What I Received from RAK for March

In Case you don't know about RAK its a new feature that Vanessa and Isalys from Book Soulmates - a way to share book love. To find more about it click here


First one I received was from Vanessa at Book Soulmates, Thank you so so much I have been wanting to read this series. And thank you girls for this wonderful feature.

Second book I received was from Danny at Bewitched Bookworms, Thank you so much :)

Third one I got was from Melissa at My Chaotic Rambling's

Thank again to these wonderful girls, and if you haven't visited any of their blogs you should.

Winner! Of the By Sunset Giveaway is :

And the winner is :


IdentitySeeker said...
My favourite female character in a book is Scarlett O' Hara in Gone With The Wind. Although there were moments when I hated her for her selfishness, her flaws made her more human and I found that I was able to relate to her strongly in certain parts of the book.

Congrats to Indentity Seeker! An email has been sent along with the ebook.


Thank you for all that entered! We will be having another giveaway and its huge on April 4th so stay tuned.

Kelly's Waiting on Wednesday #14

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

As I write this (on a Tuesday) fellow BDB crazies are sitting down to read the next in this series. Me? I'm going to wait for the paperback to be released in like July or something. I haven't read the entire series yet so I'm not dying to have it. Instead, I'll be salivating for Etermal Rider (from Larissa Ione) which is released on April 1st and then, a few days later on April 5, the 4th book in the Mortal Instruments series will be released, City of Fallen Angels.

This series has been a favorite of mine from book 1. It's a YA novel, but its exciting and well thought out and there's just a tinge of romance in there to boot. I LOVE this series with a passion. I will most assuredly be getting this book for my collection, even though it's not in the same format.

I can't wait!

Donna will be taking over now for the next several days. She's got some great things coming up for you guys so make sure you keep checking back! I'll be back yakking at you all soon!

Kelly for Book Lover's Hideaway

BLB Blog Tour Review No Rest For The Wicca by Toni LoTempio

Kindle Edition
Published September 6th 2010
ASINB00427ZIIG
primary language English

Amazon

Toni LoTempio's Links
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Rocco's Blog

Book Courtesy of Toni LoTempio and Book Lovin' Bitches Tour, to find out more information on The BLB tours click Here

Goodreads Summary:

Communing with the dead is an everyday occurrence for PI Morgan Hawkes. A half-Wiccan witch who can commune with spirits of those caught between worlds, Morgan uses her talents to exorcise the trapped ghost or demon as part of the Paranormal Investigation Squad – until a string of murders with a voodoo slant prompts the Special Forces Agency to ask for her assistance. Someone’s killing pureblood witches- and the SFA’s convinced Morgan’s heritage (her father was a voodoo priest) could be instrumental in solving the mystery. Teamed with dashing SF agent Cole St. John – an Inheritor Vampire that sets her blood racing – the two of them fight their attraction for each other as they race to stop a madman from unleashing a demonic force upon the world.

Review:

I was really pleasantly surprised with this book, I admit I haven't read too many Indie book's and befcre starting my blog I probably wouldn't have even glanced twice but I am glad I decided to read this one. Morgan is a fantastic character, that I immediately was drawn too. As many as you know I love characters with a bit of sarcasm and kick butt along the way.

And of course Cole is my favorite type of hero- the tortured vampire. While I am used to having more romance in my books this blended well and I found I enjoyed it just the way it was.

The storyline flowed and not once did I feel confused or have to backtrack to try and figure something out.

Usually I could basically figure out what is going to happen but Toni kept me guessing right up to the end and let me say that is a mark of a wonderful writer. I am hoping with bated breath there is a sequel.

Would I recommend yes, if you love suspense mixed with romance along with witches and vampires this book is right up your alley.

Rating:4 out 5 feathers

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

Kelly's: TEASER TUESDAY #14

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read;

Open to a random page;

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page!

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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I've just started West of Here by Jonathan Evison and it's a pretty big book. I only have 4 days to read it because it's due back at the library and I can't renew it. Yikes! So here's a quote from page 6 to wet your whistle.

"Shortly after sunrise, the shack tottered once, issues a long plaintive moan, then collapsed in a heap. There followed a flash of fire and ice, and one dull moment of confusion, before Hoko extricated herself and the child from beneath the rubble and hurried the infant through the veil of snow toward the safety of the longhouse, oblivious of the burns up and down her arms."

Enjoy your Tuesday! I'll be seeing you tomorrow!

Kelly for Book Lover's Hideaway

Kelly's IN MY MAILBOX #13

A weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we post about all the books we have received whether in the mail, if we purchased it, or got it from our local library.

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Stuff I've Won, Purchased or Picked Up from the Library:

I'll have you knkow that I started out by saying that I've only got one book for the past few weeks and it's sorta true. The ONLY PAPER book I got this week, or last week even when Donna was doing her Monday Mailbox, is this:

What? I told you guys I was gonna be running out to buy it. I ran. :)

Then I rememberd, holy smokes debit card, you have new Nook Color now and let's be honest here, you purchased yourself some stuff for those shelves. So here goes.

Okay, so there, I'm completely fessing up. I have my reading shelf really stocked up. So shoot me.

This past week, I read:

In Other Worlds, Infinity, Kiss of the Night and Born of Ice (all of which have either had reviews posted, except for Infinity which will be coming up soon SO, I ain't gonna post any images in this post). The week before last, I read In the Shadow of the Wind which has already had a review posted.

Coming up THIS week is the last of my library books, which I talked about in an earlier post as well.

After that, I have some reviews I have to work on reading. I'd like to get 4 of those out this week. So, I'll be busy, busy, busy. :)

That's what I have for this Monday. I hope everyone enjoys their last week of March! I'll be here with you this week for today, Tuesday and Wednesday and then I believe Donna takes over from there.

Happy Monday!

Kelly for Book Lover's Hideaway

BLB Bling Blitz Day Character Interview with Emory Althorpe from Swept Away by Marsha Canham

Please give a warm welcome to Marsha and Emory Althorpe, from her book Swept Away, mind you can I say Emory is very swoon worthy.

Posey O'Connell: Your story begins in England, on a lonely stretch of beach along the coast.

Althorpe: Indeed, although I have no knowledge of how I came to be there.

Posey O'Connell: No knowledge? Can you explain?

Althorpe (shifting uncomfortably on his seat): One moment I was in France, the next I

was lying face down in the sand, half drowned, beaten, with a lump on my head the size

of a gull egg. I had no memory of how I came to be there, or who tortured me, or why I

have been accused of treason against the Crown.

Posey O'Connell: (shocked): Gracious. Are you saying you have amnesia?

Althorpe: The doctor has assured me it is temporary, and I do have painful flashes,

glimpses of disjointed things that may or may not have happened. But in the meantime,

English soldiers are hunting for me and there is a French assassin following close on my

heels to finish the job he started.

Posey O'Connell:: I gather, then, you were not found by the authorities when you were washed

ashore?

Althorpe: No. Luckily I was discovered by an angel. Or at least I thought she was an

angel, although the first time Annaleah’s aunt whacked me on the shin with her cane, I

suspected I was not in heaven.

Posey O'Connell: The aunt sounds rather unsympathetic to your plight.

Althorpe: Apparently she knows me well from my misspent youth. She also does not

believe I could be a traitor, or that I could possibly have engineered Napoleon’s escape

from Elba.

Posey O'Connell:: A serious charge, Sir. How do you propose to clear your name?

Althorpe: I intend to leave shortly for London. (He cocks his head as he hears the clatter

of mounted soldiers approaching.) I shall have to find a way to break into the Admiralty

offices and find some answers.

Posey O'Connell: Will you go alone?

Althorpe (standing, sending back a sly grin as he strides for the door) Not at all. My

reluctant angel will be accompanying me.

Posey O'Connell:: Surely she does not plan on doing this voluntarily? Surely you do not plan

on kidnapping her? Or exposing her to an assassin? Or to charges of aiding and abetting a

traitor?

Editors note:The rest of the interviewers questions went unanswered, despite her

chasing after the handsome rogue, pencil in hand. Emory Althorpe was gone, Swept

Away into the mystery and intrigue that awaits him in the glittering ballrooms and

crowded backstreets of Regency London.

Amazon summary:

Set in Regency England, a dangerous time of spies, treachery, and intrigue. A stranger has washed up on shore, half dead, with no memory of who he is or why he has been accused of treason. His only hope of avoiding death is a shadowy memory hovering just beyond his grasp...and the beautiful Annaleah who becomes his willing captive in order to find the key to his past and unlock their destinies.

Swept Away can be found at

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Swept-Away-ebook/dp/B003XVZAB2/

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/20084

Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Swept-Away/Marsha-

Canham/e/2940011089893/?itm=9&USRI=marsha+canham

Read more at Marsha Canham’s website:

www.marshacanhamebooks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marsha.canham

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/marshacanham

Blog: http://marshacanham.wordpress.com/

Kelly's On My Wishlist #14

HAPPY SATURDAY EVERYONE!!!

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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.

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Synopsis:

My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years. Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins…

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn’t know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life for herself, , tending her garden and selling herbs and oils at the local farmers' market. But her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl called Tegan starts hanging around. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth begins teaching Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories—and demons—long thought forgotten.

Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of Witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality to remain true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.

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So that's one of the books in my Wish List. It sounds interesting to me...not quite the paranormal romances I love so much, but interesting none-the-less. In fact, I'll think I'll go buy it right now and put it on my TBR shelf.

BTW, I think we need some clarification in the book world. I think there should be a TBR shelf and a TBB shelf. The TBR shelf is usual "To Be Read" which is where we put whatever books we have lined up to read. The TBB shelf should be the "To Be Bought" shelf which is book that we want. Just sayin'.

Donna has a special post tomorrow so I've got 3 book reviews posting today. I'll be back posting on Monday. Until then, have a most excellent weekend. I hope you can read as many books as you want.

Kelly
for Book Lover's Hideaway

Kelly's Review: IN OTHER WORLDS

IN OTHER WORLDS

By Sherrilyn Kenyon

Published by: The Berkley Publishing Group / a Division of Penguin Group Inc. / 375 Hudson Street / New York, NY 10014

First Printing: July 2010

ISBN: 978-0-425-23320-7

Amazon; Barnes and Noble; Goodreads

Concept:

"Fire and Ice

By running from her past, Livia meets her future: Adron, an ex-assassin brutally scarred by a mission gone wrong. And only Livia has the courage to heal his emotional scars and change both o their lives forever.

Knightly Dreams

Betrayed by her boyfriend, Taryn no longer believes in being swept away – until an unlikely hero literally steps out of her paperback novel and into her heart. Is her mind playing beautiful tricks? Or has fantasy become reality?

Dragonswan

Only one man can decipher the symbolism of Channon’s legendary Dragon Tapestry: Sebastian, a battle-scarred shape-shifting dragon trapped between two worlds. And Channon has no choice but to follow him into a realm of magic, danger, and adventure."

Review:

This book is divided into three short stories. One of them, Fire and Ice, is a story in The League books (is actually listed as 3.5 in the series order) and is about a character, Adron, that we met in Born of Fire, but saw again in Born of Ice. So I guess that’s why the title is Born of Fire AND Ice. Clever. Clever. Anyway, this is a short story, but it is packed, and I mean packed full of the stuff that makes the League series what it is, just a fun, sexy, exciting read. Okay, there’s the usual SK tortured souls in here, but I’m just coming to cozy up to the idea that tortured is what makes SK work.

We meet Livia as she is searing out someone, anyone to have sex with. Yup. She is being married off by her evil father to some 80 year old man who wants a virgin. She figures once she loses that virginity, she’ll be save from being bound to the old fart. Enter Adron. Poor guy. Sitting at a bar, just having a drink and in saunters Livia who ends up in his lap first and his bed second and from there, they end up married! Watch out guys.

The story continues on as Livia learns about Adron and how he learns about her and how they grow together overcoming some serious adversities. Okay, I’m going to admit this here, but don’t tell anyone okay? I admit. I cried at the ending of this story. I really did. I don’t normally do that, but I did. So it’s THAT good of a story.

Knightly Dreams was one of SK’s very first stories that she has “fixed up” and it’s actually not bad. It’s kind of hokey, but I enjoyed it. We meet our heroine as she’s standing out in the rain due to her car breaking down because of something her mean ol’ ex boyfriend did. She goes into a mysterious book store while waiting for a tow truck. She goes home and crawls into bed and falls into dreamland. When she wakes up, poof, the man from her dreams is there and he is a Knight. The interaction between them is charming as you can imagine and throw in some hot sex scenes and a funny medevil knights dinner where our hero actually saves a crazed horse during the show and an evil girlfriend on the other side of the quarter who succeeds in getting her knight back, and you have a pretty good short story.

Dragonswan is considered to be the first Were Hunter story to print, a companion series to the Dark Hunter series. This is rather an interesting concept to me. Instead of a were wolf, or were panther or were ____________ (insert creature here), we get a were dragon. How about that? The story opens with Sebastian (the were dragon) who has come to earth to get a tapestry that holds some mysterious importance to him. In the meantime, he finds Channon and hops into bed with her and they end up mated which is a lifetime sort of deal. She travels back in time with him and their adventure continues. This is a fun story as well, although of the 3, it was my least favorite.

What I liked: For short stories, these three stories really kept me interested and all of them read like a novel. Nothing was cut out or missing, nothing skimped on. They were all very enjoyable reads.

What I disliked: I think I need to read something other than SK for my next few books. I’m getting rather tired of the tortured male roles that are in her books. However, I do think that’s ME and not anything bad about the books. In fact, I’m not even deducting a feather because of it.

My rating: 4 feathers

Kelly's Review: BORN OF ICE

BORN OF ICE

By Sherrilyn Kenyon

Book 3 in The League Series

Published by: St. Martin’s Press / 175 Fifth Avenue / New York, NY 10010

First Printing: December 2009

ISBN: 978-0-312-94232-8

Amazon; Barnes and Noble; Goodreads

Concept: “In the Ichidian Universe, the League and its ruthless assassins continue to keep rule. But at what cost? Welcome back to the future…and a whole new world.

He is an outlaw who offers no quarter. Devyn Kell spent his life in service ot the League until he learned of rhe double dealing and backstabbing that was costing innocent people their livs. Refusing to play those politics, he became a Runner – someone who makes sure planets get the weapons, medicine, and supplies they need to survive. May the gods have mercy on any who get in his way, because he definitely won’t.

She is on the run from her past that could end her life. Alix Garran is a woman on the run from a past she can’t escape. Signing on to work for Devyn as a systems engineer, she finda cause she can fight for – and a man she can respect. But as Alix’s past catches up to her, and Devyn’s old enemies turn lethal, they have to fight together…or fall alone."

Review: Syn and Shahara apparently got busy behind our backs and had a lovely child together, a super hunk of burning love, Devyn Kell. With genes like that, he is, of course, gorgeous, has a twelve pack, a brilliant mind and a load of moola. He also is a do gooder in the universe but that’s okay by me. We need a good guy and thankfully, not one with a tortured past. I’m tired of tortured. But now enters our female love interest, Alix Garran. SHE has the tortured past. ::eyeroll:: Just when I thought I was escaping tortured pasts. Anyway, she’s a slave and to save her mother and sister from rape and murder, she is sent to spy on and frame Devyn. (Isn’t this a déjà vu thing from Born of Fire? Um, yeah, it is.) Of course, Alix and Devyn fall in love, have some major hot sex, kick ass in the universe, meet the folks and introduce just a boat load of new characters, just not in that order.

It would sound as if you may want to skip this book but don’t. It’s still a fun League book and the sense of humor, action and excitement and loveable characters just suck you in and keep you there. You don’t care that you read this story already because it was so good the first time and it’ll probably be good in book 15 too. If you are a League fan, you gotta read this. If you have never read a League book before, you’ll still enjoy this and then you’ll go and get the rest of the League books because you enjoyed this one so much.

What I liked: I’m a mom. My son is 26. He’s a large sized, good looking guy and just as charming as all get out. The interaction in this book between Devyn and his mom, and how she is on top of every aspect of his life and how he is perfectly okay with that makes my heart warm. Yeah, so it is a fantasy novel okay?

What I disliked: The scores of new characters introduced. There has to be a potential of 15 different novels that came out of this one. Really? Does SK have to introduce us to that many people at one time? It’s like a big party of potential characters. And you know what? I loved every single one of them. The duplicative story line was bad too. I have to take away some feathers for that.

My rating: 3.5 feathers