Follow Friday #5

This weekly meme is hosted by Parajunkee's View and this week's question is:


WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEARS BOOK BLOGGING RESOLUTIONS?

My Answer is:

1.To work on my rating system.

2.To complete the challenges I have joined this year.

3.To hold some giveaways- I would like to hold one if possible one a month.

4.To read more than I did this year- not sure how many that was but I will be keeping tabs on the numbers this year.

5.To be able to get more author's interviews or guest blogs.

6. Manage my time better, I am so horrible at this.


So what is yours? Hope you have a Happy and Joyous New Year!!

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011!

I know I said no more challenges but considering this one can cross over with the others , I said what the heck!

This challenge is hosted by Book Chick City

Sign Up Details

To sign up you MUST make a post on your blog about participating in the challenge - you then use the URL of the post to sign up to the challenge by adding it to Mr Linky below. DO NOT just add your blog URL - this will be deleted.

You must add the button to your sidebar - make sure that it links back to this post so others can join the challenge if they wish. Easiest way to do this is to copy and paste the code displayed below

Challenge Details

Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

Rules - Read 100 or more books in 2011

All books can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).

You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

At the beginning of Jan 2011, I will add a link so you can add your reviews but this is not obligatory.

You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

You can also follow each other's progress and chat about the VC books you read on twitter too - just use #100BooksInAYear :)

In My Mailbox #2

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 may not received any books for Christmas but between contests and special friends I have recieved quite a few last week or so.

First Book and various swag I won was from

http://dollycas.blogspot.com/ Thanks so much Lori

A Christmas Journey by Donna Van Liere



Second Book and various swag I won was from, Thanks Stephanie
http://thestephanieloves.blogspot.com/

Stronger Than Sin by Caridad Pineiro




Third was a whole series and this was given to my by a special friend , Thanks so much Jackie

http://jacaburintexas.blogspot.com/


The Master of Time series by Brenda Joyce all 5 books











Next one I won was from author Courtney Milan , Thanks so much Miss Milan.
http://www.courtneymilan.com/


It was an autographed book anthology - The Heart of Christmas by Mary Balogh, Nicola Cornick and Courtney Milan. My first autographed book - Yay!!!



I haven't received three books books yet,I won from- Thanks Jennifer and Adrienne
http://palmcoasttwilightbookclubreviews.wordpress.com/

http://www.drensb-spot.com/?zx=ddc9d54ecc0678ae

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer



Blood of The Demon by Diana Rowland



The One from Adrienne is a preorder and won't recieve it til April



I again thank everyone for these wonderful giveaways and gifts, I squeal each time the mail comes. Happy New Year , May 2011 be a banner year for you all and Happy Reading!!!

Out With A Bang Reading List

This is a fun challenge/event hosted by The Bookish Type. Click the name to bring you to the post where you can list your reading list. So can't wait to see how many I actually can get read between this time.  Don't forget there is tons of giveaways going on as well as mini challenges as well.

Here is my list., I'm gonna aim high too

Devoured By Darkness by Alexandra Ivy



The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter



Demon From The Dark by Kresley Cole



Lover Mine by J.R. Ward



Taken By Midnight by Lara Adrian



I may do more but these ones I would love to get into and haven't yet! What's your reading list?

Review- Black Wings by Christina Henry

Paperback, 295 pages
Published November 30th 2010 by Ace
ISBN 0441019633 (ISBN13: 9780441019632)
primary language English
series Madeline Black #1
characters Gabriel Angeloscuro, Madeline Black, Beezle
setting Chicago, Illinois (United States)
Christina Henry's Website


Goodreads Summary:


As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell..


Review:

Maddy is an Agent of Death, her job is to escort souls to the "Door". Her life is pretty mundane until a deliciously handsome stranger shows up at her door to rent out an apartment in her building and from there ciaos ensues.


First I must say, I'm not usually fond of first person books. Reasons are ones that I had read didn't convey the emotion, enough description and seemed rushed. But that changed after reading Twilight(I am not comparing those books to this one), I learned not to judge all books by a few not so good books. That being said I am glad this book had been written this way , you really feel like your Maddy when you're reading her view point.

There isn't anything about this book I didn't like, Maddy, she is a strong woman but does show her vunerable side as well, Gabriel is the mysterious handsome man that flies into her world turning it completely upside down - all through the book you are left asking what exactly is he? Which I think adds to the mystic of him. And then there is Beezle who can't but love this sarcastic little gargoyle , who loves popcorn and chocolate. My kind of companion.

This book is a fast read, and though do to real life I didn't actually get going with it til last night- I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book in the series , Black Night which is scheduled for release Autumn of 2011.

So if you like Angels, Fallen Angels,Demons and everything in between , this is a must read for you.

I must share with you one of my Favorite quotes , there are many in this book but this one had me laughing out loud.

"My Father lives in Minneapolis," I repeated

"Yes"

"And where does Lucifer live? "

"Los Angeles."

I let out a laugh at that. " Of course he does."

My rating is 5 of 5 stars

My New Years Resolutions for 2011

Thanks to Melissa at My World... in words and pages for coming up with this meme, to list some of your resolutions for the upcoming year.  If you want to join in click on the link and it will take you to her linky.

So here are my resolutions for the year.

1.  To work on my rating system.

2.  To  find more reviewers to help me, if your interested please contact me at vampiremistress2010@gmail.com.

3. To complete the challenges I have joined this year.

4.  To hold some giveaways- I would like to hold one if possible one a month.

5.  To read more than I did this year- not sure how many that was but I will be keeping tabs on the numbers this year.

6. To be able to get more author's interviews or guest blogs .

7.  And finally to be able to schedule my time better(this is a big one for me ).


Personal

I only have one big one ! and that is QUIT SMOKING!!!

So there you have it mine, what is yours?

Hopefully you have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

Alexandra Ivy Release Updates

Info courtesy from Alexandra Ivy's post
http://ivyguardiansofeternity.blogspot.com/2010/12/update-on-releases.html


MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2010

Update on Releases :)
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday season!! We survived and are still digging out of the snow :) Now we're looking forward to the New Year, which reminded me that I needed to update everyone on my publishing schedule:

SUPERNATURAL (an anthology with the fabulous Larissa Ione, Jacquelyn Frank, and G.A. Aiken) in September 2011

BOUND BY DARKNESS in November 2011 (Ariyal and Jaelyn's story)

MY LORD VAMPIRE will be out in March 2012 (a re-release of my regency vampire book I wrote under the name Debbie Raleigh)

The next Darkness book late summer or early fall 2012

MY LORD ETERNITY late 2012

Wishing you a safe and happy and prosperous New Year!!
Alex

Top 5 Sundays #2

This is a weekly meme hosted by Larissa's Bookish Life. Each week a Top 5 is voted on and then on Sunday we list whatever the top 5 is . This week is Best Book Covers of 2010.


Here is mine , they may not be mind blowing pretty but I do love the hotness of the men on them.


1. Demon After Dark by Kresley Cole



2. Atlantis Betrayed by Alyssa Day



3. The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter



4. Devoured by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy



5. Lover Mine by J.R. Ward



Hope you enjoy them as much as I have

Fear The Darkness by Sherrilyn Kenyon Review

Fear the Darkness (Dark-Hunter/Were-Hunter #11)
by Sherrilyn Kenyon

ebook, 20 pages
Published 2007
primary language English
original title Fear the Darkness (Dark-Hunter, #11)
url http://www.officialsanctuary.com/
series Dark-Hunter/Were-Hunter #11
characters Nick Gautier
setting New Orleans, Louisiana

An original short story from Sherrilyn Kenyon

Experience how the world of the Dark-Hunters® and Dream-Hunters intersect in FEAR THE DARKNESS

Also features bonus material with insider details from Sherrilyn Kenyon – including what she's writing now … and what’s coming next!

(FREE download offered from the author's website)
http://www.officialsanctuary.com/

Review:

I am not sure why it has taken me so long to read this short story but since the family is out and I have some quiet time. I decided to read it and let me say I am not disappointed okay maybe a little I wish this was a bit longer.

I am quit selfish and greedy when it comes to the Dark Hunter series, I always crave more once I am finished. That being said here is my (try not to be biased review of this short ebook).

The main character in this short story is Nick, who arrives back to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina filled with anger and hate in his heart all stemmed at one man Acheron.

I can't say too much more don't want to give anything away but I loved reading about Nick though am very saddened and miss the fun loving Nick its a quick peak into the future of what is going to happen, several characters are mentioned though no interaction.

Sherrilyn didn't disappoint me in her writing as I was immediately pulled into the story all the way to the end.

If you haven't read the Dark Hunter series you must, though Fantasy Lover(Dark Hunter #1)to some might be cheesy but I recommend to read on- they get darker with each book. The amount of books in this series is and may be intimidating but its well worth it.

I give this short story a 5 out of 5 stars.

Here is the list of books in the Dark Hunter series

http://www.dark-hunter.com/book_list.pdf



Including the trailer for her latest - NO Mercy as a treat.

Merry Christmas!

I would like to wish all of you the Merriest of Christmas's .  We had ours today.  Here is a few things I received. No books or Kindle but oh well maybe next year lol.


Here's a pair of boots I received which is my other love- passion for boots, not shoes boots! I can wear these inside and out- more like slippers so I don't dare try and wear during the snowy weather but let me tell you they are so comfy, I could probably sleep in them.




next thing I received was a pair of mickey mouse pajama pants, they are soft as well and I know they will keep me warm on a really cold night.




and lastly which is the most special gift of all and it came from my son- he is gonna make a girlfriend really happy if he keeps giving gifts like this.




My son on the other hand made out like a bandit and It was all worth the scrimping and saving to see his face when he opened his gifts.

A Camera which he can upload to Youtube , he is so excited about that feature.



These next few pictures he was estatic over hadn't expected at all. Would have pics of actually opening the gifts but haven't uploaded them yet.







he rounded his haul up with a pokemon game for his DSI , Expendables the movie( he loves Stone Cold Steve Austin) and Randy Orton Slippers(which I thought he might not get because of my goof up on our address- teach me to shop at 1am lol)


All in all after our bellies were stuffed , the kids went off to play and I sit here. This was one of the best Christmas's I have had in a long time- for two reasons- family was all together especially my son's dad and the smile on my son's face.

I am grateful for the love of my family and my son. Though I didn't get any books doesn't matter its about spending time with family and giving to others.

Hope you all have a Safe and Merry Christmas! I am now going to try and sneak off in a few to read?? Can you see I said try lol.

Follow Friday # 4

Weekly Meme hosted by Parajunkee's View. Today's Question is: WHAT ARE YOU PLANS FOR THIS FABULOUS DAY?

My Answer: All the family is coming over and because my son's father can't stay the whole weekend. We are opening presents Christmas Eve then on Christmas Day , we will have a big dinner and mostly my son will be off in his room playing with his new gift(we keep joking he is getting ducktape- mind you this might make him happy as he is MacGyver JR. LOL). I hope to be able to sneak away to read a bit.

I would like to wish you all a Very Merry and Safe Merry Christmas!

Brand New Look- What Do You Think?

I have searched and searched to find just the right  look , template for Book Lover's and fell in love with this one though I am still looking just in case another one might pop out at me.  So what do you think of this layout? You like or not. Be honest I really would like your opinion.

Also The Review Policy has been moved to its own page , listed on left sidebar , at the very top.

More exciting things to come in 2011 , I will be posting about that later. 

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas. 

Donna 

Waiting On Wednesday # 4

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine -that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.


This book I've been waiting for since the date was announced. It is scheduled to be released March 29th,2011.




Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward
Hardcover, 528 pages
Expected publication: March 29th 2011 by NAL Hardcover
primary language English
original title Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #9)
url http://www.jrward.com
series Black Dagger Brotherhood #9
characters Manuel "Manny" Manello, Payne
Amazon
Goodreads Summary:

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself-only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can-but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?


This is my WOW , What is yours

It's Monday What Are You Reading

This is a weekly meme hosted by One Person's Journey Through A World Of Books. It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.


Since I didn't have IMM this week , I'm going right into What I'm reading this week.


Currently Reading

Black Wings by Christina Henry



GoodReads Summary:

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...


Reading For Review

Sunrise to Sunset by Laura Bowler



Goodreads Summary:

Nessy awakes from her unconscious state, with no memory of who she is or her purpose in life. Charles struggles as he tries to provide her with as much information as he can about herself. Saddened and concerned, he eventually tells her about her former life, and true immortal state. Dismayed, a still unconvinced Hera takes Nessy back to the past in the form of the Gulon. There she meets other Gulons who had come to their aid, along with the covens that were gathered, hoping to glimpse their new queen and ruler of the underworld, little does Nessy realise that person is her!

The continued threat and battles from the detested and sinister Tellis coven waged on, as they joined forces with a vicious and blood thirsty coven known for their violent massacres and barbaric ways of feeding, in a desperate attempt to retain possession and control of their once dominance.

Nessy has to battle her adversaries in order to protect the human race from extinction. Moreover, she has to protect her title as Queen and ruler of not only vampiredom; but for the good of the immortal race and the mortals. With Charles, Hera and the Gulons, they must succeed despite Nessy’s loss of memory.


Next to Read on my TBR List:



Devoured By Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

Goodreads Summary:

They are the Guardians of Eternity, strong, skilled, seductive vampires chosen to protect—and to destroy. And they will risk anything to fulfill their duty, and satisfy their desires...

Tane is a Charon, sworn to hunt and kill rogue vampires. His new assignment seems like a waste of his talents—until he catches up with the jinn he's been sent to capture. Half human, half demon, Laylah has a vulnerable streak that strikes right through to Tane's cold heart. He should be furious when she uses her powers to bind them together, preventing him from dragging her before the Commission. Instead he welcomes any reason to stay close enough to touch, to taste, to seduce...

Laylah doesn't know why she was chosen to protect a child who may be the catalyst in a war between good and evil. But the mysteries of her past pale compared to the dangers approaching. Tane is devastatingly strong, breathtakingly sensual. And Laylah will have to trust in every ounce of that strength, because her enemies are drawing near, eager to destroy them both...


Upcoming Reviews:

The Cries of Vampira by Sean H. Robertson

Drew In Blue by J.M Kelly

Expectations by Liz Borino

The Willow- The Magical Sword Book One by Stacey Kennedy

On My Wishlist # 4

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click HERE
.


First on my wishlist is heard a lot of great things about this series so I bumped it up on my list.



Paperback, 341 pages
Published April 7th 2009 by NAL Trade (first published 2009)
ISBN 0451226259 (ISBN13: 9780451226259)
primary language English
original title Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1)
series Chicagoland Vampires #1
characters Merit, Ethan Sullivan, Mallory Carmichael, Catcher Bell, Jeff Christopher ...more
setting Chicago, Illinois
Amazon
Goodreads Summary:

First in a brand new series about a Chicago graduate student's introduction into a society of vampires.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.

Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war and there will be blood.


Another I seen floating around that caught my attention.



Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published May 1st 2007 by HQN Books
ISBN 0373772335 (ISBN13: 9780373772339)
primary language English
original title Dark Seduction (Masters of Time, #1)
url http://www.brendajoyce.com/novels_masters.htm
series Masters of Time #1
characters Claire Camden, Malcolm (MacLean) of Dunroch
setting New York (United States)
Scotland, 1427 (United Kingdom)
Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary—and dangerous—powers. But he has already broken his vows—and a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasure…until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.

Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time—a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake—and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal…


Another who I stumbled across while blog surfing/reading reviews.



Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages
Published July 1st 2004 by HarperTorch (first published 2003)
ISBN 0060572965 (ISBN13: 9780060572969)
primary language English
original title Dead Witch Walking (Rachel Morgan/The Hollows, #1)
url http://www.kimharrison.net
series Rachel Morgan/The Hollows #1
characters Rachel Morgan, Iv
Amazon
Goodreads Summary:

The underground population of witches, vampires, werewolves—creatures of dreams and nightmares—has lived beside humans for centuries, hiding their powers. But after a genetically engineered virus wipes out a large part of humanity, many of the "Inderlanders" reveal themselves, changing everything.

Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter with the Inderland Runner Services, is one of the best at apprehending supernatural lawbreakers throughout Cincinnati, but when it comes to following the rules, she falls desperately short. Determined to buck the system, she quits and takes off on the run with an I.S. contract on her head and is reluctantly forced to team up with Ivy, Inderland's best runner . . . and a living vampire. But this witch is way out of her league, and to clear her name, Rachel must evade shape-changing assassins, outwit a powerful businessman/crime lord, and survive a vicious underground fight-to-the-death . . . not to mention her own roommate.

Follow Friday # 3 and Book Blogger Hop # 2

This meme is hosted by Parajunkee's View

This week's question is: What did you study in college, or are currently studying and did it lead to your current 9 to 5 or are you doing something totally different?


My Answer: I studied Music and Video business but ended up becoming a Stay at Home Mom.







Is hosted by Crazy For Books

This week's question: What do you consider the most important in a story: the plot or the characters?

My answer: I love a really good plot without that not much to a book but part of me loves a good character as well - for example I love a character with a sarcastic sense of humor.

Morbid Romantica Challenge

This  challenge is hosted by Steampunkery & Book Reviews

This challenge is going to have 12 focuses for the year.
One for each month :)

We will try to focus one each theme during the month.

However, you can cross off books for anything theme as you go.
Challenge is easy and will be fun!!
Crushing Romantica - Read 3 books for each theme.
Hopelessly Romantica - Read 6 Books for each theme.
Morbid Romantica - Read 9 Books for each theme.

Because of the several challenges I have going this next year , I am only going to choose Crushing Romantica


For the list of themes click  Theme List