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Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!! My reflection on 2012!


Another year has flown by and we'll look back to reflect, wonder what the heck we were thinking, wishing we would have done more, and sigh. 2012 was a great year for me as I got to meet many wonderful people who have helped me find my passion and given me that extra push, I mean support, to feel like I can accomplished anything I set my sights on! 

Though there were several "Highlights" and great moments in 2012, 
I'd like to share with you what started it all for me....

April 2012 - RT Book Love Convention, Chicago, IL

Friday, December 28, 2012

Feature and Follow, #11



"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 BOOK DO YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD READ? 
IF YOU COULD GIFT THE ENTIRE POPULATION WITH ONE BOOK?


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Twas the day after Christmas.......time to buy books!!


Ahhhh it’s the day after Christmas and all through the house, gifts have been opened, cookies have been eaten and family and friends have come and visited. It’s now time to gather our gift cards and go shopping!!! My hubby ROCKED and got me a B&N gift card and my Mom is AWESOME as she gave me a gift card as well!! Now for the hard part – WHICH BOOKS TO GET!!!!


Let me help you out with a few suggestions:

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!!!!


Wishing you and yours a very 
Merry Christmas!!!


Thank you all for your continued support and I look forward to see you all later!! 
Lots of goodies to open and time to spend with the family!! 




Sunday, December 23, 2012

Book Review (Audio): Shadow of Night (All Souls, #2) by Deborah Harkness


Shadow of Night
(All Souls, #2)
By Deborah Harkness

Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda

Synopsis: 
Shortly after Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont timewalk to London, 1590, they discover that the past may not provide a safe haven after all. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy Matthew Roydon, the vampire falls back in step with a group of radicals known as the School of Night who share dangerous ideas about God, science, and man. Many of his friends are unruly daemonsn - the creative minds of the age who walk the fine line between genius and madness - including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot. Matthew, himself, is expected to continue to spy for Queen Elizabeth, which puts him in close contact with London's cutthroat underworld.

Together, Matthew and Diana scour the bookstalls and alchemical laboratories of London where they follow the elusive trail of Ashmole 782 - and search for the witch who will teach Diana to control her powers.

(Annotation taken from the paperback edition of Book 1 A Discovery of Witches)

Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 
The second installment in the All Soul Trilogy does not disappoint. “Shadow of Night” continues right where we left off with Diane & Matthew traveling back in time to 1590 Europe in search of a witch teacher to assist Diane with her magic and of course in search of Ashmole 782. 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Book Review: Only in Her Dreams (The Oneiroi, bk #1) By Christina McKnight

Only in Her Dream
(The Oneiroi Series, book #1)
By Christina McKnight


Synopsis: 
When Lucessa Sarcona awakes from a recurring dream, she has no idea her life is about to be turned upside down. A stranger, familiar to her dreams, shows up in the flesh, and Lucessa knows she’s either crazy or experiencing something not of this world.

A war ensues between three demigod brothers. One, trained to rule Erebos, is violently replaced. One forced to return to his homeland and lead the dream-gods of the Oneiroi. And one is charged with the impossible task of protecting Lucessa. How is she linked to the Oneiroi? Why do two brothers seek to keep her hidden and protected? And how does another plan to use her against the two demigods who love her?

Will Lucessa’s dream man have the courage to claim her as his own or will he bow to the command of another, forsaking the one he loves?

Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 
I liked it. The story was well written and each of the characters had their assigned roles. I kept hoping to learn more about the Erebos world and how Guy, Darious and Maxim all truly fit into that world as well as what major part does Lucessa play. Though Hera and Zeus make an appearance as well as Hades presence is assumed (he’s never identified by name), that is the extent of the Greek Mythology. I was hoping for more. The world building wasn't one that I was wowed by. This story could easily fit into any genre, even a suspense romance as there wasn't a whole lot of paranormal involved. I think ‘wanting more” is going to be a recurring theme in my review of “Only in Her Dreams”. 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Blog Tour & Review: Love or Luxury by Heather Thurmeier

Love or Luxury
By Heather Thurmeier

Synopsis: 
Rebecca's life of luxury in Meadow Ridge is vanishing faster than the designer clothes from her closet as she sells them to pay rent--unless she finds someone to share her life and her rent.

When she meets Finn, the rugged, sexy motorcycle hunk, she thinks her luck is finally changing. There's just one problem--he's not from Meadow Ridge. Reid, her high school flame, comes back to town as the Meadow's most eligible bachelor with a tendency to spoil her and a gorgeous mansion--everything she's always wanted.

Now Rebecca's torn between Finn, the man who lives a simple life outside the Meadow, and Reid, the man who can give her the life she's always wanted.

Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Excerpt: 

"Hey, bro. How's it going?"

"Fine. Listen, I wanted to make sure everything is still okay for this weekend."

Colin laughed. "Gettin' a little punchy already, are ya? Boy she must be a looker."

Feature and Follow, #10



"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 HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BOOK BLOGGING THAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW BEFORE ABOUT THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY?


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Blog Tour: The Keeper's Curse by Diana Harrison

The Keeper's Curse
(The Keeper's Curse, Bk #1)
By Diana Harrison

Synopsis: 

After fifteen-year-old Emmy Rathers unintentionally summons a strange glowing cloud during a break-in, her mother rips her from her home, her father, and her world, forever.

When she lands in the rustic, militant land of Methelwood, she is told she's a crafter - a person who can perform magic by conjuring souls of the dead. But starting life over normally in the midst of grieving for the life she has left behind, while at the same time attempting to fit in in her new war-obsessed school, becomes impossible when she begins to hear a voice in her head. Complicating the matter further is the fact that the voice belongs to a boy at school named Breckin, who just also happens to be the most powerful crafter in the world, and the future ruler of Methelwood.

But that's not the worst part - suddenly Breckin's most hostile adversary is coming out of the shadows and trying to kill her. With no other choice, Emmy must travel deeper into this bizarre, dark world she is so unfamiliar with to find out why this is happening to her, and more importantly, how to stay alive.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.



Why I Chose Self-Publishing

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Book Blast: The Christmas Dare by Joan Chandler


Book Blurb:
Self-professed Christmas addict Gia Dixon, and by-the-book Ethan Castle have been best friends all their lives. When tragedy strikes Ethan’s family, Gia’s the rock he depends on to pull him through the darkest days. Then, a shared, long-forgotten memory leads to an unexpected yet tender kiss.  Can a simple Christmas dare help them find true love?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Book Review (Novella): Closer by Dannika Dark

Closer
By Dannika Dark 

Synopsis: 

Kane never believed in things like fate or karma. Not until the night he took a life.

Within the human world is a secret society of immortals and gifted supernaturals. Kane is one of them—a Sensor who experiences emotional energy through touch. But despite his good looks and easy-going personality, Kane lives a solitary life. Unlike other Sensors, he is unnaturally hypersensitive.

Touch brings pain.

Fate throws a curveball when a woman’s life is placed in his hands. Kane is suddenly faced with a difficult decision, each with its own moral consequence, and time is not on his side.

Could she be his salvation, or his ruination?

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:

I’m a huge fan of Dannika Dark’s “Mageri Series” and was extremely excited to find out that she had written a Novella and of course it was a must read!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Book Blast: Winter's Magic by Cynthia Gail


Winter's Magic
(Music City Hearts, #1)
By Cynthia Gail

Synopsis: 
Beth Sergeant and Nick Chester come from opposite ends of the social food chain. While he sees a rare beautiful woman without an agenda, she sees a wealthy playboy. Can he convince her to let go of her insecurities and take a chance on love, when challenges from his past force her to reveal her most guarded secret?

Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world.

After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda.

Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women Nick's dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick's past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Book Review: Luscious by Amanda Usen

Luscious
By Amanda Usen

Synopsis: 

A sizzling second book in a new contemporary series featuring sexy chefs. Newly divorced chef Olivia Marconi is balanced on the knife-edge of a major meltdown. A week in Italy with Sean, her hot divorce attorney–not to mention the fantastic food and wine–sounds like the perfect getaway. If only she wasn’t there to break her parents’ hearts by quitting the family business. Sean’s attention makes her feel brave, desirable, and adventurous again. But Sean is hiding something, and Olivia is short on trust these days. Can a romantic interlude in Italy turn into something more, or will it all go up in smoke?

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Nobles

Viviana's Review:

Italy, great food, gorgeous men, romance and steamy scenes all make “Luscious” a book you’ll want to read. However, there is a great story encompassing the above adding depth, a great plot and wonderful characters you’re sure to fall in love with.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Cover Reveal: Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein



What if the last place you should fall in love is the first place that you do?

You’d think getting sent to Turning Pines Wilderness Camp for a month-long rehabilitation “retreat” and being forced to re-live it in this journal would be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.

You’d be wrong.

There’s the reason I was sent to Turning Pines in the first place: I got arrested. On prom night. With my two best friends, who I haven’t talked to since and probably never will again. And then there’s the real reason I was sent here. The thing I can’t talk about with the guy I can’t even think about.

What if the moment you've closed yourself off is the moment you start to break open?

But there’s this guy here. Ben. And the more I swear he won’t—he can’t—the deeper under my skin he’s getting. After the thing that happened, I promised I’d never fall for another boy’s lies.

And yet I can’t help but wonder…what if?

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Feature and Follow, #9



"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 is the last book that made you cry?


"A Galactic Holiday" Blog Tour

A GALACTIC HOLIDAY 




Without a doubt, the novellas found in Carina Press’s sci-fi holiday anthology, A GALACTIC HOLIDAY, have a multitude of out-of-this-world concepts sure to please even the pickiest sci-fi fan.  But in between space raiders, androids and interplanetary assassins, there is one thing these stories have in common—love.  And while the hearts and flowers are definitely there, we’re talking about the kind of love hot enough to melt the ice on Pluto!

Cover Reveal: Tide Breaker by Sonya Watson


When it is discovered that Abrianna, an Amalgam, survived
the mass cleansing orchestrated by Destiny her life becomes less then desirable since her only options are to be controlled or die.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Release Day Blitz and Review: Her Heart's Secret Wish by Juliana Haygert

Her Heart's Secret Wish
By Juliana Haygert

Synopsis: 

With a renowned reputation as a player, she had everything figured out...

Twenty-year-old college student, Natasha is the life of every party and the reason behind many celebrations. The easiest girl on campus has all guys at her feet and more than a few in her bed.

…until he came into the game…

Having entered the academic world by chance, Professor Jason Stone is surprised to find one of his young students a huge temptation. The infamous Natasha has caught his attention. But is there more to her than meets the eye?

…and changed the rules.

As their unexpected friendship grows, so does their attraction to each other. When Jason’s Christmas plans are canceled and he ends up at the same party as Natasha, sparks flare, destroying the safe zone around them. Will they figure out how to break through their self-imposed barriers to be together, or lose one another forever?

Viviana's Review: 
Really enjoyed Natasha's and Jason's story. It was a cute romance and a good read! Natasha is a vibrant and energetic person who, like some, had a sad past which causes some of her self-destructive behavior. She has finally found a friend in Jason, who also happens to be her professor. Natasha has noticed a shift in, not only her feelings for him but knows or rather believes that her reputation would not allow him to take her serious or even consider her a love interest. Though the reality is that they both know that the student/professor relationship is enough of a barrier for them both.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Book Review: Kissed by a Vampire by Caridad Piñeiro

Kissed by a Vampire
By Caridad Piñeiro

Synopsis: 
For two thousand years, vampire elder Stacia has roamed on her own, haunted by the betrayal that turned her into a creature of the night. Her nights looming empty and eternal, Stacia longs for love, but settles for quick bites and sinful pleasures in South Beach. Until she comes face-to-face with the unforgettable DEA agent she once brought back from the brink of death. Alex Garcia knows that demons exist—the real kind, the kind that are kidnapping women and selling them into slavery. Finding those victims is his focus—not a beautiful seductress whose otherworldly abilities can't possibly be real. But when Stacia summons all her powers to prove what she really is, Alex will summon all his to believe in the vampire's kiss….

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 
“Kissed by a Vampire” is set in the hot, steamy, sultry South Beach, Florida. I was actually born and raised in Miami and South Beach had different meaning during the different stages of my life. This book brought back fun memories of hanging out with friends, dancing at clubs and enjoying the night life. Though there were (and still are) interesting individuals that are part of the club scene, I don’t think they were vampires. Though that would explain…….  Never mind.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Book Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare


City of Glass
(The Mortal Instruments, Bk #3)
By Cassandra Clare
Narrator: Natalie Moor

Synopsis:
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Goodreads:
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Viviana's Review: 

Book three and the original ending to what used to be a trilogy but now an ongoing series of currently 5 books “City of Glass” does provide closure for the readers and I will say I was extremely happy with how everything was tied up and presented. I can totally see and understand why Cassandra continued writing the series. There were so many opportunities to dive deeper into some of the characters, their own development and growth within the Shadow Hunter world. So many things occurred in these three books and she created wonderful characters that we’re just dying to know more about.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Book Review: Santa's Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan

Santa's Executive
(Holiday, Montana bk #2)
By Carrie Ann Ryan

Synopsis:

Justin Cooper wasn’t always the straight-laced Holiday Elementary School principal. In his youth, he broke all the rules and enjoyed being the bad Cooper brother. One Christmas Eve night he got a little too rowdy and things changed forever. Now the consequences of that fateful night have come back in full force and the myths of Christmas might be more real than he thought.

Rina Brewer is one of Santa’s elves. Not the tiny cute little toy maker, but the sexy, petite, energy filled bombshell kind. She’s come to Holiday to aid Justin in his new role as Santa’s executive, but as soon as she sees the sexy ex-bad boy, she realizes the job may be more than she bargained for.

As they work together to make this Christmas one to remember, an old foe has come to town to make sure that this holiday is the coldest yet.

Warning: Contains a perky elf who dreams of something more, a Christmas myth who may be a baddie, and a sexy ex-bad boy who craves Christmas cookies…and a certain perky blonde.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Viviana's Review:
Carrie Ann Ryan did it again. Created a great story with witty, sexy and charismatic characters that will keep you wanting more! Though part of the "Holiday, Montana" series, "Santa's Executive" can be read as a stand alone book. However, why would you want to. The first book "Charmed Spirits" was fantastic and you can see the review here. "Santa's Executive" continues the trend!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Blog Tour: The Shaman’s Mate by Donna McDonald


The Shaman's Mate
By Donna McDonald

Synopsis: 
Grand Canyon park ranger and expert tracker Jason Cloud always considered himself a good person, just not a religious one. After searching the canyon’s woods for months to find his wife’s killers and failing to do so, Jason decides he would bargain with any deity willing to help him. When an unfamiliar fellow park ranger walks up moments after his pleas for help and sets him on the right path, Jason sends his gratitude out into the universe for answering his call. The last thing he ever suspects is that the same man would return to abduct him and insist he make good on his promises. Jason is not opposed to helping the Chileaans, but it’s what they want him to do that’s the problem. With his wife barely dead, he is definitely not ready to have any sort of relationship with another woman, not even the beautiful Chileaan Shaman, who he is told is his destined mate.

Shaman Aiyanna has waited a long time for her chosen mate to be ready to join her, but she has learned to have patience about the matter. When she rejected the idea of Jason initially, the Great Mother forced her over a span of six human years to stand helpless in the portal between their dimensions and watch while Jason committed himself to a human realm mate. It had both surprised and hurt Aiyanna to see him happy with the woman, but it had also been illuminating about his character. When his human mate dies, Aiyanna finds herself grieving deeply for Jason’s pain and loss. Willing to do anything to relieve his suffering, but forbidden to intervene personally, Aiyanna is grateful when her spirit brother offers to help. The last thing she ever expected was that the tribal council would send Kiell back to retrieve Jason before the Great Mother gave Aiyanna permission to contact him. Now Jason hates her for and there is little she can do but try to find a way to release him from their destiny.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Promo Spotlight: "Closer" by Dannika Dark



Kane never believed in things like fate or karma. Not until the night he took a life.

Feature and Follow, #8



"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:
Activity! 
Who do you want to be? If you could choose any character from a book. What do you think that character looks like and what do you have in common?

Thursday, December 6, 2012

A Rocket Holiday Event by Darydna Jones

Darynda Jones would like to share a special story with you this December.

Welcome to the Rocket Holiday Event!

Exclusive Rocket Story and Giveaway!
During the entire month make sure to follow all the blogs listed below.  Each blog will be posting a special Christmas story written by Darynda Jones.  Exclusive art will accompany the story at each post. Each blog will have a different name on the wall within the art.  Viewers must keep each name or names found on each blog post in order to unravel the secret message.  Take note of the most prominent name(s) within the artwork.  Some blogs will have more than one name.  When viewers have found all the names they will then take the first letter of each name, these letters will need to be unscrambled in order to find the secret message.  Once you have the message, fill out the form below to be entered into an amazing Rocket Giveaway!

Win Big!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Book Review: Impulse by Dannika Dark

Impulse
(Mageri Series, Bk 3)

By Dannika Dark

Synopsis:

Almost one year ago, a Mage attacked Silver and changed the course of her destiny.
Immortals exist, and now she is one of them.

Within the dark and supernatural city of Cognito, Silver is living under the watchful eye of her Ghuardian and dating her mortal enemy. Neither man can protect her from a dark secret, one buried within the contents of a box. As rival factions struggle to gain control, she finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old feud that threatens to drive a wedge between her and Logan Cross, the man who intends to seduce her.

In an explosive turn of events, one life is saved and another is forever altered. Can Silver trust those around her, or are they hiding a dark secret of their own?

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Viviana's Review: 
I read "Sterling" (bk #1) and "Twist" (bk #2) in the Mageri Series back to back and had to suffer the wait for "Impulse" the third installment. Definitely worth the wait! Dannika has outdone herself. Each book was better than the previous one and "Impulse" was fantastic!!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Book Review (Audio): Rapture by J.R. Ward

Rapture 
(The Fallen Angel Series, bk #4)
J.R. Ward
Narrator: Eric G. Dove

Synopsis: 
Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they're over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion, too ...As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover's memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you're trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels's heart at risk, what in heaven - or in hell - will it take to save them both?

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:
Book 4 in the “Fallen Angels” series by J.R. Ward had been highly anticipated. All of the Warden’s fans were trying to figure out who the soul was that Jim and Devina would be fighting over. If you haven’t read it, I’m not going to tell you! Sorry… muah muah muah (evil laugh)

Monday, December 3, 2012

Book Review: "Twist" by Dannika Dark

Twist
(The Mageri Series, Bk 2)
By Dannika Dark

Synopsis: 

Months after moving to the mysterious city of Cognito, Silver is developing her gifts as a Mage, and learning how to live under new laws. Forced to give up her old life, she must now live in secret among the humans. She finally has hope of leading an ordinary life... until Logan Cross walks into it.

Their chance meeting leads her close to discovering the identity of the nameless Mage who once stole her light and discovered the unique power she possesses. That knowledge poses an unimaginable threat to Silver, fueling her search to find out who he is, before he finds her first.

Lives are at stake. Truths are revealed. And an unexpected passion ignites.

Goodreads
Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.

Viviana's Review: 
"Twist" is the second installment in the "Mageri Series". Silver continues her learnings of the Mageri world and the Breed worlds. She has also continued with her self-defense training and getting to know her Ghuardian, Justus and exactly how the Learner-Ghuardian relationship.