Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!!



What a year 2012 has been for BLH! We celebrated our second blogoversary and many author's and tours passed through. I found some awesome new authors as well this year.  We also surpassed the 1200 followers mark, which I never ever dreamed of reaching.

Here are just a few of my favorite reads of 2012
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That is just a few of my favorites, I should have kept track better and I know I am missing a few. Can't wait to read the next books in all of these series.  Happy New Year to all of you and hope you have a banner year in 2013!! And to welcome in the New Year here is a giveaway to start your book buying in 2013
a Rafflecopter giveaway











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Saturday, December 29, 2012

A Big Thank you to all My Followers- Giveaway ending soon.

A Big Thank you for all my followers, we have reached over 1200 so you know what that means there will be 4 winners, yes I said that right 4 winners for either a $15 Amazon GC or $15 dollars worth of books at TBD.. so hurry and enter still have a little over 5 days left before winners will be announced... Have a Happy New Year!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



















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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Feature and Follow #13

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Follow Friday is a meme hosted by Parajunkee and Allison Can Read
Q:What book do you think everyone should read? If you could gift the entire population with one book? 
A: This is hard, there is so many I would say everyone needs to read and I should go with my standard answer but this time I am going to go with Harry Potter. That is one series that I could read back to back and still get the same reactions I did the very first time I read them. So what would be your choice? 

I am going to add a second answer and that would be for Adults and that is the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. This series is simply in one word amazing.



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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

File Size: 867 KB 
Print Length: 387 pages 
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0545425115 
Publisher: Scholastic Press; Reprint edition (September 1, 2009)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 0439023483 ISBN-13: 978-0439023481 
ASIN: B002MQYOFW 
Text-to-Speech: Enabled 
X-Ray: Enabled 
Lending: Enabled
Source: My own copy 

  Amazon: 

 Blurb: 

 In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.


 Review: 

I know what you're saying what took you so long to read this book, to be honest I just have a crazy insane TBR list and it just kept getting pushed back.  So when my son got The Hunger Games for Christmas on DVD we watched Christmas Night and I knew immediately I had to read the book afterwards. I had too many questions from the movie.

I seriously could kick myself for waiting so long in reading this book, what was wrong with me? What was I thinking?  Because not only did this book answer those questions I had, but painted an even better picture of the characters, as well as the story.  Now I know what the fuss is all about. 

I would have read this in one setting if I hadn't been so tired last night.  The story flowed and I just love the characters.  I am not sure which Team I am on but I can say I absolutely love Katniss , she is a spunky character and not once was I annoyed with her.  As a parent I can't even imagine sending my child off to the Hunger Games.  

I honestly can't wait to read Catching Fire, and I promise I won't wait so long to read that one.


 Rating:
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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!



From my family to yours, I want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas!






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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!! Suggestions on What To Spend Amazon GC on??



We had our family Christmas today,  exchanged pressies and ate til we couldn't eat no more.  I got some comfy socks , you know those ones that are so soft . I love them!! and a Amazon GC !! YAY!!  We had tons of fun , a bit of drama that happens every year LOL. But all in the same it was a fun day!  Two more days til our just immediate family Christmas. Until then From my family to yours I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Off to go shopping on Amazon, any suggestions what I should buy? (Book wise) I have a list a mile long and can't decide.. So I need your help......







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BLH's New Goodread's Group- BLH's Comfy Couch

I know what you're saying didn't you have one, yes I did but due to some circumstances I don't have that one any more. I won't go into details. So here we go again, BLH Comfy Couch is born. Please be patient while I continue to set it up. If you have any ideas please let me know I am eager to hear them. Also if anyone is interested in being a moderator let me know. 

Click HERE to go to BLH's Comfy Couch!











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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Reading Challenges: 2013 Sexy Showalter Reading Challenge




 Okay I am doing this one because I just love Gena Showalter!! So any excuse to read Gena I am all for it.


 Here’s the rundown:
1. The Sexy Showalter Reading Challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

You can join at anytime from now and throughout the year. This is a 2013 challenge, so books read before January 1 will not count to your progress.

2. You pick your goal by picking a category! Read as many books as you’d like.

3. Re-reads are acceptable.

4. Books chosen can be of any genre (like we said, she writes a lot!)

5. To participate, copy and paste this post on your blog along with the challenge button. We ask that you provide a link back to the sign-up page in case others wish to participate.

6. Readers without blogs can still participate! Keep track of your progress with Goodreads, Shelfari or LibraryThing.



To sign up: Click HERE


1. Make a sign up post announcement, listing the category you’ve chosen and a list of books you plan to read. If you don’t have a blog, post on GoodReads or another site as a thread where we can access your list of books. Be sure to take the image code above.

2. Come back here and using the list below, add your entry with a link directly to that post so we can see what you’ll be reading. You’re done! Every month during 2013 we will make a challenge update post where you can come and updates us on how you’re doing with your challenge.

Category 1: Gena Who? 
1-4 books OR 1 Series completed
If we say Lords of the Underworld and you wonder if Peter Jackson is directing a new film whilst keeping your fingers crossed that Aragorn will be (nekkid) in it, then this is the category for you! You just need to dip your toe in the Showalter pond and try out 1-4 of her books OR alternatively complete just one of her series, easy peasy for all Gena Beginners!

Category 2: Sampling Showalter 
5-8 books OR 2 Series completed
You’ve done the Goodreads search, checked the prizes on Amazon; you are now fully prepared for Gena to take you to the next level, did you know she did some YA and contemporary as well….

Category 3: Gaga for Gena 
9-12 books OR 3 Series completed
She has you hooked. You can’t help but reach for another book, just one more….and the another one!

Catergory 4: Sexy for Showalter 
13-18 books OR 4 Series completed
You know your Lords from your pleasure slaves; your aliens from your nymph kings; demons, vampires, dragons, genies you love them all and aren’t afraid to wear your “Sexy for Showalter” t-shirt to prove it!

Catergory 5: Gena’s Number One Fan! 
EVERY SINGLE BOOK! *awed silence*
You have read EVERY book Gena has written, and although she might still have that restraining order out on you for sniffing her unmentionables that won’t stop you from being her NUMBER ONE FAN!

Happy Reading!

Well I am tossing around doing 5 but that might be pushing it so I will do Sexy for Showalter and if I can get to Category 5 I will .


Category 4- Sexy For Showalter
13-18 Books or 4 series completed
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Reading Challenges: 2013 Immortal Reading Challenge

The reason I wanted to join this one is well, everyone should know by now how much I love Paranormal/UF books. So this one should be a piece of cake for me to complete... I hope. 



 The Immortals Reading Challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

You can join at anytime from now and throughout the year. This is a 2013 challenge, so books read before January 1 will not count to your progress.

2. You pick your goal! Read as many books as you’d like for each species. This means that you can do just one category or all five or a combination of. The choice depends on you and your reading pace. *We have chosen to have a three book per species standard. However, if this is a breeze for you, then feel free to tackle on the additional bonus entries of two more books of the same level.

3. Re-reads are acceptable.

4. Books chosen can be of any genre.

5. To participate, copy and paste this post on your blog along with the challenge button. We ask that you provide a link back to the sign-up page in case others wish to participate.

6. Readers without blogs can still participate! Keep track of your progress with Goodreads, Shelfari or LibraryThing.


Click HERE to sign up

1. Make a sign up post announcement, listing the level you’ve chosen and a list of books you plan to read. If you don’t have a blog, post on GoodReads or another site as a thread where we can access your list of books. Be sure to take the image code above.

2. Come back here and using the list below, add your entry with a link directly to that post so we can see what you’ll be reading. You’re done! Every month during 2013 we will make a challenge update post where you can come and updates us on how you’re doing with your challenge.

Category 1: Vampires
Read any THREE books with vampires as the main characters.
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books with vampires

Category 2: Angels and Demons
Read any THREE books with angels and/or demons as the main characters.
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books with angels and/or demons

Category 3: Fae and Magic
Read any THREE books with Fae/Witches as the main characters
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books on Fae/Witches.

Category 4: Shifters/Werewolves
Read any THREE books with shifters or werewolves as the main characters.
Bonus Entries: Additional TWO books on shifters or werewolves.

Happy Reading Maidens!

Here is my planned list: 
Catergory 1: Vampires
1. Halfway to The Grave by Jeaniene Frost
2.Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells
3. Sunrise At Sunset by Jaz Primo

Bonus:
1 A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
2. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Catergory 2:  Angels and Demons
1. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead
2. Demon Angel by Meljean Brook
3. Black Night by Christina Henry 

Bonus:
1. Covet by J.R. Ward
2. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

Catergory 3:  Fae and Magic
1. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
2. Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn
3. Grave Witch by Alex Craft

Bonus:
1. Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast
2. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Catergory 4: Shifters/Werewolves
1. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
2. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
3. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong 

Bonus:
1. Night Life by Caitlin Kittredge
2. Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur

There you have it my list,  My plan is to get the three in each catergory, listed Bonus just to see if maybe I can finish that as well. 







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Reading Challenges for 2013: Witches and WitchCraft

I know I have tried these the past couple years and something always happens, first year I signed up for too many and last year into this year, lack of internet made it difficult and once I was back on it was hard to catch up .. but this year I am going to try it again. First one I will be trying is .....


2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge

Challenge Rules:
 This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2013 - Dec 31, 2013. And is hosted by Melissa Eclectic Bookshelf

Any full length book that includes a witch as a main character or major witchcraft elements counts. They may be fiction or non-fiction. However, they should not be reference books which are not read cover to cover-I will leave this to your discretion. 

Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio). 

The Levels: Initiate: Read 1 - 5 Witchy Books 
                  Maiden: Read 6 - 10 Witchy Books
                  Mother: Read 11 - 15 Witchy Books 
                  Crone: Read 16 - 20 Witchy Books


To sign up Click HERE,  I think I am going to try Maiden if I do more I will change.

Maiden Read 6-10 Witchy Books
1. Lonely Souls by Karice Bolton
2. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory
3. Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft  by Jody Gehrman
4. New England Witch Chronicles by Chelsea Bellingeri
5. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
6. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
7. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
8. A Modern Witch by Debora Geary
9. Spell Struck by Nicole J. Fawcett
10. 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom


There you go that's my planned list for 2013, If I can do more I will . 





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Friday, December 21, 2012

Cover Reveal: Testing Fate by Belinda Boring


Blurb: 

Nothing beats the heat of the refiner's fire. Continue the journey as Darcy faces her greatest challenge to date and fights for her right to mate Mason, the alpha of the Mystic Wolves. Whisked away by the Fates, separated from Mason and Pack, and relying on her friendship with Devlin, this is make or break for Darcy. Everything is on the line. Will she crumble under the pressure or emerge stronger for testing fate?

Isn't this cover gorgeous? 'Sigh' no release date has been issued yet and let me say its driving me nuts. I can't wait for this book.  So powers that be if you're listening please give us a date!!!

In the meantime while we wait, Belinda has Mystic Wolves for FREE and Broken Promises for just 99 cents. To hold us until this long awaited book is released.

Mystic Wolves

Broken Promises



Author Bio:

 A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob. With all that excitement, it wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes. Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!




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Thursday, December 20, 2012

FMB Tours: Book Spotlight and Giveaway: Soul Sisters by Janiera Eldridge








Title: Soul Sisters 
Series: Soul Sisters Trilogy, #1 
Author: Janiera Eldridge 
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal 
Publisher: Mystic Press 
Ebook/Paperback Pages: 134 

Purchase: 
 Amazon
Book Description: 


 Soul Sisters is an urban fantasy novel about African-American twin sisters Ani and Dana who have a rather unique secret: one sister is human while the other is a vampire. While the sisters have lived peacefully with each other for many years one fateful night will change both their lives forever. When a drunken man tries to attack Dana (the human sister) Ani (the vampire sister) protects her sister with all of her ferocious power.

However, when the vampire's leader Donovan finds out about the public display he calls for the sisters to be assassinated for disobedience. Ani and Dana now are in for the fight of their lives to protect each other as well as the lives of their dedicated friends who have joined them on their mission for survival. If Dana and Ani can make it through this time of uncertainty, Ani can take her new place as vampire queen. Soul Sisters is expected to be a trilogy; The book also features a multicultural cast of characters that brings a new edge of chic to the vampire world.

 Don’t miss book two Dark Expectations coming November 2012! 

 Excerpt: 

 Chapter 6 1915 New York City 

Bryson and Dana walked arm and arm down the blustery New York street laughing about the Christmas party they had just left. The snow was fresh and powdery. Neither of them felt the icy cold snowflakes floating down and speckling their coats because they were wrapped in the warmth of each other’s company.

“Did you see how Charles acted after taking that last shot of whiskey?” Dana asked.

Bryson could not contain his laughter thinking about their friend’s drunkenness. Everyone who had been at the party was probably laughing about it on their way home, too, particularly the part when Charles took off his pants and danced on top of the piano. Bryson laughed so hard people gave them odd passing glances.

“Yes.” Bryson gave a bright smile and grabbed her face to kiss her as they stood in the middle of the sidewalk. He wanted people to stop and stare at his beautiful wife. He wasn’t afraid to show her off every chance he got. The women cooed softly at the sweetness of the moment while the men ushered their women forward murmuring about how indecent their public display of affection was for the community. Truthfully they just didn’t want their wives to get any ideas.

It took Dana a few seconds to catch her breath. She couldn’t believe he would do something that indecent in public. It didn’t matter to her, however, because it felt way too good to be wrong. They stepped off the curb without a care in the world; Dana held onto Bryson’s arm tightly and could not stop staring into his eyes.

A few seconds later Dana felt a sharp pain and a crushing blow to her arm. It was as if a freight train slammed into her right side. She instantly started sobbing from the pain and confusion of the situation. She felt like a block of ice was on top of her chest as she lay sprawled out on the ground. Her legs were straight out together in front of her but her arms were stretched out wide, going in two different directions. Her head turned slowly to the left when she heard a woman screaming and she saw Bryson on the ground with his eyes wide open. She blinked a few times to clear up her vision and then she spotted a pool of blood circling his head like a flowing halo.

Dana tried to push against the woman lying on top of her but the person was impossible to move no matter how hard she tried.

“You don’t want to see this, you’re safe now,” the woman said softly in her ear; she sounded just like her.

“Soul sister?” Dana asked as she felt herself losing consciousness. She heard the chaos of the world going on around her but then she slipped into a black void. When she came to in a small nearby hospital she was disoriented and feeling miserable. There was a dull ache in her head and the vision in her right eye was blurry. She thought she saw a petite woman standing in the doorway, maybe she knew what had happened to Bryson.

“Where is my Bryson? Is he OK? What happened?”

The woman walked over to the bed and placed a hand on her head. Dana could see the woman was wearing a nurse’s outfit and she guessed she was in a hospital. The woman’s hand felt ice cold against her burning flesh.

“I’m sorry to tell you, ma’am, but your husband was hit by a moving vehicle. He suffered a bad head injury and he is no longer alive. I am so sorry.”

“No, wait. We were just coming back from a Christmas party. When did this happen?”

“You stepped off the side walk with your husband, ma’am. Apparently you could not see the car and the car could not see you. A woman who looked oddly like you pushed you out of the way and saved your life. Your husband didn’t make it. I’m very sorry. Would you like some water or a cup of juice?”

“No, no, thank you. Can I see him at least?”

“Not now honey. I really think you should get some rest. There’s a young woman who is here to see you. She says she’s your sister. Are you ready to see her?”

Dana coughed deeply and felt a liquid build up in her throat that she quickly swallowed back down; she was afraid to see who it was.

“OK,” was all she could seem to get out of her throat.

Her soul sister quietly stepped into the room as she faced the wall. She didn’t want the woman to see her nervousness or confusion. As much as she wanted to hug her sister she also wanted to punch her.

“Why didn’t you save my husband?” Dana asked choking back tears but keeping a straight face. As the tears filled up her eyes, her cheeks began to sting and swell

“The car came so fast. I didn’t have time to save you both. I’ve seen you with Bryson before and I know how much you loved him, I’m so very sorry.”

“What is your name?” Dana asked, sitting up against the pillow.

“Ani,” She said softly.

“Ani, I don’t think I want to live much longer. I sold my soul to save my husband’s life and Donovan took him away from me. I really don’t see any reason to live anymore.”

Ani sat down in a chair and moved closer to the side of the bed. She placed her hand on Dana’s head and felt that she had a slight temperature. She would notify a nurse as soon as she left the room. Ani loved her sister and if her sister died then she died too.

“Donovan had nothing to do with what happened. Your husband’s time came up again and he was taken. Donovan didn’t order his death. I’m sure he is very concerned about this and knows how much this hurts you. He is good at feeling things like this.”

“Your kind feels? You don’t want me to kill myself because then you will die too. Frankly, I don’t care what happens to you right now. You’re such a small fragment of me; I don’t even think you’re real. This is just a bad nightmare. I’ll wake from it; I’ll be at home warm and safe with my parents. Bryson never actually existed and I sure as hell know you don’t either.”

Dana turned her head back to the wall and let the tears flow freely down her face. She placed her hand over her mouth to stifle the cries; her heart felt like it had broken into a million pieces. Now, she couldn’t live for anybody else but herself. Dana saw the look of despair in her sister’s face but it wasn’t enough for her to let her soul sister into her life.

“I’ll never turn my back on you when you need me, no matter how far away you are or how much danger you’re in. I know we’re supposed to be twins but I feel like you’re my baby sister.” She gave a light chuckle and then headed for the door. “I’ll be back to visit you tomorrow, and the next day and the next day. Even if you never want to see me it’s OK, but I’m not going to be without you any longer. I love you way too much.”

“I don’t care if you come back a million times. I will never talk to you again. Get the hell out of my room!” Dana threw a glass at Ani’s head. Ani moved her head slightly to the left as it flew into the wall and shattered into tiny pieces. She took a deep breath and nodded her head up and down slowly; she had to give her more time. Ani had been programmed to take on the evil ways of the world but Dana’s rose-colored glasses had just been stepped on.


About the Author:

 Janiera Eldridge loves feeding her book addiction and putting all her crazy stories on paper. When she is not immersed in the world of fiction, she is working as an entertainment freelance writer. Janiera also enjoys connecting with other authors and supporting their work on her book blog Books&Beauty.







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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Review: Broken Promises by Belinda Boring

File Size: 390 KB 
Print Length: 318 pages 
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1479340448 
Publisher: Moonstruck Media (October 5, 2012) 
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 
Language: English 
ASIN: B009MILPTG 
Text-to-Speech: Enabled 
X-Ray: Not Enabled 
Lending: Enabled 
Source: Received complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. 



 Blurb: 


What would you do if the man you loved became one of your greatest enemies? Would your love be enough to save him? All Bri wanted to do was spend her Friday night with the man she loved and adored. Little did she know leaving her home would result in her relationship with Quinn being tested beyond its limits. Fae have been organizing to invade Earth, and their devious plans are culminating now, colliding with Bri's very existence. Using a powerful glamour, the Fae trigger each person's violent tendencies, turning the streets into a battleground and strangers against each other. In a crushing blow, Quinn becomes affected and Bri finds herself battling to save her lover from himself as he stalks her relentlessly, taunting her at every turn. But fighting for her love isn't her only worry. As the battle ensues, Bri discovers a startling truth about her own heritage that she must come to terms with. She has no other choice but to fight, leading her to a confrontation that will change her world forever - and threaten to leave her with broken promises. 



 Review: 
As many of you know I am a huge Belinda Boring fan, so when I was asked to review this book I jumped at the chance.  Let me just say Belinda's writing just gets better and better with each book she puts out.   My only problem was that I just didn't start this book sooner than I did. 

Bri and Quinn ,  everything is perfect until one day he just changes into someone she doesn't recognize.  Confused and scared she doesn't know what to do and ends up finding about her own family isn't what she thought they were.  This book seriously was a roller coaster ride of fun, drama,  hot smexy action and those hot kisses Belinda is known for writing. 

I personally bounced back and forth between the male characters in this book I started out like Quinn a whole hell of a lot then bam , he turned into well lets just say even though I love bad boys, I just couldn't go with how he was with Bri.  Then came in Liam 'sigh' , he protects Bri like a man should and treats her like a man should.  Can you tell  I am Team Liam ? 

Pardon me while I shout or cuss ...... okay I did it silently but picture me screaming at my ereader just a little while ago. Belinda did it again!!  I am not sure whether I love her or hate her for her cliffhangers. Okay I still love her, but I am not sure I can handle being left hanging yet again.  This time I have to wait til 2013. So the world better not end on Friday or I am going to be so pissed. 

Anyway sorry for the rant, if you have read her other books, please I beg you to get this one. It was brilliantly done even with the agonizing cliffhanger. 

Rating:
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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

WMS Tours: Release Blitz: Reindeer Games: Cupid by Lucy Felthouse

Reindeer Games: Cupid 
by Lucy Felthouse 

As a postman by day, and one of Santa’s reindeer on a single very special night, Cassius Cupid eats, sleeps, and breathes deliveries. He doesn’t mind, but sometimes wishes that someone would send him something more exciting than bills and junk mail.

One cold January morning, Cassius gets his wish. A young woman arrives with a parcel. Turns out it’s for his housemate – but Cassius doesn’t care. All he’s interested in is Carina – the beautiful female courier.

Has Cupid finally met his match?





 Chapter One 

Cassius Cupid woke with a start, and then sat bolt upright in his bed. Shit, I’m going to be late! was his first thought.

Milliseconds later his brain switched on, and he remembered. He was on holiday. Flopping back onto the warm mattress and pillows with a contented sigh, he smiled. No work for fourteen whole days— it was going to be utter bliss. He stretched, relishing the feeling it created in his sleep-softened muscles. Ahhh…this is the life.

He knew he wouldn’t go back to sleep—hell, it was eight o’clock, which was practically the middle of the day for someone in his profession—so Cassius fell to thinking about how he was going to spend his day, not to mention the several others in front of him. God knew he deserved to relax and have some fun. He’d just emerged from the busiest part of his year, and he was more than ready to do some chilling out.

He enjoyed his job as a postman—he really did—but the Christmas period was a total killer. He idly wondered how many cards and presents he’d delivered over the past few weeks. It didn’t bear thinking about. Once you factored in the festive period itself, the weird few days between Christmas and New Year, and then the flurry of mail that got sent when everyone went back to work properly at the beginning of January, he’d racked up some serious deliveries. And that was before you even thought about his other job—which was for just one day a year, but was arguably more important than the other 364 put together.

Cassius—or Cupid, as he was known to his boss and colleagues in his second, but most important job—was not only a regular postman for the Royal Mail, but also a reindeer. For a single day of the year, Cassius had the supernatural power to transform into one of Santa’s faithful steeds and help pull that famous magical sleigh, delivering presents to excited children the world over.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Cassius really did eat, sleep and breathe deliveries, but not for the next fourteen days. All he planned to do was watch some TV, read some books, maybe go out hiking, meet some friends… basically anything that wasn’t delivering something to someone. Hey, he might even receive something through the post himself—preferably not the usual crap; bills and junk mail. He didn’t hold out much hope.

He lounged in bed for another ten minutes before realising he was lying there just for the sake of it. Being on holiday didn’t have to equal staying in bed all day—and certainly not for someone as active as him. He reached over to his bedside table, grabbed his glasses and put them on. Throwing off his thick duvet, he walked to his bedroom window and peeked out through the curtains, immediately glad of the effective central heating he and his housemate had forked out to have installed the previous year.

The outside world was covered in a thick layer of snow, and Cassius was mightily glad that he wasn’t out delivering letters and parcels. The stuff was treacherous enough without having to carry a heavy bag up and down driveways, paths, and pavements — most of which either hadn’t been cleared, or had been cleared badly, leaving incredibly slippery patches of ground for an unsuspecting postie to come across. God knows he’d gone down enough times, but, much to his relief, nobody had ever seen him do it. He’d always been relatively unharmed—excerpt for his pride, of course—and had been able to scramble back to his feet and carry on.

The eerie silence outside was broken by the rumble of an engine, and Cassius turned his head to look up the street—he lived in a cul-de-sac, so he knew that’s where the vehicle would come from— and watched as a delivery van made its way slowly and carefully down the road. He hoped the driver was sensible enough to try and steer over the thickest parts of the snow—the more people went over and over the same patches, packing it down, the more the road surface resembled an ice rink. And since the cul-de-sac was on a slight hill, it was easy enough to get stuck. He’d seen it so many times—even going outside one time last winter to suggest the driver go down to the bottom of the road, turn around and try reversing up the hill—an almost foolproof plan for vans with rear-wheel drive. He’d gotten a big thumbs-up for that suggestion as the driver finally got to the junction where the road became flat, and went on his merry way.

As the van drew closer to his house, he saw that the driver was a woman. That would explain her cautious driving—he’d never admit it to one of his drinking buddies, but women were far superior when it came to driving in adverse weather conditions. He even thought he’d seen some survey containing statistics that proved it.



 Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, Decadent Publishing, Ellora's Cave, Evernight Publishing, House of Erotica, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Secret Cravings Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour, Seducing the Myth, Smut by the Sea and Smut in the City. 

Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9






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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Feature and Follow # 12

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Follow Friday is a meme hosted by Parajunkee and Allison Can Read
Q:What is the last book that made you cry? Tell us about the scene... 
A: The last book that made me cry buckets of tears is Soulstone by Katie Salidas.  Without giving too much away but there are just certain scenes regardless if written right make me cry and death scenes rate high up there .  I cry buckets til I end up hickupping (is that a word, if not I made it one LOL). 






I still have a couple giveaways going on,
Follower Appreciation Giveaway, click HERE and Welcome in 2013, click HERE to enter. Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday!!




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WMS tours: Release Blitz: A Taste of London by Lucy Felthouse


A Taste of London by Lucy Felthouse

 Ryan Stonebridge and his friend Kristian Hurst are heading off on the trip of a lifetime. They’re spending their gap year traveling the world and expect lots of sun, sights and sex. The guys have a couple of days in the English capital before catching the Eurostar to Paris. Unfortunately, a family emergency means that Kristian has to head back home for a while, leaving Ryan to continue the trip alone. 

Luckily for Ryan, he’s an attractive guy and there is no shortage of gorgeous women available to help take his mind off Kristian’s family drama. 

 Buy links: 


 Chapter One 


 “Come on, mate, let’s go and grab our travel passes from the machine,” Ryan said, his familiarity with the locale apparent by the way he marched along the train platform toward the heart of St. Pancras Station.

“What? Uh – okay.” Kristian re-arranged his bag on his shoulder and scurried to keep up with his friend.

Bypassing the huge line of impatient, muttering people queuing for the manned booths, Ryan headed to one of the ticket machines. By the time Kristian caught up, Ryan already had a travel pass in his hand.

“So, um, what do I need to buy then, mate? I’m not as au fait with all this as you.”

“Been practising your French for the trip, Kris?” Ryan punched his friend on the arm playfully. “No worries. We’re only taking one trip tonight so you just need a single to London Bridge on the Tube.”

“All right,” Kristian replied, carefully tapping the relevant areas of the touch screen, feeding his money into the machine and triumphantly retrieving his ticket.

“Okay, I’m ready to go!”

“Come on then.” Ryan hoisted his bag back onto his shoulder and walked in the direction of the Underground, with Kristian close behind.

“Hey,” Kristian said, pointing as they passed a map of the Underground, “don’t you need to check where we’re going?”

“Nope,” Ryan said, without breaking stride, “I know London pretty well, plus I double checked all this stuff when I organised this part of the trip. What can I say, it’s the Boy Scout in me.”

“Cool. I guess it makes things easier when you’re not checking a map every two minutes. So how long will it take us to get to London Bridge station from here?”

 They stepped onto the escalator. Rather than standing still and letting the moving staircase do its thing, Ryan continued to walk, eager now to get this leg of traveling over and done with so he could have some fun. It had been a long day, or at least it felt like one. They’d actually only traveled around one hundred and fifty miles from the outskirts of the Peak District to the centre of London, a couple of hours on the train, but it had felt like longer. Perhaps because he’d been so eager to actually get to London and start their adventure.

“Not long mate. Probably about ten minutes. It’s a direct journey and at this time of day it shouldn’t be too busy. We can dump our stuff at the hostel then have some drinks next door.”

“There’s a pub next door? No wonder I let you sort out this trip. You’re a fucking genius!”

By now, they’d reached the bottom of the escalator. Ryan stepped off, then turned to face his friend. Tapping his head, he grinned and said, “It’s not just a hat rack, mate.”

Kristian laughed. “You’re right there.” He paused. “It’s a fucking chick magnet, too!”

Ryan frowned, looking genuinely confused. “It is?” Then he shook himself and smiled. “I wish someone had told me!”

“Are you kidding, mate? Everywhere we go, women are checking you out.” Kristian grinned. “Why do you think I agreed to go traveling with you? I’m hoping some of your apparent sex appeal will rub off on me and get me some action!”

Ryan laughed, then started walking towards the southbound platform for their connection to London Bridge. “So that’s your ulterior motive, eh? Never mind being my best mate, or seeing the world, you just wanna get laid?”

 About the Author:

Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, Decadent Publishing, Ellora's Cave, Evernight Publishing, House of Erotica, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Secret Cravings Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour, Seducing the Myth, Smut by the Sea and Smut in the City. 


Find out more athttp://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9





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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

WMS Tours: Release Blitz: A Ghost for Christmas by Kacey Hammell



A Ghost for Christmas 
Kacey Hammell 
Publisher: Evernight Publishing 
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance 
Release Date: December 6th
ISBN# 978-1-77130-211-1 

Blurb:
 After receiving a long weekend at an elegant hotel beside the majestic Niagara Falls as a Christmas gift, Jodie Gibson is determined to do nothing but relax and enjoy the scenery. And, okay, just maybe meet someone who makes her toes curl.

Sebastian is sophisticated, tall, dark and gorgeous--everything a woman fantasizes about. But he's also an 18th century ghost. He haunts the halls of the hotel, seeking the one true love that can help him find peace…


Excerpt © Kacey Hammell 

As she peered into the reflective glass, a face appeared behind her. Jodie whipped around and fell back against the window.

Oh my fucking God!

Before her, in what looked like a shimmering bubble, stood the most breathtakingly beautiful man she'd ever seen. Dressed in a white shirt and black pants, he had dark unruly hair and striking, magnetic blue eyes that held her in place.

Jodie blinked, uncertain, scared and breathless.

How was it possible? She'd read the newspaper clippings, yes, but it was unimaginable to think ghosts might actually walk among the living.

Not everything made sense. She only believed in things that could actually be seen, felt and touched. This seemed surreal.

Stunned by the apparition before her, dressed in what looked like centuries-old clothes straight out of Esquire, he seemed to look straight through her, and his smile warmed her clear to her toes. Lord, she was in trouble.

“Hello.” Soft and gravelly, his voice alone seduced her…all the way to her toes. Her body quivered and her center tightened.

Whoa. What the hell am I thinking? There's a ghost in front of me and I'm ready to jump his bones. Not bloody likely.

“What are you doing here? Get out. I don't care who you are, you're leaving, right now.”

He frowned. “No need to be frightened. I've been here for centuries.”

Jodie laughed, and not one to wilt like a scared little girl, stood tall. “This is all a joke.” She looked around, up and down, and all over the room. “Are there hidden cameras somewhere? Hey, Ashton, if you're behind the camera, you can come out now. I've been Punk'd good. Thanks and all, but I'd like to get on with my evening without you.”

“Who is this Ashton? What is a punk? A rake, perhaps?” he asked.

Jodie squinted. “A rake?” She hadn't ever heard that term spoken, but had read it in historical romances. No one talked like that these days. “No. Never mind, it's not important. Listen, I just want you to go. I want to enjoy my evening.”

His smile was gentle. “I'm sorry, my dear, but this evening every decade is the only time I am visible to the human eye. I never miss a chance to watch the Falls.”

Every decade…

“You're telling me you do this every ten years? How old are you?” 

“I was born in 1781. That makes me--”

 “Two hundred thirty-one,” Jodie whispered, legs weak. She grabbed the back of the chair nearby and sat down. Were such things even possible?

Jesus.

An eighteenth century ghost stood before her.

Merry Christmas to me.


 Available at… 



 Readers can learn more about Kacey's books/contact her via … 










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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Consummate Therapy Series Book Promo and Guest Post with Katie Salidas


I am so excited to Katie Salidas on BLH today, if most of you don't know I am a huge fan of her Immortalis Series. So if you haven't read any of her books I highly recommend them. Please give Katie a warm welcome. 



 Co-authoring 

 For me, writing is a powerful thing. I am the creator of a world and people that until that point had never existed. I rule over this world with a mighty pen and control the fate of the creations within the pages. But, along with great power comes great responsibility. It’s not enough to play god. I have to develop a story that is not only worthy of being read, but also able to be read (published). That often feels like a daunting task. Roadblocks of writer’s block and time constraints often have me feeling frantic that a story will never see itself to completion.

Even with the stress involved, the power of being “the creator” is nice little perk. I often find myself falling in love with the world I’ve created and using it as my escape from the everyday stresses in real life.

That escape element makes writing an intensely personal endeavor. The world I create is my world. It belongs to no one else. I spend a lot of time and energy into develop that vision as I work my world into a readable and enjoyable story. In that world, I grow my characters from seeds of inspiration, and watch them develop into actual entities. Their thoughts and feelings, their lives, their interactions, they all become real within the confines of that world.

Because of this intensely personal nature, Writing is not a craft that often lends itself to collaboration. Collaboration means giving up control, it means letting someone into my world and trusting that they will not abuse their power while in it.

In that respect, choosing to work with a partner is a lesson in Submission.

It’s not always an easy lesson. This world I’ve created is personal. It’s an extension of myself. Letting someone in is a deeply intimate act. Once inside, they will have the ability to manage and manipulate my characters. They can do so much damage.

Just as the Dom/Sub relationship relies on trust and faith, so too does the co-authoring partnership. You have to trust that the partner you are working with has a vision and goals that match your own. That both of you, no matter how you might differ on opinions, are working toward the best story possible.

It’s never easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it.

I’ve never been one to relinquish control of anything. I’m more than OCD in my writing. I don’t like having to listen to others opinions. I don’t like people telling me what I should and shouldn’t do with my characters.

Much like our character, Natasha, I like to control it all. And much like Natasha, I find myself feeling heartburn and stressed out over stories that I can’t seem to see to fruition.

But, as I have learned, there are some benefits to letting go of some control.

Writer’s block, being one of the biggest road blocks becomes much smaller an obstacle when there are two writers battling against it. When stalled on a story and I simply cannot find the solution, I’ve learned that if I let go of that control, that need to make this story 100% mine, and to trust in my writing partner, the answers become clear. Sometimes he might have the answer and next step in the vision, and sometimes, just through chatting about the story, the solution presents itself.

Does it always work smoothly, no, but having a partner I can trust, and letting go and trusting him has proven itself to be very beneficial. And at this point, we’ve put out 3 and we’re working on number 4 with many more stories to come.

 Submission Therapy – Book one in the Consummate Therapy series.

Part One in the Consummate Therapy Series Billionaire CEO of Blakely Incorporated, Natasha runs her empire with an eagle eye for every detail. She's an obsessive, compulsive, micromanaging hard-ass, consumed by the need to control every aspect of her life and her business. But underneath that seemingly strong façade, Natasha is a swirling mess of anger, anxiety and sexual addiction. Only her therapist, Dr. Benson, knows how close she is to burning out...or exploding. He insists on a radical form of treatment - Submission Therapy - knowing that it's her only hope. Skeptical but intrigued, Natasha agrees to attend the first session. What she finds there is an erotically-charged environment that will forgive none of her habitual bad behavior. And a steely-eyed man who seems to read her every desire - even the ones she won't admit to herself. 





Part Two in the Consummate Therapy series Natasha's experience at the hands of Master Sweet has left her both drained and enlightened. Wanting nothing more than to curl up against him for as long as she can, she is dismayed when he sends her home to dwell on all she's learned. But being a creature of habit, Natasha's stubborn and rebellious nature leads her back into her old patterns, threatening to undo all her progress. When her symptoms return in full force, she begins to doubt not only the effectiveness of Submission Therapy, but also the motivations of her Master. Learning of her disobedience, Master Sweet brings forward Natasha's next session. But recognizing her behavior for what it is - a cry for attention - leads Him to change His approach dramatically. If Natasha thought her first lesson was hard...she's in for a real eye-opener. Does the embattled billionaire have the internal strength to earn back her Master's trust? And how will she handle it when his intentions suddenly become even more serious? 




Believing love is pure folly, Natasha rejects the offer of her Master’s collar. When she turns to old addictions to ease her pain, she risks losing all He has taught her, and even more besides. BLURB: Accepting Master Sweet’s collar is a frightening commitment for pathological maneater, Natasha. Until recently everything in her life, including sex, had been strictly business; a safe zone that Natasha was quite comfortable with. Submission Therapy ruined all of that. Her recently uncovered desires have left her feeling raw and needy, unable to trust her own judgment. The order and consistency in her life has been shattered by these terrifying newfound feelings and desires. When even her employees find true love, Natasha’s world feels somehow unreal. Could this thing called ‘love’ be real? And could Master truly feel the same for her? Now she faces the biggest emotional decision of her life. Will she accept her Master’s collar, and the commitment that it entails? Or should she say goodbye to her Master and forever abandon the hope of a loving relationship with the one man who truly knows her? 

KEYWORDS: BDSM billionaire submission domination anal bondage toys therapy erotica romance sex lust collar trust 

WARNINGS: This title contains anal sex, graphic language, sexual situations, BDSM, trust issues and strict consequences 

 Where to Buy: (links will be added as they are available) 




 Immersion Therapy – Excerpt 2 (Adult only) 
 © November 2012 by Willsin Rowe and Katie Salidas 


 He cuffed one hand, running his broad fingers up the inside of my forearm. “Normally I would use hemp rope, as before. Tonight...I don’t wish to lose momentum with you.”

That was as close as I’d ever heard to an admission of impatience from Him. Knowing what my body did to Him, understanding how much He wanted – needed – me, set my heart pounding with delight.

He cuffed my other hand and attached a lead to the chain linking them. Like before, He fed the rope lead though the eyelets on the bed frame. My arms were pulled forward tight as He secured the rope. I rested my head on the mattress, catching my breath as I awaited my beautiful punishment.

Master returned to me and picked up the paddle.

Involuntarily, I wiggled my ass, anticipating the first swat.

I felt his hand instead. He gently massaged each cheek. “Fifteen, Natasha. You will count them.” His hand sank lower to my aching clit. He gave a quick pinch and I squealed. “Understand?” He croaked.

“Yes, Master.”

The first swat landed square between my cheeks. The sting of it stole my voice, but it was the after effect that stole my breath. A swell of heat flushed my body. The balls felt as if they were bouncing around inside me, hitting every wall and nerve, like an erotic pinball machine. The sensation was overwhelming.

“One,” I whimpered helplessly, trying to hold back a yell.

The second swat bit into my left cheek. The familiarity of the feeling was like a warm blanket.

“Two,” I found my voice.

The third and fourth alternated between cheeks, but the fifth swat again found its home right in the middle. That was the sweet spot. A mixture of pain and unbelievable pleasure that, along with the rocking and rolling of those devilish little balls, threatened to ruin my control. I barked out the numbers, sounding more animal than human.

Master stopped, and again I felt his big hands on my ass. He squeezed and kneaded the tender skin. “You are magnificent, Natasha. I could get used to seeing the glow of this ass every day.”

“It is yours to spank, Master.”

He responded in kind, delivering another swat right to the sweet spot, sending pain and pleasure right to my needy mound.

 About the Authors:



Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write. 

And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale… 

Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment. 





Willsin Rowe falls in love with a scent, a playful expression or an act of casual intimacy more easily than with physical beauty. When confronted by any combination of those elements he is a lost cause. He has done many things over and over, done even more things only once, and half-done more things than he cares to admit. He loves to sing and doesn’t let his voice get in the way. He is intelligent but not sensible. He is passionate but fearful. He is not scruffy enough or stylish enough to be cool.


Hunger 

 Christmas time in Brisbane is always so hot and muggy you could drink it from a bowl. 

Brett Freeman feels the heat like anyone, but for more than 15 years it’s been nothing to do with the climate and everything to do with Corinne. Only one thing stands between Brett and his perfect woman: her husband, Darren. 

Despite that stumbling block, Darren and Corinne consider Brett their best friend. They’ve watched in despair as he’s tossed away good relationships simply because, in his mind, no woman could ever compare to Corinne. 

Then, one muggy Christmas Eve, a friendly visit takes a bizarre turn. Secrets are shared, an incredible present is offered, and for Brett, life will be changed forever. 

Every beginning comes from an ending. 


The Three Day Hump


 Luther has a solid career as a lawyer and is married to a famous lingerie model. His life has grown comfortable, and he can’t remember how it felt to truly want something…anything. 

Opal is young, debatably single, and has lived a life poor in everything but experience. She exudes a lush darkness and it draws Luther to her. 

He suddenly remembers desire. 

Their flirting turns physical; lust turns to obsession, obsession to addiction. They can’t see a future, but they can think of nothing but the present. They don’t know how to stop, they only know they need to. 

An urban myth tells that three days of abstinence will break the back of an addiction. They hole up together in a hotel for a long weekend. 

Naked. 

Can their addiction be beaten? Maybe. But first, they need to make it over the three-day hump.




 Lightning 

 From the fun and frivolous to the poignant and deeply personal, this collection of flash and short erotic fiction has a little taste of everything. Tales of crossed paths and crossed lines; of fate and fancy; changes, chances and choices. 

With flash stories boiled and brewed until only the essence remains, and longer works that simmer and spit, you’re sure to find something to tickle you right where you need it. And with author commentary before each story, you could call this the director’s cut! 







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