, and often times they don’t have anything to say. (There’s still quite a few kinks here. So, sorry about that!

All cover art is not final!

Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Amazon: Shadow City
Goodreads: Shadow City
Source: Wicked Sribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Horngate Witches, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

Filler

Author’s Thoughts:

Got the cover for Shadow City. Ain't it Purty?

Previous Books:

Warrior by Kristina Douglas

Amazon: Warrior
Goodreads: Warrior
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: The Fallen, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

Filler

Book Description:

N/A

Previous Books:

By a Thread by Jennifer Estep

Amazon: By a Thread
Goodreads: By a Thread
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin, Book 6

Shera’s Thoughts:

Love the creepy green/swamp feel of this cover. The best colors are always picked!

It still manages to capture my attention with such a simple pose.

Book Description:

Gin Blanco never thought she’d need a vacation from being an assassin. But a few weeks ago, she killed Mab Monroe, her nemesis and the most powerful Fire elemental in Ashland. Now, all the city’s lowlifes are trying to make a name for themselves by taking out the Spider. So she heads south to a swanky beach town, along with her baby sister, Bria, for a weekend of fun in the sun. But when an old friend of Bria’s is threatened by a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic, it looks like Gin will have to dig the silverstone knives out of her suitcase after all. But this time, her special powers might not be enough to prevent her from coming home in a pine box…
“Estep has truly hit the jackpot with this outstanding series!” —Romantic Times, 4 1/2 stars, on Web of Lies

Previous Books:

A Devil Named Desire by Terri Garey

Amazon: A Devil Named Desire
Goodreads: A Devil Named Desire
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: The Devil's Bargain, Book 2

Shera’s Thoughts:

There’s something wrong with him . . .

Book Description:

Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest...
...and no one knows that better than Sammy Divine, High Prince of Darkness. Once an angel, now cast down, Sammy's out to prove he's not the only angel who can be led into temptation...
Hope Henderson's sister has disappeared without a trace, and Hope will do anything to find her--even make a deal with the Devil. An ancient text holds the key to unspeakable power, and it's the Archangel Gabriel's job to make sure it stays hidden, even if he has to become human to do it. Lives, love and the fate of the world hang in the balance, as Hope and Gabriel learn that when passion's involved, it may be impossible to withstand a devil named desire.

Previous Books:

Wicked Circle by Linda Robertson

Amazon: Wicked Circle
Goodreads: Wicked Circle
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Persephone Alcmedi, Book 5

Shera’s Thoughts:

Not my favorite cover of this series. I feel like she’s going to start dancing up on table tops. Not kick ass.

Book Description:

The fifth in the exciting urban fantasy series featuring Persephone Alcmedi, a modern-day witch with a sexy werewolf boyfriend.
Persephone Alcmedi has helped her waerewolf lover Johnny unlock his powers. Now she must come to the aid of Menessos, the vampire overlord she has secretly marked. Beset by a trio of truth-seeking vampire sisters so dangerous their own kind keep them confined in stone, he now needs her more than ever...and she realizes her need for him. Seph has magical promises to fulfill for the waeres, multiple mundane family challenges to meet, vampire politics to confront, both the supernatural males in her life to balance, a dragon to deal with...and then a government investigator shows up to complicate matters.

Previous Books:

Dying Wish by Shannon K. Butcher

Amazon: Dying Wish
Goodreads: Dying Wish
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Sentinel Wars, Book 6

Shera’s Thoughts:

Oh, another naked torso. Sure it’s the backside, but can we get a little original here?

Book Description:

N/A

Previous Books:

Shadow's Fall by Dianne Sylvan

Amazon: Shadow's Fall
Goodreads: Shadow's Fall
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: (Shadow World, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

Very in keeping with the series. *sigh*

Book Description:

For three years, Miranda Grey-Solomon has kept her role as vampire Queen of the South separate from her Grammy-winning music career. But now, her dual lives are starting to collide, threatening everything Miranda and David, her Prime, have worked for.
To make matters worse, the entire Signet Council has descended upon Austin for its ten-year summit, bringing with it Prime James Hart of the Northeast, a sworn enemy come to take his revenge on those who defied him. As Hart’s machinations lead to outbreaks of violence across the South, Miranda and David receive an unexpected offer of help from David’s sire, an ancient and powerful vampire with knowledge that may be their salvation – or their doom.

Previous Books:

Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors by Molly Harper

Amazon: NGDBTN
Goodreads: NGDBTN
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Jane Jameson, Book 4

Shera’s Thoughts:

Clearly the sexiest of the covers yet!

Book Description:

Just as Jane Jameson’s unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of all things marital, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend Gabriel are coming along smoothly. But the road to wedded bliss gets bumpy when a teenage acquaintance is fatally wounded in front of Jane’s shop and she turns him to save his life. The Council pronounces Jane responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.
Jane’s kitchen at River Oaks barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen’s appetite and maintain Gabriel’s jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighborhood isn’t enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane’s newly deceased Grandma Ruthie has declared a war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly, choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake that she can’t eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.
Tensions inside the house are growing…and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel’s heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that at this rate, she’ll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of…

Previous Books:

Wicked as They Come by Delilah S Dawson

<>3 </>

Amazon: Wicked as They Come
Goodreads: Wicked as the Come
Source: N/A
Genre: Steampunk
Series: N/A

Shera’s Thoughts:

It’s like a circus horror book more then a Steampunk.

Book Description:

First in a steampunk-tinged paranormal romance series in which a woman is transported to a world where vampires are common and she possesses psychic abilities.

Previous Books:

N/A

Wednesday Wishes

2011-10-05T22:57:00.001-06:00

Man! I’ve been organizing my book shelves over on goodreads so I could better utilize them. It’s just amazing how many books they’re are. I really do have the never ending TBR pile. If only I could get a giant fuzzy creature to fly on to with it.

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Amazon: Cold Kiss
Goodreads: Cold Kiss
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: N/A

“It seemed so right. Danny was mine, I was his, and that wasn’t going to work if he was dead. So I would make him not dead, not anymore. I didn’t think any further than what it would feel like to kiss him again, to wrap my arms around him and bury my head against his shoulder. That was my first mistake. It also turned out to be the biggest.”
When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.
Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

Does this just not sound disturbingly delicious!

Frost by Marianna Baer

Amazon: Frost
Goodreads: Frost
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: N/A

Leena Thomas’s senior year at boarding school begins with a shock: Frost House, her cozy dorm of close friends, has been assigned an unexpected roommate: confrontational, eccentric Celeste Lazar. But while Leena’s anxiety about a threat to her sanctuary proves valid, it becomes less and less clear whether the threat lies with her new roommate, within Leena’s own mind, or within the very nature of Frost House itself. Mysterious happenings in the dorm, an intense triangle between Leena, Celeste, and Celeste’s brother, and the reawakening of childhood fears, all push Leena to take increasingly desperate measures to feel safe. Frost is the story of a haunting. As to whether the demons are supernatural or psychological . . . well, which answer would let you sleep at night?

There’s been a few nice reviews. Honestly it’s the cover, because this book does not sound too interesting.

The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams

Amazon: The Shadow Reader
Goodreads: The Shadow Reader
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: McKenzie Lewis, Book 1

There can only be one allegiance.
It’s her time to choose.
Some humans can see the fae. McKenzie Lewis can track them, reading the shadows they leave behind. But some shadows lead to danger. Others lead to lies.

A Houston college student trying to finish her degree, McKenzie has been working for the fae king for years, tracking vicious rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn’t her only secret. For just as long, she’s been in love with Kyol, the king’s sword-master—and relationships between humans and fae are forbidden.

But any hope for a normal life is shattered when she’s captured by Aren, the fierce and uncompromising rebel leader. He teaches her the forbidden fae language and tells her dark truths about the Court, all to persuade her to turn against the king. Time is running out, and as the fight starts to claim human lives, McKenzie has no choice but to decide once and for all whom to trust and where she ultimately stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war

It sounds amazing—the cover is pretty too! I’ve already pre-ordered my copy!

Unleashed by Sara Humphreys

Amazon: Unleashed
Goodreads: Unleashed
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: The Amoveo Legend, Book 1

What if you suddenly discovered your own powers were beyond anything you'd ever imagined...
Samantha Logan's childhood home had always been a haven, but everything changed while she was away. She has a gorgeous new neighbor, Malcolm, who introduces her to the amazing world of the dream-walking, shapeshifting Amoveo clans...but what leaves her reeling with disbelief is when he tells her she's one of them...

And shock turns to terror as Samantha falls prey to the deadly enemy determined to destroy the Amoveo, and the only chance she has to come into her true powers is to trust in Malcolm to show her the way...

Get swept away into Sara Humphreys's glorious world and breathtaking love story...

“Breathtaking love story” might be a bit of a set up for disappointment, but I just can’t resist where these shifters.

The Goblin King by Shona Husk

Amazon: The Goblin King
Goodreads: The Goblin King
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: N/A

Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?

He looks like Dean of Supernatural. No. Really. I’m that shallow.

In My Mailbox – Vlog16

2011-10-02T22:00:00.001-06:00

Don’t miss my long time coming Vlog Book Tour Part 1 and Part 2.

Books featured in video:

Goodreads:	Amazon:
All These Things I've Done	All These Things I've Done
Second Grave on the Left	Second Grave on the Left
Bloodlines	Bloodlines
Highlander Untamed	Highlander Untamed
Highlander Unmasked	Highlander Unmasked
Shadow Chase	Shadow Chase
Irons in the Fire	Irons in the Fire
Dragonsinger	Dragonsinger
Killing Moon	Killing Moon
Shattered Mirror	Shattered Mirror
All Souls' Night	All Souls' Night
The Night Dance: A Retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses"	The Night Dance
The Prince of Frogs	The Prince of Frogs
The Heart of Myrial	The Heart of Myrial
Beyond The Darkness	Beyond the Darkness
Empress	Empress
Narcissus in Chains	Narcissus in Chains
Book of a Thousand Days	Book of a Thousand Days
The Queen's Bastard	The Queen's Bastard

(Sorry, ran out of umph!) Dreamland by Sarah Dessen Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot A Norther Light by Jennifer Donniel Strange Brew (Anthology) Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore Knight of Knave by Andre Norton and Sasha Miller

Review: Sirensong by Jenna Black

2011-09-28T22:46:00.001-06:00

Sirensong (Faeriewalker, Book 3) by Jenna Black

Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
ISBN: 0312575955
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Sirensong
Goodreads: Sirensong

When Dana is invited to Faerie to be officially presented at the Seelie Court, it’s no easy decision. After all, everyone knows Titania, the Seelie Queen, wants her dead. But Titania claims not to be the one behind the death threats; and her son, Prince Henry, makes the decision a whole lot easier when he suggests Dana might be arrested for (supposedly) conspiring with her aunt Grace to usurp the Seelie throne. So she and her father better do as they're told . . .

The journey through Faerie is long—and treacherous. Dana thought it would be a good idea to have friends along, but her sort-of-boyfriend, Ethan, and her bodyguard’s son, Keane, just can’t seem to get along, and Kimber’s crush on Keane isn’t making things any easier. When a violent attack separates Dana from their caravan, the sexy Erlking saves her just in the nick of time . . . and makes it clear that he hasn’t given up on making her his own.

Arriving at Titania’s beautiful palace should be a relief. But Dana is soon implicated in an assassination attempt against Titania’s granddaughter, and is suddenly a fugitive, forced to leave her father behind as she and her friends flee for their lives. Will she be able to prove her innocence before the forces of the Seelie Court—or, worse, the Erlking—catch up with her? And will she save her father before he pays the ultimate price in her stead?

Review:

The love square comes to an end!! Nothing brings me more pleasure when a painful love triangle comes to end, or so I thought. It brings me greater pleasure when a terrible love square ends!! It is a great thing for this series since I love it so much.

What’s not so great is that it’s not Ethan who gets the can, no I think Dana actually loves him more. It’s my dear Keane, but in this case it’s OK. As a team Keane fan, I think I can speak for us all when I say he went to a better love interest. In defense of Ethan, he’s actually grownup a lot. The ordeal of being under the Erklings thumb has matured him, that doesn’t mean he loses those annoying-boy-wine moments. It’s safe to say he still gets on my nerves, but I can deal with him now. The role of the Erkling really gets confusing in Sirensong. His actions are still pretty self serving, but he does things that make you wonder about him. Maybe deep down—past his scheming and manipulative core—he’s a decent guy. Well . . . enough that I can say I don’t feel too guilty for swooning over him. After all he killed that nasty bargain about Dana’s virginity dilemma. Thank you!!

Another great thing is that Dana’s magical powers are used more and we get to see them develop. Her ability to make the Faye mortal is chilling, and she’s started to add a little more “physical” power behind it. The magic of the fairy realm also gets explored, though it stays firmly within the Seelie Court. It’s pretty much the standard “vision” of the fiarie realm. You know lots of forests, house made to blend in, the vegetation is commanded to move and do what they want, and the Seelie court is a towering fortress. Still it’s lots of fun, I for one never get tired of it.

While I don’t think Sirensong is as good as the second book—Shadawspell—it’s definitely another great entry to the series. However, author Jenna Black states Sirensong is the last entry. It’s truly sad. Black’s series has to be one of the most unique takes on fairies in the Urban Fantasy genre. Painful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about this series dying before it even gets a decent chance. Worse series get dragged out, and yet the publishers don’t want to endorse this one. Here’s to crossing my fingers that the Faeriewalker books will rise from the ashes and get a second chance. After all this book finished up enough not to be a painful end, but there’s clearly more places it NEEDS to go.

Sexual Content: Kana thinks a lot about sex, a lot. Dana has a few make out scenes and she walks in on someone(s) clearly just finishing up with a bedroom scene. There is elitist/family abuse in this book, at times it made me grimace.

Rating: 3/5 Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Glimmerglass (Book 1) Shadowspell (Book 2)	Glimmerglass Shadowspell	Glimmerglass Shadowspell

Wednesday Wishes

2011-09-28T21:51:00.001-06:00

Hunting for books is one of my favorite things. Finding a new title is my equivalent of "getting rich." Whether the titles been around for a while, brand spanking new, or just not that common Wednesday Wishes is here for me to share them with you.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Amazon:Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Goodreads: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: N/A

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Read a very unique review over at ATUF and I just couldn’t say no.

Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

Amazon: Witches of East End
Goodreads: Witches of East End
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: The Beauchamp Family, Book 1

From the author of the highly addictive and bestselling Blue Bloods series, with almost 3 million copies sold, comes a new novel, Melissa de la Cruz's first for adults, featuring a family of formidable and beguiling witches.
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.

Loved her Blue Bloods so I just have to try out her world of witches.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Amazon: Beautiful Disaster
Goodreads: Beautiful Disaster
Genre: Contemporary YA
Series: N/A

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.
Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

This cover is terrible. It actually makes me want to vomit in my mouth a little. However, a goodreads friend recommended to me. The kind that you don’t pass up a recommendation from.

Shaedes of Gray by Amanda Bonilla

Amazon: Shaedes of Gray
Goodreads: Shaedes of Gray
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Shaede Assassin, Book 1

In the shadows of the night, Darian has lived alone for almost a century. Made and abandoned by her former love, Darian is the last of her kind-an immortal Shaede who can slip into darkness as easily as breathing. With no one else to rely on, she has taught herself how to survive, using her unique skills to become a deadly assassin.
When Darian's next mark turns out to be Xander Peck, King of the Shaede Nation, her whole worldview is thrown into question. Darian begins to wonder if she's taken on more than her conscience will allow. But a good assassin never leaves a job unfinished...

Sounds wonderfully unique! Plus the cover is stunning and that red hair just captivates me.

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

Amazon: The Restorer
Goodreads: The Restorer
Genre: Paranormal Adult (Ghost Story)
Series: Graveyard Queen, Book 1

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe.
It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer—and to his other victims—lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warn him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

This one has been popping up enough for me to finally think it’s time to try it out.

Winners: Hades giveaways

2011-09-26T22:30:00.001-06:00

Much thanks to Macmillan Books and Audio for the fantastic chance to host a giveaway for Hades!!

Here’s the winner for the Audio copy:

Escape by Fiction

The winner of the hard copy is:

Ams

Congratulations to all the winners!! I’ve contacted both by email.

Thanks to everyone who participated in these giveaways!

Vlog Book Tour – Part 2

2011-09-25T21:20:00.001-06:00

It feels like such a miracle to actually have the book completely wrapped up with part 2!

Yet again the web cam gave was acting up, so there are parts that kind of froze. Either way I think it will OK. Everybody has been nagging me all week for the UF shelves.

Part 2 includes Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Mercedes Lackey, and my Shelf of Shame.

Phew! Hope everyone enjoyed!

Vlog Book Tour – Part 1

2011-09-19T22:52:00.001-06:00

That’s right everyone! Finally it is time! Or at least for it’s time for the first bit of my book shelf tour. So far there will be three—Youtube just upped my upload time so I might fit the part 2 and 3 to one.

Any who, I tried to cover all the suggestions you guys gave me. Closet up of all the books? Check. Book case overviews? Check. Explanation and intro of every books? Well sort of. I tried to be quick and not bore people to death!! (I may or may not have succeeded.)

Sorry about some of the bad shots. To avoid buying a codec for my camera and video camera I had to film this using my web cam. That means I balanced web cam in one hand and laptop in other. On a stool! I’m not the most well balanced person, so some shots are not clear. Plus, the cam feed started acting up so I couldn’t all ways see what I was filming.

Part 1 is my YA, Manga, and Epic Fantasy shelves. So with out further babble enjoy the show!

All righty!! Next up will be my famous Urban Fantasy shelves, my PNR shelves, Mercedes Lackey, and my shame shelf. Which should be uploaded before the end of the week!!

Hope you enjoyed!

Giveaway: Dreamland Audio Version

2011-09-18T22:24:00.001-06:00

More good news for fans of Alyson Noël not only am I hosting a giveaway for her latest book, Dreamland! Now Macmillan Audio is letting me host a giveaway for the audio book addition of Dreamland!

So a big shout out of thanks!

Riley’s finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer#8217;s dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it’s her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who#8217;s been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

Giveaway Guidelines:

Giveaway open to USA and Canada.
The is for one AUDIO version of Dreamland. Winner will be picked by Random.org
Giveaway will run from September 18th to 25th.
Feel out the form below!

Winner: All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

2011-09-18T21:49:00.001-06:00

All right, so my book tour was a bust. However, finally get my winner Icon up!! Got give me points for something.

Big thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing for the giveaway!

Drum-roll!! And the winner is

Chen Chang

An email has already been sent out to the winner!! Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway.

Wednesday Wishes

2011-09-14T21:53:00.001-06:00

All righty! For self guilt reasons I will not say how long it’s been *ahem* since I’ve done a WW post. (Trust me I’m feel’in the shame!) So I’ll just get on with it.

Look at my pretty new format!! I thought it would be easier to add to Amazon and Goodreads because I know a lot of readers stated I need to make that better.

To Walk the Night by E.S. Moore

Amazon: All These Things I've Done (Birthright)
Goodreads: To Walk the Night
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: N/A

Even a vampire has to face her inner demons…

Kat Redding is the very thing she hunts: a vampire, thirsting for blood, capable of killing any creature unlucky enough to get in her path. The difference is, Kat kills her own kind in order to protect human Purebloods. She’s good at what she does. Good enough to earn the nickname Lady Death—and the enmity of every bloodthirsty being around. But now a vampire Count is intent on merging his House with a werewolf cult to create a force of terrifying power.

Kat can’t allow that to happen. Even if it means taking on a den of weres and a vampire more ruthless than any she’s encountered before. She has the weapons, the skill, and a few allies. But that may not be enough to eliminate the Count before her own dark nature rises to the surface—and costs her whatever is left of her humanity…

The cover caught my eye first, but I was still going to dismiss it. Then that very first line in the description settled it for me. Female leads as Vampires just tickle me!!

I just love being in the head of one. Too much in UF the vampire is always a guy, or she’s dating a vampire.

Dark Companion by Marta Acosta

Amazon: N/A
Goodreads: Dark Companion
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: N/A

When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent urban neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true. She's even offered her own living quarters, the groundskeeper's cottage in the center of the birch grove.

Something's not quite right about the school -- or is it Jane? She thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She's also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets. Lucky is the gorgeous, golden son who is especially attentive to Jane, and Jack is the sardonic puzzling brother.

The school with its talented teachers and bright students is a dream for a science and math geek like Jane. She also loves her new friends, including hilarious poetry-spouting rich girl, Mary Violet. But the longer Jane stays at Birch Grove, the more questions she has about the disappearance of another scholarship girl and a missing faculty member.

Jane discovers one secret about Birch Grove, which only leads to more mysteries. What is she willing to sacrifice in order to stay at this school...and be bound to Birch Grove forever?

What is it about that over used private school, with lots of secrets, that keeps me crawling back?? No really, they’re starting to get old . . . but I love them!

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Amazon: A Million Suns: An Across the Universe Novel
Goodreads: A Million Suns
Genre: Sci/Fi Young Adult
Series: Across the Universe, Book 2

When Elder learns harrowing news about the space ship Godspeed, he and Amy must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, all the while dealing with the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. It all boils down to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Only got myself a copy of the first book recently, and I’m not a big Sci/Fi reader. However the buzz from the first book is all I need to know.

The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton

Amazon: The Perfect Play (A Play-by-Play Novel)
Goodreads: The Perfect Play
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Play by Play, Book 1

From the national bestselling author of Riding the Night comes an erotic story about love and the games people play.

The last thing event planner Tara Lincoln needs is the jet-set lifestyle of a football pro like Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand proved that Mick is an all-star-both on the field and in the bedroom.

Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a certified heartbreaker. But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind to catch this sultry vixen.

This cover makes my hormones go WAAAAAAAAA!

Everybody on goodreads has recommended to me, and I keep seeing it everywhere!! At this point I’m going to get my eager hands on it . . .

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Amazon: Touch of Power
Goodreads: Touch of Power
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Series: Healer, Book 1

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

Ah! Maria V. Snyder is an author that makes me foam-at-the-mouth-happy-dance-kick-up-my-feet-and-do-the-hocky-pocky-dance mad about any books she releases!

Trust me, when I saw this I scared people . ..

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Amazon: Fateful
Goodreads: Fateful by Claudia Gray
Genre: Paranormal YA > Historical
Series: N/A

In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets....

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they’re stalking him—and now Tess, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Featuring the opulent backdrop of the Titanic, Fateful’s publication is poised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. It is sure to be a hit among Titanic buffs and fans of paranormal romance alike.

Titanic, plus werewolves. Um . . . need I really say more?

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Amazon: The Demon Lover: A Novel
Goodreads: The Demon Lover
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: N/A

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.

I forgot to add this when it popped up in the Cover Coveting, but really it’s the cover.

By a Thread by Jennifer Estep

Amazon: By a Thread
Goodreads: By a Thread
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin, Book 6

Gin Blanco never thought she’d need a vacation from being an assassin. But a few weeks ago, she killed Mab Monroe, her nemesis and the most powerful Fire elemental in Ashland. Now, all the city’s lowlifes are trying to make a name for themselves by taking out the Spider. So she heads south to a swanky beach town, along with her baby sister, Bria, for a weekend of fun in the sun. But when an old friend of Bria’s is threatened by a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic, it looks like Gin will have to dig the silverstone knives out of her suitcase after all. But this time, her special powers might not be enough to prevent her from coming home in a pine box…
“Estep has truly hit the jackpot with this outstanding series!” —Romantic Times, 4 1/2 stars, on Web of Lies

Devote fan here! May I say how yummy this cover is!

Midnight Enchantment by Anya Bast

Amazon: Midnight Enchantment (A Dark Magick Novel)
Goodreads: Midnight Enchantment
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Dark Magick, Book 4

A QUEST FOR FREEDOM MAY BE DERAILED BY THEIR INTENSE ATTRACTION…
Niall Quinn, mage and the finest thief in the Black Tower, is the fae’s best hope for freedom. Only he stands a chance of tracking down and retrieving the missing bosca fadbh pieces from the Summer Queen. But he meets his match in Elizabeth Cely Saintjohn, who has taken control of the pieces on the Summer Queen’s behalf—and has refused to give them up.

Elizabeth is an asrai, a rare English water fae, and she may be the only one in Piefferburg stealthier than Niall. She has her own reasons for guarding the two pieces and wanting the walls of Piefferburg to remain intact—even if it means denying her fae sisters and brothers their freedom. Her mother’s life depends on it.
Torn between his duty to obtain the pieces at any cost—and the shocking lust Elizabeth has stirred in him—Niall must convince Elizabeth to surrender the pieces, or else he may have no choice but to destroy her and all she holds dear…

It was a long time coming, but I’m a devoted fan of Bast’s now. I’ll follow her anywhere, even to the end of this amazing series.

My Wicked Enemy by Carolyn Jewel

Amazon: My Wicked Enemy
Goodreads: My Wicked Enemy
Genre: Paranormal Romance > Historical
Series: Witches, Book 1

A desire that can't be controlled...Carson Philips is a witch on the run. For years, the notorious mage, Alvaro Magellan, has held her as his psychological prisoner. But once Carson gets a glimpse of the true extent of his evil, she flees Magellan's mansion--stealing a stone talisman of unimaginable power on the way. Her only hope for survival is a demon who ignites a voracious hunger in her she can't deny, a longing she can't resist...
A hunger that can't be sated...Nikodemus is a warlord with a mission: Kill Magellan and his green-eyed witch at any cost. But when he meets the desperate Carson, the pull of her magic takes his breathe away. He's not sure he can trust this tantalizing woman--she is his enemy--and less sure he can keep his hands off her. But Magellan will stop at nothing to reclaim what belongs to him. Can Nikodemus stop him before his desire for Carson destroys them both?

The author was originally recommended to me as a Historical Romance title. Of course I have to have the PNR version.

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey

Amazon: Dragonswood
Goodreads: Dragonswood
Genre: Fantasy YA
Series: N/A

Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.
Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.
In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.

The design team created this just for me. The dragon bit, the beautiful white dress, and the floating girl—it was like tossing gasoline on a fire!

All Hallows' Moon by S. Reine

Amazon: All Hallows' Moon: Seasons of the Moon (Volume 2)
Goodreads: All Hallows' Moon: Seasons of the Moon
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: Seasons of the Moon, Book ?

Rylie survived becoming a werewolf at great cost. She moves to her aunt’s ranch in the hopes she can enroll in a new high school and quietly continue her life... with a few distinct changes. She transforms into a beast every new and full moon and struggles to control her murderous urges. Without many werewolves left, it’s hard to stay in hiding. A family of hunters -- Eleanor, Abel, and Seth -- recognize the signs and follow Rylie to her new home. They want to stop her before she murders someone, and the only way to do it is with a silver bullet. Seth soon realizes the werewolf is Rylie, the one monster he failed to kill. Worse yet, he’s still in love with her. Torn between family and love, Rylie struggles to reconcile her feelings and control the wolf within while Seth fights to do what’s right. But what is right-- obeying desire or duty?

Scrolling through the blogs that I follow and I found this . . . not sure why . . . but I want it!

Giveaway: Dreamland by Alyson Noël

2011-09-13T21:48:00.001-06:00

Celebrating is always fun! Radio Disney is celebrating they’re 15th birthday (don’t look at me like that, it’s the only station my car gets) and around here Peach Days is having it’s 100th “official” birthday. So now we get to celebrate the release of Alyson Noël's fantastic new Riley Bloom book, "Dreamland".

Excited yet? I sure am!

Giveaway Guidelines:

Again another USA/Canada giveaway only!
Please leave a comment and fill out the form below. (Any information will be promptly deleted after a winner is chosen.)
Winners are chosen by Random.org
Spread the word about the giveaway!!
Giveaway from September 14-25

Good luck to everyone!

The Quiet Hunger

2011-09-12T21:35:00.001-06:00

Books and Babbles is a fun post where I can share anything about books, and just babble on. Or, even babble about movies, hot topics, whatever strikes my fancy.

It’s been quiet here at BW for quite a while. Sure I’ve been to a ton of giveaways, but not much else. That’s because I’m still doing that big update that I’ve been talking about. A lot of the regular posts are still getting worked on. Mainly the reviews. Right now I’m not a hundred percent on the formats yet—normally that’s not such a big deal. So the big deal is that all of the reviews will be adapting this format. That means once I get that new format a go, I’ll being going back and redoing all of them like that.

So I want to get it right the first time! (Plus I’ve been fighting off one heck of a clingy cold/flu. I’m barely functioning as a normal person right now.) Also I’ve got a ton of reviews on back hold, so once the format is done I’m hoping 1-2 reviews at least. Then if I’m really ambitious, and the Author Gossip and Cover Coveting stays low, 4-5.

So now for the Hunger bit. For those of you who haven’t been teased yet. Well . . . be teased.

Now for another tease.

I know I’ve been saying that my video blog tour is almost ready. Then a few weeks later I say it’s almost ready!!

This time I mean it. All of the video has been taken, edited, and now the final stretch remains. The uploading. Hopefully it will be up by Friday or Sunday.

Winner: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

2011-09-12T21:16:00.001-06:00

Again a big thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the giveaway!! So I won’t drag this out any longer then it needs to be!

Congratulations!

Krystal L

Winner was picked by Random.org and an email has been sent. Big thanks to everyone who participated.

Giveaway: All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

2011-09-06T22:10:00.001-06:00

Macmillan Children's Publishing is doing a wonderful giveaway!! You my lucky readers get to reap the wonderful benefits.

All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidentally poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

Pretty sure this has some kind of UF elements. The dead dad bit seems very promising. (Even without the UF bit it sounds amazing!)

Giveaway Guidelines:

Open to USA/Canada winners only.
Fill out the form below and leave a comment.
Then spread the word about this awesome giveaway!

Author Interview & Giveaways: Clark Hays, Kathleen McFall

2011-09-01T09:56:00.000-06:00

Recently I've had the pleasure of imersing myself in a new kind of urban fantasy and paranormal: comediac.

The genres are more known for there dark humor and gruesome tales, but everyonce in a while it's nice to talk a walk on the lighter side of things. For me The Cowboy and the Vampire was a nice slice. As it seems to combine romance, comedy, western, a little horro, and mystery.

So today I'm happy to get to interview the authors of The Cowboy and the Vampire, Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

BW: In your own words introduce yourself.

Hello, I'm Kathleen McFall, co-author of The Cowboy and the Vampire. I was born and raised in Washington, DC, where I was able to hang out in the corridors of the Supreme Court, wander the Capitol and visit the Smithsonian whenever I wanted. Career version 1.0 was as a geologist where I learned to keep my eyes on the ground and fell in love with volcanoes. Career version 2.0 is in communications and creative writing, including paranormal fiction. I read ridiculous amounts of books when I can, but currently spend every spare minute working with Clark on our next book — Blood and Whiskey.

Hi, I’m Clark Hays, co-author of The Cowboy and the Vampire. I was born in Texas, grew up in Scotland and then Montana on a working ranch. I did all the expected cowboy things — riding, roping, hunting and branding cattle — and the openness of the landscape instilled in me a love of clouds. I still spend most of my time looking up. I found my calling — writing — early and spent many years working in restaurants so I could focus on developing my writing skills. Currently, I work in communications and spend all of my spare time and energy working with Kathleen on Blood and Whiskey, the sequel to our first book.

BW: First off I have to ask if any particular cowboy inspired the leading man Tucker? Especially that “cowboy drawl?”

KM & CH: While it’s tempting to say Tucker is based on Clark (and Clark would certainly like for everyone to believe that), he’s really more of an alloy of all the various tough, fair-minded, good-hearted western men we’ve met and/or grown up with — either based on direct experience (for Clark) or through movies and reading (for Kathleen). We wanted to create a leading man who had the character traits forged from life in the new west, but who still had plenty of faults (like his commitment-phobia) and quirks (like his duct-taped boots). But in order for Lizzie, a smart and sophisticated woman to fall for him convincingly, he also had to be brave, reliable and trustworthy with her heart. It was the perfect combination to go up against the salacious and hedonistic nature of our Vampires.

At heart, the book is a love story between Tucker and Lizzie, but it his relationship with Rex — his sensitive and long-suffering cow dog — that really captures the essence of Tucker. Here is an excerpt after Lizzie is taken by the Vampires and Tucker is left for dead:

It was Rex that saved me. The creek must have carried me down a ways and might’ve kept me there until I was drowned or frozen or both. I come to with the sunrise on a little washout, Rex curled up on top of me trying to keep me warm, and mostly failing on account of he was so cold himself and shivering so hard I could feel his bones rattling into me. What I meant to say was thanks for saving my life, but what come out was, “Fer Chrissakes, you’re gonna shake me to death,” and I pushed him off. Judging by the tracks in the wet sand, he’d tugged me up out of the water and it hadn’t been easy. He licked at my face, happy I was alive and at the probability he would get a warm place to sleep and something to eat soon.

BW: Is Tucker your idea of the “perfect” cowboy, or is there another cowboy that trumps him?

KM & CH: The blueprint for the perfect cowboy was lost sometime after Gene Autry was born, but Tucker is probably pretty close. It would be hard to trump his sense of humor, loyalty and strength. One of our favorite movie cowboys comes close: Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under. Tom’s cowboy was self-reliant and good to the core. We also liked Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall because he was brooding and angry. Tucker is a combination of those two, with just a dash of Will Rogers thrown in because Rogers was whiplash smart, funny and a great writer.

BW: How did you end up deciding on The Cowboy and the Vampire as the name for this book? Were there few other titles you were fonder of?

KM & CH: We wanted something simple yet evocative to immediately let readers know they are in for a wild ride. A tension is set between the two iconic figures in just five words. There was some discussion with the publisher about changing it, but despite some heroic brainstorming sessions at a conference room in St. Paul, Minnesota, with some very creative folks, we couldn’t come up with anything better.

These days when we’re at book signings and other events, fans and new readers talk about the title. It’s hard not to pick the book up, although occasionally we hear, “Oh, I just don’t like Vampires,” which can be excused because they do tend to eat people. Very rarely, we hear “Oh, I just don’t like Cowboys.” But when we do hear that, there’s really not much else to do with that except feel a little sorry for them.

We’re currently working on the sequel, Blood and Whiskey, and pondering how to handle the title. Should it be The Cowboy and the Vampire: Blood and Whiskey or just Blood and Whiskey? Suggestions?

BW: The Cowboy and the Vampire is a comedic mixture of paranormal, western, romance, and a dash of horror. Did you intend for it to be such a fun mixture of genres, or was that just something that happened as you wrote it?

KM & CH: It was absolutely intentional. Part of the “opposites attract” nature of our own relationship is that we bring such different perspectives to the process. Kathleen really has almost no sense of humor (it may have been surgically removed when she was little —just joking!) and Clark has what could be charitably described as an abundance of (bad) humor (not joking). At first, we feared they might cancel each other out but luckily that didn’t happen. Kathleen’s dark side amplified the humor and, given the bloody spectacle of a mass turning in a Manhattan art gallery, vice versa.

BW: When you're in a writing jam, is there a particular author you look to for inspiration? One that makes you ask, "What would ‘insert author's name here’ do?"

KM: What would John le Carré do? He never fails to combine exquisite writing with page-turning stories.

CH: What would Victor Hugo do? I consider him one of the finest storytellers of all time (I still get a little misty eyed at the end of The Hunchback of Notre Dame) but if I get stuck, I’m probably most likely to just ask Kathleen for help.

BW: Were there any parts that were particularly hard to write?

KM & CH: The Cowboy and the Vampire came to us pretty quickly. We had a good idea of where we wanted to go with it and the characters refused to be quieted for long. Sure, there were rough patches that required extra work and a lot of back and forth, but we are both prolific word-generators and we feed on a competitive, creative energy that gets rolling between us. It took about a year, from concept to finished manuscript. Blood and Whiskey is taking us a little longer because of the demands of our day jobs; we wrote a strong first draft in about six months. Now we’re deeply involved in editing. And the blog tour, of course.

BW: When was it that the allure of vampires first captured your imagination?

KM & CH: Clark still remembers a movie (the title long forgotten) that aired when he was little (maybe 8?) and living in Scotland. There were Vampires, and there was nudity, a combination that seared his young brain forever. Kathleen came into the Vampire world from the other side, pursuing an interest in religious motivations and what it means to be human that opened her creative energies to the myth of the undead.

BW: For you personally, not your characters, between a vampire love interest and a werewolf love interest which do you prefer? (What team are you on? Team Vampire or Team Werewolf.)

KM & CH: Team Vampire, no question. We love dogs, so let’s just get that out in the open, but we never feel even the slightest romantic attraction to them. When they hump our legs, for example, we tend to make them stop. Also, fleas — enough said. Vampires, while they may look at us, salivating, as prey, they know a thing or two about pleasure and desire. Creatures that revel in hedonistic abandon and live, errr, un-live, to take pleasure from others don’t mind sharing a bit as well. Our Vampires, in particular, trigger all sorts of passionate feelings in humans even as they drain their blood. That’s why so many humans are willing to let themselves be parasitized — blood loss is a small price to play for earth-rattling orgasms.

BW: Go wild! Let us know something funny about you, share something that's on your mind, or anything else that's important about your books.

KM & CH: We spend a lot of time thinking about, and writing about, paranormal occurrences, but we don’t typically expect to experience them first hand. On a recent trip to southern Oregon to visit Plush, a tiny, tiny town in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the state where sunstones are mined, we stayed at a hot springs “resort.” It had once been a sanitarium a hundred years earlier, an odd location since the nearest town was hundreds of miles of away across an endless expanse of sagebrush. The facilities hadn’t been renovated since its glory days and the pool was tepid, sulfurous and filled with algae. A rubber hose gurgled in the spring water and heavy plastic fluttered in the frames of empty windows surrounding the pool. The rooms were tiny and hot and when we turned on the lights there were about thousands of hungry mosquitoes as big as sparrows perched on walls speckled with the blood of their ancestors. We went on a killing spree with wet towels. We finally killed most of them and, with no television reception, settled down to try and get some sleep. Just about the time we dozed off, the people upstairs began clomping around. Clark banged on the wall and they quieted down. Back to sleep, but pretty soon they were at it again. It was a long night of listening to them thumping around upstairs so we weren’t very happy, or rested, when we woke up the next morning. Then we noticed something alarming. There was no top floor!

BW: You two crack me up! Thanks for such a wonderful interview.

Giveaway:

Reporter Lizzie Vaughan doesn’t realize it, but she has 2,000 years of royal Vampiric blood coursing through her veins. Neither she nor Tucker, her cowboy lover, has any idea that Julius, the leader of the undead, has a diabolical plan to reign over darkness for all eternity—with Lizzie at his side.

Lizzie battles for her life—and her soul—as she and Tucker find themselves caught up in a vampire war, pursued by hordes of Julius’ maniacal, bloodthirsty followers.

Giveaway rules:

Giveaways include 1 signed first edition of the original publication from 1999 and 5signed copies of the current paperback edition Open to US Shipping.

Open to US only.
Please leave a comment below (you also get bonus entries by stopping at other tour stops.)
Click the link below to enter the contest.

Enter to win The Cowboy and The Vampire

Giveaway: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

2011-08-30T23:33:00.001-06:00

In celebration of the release of 'HADES' Macmillan Children's Publishing Group has a new trailer, and a giveaway!

Bethany and Xavier are even closer since battling Jake Thorn and his evil influence (in Halo) and Beth and her angel siblings must still protect Venus Cove from the Dark Forces.

When a party game – a séance – inadvertently releases Jake from the Underworld, he disguises himself and tricks Beth into taking a ride on his motorcycle. When the highway opens up and swallows them, Beth learns too late that she’s now a prisoner in hell. What happens to angels there? As her archangel brother, Gabriel, her sister Ivy, Xavier, and her best friend, Molly search for her, Beth must weigh Jake’s bargaining for her freedom: one night with him, and she will be released back to Earth.
Can Jake be trusted in this wager? And is he also using Beth to engineer the fall of the archangel Gabriel? Xavier has already lost one love – when Jake tricks him into thinking that Bethany is dead, his grief and anger result in a betrayal that will leave Bethany – and readers – wondering if he is so good after all.

It will be up to Beth to use everything she’s learned about her powers as an angel – and about love – to free herself and those she loves from the clutches of Hades

This is for one copy of Hades! The winner will be chosen by Random.org. All information entered in the form below will be promptly deleted once a winner is chosen.

Rules:

This is for US and Canadian mailing addresses only.
Please leave comment to keep track of if you’ve entered or not. (Quite a few people tend to re-enter and you will be deleted if you do so!)
Giveaway is from September 1st to 12th.
Fill out the form below!

In My Mailbox – Vlog 15

2011-08-28T22:16:00.001-06:00

The new Delirium cover.

Get the goodies:

Amazon:	Goodreads:
Death Most Definite (Death Works)	Death Most Definite
Hexed: The Iron Druid Chronicles	Hexed
Hammered: The Iron Druid Chronicles	Hammered
The Iron Palace: The Shadowed Path: Book 3	The Iron Palace
Dead on the Delta	Dead on the Delta
Delirium	Delirium
Before I Fall	Before I Fall
Ascendant	Ascendant
The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire, Book 1)	The Greyfriar

Cover Coveting(6)

2011-08-24T22:38:00.001-06:00

All cover art is not final.

That’s right more covers. It feels like I’m not getting anytime for reviews anymore!! Oh, well. I can live with it for more covers.

Flesh and Blood by Kristen Painter

Amazon: Flesh and Blood (House of Comarré)
Goodreads: Flesh and Blood
Source: Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: House of Comarré, Book 2

Shera’s Thoughts:

Guilty confession, when these covers came out I was too busy drooling over them I forgot to post them!

Even cooler then the first. It’s the awesomest cover ever. This is one that you’ll always be comparing other covers to.

Author’s Thoughts:

N/A

Previous Books:

Bad Blood by Kristen Painter

Amazon: Bad Blood (House of Comarré)
Goodreads: N/A
Source: Bad Blood
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: House of Comarré, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

Ooo, even better then the last.

It’s so fun wondering where the ribbon will pop up next.

Author’s Thoughts:

N/A

Previous Books:

Bewitching by Alex Flinn

Amazon: Bewitching
Goodreads: Bewitching
Source: ATUF
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: Kendra Chronicles, Book 1

Shera’s Thoughts:

Finally Flinn gets a decent cover.

Author’s Thoughts:

It's not completely final. For example, it will say #1 New York Times bestselling author, but I'm guessing only my publisher and my mom would notice that difference.

Books you might want to read before this one:

Knight’s Curse by Karen Duvall

Amazon: Knight's Curse (Luna Books)
Goodreads: Knight's Curse
Source: ATUF
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Debut

Shera’s Thoughts:

Very cool idea with the stain glass window.

Yet it’s just not doing it for me.

Author’s Thoughts:

N/A

Previous Books:

N/A

Airel by Aaron Patterson & Chris White

Amazon: Airel
Goodreads: Airel
Source: ATUF
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: Ariel Saga, Book 1

Shera’s Thoughts:

Oooo, ahhhhhhh. Now this is rich and dramatic. Just when you think they can’t do anything more for the prom dresses. They pull it back in the game!

Author’s Thoughts:

N/A

Previous Books:

N/A

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

Amazon: A Beautiful Evil
Goodreads: A Beautiful Evil
Source: ATUF
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: Gods and Monsters, Book 2

Shera’s Thoughts:

This is such a huge step up from the first book’s cover. Feels like the need to do a makeover.

Oh, and speaking of feelings—feels like a deja vu. Remember the Shifting cover. A Beautiful Evil definitely pulls out better.

The Deja vu cover:

Previous Books:

Author Gossip(2) & Cover Coveting(4)

2011-08-23T23:44:00.001-06:00

Cha-cha-cha changes! And I wasn’t kidding!

As you can see the the blog has gone under some modifications and now some of the posting styles. Let me know what you think. Right now I’m aiming for a more polished look. Hopefully.

Certain books you’re just waiting about the news that they’ve been optioned for a movie. Others you just know will never make it. Mostly certain PNR titles. However, if the relatively clean Sookie Stackhouse books can be made into dirty HBO junk it starts giving you hope. One of those hopeful titles is now getting some daylight.

Karen Marie Moning’s Darkfever series has been optioned by Dreamworks!! The buzz has been all over the place. So I feel the need to be a kill joy. You’ll remember quite a long while back—probably only I remember—that I posted that 20th Century Fox under its New Regency banner had acquired the rights. That’s the problem, rights get acquired all the time, there’s no guarantee that it will actually make it to the big screen. So until the director is picked, and the script writer gets fired up, I won’t hold my breath.(Source)

On the shorter side the fabulous Anya Bast will be starting a new series called Brotherhood of the Damned. The first book is called Embraced of the Damned. Not much has been released about the series. So far I’m convinced it’s a vampire themed series. She’s done Witches and Fairies, with all new twists. So I’m hoping she’ll add her own spin on Vampires or Werewolves next.

It’s sad to see the Dark Magick series coming to an end, but I know Bast will keep us on our toes for her new series!

All cover art is not final!!

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Get the book: Bloodrose: A Nightshade Novel
Source: Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: Nightshade, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

Pretty sure I’ve posted this before, but a pretty cover is ment to be shared.

Author’s Thoughts:

N/A

Previous Books:

Witchful Thinking by H.P. Mallory

Get the book: Witchful Thinking
Source: N/A
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Jolie Wilkins, book 3

Shera’s Thoughts: These area tad to cartoony and childish for me. However, this has to be the best cover this series has recieved!

Author’s Thoughts:

N/A

Previous Books:

Horizan by Sophie Littlefield

Get the book: N/A
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Dystopian with Zombies
Series: Aftertime, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

This series has pretty awesome zombie covers. By that I mean I don’t want to throw the cover across the room!

Zombies on covers freak me out.

Author’s Thoughts:

N/A

Previous Books:

Tempted by Blood by Laurie London

Get the book: Tempted by Blood
Source: Wicked Scribes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Sweetblood, Book 3

Shera’s Thoughts:

Stunning indeed. Yet the lighting and the blue hew don’t mix well.

I’ll take the authors lead and get lost in his eyes.

Author’s Thoughts:

I wasn't sure I had the okay to show the cover for Jackson and Arianna's story, Tempted By Blood, but it's showing up out there, so I wanted to make sure you all saw it. It's the third book in the Sweetblood series and it'll be out early next year. I'm loving this cover!!!
Originally scheduled for release in February (some digital catalogs have it listed for late January), it might actually get moved to March, depending on my publisher's schedule. I should have an official release date soon. And when I do, I'll let you know.

In the meantime, I'm going to get lost in those eyes...

Previous Books:

For the Love of Movies

2011-08-20T20:33:00.001-06:00

Books and Babbles is a fun post where I can share anything about books, and just babble on. Or, even babble about movies, hot topics, whatever strikes my fancy.

My second addiction next to books will always be movies/TV shows/anime. So it pleases me to share some fantastic trailers for some up coming movies!!

So glad they did not call this Ninjas and Cowboys. But anyway, ninja and cowboys the truth will come . . .

Really excited for this one, I love anything with Greek mythology. Though I’m a little worried that it’s by the guy who did 300. I have a love hate relationship with it. Loved it, but hated it at the same time.

Love anything that’s Underworld, I’ve never been leery about this series. However, I am here. This takes us 12 years into the future. Michael and Selena somehow get captured (really how is that possible) and now humans are hunting the monsters.

Come on, the birth of the “vibrator” you know you want to watch it!

Cha-cha-cha Changes

2011-08-18T14:35:00.000-06:00

If you haven't noticed Book Whispers has been a little quiet since this weeks In My Mailbox post. Don't worry I am not going off the radar. Right now I've been updating the site. So far just minor codes and things you can’t see from where you’re sitting.

However, I'm putting this notice up to let readers know the drastic changes are coming. Certain posts are going live. Wednesday Wishes and In My Mailbox post will still be on their scheduled days. However Books and Babbles and Author Gossip will be going live. This will help out with getting news faster.

Also some physical changes will be taking place. The general look will stay the same, because I'm still fond of the logo and background ect. Book Whispers is going two columned so it's not so cluttered. That means more posting space and the sidebar will be bigger! (Which will help to bring attention to more giveaways and interviews that I’m planning.) Also I'll be getting an About page--not really exciting for anyone but me. The exciting part for you is that a feedback page will be up, and you can criticize me without giving any of your information.

So changes are coming, hopefully for the better.

Winner: Hard Spell

2011-08-17T22:51:00.001-06:00

Thank you to everyone who entered and to Justin Gustainis who supplied the copy for the giveaway!!

Winner:

Lisa's Loves (Books of Course)

Congratulations!! (An email has already been sent to the winner.)