Friday, April 30, 2010

BLOGMANIA!!!


Hosted by Between the Pages
And Blogmania's two Co-Host Blogs: The Black Sheep Dances & Books, Books Everywhere

WELCOME To BLOGMANIA !
My Blog is 86 of 123

You’ve arrived at exactly the right time to explore lots of new blogs, all of which, ARE GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY (For One Day Only – April 30th) .

MY GIVEAWAY and RULES:
A copy of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre By Amanda Grange
A bunch of Swag: Kate Douglas ‘Wolf Tales III’ bookmark and Demonfire card, Susan Lyons bookmark and booklist, Bree Despain ‘The Dark Divine bookmark and sticker, Alyson Noel ‘Immortals’ bookmark, Adrian Phoenix ‘A Rush of Wings’ and ‘In the Blood’ bookmarks, Rachel Vincent ‘Soul Screamers’ bookmark, A.S. King ‘The Dust of 100 Dogs’, Sarah Ockler ‘Twenty Boy Summer’ bookmark, Jeri Smith-Ready ‘Wicked Game’ and ‘Bad to the Bone’, and Megan Crewe ‘Give Up the Ghost’ bookmark.

Rules:
1. Become a follower
2. Just leave a comment
3. Leave an email address
4. US entries only sorry funds are limited right now


Blog- 1 – HOST OF BLOGMANIA Between The Pages
Blog -2 – CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA The Black Sheep Dances
Blog-43 - CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA Books, Books Everywhere
Blog-106- Bitten By Paranormal Romance
Blog-82- Carpe Libris

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Cover Love: Play on Passion

Nalini Singh has released the cover to the next book in her Psy/Changeling Series on her blog. The ninth book in the series is Indigo's book call Play on Passion. It is set to be released in November 2, 2010 but I have not been able to find a discription but I am sure like the rest of the series it will be fabulous.

Waiting on Wednesday: Blood Song

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event I am joining, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read selection is:
Blood Song
By Cat Adams
Released July 6, 2010

This is the first book in Cat's new Bloodsinger Series. The sequel Siren Song is due out September 28, 2010. I really like the porcelain white of the vamp-chicks face makes her gorgeous.

Bodyguard Celia Graves plies her trade in a world where vampires roam the alleys of Tinseltown and movie stars openly practice witchcraft., where streetcorner psychics have real powers and cops use memory enhancement spells on witnesses. Though she’s an ordinary human, Celia uses street smarts and charmed weapons to protect the rich and famous from mortal and supernatural threats.

She’s landed a plum job, protecting the Prince of a small but politically vital nation while he tours Los Angeles’s least savory hot spots. What should be a routine assignment goes badly wrong. Attacked by a master vampire, Celia knows she is about to die.

She’s startled to awaken on a cold metal table in a university lab. Celia Graves has become an Abomination, neither fully mortal nor fully vampire. Her “master” is hunting her, to destroy her or finish what his bite began. She’s accused of murder and the cops aren’t sure whether she should be locked up or staked. And then there’s the demon she glimpsed during the vampire attack . . . .
Struggling to cope with her new powers and trying not to terrify everyone she meets with a flash of fang, Celia reaches out for help from her once (and future?) lover, who is a powerful mage; his warrior-priest brother; a handsome werewolf who keeps his lupine nature concealed from the world; an elderly clairvoyant, and one trustworthy cop.

Celia Graves has three days to save the world, her sanity, and her soul.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Silver Borne By Patricia Briggs

The latest installment in the Mercy Thompsons Series was well worth the wait. With my favorite characters returning like Alpha's daughter Jesse, gay werewolf and human boyfriend, Warren and Kyle added to my enjoyment of the book.

I have been waiting for Mercy to finally get her act together and be with Adam, the Alpha werewolf who has been 'chasing down' Mercy for a while and finally it is offical. However, like all the other books Mercy's life isn't simple and now fae and Pack are causing the drama.

Being a mechanic is hard work. Mercy Thompson, for instance, just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe, and now the leader of the werewolf pack - who's maybe-more-than-just-a-friend - has asked for her help. A book of fae secrets has come to light and they're all about to find out how implacable - and dangerous - the fae can be. OK, so maybe her troubles have nothing to do with the job. But she sure could use a holiday ...

One of my favorite quotes:
For Adam, screwed-up bonding thing or not, I’d wait forever.

“Really?” he asked in a tone I’d never heard from him before. Softer. Vulnerable. Adam didn’t do vulnerable.

“Really what?” I asked.

“Despite the way our bond scares you, despite the way someone in the pack played you, you’d still have me?”

He'd been listening to my thoughts. This time it didn't bother me.

“Adam,” I told him, “I’d walk barefoot over hot coals for you.”


For those who haven't started this series here is the order
1. Moon Called
2. Blood Bound
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Cross
5. Silver Borne
6. Untitled Book 6 will be released Spring 2011
*Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (A novella featuring David Christiansen mentioned in Moon Called)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Cover Love: Crave

Crave
By J.R Ward
Releases October 5, 2010

This is J.R Ward's second installment to her newest Fallen Angels Series. The first book is Covet that came out in October 2009. I love the slightly there-but-not-there wings.


The battle between good and evil has left the future of humanity in the hands of a reluctant savior and his band of fallen angels. Seven deadly sins that must be righted. Seven souls that must be saved.

While his first task was success, Jim Heron is battling a demon that can take any form for the soul of someone he must identify on his own. If that weren't enough, his old boss Matthias wants Jim to assassinate an AWOL member of The Firm - Isaac, the man Jim is pretty sure he is supposed to save. Jim knows first hand that once you're in The Firm, there's no getting out. But when Jim finds Isaac to warn him, he has been picked up by the police for illegal street fighting, and it is clear that Isaac is falling for his gorgeous public defender. Is their love the redemption that will save Isaac's soul? Or has the demon Devina set an elaborate trap?

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Come Visit Books Obsession


Hey guys please come visit me at Books Obsession where Ashley was kind enough to interview me. She has a Saturday Spotlight where she helps other book bloggers find new blogs.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

News Flash: Rick Riordan

Just announced on Rick Riordan's twitter or his blog. Those who loved Percy Jackson and the Olympians will be very excited for this. Its back to Camp Half-blood with a new group of heroes but they will need the help from some familiar demigods. I am hoping for Annabeth.

"News flash: 2nd Camp Half-Blood series will be called The Heroes of Olympus. First book, The Lost Hero, to be published 10/22/10."

ABOUT THE BOOK:
After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Kronos, Percy and friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp Half-Blood, where the next generation of demigods must now prepare for a chilling prophecy of their own:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

What demigod are you hoping will be back in this series?

Waiting on Wednesday: Running with the Pack

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event I am joining, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read selection is:
Running With the Pack
Released May 29, 2010

Remember the werewolves of old stories and films, those bloodthirsty monsters that transformed under the full moon, reminding us of the terrible nature that lives within all of us? Today's werewolves are much more suave and even sexy, and they moved from British moors to New York City lofts, shaved, and got jobs. But as the tales of these writers will show you, they remained no less wild and passionate, and they still tug at the part of our being where a wild animal used to be. RUNNING WITH THE PACK includes stories from Carrie Vaughn, Laura Anne Gilman and C.E. Murphy, and they will convince you that despite their gentrification, werewolves remain as fascinating and terrifying as ever.

1. "Wild Ride" by Carrie Vaughn
2. "Side Effects May Include" by Steve Duffy
3. "Comparison of Efficacy Rates for Seven Antipathetics as Employed Against Lycanthropes" by Marie Brennan
4. "Beautiful Gelreesh" by Jeffrey Ford
5. "Skin in the Game" by Samantha Henderson
6. "Blended" by C.E. Murphy
7. "Locked Doors" by Stephanie Burgis
8. "Werelove" by Laura Anne Gilman
9. "In Sheep's Clothing" by Molly Tanzer
10. "Royal Bloodlines" by Mike Resnick
11. "Dire Wolf" by Genevieve Valentine
12. "Take Back the Night" by Lawrence Schimel
13. "Mongrel" by Maria Snyder
14. "Deadfall" by Karen Everson
15. "Red Riding Hood's Child" by N.K. Jemisin
16. "Are You A Vampire or A Goblin?" by Geoffrey Goodwin
17. "The Pack and the Pickup Artist" by Mike Brotherton
18. "The Garden, the Moon, the Wall" by Amanda Downum
19. "Blamed For Trying To Live" by Jesse Bullington
20. "The Barony At Rodal" by Peter Bell
21. "Inside Out" by Erzbet Yellowboy
22. "Gestella" by Susan Palwick

Monday, April 12, 2010

Powerful Chicks!!

Welcome to Larissa's Life is hosting a 5 week, 7 themes, 7 winners giveaway. The first week is Powerful Chicks which I think is a good choice for the first theme. I think a good heroine can make or break a book. If the chick in the book is weak and helpless I do not admire her as much. I read books with strong female leads because I admire their strength and want to be like them.

Some of my favorite powerful chicks:

Cassie Palmer from Karen Chance
Cat from Jeaniene Frost
Anita Blake from Laurell K. Hamilton
Rachel Morgan from Kim Harrison
Elena from Nalini Singh
Who do you think are powerful chicks in books you have read?

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Tales of an Urban Werewolf by Karen MacInerney

If you love werewolves and feisty half-breeds then you will enjoy this series. This is the first books I have read by Karen MacInerney and I enjoyed her writing very much. She makes a good heroine, Sophie Garou who is easy to like. She has problems like everyone but hers are a little more hairy then most. As a half-were/half-human trying to be normal the business world of Austin, Texas it has challenges like the full moon. She has a crazy mother who is a witch/psychic, but loves her daughter deeply. Sophie has a best-friend who looks like freaken Angeline Jolie and a hot human boyfriend, Heath. Her life makes a dramatic change when a very sexy werewolf notices her. The world she has avoided her entire life is now about to take over her normal, human life. There are three books in this series so far, hopefully there will be more.

Howling at the Moon, book 1
Sophie Garou seems to have it all: a great job at a prestigious accounting firm, a closet that rivals a Nordstrom showroom, and a terrific boyfriend who isn’t afraid to use the “M” word. There’s just one little itty-bitty problem: Sophie is a werewolf—and her time of month has a whole new meaning.

Needless to say, life among yummy flesh-and-blood humans is no piece of steak . . . er, cake!, but regular doses of wolfsbane tea and a mother who runs a magic shop have helped Sophie keep her paranormal pedigree under wraps. Still, when a sexy, golden-eyed werewolf prowls into town, Sophie finds herself struggling to keep her animal impulses in check—not to mention trying to keep things on track with her super hot (and super human) lawyer boyfriend. What’s more, someone is threatening to expose Sophie for what she really is. And when her mother is accused of selling a poison-laced potion, Sophie must sniff out a culprit before the fur hits the fan.

On the Prowl, book 2
Sophie Garou is a master at taming her inner beast, which comes in handy since she’s a werewolf. With a big promotion at work and a supersexy boyfriend, Heath (whom she recently spotted leaving a jewelry store with a beguiling ring box), she’s one happy girl.

But when Heath starts spending long nights at the office with his new associate–a dead-ringer for Career Day Barbie–Sophie smells trouble. And when her professional relationship with her big new client–who also happens to be Texas’s brilliantly blue-eyed most eligible bachelor–begins to sizzle, she wonders if her animal instincts are leading her in the wrong direction. Just when it seems that things can’t get any more complicated, they do. The Houston werewolf pack has sniffed Sophie out, and their message is chillingly clear: you’re either with us or against us. And unless she can prove that she’s with them, the next full moon may just be her last.

Leader of the Pack, book 3
On the outside, Sophie Garou is living every woman’s dream: she has beauty, brains, and a big-time position in Austin’s’s most respected accounting firm (not to mention a very sexy, very successful new mysterious boyfriend). There’s one thing, though, that she’d rather keep under wraps: Sophie is a werewolf, which can get her in a whole lot of trouble.

Sophie’s life gets a little more hairy when her long-estranged father, Luc, arrives in the Live Music Capital to attend the werewolves’ annual Howl and reconnect with his daughter. Luc’s plans quickly fall apart after he’s accused of murder and arrested by his archrival Wolfgang, leader of the Houston pack (and one notoriously dirty dog). Wolfgang drools at the thought of Luc’s impending execution, but Sophie won’t let her father die without a fight. Determined to prove his innocence, she and her friends set out to find the real killer. Along the way, Sophie must deal with taboo attractions, Machiavellian intrigues, sinister agendas, and hair-raising betrayals.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Cover Love: Crescendo

Becca Fitzpatrick revealed the cover to the sequel to the New York Times best-seller, Hush, Hush. For all those who fell in love with Nora and bad-boy Patch then save the date November 16, 2010 Crescendo will hit the shelves.

One of my favorite quotes from Hush, Hush between Nora and Patch:
“You smell good, too,” said Patch

“It’s called a shower.” I was staring straight ahead. When he didn’t answer, I turned sideways. “Soap. Shampoo. Hot water.”

“Naked. I know the drill.”


Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The further Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim bloodline has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?


I love the single red feather in Nora's hand. What do you think?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

I fell in love with Kelley Armstrong as an author when I read her Darkest Powers Series and realized she has this whole other wonderful series that I had to try. The Otherworld series has books, free online stories, novellas and books of novellas that are involved in it. Tales of the Otherworld is one of the books of novellas featuring characters in this fabulous series. On Kelley's website she said you do not have to read them in order but I am just because I like to do things in an order. I'm wierd like that.

I really enjoyed reading all of these short novellas. I like getting the nitty-gritty of characters like Clay and Kristof. I do not know there full stories because I am just beginning to read all the stories involved but I am hooked. I love it.

Kelley Armstrong's readers have proven themselves a dedicated fan-base: her previous hardcover collection of short stories, Men of the Otherworld, appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and Canadian lists too — despite three of the stories having been available, unedited and for free, for years on Armstrong's website. With a similar format — a handful of reedited stories and one wholly original novella — Tales of the Otherworld explores the lives of some of Armstrong's most popular characters, giving readers glimpses into how Clay and Elena met, how Eve and Kristof first hooked up (a brand new novella), and how Lucas and Paige got married. Kelley is a superstar of the genre, and Tales of the Otherworld is a great way to begin 2010.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1

So this is my first graphic novel I have read and I must say I enjoyed it. I may not be able to give an informed review because I basically know nothing about graphic novels but I do love everything Twilight. So it was an enjoyable hour of reading the first part of the Twilight book.

The illustrator, Young Kim did an amazing job bringing Stephenie's book to life on the pages. I loved how the important parts had colors, like Edward's eyes or the Meadow scene.

Here is the infamous Biology lab scene:


Sunday, April 4, 2010

HAPPY EASTER!!!!


I hope the Easter Bunny visited you too. At 23, I still get an Easter Basket with my favorite candies. Last night we dyed easter eggs too. What do you do to celebrate?

Saturday, April 3, 2010

April Author Signings in NJ/Philly Area

Who doesn't love author signings. If you are in the New Jersey or Philadelphia Area here are some of my favorite authors that will be visiting.

Maria V. Snyder for “Inside Out”
Date: April 10, 2010 at 1:00PM-3:00PM
Venue: Borders Express - Exton Square Mall 610-363-5036
Location: 298 Exton Square, Exton, PA, The United States
Type: Inside Out Release Party
Website: Maria V. Snyder
Other Information: “I'll do a reading from the book, and then answer questions before signing copies. Laura, the manager mentioned cupcakes - yummy!”

Date: April 17, 2010 1:00PM-3:00PM
Venue: Borders (717) 293-8022
Location: 940 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601
Type: Book Signing

Date: April 25, 2010 2:00PM-4:00PM
Venue: Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop (717) 795-7470
Location: 6 Clouser Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, 17055
Website: Mechanisburg Mystery Bookshop


Jennifer R. Hubbard for “The Secret Year”

Date: April 10, 2010 04:00PM
Venue: Big Blue Marble Bookstore
Location: 551 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA, The United States
Type: Author Appearance
Website: Big Blue Marble Bookstore

Date: April 14, 2010 06:00PM
Venue: Mt. Airy Literary Festival: Barnes & Noble
Location: 835 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, PA, The United States
Type: Author Appearance
Other Information: Educator reception: public welcome

Thursday, April 1, 2010

April Book Releases

Stealing Kathryn
Jacquelyn Frank
Released April 27, 2010

This is the second novel in her newest series The Gatherers. The first in this series was Hunting Julian which is where we introduced to this exciting world.

Sandman. Angus. Morpheus. He is known by many names, except his true one, Adrian. When he departs his world, it is to enter the sacred space of sleep, and he is not there to sow sweet dreams. Adrian’s mission is to reap the dark energy of nightmares, work that has twisted his soul as well as his once-handsome face. Now, he lives only to await the day darkness finally overcomes him...and to collect exquisite reminders of what he's lost...

But there is one treasure that stands apart. Having risked everything to obtain her, Adrian soon realizes his mistake. For Kathryn has a wholly unexpected power over him, not only for what she represents, but for what for she is: a soul with desires as strong as his own, tempered by compassion that could save Adrian from his self-made hell—or condemn them both...

Kiss of Death
Rachel Caine
Released April 27, 2010

Fans of the Morganville Vampire series adds its most recent addition is the 8th book. The continuing story for Claire, Eve, Shane and Michael just keeps coming. I must say I am liking the pink hair.

Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he's been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael's all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell...

The Reckoning
Kelley Armstrong
Released April 6, 2010

This is the third book in her Darkest Power series and I am super excited for this. I really can't wait to see what happens with Chloe, Derek, Simon, and of course Victoria with all her attitude. Nice purple gem this time on the cover.

Only two weeks ago, life was all too predictable. But that was before I saw my first ghost. Now, along with my supernatural friends Tori, Derek, and Simon, I’m on the run from the Edison Group, which genetically altered us as part of their sinister experiment. We’re hiding in a safe house that might not be as safe as it seems. We’ll be gone soon anyway, back to rescue those we’d left behind and to take out the Edison Group . . . or so we hope.