Sunday, October 31, 2010

On My Nightshelf

I know most of us read a lot but don't review every book so I just wanted a way to tell all what I read. So here is what I enjoyed this month. What did you read?

-Midnight’s Master by Cynthia Eden
-Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick
-Kisses from Hell
Anthology
* “Sunshine” (Vampire Academy) by Richelle Mead
* “Hunting Kat” (Otherworld series) by Kelley Armstrong
-Full Moon Rising (Riley Jensen, #1) by Keri Arthur
-Kissing Sin (Riley Jensen, #2) by Keri Arthur
-Sizzle and Burn (Arcane Society, #3) by Jayne Ann Krentz
-The Third Circle (Arcane Society, #4) by Amanda Quick
-Running Hot (Arcane Society, #5) by Jayne Ann Krentz
-The Perfect Poison (Arcane Society, #6) by Amanda Quick
-Fired Up (Arcane Society, #7 & Dreamlight, #1) by Jayne Ann Krentz
-Haunted in Death (In Death, #22.5) by J.B. Robb
-
Nocturnal Anthology
* “The Phoenix Project” by Jacquelyn Frank
* “My Soul to Take” by Clare Willis
-Mistral’s Kiss (Meredith Gentry, #5) by Laurell K. Hamilton
-A Lick of Frost (Meredith Gentry, #6) by Laurell K. Hamilton
-
Immortal: Love Stories with Bite Anthology
* “Amber Smoke” by Kristen Cast
* “Changed” by Nancy Holder
* “Binge” (Soul Screamers Universe) by Rachel Vincent
-A Bite to Remember (Argeneau, #5) by Lynsay Sands
-
Holiday Seduction Anthology
* “Unwrapped” by Jaci Burton
* “To Do List” by Lauren Dane
-Shift (Shifters, #5) by Rachel Vincent
-Alpha (Shifters, #6) by Rachel Vincent
-Second Chances by Lauren Dane
-Sleepless by Cyn Balog
-Under the Northern Light by Vivian Arend
*Wolf Signs (Granite Lake Wolves, #1)
*Wolf Fight (Granite Lake Wolves, #2)
-First Howl & Second Howl (Granite Lake Wolves, #2.5) by Vivian Arend
-Bespelling Jane Austen Anthology
* “Blood and Prejudice” by Susan Krinard
-Raine (The Lords of Satyr, #2) by Elizabeth Amber
-
Hot Spell Anthology
* “The Breed Next Door” by Lora Leigh

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite

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:
Eternal: More Love Stories With Bite
Edited By PC Cast
Releases November 2, 2010

Immortal: Love Stories With Bite, edited by P.C. Cast (author of the #1 New York Times phenomenon House of Night series), collected dark, romantic short stories from seven of the hottest vampire writers in YA.

Now Eternal: More Love Stories With Bite presents all-new YA stories featuring vampires, the romantic heroes and heroines that still hold the reading public enraptured. A mix of writers from the first anthology and new contributors makes for a fresh new collection with all of the dark romance of its predecessor, and a book that’s sure to thrill vampire romance fans old and new.

“Thief” by Jeri Smith-Ready
From Jeri’s Blog, “my story for Eternal will be loosely tied to the WVMP Radio series. The vampires will have the same rules (stuck in time in the era they were turned, no sunlight whatsoever, the need for human blood, and yes, obsessive-compulsive), but the setting and characters will be completely different. Sort of. The main character is Ciara Griffin's first cousin once removed, Mary Cassidy O'Riley ("Cassie" for short) a sixteen-year-old member of one of the South Carolina Irish Traveler groups. Ciara's Traveler relatives figure prominently in Book Four, Let it Bleed, which will be out next August. Cassie will also appear in that book, because I'm completely incapable of creating a character without needing to explore their lives in-depth. (This is another reason why I rarely do short stories--I fall in love way too easily.) But the story is by no means required for reading the series, and vice versa.”
“Drama Queen’s Last Dance” by Rachel Caine
It's an important story in the Morganville series told from Eve’s POV that fits between GHOST TOWN and BITE CLUB.
“Bloodshed” by Claudia Gray
Set in her Evernight Universe but should read the short story “Free” in Immortal first.
From Claudia’s blog, “Some of you read the anthology IMMORTAL, which came out a couple of years ago and told the origin story for Patrice from EVERNIGHT, Bianca’s first and most glamorous roommate. Although Patrice didn’t appear in the last two books, she’s one of my favorite characters; basically, I figured if I didn’t have really fabulous stuff for her to do, she would rather spend her time in Scandinavia with a hot guy named Thor. But Patrice is about to return, and she’s got plenty of awesome stuff to do now — and information Bianca and Lucas would really like to have — but I digress. Even before her return in AFTERLIFE, you can read more about Patrice (specifically, her dramatic history during World War II) in the sequel to IMMORTAL: the BenBella anthology ETERNAL. More vampires, more romance and more Patrice.”
“Say Yes” by Lili St. Crow
“The Other Side” by Heather Brewer
“Letters to Romeo” by Nancy Holder

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Early Review: Second Chances

By Lauren Dane
Releases October 25, 2010
Source: Review copy provided by NetGalley for review.

Lauren Dane gives a hot, yet powerful story with a sassy heroine. Rori escaped her same time small town right after high school where she was shy, fat and had acne. Many of us can relate. She comes back to her hometown a new woman, one who can love herself. I think that is one of the reason l enjoyed this one so much. I liked how Rori might have got a very sexy outside but it was just as important to her that she was sexy on the inside. She got pretty, not bitchy.

Coming back to town, she got a lot of notice from guys, but Jude is who Rori wants to catch so she tries to play his game. When the game get to be too much that Rori would end up demeaning herself she ends it. Jude is an ass about the whole thing and loses Rori who ends up in Zach’s arms.

When reading the description of the book I thought the book would have a ménage like one of Lauren Dane’s other books Laid Bare but as I read the book I knew it couldn’t go that way. Both Jude and Zach are Dominants in the bedroom so there is no way they could share Rori. I liked both guys so I hoped it did not turn into a love triangle where one would lose. Lauren Dane is a fabulous author who made a delightful story where no one really lost. When you read it you will understand but it is hard to explain without giving anything away.

Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now she’s back, older, stronger and finally loving herself—and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams…and her adult fantasies.

Jude can’t believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She’s gotten under his skin like no other woman has…and brings out secret desires he can’t resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.

Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she’s in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he’s lost his chance forever…

Monday, October 18, 2010

Just for Fun


Fans of Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series will enjoy the twitter conversation between Jim and Curran & Kate and Curran. When you have great characters you really can have a lot of fun with them. Check it out on Ilona's blog

Movie Monday

New News

-Breaking Dawn- Part I by Stephenie Meyer might have a Reneesme, 9-year old Mackenzie Fox.
-Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr has a director, Kimberly Peirce and Caroline Thompson will adapt the original novel. Vince Vaughn, Valeri Vaughn, and Peter Billingsley will still be producing for Wild West Picture Shows.
Here is an article

-The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

MORTAL INSTRUMENTS

* Screen Gems has teamed with Constantin Film and Unique Features to develop the motion picture franchise MORTAL INSTRUMENTS based on The New York Times Bestselling book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. Jessica Postigo penned the script which is based on the first book in the series, City of Bones. Constantin Film¹s head of Film & TV Martin Moszkowicz will executive produce and Robert Kulzer will produce the project via the Constantin Film banner along with producing partners Michael Lynne, Robert Shaye, and executive producer Dylan Sellers via their Unique Features banner.

* In City of Bones, set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager Clary Fray, discovers she is the descendent of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world. When Clary's mother disappears, she must join a daring group of young Shadowhunters on an adventure, which leads her through a city filled with mischievous fairies, eccentric warlocks, werewolf gangs and other strange creatures.

* MORTAL INSTRUMENTS marks the third Screen Gems project for director Scott Stewart. He directed Screen Gems' PRIEST which is currently in post-production and due out in theatres in 3D on May 13, 2011. Additionally, the studio released his directorial debut, LEGION.

* The Mortal Instruments is a series of novels published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., including City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, and the upcoming City of Fallen Angels.

* Clint Culpepper, Screen Gems¹ President, and Eric Paquette, Screen Gems¹ SVP of Production, will oversee the project for the studio.

** Stewart also and worked on Sin City and Iron Man (and we all know how I feel about Iron Man. One step closer to getting Robert Downey Jr. cast in all roles in the film!)

Click here for Cassandra's Blog post

Sunday, October 17, 2010

WINNERS!!!!

Thank you all who entered A ROMANCE FOR EVERY MOOD GIVEAWAY. Thanks to Harlequin: Intrigue I am lucky to have three winners for Paula Graves's Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming:
bunkercomplex
Linda Henderson
Martha Lawson
Congrats all and thanks all who entered. I have emailed all the winners and will get you your books shortly.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor

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:
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
By Lisa Kleypas
Releases October 26, 2010

The Friday Harbor series of contemporary romance/women's fiction novels is set in San Juan Island just off of the Washington State Coast. The San Juan Island setting is romantic and varied, with rocky shores, sandy beaches, rich woodlands and pasture land, and the prosperous Friday Harbor area. The series is centered around the Nolan family, consisting of two brothers and a sister, the owners of an island vineyard and restaurant. The Nolans' mother Jessica has just passed away, and a mysterious stranger attends the funeral. He reveals that he is an illegitimate child Jessica had given birth to, and given up for adoption, before she married. This family secret leads to many new questions and challenge, which test the bonds of love and loyalty, and ultimately show the Nolans what family is all about.
*********
ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY
One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE
The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC…
Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Trailer Thursday: Inside Out

This meme was inspired both by Dark Fairie Tales and Stop, Drop and Read.

Inside Out by Lauren Dane

The Brown Siblings Series

1. Laid Bare
2. Coming Done
3. Inside Out

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Songs of Love and Death: Tales of Star-crossed love

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:
Songs of Love and Death: Tales of Star-Crossed Love
Edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
Released November 16, 2010
A groundbreaking anthology of fantasy and romance from bestselling authors in both genres, edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.

-Jim Butcher, “Love Hurts” (a Harry Dresden story that takes place between Turn Coat and Changes)
“New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher presents "Love Hurts," in which Harry Dresden takes on one of his deadliest adversaries and in the process is forced to confront the secret desires of his own heart.”
-Jo Beverly, “The Marrying Maid”
-Carrie Vaughn, “Rooftops”
Think twice about falling in love with a superhero.
-M.L.N. Hanover, “Hurt Me”
-Cecelia Holland, “Demon Lover”
-Melinda M. Snodgrass, “The Wayfarer’s Advice”
(an Imperials story)
-Robin Hobb, “Blue Boots”
-Neil Gaiman, “The Thing About Cassandra”
“Award-winning, bestselling author Neil Gaiman demonstrates why he's one of the hottest stars in literature today with "The Thing About Cassandra," a subtle but chilling story of a man who meets an old girlfriend he had never expected to see.”
-Marjorie M. Liu, “After the Blood”
-Jacqueline Carey, “You and You Alone”
(a Kushiel story)
-Lisa Tuttle, “His Wolf”
-Linnea Sinclair, “Courting Trouble”
-Mary Jo Putney, “The Demon Dancer”
-Tanith Lee, “Under/Above the Water”
-Peter S. Beagle, “Kashkia”
-Yasmine Galenorn, “Man in the Mirror”
(an non-otherworld story)
-Diana Gabaldon, “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” (an OUTLANDER spinoff)
“International blockbuster bestselling author Diana Gabaldon sends a World War II RAF pilot through a stone circle to the time of her Outlander series in "A Leaf on the Winds of All Hallows." Torn from all he knows, Jerry MacKenzie determinedly survives hardship and danger, intent on his goal of returning home to his wife and baby—no matter the cost.”



Tuesday, October 5, 2010

ARC Tour: Crescendo

By Becca Fitzpatrick
Releases October 19, 2010
Source: Review copy provided by Book It Forward ARC Tours for review.
The sequel was much looked forward too for a reason and didn't disappoint. It has a good story line that Nora unraveled as I read it. I did not guess who the bad guy was so it was a good plot if I could be surprised at the end.

Patch and Nora are in a rough patch in their relationship so of course the best friend comes in big. I did not want Nora and Patch fighting all the time but I really enjoy Vee’s dialogue with her pick me ups for Nora. The mean girl, Marcie, always makes fun of Vee for being fat but Vee just really enjoys food and as she says she is just ‘big boned.’

Patch sets up Vee with his best friend Rixon, a very hot fallen angel who is a great kisser. So Nora is naturally a little jealous because she isn’t having that with Patch. So much is so going on in her life and now someone wants her to find out who killed her father. I liked the way the book started 14 months before with her father murder so it starts the story off with a literal bang.

I need the next book to come out now because the ending was such a major cliffhanger it made me mad I have to wait. The next book probably will pick up right from the ending scene or something close to it.

The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described 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 farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line 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?

Favorite Quote:
“I’m going to grab a cheeseburger,” I told Patch. “Want anything?”
“Nothing on the menu.”
I smiled. “Why, Patch, are you flirting with me?”

Sunday, October 3, 2010

A Romance For Every Mood Giveaway

Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming
By Paula Graves

What was supposed to be a quiet vacation in scenic Wyoming turned deadly when Hannah Cooper became the target of a serial killer. Although she survived the attack, the ordeal was far from over. But she wasn't alone. Not when Riley Patterson appointed himself her protector.Beneath Riley's strapping, solemn exterior hid a hard-driving sheriff who would stop at nothing to catch a killer. He promised Hannah safety, but it was the danger he posed that drew her in. Riley was as much a mystery as the man who sought to take her life. Trapped on his ranch, with no one but each other to trust, only justice could set them free...and possibly separate them forever.

Giveaway: I have 3 giveaway thanks to Harlequin: Intrigue This contest ends October 18th
1. Leave a comment
2. Be a follower
3. Just leave an email address
4. US only

Winner!!!!

I am so happy how much publicity BANNED BOOKS WEEK got and I hope it makes a difference in the way of censorship. The winner of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is:

depb who said, "I don't feel I have the right to tell anyone else what to read. Are there books, that I don't like because of their subject matter, of course. But, I have no right to tell others they can't be read, and neither should anyone else. Besides that, in terms of school age censorship, it often has the exact opposite effect. I have found more kids will read those books, because they are told they can't. I have encouraged those I know to read those books. When they do, and we discuss them, they always, are shocked they are banned."
I have emailed you so I can get your book to you. Thanks all who entered.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

October 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.

Collingswood Book Festival
Date: October 2, 2010 at 10:00AM-4:00PM
Location: Haddon Ave. Collingswood, NJ
Type: Author Festival
Website: Collingswood Book Festival
Other Information: Authors Tilly Greene

Scott Westerfeld’s BEHEMOTH Tour
Date: October 5, 2010 at 7:00PM
Venue: Barnes & Noble
Location: 310 Main Street, Exton, PA 19341
Type: Author Signing
Website: Behemoth Tour

Date: October 6, 2010 at 7:00PM
Venue: Chester County Books
Location: 975 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
Type: Author Signing
Website: Behemoth Tour

Cyn Balog SLEEPLESS Tour
Date: October 9. 2010 at 10am-4PM
Venue: Burlington County Book Fair
Location: Rutgers Eco-Complex, 1200 Florence Columbus Road, Mansfield, NJ
Type: Author Signing, KidLit Party and writing workshop with the KidLit Authors Club
Website: Burlington County Book Fair

Date: October 12, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Venue: Barnes and Noble Educators Night
Location: Howell, NJ
Type: Author Signing
Website: Sleepless Tour

Cyn Balog (Sleepless), Albert Borris (Crash into Me), and Jennifer Hubbard (The Secret Year)
Date: October 14, 2010 at 6:30 PM
Venue: Barnes and Noble Educators Night
Location: Moorestown, NJ
Type: Author Signing
Website: Sleepless Tour

Jessica Verday and Michelle Zink GHOSTS AND GRAVES TOUR
Date: October 26, 2010 at 7:00-8:30 pm
Venue: Easton Public Library
Location: 515 Church Street, Easton, PA 18042
Website: Ghost and Graves Tour

Date: October 28, 2010 at 6:00-8:00 pm
Venue: Borders Express- Exton Square Mall 610-363-5036
Location: 298 Exton Square Mall, Exton, PA 19341
Website: Ghost and Graves Tour

L.A. Banks and Jonathan Maberry
Date: October 31, 2010 at 3:00-5:00PM
Venue: Barnes & Noble
Location: 102 Park Ave, Willow Grove, PA
Type: Author Signing
Website: L.A Banks

Friday, October 1, 2010

October Book Releases

Here are a few books that come out in October I can't wait for!!!!

Something Wicked (Living in Eden, #2)
By Cynthia Eden
Releases October 5, 2010

Being a little wicked isn’t all bad…

Every woman has a sexy demon inside her just waiting to get out, but for Eden Riley it’s a little different. Her inner demon is named Darrak, and he’s been inhabiting bodies for the past 300 years. In the daytime, thanks to her special psychic energy, he’s able to take physical shape—a shape she wouldn’t mind getting her hands on, if it wasn’t a threat to her immortal soul…

Because of her possession, Eden now has uncontrollable black magic at her fingertips, and she and Darrak are trying to end the curse that binds them before the situation gets any worse. To do it, they’ll have to get tangled up with some unsavory characters from the underworld. When sparks and spells fly, they could get the distance they need…or each have their own private hell to pay.

Kade (Armed and Dangerous, #3)
By Cheyenne McCray
Releases October 26, 2010

After a bitter divorce, reporter Kelsey Nichols has erected a border around her heart too strong for any man to cross. She's not ready for a relationship of any kind with any man. But when Kelsey meets Kade she can think of nothing but being in his powerful arms and in his bed.

Intelligence Agent Kade Owen is hot on the trail of a notorious smuggler when the sensual blonde reporter comes into his life. Once he gets a hold of Kelsey, nothing will stop Kade from winning her heart.

Enchanted Ivy
By Sarah Beth Durst
Releases October 12, 2010

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.