Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Cover Discovery & Promo: Blood Secrets by Jeannie Holmes


Blood Secrets is the second book in the Alexandra Sabian series by Jeannie Holmes.

Book Blurb from Goodreads:

WHEN ALEXANDRA SABIAN SINKS HER TEETH INTO AN INVESTIGATION, SHE DOESN’T LET GO.

Alex let a case of murdered vamps get personal and is suspended from the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigation. Now she’s facing an official inquiry but has a chance to redeem herself. The catch: she must once again work with Varik Baudelaire, her former mentor and ex-fiancĂ©, as he spearheads a search for a missing college student. But Varik has been keeping secrets from Alex and his mysterious past is on a collision course with his present.

When Alex and Varik discover a carefully handcrafted doll at a crime scene, neither of them can see how close the danger really is or that a killer known as the Dollmaker has made Alex the object of his horrific desire. Now the only way out of the Dollmaker’s lair is through the twilight realm of the Shadowlands, where all secrets—for better or worse—will be revealed.



Release Date:  06-28-11


M

November Review Re-Cap





I am blown away by the fact that today is the last day in November.  I'm not sure why.  I post everyday - see the date changing - but still, it has snuck up on me all stealth like.  LOL  


Christmas and my birthday are my biggest mass book buying adventures - and I have my list of Christmas books ready - just tweeking it here and there.  :)  So far I have 24 books on it.  I am so excited.  

Okay, enough of my ramblins...here is a recap of the books I read and reviewed for November.

5 Stars

No Mercy - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Alpha - Rachel Vincent
Songs of Love & Death - Anthology
Rise Again - Ben Tripp
The Fall - Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan
Jealousy - Lili St. Crow

4 Stars

Wages of Sin - Jenna Maclaine
Bayou Moon - Ilona Andrews
A Babe in Toyland - Tawny Weber
Passion - Anthology
First Grave on the Right - Darynda Jones

3 Stars

In Over Her Head - Judi Fennell
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price
City of Ghosts - Stacia Kane

1 Star

Death Row: The Trilogy - Jaid Black

DNF

Warrior Ascended - Addison Fox
Wolf Fever - Terry Spear
Beneath the Thirteen Moons - Kathryne Kennedy
Flashes from the Otherworld - Julie Ann Weinstein
The Dark Storm - Kris Greene
Caleb - Sarah McCarty
Magick Charm - Jennifer Wells
The Keepers - Heather Graham



That was my month.  How was yours?

Review: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price


Grave Witch is the first book in the Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price and a ROC Fantasy.
 

Book Blurb:

Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn't mean she likes what they have to say.

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic.  But even though she's on good terms with Death himself - who happens to look fantastic in jeans - nothing has prepared her for her latest case.  Alex is investigating a high-profile murder when she's attacked by the 'shade' she's raising, which should be impossible.  To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her.  Guess he likes having her around...

To solve the case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews.  Falin seems to be hiding something - though it's certainly not his dislike of Alex.  But Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer who wields a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life...and her soul.
 

Alex Craft is a Grave Witch - that means she can raise the shade of a dead person, see ghosts, tap into the Aetheric - and even see Death.  To say she is in touch with 'other side' is an understatement.

When Alex receives a call from her estranged sister asking for a favor - Alex is at first hesitant to help.  Her sister wants Alex to look into the death of a very prominent person - and that could prove tricky - the police aren't really keen on having Alex's input on this case.  As a matter of fact, the police have left Alex out of the loop on a string of recent murders.

Alex starts snooping around and her involvement makes several people unhappy - some want to throw her in jail, others want to intimidate her - and one wants her dead.

I really like the character of Alex and the concept of a Grave Witch is interesting - I can see potential for this series.  :)

I give Grave Witch 3 out of 5 stars.

M

Monday, November 29, 2010

M.M.F.F Challenge: Week #16





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 - 350 words, give or take. 


And here is the sixteenth picture prompt.








This one is spooky - I wonder where it will take us?  Stop back on Friday to see what I come up with.


And remember - if you want to play along, we'd love to have you.  Just leave us a link to your story in a comment.  :)

M

Review: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones


First Grave on the Right is the first book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones and a Paranormal Romantic Suspense from St. Martin's Press.

Book Blurb:


A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper.

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to go into the light.”

But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice.

Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

This is a thrilling debut novel from an exciting newcomer to the world of paranormal romantic suspense.

First Grave on the Right was submitted for review and I retain my ARC.

Charley Davidson had the unfortunate luck of being born a grim reaper - a portal for those who have died to pass on into whatever comes next.  Oddly enough, she enjoys her job - but it really doesn't pay the bills.

To make ends meet, Charley is a P.I. as well as a 'consultant' for the local PD - her main contact being her Uncle Bob.  She has a great track record of solving the unsolvable murders - mainly because their ghosts are telling her everything that happened.

When a string of related murders take place and the ghosts of the dearly departed find their way to Charley - she has no option but to help them move on by finding whodunnit and why.

I really enjoyed First Grave on the Right.  Charley is funny and snarky and tends to get herself in a mess of trouble trying to do the right thing.

I give First Grave on the Right 4 out of 5 stars and I am really looking forward to reading more in this series.

M

Release Date:  02-01-11


ISBN13: 978-0-312-66275-2

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Gearing Up For Holiday Giveaways at MBB!! :)





Alrighty then.  This is my favorite time of year and I have been planning these giveaways for some time now.  I hope you will all be pleased.


First I have the monthly book giveaway here at MBB.  This time around it is going to be a holiday themed book.


Second I have four (4) sets of four (4) books to giveaway - courtesy of Harlequin.  I am really excited about this one because I will have four (4) winners.  :)



Third I am giving away another mystery box of books. This time around it will really be a mystery because I'm not even going to tell you what genre they are.  :)


So that is all of the giveaways for Michelle's Book Blog in December.  But I am also going to be participating in the Midwinters Eve Giveaway Hop on 12-21 & 22.


Here is a little more info on that:

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer is hosting a Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop. 

The Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop will be a quick 2 day hop.  Midwinter's Eve is the longest night of the year so why not spend it entering some great giveaways.

The hop will run from 12:01 AM on December 21st to 11:59 PM on December 22nd. 


Yes I know it is a crazy time of year and I don't expect this hop to be nearly as big as the previous hops or the hops planned for 2011.  This is just for those who want to participate in a quick and easy blog hop.


Each blog will host their own giveaway. There is no requirement on the minimum or maximum value of your giveaway. It's up to you to decide. You can give away books, swags, amazon gift cards, or anything else you can think of that has to do with books. Your giveaway can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.

All participating blogs will be linked up through a Midwinter's Eve linky. You will be given the linky code to add to your blog so that readers can jump from one giveaway to the next.

Please keep the process to enter your giveaway as simple as possible.
Please no long lists of dozens of different things followers can do to gain extra entries

Please help spread the word. The more blogs participating the better! It will mean more visitors and new followers for your blog.

Giveaways can be US, US & Canada or International.

Please create your giveaway post before the giveaway starts and then set it to be posted at 12:01 AM EST on December 21st.
More details will be available as we get closer to the giveaway.

Questions can be emailed to me at toobusyreading at gmail dot com.

The last day to sign up is December 16th.



The giveaways for Michelle's Book Blog with begin on December 1, 2010 and run for about 10 days or so.  I would like to have them finished by the 15th so I can get everyone's books in the mail.  :) 



As always you must be a follower of this blog with a US mailing address.  


So keep in touch and look for the giveaway posts.  :)


M
   

Review: The Fall by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan


The Fall is the second book in the Strain trilogy by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan and a Novel from William Morrow.

Book Blurb:

Last week they invaded Manhattan. This week they will destroy the world.

The vampiric virus unleashed in The Strain has taken over New York City. It is spreading and soon will envelop the globe. Amid the chaos, Eph Goodweather - head of the Centers for Disease Control's team - leads a band out to stop these bloodthirsty monsters. But it may be too late.

Ignited by the Master's horrific plan, a war erupts between Old and New World vampires, each vying for control. At the center of the conflict lies a book, an ancient text that contains the vampires' entire history . . . and their darkest secrets. Whoever finds the book can control the outcome of the war and, ultimately, the fate of us all.

And it is between these warring forces that humans - powerless and vulnerable - find themselves no longer the consumers but the consumed. Though Eph understands the vampiric plague better than anyone, even he cannot protect those he loves. His ex-wife, Kelly, has been transformed into a blood-crazed creature of the night, and now she stalks the city looking for her chance to reclaim her Dear One: Zack, Eph's young son.

With the future of humankind in the balance, Eph and his team, guided by the brilliant former professor and Holocaust survivor Abraham Setrakian and exterminator Vasiliy Fet and joined by a crew of ragtag gangsters, must combat a terror whose ultimate plan is more terrible than anyone has imagined - a fate worse than annihilation.
 
The Fall is an awesome read.  :)

In this second installment of the Strain trilogy we find our band of unlikely heroes trying to stay one step ahead of the Master - and out of the way of the infected who have been sent to claim them.

The Master has realized that this group of survivors are a threat to his plans - and he wants them out of the way.

Abraham is the groups best chance at defeating the Master - he has had the longest time to prepare for the war - having met the Master years ago in a Nazi death camp.  Now Abraham has learned that a book is in New York - a book that holds the key to destroying the Master - and he needs that book.

Eph and his son Zack are still reeling from the knowledge that Zack's Mom has been infected - and she wants Zack.  This virus is so target specific - once a person is infected they immediately seek out the person they love the most - to infect them - and for Kelly, that person is Zack.

Fet, the exterminator, has finally found his purpose in life - to kill vampires - and he is very good at it.  Now Abraham's right hand man, Fet is sent on missions that will hinder the progress of the vampires - while also killing any he encounters along the way.

Now the group has been joined by a gang of guys led by a man that Abraham saved in The Strain - his name is Gus - and Gus and his crew are packing.  Weapons and ammunition's, UVC lamps and vehicles - whatever they need to combat the virus and those infected. 

Gus joining the group seems like an answer to a prayer - until Abraham finds out just who has supplied Gus with the weapons.

The fight has turned into a race against time as Abraham realizes what the Master has in mind - and no matter how hard they try - the group can do nothing to stop it.

Now it is a matter of waiting it out...

I love this series.  :)

I give The Fall 5 out of 5 stars.  :)

M

Friday, November 26, 2010

Upcoming Releases from Sourcebooks Casablanca

Wolf Fever is the sixth book in the Heart of the Wolf series by Terry Spear.


Book Blurb:

Fate turned nurse Carol Woods into a wolf, but she refuses to let being a lupus garou define her life. 

Ordered by her pack leader to find a mate and commit to shifting, there is only one gray wolf that catches Carol's interest; but Chaz McKinley makes it very clear that unless she's willing to accept what she is, he wants nothing to do with her. 

When a virus outbreak leaves local pack members trapped in their wolf form, will Chaz and Carol learn to trust each other before it's too late for the pack and their one chance at true love?

Release Date:  12-01-10
ISBN-13: 9781402237522

Beneath the Thirteen Moons is a novel by Kathryne Kennedy.


Book Blurb:

When boat-smuggler Mahri Zin kidnaps a Healer to cure her family and he turns out to be the Prince of Sea Forest, she must use too much of the magical zabbaroot to escape his enemies. 

From her root-induced coma she learns that the natives of this planet plan for her to Bond with him, a joining so final that to tear it asunder would mean the death of them both. 

Mahri only wants her freedom, but as they plunge through the dangerous waters of the swamps she finds it hard to resist the physical lure of Prince Korl. 

And the Prince must change the entire world of Sea Forest in order to gain her heart, and ultimately determine mankind's survival on this landless planet.


Release Date:  12-01-10


ISBN-13: 9781402236518

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 weeks question:
 
What is your favorite book cover?
 
I don't know that any one book cover stands out for me right now.  I like different book covers for different reasons.  I am partial to full body covers as opposed to the floating head cover.  :)
 
 
 

Flash Fiction Friday: Week 15

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 wi
ll be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.

And here is the fifteenth picture prompt:
 



 
My Story:
 
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
By Michelle Greathouse

Jane sat on the folding chair from hell in total awe of the number of elves and archers, ogre’s and goblins, hobbits ,fairies and other strangely dressed creatures she could not identify.

She was so out of her element.  When Pearce asked her to spend the weekend with him doing ‘Live Action Role Play’ (LARP to those in the know) she was ecstatic thinking they were going to take their relationship to the next level.  Maybe do a little dressing up as a sexy maid or naughty nurse.

When Pearce handed her the very long, very confining green gown, she was confused.  “You are an eleven princess.”  Was his only response.  As if that answered everything.

They arrived at the open field at 7 am and Pearce promptly left Jane to fend for herself.  Now, coming up on 11:30 Jane was getting hungry.  Making her way outside the designated LARP area, Jane found a snack stand and purchased bottle of water and a roast beef sandwich.

Finishing her lunch, Jane went to dispose of her garbage and caught sight of a blinking light just at the edge of the woods.  Curious, and frankly wanting the exercise, she followed the light.

Easing into the woods Jane noticed that no matter how far she walked, the light always stayed just out of reach - around a bend, behind a tree.

She checked her watch and was surprised to note that she had been walking for more than twenty minutes.  Pulling her cell phone from the bag tied at her waist, she noted she had no signal.  

Figures.

Jane stepped around a huge tree and there was the light.  She reached out the hand not holding the cell phone and the light landed on her wrist.

She disappeared.

Her cell phone hit the ground.  Pearce found it five hours later and called the police.

The End
Word Count: 322

Well this one was a little shorter than my usual - and obviously I had my own take on this pretty picture.  LOL But I didn’t get violent. :)


M
 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving !!


Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the US and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I have been married for 19 years and this is the first Thanksgiving that we will be celebrating in our own home.  LOL  I am so excited.  Usually I cook and we go to my Mama's - but this year, I'm cooking and Mama is coming to us. 

We go to my MIL on Friday for ham sandwiches.  :)

Since I am hosting, I thought I would do it up right.  Here is the menu:

Ham
Turkey
Dressing
Cranberry Salad
Potato Salad
Green Bean Casserole
Mac & Cheese
Yams
Crescent Rolls

Dessert:

Sweet Potato Pie
Pumpkin Cheesecake
and
Birthday Cake (Because tomorrow is our sons 14 birthday.  :)

I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow filled with loving friends & family, great food and lasting memories.

WoW: Hellforged by Nancy Holzner






Hellforged is the second book in the Deadtown series by Nancy Holzner.



Book Blurb:

A demon is stalking Vicky’s dreams—just as several of Deadtown’s zombies are viciously attacked and become really dead. 

And when Vicky realizes she is the only connection between the victims, she suspects that the demon is somehow working through her dreams to become Deadtown’s living nightmare. 

Release Date:  12-28-10

Review: Passion, Erotic Romance for Women


Passion
Erotic Romance for Women




Discover Romance at its Sexiest

Love and sex have always been intimately intertwined--and
Passion shows just how delicious the possibilities are when they mingle in this sensual collection edited by award-winning author Rachel Kramer Bussel. 

Be swept away as you travel to Paris and Greece (and Beverly Hills).  Get stuck in an elevator, take a bubble bath, and explore nature in some very luscious ways. 

Indulge in "Big Bed Sex," get geeky with "My Dark Knight," find "An Easy Guy to Fall On," discover why there's "No Risk, No Reward," go to work with "The Efficiency Expert," and "Rekindle" an old flame. 

Featuring work by talented authors, Passion offers succulent stories sure to quicken heartbeats while appealing to the most romantic of souls. 

With contributed stories by Donna George Storey, Jacqueline Applebee, Angela Caperton, Wickham Boyle, Suzanne V. Slate, Isabelle Gray, Lana Fox, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Monica Day, A.M. Hartnett, Annabeth Leong, Justine Elyot, Charlene Teglia, Lizzy Chambers, Saskia Walker, Emerald, Teresa Noelle Roberts, Delilah Devlin, Portia de Costa, and Kathleen Bradean.

 
Passion was submitted for review and I retain my copy.

 
The first story, Big-Bed Sex hooked me.  This story is about how a married couple have found a new way to spice up their sex life - by staying at B&B's and hotels and having wild monkey sex.  :) 

Dear in the Headlights and Third Time's the Charm reeled me in even further with stories showing that  some of the hottest encounters happen outside the bedroom.

And Rekindle brought it all home with a story about a married couple in their 40's who still have passion for one another and the desire to express that passion.

These stories are full of passion and sexual exploration, the giving and taking of pleasure - hot enough to singe your bed covers.

I give Passion 4 out of 5 stars.

M   

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Review: A Babe in Toyland by Tawny Weber


A Babe in Toyland by Tawny Weber is part of the Christmas anthology It Must Have Been the Mistletoe from Harlequin Blaze.
 

Book Blurb:

Rita Mae Cole and Tyler Ramsey hail from feuding families.

Be together?

Impossible.

But the incredible sex between them says otherwise...
 

This book was submitted for review by author Tawny Weber and I retain my copy.

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe is a three story anthology featuring the Cole sisters.

In A Babe in Toyland, Rita Cole is working a last minute job trying to make the money to pay off the Christmas gift she so desperately wants to give to her parents.

Having left home at an early age feeling like the loser of the family - Rita wants nothing more than to return home and show everyone that she has made something of herself.

Unfortunately, Rita hasn't quite found her niche.

Tyler Ramsey has never forgotten about Rita Cole - the 'wild child' of the Cole sisters - and seeing her now, brings back a rush of feelings he thought he'd put to rest years ago.

When an unforeseen altercation forces Rita and Tyler to make the long drive back to their home town together - sparks fly, and neither could have anticipated the explosion of passion...

I will admit, this is the first Harlequin Blaze I have ever read - and it is pretty steamy. :)

I like Ms. Weber's writing style - her characters are easily relate-able and the story moves along at a steady pace.

I give A Babe in Toyland 4 out of 5 stars.

M
 

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe...also contains:

When She Was Naughty by Kate Hoffman
Cole for Christmas by Rhonda Nelson

Release Date: 12-01-10
ISBN-13: 978-0-373-79583-3

Cover & Promo: Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris


Book Blurb from GoodReads: 

"With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. 

But Sookie suspects otherwise and she and Sam work together to uncover the culprit - and the twisted motive for the attack. 

But her attention is divided. 

Though she can't 'read' vampires, Sookie knows her lover Eric Northman and his 'child' Pam well - and she realises that they are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, she is drawn into the plot -which is much more complicated than she knows. 

Caught up in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human - and that there is a new Queen on the board . . . "

Release Date:  05-03-11


Thanks to Dark Wyrm Reads for the find.  :) 

Monday, November 22, 2010

M.M.F.F. Challenge: Week #15





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 - 350 words, give or take. 


And here is the fifteenth picture prompt.







This one is very pretty and ya'll know I struggle with the pretty pics.  :)  Stop by on Friday to see what I come up with - and if I'm able to keep it from being violent.  LOL

M

Review: Rise Again by Ben Tripp


Rise Again is a novel of Fiction by Ben Tripp from Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster.

Book Blurb:


 
A MYSTERIOUS CONTAGION.
MASS HYSTERIA.
SUDDEN DEATH.

And a warning that would come all too late . . .

Forest Peak, California. Fourth of July. Sheriff Danielle Adelman, a troubled war veteran, thinks she has all the problems she can handle in this all-American town after her kid sister runs away from home.

But when a disease-stricken horde of panicked refugees fleeing the fall of Los Angeles swarms her small mountain community, Danny realizes her problems have only just begun - starting with what might very well be the end of the world.

Danny thought she had seen humanity at its worst in war-torn Iraq, but nothing could prepare her for the remorseless struggle to survive in a dying world being overrun by the reanimated dead and men turned monster.

Obsessed with finding her missing sister against all odds, Danny's epic and dangerous journey across the California desert will challenge her spirit . . . and bring her to the precipice of sanity itself. . . .

I absolutely love this book!!

Danielle Adelman, Danny to one and all, has returned home to the small town of Forest Peak, CA and assumed the office of sheriff.  Suffering from PTSD and self medicating with alcohol - Danny is oblivious to her sister's growing discontent. 

But when Kelley runs away - Danny is forced to acknowledge the part she has played in pushing Kelley away and after the initial anger - realizes that this was Kelley's way of getting Danny's attention.

Going about her duties during the towns annual festival, Danny is shocked to see hundreds of people running up the street - vacant expressions on their faces, no destination in mind - just running, until they drop dead.

And if that was not bad enough, soon after - some of those dead bodies get up and begin shuffling around.

Even a hardened soldier like Danny has never seen anything like this before - and it will take every bit of experience Danny has to keep herself and her small rag tag group safe - not only from the reanimated dead - but from the living they encounter as well.


With sporadic communication - Danny and crew have no idea what is going on in the world around them.  How fair this epidemic has spread, how many - if any, survivors - or even if there is a cure.  With no apparent government in place, no law enforcement or military presence - it's martial law.  And he who has the biggest gun, the most weapons at hand - and the desire to use them - wants to be in charge.    
 

I have to say that Danny is pretty hardcore.  She sees a problem and goes about fixing it - even if it puts herself in harms way.

Rise Again is a non-stop, roller coaster ride:  tense and riveting, keeping you guessing what's around the corner.

And not to give anything away - because I hate spoilers - but there has got to be a sequel!!  The ending is jaw dropping.

I give Rise Again 5 out of 5 stars.

M

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Cover & Promo: Beauty School Demon by Sidney Ayers


Book Blurb from GoodReads:

Killer new haircut? $50
Creepy antique chest? $100
Unleashing Hell on Earth? Priceless!

Hairstylist Lucia Gregory has serious problems. Who knew opening an antique chest would unleash Hell’s minions? Then again, when the chest is labeled Arca Infernorum, she should’ve known better. Strange things happen the moment it’s opened. Mirrors implode and shampoo bowls erupt like geysers. But that’s the least of her worries. Overnight, she turns into a sexpot. Men, including her gay coworkers, throw themselves at her feet. Only one man is immune—Rafael Deleon, a broodingly sexy man who says he’s a demon. He’s everything she’s avoided—stony and reserved—but that only adds to his mysterious appeal.

Rafael has his own personal demons where the opposite sex is concerned. Any woman he’s cared for has met a horrible demise. As a demon protector of Limbo, He’s sent to retrieve the chest before it’s opened. He’s too late. Hell is unleashed in the most unlikely of places, a suburban hair salon. What’s worse–Lucy, a beautiful half-succubus, has no idea about the power she possesses. Being a demon, he should be able to resist her charms. That resistance is slipping when he needs it most.

When an evil demon arrives to sink his claws into Lucy and the chest, Rafe is determined to protect Lucy, who’d rather go into battle with guns blazing and daggers zinging. Sparks fly as they fight their growing attraction. Will Lucy be able to break through the stone fortress Rafe’s built around his heart, or will they suffer their own demonic demise?

Release Date: 06-01-11

Friday, November 19, 2010

Flash Fiction Friday: Week #14

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 wi
ll be posted and if you choose to participate - you post your story on Friday.

And here is the fourteenth picture prompt:
 

 


 
My Story:
For the Glory
By Michelle Greathouse

He stood in the tunnel, the stench of blood and battle heavy in the air.  The ground shook with stomping feet and a fine rain of dirt and sand showered his shoulders as it fell from the rounded ceiling above his head.

Above the beating of his heart and the sound of blood rushing in his ears was the unrelieved chanting of his name: Otho, Otho, Otho.

Alone he waited.  This was to be his last battle and he wanted to savor this feeling - the feeling of accomplishment and the pride of being undefeated.

Sensing movement behind him, Otho turned and found Laelia standing a few feet away.  His woman was smart, she knew it was not safe to walk up closely behind a man of his breed.  Not that Laelia was a timid mouse - she was a warrior in her own right - and that is what made them perfect for one another.

“I’ve brought your gladius and parma.”  She hefted his sword and round shield and placed them on the raised platform that ran the left side of the tunnel.

 
Otho moved to Laelia and took her in his arms, careful of the galerus that covered his shoulder and right arm and the manicae on his left hand - he did not want to mar her skin with the metal and leather coverings.  “We will leave at first light on the morrow, gods willing, we will be with your family before the first snow.”  

As the horn sounded indicating time for his battle, Otho kissed Laelia and taking up his weapons excited the tunnel.  The crowd roared his name as he entered the ring and walked confidently to the center, standing loose limbed and alert like the predator he was known to be.

His opponent entered the ring from the opposite tunnel and Otho was pleased to note Vincens was in top form - no injuries or infirmities visible to the naked eye.  This would be a well matched battle and Otho was pleased to have his career end with such worthy opposition.  

The horn sounded and both men attacked, swords rang - steel on steel, accompanied by the dull thud of a blocked thrust on shield.  The crowd was frenzied, calling for blood as the men danced in the ring.

Otho held nothing back, gave no quarter and soon Vincens was winded.  Seeing an opening, Otho swung his sword and brought it, flat side down, against Vincens legs, at the same time planting his foot firmly against Vincens ass and shoving.

The crowd roared their approval and the chanting of ‘Otho’ swelled yet again.

Walking to the downed warrior, Otho placed his foot upon Vincens chest.  “Do you ask for quarter?”  With a disgusted sigh, Vincens asked for quarter and Otho helped him to his feet.

As the two men stood and clasped forearms the crowd boo’d and hurled food and insults at the warriors.

Barely discernable above the roaring disapproval of the crowd, Otho caught the sound of the western gate rising.  He quickly turned and caught sight of of the lions just as they left the tunnel.

The crowd roared, once again in a frenzy.

Otho and Vincens turned, back to back - each prepared to take a lion.  Otho took a moment and flung over his shoulder, “Today is a good day to die.”  Turning back towards the oncoming lion, Otho raised his sword and shield and charged, his hearty bellow of “For the Glory” merging with the lions roar.

The End
Word Count: 594


Don't you just hate endings like that?  LOL


I was going to go in a completely different direction with this picture.  When I first saw it I thought "offworld'.  I really liked it so I grabbed it.  Then when Dottie decided to use it this week - I took a closer look and the first thing I saw was what the woman was wearing - that made me think of Xena.  LOL  Then from Xena I went to Spartacus on Starz - and ended with gladiators.  :)

I hope you enjoyed the read.  Have a great weekend.


M