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Monday, October 29, 2012

Book Review (Guest Reviewer): Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith


Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
By Seth Grahame-Smith

Synopsis: 
When Abraham Lincoln was nine years old, his mother died from an ailment called the "milk sickness." Only later did he learn that his mother's deadly affliction was actually the work of a local vampire, seeking to collect on Abe's father's unfortunate debts.

When the truth became known to the young Abraham Lincoln, he wrote in his journal: henceforth my life shall be one of rigorous study and devotion. I shall become learned in all things—a master of mind and body. And this mastery shall have but one purpose."

While Abraham Lincoln is widely lauded for reuniting the North with the South and abolishing slavery from our country, no one has ever understood his valiant fight for what it really was. That is, until Seth Grahame-Smith stumbled uponThe Journal of Abraham Lincoln, and became the first living person to lay eyes on it in more than 140 years.

Using the journal as his guide and writing in the grand biographical style of Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough, Seth has reconstructed the true life story of our greatest president for the first time—all while revealing the hidden history behind the Civil War, and uncovering the massive role vampires played in the birth, growth, and near-death of our nation.

Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Paul's Review:
I was very skeptical when I first saw the title of this book, and I dismissed it muttering something to myself along the lines of ‘What a crock!’

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Book Review: Creed by Kristen Ashley


Creed
(Unfinished Heroes, Bk #2)
By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis: 
Way too young, eleven year old Tucker Creed and his six year old neighbor, Sylvie Bissenette, find they have something awful in common. Creed then decides he’s going to do everything in his limited power to shield his Sylvie from her ordeal. So he does and Creed and Sylvie form a bond that grows and blossoms with their ages.

They plot to leave their lives behind, the town they live in that will hold them down and the histories they share that, unless they break free, will bury them. Sylvie goes to their special place, Creed never shows and she doesn't see him again until it’s too late.

With Creed gone, Sylvie is forced to endure a nightmare and do the unspeakable to end it. To deal, she develops a hard shell with sharp edges that very few can break through. So when Creed again finds his Sylvie, he discovers the girl he loved is locked away and he has to find his way back into her heart without getting shredded in the process.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 

Wow! Definitely different!  Kristen said it herself several times; this one was going to be different! The truth is the series itself is different. The series is called “Unfinished Heroes” for a reason. If you haven’t read the first book “Knight”, I highly recommend it (review here)! You can find the review for it here. “Creed” was different even within the series. Based on the name and with the focus being on the hero, you would think that in “Creed”, the hero would be in the forefront, but he isn't the main focus. She is! The heroine, Sylvie. Again, Kristen (the Author) mentioned this and hoped that fans would like it. 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Feature and Follow, #3



"Feature and Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger, and ask a question, to be answered by anyone who wants to participate. We then hop around to other blogs, checking out their answers. It is a great way to get to know other bloggers. See additional info below


This week's question is:
What writing device or trick most irritates you when reading a book? For example, if an author employs an omnipotent narrator that is sometimes considered bad form.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Book Review: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter


Lord of the Vampires
(Royal House of Shadows, Bk#1)
By Gena Showalter


Synopsis:

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out. 

Nicolai the Vampire is renowned for his virility, but in a cruel twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” has become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remains is a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who can help him.

When the wanton vampire summons Jane Parker, she is helpless to obey. She's drawn to his dark sexuality and into his magical realm. But for this human, all is not a fairy tale. For saving Nicolai could mean losing the only man she's ever craved.......

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:

This was the first I read by Gena Showalter and I'd heard how wonderful her books are. I found this series as I searched for books by another author, Jessica Anderson. Turns out three of the four authors of the series, I've heard how great their books are so I thought "Oh, this would be a great series then!" The concept was intriguing and who doesn't love a good vampire story with steamy scenes, right?

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Book Review: Bared To You by Sylvia Day


Bared to You
(Crossfire Series, #1)
By Sylvia Day

Synopsis: 

Our journey began in fire...

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 

Absolutely loved this book. The characters were passionate, honest, "real", strong and had faults. Both the Heroine and Hero were individuals with baggage and are still dealing with the results. Loved that the Heroine wasn't annoying or weak (unfortunately, a typical behavior/characteristic in heroine as of late). She was a survivor and took charge of her life, knew what she wanted and stood her ground.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Book Review: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness


A Discovery of Witches
(All Souls Trilogy, #1)
By Deborah Harkness

Format: Audio Book
Narrated by Jennifer Ikeda

Synopsis: 
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY - please visit Readaholics Anonymous for your chance to win a "Discovery of Witches" and "Shadow of Night" double-sided Book Marker/Thong. (giveaway dates: 10/23/2012 - 10/30/2012)

Monday, October 22, 2012

Blog Tour: Kissed By A Vampire by Caridad Piñiero


Thank you so much Caridad for stopping by and visiting with us today! I’m excited and honored! I was introduced to your work via the “Sin Hunters” series which is fantastic! So of course, I was going to get your latest release “Kiss of a Vampire”.

Viviana: Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to write in this particular genre?

Caridad: I’m actually surprised that I ended up writing paranormals since as a kid, I was always afraid of horror movies and things that went bump in the night.  Even now I’m still afraid of the dark in certain situations.  So why did I go to the dark side?  I had been writing contemporary romances and wanted to write something very different that had suspense in it.  I figured, why not try something with a vampire and THE CALLING/REBORN series was born.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Book Review: The Officer Says "I Do" by Jeanette Murray


The Officer Says "I Do" 
(Semper Fi #1)
By Jeanette Murray

Synopsis:

He's a Marine...she grew up on a commune.

He always puts duty first...she's a free spirit with an unshakable belief in Fate.

He loves routine and order...she brings chaos and creativity wherever she goes.

They're going to balance each other perfectly--or drive each other completely, utterly insane...

On a wild pre-deployment celebration in Las Vegas, Captain Timothy O'Shay encounters free-spirited beauty Skye McDermott, and for once lets down his guard. Now his life is about to take off in directions he never could have imagined...


Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 
Fate is defined as “that which is inevitable predetermined; destiny”. Add that to the “Opposites Attract” statement and we got ourselves a fun, entertaining and a cleverly written romance novel! 

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Book Review: Oh, Cherry Ripe by Claudy Conn


Oh, Cherry Ripe
By Claudy Conn

Synopsis:

Cherry Elton was beside herself! Her own mother had arranged a marriage for her to a man she had never even met. She had no choice but to run away.

Sky Westbrooke had no wish to marry, but his mischievous siblings sorely needed a firm maternal hand. Yet, how could he court his unseen bride, when into his employ had come the most remarkable, enchanting governess?

And Cherry, playing at being a governess was smitten by the handsome, cavalier Lord Westbrooke. His stolen kisses left her breathless—yet, he was betrothed to another. Whatever was a love struck governess to do?

Goodreads
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Nobles

Viviana's Review
This was the first book I've read from Author, Claudy Conn. It will definitely not be the last. The story developed at a nice pace and it was great, easy read. I started and couldn't put it down until I finished. There were moments with humor, others that were heartwarming and oh yeah, sexy ones too!!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Feature and Follow, #2



"Feature and Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger, and ask a question, to be answered by anyone who wants to participate. We then hop around to other blogs, checking out their answers. It is a great way to get to know other bloggers. See additional info below


This week's question is:
When you step out of your USUAL genre what do you like to read?
Best books in that genre?

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Book Review: Never Stay Past Midnight by Mira Lyn Kelly


 
Never Stay Past Midnight
By Mira Lyn Kelly

Synopsis: 
"You are so wrong for me."

Levi had to agree--he was. He was leaving Chicago in a few short weeks. He didn't do commitment--ever. But everything about this night, this girl, was so good. So right. Until at 11:59 p.m. she got out of his bed, got dressed and left!

What had he done? Things had hardly started and she was off! Yet he was bored with simpering women he couldn't get rid of. Elise was a breath of fresh air. How was he going to find her...and get her back in his bed--for the whole night this time? It seemed Mr. Levi-and-Leave-Them might have found the one woman to leave him begging for more....


Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review

Imagine my surprise when I checked out the Goodreads Giveaway section and selected to sort through the ones I've entered by “won”. I actually won something!! Yippeee!!  I won this book!! Bonus, I got the opportunity to discover a new author.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Featured Series: Eternal Guardian by Elisabeth Naughton

As unrest in the Underworld threatens, seven warriors descended from the greatest heroes in all of 
Ancient Greece may just be mankind’s last hope.



I love these men, I mean books!! The series is enthralling! It has it all and it's perfectly balanced!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Book Review: Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton


Entwined
(Eternal Guardian Series, #2)
By Elisabeth Naughton

Synopsis: 
ZANDER — The most feared of all the Eternal Guardians. It’s rumored he can’t be killed, and he always fights like he has nothing to lose. But as a descendant of the famed hero Achilles, he’s got to have a vulnerability… somewhere.

Forces of daemons are gathering and have broken through the barriers of the Underworld. Now more than ever the Eternal Guardians are needed to protect both their own realm and the humans’. Zander can’t afford to think about what might have been with the bewitching physician he once regarded as his soul mate. But with eternity stretching before him, he also can’t fathom spending his life without the one woman who makes him feel most alive. Perhaps he’s found his weakness, after all…

Available for purchase at  AmazonBarnes & Noble and Smashwords

Viviana's Review: 
Absolutely LOVED it!! Couldn't put it down!! The characters are excellently written! The males are strong alphas yet have a sensitivity to them that is brought on only by the Love for their mate! The women are strong and confident! Which is a breathe of fresh air considering that they are usually written as the weaker sex. The plot is brilliantly executed with highs and lows (dialogue & action). I was extremely thankful that she didn't "retell" book 1 as this is a series and some authors tend to feel that they need remind the reader what happened in the previous book.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Feature and Follow, #1


"Feature and Follow Friday" is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger, and ask a question, to be answered by anyone who wants to participate. We then hop around to other blogs, checking out their answers. It is a great way to get to know other bloggers. See additional info below

This is is my first time participating!!

This week's question is:
What book do you think would make a great Halloween movie? 
Please explain in graphic detail of goriness.


Blog Launch Party Giveaway Winners Announced

Hi Everyone!!
I'd like to take this opportunity say 




Thank you for your support!
 I truly appreciate it!! 



Blog Launch Party Winners

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Interview with Charley Davidson and Giveaways


Hello Everyone and THANKS for stopping by!!
Today we have Charley Davidson here with us!  


For those who may not know Charley, she is a "Part-time PI, full-time grim reaper, all around badass". Well, that is what her Twitter account says. The thing is, she is a Private Investigator and a devoted friend. She is a consultant for the Albuquerque police department (her Uncle UB is a detective). Charley is a former member of the Peace Corps. She is also sassy, sarcastic, smart and yes, she is the Grim Reaper! Definitely not your "traditional Grim Reaper!" She doesn't wear a hooded cape, she's not a pile of bones nor does she come looking for you. She's bright, literally! Charley is a brilliant light that acts as a beacon to the souls of the dead. Some of the perks of being the only Grim Reaper in existence, lets see, she heals rather quickly, she has a fantastic memory (she remembers everything since the moment she was born), has always known every language ever spoken, able to sense a person's guilt or innocence, can read the emotions of others, and sees auras. As they say, with good there is bad. She's wanted by demons as the way into Heaven. That's a major one! She's also hasn't reached her full potential and she needs to soon. Well according to Reyes anyways. Who's Reyes you ask? Oh, he's the son of Satan, has known Charley since before she was born and oh yeah, he's in love with her. Minor details, right? Well, enough chitchatting! Lets not be rude to our guest. Charley is here!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Book Review: Bound Temptations by Shiloh Walker


Bound Temptations
By Shiloh Walker

Synopsis: 
Print edition of two previously released ebooks, "TEMPT ME" and "BEG ME"

TEMPT ME
She’s a temptation he can’t resist…

Roxanne ‘Rocki’ Monroe’s life is full of secrets and hidden heartaches. Cole Stanton would love to heal her pain and chase away the ghosts of her past, but she’s just a complication he doesn’t have room for in his life.

Or so he thinks.

It doesn’t take Cole long to realize he’s more than willing to let temptation get the best of him, more than happy to deal with complications if that’s what it takes to get her.

What he has and what he needs are two different things…and what he needs is Rocki.

BEG ME
Beg me…there had been a time when those words made her burn with desire. But now, there was only fear.

Once, Tania Sinclair’s life was almost perfect…But a couple of tragedies later, she’s barely holding it together. A car accident took away her husband, and an attack from somebody she should have been able to trust has shaken not only her confidence, but it’s also stripped away her fantasies and even made it painful to look back on her memories of her husband without fear.

Two years after her attack, Tania is determined to take her life back and the first step is taking back herself…her fantasies, her dreams, her memories. There’s only one person she can trust to do it, too. One person she wants enough…Drake Bennett, her husband’s best friend.

Warning: This book involves light bondage play, rape fantasy & role-playing. The acts between the hero & heroine are consensual, but they may not be ideal for all readers…

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Book Review: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost


Once Burned 
(A Night Prince Novel #1)
By Jeaniene Frost

Synopsis: 

She's a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:

I really did like it. Though I felt that I was missing something…… A few of my friends who have read the book LOVED it! Then I realized what it was…. I haven’t read the “Night Huntress World” series! Apparently, the Vlad from “Night Huntress” has a wicked sense of humor. I soooo would have wanted to see that in this book. That would have definitely made me LOVE this book.

Book Review: Charmed Spirits by Carrie Ann Ryan


Charmed Spirits
(Holiday, Montana, #1)
By Carrie Ann Ryan

Synopsis: 

Jordan Cross has returned to Holiday, Montana after eleven long years to clear out her late aunt’s house, put it on the market, and figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Soon, she finds herself facing the town that turned its back on her because she was different. Because being labeled a witch in a small town didn't earn her many friends...especially when it wasn't a lie.

Matt Cooper has lived in Holiday his whole life. He's perfectly content being a bachelor alongside his four single brothers in a very small town. After all, the only woman he'd ever loved ran out on him without a goodbye. But now Jordan’s back and just as bewitching as ever. Can they rekindle their romance with a town set against them?

Monday, October 8, 2012

Olde City, New Blood Challenge



Jenese over at Readers Confession is hosting a reading challenge to read the featured authors attending Olde City New Blood, an Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance lover convention for readers, bloggers and authors. I'm totally excited because this convention is being held in St. Augustine, Florida, so I'll be able to attend!!  The convention dates are February 8th - February 10th, 2012

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Guest Post: Claudy Conn

Thank you Claudy Conn for stopping by and hanging out with us today!! Claudy wanted to share with you some info on two of her books.


Synopsis: 

The Marquis of Lyndhurst was tired of women who were more attracted to his title and money than to his charms. So when he went to the Isle of Wight (at his mother’s request)
To court another eligible woman, he decided on a little game…
his cousin Robby would pose as him…
And he would pose as his cousin…a rake and a gambler.
If a woman fell in love with him, it would be for himself.
Only then would he reveal who he was.

What the Marquis didn’t expect, however, was someone like Jewelene. Lovely and provocative--intelligent and headstrong, playing a game of her own.

Each night she posed as Babette, the French Card Dealer in a House of Cards…oh Babette!

Add this and other books from Claudy to Goodreads
You can purchase Rogues, Rakes & Jewels at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Friday, October 5, 2012

So Many Books, So Little Time



How I wish I had more time to read!!! I’m sure many of you feel the same way. October is a very, very busy month for us readers!! “All Things Urban Fantasy” has compiled a list and there are 102 new Paranormal titles releasing in October. Yes you read correctly, 102. The thing is, there are a few there were not included in their list (i.e. Dannika Dark's "Impulse")!! AND that’s only in one genre!! Holy Cow!!! Again, 102 (plus some that were not mention so wow again on the numbers) within only one genre! So Many Books, So Little Time!!!!



Thursday, October 4, 2012

"Death and the Girl Next Door" Blog Tour


I'm totally stoked to have Darynda Jones, Author of the "Charley Davidson" series and now her new YA series "Dark Light" visiting with us today!! 

Here is the synopsis of "Death and the Girl Next Door": 

Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace.  Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home.  For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be.  Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it,  standing outside her house in the dark, night after night.  Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school.  Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity.  What does Jared know about her parents?  Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei?  And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?  Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

Welcome Darynda and Thank You for taking the time to answer a few questions. 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Dannika Dark's Mageri Series



The Mageri Series

The fabulous Dannika Dark, author of the "Mageri Series"  has provided us with the gorgeous Justus's character profile for the Blog Launch Party! But wait, there's more! She's also giving away a set of Mageri Key Chains (more info on that later!)! 

However, before we get to Justus (sorry, promise this will be quick), book 3 in the series "Impulse" will be released soon! I know fans of the series cannot wait and if you haven't read the first two books, you have time so hurry the heck up!! With that said, I had asked Dannika if she would share a snippet of "Impulse" with all of us. 

 Impulse Snippet: 
“I’m still mad at you,” I said in an unconvincing voice.
“Fire should never be tempered in a female because that’s what fuels her passion, causing it to ignite.” He lifted my chin with his hand and stroked his thumb gently across my lips. “All a male can hope for is to be consumed by it until there is nothing left of him.”


 Now onto Justus.................




Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Out With The Old, In With The New: Book Covers

So the saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover”. But the reality is that we do notice a book by its cover and may even judge it (at least at first, whether to pick it up and check it out) by what we see at first glance.

Whether they are by Indie Authors or by major publishing houses, the cover is a big part of the selling point. Many established authors are now ‘revamping’ some of their older and/or backlisted books covers and not just the cover art but the titles as well.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Darkness Devours Giveaway!

Hello everyone!  
I'm super excited to be hanging out with Viviana!  
Today, marks the beginning of her week long launch party 
and I just had to be a part of it. 
To help Viviana celebrate, I'll be giving away a brand spanking new copy of

Enjoy my review of the series and of the Darkness Devours.
Best of luck to all that participate in the giveaway.

     The  Dark Angels series is an urban fantasy series, written by Keri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson Guardian series.   Let’s not even get started on that series, this post could take up to a day to write, if I let myself get carried away.  Keri lives in  Melbourne (Australia) where she writes strong kickass heroines that get in your head and decide to hangout for a while.