Thursday, June 30, 2011

The BSP Tour Save My Soul by Zoe Winters Guest Post


We have a special guest today, Zoe Winters author of Save My Soul. Thank you Zoe for stopping by today.

Which do you like to write more... heroes or villains?

I’ve been asked this several times, and in my case it’s difficult to answer. Today’s hero may be tomorrow’s villain and vice versa. So good or evil doesn’t really factor into what I like to write so much as the character arc and journey.

I love writing Cain, for example. He’s my favorite character. I’ve been in love with him from moment one, back when he was evil, and I didn’t have even the slightest inkling that he could or would become anything different.

Cain is the villain of Save My Soul. I’m not sure he’s evil so much as he’s just... Cain. He’s 8,000 so he doesn’t have this huge respect for human life. My world contains reincarnation so, to his way of thinking, he’s not really killing people, he’s just inconveniencing them. Plus an incubus? What a way to go.

In the book I’m working on right now (which is still untitled), Cain features in a big part of the story. Though book three isn’t “Cain’s book”, I still call it his “save the cat” book because it’s the book in which readers will be able to see up close and personal how he is with his own kind as opposed to just his food. It adds extra layers and dimensions to him so he can slowly seduce readers over to his corner. Because he’s the hero in book 4, and he’s going to need you on board for that.

I also like writing characters who lie to me, which sounds pretty schizophrenic when I type it out like that. Tam, for instance, is the best friend of the heroine in Save My Soul. I’ve come to discover that she has some big secrets. Everything I thought I knew about Tam is wrong. Or rather, it’s only a very small piece of the puzzle. She’ll be the heroine of book 4 so I’ll finally be able to share this big secret.

I also like writing characters that go bad. I can’t tell you the exact character in this case because it’s a spoiler, but the villain of book three didn’t start out bad. However, he’s actually got compelling reasons for his newfound villainy. Unfortunately I won’t be able to reveal those reasons in book three. But they are coming. (Sorry this post is such an epic tease. At least you know I’ve planned out that far.)

So what kind of character do I most like to write? All of them. Though Cain will probably always bemy favorite, otherwise I’m pretty fickle. Whichever character I’m writing at the moment tends to be myfavorite.

Author Bio: Zoe Winters writes quirky and sometimes dark paranormal romance. She lives with her husband and two cats, and her favorite colors are rainbow and clear. For moreinformation visit http://www.zoewinters.org or her blog at: http://zoewinters.wordpress.com


Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Incubooks (January 31, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981943632
ISBN-13: 978-0981943633

Amazon Summary:
All he's asking for is her soul. After buying the antebellum home she's fantasized about since childhood, Anna Worthington discovers Luc, a dangerously seductive incubus who has been trapped in the house by a fifty-year-old curse. To rid herself of her problem house guest she'll call on a priest, gypsies, ghost hunters, and the coven of witches from lust bunny hell. All she has to do is resist him long enough to break the spell so they can go their separate ways. If she doesn't, she could die. And that would be the best case scenario.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Make sure you hit the last stop which is at Zoe's Website http://zoewinters.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Sookie Series Reviews Book One, Two and Three

To Celebrate the beginning of the new season, I been reading the books so this post will be reviews of Books 1-3.



Mass Market Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: Ace Books (May 1, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0441008534
ISBN-13: 978-0441008537
Source- Own Copy

Goodreads Summary:
For years, Charlaine Harris has delighted fans with her mystery series featuring small-town waitress-turned-paranormal sleuth Sookie Stackhouse. Now, we are pleased to offer her first novel in the series in a special hardcover edition.

And with HBO launching an all-new show, True Blood, based on the Southern Vampire novels, the demand for Charlaine Harris and Sookie Stackhouse will be bigger than ever.

Review:
I am a huge fan of the series, True Blood but hadn't read the books. Which is an odd thing for me because usually I would have read the book or books first. So I was worried after watching the tv show would I like the books or vice versa would I hate the show afterwards. I kept putting it off but I had several people one being my niece kept after me saying you really need to read them. So finally I broke down and started to read and let me say I could kick myself for not reading them sooner.

Once I started to read Dead Until Dark, I found myself more than once thinking well that isn't like that in the show. But that being said I really really loved the start to this series. I felt I connected more to the characters more especially Sookie and my love for Eric has grown even deeper. I am also finding that I don't care for Bill as much as I did.

I definitely could see the differences between the show and the books, especially when it came down to the sex scenes where as in the show its all out there for everyone to see, the books had a subtle quality which I enjoyed just as much.

I have to say if you love the show and haven't read the books like I had please do they are incredible.



Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 449 KB
Print Length: 291 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0441009239
Publisher: Ace (March 26, 2002)
Sold by: Penguin Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B000O76OOA
Source; Own Copy


Amazon Summary:
When a vampire asks cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse to use her telepathic skills to find another missing vampire, she agrees under one condition: the vampires must promise to behave and let the humans that are involved to go unharmed. Easier said than done. All it takes is one delicious blond and one small mistake for things to turn deadly.

Review:
This book I was looking forward too because second season of True Blood was my favorite season so far. Especially Sookie's time in Dallas. That being said I knew there would be some differences but just didn't know how much til I started to read and let me say this is book has to be my favorite so far.

I loved the inclusion of other supernaturals in this book but they are more hidden where as the vampires are all about out in the open. I wish they could have incorporated more of the side characters in this book into the series would have made for some interesting TV.

And can I say I just love how in the books Eric and Sookie's relationship is blossoming more, If you haven't guessed by now but I am all for Team Eric. How can you not love that hot viking vampire.

That being said excellent continuation of this series and on I go to book 3 again a must read for True Blood Fans out there.





Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 339 KB
Print Length: 258 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0441010512
Publisher: Ace (April 29, 2003)
Sold by: Penguin Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B000O76OOK
Source: Own Copy


Goodreads Summary:
Things between cocktail waitress Sookie and her vampire boyfriend Bill seem to be going excellently (apart from the small matter of him being undead) until he leaves town for a while. A long while. Bill's sinister boss Eric has an idea of where to find him, whisking her off to Jackson, Mississippi to mingle with the under-underworld at Club Dead. When she finally catches up with the errant vampire, he is in big trouble and caught in an act of serious betrayal. This raises serious doubts as to whether she should save him or start sharpening a few stakes of her own .

Review:
Okay I know I said book 2 was my favorite well I changed my mind book 3 is now my favorite. I seen some similarities the show used but all in all it was almost a completely different story. One thing I gotta say if I didn't love Eric before I sure do now this book sealed it for me.

There is a couple scenes in this book I wished they would have included in the show, both revolved around Sookie and Eric. I won't say what they were because if you haven't read the books I don't want to give them away but lets just say my heart melted.

Bill you didn't see much of in this book and when he did , he came across as indifferent and I'm not sure what to think other than I hope at some point he redeems himself for me. I do like Bill.

A few final thoughts, one being,It is so hard not to compare the books with the show. But as much as I love Alan Ball's vision of these books, I am finding myself loving the books more.

Second,As most of you know I wasn't a big fan of first person views until just recently and I am certainly glad this is written that way though I wouldn't mind other characters POV's once in awhile.

One final thought,I absolutely love the way Charlaine writes, and she has a new fan who is eager to just keep on reading this series til she ends it. Now I am off to read the 4th book Dead to the World which from what I'm hearing is the best book out of the bunch.




Overall Rating:

Monday, June 27, 2011

We Have Another Winner ebook copy of Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi

BannerFans.com


And the winner is: 
Michelle @ The True Book Addict

Congrats! Email has been sent and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

And The Winner is of Raven's Kiss by Toni LoTempio is....

BannerFans.com

I apologize for being late on posting this, The winner of a copy of Raven's Kiss is

ladyvampire2u who chose a print copy as what she would prefer.

CONGRATS! An email has been sent, you have 48 hours to respond then a new winner will be chosen.

BLB Tour Review Blood Hunter: The Beginning" by Robin Badillo




Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 1341 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: eXtasybooks (March 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004R1Q25U
Lending: Enabled


Book courtesy of Robin Badillo and Book Loving Bitches Tour, Click HERE for more information on the BLB.

Robin's Links:

Amazon Summary:
For thirty years, Raven Prince has lived just fine with no mate and no hassles. The carefree vampire, happy to be the odd-girl-out in a small, close-knit coven, lusts for one thing and one thing only—human blood. The more handsome the snack, the happier she is.

Thorne Abbott, on the other hand, only has a taste for the blood of the vampire that savagely murdered his father eleven years before. The determined human won’t rest until that craving is satisfied, even if it means getting himself killed in the process.

A sexy game of pool in a small-town bar throws a wrench in both of their plans and ignites a flame so hot, neither could have extinguished even if they wanted to.

The hunter and the hunted battle with themselves and each other as passion, love and a quest for truth sends them on a deadly mission that’s sure to either destroy them…or set them free.

Can lovers from different worlds manage to see past their differences, or are there good reasons why the two species should never unite?

Will it be friend or foe that goes bump in the night?

Review:
There are several things I loved about this book , The characters for one, I really loved the interaction with Raven and Jacobe(though I am secretly hoping he gets his own book, he deserves some happiness.) Thorne, though I did like him, parts of me wished he was just a bit tougher. I guess I am just used to big badasses. Another character I would like to see more of is Brett, I really connected with him maybe more than Thorne to be honest.

The storyline flowed well, and even though I kind of guessed the 'who done it' moment it still was a shock at the very end. I am definitely interested in where the story will continue on into the sequel.

I read this in one setting and I would definitely recommend to all you vamp lovers out there. I can't wait to read the sequel, The Betrayal.



Rating:



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

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Countdown is almost over- True Blood Season 4 begins tonight!!




I have been so excited for the start of this season that I actually was able to watch back to back seasons last weekend and read books 1 and 2 and started 3. I will be posting those reviews soon but in the mean time What Team are you ? I without a doubt am Team Eric but that could change but to kick off tonight here is a couple videos I stumbled on to get us in the mood.

Team Eric lover's this video rocks!!





I'm not going to leave the rest of you out so here you go,

Team Bill(ok couldn't resist this one because it was a Bon Jovi song used)



And finally Team Alcide(I am beginning to lean towards him, yummy!)



So Who Are You Rooting for? What Team are you on?? What are you most looking forward to this season?

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Guest Post/Giveaway Dark Passages Sara Reinke


Please give a warm welcome to Sara Reinke, she is guest posting today! Thank you Sara for stopping by!

They say opposites attract. But it’s been my observation in life that at least as far as creative people go, that’s not necessarily true. Although my current efforts at artistic expression are pretty much exclusively writing, with the occasional bit of Photoshop cover art or graphic design thrown in, in the past, I’ve enjoyed sketching and painting, as well. I think if you’re an artistic type, you explore a wealth of different mediums and outlets until you find the one that works best for, and allows you the greatest amount of creative expression and freedom. Like I said, for me that’s writing fiction. But I’m still able to connect with—and find myself drawn to—likeminded artistic people who express themselves in other ways.

For example, yesterday we hung out with our friends, Sara and Dale. (When we visit with them, I’m “the other Sara” just to avoid confusion.) Sara loves to draw with pastels and chalk, and after admiring a particularly beautiful piece she has in her living room, she pulled out her sketch pads and showed me a portfolio of her work. When I used to draw, I focused mainly on portraits and figure studies; mastery of still-life studies and landscapes always eluded me for some reason. Sara prefers still-lifes, and her drawings of glass containers and fruits are imbued with vibrant color and extraordinary luminosity. Her eye for detail allows her to carefully shade, so that bottles look three dimensional, shadows drape realistically, and light seems to ebb and flow around the contours of her subject matter. I was so impressed.

Her husband is likewise talented. He sketches in charcoal, which I’ve tried myself in the past—and wound up wearing more often than not, lol. But I think the area of his talent that impressed me the most was woodcarving. Their house and yard are filled with intricately crafted sculptures, gracefully twisting sun-blanched shafts of wood with wizened faces peering curiously out at you. He showed me a coat of arms he’s been working on; the detail is it is astonishing. He’s carving it from a solid block of mahogany, but somehow has managed to carve multiple layers out of it, elaborate scrollwork and minute details on the crest and shield. If you ask him how long it takes to make something that beautiful, he’d tell you “about a case of beer.”

But we artistic sorts are our own worst critics like that, the first ones to downplay what to others may be an obvious and impressive talent. I’m guilty of the same thing. If you met me in
person and asked what I wrote books about, I’d probably get a sheepish look on my face. It’s not that I don’t think my stories are good, or I don’t enjoy writing them and sharing them with readers—it’s just that as a creative sort, I’m embarrassed to tell you about what makes me feel artistically passionate. I’d rather you read my books and find out for yourself.

My friend Dwayn is the same way. I’m an earring fanatic, and love to find beautiful, unusual jewelry to wear. I stumbled across his website (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthPawArtref=pr_shop_more; he has another shop here: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/SouthpawArt) and after buying some earrings, struck up an online friendship with him. He works with both leather and chainmail, creating some really unusual and unique pieces for both men and women.

When I learned to draw, my aunt was my mentor, teaching me the basics of proportion and scale in figure sketching, but from there, I was pretty much self-taught. (Same holds true today with my Photoshop work.) Dwayn is pretty much the same, and as he explained the process to me of how to create something from leather, I was really impressed, because it’s a long process that requires as much patience and technical proficiency as artistic skill. I have to admit that his chainmail jewelry is my favorite, primarily because that’s the sort I wear more often than not. The earrings I bought are elaborately detailed, and he uses both silver and gold-toned chain links to give them a unique and beautiful ability to capture light; they almost seem to glow. They’re intricate, but lightweight—the best part, because they don’t weigh your earlobes down like so many dangling earring types can. As we speak, I’m waiting on a copper Byzantine-style bracelet he made that I absolutely love, and I’ve managed to convince him to help me with some custom-made pieces that I can use for giveaway prizes to celebrate my next upcoming release—earrings crafted in the shape of a triquetra, a trefoil Celtic knot pattern that figures prominently in Forsaken, Book One in The Netherworlde Series, which launches in July.

I think that’s one of the best things about being a creative person—and surrounding myself with other artistic types. No matter our medium of expression, we all understand and appreciate the work involved in the art itself, and support one another. I don’t know if Dwayn will ever read my books or not, but he’s bought them, and I’m going to continue buying jewelry from him because I love it. If Dale and Sara ever decide to put their respective works up for sale, I’d love to invest in those, too. I figure it’s not only is part and parcel of being friends, but also of being kindred artistic spirits.

About Sara

“Definitely an author to watch." That's how Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine describes Sara Reinke. New York Times best-selling author Karen Robards calls Reinke "a new paranormal star" and Love Romances and More hails her as "a fresh new voice to a genre that has grown stale."

Dark Thirst, Book One in The Brethren Series is out of print in paperback through Kensington/Zebra, but is available in Kindle ebook format. In it, Brandon Noble is one of the Brethren, an ancient clan of ruthless vampires. Horrified by his birthright,Brandon shuns the ritual of the first kill, earning his family's lasting wrath. When he finds love with a human woman named Angelina -- forbidden among the Brethren -- his fate is sealed. Can Brandon protect Angelina from his enemies -- and his own dark thirsts?

Dark Hunger, Book Two, is available from Kensington/Zebra in mass market paperback and multiple electronic formats, including for Kindle and the Nook. In it, Tessa Noble-Davenant will do
anything to protect her brother, Brandon, even if that means traveling across the country with Rene Morin. A cynical, brooding, yet startling sexy vampire, Rene seems to take pleasure in finding fault with Tessa's every move. Despite this, a sensual attraction begins to develop between the two, one to which neither can afford to succumb. Rene and Tessa are being followed -- and a single misstep will put them at the mercy of forces more dark and powerful than they can even imagine...

Dark Passion, Book Three, is available in trade paperback and multiple e-formats through Double Dragon Publishing. In it,Augustus Noble is a man with secrets. His entire life has been built on half-truths, betrayals and lies—desperate measures to keep the woman he loves, EleanorTrevilian-Noble, as his own. The patriarch of the Brethren, he has struggled for centuries to create an empire of wealth and prestige for her. Now all that he has fought for is in jeopardy—his grandson Brandon has risked it all in a desperate bid for independence and freedom. And just as Augustus can’t allow Brandon to escape the ages-old traditions of the Brethren race, he also can’t let the Brethren—and especially his longtime nemesis—discover a truth that, if revealed, would see them all killed.

In the fourth installment, Dark Passages: Tristan & Karen, Tristan Morin is a vampire on a mission: to not fall in love with Karen Pierce. To do so would prove that humans and Brethren were meant to be physically and emotionally bound to each other something he, as a full-blooded Brethren, refuses to believe. It would be so much easier if Karen wasn't beautiful. And if there wasn't something about her that draws him like a moth to a flame, damn near impossible to resist.

And in Book Five, Dark Passages 2: Pilar & Elías, Pilar Cadana has one thing on her mind: revenge against Pepe Cervantes, the vampire who murdered her father. But her plan to get close to him by working as a stripper in his nightclub backfires when she meets Elias Velasco, the police detective assigned to her father's case. Pilar has known tremendous heartache, sorrow and loss, but in Elias's arms, she feels safe enough to trust again...and even dare to love. But as the passion between them grows, so too does the danger -- because Pilar has dark secretes of her own. And while she's everything Elias wants, he may just prove to be everything Pilar needs.

Readers will find an “About the Brethren Series” page at www.sarareinke.com that fills them in on the series to date, and the different characters introduced so far, if they haven’t read any
of the preceding titles. Plus, for a limited time, readers can subscribe to my e-Newsletter and receive a FREE ebook copy of Dark Thirst, Book One in The Brethren Series. There’s no better
way to be introduced to the world of the Brethren vampires than with the book that started it all!






Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 170 KB
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0983216304
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Bloodhorse Press, LLC (February 8, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English


Blurb:
Tristan Morin is a vampire on a mission: to not fall in love with Karen Pierce. To do so would prove that humans and Brethren were meant to be physically and emotionally bound to each other -- something he, as a full-blooded Brethren, refuses to believe. It would be so much easier if Karen wasn't beautiful. And if there wasn't something about her that draws him like a moth to a flame, damn near impossible to resist.

Karen has always felt an inexplicable attraction to Tristan. More than just the fact he's strikingly handsome, it's as if being with him is something natural, comfortable and right. But soon a brash choice on his part leaves her heartbroken and confused, and a sadistic new enemy will put their tentative love -- and their lives -- to the ultimate test.

About the Author:


"Definitely an author to watch." That's how Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine describes Sara Reinke. New York Times best-selling author Karen Robards calls Reinke "a new paranormal star" and Love Romances and More hails her as "a fresh new voice to a genre that has grown stale." Dark Thirst and Dark Hunger, the first two books in her Brethren Series of vampire romance are available now from Kensington/Zebra Books. The third installment, Dark Passion, is available in print and ebook formats from Double Dragon Publishing. I always enjoy hearing from readers! Drop me an email and let me know what you think of the Brethren Series, or my other available titles!

Sara's Links:





Now On To The Giveaway, Sara has generously offered a,ebook copy of Dark Vengeance and to enter its really simple, Answer this question, Tell us your favorite Brotherhood/Brethren type series? Who is your favorite and why? Don't forget to leave your email or some way I can contact you if you win. The giveaway will run from June 25th to July 2nd, winner will be announced July 3rd.

Friday, June 24, 2011

BLB Tour Review Wild by Naomi Clark


Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 399 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0053PVW22
Lending: Enabled


Naomi's Links:

Book Courtesy of Naomi Clark and Book Lovin' Bitches Tour, click HERE for more information on BLB

Amazon Summary:
Lizzie Creighton ran away from her life a year ago, wanting to escape the pressures of university and just party. And that’s exactly what she did.

But now she's sick of the world she's fallen into – the drink, the drugs, the violence – and she's desperate to start again. The chance to do it comes from the last source she could ever imagine. After her deadbeat boyfriend steals her car and abandons her in the dead of night, Lizzie is bitten by a wolf. And suddenly her next fix is her last problem.

Now, caught between Nick Doyle, the outcast werewolf who claims he can save her, and Seth Weaver, the favourite son of the blue-blood werewolf royalty, Lizzie must decide what kind of werewolf she wants to be.

Author's note: Contains scenes of drug use and domestic violence and may not be suitable for younger readers.


Review:
I have to admit the beginning of the book it was hard for me to like Lizzie at first, I understand the partying but the drugs or the amount of drugs used it was hard for me to swallow at first. This book was harsher and darker than I have read in a long time.

The story-line was a tough one for me to read, I have only read a few books divulging into the deep dark world of drugs and the repercussions of drug abuse. Lizzie though after a bit I did feel sorry for her but at first it was hard until she was turned but both guys in her life used her and it just angered me. I wanted to yell at my pc screen isn't there someone that could help her besides wanting something from her.

I am not exactly sure how I feel about this book, It was well written as writing is concerned and I was able to feel something towards the characters and finally I was left hopeful that Lizzie would remain clean that being said I am interested in how this story will continue.

Would I recommend? Well if you love deep and I do mean deep dark storylines, then this book is for you.

Rating:




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

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Bewitching Book Tour Review The Vampire Who Loved Me by Theresa Meyers



Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 374 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne (June 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English


Book Courtesy of Theresa Meyers and Bewitching Book Tours, for more information on Bewitching Book Tours click HERE.

Theresa's Links
Amazon's Summary:
Dr. Rebecca Chamberlin hated nothing more than the vampires who had turned her loved ones into creatures of the night…until she became one herself. Now her experimental vaccine has become more urgent than ever, and has made her the target of vampire security chief Achilles Stefanos.

Built like a god with golden hair and an irresistible allure, Achilles made her feel passion the way no mortal man had before. Beck could no more deny her craving for him than she could the hated bloodlust in her veins. But when her vaccine fell into the wrong hands, Beck had a difficult choice to make—one that challenged everything she'd always believed…

About The Author:


Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books. She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, three cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini-Aussie shepherd puppy, several rabbits, a dozen chickens and an out-of-control herb garden. You can find her online on Twitter, Facebook, at her Web site or blogging with the other Lolitas of STEAMED!

Review:
What can I say about this book? Besides that I loved loved loved it. I had a feeling I was gonna like Achilles just from how he was portrayed in the first book. Again I must say I wasn't too sure about Beck (Rebecca) at first and its not because I didn't think she was well written just being the vampire lover that I am I kind of lean towards the vampire side more often than not.

Theresa does another fantastic job with her second book in this series, I immediately was pulled into this story and read this book in one sitting. I laughed, cried and gotten angry a couple times all the makings of a awesome book in my opinion. I absolutely love when a book touches me to the point I cry.

I know I have mentioned this before but one thing I love about series books is you get to see other characters you have grown to love show up in subsequent books. Overall this book left me wanting more I am not sure how many books she has planned for this series but I hope it continues for a long long time.

If you haven't read this series and you are an avid vampire lover as I am and you are looking for a different twist you must read this series.

Rating:

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

BLB Book Excerpt The Life and Times of Delila by Lindsay Klug


Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 428 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Silver Publishing (March 17, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004SOYDB6
Lending: Enabled


Lindsay's Links:

Amazon Summary:
Delila has roamed the Earth for over one thousand years with her maker, Alaric. She has everything a vampire could want: beauty, brains, a booming business, and an ability to read human emotions.

When a werewolf makes an imprint in her life, Delila feels she may have finally found the soul mate she has been seeking. But when everything goes terribly wrong Delila finds herself burdened with a young half breed child to protect from the evil forces of her world.

Book Excerpt:
'What if... the world was infested with zombie vampires?' asked my worst-case daily calendar, followed by a detailed account of the infestation and how to survive it. Apparently, shotguns loaded with garlic laced bullets and aimed at the head is the only way out. The more I thought of this, the more absurd it seemed.

I mean, a zombie vampire? Kind of redundant, isn't it? A vampire is already dead; how does one become doubly dead? The thought made me laugh out loud. Silly calendar, thinking we can be stopped with garlic laced bullets.


Everybody knows the only way to kill someone like me is with a silver bullet.


Oh, did I mention yet I am a vampire? My name is Epycidilla (pronounced ep-eh-ci-di-lla), which is ancient Roman, but I've adapted it through the years. Currently, I'm widely known as Delila. I was twenty-eight years old when I was changed in the year 410 AD. Mind blowing, eh? I was married and had three children; the land was in upheaval when a neighboring horde invaded our small village and I was stolen. The men craved my pearly skin and were shocked by my blond hair and blue eyes. They dragged me off to the farthest-reaching fields, raped me repeatedly, beat me, and left me for dead.


But I didn't die. In my last breath, a young man appeared before me, his beautiful face framed by the sky. When he dipped low to my neck, I didn't object. His soft lips lay gently on me and I wondered if he would be the last to torture me, but instead his teeth pierced my skin and he led me into a whole new world of shadows and violence and revenge. I sought out my attackers and ripped their throats out. For quite a few years, I hovered near my family in the shadows, always protecting my children. When they died, I attended the funeral with their families and children as a nameless stranger who disappeared in the dusty winds.


Soon after the collapse of the Roman Empire, I followed Alaric, my maker, to Europe. We traveled through populated areas, catching whomever we pleased and making them our meals for the evening. Those were derelict times; our whimsical killing sprees reflected the sad state society as a whole had fallen into.

Changing times have meant changing customs. My maker may have been created almost six hundred years before me, but he passed as a teenager. As we entered the modern age and education became part of everyday life, he had no choice but to begin attending high school perpetually. I paraded as his mother to avoid unnecessary attention.

So had been my existence for hundreds of years. We made our way across the world, eventually landing in a city in the center of America. We traveled in the midst of the Civil War, and the destruction was intoxicating. I've learned over time to control my cravings so I no longer have to kill (not that I practice that control regularly), but back then my skills were not quite as refined. We would scour the battlefields for mortally wounded soldiers and help escort them to their imminent death. I made it pleasant for them, Alaric didn't care.

In life, he had been a prince in an ancient Germanic tribe. He'd become gravely ill with a plague and to save his life the villagers brought in a magic man named Aedan to heal him. Aedan gave Alaric his blood, the only surefire cure for the plague, but he was too close to death. When the reaper draped his soul with the black emptiness, Alaric took his last breath. The people mourned and buried him.

Three days later, they found the door to his tomb smashed and his remains "stolen". Alaric sought Aedan out, and the ancient man taught his new child how to survive. When Aedan met his final death at the hands of a bereaved mother, Alaric mourned him and created me to fill the void of companionship left by his maker.

If I'm being honest here, Alaric was, and still is, kind of needy and relied on me to be his only true friend. Other vampires were no help to him, he claimed. He needed me, the only one who shared his blood, to be close by. I always just sighed and dropped it. He seemed to enjoy life in Tennessee, where he went by the name Eric, so whatever made him happy was fine with me.



I still think about my lost family sometimes. My children grew into beautiful people and had such lovely grandchildren. I've followed the line all through time, to three boys and one girl who lived in a small town in Maine. Once, in a mood of regret, I asked Alaric why he chose me, and he replied, "In you lives a fire which is not ready to be extinguished. You haven't yet realized your purpose."



His cryptic words left me at a loss.



Anyway, while our never-changing looks always gave us away after awhile, for now we were living in a small town outside of Memphis. Alaric attended the local high school and we lived on a vast ranch spanning four hundred acres surrounded by breathtaking scenery, if I'd had any breath to steal. Over the centuries I'd learned to fake it.



I was busy on a conference call with my overseas furniture manufacturing company (What? I'm business savvy) one afternoon when I got a text on my cell phone.



'Need you to meet with Mrs Smith after school'.



I sighed deeply and sent a simple 'OK' in return. Alaric was always in some sort of trouble. He was decent enough to most, though his contempt for humans had grown exponentially over the years. Though I mostly dislike adults, there is nothing better to my ears than the sound of a toddler laughing. Though I have my fair share of a vicious streak, I am ultimately a nurturer.



Ironic, right? I've just never been able to truly embrace my condition, as I like to call it. That day, I settled on a vintage look; in fact I went vintage almost every day. I'd been a pin-up model during the roaring twenties, and the look wears well on me. The dress I chose was square necked and tapered to the knee to accent my voluptuous curves. I put my blond hair in ringlet curls half pinned up. Red lipstick and some blush to make me look human topped it off.



The school still bustled with activity when I arrived and, as expected, heads turned to follow me. I flashed coy smiles here and there until I found Alaric reclining against a beam at the far end of the foyer, looking bored. "What did you do today, Eric?" I asked quietly.



"Nothing important, I swear. This way." We walked in companionable silence. Neither Alaric nor I were ones to fill in beautiful silences with meaningless words. I appreciate silence when I can get it.



Mrs Smith, a robust woman with fiery red curls and gold-rimmed glasses, stood and offered a hand to me when I entered the classroom with Alaric.



"Mrs Smith," I said evenly with a brilliant smile. The woman faltered for a moment.



"Hello, Ms McAllister," she replied slowly. The confusion raging in her eyes told me she had never seen someone like me; how was I old enough to have a son in high school? We sat in the uncomfortable chairs allotted to high school students; these particular ones were the kind that flowed as a single unit to make especially round people feel bad.



"Is there some problem with Eric?" I kept my voice light and airy, and polite. That was important. The people in this region appreciated courtesy. I still carry a faint Roman accent that often sounds more British than anything else.



Mrs Smith recovered from her confusion quickly. When she spoke again, it was with authority. "Yes, there is. Eric has made some threats against a student in my class. I don't tolerate that in my classroom."



"Oh, I see," I said softly. "Is it that Michael boy?" She nodded. "I thought so. Eric and Michael have been in a disagreement for quite some time now."



She nodded again. "I'm aware of that but I do not tolerate threats in my classroom. We need to resolve this issue."



"Of course we do." I projected innocence through my voice and batted my eyelashes. It was very hard to gain access to Mrs Smith's thoughts, but they were coming through with some fuzz. She was still wondering how I was old enough for this boy to be my child, why there was no Mr McAllister, and where my accent originated. She was also thinking, in the very far reaches of her mind, about the situation between Alaric and Michael. "I understand Michael approached Eric without provocation one day and it has escalated since?"



"Yes, that's what we believe it to have happened as well."



"Well, my sincerest apologies, but when I adopted Eric, he was a rather shy and fearful boy. I've raised him to defend himself." An a-ha moment erupted from the forefront of the woman's mind. "I trust Michael and his parents have been spoken with as well." The phrase was not a question; I already knew the answer.



"Oh, we have a meeting in the works, of course." She was flabbergasted and thinking how she needed to arrange that meeting, but it worried her that Michael's parents were so influential in the school.



"That's good. I'd hate to see a child discriminated against just because he's new." A pointed look had poor old Mrs Smith sweating. She sensed the danger so I withdrew some and smiled at her charmingly.



"Of course not," she said quickly. "We pride ourselves on being an accepting and accommodating campus." She turned to Alaric. "I trust you've had a discussion with the principal?" He nodded sagely.



"I'll have words with Eric about this matter. Thank you for bringing it to my attention." I stood, a decisive movement indicating my desire to leave. Mrs Smith shook my hand once more and when I turned to Alaric, my smile faded. We walked to my sporty convertible in silence. (What? I have money. Might as well make my life comfortable.)



"Thank you," he said softly.



I snorted. "God, I hate dealing with those types of people. So uppity."



Alaric laughed. "I can tell. You can't hide your contempt from me."



"Well, you know me too well." I winked at him. "Shall we feast tonight?" He inclined his head, and when we got home he left me to get ready. As always before entering the mortal world, I cleared my head with a series of deep breaths and was ready to go within the hour.



You see, I can read emotions and thoughts from almost anything with a heartbeat. Before my change, I was the village oracle. People came to me with questions of fertility, war, finance, and marriage. I steered them based on my keen instincts. When my transition occurred, I found I could hear people talking as if they were yelling in my ears; I saw waves of colors surrounding them. Auras, they would later be called.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

And The Winner is of ebook copy of Highland Destiny

BannerFans.com

I am sorry I am a bit late announcing the winner but here we go --- drum roll


Laurielu

Congrats! An email has been sent to both the winner and author. Please respond by 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Early Review Embraced by Blood by Laurie London


Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 5 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (July 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0050OTNFE


Book Courtesy of Net Galley

Laurie's Link's:
http://laurielondon.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/LaurieBLondon
http://www.facebook.com/LaurieLondonAuthor

Amazon Summary:
Alfonso Serrano is a hunted man. For months he's managed to elude the Darkbloods, vengeful foes who won't rest until he's dead. But he still craves one dangerous temptation: Lily DeGraff, the sexy Guardian agent he'll risk anything to protect.

Lily is a wanted woman. Her talent for tracking Sweet—a rare blood type that's addictive to vampires—makes her a prime target for enemy capture. Her only hope is the stealthy vampire operative who stole into her bed…then left her in despair. Danger aside, Lily won't let Alfonso near her heart again—until an irresistible hunger threatens to draw them back together… and into an assassin's snare.

Review:
After reading the first book and the novella in the Sweetblood Series, I was so excited to see this book show up on Net Galley and I immediately sent my request. When I found out this was Alfonso's book I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about him. Though I do have a thing for tortured heroes his story as least what was told partially in the first book it was really hard to feel for this guy. I knew there had to be a reason but still I wasn't too sure at least until I read this book and Alfonso won me over.

I know one thing about series books its really hard to top the previous ones but I believe Laurie did it and then some. Honestly there isn't anything about this book I didn't like. She even threw a big curve ball in the mix though part of me suspected it still surprised me all the same.

I am totally addicted to Sweetblood and proud of it, I can't wait for Jackson's book which isn't til next year. I know some of you think yet another vampire series, but I promise you give this one a shot its well worth it. I personally don't think I will ever tire of vampires.

Rating:



Sweetblood Series
Bonded By Blood
Hidden By Blood(novella)
Embraced by Blood (release date July 1st)
Enchanted by Blood(novella in anthology A Vampire For Christmas)
Tempted by Blood(tent date Feb 2012)

Saturday, June 18, 2011

BLB Tour Giveaway Raven’s Kiss by Toni LoTempio


Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 306 KB
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004W9CMII
Lending: Enabled


Amazon Summary:
Raven Grace was a college senior with ambitions of a career in law enforcement when she met the demon Aega, whose bite turned her from mortal to Shapeshifter. Now a member of the Recovery Organization, Raven keeps the peace between humans and errant Hellhounds, trolls, wizards and the like while trying to track down Aega and bring him to justice. After a particularly dicey encounter one night with a Hellhound, she goes to the aid of a girl who’s been attacked and near death—and is amazed to find Aega’s bite mark on the girl’s arm. Determined to get to the bottom of this, she revisits the victim’s apartment and there discovers her closet is a portal to a parallel universe, where people she knows lead vastly different lives. She also gets a glimpse of the Recovery Captain there—a six foot, redheaded Scotsman named Finn McPhee, whose sexy accent and even sexier bod sets her senses aflame. Seeking answers, Finn takes Raven to the magickal underworld, where an ancient fae informs them the demon’s quest is rooted in Scottish mythology and magick. As they delve deeper into legend, the truth comes to light—Aega is only a pawn, subservient to another, darker demon…a being who knows the truth about Raven’s heritage, and who orchestrated her return to this parallel universe for the ultimate showdown. Now, Finn and Raven find their passion for one another must take a backseat to Raven’s battle with a dark force who won’t be satisfied until he’s claimed her soul for his very own…

On to the giveaway Toni has generously offered your choice if you win a print copy or ebook? What do you have to do to win, simple just answer which you rather have print or ebook and leave your email addy in the comments so I have a way contacting you if you win. Once the winner is drawn I will send an email to you as well as pass your email onto Toni so she can send you your book.


The giveaway will run from June 18th to the 25th a winner will be drawn and announced on the 26th.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Review The Truth About Vampires by Theresa Meyers


Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; 288 edition (February 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373618549
ISBN-13: 978-0373618545


Book Source: My Own Copy

Theresa's Links:

Amazon Summary:
All her life, Seattle reporter Kristin Reed sought her breakout story. She never thought she'd find it in the crimson lair of a real-life creature of the night. Kristin never believed vampires existed—until with dark brooding eyes and a decadent chocolate scent, Dmitri Dionotte called out to her….

Dmitri and his clan's true nature was cloaked in secrecy until a warring vampire order threatened their existence. Kristin was just the woman he needed. She couldn't resist their story…or Dmitri. Her blood pulsed hot and furious when he touched her, and with his kiss, all logic fled. But each night she spent with her vampire lover brought her closer to death and destruction. A death not even an immortal could triumph over.

Review:
I could kick myself for not reading this book sooner, seriously. I had this book sitting on my shelf for awhile and just the other night decided to pick it up and read it and I am so glad I did. I have read tons of vampire books especially since starting this blog and to be honest I never tire of them but always wondered can there be any new ways to describe how vampires become vampires and I am always pleasantly surprised when an author does come up with something different.

I wasn't sure if I liked Kristan right of the bat mainly I connected so much with this book I was afraid she was going to dig too deep into the vampires secret lives. But it didn't take long to convince me that her and Dimtri belonged together. Dimtri 'sigh' what can I say about him but he is all what I love in a hero. But then came Achilles (oh I think I really will like him) wait and read the book if you haven't and you will see why.

There isn't one thing I didn't love about this book it had hot steamy scenes, romance that left you 'sighing' action and to top it off the worldbuilding was incredible. Only the thing I hated was it ended. I will definitely be reading more from Theresa Meyers.

Rating:

Thursday, June 16, 2011

BLB Tour Review Reality Stinks by Ashlynn Monroe


Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 174 KB
Publisher: Wild Horse Press (February 8, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004OYT9B4
Lending: Enabled


Book Courtesy of Ashlynn Monroe and Book Lovin' Bitches Tour, click HERE for more information on BLB

Ashlynn's Links;


Goodread's Summary:
When Dina’s wellspring of reality television program ideas runs dry, she’s desperate to save her job. Dina’s friends are no ordinary friends. To save her job she comes up with I want to date a superhero. Unfortunately, the only superhero she knows is Zane Blair. He’s the only man she’s ever loved. Comedy hijinks ensue when you take one reluctant bachelor, ten attention seeking woman, and one very evil super villain

Review:
This book was far different than I have read recently. The premise had me intrigued and I was eager to read this book and considering all the reality show's (some I admit I do watch on a regular basis) I thought this book fit right in for whats all on TV today.

The basic story-line was good, I really enjoyed the beginning with Dina and her boss as well as with her picking the contestants and her reactions and thoughts about each girl but there are just a couple things that I wish could had more of like more in depth with Zane, I for some reason couldn't connect with him as well as with Dina. Other thing was I felt the middle towards the end was a bit rushed.

But that being said it was an enjoyable read. If you are looking for something different give this book a try.




Rating:




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

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Kelly's Review and Giveaway!: TREASURE ME!

It's my birthday! Well, soon, in two weeks or so. But to celebrate, I am doing my very first giveaway with an author that I just adore and I know you will too! So first, my review, then at the bottom of this post, you can read about the give-a-way.



TREASURE ME
By Christine Nolfi
Published by: Christine Nolfi
First Printing: April, 2011
ASIN: B004XMOP91
Amazon; Goodreads

Concept: “Petty thief Birdie Kaminsky has arrived in Liberty, Ohio to steal a treasure hidden since the Civil War. She’s in possession of a charming clue passed down in her family for generations: Liberty safeguards the cherished heart.

The beautiful thief wants to go straight. She secretly admires the clue’s author, freedwoman Justice Postell, who rose above the horrors of slavery to build a new life in Ohio. According to family lore, Justice left South Carolina at the dawn of the Civil War. Heavy with child, she carried untold riches on her journey north. As Birdie searches for the treasure, she begins to believe a questionable part of the story: a tale of love between Justice and Lucas Postell, the French plantation owner who was Birdie’s ancestor.

If the stories are true, Justice bore a child with Lucas. Some of those black relatives might still live in town. Birdie can’t help but wonder if she’s found one—Liberty’s feisty matriarch, Theodora Hendricks, who packs a pistol and heartwarming stories about Justice. Birdie doesn’t know that investigative reporter Hugh Schaeffer will trip her up—as will her conscience when she begins to wonder if it’s possible to start a new life with stolen riches. Yet with each new clue she unearths, Birdie discovers a family history more precious than gems, a tradition of love richer than she could imagine.” (Concept provided by Author.)

Review: I did not read the concept of this book before I started to read it. I just jumped in. It starts out with an introduction of sorts to Birdie, a thief of the pick-pocket variety, and one who wants to turn over a new leaf, on the right side of the law this time. She journeys to the small town of Liberty, Ohio. Don’t you love the name of this town? I just imagine 4th of Julys in a town like that. There’s a treasure there that’s been left behind by a family member as described in the concept above. The story of the treasure and starting life over in a small town is a little cliché for me. The REAL story here though is in the characters who are SO endearing. My personal favorite (and I would imagine this has been said before) is Theodora Hendricks, a woman after my own heart. People will say she totes a gun and a cell phone, but I’m telling you, her most powerful weapon is her stories. I cannot forget Finney either – just another character at the Second Chance Grill. And don’t you love THAT? The Second Chance Grill in Liberty, Ohio? C’mon. This is great stuff right?

There’s a love story going on between Birdie and Hugh and if sexual tension is your thing, then this book has it. Sometimes you might find yourself wanting to smack Hugh upside his male head because he’s so frustrating but the fact that I wanted to do that, told me that Ms. Nolfi hit her mark inside my reader’s heart. Without realizing when or how it happened, I was hooked. Great job, Ms. Nolfi. Great job.

I think I read somewhere that this was Book One in a trilogy but that Book Two is a prequel? I’m not sure on that but if there are more of these books, I want them and you should want them too! Run on over to Amazon and pick this up. It’s a heartfelt read and one that you will find yourself enjoying.

What I liked: The ladies of the Second Chance Grill (in fact, that could be the name of the book). Or better yet call it, Liberty, Ohio and include the whole town. Enchanting. I want to pull up a glass of iced tea and sit down with them on a summer afternoon.

What I disliked: There were an awful lot of characters in this book to keep up with. Everyone plays their part, so I guess it’s okay, but somehow, I didn’t need that many to confuse me. I know this sounds silly considering I just said that the supporting characters were what I liked so much about the book but trust me when I say there were just a tad too many.

My rating: 4 feathers



NOW, on to the giveaway! Christine has generously offered an ebook of Treasure Me (read it now before her next book comes out!). To enter, please leave your email address in the comments here so we have way of contacting you if you win. We will draw a winner from Random.org and send you an e-mail as well as passing on your e-mail information to Christine so she can send you her book. How simple is that?

Christine's second book, Second Chance Grill, is due out soon, in a few weeks soon. Look at that, Christine listened to me and my suggestion about the name of her book! Its about time someone did! hehehe (I'm kidding, she named way before I suggested it.) I'm hoping that Christine may want us to follow up on our review of Treasure Me with a review of Second Chance Grill. ::crossing fingers::

The giveaway will run from today, June 14th through Saturday, June 25 (my birthday! YAY!). A winner will be drawn and announced on the 26th. Good luck!!!

Kelly
for Book Lover's Hideaway


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Highland Destiny Character Interview and Giveaway


Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (March 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 145652139X
ISBN-13: 978-1456521394

First I would like to thank Laura for stopping by as well as Connor and Mackenzie(who are still honeymooning- lucky girl). To read my review click HERE

I’m sitting in my office (which has more toys than office-y things in it) at the computer when I realize it’s about time to interview my characters. I’ve been worrying about what to ask and what to say for about a month now. I mean, I’ve been so involved with Liam and Marley that it’s been a while since I’ve talked to Connor and Mackenzie. They’re never far from my mind as they will always be my firsts, but I have been “inside” Liam’s head for quite a while lately, I felt a bit nervous at seeing Connor again.

Connor is laird, so he’s a bit more responsible, and well, broody than his brother Liam. Liam is such a fun, light-hearted kind of guy, always a quick smile and a wink for a lass. Connor, well he is much more intimidating. And I hate that he intimidates me, I mean, I created him, right?

To break out of my nerves, I ask Connor the naughtiest question first:

Laura: “Connor, so, everyone on twitter wants to know, what’ve you got under the kilt?”

Connor: “Och, lass,” *so that’s what it sounds like when a man purrs, I’m ready to swoon* “I canna tell you…”

Mackenzie interrupts with: “You tell those wenches he goes commando, and no, you can’t see.”
*I’m not sure if she’s actually mad at me for asking, or just possessive, so I press on*

Laura: “This one’s for Connor too, What did you think of your time in the 21st century?”

Connor: “It was wonderful as I spent it with Mackenzie.” (Connor lifts Mackenzie’s hand and presses his lips to her knuckles)

Laura: “You two are disgustingly cute.” *trying not to gag* “I didn’t write you two that cutesy.”

Mackenzie: “You think you wrote us, ha! You only gave us the bare bones of ourselves…we filled in the rest, and we’ll be as cutesy as we want.”

*does every author feel this way? I feel like my creations are real, and this particular pairing has gotten away from me*

Laura: “O-kay, well I guess I’ll ask you, Mackenzie, the same. What is it like in the 1790s?”

Mackenzie: “The obvious thing that I miss is indoor plumbing, isn’t that what everyone thinks? I do, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not all that bad taking baths. Especially not when I have someone to help me with all the hard to reach places…”

Laura: “I get the picture. Again with the cutesy.”

Mackenzie: “Hey we’re honeymooning, so give us a break!”
* I’ll give her that.*

Mackenzie continues: “But really what I miss is Jenna. She was my best friend. I miss our girl’s nights, our pity parties on nights we didn’t have dates, all of it. I don’t have any family left, and I really didn’t have a lot of friends, but Jenna was the best, the absolute best. I miss her.”

Her voice broke on the last word, and it makes me feel like a complete ass for not finding a way to write her best friend into her new life. But what can I do? Jenna’s destiny wasn’t with Mackenzie.

I think Connor picked up my thoughts because I got quite the glare from him. A shiver passed down my spine. I would not want to be on the wrong side of that man. I know how he thinks, and he’s thinking that if I can do something, anything, to take those tears out of his wife’s eyes, I’d best do it. I nod that I understand. He nods coolly back.

Mackenzie completely misses this exchange, but she jumps back in with:” I miss silly little things I never appreciated too. Things like the delay timer on my coffee pot, and lip gloss, tampons (yeah I went there) or the convenience of cell phones. But really I don’t miss the traffic, the drama…”

*did I really make her this chatty? I guess I did. It’s a good thing I don’t mind talking.*

Connor cuts her off to ask her: “Love, didna you want to ask her something?”

Mackenzie: “Oh! Yes, thank you mo ghraidh “

Laura: “You’ve learned Gaelic?” I’m thrilled! I couldn’t master that language, trust me, I tried

Mackenzie: “Oh just a few phrases here and there. It’s really tough. But I wanted to ask you, What’s the deal with Liam? Like is he getting his HEA anytime soon? I keep trying to set him up with some really great girls and he’s either really picky, or just a shameless flirt. He won’t give any of them a chance.”

Laura: “ Ahh, well, I think that’s his story to tell. “

Mackenzie: “Well, he won’t tell me anything.”

*she sounded so offended at that, I had to laugh. So I cut her a break*

Laura: Alright, I can’t tell you much, but he will meet his match, don’t you worry. I’d love to tell you more, but all I can say, is that he may have already met her.

Connor: “What do you mean he may have already met her?”

Laura: “Connor, you’ll have to ask him that one yourself, but I’m not sure you’ll like the answer you get.”

*the way his blue eyes darken, I’m wondering if I should have just kept my trap shut. Jeez, back to intimidating.

Mackenzie: “Connor stop that, you’re scaring the poor woman. “

* Mackenzie ignores my indignant, “He is not!” and stands up stretching. “Alright, come on, we’ve got to get going, as long as we’re in this century I’m buying jeans and some chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.”

I unthinkingly open my mouth again: “You’re not going to visit Jenna?”

*Her eyes fill with tears. Gah! I am such a jerk. I know the rules, and I said something anyway*

Mackenzie: “No, it’s not allowed. We can’t do anything, or say anything that could possibly change the way the timeline is supposed to play out.”

*I know this saddens her. Even chocolate isn’t a substitute for a best friend. It makes me wonder what I can do to fix this. Mackenzie is one of those people who is just so open you can’t help but love her, and judging by Connor’s murderous glare sent my way, he loves her very much and wants me to fix this.

As we say our goodbyes, I really think about what I can do to fix this. I mean, I’ve got the power in this world I created, right? I should be able to do something about that.


***Thank you to Donna for letting me take over her blog for the day. I'll be stopping by throughout the day to chat and talk with everyone, so if you have any questions for my characters, feel free to ask.

twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/laurahunsaker

www.laurahunsaker.wordpress.com


Laura has graciously offered a copy of Highland Destiny to one winner, All you have to do is tell us Who you is your favorite Highlander ? Also please leave an email so I can contact you.

The giveaway is running from June 13th to 20th, I will announce the winner on the 21st.