Blog Tour: Review - More Than Useful (Hot Bods #2) by Lacey Wolfe

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Title: More Than Useful (Hot Bods #2)
Author: Lacey Wolfe
Started: 18/2/12
Finished: 18/2/12
Medium: eBook
Genre: Romance

Synopsis:
Can Amy settle for just a little fun?
Amy and Adam have been flirting for months. Every week on Tuesday and Thursdays Adam visits Amy’s Bakery, Sweet Muffins. And each week she hopes that maybe one of them will get the courage to ask the other one out.
That day finally comes when Adam shows up unexpectedly just to ask Amy out. She is thrilled and he is terrified already by the feelings he has for her. He tells her from the beginning that he isn’t looking for anything serious. Just a little fun.
Amy agrees, even though she isn’t sure that is what she wants. She does her best to play it cool, but Adam is sending so many mixed signals that she can’t figure out what he wants, that she finally gets fed up and walks away.
Will Adam be able to figure out what his heart desires before it’s too late and he loses Amy?

If you're a reader who loves their books short, sexy, fun, funny and very steamy. This is definitely the book for you. In the first book of the Hot Bods series, I was curious about how Skylar's bestfriend will find her own hottie to roll in the sack with. And Lacey has quenched my curiosity and have graced us with this amazing second installment with Amy as the main character. 

I'm thrilled to say, that I loved everything about this book. No matter how short it was. It started out with Mr. Hottie, and he was certainly swoon worthy. Hes blonde, hot and a cop (yaaay). :D Their romance was extremely hot and steamy, filled with a little angst here and there that balanced their romance. 

More than Useful is a quick and sexy read that is perfect for one-sitting. 

A definite unputdownable book.

It's always been my dream to be a writer. Ever sense I was a child, creating stories has been a passion of mine. I have always said that one day I would be an author. Finally, I am working on this dream of mine. I have two children who have been keeping me busy for the past 7 years. My youngest is starting pre-k this year and I have more time for me and to concentrate on what I want out of this life. So I am picking up pen and paper...well I guess keyboard and screen, and working on this dream. It isn't going to be easy. There will be many ups and downs, but I am ready. I know this dream will come true, my mom told me so, "You can be anything you want to be when you grow up." 

Thanks mom, here goes nothing!

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Quick Review: The Vampire Narcise (The Regency Draculia #3) by Colleen Gleason

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Title: The Vampire Narcise (The Regency Draculia #3)
Author: Colleen Gleason
Started: 18/2/12
Finished: 26/2/12
Publisher: Mira
Medium: Paperback
Genre: Historical Romance / Paranormal Romance
Buy: Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

Goodreads Synopsis:

Regency England stands defiant against Napoleon.

But battles among men mean little to those who live forever – especially when the Dracule are waging their own war.

Skilled in the seduction of men, both mortal and immortal, Narcise Moldavi is the greatest weapon in her twisted brother's war among the Dracule. Until she falls for Giordan Cale.

Her first searing encounter with Giordan brands them with a passionate love. But Giordan's vow to help Narcise escape her brother's rule is followed by a betrayal more agonizing than sunlight.

Wounded but determined, Narcise ensnares vampire hunter Chas Woodmore in her quest for revenge and to reclaim her life. He wants her, worships her, will kill for her. And the Dracule never forget a wrong – nor do they forgive.

I was hesitant to read this third installment of the Regency Draculia, particularly because of Narcise and Chas. I never liked them in the first two books and when I started this one, I just ended up disliking them both. What made up for my dislike of the two characters was Giordan Cale and his hotness. Even at the end of the book, I still disliked Narcise, and HATED Chas. Out of all the Woodmores Chas was my least favorite.

On the bright side, the plot was good, the writing was fabulous and Giordan Cale is hot. Haha. I didn't have much expectations for this one so I wasn't disappointed. It was what I thought it was. Other than that, the book was okay. Nothing I enjoyed but kept me occupied.

 

Book Feature: Jolie Wilkins Series by H. P. Mallory

I'd like to thank Random House Publishing Group for these wonderful videos! 

Below are three videos featuring the main character, Jolie Wilkins! The videos are hilarious, now, I really want to get my own copies of the series. Can't wait till its out! 

   

 Witchful Thinking on sale 2/28: 

From H. P. Mallory—the exciting author of Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble—comes her new paranormal romance featuring the sassy, self-deprecating witch Jolie Wilkins. Jolie thinks she’s seen it all, but life continues to spring surprises. The latest shocker? She’s just been crowned Queen of the Underworld. Jolie may possess a rare gift for reanimating the dead, but she doesn’t know the first thing about governing disparate factions of supernatural creatures. She can barely maintain order in her own chaotic personal life, which is heading into a romantic tailspin. First there’s sexy warlock Rand, the love of her life, from whom Jolie is hiding a devastating secret. Then there’s Sinjin, a darkly seductive vampire and Jolie’s sworn protector—though others suspect he harbors ulterior motives. As the two polar opposite yet magnetic men vie for Jolie’s affection, she must keep her wits about her to balance affairs of state and affairs of her heart. Overwhelmed, under pressure, and longing for love, Jolie decides it’s time to take charge—and show everyone that this queen won’t take jack.

 Something Witchy This Way Comes on sale 7/31 

 The Witch Is Back on sale 9/25

Check them all out here.

Blog Tour Guestpost: What Inspires Robin Waldrop to Write

What Inspires Me to Write

by Robin P. Waldrop 

My oldest daughter and I are big readers and we swap books all the time. We were talking just the other day about what inspired me to start writing, and why. After careful thought I realized all I could think of was how ideas just sort of come to me. And if I don’t quickly get them on paper they soon start to haunt my every waking moment. Seriously. 

Before I wrote my first novel, Twisted, I kept having a reoccurring dream about a hard core young woman going around arresting sadistic killers and making the world a safer place. It was only a dream, so I really didn’t think too much about it until I found myself obsessing while awake. The more I thought about her, the more real she became. It was literally driving me batty, but I still did nothing but continue to read.

I had also joined a book club and it just happened that this particular monthly read was a suspense/thriller about an FBI agent. I was so excited, I could hardly wait to get my hands on the book. What a let down it turned out to be. It had to be one of the worst books ever written. I’m so not even joking. As soon as I began reading I quickly noticed the prose was choppy at best. I thought, well, it will get better. Just keep going. So I did. The more I attempted to read, the more frustrated I became. 

I didn’t even make to the end of the first chapter before flinging it across the room. my husband asked me what was wrong and I told him how terrible it was and that even I could write better than that. I mean this was a book that made it through professional editors and agents, and eventually publishing. It was awful.

My husband, being the calm rational one, told me to go write something better. I figured he was teasing, which he does quite often, so I laughed sarcastically, but I guess the thought stuck in the back of my mind, because for weeks I thought about little else. I prayed about it for a while, then one Sunday afternoon I walked into the house after church, went to my bedroom, and sat down in front of my computer. 

Four months later I finished my first novel, Twisted. That was a year and a half and two novels ago. So I guess you could say my love for reading a good book was my inspiration to write. Now, I’m hooked and when I have one of those dreams or nightmares that stick with me long after I’ve awaken, I know the beginning of my next novel has just been born.

-----

Having dreams like that sound awesome. :D I can't say I have similar dreams. But I can see how they inspire you. Thank you so much for this guestpost Robin! 

New Release + Giveaway: Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Entangled by Nikki Jefford is a fresh new YA Paranormal series that is based on something other than vampires and werewolves and something incredibly unique. Want to know more? Read the synopsis below or watch the book trailer: 

Synopsis:

A Resurrection Spell Gone Wrong

Two months after dying, Graylee Perez wakes up in her identical twin sister, Charlene’s body. As a witch, can anyone blame her mother for attempting to bring her daughter back to life? Only now Gray’s stuck sharing her sister’s body 50/50 in twenty-four hour shifts. The race is on for Gray to find a way back inside her own body before Charlene purges her from existence.

Warlock Raj McKenna is rumored to meddle in the black arts, not to mention he’s after Gray’s invisibility spell and worse – her heart. But Raj might be the only one powerful enough to save Gray from fading away forever.

Book Trailer:

And I'm happy to announce that its out and its ready for your purchase! Its available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords. You can also win it! Read on to find out how. 

Rules:

Ends on March 1, 2012

Open Internationally

You'll win an eBook version of this book

Comment with your EMAIL and Name

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Giveaway Question

The witches and warlocks in Entangled share basic magical abilities; and then they have advanced spells of their own. If you could choose one of the following powers, which would it be?

• The power to freeze people in place and take away their voice
• Body transfers 
• Invisibility 
• Teleportation
• Mind reading

What do you think about the book? I can't wait to read it. 

I have been book tagged. (Yay!)

I've been tagged by a wonderful friend and author, Cece @ http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-have-been-book-tagged.html

The Rules:

1. You must post the rules.
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create ten new questions to ask the people that you have tagged.
3. Tag ten people and link to them on your post.
4. Let them know you’ve tagged them!

The 10 questions in points:

1. Angels, dragons or Vampires?
2. Who is your favourite author?
3. What are you currently reading?
4. If you could appear as a character in a book, which one would it be?
5. What is your favourite book series?
6. What is your favourite genre and why?
7. If you were given a chance to interview a character from a book, which one would it be?
8. Which do you prefer: ebooks or print?
9. A quote from a book that took your breath away.
10. Other than reading, what are your other interests?

My answers: 
1. Angels, dragons or Vampires?

Out of the three, I'd say Vampires. Vampires are sensual, sexy, powerful and oh so demonic. While Angels can be hot and all too good. But they're lacking that demonic flare that vampires have. As for dragons, they're cool creatures but not in a book. In movies and TV Series Dragons kick ass!

2. Who is your favourite author?

Megan Duncan, Karina Halle, Jeanienne Frost, Karen Marie Moning, and Richelle Mead.

3. What are you currently reading?

The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

4. If you could appear as a character in a book, which one would it be?

Anna from Anna and the french kiss.

5. What is your favourite book series?

Vampire Academy

6. What is your favourite genre and why? 

Urban Fantasy and Contemporary Romance, the first one because they're adultish and paranormalish while the other because I love romances especially angsty ones. 

7. If you were given a chance to interview a character from a book, which one would it be?

I'd loooooooove to interview Bones from the Night Huntress Series. I want to know about his time as a gigolo. :D  

8. Which do you prefer: ebooks or print?

Printed books! 

9. A quote from a book that took your breath away.

The only quote from a book that I actually remember is : 

"Do you think I am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal — as we are!” 

10. Other than reading, what are your other interests?

Well, I'm a graphics designer so I love all types of art. Aside from that I love drawing, painting and blogging (obviously about books). AND TV SERIES! Supernatural and Once upon a time are my favorites. 

That concludes me being tagged! I won't be tagging anyone but if you'd like to do these I automatically tag you with these questions: 

1. What're you reading? 

2. Your house is on fire, what is the first thing you grab? 

3. Your favorite Book Boyfriend:

4. Your favorite Tv Series:

5. Your favorite Book Cover:

6. Young Adult or Urban Fantasy?

7. Your ultimate fav book

8. A book you'll never forget:

9. The book boyfriend you wished you had and why?

10. Are you a Twilight Fan?

Review: With this Kiss by Victoria Lynne

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Title: With this Kiss by Victoria Lynne
Author: Victoria Lynne
Started: 18/2/12
Finished: 21/2/12
Medium: eBook (from Sizzling PR)
Genre: Historical Romance
Buy: Amazon /  Barnes & Noble

Goodreads Synopsis:

Beauty and the beast--they were the scandal of the ton....

All eyes feasted on the beautiful flame-haired gambler in London's most infamous club. But Julia Prentisse was interested only in the rake-turned-recluse whom they now called "The Beast." She lured him out of the crowded club to a deserted warehouse, where she made her scandalous offer: If he married her and protected her from her uncle, she would help him catch the arsonist who had ruined his life.

An act of heroism had left Morgan burned, scarred for life. But Julia's bold gaze lit other fires he had long suppressed. And now this glorious stranger was his bride. But when he tried to claim his husbandly rights, she demanded three months grace--three months to know a stranger's mind, to touch a stranger's soul, to go where no woman had ever gone before. Into his lonely heart . . .

‘With this Kiss’ is based on the basic concept of Beauty and the Beast. And along with it came a charming, rich, hateful, beast of a man called Morgan and a winding, witty and headstrong beauty with fury colored hair called Julia. The story began with a tragedy, flowed along in zigzags of realistically written calamities together with the unpredictable end.

It was written beautifully, plotted perfectly and kept up at the right pace with amazing 1800’s dialogue that reminds a reader of Mr. Darcy and Elisabeth or Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre. A side from that, it held its own mysteriousness as they (Julia and Morgan) make an arrangement that lands them at THE aisle fighting to find who is behind London’s Fires that claimed many lives even people close to them.

I adored how “push and pull” Morgan and Julia’s relationship was and the fact that Morgan has never met anyone like Julia (go figure) in his dreadful life as a ‘rake’, a man who finds it easy to find a woman every now and then (this was before the fire that scarred him).

With this Kiss was a straight up unputdownable book. It's the right arrangement of delicious mystery, steamy moments and heart-lurching moments that's an instant five star book that’ll simply quench a historical romance junkie thirst to read more of the genre.

 

Book Excerpt: Witchful Thinking: A Jolie Wilkins Novel by H.P. Mallory

A fabulous excerpt from the very awesome H.P. Mallory! :D Thanks Random House Publishing for this. ENJOY! 

BUY LINK -- on sale, 2/28/2012

Witchful Thinking: A Jolie Wilkins Novel by H. P. Mallory (Free Excerpt)

In My Mailbox #40

A weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we post all books we have received where in the mail, bought or got from the library.

I got these as a Valentines gift from Kal, my boyfriend. *goes all warm and fuzzy inside*

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

What did you guys get this week?

Blog Tour: Ties to the Blood Moon Excerpt by Robin P. Waldrop

Goodreads Synopsis:

Genevieve is a teenage girl who moves in with her aunt in Alaska after the death of her mother. Soon after her arrival she learns the things she was raised to believe only existed in fairytales are in fact a big part of her history. When it gets to be too much she seeks refuge in the arms of her new boyfriend, William, only to find out he's not who she thought he was either.

When Luna and I re-entered the cave, there were twice as many people sitting around the fire than before, and Miss Baylor was setting the scene for the story she was about to tell and seemed to have everyone’s undivided attention. William stood across the room, staring a hole right through me, and I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, like he could read my thoughts and knew how badly I wanted him close to me. At the same moment I was thinking that, I gave him a sidelong glance, and he made a poor attempt to hide his grin. 

Miss Baylor chanted something in a language I didn’t understand while sprinkling herbs or something into the fire. I was beginning to wonder just what I had gotten myself into. For all I knew, I could be in the middle of a satanic ritual. I giggled silently at the outrageous thought. After Miss Baylor circled the fire she resumed her seat among us and began telling a story. “Some believe the Adlet wolf is nothing more than a myth. But as natives of Alaska we know this to be an untruth. Many generations back there was an Adlet queen. She bore a female child … a princess. And this daughter had a daughter, and so on.” She peered intently at each one of the students as she spoke. 

“Is this supposed to be a ghost story or what?” I whispered in Luna’s ear. Luna seemed to be entranced by Miss Baylor’s story and without taking her eyes off her, she just put her finger to her lips signaling me to be quiet and listen. Sitting on the dirt floor, I sighed, propping my chin in my hands and stared into the fire only half listening. 

“Then evil came upon the tribe and killed many, including the Adlet princess … or so they thought. The tribes-people that were spared told a story of a woman returning years later and telling them that one day a princess would come and unite the different tribes. She said only then would the Wolves, Lycan, and Blood Drinkers live together in peace.” 

“Really? I’m sitting here on a Friday night listening to this crap? What does this story have to do with anything?” I mumbled and started to get up, but Luna pulled me back down. 

“You have to stay or you’ll break the circle.” She warned. Some of the students heard us whispering and glowered at me. “This is our heritage,” she added in a whisper. “Just listen.” 

Miss Baylor stood and scooped some powder out of a pouch that hung around her waist, and tossed it into the fire. Sparks of every color floated up into the air as she started chanting. “I invite the princess of the Adlet wolf to join me in spiritual union. She is the tenth generation of daughters. On this, the night of her birth, the moon will start out white, but when she rises to take the throne, it will bleed and become solid red. Come. Give the blessing and show me your mark. If she is one upon us let the fire turn dark.” 

Miss Baylor stopped, immediately the fire went completely out, and the room turned pitch black for several seconds. I heard whispers in the dark, then the fire promptly roared back to life. At first, I thought it was just some kind of joke until I looked at Miss Baylor’s face. All her color had drained. Her face was snow white and she appeared to be in shock.

Buy: Smashwords | Goodreads | B&N | Amazon

Desperately Wanting Wednesday #1

Books from new to extremely old. The books you haven't read at all but want to so badly. Showcase them for this feature by Parajunkee.

Lots of books in the contemporary genre, I'm desperately wanting. I'm expanding my book collection to these fabulous ones soon! 

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

Amplified by Tara Kelly

When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it. . .
In this fresh new novel by critically acclaimed author Tara Kelly, Jasmine finds out what happens when her life gets Amplified

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

I love all the covers! :D What do you guys think of the books? Have you read them?

Quick Review: The Vampire Dimitri (Regency Dracule #2) by Colleen Gleason

(Click image for goodreads page)
Title: The Vampire Dimitri (The Regency Draculia #2)
Author: Colleen Gleason
Started: 9/2/12
Finished: 11/2/12
Publisher: Mira
Medium: Paperback
Genre: Historical Romance / Paranormal Romance
Buy: Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

Goodreads Synopsis:


Dimitri, also known as the Earl of Corvindale, should be delighted that the headstrong Maia Woodmore is getting married. His mortal ward and houseguest has annoyed--and bewitched--the Dracule nobleman too long, and denying his animal cravings grows more excruciating by the day.
Miss Woodmore's family has a rather...complicated history with the immortals and she herself possesses a keen sensibility far beyond mere women's intuition. Marriage will give her safety, respectability and everything else a proper young lady could wish for. Everything, that is, except passion.
In the looming battle between Dracule factions, all pretenses will shatter as Maia and Dimitri come together in an unholy union of danger, desperation and fiercest desire.

This is the first book I've ever read that actually started out like the first book but in someone else's point of view. Its safe to say that anyone can read any part of the series without reading the first few books. 

I loved this better than Vampire Voss. I think it was the concept of the Beauty and the Beast that made it all the more intriguing. I really love all the love and hate relationship. Its so fun to read! Plus, Dimitri is waaaaay hotter than Voss. And Maia is waaaay better than Angelica. Haha, that didn't make much sense. 

Okay, so I kind of skipped some parts in this one because there was repeated conversations and events that was in the first book. That bit kind of put me off a bit. But when I continued reading on, I just couldn't stop reading. 

Another 5 stars to Colleen. I'm hesitant on reading Narcise. Mainly because I didn't like her much in the first two books. She just seems so "evil in disguise". BUT I'm looking forward to reading Colleens other work. 

In My Mailbox #40 (Megan Duncan Edition!)

A weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we post all books we have received where in the mail, bought or got from the library.

I came home from Uni this Wednesday and found a bunch of packages in the living room for me! Yaaay! The first ones I opened was the package I got from Megan (author of Released and Savor). :D Here's what she sent me! *supre excited*

Look at that awesomeness! :D Thanks so much Megan! You are AWESOME! *huugs* 

If you guys haven't read Released or Savor yet. You should go and buy it cause they're awesome! 

Bookmarks! Yayyy! I always love getting them! 

Some wonderful books I got as well! I can't wait to read Cinder and Dead Sky Morning! 

Bitten by Dan O' Brien

Dead Sky Morning by Karina Halle

Cinder by Marissa meyer

Indulge by Megan Duncan

Tempest Legacy by Nicole Peeler 

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

What did you get in your IMM?