Tuesday, August 31, 2010

August Review Re-Cap


I can't believe another month has come and gone. :) Time is flying. Our children went back to school - our oldest to college and our youngest to his last year of middle school. It just doesn't seem like they should be that old. LOL

Here is a re-cap of the books I read for the month of August.

5 Stars

Maybe This Time - Jennifer Crusie

4 Stars

Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex - Eoin Colfer
Night Myst - Yasmine Galenorn
Surviving Demon Island - Jaci Burton
Captured - Julia Rachel Barrett
Sizzling Sixteen - Janet Evanovich
Queen of the Night - J A Jance
Black Magic - Cherry Adair
Hangman - Faye Kellerman

3 Stars

White Heat - Brenda Novak
Emma and the Vampires - Jane Austen & Wayne Josephson

DNF

Wicked Enchantment - Anya Bast

I did not get as many books read this month as I had hoped. :) But I am pleased with what I read.

How was your reading month?

M

Review: Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie


Maybe This Time is a Novel by Jennifer Crusie from St. Martin's Press.

Book Blurb:

Andie Miller is ready to move on in life. She wants to marry her fiance and leave behind everything in her past, especially her ex-husband, North Archer. But when Andie tries to gain closure with him, he asks one final favor of her before they go their separate ways forever.

A very distant cousin of his has died and left North as the guardian of two orphans who have driven out three nannies already, and things are getting worse. He needs a very special person to take care of the situation and he knows Andie can handle anything.


When Andie meets the two children she quickly realizes things are much worse than she feared. The place is a mess, the children, Carter and Alice, aren't your average delinquents, and the creepy old house where they live is being run by the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers.

What's worse, Andie's fiance thinks this is all a plan by North to get Andie back, and he may be right. Andie's dreams have been haunted by North since she arrived at the old house. And that's not the only haunting.


Maybe This Time is the first book I have read by Jennifer Crusie and I really enjoyed it.

Andie Miller and North Archer married after a whirlwind night of romance. They were both young and in lust - but sadly, when the real world intruded - Andie and North went their separate ways.

Now Andie wants to re-marry - and she feels like she has to have closure with North.

North is a very hard working attorney - and when he is left guardian to two young children - he visits once and hires a nanny. And then another, and finally a third. All the nanny's leave.

When Andie walks into North's office he has the brilliant idea to send Andie to look in on the children.

What Andie finds at The House of Archer is two young children in need of attention, an old and incompetent house keeper and a ghost or three.

Getting through to the children will be hard - but not impossible. Getting rid of the ghosts - that may not be as easy.

Maybe This Time is a fun read with wit and charm to spare. Populated with quirky and endearing characters that make you laugh and keep you turning the page for more - this is a must read. :)

I give Maybe This Time 5 out of 5 stars.

M

Product Details

    Hardcover: 352 pages
    Publisher: St. Martin's Press (August 31, 2010)
    Language: English
    ISBN-10: 0312303785
    ISBN-13: 978-0312303785


Monday, August 30, 2010

M.M.F.F. Challenge: Week 3



Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.

And here is the third prompt picture.





I don't know about this one - nothing immediately popped into my head....I may have to think about this one for a while. :)

Stop by on Friday to find out what I come up with.

M

Mailbox Monday



Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. :) Here's to a great new week ahead.

This is one of the books I received in the mail last week - the second book in the Black London series by Caitlin Kittredge.

Book Blurb:

Jack Winter's deadly past has come back to haunt him...and his only hope lies in the shadows of Black London, the supernatural underworld teeming with dark magic and fey glamour.



Thirteen years ago, Jack Winter lay dying in a graveyard. Jack called upon a demon and traded his soul for his life. and now the demon is back to collect its due. But Jack has finally found something to live for. Her name is Pete Caldecott, and because of her, Jack's not going to Hell without a fight.

Pete doesn't know about Jack's bargain, but she does k
now that something bigger and far more dangerous than Jack's demon is growing in the Black. Old gods are stirring and spirits are rising--and Jack doesn't stand a chance of stopping them without Pete's help.

I enjoyed the first book in this series - I'm looking forward to reading this installment.

M

Friday, August 27, 2010

18 & Over Book Blogger Tag Along Friday :)



A new adult follow. :)

This new follow is hosted by Laurie @ Bitten by Paranormal Romance and here is a rundown of the rules:

In order to do tag along you have to primarily have a book blog that reviews and post adult content. In other words, if you read books like erotic and adult romance and have adult pic., then you can play tag along. Sorry YA readers, but if you read both (I know some of you do)you can tag along also. Just make sure you have both YA and adult romance on your blog.

Stop by and take a look around. :)

M

Friday Flash Fiction: Week 2

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.

And here is the second prompt picture.


My story: Word Count 338


The Lottery

Years of submitting his name had finally paid off. Vanix had won the lottery. An honor any Ma’aThar male would be proud of.


After the ceremonial cleansing and bath, Vanix stepped into the Alliance Hall. He was met by Za’Ra, who handed him a cup and bade him drink deep. “To amplify your virility.”

As if any Ma’aThar male needed help with his virility. The Ma’aThar were known for their prowess, both in and out of bed. As well as a keen intellect and appealing outward appearance. That is why they were used for the Alliance. But Vanix did as instructed, and drank the tonic.


Vanix was left alone in the Alliance Hall and he gazed around at the closed doors - ten on the left and ten on the right. Each room contained a female. A female Vanix was to impregnate. The family of the females paid a high price for the services of the Ma’aThar - and Vanix was excited about his share in the profits.

The excitement of the next three days was tempered by the knowledge that once this task was accomplished - Vanix would have to leave Ma’aThar. No one had ever seen a Chosen after the Alliance, so Vanix had been sure to say his goodbye’s before he left.

The Alliance was everything Vanix had hoped for - and then some. Female, shower, female, shower. So on and so forth for three days and three nights. All of the females blended into one body - Vanix could not remember names, eye or hair color or any distinguishing feature at all.

At the end of the third night Vanix lay exhausted on the bed of the last female he had serviced. Za’Ra entered and bowed her head. “You have accomplished much Vanix, you should be proud. I have brought a tonic, drink.”

Vanix climbed from the bed and took the cup Za’Ra offered. He was exhausted, too tired to even eat - but he drank the tonic.

He was dead before his body hit the floor.

The End

M

Book Blogger Hop


Over at Crazy-for-Books they're having a Book Blogger Hop. Here is a description from the website:

It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Love Fest HOP!!

ABOUT THE HOP:
In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! So, I created this weekly BOOK PARTY where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start PARTYING!!

Sounds like a blast. Go and check it out - leave your link so others can stop by your blog - and don't forget to check out the blogs listed - you may find several you like. I did. :)

http://www.crazy-for-books.com/



This week:

Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why?

Yes I do. My system is a stars - with 5 stars being an amazing read and working backwards from there. I use this system as a tool to express my own opinion of the book I am reviewing. :) It is the same as the system used by Shelfari and Goodreads.

M

Thursday, August 26, 2010

New Series on AMC - The Walking Dead

I am so excited!! I just found out about this new series coming to AMC - The Walking Dead. It's about zombies!! Woo-Hoo. The show premieres on Halloween night - 10-31-10.

Take a look at the trailer.





It reminds me of 28 Days Later. I can't wait.

M

Review: Night Myst by Yasmine Galenorn


Night Myst is the first book in the Indigo Court series by Yasmine Galenorn and a Paranormal Romance from Jove.

Book Blurb:

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Having quietly amassed their strength for centuries, the Vampiric Fae are determined to enslave the world. Now Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court, is rising again - and a long-prophesied war is about to begin...

Cicely Waters, a witch who can control the wind, has returned home to New Forest, Washington, after learning that her family is in danger. The Indigo Court holds the city in fear. People are vanishing, and strange deaths plague the town. And when she is swept into an unexpected and passionate reunion with Grieve, the Fae prince who taught her how to harness the wind, Cicely finds herself with a fierce and territorial lover.

But Grieve has become enslaved by Myst's court, and now, caught between two evils, the lovers must survive the machinations of the Vampiric Fae queen, even as Cicely untangles the hidden secrets to her own heritage.

Night Myst was an enjoyable read.

Cicely Waters has lived the life of a nomad since she was very young. Moving from place to place with her mother - she never stayed in one place long enough to put down roots.

But now Cicely can return to the only place she ever called home - New Forest. But when Cicely speaks to her aunt - she finds that returning home may be more of a necessity than the happy homecoming Cicely envisioned.

People in New Forest are going missing - some are have even been found murdered - and the police aren't doing anything about it.

Cicely is determined to do what she can to help - even if it means working with the vampires - the very beings that she distrusts the most.

What Cicely didn't bargain for was becoming a pawn in a three sided war - a war that has been a long time coming - and one that Cicely has no idea who will emerge the victor.

I have read and enjoyed the Otherworld series by Ms. Galenorn since coming across the first book quite by accident. When I found out about this new series I was sure it would become an instant favorite. And I was right.

Night Myst is a very unique read. I enjoyed the world building and the characters that populate that world. I am looking forward to finding out more about Cicely and the Indigo Court.

I give Night Myst 4 out of 5 stars.

M


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Firewalker by Allyson James


Janet Begay's Crossroads Hotel has attracted the supernatural ever since it opened. But a new, dark power is rising, this time inside Janet herself.

Her boyfriend Mick, a sexy dragon shapeshifter the Navajo call a Firewalker, knows what terrifying magic is threatening to overwhelm Janet and her Stormwalker powers. He watches over her, ready to fight for her, to do anything to keep her safe.

But then a mysterious corpse is found near the Crossroads Hotel-and Janet becomes the main suspect.

Now Janet and Mick must uncover what really happened, and their investigation leads to the most perilous decision of their lives...

Release Date: 11-02-10

M

Review: Hangman by Faye Kellerman


Hangman is the 19th book in the Decker/Lazarus series by Faye Kellerman and a Thriller from William Morrow.

Book Blurb:

Fifteen years ago, high school senior Chris Whitman went to jail for murdering his girlfriend, Cheryl Diggs. Propelled by a misguided sense of chivalry, he confessed, determined to save another classmate, the beautiful and vulnerable Terry McLaughlin, from having to testify at his trial. When the truth came out, Chris was released from prison, married Terry - pregnant with his child - and changed his last name to Donatti. He also became a professional killer.

Peter Decker was the detective on the case, and over the years, he and Terry kept in touch. Now his friend is in L.A. and asking for a favor. Though Decker knows full well that getting involved will bring Terry's sociopathic husband back into his life, the obsessive and duty-bound LAPD lieutenant reluctantly agrees. The favor soon becomes complicated when Terry goes missing and Donatti disappears, leaving their fourteen-year-old son, Gabe, with no one to turn to except Decker and his wife, Rina Lazarus.

But Peter's search for Terry must share center stage with a gruesome murder. Adrianna Blanc, a neonatal nurse at St. Timothy's Hospital, had signed off her night shift at eight a.m. Six hours later, a foreman supervising the construction of a house in a nearby suburb discovered her body swinging from the rafters, a cable wire around her neck. Her car was found where she had parked it the night before, with no signs of foul play.

A dedicated and conscientious professional, Adrianna had a circle of close friends. Yet as Decker and his able team soon learn, the young woman also had her share of detractors. A party-hearty girl, she enjoyed booze, kinky sex, and revenge-cheating on her boyfriend, Garth Hammerling, another nurse at St. Tim's. Suspicions heat up when Decker and his team find that one of Adrianna's last phone calls was a provocative and disturbing message to her vacationing boyfriend - who himself has vanished without a trace. Was Adrianna's death something personal because of her carefree lifestyle? Or was this unusually cruel and very dramatic murder the first signs of a serial killer? With lives hanging in the balance, Decker and his colleagues, Sergeant Marge Dunn and Detective Scott Oliver, need to find answers and fast.

As if juggling two investigations weren't enough for the lieutenant (not to mention turning sixty!), things are becoming even more dangerous with his precarious home life. Ever the concerned parent, Decker wants to look after Terry's son, Gabe. Yet who will protect his own family? Because if there's one thing he knows for sure, with a sociopath like Donatti on the loose, no one is ever really safe.


This book was submitted for review and I retain my copy.

Hangman is the first book I have read by Faye Kellerman, and though it is the 19th book in a series - I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone novel.

Peter Decker is a Lieutenant with the LAPD - and he takes his job very seriously, often going above and beyond the call of duty.

When an old friend goes missing shortly after a visit with Peter and her estranged husband - Peter feels responsible for the safety of her 14 year old son. With no hesitation Peter and his wife Rina open their home to the boy.

While trying to find the missing woman, Peter also catches a homicide - this time a young nurse is found dead at a construction site. Peter has his hands full with both cases - but he has a reliable team behind him - and everyone is working the angles.

Hangman was a good read. I like the way Ms. Kellerman writes - there is a lot going on in this book - and it flows well.

I also like Peter and Rina. They are a great couple and work well together, they are very respectful of each other and that comes across in the story.

I give Hangman 4 out of 5 stars and I have added this series to my list of must haves. :)

M


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Review: Black Magic by Cherry Adair


Black Magic is a novel by Cherry Adair from Pocket Star Books.

Book Blurb:

SHE HATES USING MAGIC . . .

Ever since the death of her parents, Sara Temple has rejected her magical gifts. Then, in a moment of extreme danger, she unknowingly sends out a telepathic cry for help - to the one man she is convinced she never wants to see again.

HE'S A POWERFUL WIZARD . . .

Jackson Slater thought he was done forever with his ex-fiancée, but when he hears her desperate plea, he teleports halfway around the world to aid her in a situation where magic has gone suddenly, brutally wrong.

THEY'VE BEEN CHOSEN TO SAVE THE WORLD . . .

But while Sara and Jack remain convinced they are completely mismatched, the Wizard Council feels otherwise. A dark force is killing some of the world's most influential wizards, and the ex-lovers have just proved their abilities are mysteriously amplified when they work together. But with the fate of the world at stake, will the violent emotions still simmering between them drive them farther apart . . . or bring them back into each other's arms?


Black Magic is the first book I've read by Cherry Adair and I enjoyed it very much. :)

Sara Temple lost her family at a very early age - and she feels responsible for their deaths. Her magic is unstable and hard to predict - or so she has been told, by her guardian Grant.

Grant was there the night her parents died and he took Sara in, paid for the best education money could buy, and then gave her a job within his company. It seems like Grant has always been there for Sara.

Jackson Slater loves Sara more than he ever thought it possible to love another - but he despises Grant. Jackson always felt like Grant was trying to come between him and Sara.

When the unthinkable happens - Jackson walks away from Sara with the intention of never looking back.

In the middle of an expedition half way around the world, Jackson feels a sense of urgency and hears a mental call from Sara. Reluctantly Jackson teleports to Sara and finds her life in danger.

When the Wizard Council pairs Sara and Jackson together to find out what is happening to the world's topmost wizards - they both balk at the assignment. Neither want to be in the others company for any length of time.

But the Council will not take no for an answer and Sara and Jackson must put aside their past long enough to find the answers the Council needs.

Or this may be the end of the world as they know it.

I like Jackson. He is totally Alpha - smart, talented, strong and sexy.

Sara is smart in her own right - but easily manipulated. I think she is too trusting and looks for the good in everyone - that is not a bad thing - but sometimes when things (or people) seem too good to be true - they usually are.

Sara evolves along the way and comes into her own - with the help of Jackson. I think they are good together - bringing out the best in each other.

I give Black Magic 4 out of 5 stars.

M


Monday, August 23, 2010

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge- Week #2



Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge.

Here is the premise:

Every Monday Morning, we'll post a picture for anyone and everyone's consideration, and if you'd like to play along with us, please feel free, we're happy to have you! The word count we've come up with is 350 words, not quite as tight as 250, but not as lengthy as 500. You'll have 5 days in which to complete your mission, should you choice to accept, so Friday, we'll post our take of the prompt. (BTW.... you can post your flash at anytime.... it doesn't have to be on Fridays, any day of the week is fine, and if you leave a link, I'll try to add it to my Friday post so everyone can read it... :)

So, are you ready? (Remember to leave comment with a link if you play, I'll make it over to read what you've brilliantly come up with as the soul sucking allows, of course...). Regardless if you participate or not, remember to have loads of fun, release your inner creativity (mine's been a bit bottled....damn soul suckers) and let your juices flow....in a totally non-soul sucking way, I mean. You'll never know unless you try, and at first, it may appear to be a daunting task....but oh so much fun!! So, on your mark.... get set.... create!

And here is this weeks picture prompt:



Amy and Dottie both say they have never used an anime picture as a prompt - well that makes three of us. LOL The only anime I'm familiar with is Pokemon. :)

M

Mailbox Monday



Good morning everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. :) Who watched last nights episode of True Blood? I wasn't wow'd with this one. I'm seeing more of a difference between the books and the show this season. That is not a bad thing - just an observation. :)

Here is a book I received last week.

Book Blurb:

Dulcinea Macgregor Craven is the only child of a wealthy English viscount. She is also a natural witch, one of a long line of Macgregor witches on her mother's side. When her parents are killed in a carriage accident, Dulcie doesn't think her life can get much worse. Then an old childhood friend returns to the country a little bit differently than he left and vows that nothing will stop him from possessing her and her magic.

In a desperate attempt to save her life, Dulcie summons a trio of vampires called The Righteous to her aid. With the help of The Righteous and four human friends, Dulcie attempts to thwart her enemy's plans to capture her and use her magic for his own evil purposes.

Even as she falls in love for the first time, Dulcie realizes that she may
have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the world.

I've wanted to try this series for a while now - have you read it? What are your thoughts?

M

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Cover & Promo: Real Vampires Have More to Love

Real Vampires Have More to Love is the 6th book in the Glory St. Claire series by Gerry Bartlett.



Book Blurb:

Glory St. Clair is a vampire with man trouble. Between her on-again, off-again lover Jeremy Blade, smoking hot rock star Ray Caine, and former bodyguard turned apartment mate Valdez, there's enough man-candy around to make even a gal with a liquid diet feel a sugar rush.

Glory's got no time to enjoy it, though, considering that she's in the middle of planning her best friend's wedding. And let's not forget that there happens to be a hit on her head, thanks to when she took out a techno-freak
billionaire.

Now, between planning a bachelorette party and dodging stakes, Glory has to decide which man she really wants, before her love life meets an early grave...


Release Date: 12-07-10

M

Friday, August 20, 2010

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge - Week 1

If you will remember on Monday I posted about this:

Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge.

And here is the first prompt picture.




Here is my story.

The Wait is Over

The House stands as a monument to those who perished within. The town is divided right down the middle - with half wanting to burn it to the ground, and the other wanting to restore it - in the hope that a shiny coat of paint will erase the past. Cooper Samuels is in the first camp. She wants nothing more than to see that house go up in flames.

Twenty years ago, NewYears Eve, Cooper Samuels and her family were invited to a huge party at The House. Two year old Cooper has no memory of the party - or anything that follows for that matter. All she remembers is one foster family after the next - until the age of five when she was adopted by the elderly Grant and Sarah Samuels. Cooper loves her adoptive parents - but she can’t talk to them about how she feels about The House. She can’t talk to them about the nightmares.

Cooper wakes in the middle of the night with her heart beating out of her chest. She feels the evil that has crawled into her mind - into her dreams. It wants her. Has waited for her - and will not stop until it has her. Cooper can’t take any more, so she decides to take matters into her own hands.

Cooper pulls her fathers old pick up to the curb and cuts the engine. Sitting in the seat she can feel the evil inside The House. The evil is awake, alive and oddly enough - expecting Cooper. Taking a deep breath, Cooper gets out and gently closes the door, reaching into the back for the five gallon gasoline can.

Walking quickly up the front steps, Cooper splashes gasoline over the door and around the frame, walking backwards as the gas fans out in front of her. She douses the steps and the rails and throws the empty gas can onto the porch. Then Cooper grabs her box of matches and lights one - flinging it onto the steps. The gas catches quickly and Cooper watches as the flames run up the steps to the door - spreading from there onto the old, rotted wood of The House.

Stepping back, Cooper stands in the middle of the yard and watches as The House is consumed by the hungry flames. Feeling free at last, Cooper climbs into the pick up and heads home.

Cooper wakes in the middle of the night, heart beating out of her chest and feels the evil surround her.

“Finally, you have freed me. I’ve been waiting so long.”

Cooper can't fight, can't draw breath to scream as the evil presence evades her body - taking control. She leaves her bed, dresses and heads out into the night. Searching...

The End.

M



Book Blogger Hop


Over at Crazy-for-Books they're having a Book Blogger Hop. Here is a description from the website:

It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Love Fest HOP!!

ABOUT THE HOP:
In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! So, I created this weekly BOOK PARTY where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start PARTYING!!

Sounds like a blast. Go and check it out - leave your link so others can stop by your blog - and don't forget to check out the blogs listed - you may find several you like. I did. :)

http://www.crazy-for-books.com/



This week:
How many blogs do you follow?


I follow 210 blogs. :)

M

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Review: Queen of the Night by J A Jance


Queen of the Night is the fourth book in the Brandon Walker series by J A Jance and a Thriller Novel from William Morrow.

Book Blurb:

Every summer, in an event that is commemorated throughout the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Queen of the Night flower blooms in the Arizona desert. But one couple's intended celebration is shattered by gunfire, the sole witness to the bloodshed a little girl who has lost the only family she's ever known.

To her rescue come Dr. Lani Walker, who sees the trauma of her own childhood reflected in her young patient, and Dan Pardee, an Iraq war veteran and member of an unorthodox border patrol unit called the Shadow Wolves. Joined by Pima County homicide investigator Brian Fellows, they must keep the child safe while tracking down a ruthless killer.

In a second case, retired homicide detective Brandon Walker is investigating the long unsolved murder of an Arizona State University coed. Now, after nearly half a century of silence, the one person who can shed light on that terrible incident is willing to talk. Meanwhile, Walker's wife, Diana Ladd, is reliving memories of a man whose death continues to haunt her.

As these crimes threaten to tear apart three separate families, the stories and traditions of the Tohono O'odham people remain just beneath the surface of the desert, providing illumination to events of both self-sacrifice and unspeakable evil.

Queen of the Night was submitted for review and I retain my copy.

This is the first book I have read by J A Jance - and though Queen of the Night is the 4th book in the Brandon Walker series - I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone novel.

When a multiple murder leaves a little girl the only surviving witness - Border Patrol Agent Dan Pardee is bound and determined to keep her safe until the perpetrator is brought to justice.

Doctor Lani Walker feels an instant kinship with the little girl and a spark of something more with Dan Pardee - but both of them want only what is best for young Angie.

Lani's adoptive father Brandon Walker, is hoping to solve a long outstanding murder case - but he is worried about his wife Diana Ladd who has been acting out of character. He doesn't know which will be easier to solve - the case, or Diana's issues.

I enjoyed Queen of the Night very much. I love how Ms. Jance weaves the traditions and stories of the Tohono O'odham people into this book.

I give Queen of the Night 4 out of 5 stars.

M

Hour of the HunterKiss of the BeesDay of the DeadQueen of the Night

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Review: Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich


Sizzling Sixteen is the 16th book in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich from St. Martin's Press.

Book Blurb:

Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a "lucky" bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn't specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck...

Bad Luck: Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs.

Good Luck: Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Connie, and Lula have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the cash.

Bad Luck: Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie's messing up local stoner Walter "Moon Man" Dunphy's vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in security expert Ranger's apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.

Good Luck: Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner's Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip's lucky bottle, they just might raise enough money to save Vinnie and the business from ruin.

Bad Luck: Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bond's means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a Turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.

Good Luck: The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton's hottest cop, Joe Morelli and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip's lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky - the only question is...with whom?

I love this series. :)

Stephanie, Connie and Lula team up to save Vinnie - and hilarity ensues.

Ranger speaks - "Babe" - 'nuff said. :)

Stephanie and Morelli are in the 'off' stage of their on again, off again - but that doesn't stop Morelli from wanting Stephanie - or from worrying about her.

GrandMa Mazur is up to her usual antics - and she cracks me up. :)

But all that being said, something has to give. How much longer can we go on with the status quo? I'm hoping that this book and the events that transpired with the Bonds office will be used as a turning point for Stephanie.

As much as I love these books - they are becoming a bit redundant - predictable, if you know what I mean. Stephanie goes after a skip, funny stuff happens, Stephanie gets into trouble and is bailed out by Ranger or Morelli. Dinner at Mom & Dad's and GrandMa Mazur being GrandMa Mazur.

It's all great - but predictable. :) I still love the series though - it is entertaining and makes me laugh.

I give Sizzling Sixteen 4 out of 5 stars.

M


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Winners: Captured & CSN Gift Certificate

Hello everyone. It is time to choose the winners of the 'Captured' giveaway and the CSN Gift Certificate.

Using Random dot org:

First I list all eligible entrants and using List Randomizer I shuffle the names several times.

Then I use Random Number Generator to choose the winning number.

So here we go:

For the 'Captured' giveaway:

There were 8 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

  1. Taylor Tryst
  2. jeanette8042
  3. Beverly
  4. Jen M
  5. Steph
  6. Linda Henderson
  7. Laurie Ryan
  8. Dottie
And the winning number is #3 - Beverly. Congrats Beverly. I will send you an email requesting your snail mail addy so I can get your book in the mail. :)


Now for the CSN Giveaway:

There were 21 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

  1. Sarah
  2. meeyeehere
  3. The Fam
  4. Roxanne Rhoads
  5. Jen M
  6. Sol Ducky
  7. quitecontrary1977
  8. Grace Boyle
  9. Luv to Save
  10. Jennai
  11. Colleen
  12. Katelyn
  13. thatlittlehouse
  14. Martha Lawson
  15. Nithu Bala
  16. Katie
  17. throuthehaze
  18. Linda Henderson
  19. Deanna G
  20. Breanne
  21. Mami2jcn
And the winning number is #12 - Katelyn. I will send Katelyn an email to notify her of her win. :)

Thank you to everyone who participated. :)

Happy Reading,

M



Monday, August 16, 2010

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge


Amy C over at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie over at Tink's Place
have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge.

Here is the premise:

Every Monday Morning, we'll post a picture for anyone and everyone's consideration, and if you'd like to play along with us, please feel free, we're happy to have you! The word count we've come up with is 350 words, not quite as tight as 250, but not as lengthy as 500. You'll have 5 days in which to complete your mission, should you choice to accept, so Friday, we'll post our take of the prompt. (BTW.... you can post your flash at anytime.... it doesn't have to be on Fridays, any day of the week is fine, and if you leave a link, I'll try to add it to my Friday post so everyone can read it... :)

So, are you ready? (Remember to leave comment with a link if you play, I'll make it over to read what you've brilliantly come up with as the soul sucking allows, of course...). Regardless if you participate or not, remember to have loads of fun, release your inner creativity (mine's been a bit bottled....damn soul suckers) and let your juices flow....in a totally non-soul sucking way, I mean. You'll never know unless you try, and at first, it may appear to be a daunting task....but oh so much fun!! So, on your mark.... get set.... create!

And here is this weeks picture prompt:




I think this sounds like a blast and a great way to get your creative energy flowing. I am in no way a writer - I much prefer reading. But I thought, why not give it a try? It's all in fun. :)

M

Mailbox Monday




Good Monday morning everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. :) Who watched True Blood last night? I have to say - even though he is a bad guy, I just love the King of Mississippi. Russell is hilarious and the actor - Denis O'Hare is absolutely perfect. :)

Here are a couple of books I received last week. :)



Ian Buchanan has always felt the unknown - the deep, impenetrable darkness that lives within him. Yet he is determined to lead a "normal" life, ignoring the unsettling dreams in which he succumbs to his wildest desires.. Until psychic Molly Stratton tracks him down, claiming to share his sensual nightmares.

The petite Molly even has the bite marks to prove it. And she's also received a message from Ian's deceased mother: an enemy is near. And it's time for the creature inside Ian to finally awaken. A creature with an insatiable hunger th
at must be controlled before it overtakes them both..

AND



Saige Buchanan travels the world studying her dark past, guided by a strange gift that enables physical objects to tell her their secrets. Yet nothing can protect her from her family's sadistic enemies. Until - in her hour of greatest need - she encounters a mysterious, impossibly sexy shape-shifter.


Sent to find the woman whose darkness has yet to awaken, Michael Quinn battles his primal hunger for Saige. He alone can help her lay claim to her full powers. Yet in doing so, he will destroy her innocence, and mark her as his forever..


Sounds interesting - has anyone read this series?

M

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Interview & Giveaway: Author Julia Rachel Barrett

It is my pleasure to welcome author Julia Rachel Barrett to Michelle's Book Blog. :)

Julia Barrett has lived many lives, but the one central theme of each is her writing. She’s written prose and poetry since she was a child. She comes from a long line of men and women who love to read and write, starting with her beloved grandmother, a playwright. Julia has had articles published in medical and nursing magazines and poetry published in various literary journals. Now she writes romance in several genres, including science fiction, futuristic, paranormal, romantic-suspense and she dabbles in contemporary romance. (Source - Siren Publishing)

Julia's latest book is an Erotic Fantasy Romance: Daughter's of
Persephone I&II which is available from Resplendence Publishing.



Aja Bokinan, of noble blood, is the Thousand Year Empress who has grown to adulthood in exile. Throughout the Empire, women are banned from public life, have no legal rights, and have become little better than property.

In an attempt to kill off the royal line and end all resistance, Aja is kidnapped by a General who intends to inject her with a lethal virus, hoping she will infect her family and Women of the Blood everywhere.

Kyr Aram, is a smuggler and secret resistance fighter. He must find a way to protect Aja from both the General and a traitor on his own ship who wishes to see her dead. With the Thousand Year Empress, he gets more than he bargained for.



(MBB)
Tell us about Julia Barrett.

(JB) Hmmm. If you were to meet me, you'd think me quite shy. I'm not shy, just quiet. In 2007, I resumed a career I gave up a while ago, writing. I majored in Creative Writing at the University of Iowa, but despite receiving some attention as a poet, I realized I needed to eat and writing would not pay the bills, nor would it help support my son - I was a single mother. I returned to school to become a registered nurse, one of the more practical things I've ever done. Since that time, I've worked as a hospice nurse, become a pastry chef and owned a restaurant and catering business. I've lived all over the United States and spent a year overseas. I'm lucky enough to be married to the love of my life. We have three amazing children and a house full of animals.

(MBB) You write in several genre's: Erotic Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance: Do you find one easier to write?

(JB) The truth is, not really. I write the stories that are in my head. Sometimes those stories are grounded in contemporary culture, sometimes in a future world or even on another world. I even dream stories from start to finish - Captured, which is a work of science fiction, was a dream. My Everything, a work of romantic suspense, came to me in a dream. All I had to do was write the words. I've been making up stories in my head since I was a little kid. The stories have just become more sophisticated as I've grown up.

(MBB) When writing Science Fiction, you get to create a world and populate that world any way you wish: Is that a daunting task - or do you consider it a challenge?

(JB) You've nailed the fun part! That's what I love about science fiction, creating a world from scratch and populating it any way I wish. The challenge is establishing your rules and sticking with them. A writer can create any bizarre world he or she chooses, but the world he or she creates must remain internally consistent. Every world, every dimension, has its rules - unless you create a world without rules, but then...that's a rule too! For instance, if you create...say...a character who is invisible at night, and he's always invisible at night, unless you come up with a dang good explanation, one that makes sense within your world, he better remain invisible at night.

(MBB) In Daughter's of Persephone I&II, your male and female lead have very distinctive names: How difficult is it to name your characters?

(JB) Oh, not hard. The problem I have is naming minor characters. Usually the names of my main characters and significant secondary characters come to me. A lot of my characters end up with Hebrew names, or names that are related to Hebrew words - Hebrew is my second language. It's very expressive and the names have lovely meanings.

(MBB) In the past, writing/reading an erotic novel was a naughty little secret: Do you find that erotic novels are more readily accepted by the mainstream reading public - and how has that effected you as a writer?

(JB) Reading erotic romance is still a naughty secret. Do you think someone would be caught dead reading Daughters of Persephone on a plane? There's a naked man on the cover! Of course I think the cover rocks, I'd read it anywhere, but that's me. With the invention of computers, laptops and e-readers, many people feel more comfortable buying and reading erotica. Right now, sales of all kinds of romance are growing. Why? Reading romance is fun, affordable, sometimes very quick - as in el-cheapo quickies you can read over your lunch hour - and you are almost always guaranteed a happy ending. Much of what I read in mainstream fiction is self-absorbed and depressing...right now there is enough bad in the world, enough stress. What's wrong with reading something that makes you feel good for the space of a few hours or a few days? I'm not sure how this affects me, other than to say I will keep writing what I consider to be quality fiction.

(MBB) In your day job you are a hospice nurse: My younger sister is a nurse, so I understand the rewarding/exhausting feeling you may get at times: Do you find your writing to be cathartic?

(JB) No. I find hiking my ass off to be cathartic. I have a new puppy so right now, m y hiking is down to every other day, but especially when I'm working the day job, I have to get out and hike for at least an hour and a half, regardless of the weather. I'm a bit obsessive about it. Hiking keeps me in shape, controls my stress, and clears my head. I think I do some of my best work - in my head - when I'm outside.

(MBB) Inspiration can be found anywhere: What inspires you?

(JB) I'm laughing...my husband. Our love affair. It's like the stuff of dreams. Every hero I write ends up a version of him. But, my husband aside, I'm inspired by my life experiences - which have been varied. I've always been a bit of a risk taker. As my husband says, I'm impulsive. That attribute has led me down some pretty weird pathways. As a result, events from my life do occasionally end up in my stories.

(MBB) When not working, writing or hiking - do you read? What is your favorite genre and who are some of your favorite authors?

(JB) Oh my gosh...I read so much. When I'm working, I do not read romance. I read nonfiction. I don't want to be derivative. My current favorite author is Guy Gavriel Kay. The first book I read of his was, A Song for Arbonne. I just finished his recent release, Under Heaven. He is brilliant. Most of the time I'm reading history books, biographies. I love Sharon Kay Penman's works of historical fiction. Right now, I'm waiting for George R. R. Martin to finish his amazing series, A Game of Thrones. Other than the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it's the best work of fantasy I've read.

(MBB) And finally: I've recently read a "mash-up". This is when a contemporary a uthor takes a classic novel and adds paranormal elements: If you could take any of your characters and "mash" them into a classic novel - who would it be, what classic novel would you put them in, and why?

(JB) Well, I kind of do send a character back and 'mash' her into the ancient world in books three and four of Daughters of Persephone, Reborn and The Red Demon. One of my characters, Tem, otherwise known as The Red Demon, spends her time on ancient earth, flitting from place to place, time to time, appearing to her followers as any number of goddesses - Artemis, Kali,Persephone, Isis, Cybele...
If any of my characters could go back and fit into, say, Jane Eyre, it would probably be Gabriel Abbott from Beauty and the Feast. He's a bit like Rochester, he tends to take charge and thinks he knows best when it comes to the woman he loves. Fortunately for him, just like Jane, Eva Raines has other ideas.

For more information on author Julia Rachel Barrett - please visit her websites.

Julia Rachel Barrett
http://juliarachelbarrett.net/
http://juliabarrett.blogspot.com/
http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com/

You can also find her work here:

Publishers

Julia has generously offered one copy of her book Captured to one lucky commenter. :) I've just reviewed Captured and loved it.

Giveaway is open to all followers of this blog with a US mailing address. Just leave a comment or question for Julia along with an email addy so I can contact you when you win.


Winner will be chosen Tuesday 8-17-10.

I would like to thank Julia for her time and generosity. :)

Good luck everyone.

M




Friday, August 13, 2010

Review: Captured by Julia Rachel Barrett

Captured is an Erotic Sci-Fi Romance by Julia Rachel Barrett and a Siren Publishing Classic.

Book Blurb:

Mari never expects to find herself in a cage in a cargo hold on a spaceship. She quickly learns from her captors she's headed to the meat market. When they try to return her to hypersleep, she resists. After allowing her to stay awake, Mari realizes her survival depends on connecting with the male in charge, Ekkatt. She must make him see her as a sentient being or she will end up as dinner.

Ekkatt has never spoken to any human. They are valued for one thing, the money they bring at auction. The Attun race is vegetarian, but other species prize human flesh and bring in good money. Then the female with red hair speaks to him and forces him to admit she has a name. Mari throws Ekkatt's entire life into question, the biggest question...can he watch her sold to the highest bidder?

Captured is the first book I have read by author Julia Rachel Barrett and I really enjoyed it.

Mari Damon never in her wildest imaginings, thought she would find herself being held captive in a cage on a spaceship. Trying to get her bearings, Mari listens as her captors discuss their cargo. The language sounds familiar - Mari can almost pick out a word or two - and with time and patience she is sure she can speak this language.

Ekkatt has never had one of the females wake
ahead of schedule. When the red haired female speaks to him - he responds in English, telling her she must go back to sleep. But when the female attempts to carry on a conversation with him - Ekkatt is amused and curious. Surely it would not hurt to allow her to remain awake.

Mari sees befriending Ekkatt as her only chance of survival - but she is not aware of the strict laws the Attun race have in place. Human women are seen as nothing more than cattle - and the Attun do not interact with cattle.

Captured is a great read. The entire premise of this book is unlike any I have read before and I would be happy to read more. :)

I give Captured 4 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to stop back by MBB tomorrow for an interview and giveaway with author Julia Rachel Barrett.


M


Book Blogger Hop


Over at Crazy-for-Books they're having a Book Blogger Hop. Here is a description from the website:

It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Love Fest HOP!!

ABOUT THE HOP:
In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! So, I created this weekly BOOK PARTY where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start PARTYING!!

Sounds like a blast. Go and check it out - leave your link so others can stop by your blog - and don't forget to check out the blogs listed - you may find several you like. I did. :)

http://www.crazy-for-books.com/


This week:

How many books do you have on your 'to be read shelf’?

I have been working on my 'tbr' shelf. Trying to read the books that have been there for a while. Moving them around so I can see the ones in the back - the ones I've forgotten about. But more books are released every week...so even though I read 3 or 4 a week, I usually buy new ones to replace them. LOL

Right now my 'tbr' book cases (I have 4) holds about 200 books. I have one book case for my thriller/mystery/sci-fi's. Two book cases house my PNR, UF and Romantic Suspense and another book case holds my YA books.

At lease they are organized. :)

Have a wonderful weekend.

M

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Book Cover & Promo: Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard

I found this book while looking around for new releases. :) I can't decide if the woman looks fierce, trashy or constipated. Maybe it is a combination of all three...LOL

But the blurb sounds kinda nifty...

Book Blurb:

After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn't built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari's past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be p
art of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.

Release date: 11-2-10

M

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Giveaway: CSN Stores Gift Certificate





A few months back I was contacted by a representative of CSN stores about doing a product review. I was happy to do so, and now have a great new bookcase for my YA books. :)

Recently I was contacted by a CSN Stores representative again and offered a gift certificate for giveaway here at Michel
le's Book Blog. I was thrilled with opportunity to offer this giveaway to all of you.

By now, most of you know that our daughter is heading to college: Monday, as a matter of fact. She has decided to stay home for the first two years and get her core classes out o
f the way. I am so glad. But she then decided that she needed to update her bedroom to a more 'grown-up' style.

CSN Stores has some great upholstered headboards that provide that grown up feel she is looking for.

The upholstered headboards come in all styles and colors - sure to fit in with any bedroom decor.

CSN Stores has offered a gift certificate for one lucky commenter. This is an eighty dollar ($80) gift certificate that can be used at any of their 200+ stores.

http://www.csnstores.com/ourstores.asp

CSN Stores has great prices and a huge selection of products. You can use this gift certificate to purchase any item within the $80 value - or use the $80 towards a larger purchase. Remember: This $80 gift certificate covers the cost of the item only - you will have to pay the shipping. However, CSN Stores has many products with free shipping - so if the item you choose is under the $80 value of the gift certificate and has free shipping - you are covered.

To enter this giveaway you must be a follower of this blog and have a mailing address in the US or Canada.

Just leave a comment with an email addy so I can contact you when you win. :) I will then forward your email address to the representative at CSN Stores and he will email your gift certificate.

Contest will run through Monday 8-16-10 and I will announce the winner Tuesday 8-17-10.

Good Luck Everyone!!

M