Friday, April 30, 2010

Review: Jessica’s Guide To Dating On The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey


Title: Jessica’s Guide To Dating On The Dark Side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Release Date: 2/1/2009
Publisher:  Harcourt
Number of pages: 351
Reading Level: Young Adult


Thanks to Beth Fantaskey and International Book Tours for giving me the chance to read and review this book.




Description from Goodreads:


The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancĂ©. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.



“Just remember, girls:  The young male vampire is a predator by nature.  Some boys may look at you not only as a romantic interest but as prey…”

Chapter 1, “On the Verge of Adult Vampiredom,” in Growing Up Undead:  A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions.

My thoughts:


I knew I was in for a treat when upon opening this book the first thing I read was an excerpt from a self-help book aimed at teen vampires.  Not that it should have surprised me. With a title like Jessica’s Guide to Dating On The Dark Side I was expecting fits of giggles and I got them. This book contains hilarious dialogue and snarky one liners. Jessica, our curvy protagonist, is sweet and likeable. I have to applaud Beth Fantaskey for creating a female character that is a size 10 and not a 2.  We need more average sized characters in books especially those aimed at teen girls.  Lucius is the hottie vampire betrothed to the lovely Jessica.  He is clever and witty but also a little dark. I dig guys with a dark side so Lucius was a hit with me.  The letters he writes to his uncle with the use of what he refers to as “Americanisms” had me laughing out loud.  Things do get a little angsty towards the end but the majority of the book is seriously funny.


Jessica’s Guide to Dating On The Dark Side is a quick and amusing read.  I’d definitely check it out if you are a fan of the vamps. There are some situations and language that might not be suitable for younger teens/preteens. I think this one will definitely appeal to adults that enjoy young adult novels. I very much enjoyed the sarcastic banter and the progression of Lucius and Jessica’s relationship.  This is a great book that I highly recommend.


Beth Fantaskey on the web.





Thursday, April 29, 2010

Guest Post: Author Cynthia Roberts


Please help me welcome author Cynthia Roberts.
She is here today to talk about her new novel Wind Warrior.





Hello everyone.  Like all of you, I lived and breathed reading romances … it filled many long, lonely evenings when my husband worked nights in law enforcement and I was raising our children Jason and Alyssa (now 31 and 29).  It proved my constant companion later when my “Cinderella” marriage of twenty-five years came to an unexpected end.  There is a quote I heard once I can’t remember verbatim but goes somewhat like … “There is no greater loss than a love once known.”

I’m a true believer that when tragedy strikes and you’re standing at the edge of a fathomless abyss and all you see is darkness looking back at you, faith lies in knowing one of two things will happen.  You can either let fear consume you, roll up into a ball and waste away or, you can take a leap of faith and learn how to soar like an eagle.

I’ve always had a passion for writing from that very moment a Crayola was placed in my hand and throughout my career in marketing, public relations and sales writing creatively came easy.  When my marriage ended at the age of 45, life as I knew it was never the same.  It was a time of unrest, uncertainty, losing friends and family and financial ruin because I also found myself jobless which continued nearly two years. 

Wind Warrior became my salvation.  One evening I sat in front of the computer and decided to write instead of read.  I loved Cassie Edwards Savage Series and read every one of her books and figured all I could do was fail.  It proved my therapy back then but not quite up to par to win the favor of publishers.  I received so many rejections I could have wallpapered a small room in my house and almost gave up on my dream.  That is, until I realized it just wasn’t my time.  I needed to live through and get beyond the pain in my own life before I could transform that experience into the kind of passion and emotion I wanted my readers to feel personally through my writing. 

Wind Warrior is book one of five of my Iroquois Series and will officially be released by Tate Publishing June 15th.  It is, however, available now for purchase through Tate’s website and it is my heartfelt hope readers will find it as enthralling to read as it was for me to research and bring to life.  Book #2 Captive Heart is finished and expected to be released the end of this year. 

Now that the writer in me has been unleashed … look out world!  If I can leave my beautiful five grandchildren any legacy, it will be the strength, conviction and passion put into every story I bring to life.  Please stay tuned for future projects which will include a series introducing contemporary shape shifters and two mainstream romance thrillers entitled Pawn For Malice and The Keeper’s Watch.

Wind Warrior
Tate Publishing
ISBN 978-1-61663-162-8
Available at Amazon and all other venues June 15th
http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com




"Leslie Michaels is a visionary, and only those close to her know of her special gift and the visions that come when her mind and body surrender to sleep. Fate has a way of righting many wrongs, and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically. But not before she is forced to flee into the wilderness to escape a murderous trapper bent on claiming her for his very own. Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions, until she encounters Winnokin, the handsome Seneca war chief who first came to her in her dreams. Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector, he teaches her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once again.
Wind Warrior plunges readers into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes while painting an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life in the 1800s. It is a story of longing, of a wanton need to survive all odds, and a love so strong it conquers human evil. Wind Warrior expresses with cunning words the simple, raw human emotions that hold readers spellbound and captivate their hearts.”

Thank you for stopping by, Cynthia 
and best of luck with the release of Wind Warrior.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Review: Sanctuary Lost by Moira Rogers



Title: Sanctuary Lost (Red Rock Pass #2)
Author: Moira Rogers
Release Date:  6/9/2009
Publisher:  Samhain
Number of pages:  140
Reading level:  Adult

My copy was received from the author for review.








Description from Goodreads:


If there's one thing that Brynn Adler hates, it's feeling helpless and vulnerable in unfamiliar territory. Three weeks ago, life tossed her into a just such a world. A world of werewolves she never knew existed-until she found out her sister is one of them.

The pack seems determined to hurry her back to the normal world of humans. But after everything she's witnessed, she's not sure she wants to go-especially if it means leaving not only her sister behind, but the one man who makes her forget her life is falling apart.

Now all she has to do is convince him to agree to a plan to force the pack to let her stay.

Joe Mitchell has been battling his protective instincts since he rescued Brynn from her kidnapper. Getting involved with her is a bad idea for a lot of reasons. She's on shaky emotional ground, and a supernatural war is no place for a human woman. He's not about to let her make a hasty decision, one that will only bring her pain and regret.

Now all he has to do is let her go.



My thoughts:

I enjoyed the second installment of the Red Rock Pass series even more than the first. When I first started reading I didn’t think I could love Joe more than Keith. Was I ever wrong! His sense of humor did me in. There is just something about a guy who is sexy and can make me laugh. Present me with that combo and I’m a goner. 

Sanctuary Lost is Brynn and Joe’s story.  Brynn is a law student who finds herself immersed in werewolf drama after she is kidnapped by a psychotic alpha.  Brynn is young, sassy, and completely endearing.  Joe is a total smart ass but in a charming way. You’ll like it, I promise! The chemistry between Joe and Brynn is intense.  It made this book difficult to put down. 

The events in Sanctuary Lost are heart wrenching at times. The authors managed to make me feel an array of emotions in less than 150 pages. That is saying something about their ability to tell a story.  It also contains everything I loved about the first book in the series. Romance, action, and fascinating characters make for a heck of a good book. This was a fabulous addition to a very addictive series.

Find Moira Rogers on the web!


Website |  Blog  |  Livejournal  |  Facebook


Bree’s Twitter  |  Donna’s Twitter


Sanctuary contains the first two books in the Red Rock Pass series and is available now!






We Have Winners!



Thank you to everyone that entered, followed, and tweeted!

The winners of a book of their choice are




Congratulations!  I’ve sent you both an email. 



Waiting on Wednesday (7)


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, 
hosted by Breaking the Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases
we are eagerly anticipating.

This week I’m waiting on,

by Erin Kellison
Release Date: 6/29/2010
Synopsis from Erin Kellison’s Website.

Death

Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence.

Wraiths

Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss.

Segue

Adam Thorne founded the Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow.

Twilight

This is the place between life and what comes after - a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.


What are you "Waiting On” ?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Release Day Chatter: Burned by P.C and Kristin Cast

Burned House of Night P.C. & Kristin Cast

Burned by P.C and Kristin Cast

"Things have turned black at the House of Night. Zoey Redbird’s soul has shattered. With everything she’s ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey’s fading fast. It’s seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her.  But how?  He will have to die to do so, the Vampire High Council stipulates.  And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left… “

Burned is the 7th book in the House of Night series. 

It is hitting shelves TODAY!

Read Chapter 1 of Burned here!

You can also swing by the very cool House of Night website to learn more about this series.

Don’t forget to have a looksie at the trailer for Burned below. If you like the song head on over here and download it for FREE!  Very cool, right?



Happy Release Day!




Monday, April 26, 2010

Review: Cry Sanctuary by Moira Rogers



Title:  Cry Sanctuary (Red Rock Pass #1)
Author:  Moira Rogers
Release Date:  10/21/2008
Publisher:  Samhain
Number of pages:  152
Reading level:  Adult









Description from the author website:

Keith Winston has come home to Montana to find peace. Instead, the veteran warrior finds himself fighting pressure to become the alpha's right hand. His attraction to a new wolf on the run sucks him into yet another battle between his instincts and his heart. 

Abigail Adler knew nothing about werewolves--until she became one. Red Rock is her only refuge, but she chafes under its rigid rules. Except when it comes to submitting to the passion Keith stirs in her body. With her sister in danger, though, they will both have to risk breaking all the rules. 


My thoughts:


To sum up my feelings for this book in one word would be Wow! Bree and Donna, the ladies that make up the persona known as Moira Rogers, have managed to create some of the hottest alpha males I’ve ever encountered. Keith Winston won my heart the moment he was introduced. He has just recently returned from fighting the war between werewolves and wizards. While trying to recover from years spent in battle he has Abigail Adler suddenly thrown into his life. 


Abby is a new wolf who is trying to escape her abusive pack leader. Things between Abby and Keith heat up immediately.  I’ll just say the hotel scene that takes place between these two lovely wolves early in the book is one I could (and did!) read over and over. Keith is seriously dreamy and Abby reaches a level of badass I can’t help but to covet.  


This book has romance, action, an irresistible hero, and an unflinching heroine.  Oh and I can’t forget the steamy scenes involving previously mentioned hero and heroine. The Red Rock Pass series is definitely worthy of a spot on my list of favorites.


Find Moira Rogers on the web!





I actually received a digital copy of Sanctuary for review but decided to split it into two reviews in order to avoid any unintentional spoilers. Sanctuary contains the first two books in the Red Rock Pass series and is available now! This is a must read for all of my fellow werewolf lovers. Look for my review of the second book in the Red Rock Pass series, Sanctuary Lost, tomorrow!




Sunday, April 25, 2010

In My Mailbox and some other stuff. (7)




In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren 
and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie.


Here is what was in my mailbox this week.


I won all of these from a Valentine’s Day Giveaway hosted by The Book Smugglers. If you haven’t checked out their blog you really must. They write some of the best reviews. 
Thanks ladies!



Time For Eternity by Susan Squires
Warrior Ascended by Addison Fox
Atlantis Redeemed by Alyssa Day
Naked Dragon by Annette Blaire
Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole
Succubi Like It Hot by Jill Myles


More pretty books!



Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr ~Won
Thanks Jami from YA Addict!

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus


Library Finds!



Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts
Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
A Spy in the House by Y. S Lee

Also I was interviewed by the lovely Ashley from Book Obsession for her Saturday Spotlight. You can read the interview here :) Stop by and say hello if you have time.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!  The last week of April is birthday insanity around here so if I’m MIA you know why. I have one kiddo turning 5 on Tuesday and another turning 10 on Saturday. Many cupcakes to be made :)

What was in your mailbox this week? Leave a link so I can check out your goods :)

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Let the YA Bloggers Debut Book Battle Begin!


I’m so excited to be taking part in the YA Bloggers Debut Book Battle hosted by Alyssa at The Shady Glade. She has put so much work into organizing the battle so stop by and show her some love. 

I’ll be reading and judging Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken and Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore. Both sound amazing so I know it will be a very tough choice. I’ll make an announcement around May 8th with the book I feel should move to round 2. Yes, May 8th which means I can’t blab until then. This will be a serious test of my self control ;)

Look! Aren’t they both so pretty!

 

You can also check out the very cool trailer (made by the lovely Alyssa) that showcases all of the nominees in the battle. 


The battle officially starts tomorrow!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Book Blogger Hop!! (8)


It is time for the weekly Book Blogger Hop hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books!

It’s a fantastic way to connect with other book bloggers.

A few super cool book blogs I’ve discovered thanks to the hop,



Bewitched Bookworms

See you at the hop!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Cover Chatter (4)

I noticed a new cover when I stopped by Cynthia Eden’s website earlier today. It’s for the third book in the Night Watch series, Eternal Flame.  The scheduled release date is 11/30/2010.  


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (6)



"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, 
hosted by Breaking the Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases
we are eagerly anticipating.

This week I’m waiting on,

I’ll Be Slaying You (Night Watch #2)
by Cynthia Eden
Releases 7/1/2010

Cynthia Eden returns to the realm of the Other, where the supernatural bounty hunters of Night Watch work hard and play harder...

Sandra "Dee" Daniels is a vampire's worst nightmare. Sure, she couldn't get up to five-six in the highest heels money can buy--not that she ever wears heels. But the monsters in her past and the stake in her boot are enough to keep most bloodsuckers interested in staying undead out of Baton Rouge.

But there are changes afoot on her turf. Rumors of a Born Master in town--a vampire so powerful he can make the streets run with blood. And a new face in Dee's dive bars and alleyways--Simon Chase, a strong, sexy shadow with a haunted past of his own. Simon knows a lot about the dark side of Dee's work. He knows even more about how to make her body spark with desire. But the hot lust shimmering between them is only the beginning. Because Simon also knows a secret that will change Dee's life--if she can live long enough to uncover it.


What book are you “Waiting On”?

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Review: Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery



Title: Chasing Perfect (Fool’s Gold #1)
Author: Susan Mallery
Release Date: 4/27//2010
Number of pages:  384
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Copy received from Net Galley



Goodreads description:

There is only one thing wrong with the charming community of Fool’s Gold, California: the men don’t stick around! This problem has to be fixed, fast, and Charity Jones may be just the city planner up to the challenge. Charity immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer – except its sexy, famous world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters she’s not about to take a chance on another bad boy…but it may just be what they both need!

My thoughts:


I have a confession. I’m becoming a contemporary romance addict. This is not a genre I normally indulge in but now I find myself constantly craving the warm fuzzies and dreamy sighs that accompany a well written romance novel. The more I read, the more I want. Chasing Perfect did not disappoint. This is definitely a story that will leave you feeling all gooey inside. Lucky for me gooey just happens to be exactly what I was hoping for when I started reading.

Chasing Perfect is a quick and delightful read. I fell in love with the small town of Fool’s Gold within the first chapter. I loved spending time with the characters in this quirky little town. Charity is a sweet girl next door type that is looking for a fresh start in a new place. Josh is a retired cyclist who is struggling to overcome a traumatic event from his past that is causing turmoil in his present. Oh and he is also a major hottie. There is even a little whodunnit side story happening which is predictable but still a nice addition to the plot. I couldn’t get enough of this book and am looking forward to the next release in this fantastic series. 

Susan Mallery on the web:


You can also find lots of fun interactive goodies on the 

Books in this series:

Chasing Perfect is available for pre-order on Amazon.

150 Followers!



I woke up this morning to 151 followers! Which is seriously awesome! As promised I’m adding a second winner to my giveaway.  You can find my original post with all the rules and the entry form here. So now TWO followers will have the chance to win a book of their choice from The Book Depository or Amazon! If by some crazy chance I hit 200 before 4/27 I might even come up with some goodies for a third winner :)

Thank you all so much!

Teaser Tuesday (7)



Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading
Check out her blog for all the details.

This week my teaser comes from, 
 by Beth Fantaskey.


“How much must I endure in 
the interest of peace between the clans? 
Am I to sacrifice myself as the first 
prisoner in a war that has not even started yet?"

p. 47
Sunday, April 18, 2010

In My Mailbox (6)



In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren 
and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie.


My mailbox goodies this week,



The Dead Tossed Waves 
by Carrie Ryan
~Won @ The Beautiful Creatures Blog
Thank you!


Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side 
by Beth Fantaskey
~Tour hosted by International Book Tours


Beyond the Rain (Realms Beyond #1) 
by Jess Granger
~Won @ Juliana Stone’s Darkest Hunger release party.
Thank you to both Juliana and Jess!


Master of None 
by Sonya Bateman
~Received from author.
Thank you Sonya! 


Regina in the Sun (Children of the Goddess #1) 
by R. G. Alexander (ebook)
~Kindle Freebie


I didn’t buy any books/ebooks this week. 
Wow! I think that might be a first :)


What was in your mailbox this week?