Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Spooktacular- Last Day

Photobucket

I can't believe this is the last day of this fantastic event, Danielle and I had so much fun with this and we would love to thank all that participated, Authors, Guest Bloggers and most important you readers. I would love to give a special thank you to Danielle for asking me to participate. We will be tallying up the entries and announcing the winners of the big giveaway soon it might take a couple days with all the entries, but the individual giveaways will be announced as soon as they are drawn.

Thanks again and we hope to do something special again in the near future, hopefully maybe for Christmas.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Review of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin


Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0374302103
ISBN-13: 978-0374302108
Author's Website:

Book courtesy of Publisher,Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Amazon Summary:
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 accidently 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.

Review:
What intrigued me about this book was the blurb of this book, Can you imagine chocolate and coffee illegal? I surely can't, considering I love both and can't imagine having to do without either. So I knew I just had to read it, though its not my typical type of book to read.

I dove into this book last night and devoured it in one setting. I loved everything about this book, the plot was very unique at least for me it was, the characters were well written and I loved the little 'notes' the author would stick in every now and again, making it all seem like I was reading Anya's journal.

Though only thing I would like to learn more about how the country got into this situation and I would love to find out if chocolate will be legal again. I also found it ironic, while chocolate and coffee is illegal you can drink at any age.

Overall I found this a refreshing change from my normal reading habits, and I hope to read more Anya, Win, Scarlet, Leo (who I really love)and Natta. I definitely recommend this book if you interested in a unique type of story line(maybe it won't be for you but it was for me.)

Rating:

Review of Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon


Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First Edition edition (August 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312546599
ISBN-13: 978-0312546595
Author's Website:

Book Courtesy of Pubisher, St Martin's Press

Amazon Summary:
Harm no human…
A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief—Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meeting the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.
A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster…

Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.

Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.

Review:
As many of you know I am a huge Sherrilyn Kenyon fan and had been waiting for this book to come out since it was announced. But one thing troubled me and that was the female character, Abby. I wasn't sure if I was going to like her or not because she was out to kill the Dark Hunters. And I was right at least at the beginning I didn't like her, in fact I almost hated her. I am really protective of the Dark Hunters(I know sounds silly doesn't it)and even though she had just cause for hating them I still found myself on the side of the Dark Hunters.

But by the end or even maybe the middle of the book, Sherrilyn had me loving her and rooting for her and Sundown to find a way to be together. Sherrilyn surprised me yet again in this book, actions I never expected out of a certain character(I won't say whom don't want to give it away)as well as the ending though a Happily Ever After it still wasn't like the rest.

I loved the incorporation of Native American(another subject I am passionate about) into this book. I loved the lore she spun in this book and made her own. Not much more I can say other than I loved loved loved this book.

She didn't disappoint and I especially loved the bonus scene at the end of the book. Overall this book is a nice edition to the Dark Hunter series. IF you haven't read anything by Sherrilyn Kenyon, I strongly urge that you do. Don't let the massive list of 20 plus books intimidate you. They are fast, keep you up all night reads.


Rating:

Halloween Spooktacular Character Interview and Giveaway with Kale of Cat O Nine Tails

Photobucket


Patty: Hello everyone! Today I’m talking to our hero’s devishly handsome brother, Kale Walsh.

Kale: Ah, the morning sun is shining a bit brighter now that I’m in the company of such a lovely
creature as yourself *kissing the inside of Patty’s wrist*

Patty: *giggle* Now Kale, behave yourself, I’m a married woman.

Kale: Mmm, married women are my favorite.

Patty: I was going to ask you if you are as much of a rake as everyone says you are, but I think
you’ve pretty much answered that.

Kale: I haven’t had any complaints thus far.

Patty: Oh I’m sure I could find a husband or two that might dispute that.

Kale: Pfft, they don’t count.

Patty: Okay, seriously, do you think you could ever settle down with just one woman?

Kale: *laughing* She would have to be one hell of a woman, but one can never say never, can
one?

Patty: So, Orrin left the ship to track down Aeron on the island you came across. Being his first in command, how did it feel to be left to run the Iona in his absence?

Kale: It felt oddly natural.

Patty: Oddly natural?

Kale: Yes; it wasn’t something I was expecting nor something I’d wanted, to be perfectly honest.Orrin has always been the eldest so responsibility was expected of him and I was quite happy with that for it let me do as I please. However, there is a sense of pride and honor that I felt running the ship was quite unexpected in the fact that it seemed so natural to me.

Patty: Interesting, it almost seems like it was something that was meant to be.

Kale: Indeed.

Patty: Well, that’s all we have time for; Kale, thank you so much for taking a moment to chat
with me.

Kale: Oh, the pleasure was all mine, perhaps next time the pleasure can be all yours *eyebrow
waggle*

Patty: Behave! *girlie giggle*

Thanks to Kale and Patty for stopping by for a visit, personally Kale can stay if he wants :)



Omnific's first Historic Romance

Starting at: $4.99

AVAILABLE AUGUST 30, 2011

Patricia Leever
Format: Paperback or eBook
ISBN: 978-1-936305-86-5
Pages: 200



When pirate hunter Orrin and his brother Kale are hired by Queen Winifred to hunt down Aeron and her band of miscreants, Orrin never dreamed he'd fall in love with the beautiful she-pirate nor the kind, accepting people of her island hideaway. As Orrin learns of Aeron's jaded past with the Queen, he allies himself with the pirate captain and her crew. Joining forces on the high seas to bring Winifred's evil reign to an end, Aeron and Orrin soon discover that the strongest weapon in their combined arsenal is the love they have for each other.



About The Author:

Patricia Leever is a wife, stay-at-home mom of four and owner of one dog and and one really old cat cat. On the average school day she runs about town like a lunatic picking up and dropping off kids and trying to find a moment of quiet to write down a word or two.

She's a sci-fi geek that loves to dress up like a zombie and participate in the local zombie march down Main St. and laugh as much as possible; laughter frees the mind and heals the soul.

Live. Breathe. Write


Now on to the giveaway, Thanks to Patricia , she is generously offering an ebook and swag set (complete set of trading cards and book mark) to one winner. All you have to do is comment and leave your email addy.Giveaway ends Oct 31st

Friday, October 28, 2011

And The Winner of a ebook from Keta Diablo is......

BannerFans.com


Thanks to all that entered, be sure to stick around for the other giveaways that will end at the end of the month. It might take a couple days to get all the entries counted. I wanted to let you know also I have extended the BDay giveaway to Dec 2nd.

Now on to the winner...... Ing

Congrats! An email has been sent and you have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Be sure to check your junk/spam just in case it ended up there.

Halloween Spooktacular: Werewolves

Photobucket


Info courtesy of Wikipedia

A werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope (from the Greek λυκάνθρωπος: λύκος, lukos, "wolf", and άνθρωπος, anthrōpos, man), is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or an anthropomorphic wolf-like creature, either purposely, by being bitten by another werewolf, or after being placed under a curse. This transformation is often associated with the appearance of the full moon, as popularly noted by the medieval chronicler Gervase of Tilbury, and perhaps in earlier times among the ancient Greeks through the writings of Petronius.

Werewolves are often attributed superhuman strength and senses, far beyond those of both wolves and men. The werewolf is generally held as a European character, although its lore spread through the world in later times. Shape-shifters, similar to werewolves, are common in tales from all over the world, most notably amongst the Native Americans, though most of them involve animal forms other than wolves.

Werewolves are a frequent subject of modern fictional books, although fictional werewolves have been attributed traits distinct from those of original folklore, most notably vulnerability to silver bullets. Werewolves continue to endure in modern culture and fiction, with books, films and television shows cementing the werewolf's stance as a dominant figure in horror.

Becoming a werewolf

Various methods for becoming a werewolf have been reported, one of the simplest being the removal of clothing and putting on a belt made of wolfskin, probably as a substitute for the assumption of an entire animal skin (which also is frequently described).[15] In other cases, the body is rubbed with a magic salve. Drinking rainwater out of the footprint of the animal in question or from certain enchanted streams were also considered effectual modes of accomplishing metamorphosis. The 16th century Swedish writer Olaus Magnus says that the Livonian werewolves were initiated by draining a cup of specially prepared beer and repeating a set formula. Ralston in his Songs of the Russian People gives the form of incantation still familiar in Russia.

In Italy, France and Germany, it was said that a man or woman could turn into a werewolf if he or she, on a certain Wednesday or Friday, slept outside on a summer night with the full moon shining directly on his face.

In other cases, the transformation was supposedly accomplished by Satanic allegiance for the most loathsome ends, often for the sake of sating a craving for human flesh. "The werewolves", writes Richard Verstegan (Restitution of Decayed Intelligence, 1628), are certayne sorcerers, who having annoynted their bodies with an ointment which they make by the instinct of the devil, and putting on a certayne inchaunted girdle, does not only unto the view of others seem as wolves, but to their own thinking have both the shape and nature of wolves, so long as they wear the said girdle. And they do dispose themselves as very wolves, in worrying and killing, and most of humane creatures.

Such were the views about lycanthropy current throughout the continent of Europe when Verstegan wrote.

The phenomenon of repercussion, the power of animal metamorphosis, or of sending out a familiar, real or spiritual, as a messenger, and the supernormal powers conferred by association with such a familiar, are also attributed to the magician, male and female, all the world over; and witch superstitions are closely parallel to, if not identical with, lycanthropic beliefs, the occasional involuntary character of lycanthropy being almost the sole distinguishing feature. In another direction the phenomenon of repercussion is asserted to manifest itself in connection with the bush-soul of the West African and the nagual of Central America; but though there is no line of demarcation to be drawn on logical grounds, the assumed power of the magician and the intimate association of the bush-soul or the nagual with a human being are not termed lycanthropy. Nevertheless it will be well to touch on both these beliefs here.

The curse of lycanthropy was also considered by some scholars as being a divine punishment. Werewolf literature shows many examples of God or saints allegedly cursing those who invoked their wrath with werewolfism. Those who were excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church were also said to become werewolves.

The power of transforming others into wild beasts was attributed not only to malignant sorcerers, but to Christian saints as well. Omnes angeli, boni et Mali, ex virtute naturali habent potestatem transmutandi corpora nostra ("All angels, good and bad have the power of transmutating our bodies") was the dictum of St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Patrick was said to have transformed the Welsh king Vereticus into a wolf; Natalis supposedly cursed an illustrious Irish family whose members were each doomed to be a wolf for seven years. In other tales the divine agency is even more direct, while in Russia, again, men supposedly became werewolves when incurring the wrath of the Devil.

A notable exception to the association of Lycanthropy and the Devil, comes from a rare and lesser known account of an 80-year-old man named Thiess. In 1692, in Jurgenburg, Livonia, Thiess testified under oath that he and other werewolves were the Hounds of God. He claimed they were warriors who went down into hell to do battle with witches and demons. Their efforts ensured that the Devil and his minions did not carry off the grain from local failed crops down to hell. Thiess was steadfast in his assertions, claiming that werewolves in Germany and Russia also did battle with the devil's minions in their own versions of hell, and insisted that when werewolves died, their souls were welcomed into heaven as reward for their service. Thiess was ultimately sentenced to ten lashes for Idolatry and superstitious belief.

A distinction is often made between voluntary and involuntary werewolves. The former are generally thought to have made a pact, usually with the Devil, and morph into werewolves at night to indulge in nefarious acts. Involuntary werewolves, on the other hand, are werewolves by an accident of birth or health. In some cultures, individuals born during a new moon or suffering from epilepsy were considered likely to be werewolves.

Becoming a werewolf simply by being bitten by another werewolf as a form of contagion is common in modern horror fiction, but this kind of transmission is rare in legend, unlike the case in vampirism.

Even if the denotation of lycanthropy is limited to the wolf-metamorphosis of living human beings, the beliefs classed together under this head are far from uniform, and the term is somewhat capriciously applied. The transformation may be temporary or permanent; the were-animal may be the man himself metamorphosed; may be his double whose activity leaves the real man to all appearance unchanged; may be his soul, which goes forth seeking whom it may devour, leaving its body in a state of trance; or it may be no more than the messenger of the human being, a real animal or a familiar spirit, whose intimate connection with its owner is shown by the fact that any injury to it is believed, by a phenomenon known as repercussion, to cause a corresponding injury to the human being.


Vulnerabilities
Most modern fiction describes werewolves as vulnerable to silver weapons and highly resistant to other injuries. This feature does not appear in stories about werewolves before the 19th century. (The claim that the Beast of Gévaudan, an 18th century wolf or wolf-like creature, was shot by a silver bullet appears to have been introduced by novelists retelling the story from 1935 onwards and not in earlier versions.)

Unlike vampires, they are not generally thought to be harmed by religious artifacts such as crucifixes and holy water. In many countries, rye and mistletoe were considered effective safeguards against werewolf attacks.[citation needed] Mountain ash is also considered effective, with one Belgian superstition stating that no house was safe unless under the shade of a mountain ash. In some legends, werewolves have an aversion to wolfsbane.

Remedies
Various methods have existed for removing the werewolf form. In antiquity, the Ancient Greeks and Romans believed in the power of exhaustion in curing people of lycanthropy. The victim would be subjected to long periods of physical activity in the hope of being purged of the malady. This practice stemmed from the fact that many alleged werewolves would be left feeling weak and debilitated after committing depredations.

In medieval Europe, traditionally, there are three methods one can use to cure a victim of werewolfism; medicinally (usually via the use of wolfsbane), surgically or by exorcism. However, many of the cures advocated by medieval medical practitioners proved fatal to the patients. A Sicilian belief of Arabic origin holds that a werewolf can be cured of its ailment by striking it on the forehead or scalp with a knife. Another belief from the same culture involves the piercing of the werewolf's hands with nails. Sometimes, less extreme methods were used. In the German lowland of Schleswig-Holstein, a werewolf could be cured if one were to simply address it three times by its Christian name, while one Danish belief holds that simply scolding a werewolf will cure it. Conversion to Christianity is also a common method of removing werewolfism in the medieval period. A devotion to St. Hubert has also been cited as both cure for and protection from lycanthropes.

So tell me are you a fan of Werewolves? IF so who is your favorite fictional wolf? Movie or book? Remember all comments count towards as extra entries for the big giveaway.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Destined Book Trailer and Giveaway


About "Destined":

"...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.





Website:


Giveaway details
One winner will a copy of Destined, all you need to do is comment and leave your email addy for contact information should you win. The giveaway will run from Oct 27th to Nov 5th. The winner will be announced on November 6th. USA and Canada Only

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

And The Winner of copy of Hide'n Go Seek (Psychic Visions, Book #2), by Dale Mayer

BannerFans.com

Thanks to all that entered! I am sorry I am late in posting the winner .....

Scorpio1974

Congrats! An email has been sent, you have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Bewitching Tours Guest Post with Theresa Meyers


THE HUNTER
by Theresa Meyers
978-1-4201-2124-7
Price is $6.99
Zebra paranormal romance with steampunk elements

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?


Please give a warm welcome to Theresa, I am so excited to have her today on BLH.

Halloween has long been my favorite holiday. Yeah the holidays are great, but they really kick off with Halloween. Of course I have not one, but two people in my family with a birthday on that day. Wonder if that was meant to be? I’ve got a wardrobe full of costumes and probably as many Halloween boxes filled with black cats, ghosts, witches and scarecrows, as I do boxes filled with Christmas goodies.

This time of year is just rife with potential ideas for a paranormal writer. Just the cold snap in the air and the fog hovering over the ground as the early morning light slants through it makes me giddy.

I was driving over the Tacoma Narrows bridge (which is suspended 290 feet over a narrow strip of the Puget Sound in Washington state just outside Tacoma) with a friend, the fog looked like it was literally boiling up around the edges of the cliff and filtering around the suspension cables of the bridge. “Hey, doesn’t it look kind of like a fire-breathing dragon might be just down there?” I told my friend, who incidentally is not a writer.

She looked at me strangely for a moment, then grinned. “Uh, yeah, I guess it could. You writers are really twisted, you know that?”

I had to grin back. Writing paranormal stories makes anything possible, which just makes life more magical all the way around. Some of my best ideas for paranormal stories start with “What if?” The Jackson brothers in my Legend Chronicles series are a perfect example. They started off with a “what if there were three brothers named after their father’s favorite guns?” At that moment Winchester, Remington and Colt Jackson started taking shape and eventually evolved into my steampunk hunters that kick off with The Hunter out on Nov. 1. (And incidentally, what could be a cooler release dated than 11-1-11!) The stories are what might happen if you mashed together the television series Supernatural, with the movie Wild Wild West and then added a dash of Indiana Jones. There’s adventure, scary paranormal creatures, wild adventure, passion and of course a mad inventor!

I suppose the other reason I love fall is that it gives us all a reason to look more closely at the supernatural and paranormal. It’s the only time of year you’ll see specials on ghost whisperers or paranormal trackers on regular television. People are more open to witches and goblins, gremlins and spectors, not to mention a few hot vampires, werewolves and sexy shape-shifters.

And since it’s nearly Halloween, it’s also time to break out my favorite tea-time treat – Pumpkin Bread! Here’s the recipe given to me by the same friend forced to think about dragons as we crossed the bridge:

Amazing Pumpkin Bread
2/3 cup butter
2 2/3 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 can (16 oz.) pumpkin
2/3 cup water
2 tsp. baking soda
3 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
Cream butter and sugar, add egg, pumpkin and water; mix well. Blend together dry ingredients then mix into wet ingredients. Pour batter into greased loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees F for 65-75 minutes for two big loaves or for 30-40 minutes for mini loaves.

So celebrate October for Oktoberfest if you must, but I’ll be celebrating the paranormal with Halloween.

What’s your favorite part about fall and the paranormal?

About The Author:

Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993.

In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books. She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, three cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd puppy, several rabbits, a dozen chickens and an out-of-control herb garden.

You can find her online on Twitter, Facebook, at her Web site or blogging with the other Lolitas of STEAMED!





Bewitching Tours Early Review of The Hunter by Theresa Meyers


Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra; Original edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420121243
ISBN-13: 978-1420121247


Amazon Summary:
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 sulphur 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?

Review:
I have been a fan of Theresa Meyer's books since I read The Truth About Vampires so I knew when this book came on tour I knew I had to sign up. Even though I had never read any steampunk books and I had been wanting to for a long time. This was my opportunity and I jumped at the chance.

Not only did I find another genre that I could love but Theresa didn't disappoint with this book either. First I love the unique names of Colt, Remington and Winchester. Also loved the fact its set back in the 1800's even though like I said this is my first steampunk book so wrapping my head around the fact of the unique machinery back then was odd for me but I did enjoy it.

Colt and Lilly couldn't be a more of a mismatched pair but one that you could and find yourself rooting for. This book is filled with Demons, Vampires, Shapeshifters and much more. Let me just say if Remington's and Winchester's book is like this I can't wait til 2012. I will definitely be ordering those two.

So if you love steampunk mixed with romance as well as paranormal this book for you. If you haven't read anything by Theresa Meyers I strongly urge you give her a try too.

Rating:

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Release Day Giveaway Barrage Hide'n Go Seek (Psychic Visions, Book #2), by Dale Mayer


Blurb:

A twisted game of Hide’n Go Seek forces an unlikely alliance between a no-nonsense FBI agent and a search-and-rescue worker.

Celebrated search-and-rescue worker Kali Jordon has hidden her psychic abilities by crediting her canine partner Shiloh with the recoveries. But Kali knows the grim truth—The Sight that she
inherited from her grandmother allows her to trace violent energy unerringly to victims of murder. No one knows her secret until a twisted killer challenges her to a deadly game of Hide'n Go Seek that threatens those closest to her.

Now she must rely on FBI Special Agent Grant Summers, a man who has sworn to protect her, even as he suspects there's more to Kali and Shiloh than meets the eye. As the killer draws a tighter and tighter circle around Kali, she and Grant find there's no place to hide.

Are her visions the key to finding the latest victim alive or will this cruel game of Hide’n Go Seek cost her…everything.

Buy Links:



Excerpt:
Twenty minutes later, Kali made her way to the kitchen. She fed Shiloh on the deck in the morning sunlight. Running her fingers through her shoulder-length hair, she remembered last night's painting. She headed to her studio to take a look. She'd almost reached it when apprehension washed over her.

The door was closed.

She never closed the door after painting. It wasn't good for the wet canvases, besides, the room only had a small window so the paint fumes built up fast. A frown wrinkled her forehead. Had she simply forgotten? She had been deadly tired last night.

Bolstering her courage, she pushed the door wide and flinched as the fumes rushed out almost
stinging her nose. "Oh gross."

Holding her breath, Kali crossed to the window, shoving it as far open as it would go. Fresh air
surged into the small space. She'd love a huge studio, except painting wasn't exactly a full time career for her – no matter how much she'd like it to be. It was a release for when depression and madness overcame her soul. Maybe later, when she no longer did rescue work, she could indulge her art as a creative hobby instead of as an outlet of pain and turmoil.

Walking around the easel, Kali stopped midstride.

The painting stood where she'd left it. With surreal and strangely enticing clarity, blacks and purples and browns popped off the canvas. Heavy paint splotched at places, then thinned and stretched across the top.

She stepped back and frowned. Up close, besides the heavy amount of paint, the picture resembled
a distorted nightmare. Not surprising. Still, she caught a glimmer of an intentional design. She tilted her head and looked at it from a different angle. Nothing changed.

Sniffing the air, Shiloh ambled into the doorway.

Kali smiled down at the dog. "Not very sweet smelling, is it?"

She glanced back at the jumble of colors and stilled. There. She studied the abstract mess, letting the colors move and form to reveal the image hidden within.

Shivers slid over her spine.

Oh my God.

No way.

Kali blinked. It was.

There was no mistaking the image of a person buried under small bushes, civilization of some kind crouched on the horizon with a series of rough rock formations soaring behind the bushes.

"What the hell?" she whispered.

Kali was not a great artist, by any means. Blind escapism kept bringing her back to the process
because it worked. She painted with wild abandon. The paint slapped on canvas with no thought
discharged her emotions. For some reason it always worked.

And it always looked like shit.

This, on the other hand, was ingenious. Sure the subject matter was gruesome; however, given her
volunteer work, not unexpected. Especially after finding the letter.

The artistic abandon was still there. The paint was so thick in spots the picture was almost three-dimensional. The terrain had depth and movement. The light was dark and terse, yet still shone with gruesome clarity—and way beyond her artistic abilities.

"It's fucking brilliant."

It was also scary as hell.

About The Author:

Dale Mayer is a prolific multi-published writer. She's best known for Tuesday's Child, her romantic suspense novel that was one of the final four in the Kensington Brava/Romantic Times contest this last year. Besides her romantic suspense/thrillers, Dale also writes paranormal romance and crossover young adult books in several different genres. To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing,companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series in ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at dalemayer.author

Now on to the giveaway: It is a quickie giveaway which means this one will end tonight at midnight. All You have to do is comment on this post and leave your email addy so we can contact you if you win.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Halloween Spootacular My Favorite Spooky Novels by Kristyn Nichols

Photobucket

Thank you Kristy for stopping by especially with her crazy schedule, we really do appreciate it.

First, I’d like to thank Danielle and Donna for inviting me here today! I’m Kristyn Nichols, an aspiring romantic suspense author. I just finished the first draft of my novel,so you’ll hopefully read something of mine in the near future. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays; I love the costumes, the candy, and the creepy decorations I get to put up. So of course, I was honored when these ladies asked me to do a post for this event. And now for my contribution to the Halloween Spooktacular: my favorite spooky novels and a Halloween treat (because it’s all about the treats)!

Favorite Vamp Novel: One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
If you haven’t been reading the ‘Night Huntress’ series, you’ve been missing out on one green-eyed god of a vamp. Bones and his half-vampire sassy counterpart, Cat, have sizzling chemistry. Think Buffy, but for adults. Frost tells a uniquely enthralling story with a great cast of characters that always seem to find themselves in a spot of trouble. Just a note, ‘One Foot in the Grave’ is the second book, but my favorite in the series, so make sure you start with ‘Halfway to the Grave.’

Favorite Creature of the Night Novel: Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Unless you’re living under a rock in Antarctica, if you’re a paranormal romance fan, you’ve heard of the Dark Hunters series. This was one of the earlier books in the series and my favorite by far. Vane, a werewolf who’s faced pain and fought for his daily existence, is one of my top ten heroes. Fiercely protective, yet sweetly naïve in his interactions with Bride, the heroine, Vane’s character is someone you simply have to root for. I’ve read this book so many times, the spine has practically come apart and I had to buy it for my Kindle too.

Favorite Romantic Suspense: Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
Yes, there’s romance and suspense, but Mr. Perfect also had me laughing like a lunatic. The story begins when the heroine Jaine and a group of friends come up with a list for the traits of “Mr. Perfect.” Unfortunately, someone finds the list distasteful and aims to set things right. Enter Sam Donovan, her sexy next-door neighbor and detective. Their relationship amidst the deranged actions of a killer made for a fantastic story complete with witty banter and the cringe worthy killer scenes.

Those are my favorites, let’s hear yours. Agree or disagree, share your thoughts on your spooky favorites below.

Now for a Halloween treat: a giveaway! I’m giving away one $10 Amazon e-gift
certificate so you can treat yourself to a spooky or not-so-spooky novel of your choice.

The Giveaway:
1. Anyone with an email address may enter.
2. You must be a follower of my blog (http://www.nowkissmelikeyoumeanit.com)
3. Answer her question above and leave your email addy with your comment
4. Giveaway ends on Oct. 31st

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The House on Hundred Hill Blog Tour Book Excerpt and Giveaway



The House on Hundred Hill: The Nephilim Book One - Blurb

Jessica Rylan has spent her entire life trying to fit in, despite feeling deep down that she doesn't quite belong. A slave to passions that she doesn't quite understand, she does her best to simply ignore her burgeoning sensuality. Little does Jessica realise that a seemingly chance encounter with the handsome Nate Black will turn her world upside down.

All it takes is one garden party invitation to pull her into an ancient struggle, one where she must place her trust in Nate and his mysterious brother Draven to survive. As Jessica becomes seduced by the ancient and mystical world of the Nephilim, she finally begins to understand her own dark desires. Because Draven Black is searching for something...

Something only Jessica can provide.

Buy Links:

Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/House-Hundred-Hill-Nephilim-ebook/dp/B005ME377C/
ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317456926&sr=8-1

Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/House-Hundred-Hill-Nephilim-ebook/dp/B005ME377C/
ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317457013&sr=8-1

The House on Hundred Hill will also be available to purchase soon on: Smashwords, Kobo, Diesel, All Romance Ebooks, and B&N Nook Book


Author bio:
Jemima Valentino is an English 30-something; married to an excessively patient man withtwo beautiful daughters and an excitable cross-bred mutt called Eddie. She is also a writerof dark paranormal romance, BDSM erotica and modern fiction.

Jemima fell in love with reading and writing as a child but it was only in 2009 that writing became an obsession. After months of procrastination and plucking up the courage, she published 'His Elle' in January 2011 and now has a full blown desire to continue writing.

Author Links:





Book Excerpt:
Nate continued to study her intently as he wrapped his hand around his cool glass of beer. “You dare not speak of your desires do you Jessica? You dare not admit to yourself that everything you know about feminism, every single thing you have ever been taught about equality, simply doesn’t add up, not to you. You are desperate to belong, and yet you have never had anyone to belong to.” He paused to shake his head and took a long sweeping look over her heaving chest. “It’s such a shame; somebody should have claimed you long before now, but their loss will most
certainly be our gain.”

Jessica felt her heart in her mouth as she sat silent, not able to get up and leave, somehow glued to the chair with an invisible force that was now way beyond her control. She felt utterly helpless under the intensity of his stare which was somehow so distant that she feared that he may see into the depths of her soul, or hypnotise her with his veracity, if he hadn’t already.

She looked down at her leg and drew in a ragged breath as she suddenly realised that his large dark hand was placed securely on the inside of her smooth,creamy thigh. She flicked her gaze up to his face and opened her mouth in silent objection.

“I know what you crave Jessica, I’ve seen it so many times before in women far less easy to break.” Nate slid his hand a little further along her thigh until it rested just under the hem of her skirt. The flush of her pale skin had returned and she darted her eyes uncomfortably around the room to check if anyone was watching.

“Don’t worry,” Nate assured her as if reading her mind. “They are all too busy this evening to notice the shy little red-head in the corner.” He smiled deviously as he slid his hand higher up her skirt, his fingers brushing the flimsy material of her soft pink knickers. “Besides, they would only assume that you are under my protection.”

“I don’t understand,” Jessica whispered, finally finding her voice. The moment the words left her lips, she wished she had found something more intelligent to say.

“You will, in time,” Nate responded. “In time my Lady, you will understand everything, but right now Jessica, right this second, all you have to do is tell me to stop.” He grasped his drink with his other hand and took a long slow sip. “Tell me to stop Jessica, and I will leave you in peace to finish your interesting work of fiction. Tell me to stop and you will never see me again.” Nate raised his eyebrow and his gaze never left her face.

Jessica couldn’t move. She was paralysed as the firm touch of this total stranger rested dangerously close to the intimate soft flesh, hidden beneath her panties. She screamed at herself to tell him to stop.

Oh god, please don’t stop!

A rush of anger surged through her veins as Nate’s strong fingers slid under the elastic. She yelped involuntarily, darting out her small hand in a futile attempt to push him away.

“Tell me to stop,” Nate chuckled. “Tell me to stop Jessica, that’s all you have to do, just utter one simple word. S.T.O.P. It’s not even that hard to spell.” He slid his hand briefly away from the dampening material of her knickers but left it resting at the very top of her thigh.

Jessica squirmed in her chair and desperately attempted to pull her skirt down. “But…” she stumbled over her words. “But I -”

“Have a boyfriend?” He said simply, brushing away her comment as if it were totally irrelevant.

“Yes… how did you…?” Jesus fucking Christ, just tell him to stop! She was desperate to force herself to say the words.

“You are a very beautiful and alluring woman,” Nate whispered as his fingers slid back under the elastic and wasted no time in finding her pleasure spot. “It would be criminal for you not to be taken.”

Giveaway


Saturday, October 22, 2011

Halloween Spooktacular What's The Worst Thing That Can Happen by M.J. Rose

Photobucket

What’s the worst that can happen?

One day I started to fantasize what would happen if my character from The Butterfield Institute series (http://www.mjrose.com/content/books_butterfield.asp) , Dr. Morgan Snow got some of my favorite tough guys in suspense on her couch. What twisted pasts, what traumas, what mysteries would she discover?

How much fun would it be to try it, was my first thought.

What a crazy creative challenge, was my second.

But could I ever get up the nerve to ask Lee Child Steve Barry or Barry Eisler to let me borrow their bestselling characters? No less put them in compromising positions.

And even if I could pull it off and write in their voices, what possible reason would any of them have for saying yes?

The most important thing my mother taught me was not to be afraid of trying something out of my comfort zone. “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” she’d ask when something made me nervous. Together we’d go through all the possible results. Talking them out one by one- they never seemed as bad as they did in my imagination.

So I took a really deep breath and asked Lee Child first. He said he couldn’t imagine Reacher ever going to see a sex therapist but if I could pull it off, it sounded like fun. Steve Berry was next. He said pretty much the same thing. Eisler was no different.

The stakes got higher when Phil Gigante - who along with Natalie Ross –said they’d narrate the stories if the project came to fruition came up with a marvelous idea. What about asking Dick Hill - Reacher’s Voice, Scott Brick – Malone’s voice, and Eisler - who does Rain – to do their own dialog in the audio version?

I spent a good part of the summer writing the stories. Alternating enjoying the hell out the challenge, agonizing and cursing my hubris. Why had I thought I could do this? These are well established heroes. They have their unique ways of talking, thinking and acting. Not to mention the possible really awful rejection.

When it was time to send them off, have the authors read my efforts, do some editing if they wanted and hopefully give their blessing, I totally froze.

I’d written 11 novels. Had my share of nice accolades and reviews. Felt fairly good about my career. But suddenly I was as nervous as a the proverbial (and virginal) bride on her wedding night.

Why was I actively courting rejection and embarrassment? Why was I putting three writers who I respect and admire in the uncomfortable position of having to tell me I’d failed?

For an entire week I thought about scrapping the whole idea and not showing any of them the stories.

Finally I got to the core question. Really, what was the worst thing that could happen?

Amazingly, I never found out. And boy, did I have fun!

In honor of these amazingly generous authors who shared their heroes with me a share of the e-book proceeds and all the audio proceeds of In Session will be donated to David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (wishyouwellfoundation.org/)

The e-book and audio book will go on sale Oct 17 but the e-book is available to pre-order at Amazon now. http://www.amazon.com/Session-Morgan-Reacher-Eislers-ebook/dp/B005OLJ3VC


Review
"Jack Reacher, John Rain and Cotton Malone, on the sex therapist's couch. Testosterone therapy as high art. What could be better? One of the most original and well-done series of stories I've ever read. M.J. Rose has blasted this baby to the ozone. I don't care if you download it or listen to it. just get it." - NYT Bestseller, David Baldacci


"I bet M.J. Rose she couldn't get Jack Reacher into Morgan Snow's office. I lost. Find out how." - NYT Bestseller, Lee Child

"Seeing another side of Cotton Malone, written from another writer's perspective, was eye opening. Needless to say, the subject matter is not something Cotton normally deals with, but M.J. made sure he handled it with his usual smooth, Southern style. I enjoyed the adventure. You will too." - NYT Bestseller, Steve Berry

"When John Rain considers taking on Dr. Morgan Snow as a client, the danger isn't winding up in a coffin -- it's winding up on the couch. But I made him take the risk anyway, and it was a blast!" - NYT Bestseller, Barry Eisler

"Only Dr Morgan Snow (aka MJ Rose) could persuade three of thriller fiction's most charismatic heroes to sit on a sex therapist's couch. The eyebrow-raising results will astonish you - and help raise money for David Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation." - International Bestesller, David Hewson

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR M.J. ROSE
GETS JACK REACHER, COTTON MALONE, JOHN RAIN
ON THE SEX THERAPIST’S COUCH

How do you get a stoic drifter, a former covert agent and an international assassin to see a sex therapist? That was the challenge faced by international bestselling author M.J. Rose when she proposed setting up appointments for Jack Reacher, Cotton Malone and John Rain with Dr.Morgan Snow of the Butterfield Institute in her new e-book IN SESSION (October 17, 2011,Kindle e-book, $1.99).

The protagonists’ of New York Times bestselling authors – Lee Child, Steve Berry and Barry Eisler – swore that their men of mystery would never agree to therapy – unless Rose found a way to get them there. By slipping Dr. Snow out of her office, Rose delivered some of America’s favorite male characters to a place they’ve never been before – in therapy.

IN SESSION contains three racy and revealing short stories by M.J. Rose:

KNOWING YOU’RE ALIVE with Lee Child’s Jack Reacher results in revelations for the injured Dr. Snow and her unexpected savior/patient. What secrets from the past are contained in an unexpected gift?

• EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES with Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone features a woman who seeks help for her lover, and sends Dr. Snow overseas on a most unusual house call. Can a rare book in a plain brown wrapper be the medicine her patient needs?

• DECISIONS, DECISIONS with Barry Eisler’s John Rain forces Dr. Snow out of her own comfort zone, and into the world of a former patient’s worst nightmare. Does protecting what she loves most require a dance with darkness?

The audio version, narrated by award winners Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross will feature Dick Hill, Scott Brick and Barry Eisler reprising their roles Reacher, Malone and Rain.

M.J. ROSE (www.mjrose.com) is an internationally bestselling author of eleven novels including The Halo Effect, The Venus Fix and The Delilah Complex all featuring Dr. Morgan Snow. Her next novel, The Book of Lost Fragrances will be published in March, 2012 by Atria Books (S&S). Rose is a founding board member of International Thriller Writers and founder of the first marketing company for authors, AuthorBuzz.com. Proceeds of the audio book and a share of the proceeds of the ebook will be donated to David Baldacci’s Wish You Well Foundation, supporting family literacy. (http://wishyouwellfoundation.org/)

And The Winner of a copy of Lust After Death is.........

BannerFans.com

Thanks to all that have entered this giveaway and remember there are several more including the big giveaway at the end of Halloween Spooktacular, as well as my big Bday giveaway!.

Now on to the winner ...... booklover0226


Congrats! An email has been sent! Be sure to check your junk/spam folder to make sure it didn't end up in there. You have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Review of Land of Falling Stars by Keta Diablo



Paperback: 354 pages
Publisher: Ravenous Romance (April 27, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1607777959
ISBN-13: 978-1607777953
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x


Book Courtesy of Keta Diablo and The BSP tours


Amazon Summary:
Penniless, her parents and brother dead, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved childhood home during the Civil War. Another bluecoat is staggering down the hill, but before Sophia allows him to rob and pilfer like the others, she shoots him. How is she to know it is Gavin, the dark knight of her youth, carrying secrets too horrific to imagine and a passion that ignites her deepest desires? As Sophia gradually learns Gavin's secrets--and enjoys his talents in the bedroom--she discovers how to finally know her own heart. Can she save the Land of Falling Stars, or will she lose it all to the horrors of the War and Reconstruction? And will the Southern lady and the Yankee soldier be able to recapture the bliss of their youth--this time in each other's arms?

Review:
When this book was offered on tour, I knew I had to sign up - last book I read from Keta, I became an instant new fan and couldn't wait to read this one. My first love was Historical romances specifically the Civil War. Reading this book was like returning home.

This book effected me in so many ways one being frustration. Not in a bad way though. Sophia, I love love this character but wow is she stubborn. I kept thinking what more does Gavin have to do to!! Yes, I nearly screamed(at 4am not good when you have a sleeping family). Keta writes such a believable storyline that I did feel all the emotions the characters felt. Especially at the end - frustration I tell you..

Action packed, roller coaster ride with loads of hot smexy action!!. I hope we will get to see Gavin and Sophia again in the future. I could have kept reading on and on and not got a bit bored with it. This was a reading in one setting kind of book.

So if you love the Civil War and You want some hot smexy action with intrigue and yes a few hair pulling moments(in a good way) please I beg you to go get this book. It's so worth it!!



Rating: