Nice Girls Don't Read Naughty Books

COVER ENVY: Kim Harrison's A PERFECT BLOOD & Nalini Singh's ANGELS' FLIGHT

2012-01-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

Title: A PERFECT BLOOD
Author: Kim Harrison
Series: The Hollows
Edition: Hardcover
List Price: $26.99
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Buy A PERFECT BLOOD

Synopsis

Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and "other." Pulled in to help investigate by the I.S. and the FIB, former witch turned day-walking demon Rachel Morgan soon realizes a horrifying truth: a human hate group is trying to create its own demons to destroy all Inderlanders, and to do so, it needs her blood.

She's faced vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, and more, but humanity itself might be her toughest challenge yet.

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Title: ANGELS' FLIGHT
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
List Price: $7.99
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Language
Buy ANGELS' FLIGHT

Synopsis

Warrior angels, vampire hunters, and angels gone bad heat up this altogether sizzling paranormal alternate universe. This anthology of novellas features Angels' Wolf, Angels' Judgement, Angels' Pawn, and the never-before-published Angels' Dance.

E-BOOK RELEASE: Molly Harper's DRIVING MR. DEAD

2012-01-31T16:49:00.000-08:00

Title: DRIVING MR. DEAD
Author: Molly Harper
Format: Kindle eBook Edition
List Price: $1.99
Release Date: January 31, 2012
File Size: 601 KB
Publisher: Pocket Books
ASIN: B0064CLU0C
Buy DRIVING MR. DEAD from Amazon

Synopsis

HELL ON WHEELS

After failing as a magician's assistant, a photographer, and most recently, a bride, Miranda Puckett takes a position as a driver for Beeline, Half-Moon Hollow's premiere vampire concierge service.

Miranda's assignment? Driving Collin Sutherland, the world's most fastidious vampire from Washington to Kentucky, so he can deliver a mysterious black case to Council official Ophelia Lambert.

Collin, a paranoid, aristocratic vampire with a debilitating fear of flying, refuses to let the case out of his sight. Miranda needs this time on the road to decide whether to permanently cut her ties with the fiance that had an "emotional affair" with a childhood pal, but Collin’s neatnik tendencies are driving her around the bend. The man acts as if leaving a fast food wrapped on the passenger seat is reason for a full-on CDC de-contamination scrub-down of the car. All she can do is promise to stop intentionally doing the things that make his stiff upper lip twitch with irritation.

As more and more mishaps occur on the road trip from hell, Miranda and Collin work together to meet his delivery deadline. Hotel rooms are destroyed. Beloved cars are defiled. And somewhere along the line, client-driver hostilities become snarky flirtation.

Will Collin and Miranda make it to the Hollow in one piece? And if they do, will Miranda leave old, safe relationships behind for something new and well, just plain weird? (from Goodreads)

Websites

Molly Harper's Website
Molly Harper's Twitter
Molly Harper's Blog

SOUL SCREAMERS READING CHALLANGE: Rachel Vincent's MY SOUL TO LOSE (Audiobook Review)

2012-01-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series. It is full of deep characters, strong relationships, and fighting for what is right.

I was ecstatic when I first found out about Fiktshun’s Soul Screamers Reading Challenge, and couldn’t wait to get started. Since I have already read the entire series so far, I decided to go back and listen to the audiobook versions.

Title: MY SOUL TO LOSE

Series: Soul Screamers (prequel)
Author: Rachel Vincent
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
List Price: $0.00
Listening Length: 1 hour and 48 minutes
Program Type: Audible Audiobook Version (Unabridged)
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd. Audible.com
Release Date: July 8, 2009
ASIN: B005NDAV1W
Buy MY SOUL TO LOSE from Audible.com

My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 41.5/45 = 92%

Synopsis

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed, and it's the worst day of her life....Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine - despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream that comes burbling up again and again.

Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

My Review

All Kaylee Cavanaugh wanted to do was go to the mall with her best friend, and plot the demise of her recent ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, something strange and dark will keep Kaylee from enjoying her shopping trip. This isn’t one of Kaylee standard anxiety attacks, and the only way to release the pain is to scream! After blacking out, she wakes to find that she has been strapped to a bed in mental health ward of the local hospital. Kaylee is confused by what she saw at the mall, and everyone seems to think that she has a mental breakdown.

I loved seeing Kaylee as a somewhat average teenager. All she really worried about was school and how to get back at he ex-boyfriend. She is almost carefree, in comparison to Kaylee once she finally understands what and who she is. You get to see glimpses of the strong character that she will become throughout the series.

It was great to see Kaylee’s best friend Em, as well. I just adore her most of all, because she sticks with Kaylee through thick-and-thin. They have such a sweet, innocent friendship at this point in the story. We also get to see Nash in his all is alpha, jock glory. I would have like to see just a little interaction between Kaylee and Nash, but that is probably me just being greedy.

Amanda Ronconi’s narration of MY SOUL TO LOSE was spot on! I find that it’s hard to listen to most YA audiobooks, because they narrator either sound to old or far to young. Amanda was able to convey everything from the light-hearted mood in the beginning to the despair Kaylee felt towards the end of the book.

My only complaint about this audiobook, is the fact that is ended so quickly. I really thought there should be just a little more. Other then that, I really enjoyed this audiobook prequel. It was great to take a look back and see how it all started. It was fun to see a Kaylee not so burden down with problems of the world on her shoulder. MY SOUL TO LOSE was a great introduction to the Soul Screamers world and it's characters.

Rachel Vincent's Books

Soul Screamers (YA Series):
0.5) My Soul to Lose (2009)
1) My Soul to Take (2009)
2) My Soul To Save (2010)
3) My Soul To Keep (2010)
4) My Soul to Steal (2011)
5) If I Die (2011)

Unbound Series (Adult Series):
1) Blood Bound ( 2011)
2) Shadow Bound (2012)

Shifters Series (Adult Series):
1) Stray (2007)
2) Rogue (2008)
3) Pride (2009)
4) Prey (2009)
5) Shift (2010)
6) Alpha (2010)

Related Websites

Buy MY SOUL TO LOSE from Audible.com
Rachel's Website
Rachel's Twitter
Rachel's Message Board

REVIEW: Susan Mallery's ONLY YOURS (Fool's Gold bk 5)

2012-01-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

Title: ONLY YOURS
Series: A Fool's Gold Romance (Book 5)
Author: Susan Mallery
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN Books
Release Date: August 30, 2011
ISBN: 9780373775941

My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 3.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37/40 = 92%

Synopsis

Man’s best…matchmaker?

Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right… or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him? (from Goodreads)

My Review

(Review contains minor spoilers)
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Montana Hendrix has finally found the perfect job training therapy dogs to help people in need. She thinks that she’s doing a great job, until one exuberant puppy changed her life forever. I think that Montana’s choice in jobs, really says a lot about who she is as a person. She is sweet, caring, and loving. She has difficulty with men and relationships, due to past issues. I was glad to see that she was finally able to bring down her walls to let Simon into her life. Overtime, she was able to help Simon heal his broken, tattered heart. I also enjoyed her interaction with the therapy dogs and the burn patients. It was heart-warming!

Simon Bradley comes off as a tough, short-tempered, and brilliant doctor. His childhood was both scary and traumatizing, which was tough for a brilliant, caring child. He poured his pain into schooling, and then into a career helping other burn victims. In his past, Simon was used to pushing people away and never staying in one place for long. Once he met Montana, his life would never be the same. She was able to help him see what loving someone truly means. She helped him become whole again.

One of the best parts of this series is the amazing cast of characters. In this book, I really enjoyed discovering the romance between Max and Denise. I have always thought of Denise Hendrix as this straight laced June Cleaver-type mother, and then you find out that she was a wild child with her lovers name tattooed on her hip. It was hysterical and sweet to read about their past and present. This storyline makes the series more full and rich. Most series gloss over romance when dealing with the over 50 crowd. Kudos, to Susan Mallery for telling their story!

I found ONLY YOURS to be one of most touching and heart-felt books in the series so far. It was a story of person growth and selflessness. A Beauty and the Beast type of tale, with the gruff, loner-type doctor meeting the girl with a heart of gold. This book made me laugh and cry, sometimes all at the same time. It was great to see something so wonderful coming from something so terrible. My favorite part of this book is the fact that Montana and Simon didn’t get their Happily-Ever-After easily. They had to fight every step of the way, making the story all the better for it.

If you haven’t picked up Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series, you don’t know what you are missing! This series is uplifting, sweet, funny, and sexy. Put this series on the top of you to-be-read pile for the new year. It’s a must have for all Contemporary Romance readers. I can’t wait for the next installment and Nevada's story!

Fool's Gold Series

#1 CHASING PERFECT
#2 ALMOST PERFECT
#3 FINDING PERFECT
#4 ONLY MINE
#5 ONLY YOURS
#6 ONLY HIS

Websites

Purchase ONLY YOURS arch
Susan Mallery’s Website
Susan Mallery’s Twitter
Harlequin’s Website

ONLY YOURS - Video

TRAILER: Molly Harper's NICE GIRLS DON'T BITE THEIR NEIGHBORS

2012-01-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for the release of NICE GIRLS DON'T BITE THEIR NEIGHBORS from Molly Harper on February 28th. There's nothing like miles of taffeta, an over-bearing mother, and fangs to make wedding planning interesting!

Title: NICE GIRLS DON'T BITE THEIR NEIGHBORS

Series: Jane Jameson, Book 4
Author: Molly Harper
Release Date: February 28th, 2012
List Price: $7.99
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
ISBN-10: 1451641818
ISBN-13: 978-1451641813
Pre-Order from Amazon

Synopsis

Just as Jane Jameson’s unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of all things marital, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend Gabriel are coming along smoothly. But the road to wedded bliss gets bumpy when a teenage acquaintance is fatally wounded in front of Jane’s shop and she turns him to save his life. The Council pronounces Jane responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane’s kitchen at River Oaks barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen’s appetite and maintain Gabriel’s jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighborhood isn’t enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane’s newly deceased Grandma Ruthie has declared a war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly,
choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake that she can’t eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing…and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel’s heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that at this rate, she’ll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of… (from Goodreads)

Book Trailer

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Richelle Mead's SHADOW HEIR (Dark Swan bk 4)

2012-01-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

Title: SHADOW HEIR (Dark Swan bk 4)
Author: Richelle Mead
Narrator: Jennifer Van Dyck
List Price: $24.95
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Format: Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 12 hours and 14 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Frontiers Audible.com
ASIN: B006QGIPKY

My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 2/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4/5

Overall: 39/45 = 86%

Synopsis

#1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead returns to the Otherworld, a mystic land inextricably linked to our own--and balanced precariously on one woman's desperate courage...

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice.. (from Goodreads.com)

My Review

What is a girl do, when her ex tries everything under the Otherworld to kill your unborn children? Run and hide! Eugenie has to make her children her top priority, no matter what it takes. She’s willing to runaway from her family, friends, and part-time lover to ensure their safety. And in the end Eugenie has to ask herself, is there anything important enough to consider leaving the save place that she has made for her and the twins?

Poor, poor Eugenie. She is caught half in the human world and half in the Otherworld. Part of both, but never fully fitting in either. She is torn between to lovers. One lover who she loved right from the start, and lived to regret is. Another lover who she grew to love over time, who she should have trusted from the very beginning. She’s torn between keeping her twins safe, and possibly bring forth the prophecy of Storm Kings grandson who might tear apart everything she has come to love.

Eugenie had grown so much since book one. She isn’t perfect, but she is willing to fight for what it right! She now understands what it means to truly be a leader, and what that requires. She has learned that relaying on other to help you isn’t a weakness, but can help you be a stronger leader. She understands that sacrifice can be the ultimate gift to those you love. I adore the fact that she isn’t perfect, and that she has come to except herself as she is.

What do I say about Dorian? I’ve loved him from the beginning. He may have seems a little overbearing, and some of his actions may of seems selfish, but his heart was true. He proved over and over again that he is willing to go to the ends of the Otherworld for Eugenie and her children. He loved her so much that he was willing to raise the children as his own. He may be a kinky freak, but he has a pure heart when if comes to Eugenie.

My feelings for Kiyo are a bit more muddled. I loved him in the beginning of the series. On the surface, he seemed to be everything that Eugenie needed. He was also willing to be there for the child he had with Maywin, even though they were no longer together. Over time he did grow controlling, selfish, and irrational. He has his good and bad parts. I’m just happy, that in the end that he was willing to come forward with the truth.

I really enjoyed this book up until the last few pages. I was very happy that Kiyo had revealed his big secret. That actually gave me hope. What upset me was how Eugenie handled the news. Even though Dorian loved her and gave her every reason to trust him, she didn’t trust him enough to tell him the true. I just don’t get this! Eugenie finally understands how much Dorian loved her, and how she loves him just as much. WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Maybe she might tell him eventually…really??? How can she live with herself? This isn’t how you end a series. I’m extremely frustrated by this cliffhanger ending of the Dark Swan series. I almost feel cheated.

Jennifer Van Dyck 's narration of the Dark Swan series, and this book, was spectacular. She had an amazing ability to convey the deep passion, happiness, and sorrow of this story holds. She was able to create very distinct voices for each character, male and female. Her pacing and emotion was perfect, and she really brought this book to life for me. She is and always will be the voice of series.

This was a great story and an amazing series, with an unfortunate final chapter. Would I recommend this book to a friend? Probably. This is mostly due to my love for the series' smart characters, unique storyline, and fantastical worlds. This series is, at it’s root, a story of trust, love, and family. I will truly miss Eugenie and her cast of crazy friends.

Dark Swan Series
#1 Storm Born
#2 Thorn Queen
#3 Iron Crowned
#4 Shadow Heir

Author's Websites

http://www.richellemead.com/
http://twitter.com/RichelleMead
http://www.facebook.com/richellemeadfanpage?ref=ts
http://blue-succubus.livejournal.com/

REVIEW: Susan Mallery's ONLY MINE (Fool’s Gold bk 4)

2012-01-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Title: ONLY MINE
Series: Fool’s Gold bk 4
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: MIRA Books
List Price: $7.99
Published: July 26, 2011
ISBN: 9780373775880

My Ratings

Plot: 4/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 36.5 /40 = 91%

Synopsis

You can't win if you don't play...

Her town's lack of men may make headlines, but it isn't news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool's Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.

Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers— the perfect contestants— off the show. Despite Dakota's better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn't dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV. (from Goodreads)

My Review

(Review contains minor spoilers)
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Finn Anderson chased his younger twin brothers to Fool‘s Gold. The twins, Sasha and Stephen, came to town to be on a reality dating show. Finn, who raised both boys for the last 8 years, came to drag his brother back to Alaska and to the family business. Dakota Hendrix was asked by the mayor to help with the filming of a reality television show based on their town‘s man shortage. Dakota has everything she needs: a good job, big family, and wonderful friends. She’s only missing two things: a man and a child. Dakota decides that she really only needs the second, and doesn’t have time for the first. Finn and Dakota both have complicated lives. The last thing either of them need is to get involved, but want and need are two separate things.

I just adore the Hendrix family, especially the triplets. Dakota is smart, sexy, and knows what she wants…most of all a baby. Her inability to conceive, has left her feeling damaged. My heart broke for her. She felt powerless and broken inside. I cheered for Dakota when she took her fate in her own hands, and made the decision to adopt a child. Even though she was part of a very large family she tended to keep things to herself, but she was able to break down some of her walls and let Finn into her life.

I just want to say that Finn is topping my list of favorite Fool’s Gold sexy males. I may be stubborn, but his hardheadedness comes from a good place. He spent the last several years raising his younger twin brothers, after their parents death. He gave up just about everything for them, so I give him the right to try to hold on to his brothers, even after they have become adults. Just like a parent, some times it’s had to know when to let go.

I also really enjoyed the secondary romance of Finn’s brother Stephen and his quiet dating show partner Aurelia. I was just as touched by their romance as I was with Dakota and Fin. Aurelia’s character growth was spectacular. She started as a shy, doormat of a girl, and become a strong, sexy women. I was happy that Stephen was able to see through the frumpiness to the women Aurelia was on the inside. Their romance built slowly and sweetly. They were just adorable!

I absolutely adore Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. Most series fizzle out after 5 books, but Susan keeps the series and the character fresh and surprising. I find myself waiting excitedly for the next installment in the series. I love meeting Fool’s Gold’s newest characters, as well as catching up with old favorites. The Fool’s Gold series has a great balance of wit, romance, and charm. Every time I open a new book, it’s like coming home.

ONLY MINE is a quirky, touching, sexy tale of learning to let go and move on with life. Both Dakota and Finn had tragedy in their past, but were able to finally move past their losses and into each others arms. This book both broke my heart, and put it back together all in one book. This sweet book is a must read for any contemporary romance readers or Susan Mallery fans!

Fool's Gold Series

#1 CHASING PERFECT
#2 ALMOST PERFECT
#3 FINDING PERFECT
#4 ONLY MINE
#5 ONLY YOURS
#6 ONLY HIS

Websites

Purchase ONLY MINE arch
Susan Mallery’s Website
Susan Mallery’s Twitter
Harlequin’s Website

ONLY MINE VIDEO

REVIEW: Shannon Stacey's EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)

2012-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

Title: EXCLUSIVELY YOURS (The Kowalskis Bk1)
Author: Shannon Stacey
Release Date: January 2012
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Harlequin (Imprint: HQNbooks)
Language: English
ISBN: 9780373776788

My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37.5/40 = 94%

Synopsis

"When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.
He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever." (from Goodreads)

My Review

(Review contains minor spoilers)
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We all remember our first love as a teenage, but rarely do we ever get the chance to see if that love can be rekindled as an adult. Recluse author and sex bachelor, Joe Kowalski, wanted to get back to together his high school love, Keri Daniels. So, he had to use a little creativity and manipulation to get Keri to spend time with him. He also may have used his family to help change Keri’s mind. Sometimes the end really does justify the means when it comes to true love.

I absolutely adored Joe. He’s rugged, smart, sexy, and determined. He has had trouble in his past, but with the help of his family he was able to get his life back together. I appreciate his drive and passion. Keri broke his heart when she left him all of those years ago. There is something to be said about a man who is able to get past that and try to move forward again with the same person.

I also see why Joe was so single-minded when it came to getting Keri back. He knows that she is brilliant, passionate, and caring beneath the hard exterior that she has built around herself over the years. It was awesome to see that their chemistry was just as hot as it was all those years ago. Keri was able to grow leaps and bounds emotional in this story. She began this story with her heart encased in ice, but slowly she let Joe and his family get close enough to her to thaw her heart. She was able to get past their mistakes and other issues to find a way to be together.

I really enjoyed the dynamic of the Kowalski family. They love, fight, and play hard. It should be said, that the family that camps together, stays together. I believe that the sense of family helped Keri get past some of her fears from the past and make the decision to finally move forward with Joe.

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS is a sweet, sexy, funny tale of rekindling romance with a cast of characters that you can’t help loving. I simply adore the Kowalski clan and can’t wait to read the next Kowalski adventure! This is a must read for anyone looking for all funny, touching contemporary romance.

Website

Purchase EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
Shannon Stacey’s Website
Shannon Stacey’s Twitter
Harlequin’s Website

NAUGHTY & NICE READS (Jan - July 2012) & CONTEST

2012-01-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Each year, I put together my list of Naughty and Nice reads. I do this as much for myself, as for fellow readers. It's so hard to keep up with new releases and there are so many spectacular books coming out this year. Please feel free to use this as a resource, or even help me with new recommendations to add to my list.

To celibate 2012, I have also decided to give one lucky reader an eBook copy of Jaye Wells' newest Sabina Kane book Silver-Tongued Devil! Scroll down to enter.

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January

1st - Silver-Tongued Devil (Sabina Kane) by Jaye Wells

3rd - Shadow Heir (Dark Swan) by Richelle Mead
3rd - The Departed by Shiloh Walker
3rd - Raven Cursed: A Jane Yellowrock Novel by Faith Hunter
3rd - Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland
3rd - Charmfall: A Novel of The Dark Elite by Chloe Neill
3rd - Whispers in the Dark (A KGI Novel) by Maya Banks
10th - Lothaire by Kresley Cole
10th - Copper Beach: A Dark Legacy Novel by Jayne Ann Krentz
24th - Darker After Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel by Lara Adrian
31st - If You See Her: A Novel of Romantic Suspense by Shiloh Walker
31st - Wrong Side of Dead by Kelly Meding
31st - Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire) by Courtney Allison Moulton
31st - Burned: A Void City Novel by J. F. Lewis
31st - Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

February

1st - Deliver Me from Darkness: A Novel of the Paladin Warriors by Tes Hilaire
7th - Fair Game (Alpha and Omega) by Patricia Briggs
7th - Eternal Captive: Mark of the Vampire by Laura Wright
7th - Shaded Vision (Otherworld) by Yasmine Galenorn
7th - Midnight Enchantment (A Dark Magick Novel) by Anya Bast
7th - Unbroken (Outcast Season, Book 4) by Rachel Caine
7th - Alpha Instinct: A Moon Shifter Novel by Katie Reus
7th - Breakaway (Berkley Sensation) by Deirdre Martin
7th - Dead to You by Lisa McMann
14th - The Nightmare Garden: The Iron Codex Book Two by Caitlin Kittredge
21th - A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, Book 10) by Kim Harrison
21st - Celebrity In Death by J.D. Robb
21st - Fever (Chemical Garden) by Lauren DeStefano
21st - Raven Calls (Luna Books) by C.E. Murphy
21st - Tempted by Blood by Laurie London
28th - Redwood Bend (A Virgin River Novel) by Robyn Carr
28th - Angels' Flight (Berkley Sensation) by Nalini Singh
28th - If You Know Her: A Novel of Romantic Suspense by Shiloh Walker
28th - The Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter
28th - Rainshadow Road (Friday Harbor) by Lisa Kleypas
28th - By a Thread (Elemental Assassin) by Jennifer Estep
28th - Timeless (The Parasol Protectorate, No. 5) by Gail Carriger
28th - Black Howl (Black Wings) by Christina Henry
28th - A Sliver of Shadow (Abby Sinclair, No. 2) by Allison Pang
28th - Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors (Jane Jameson, Book 4) by Molly Harper
28th - Deadly Sins by Lora Leigh

March

6th - Dying Wish: A Novel of the Sentinel Wars by Shannon K. Butcher
6th - Oracle's Moon (A Novel of the Elder Races) by Thea Harrison
6th - Taking a Shot (A Play-by-Play Novel) by Jaci Burton
6th - Waltz This Way by Dakota Cassidy
6th - Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
13th - Infamous: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon
13th - The Isis Collar (Blood Singer) by Cat Adams
13th - Spell Bound (A Hex Hall Novel) by Rachel Hawkins
13th - The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #6: The Compelled by L. J. Smith
13th - The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Moonsong by L. J. Smith
20th - The Secret Circle: The Divide by L. J. Smith
27th - Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery
27th - Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood) by J. R. Ward
27th - Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane
27th - Goddess Interrupted (Harlequin Teen) by Aimee Carter
27th - The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde

April

2nd - Pure: The Second Covenant Novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout
3rd - Black Heart (Curse Workers) by Holly Black
3rd - Magic Without Mercy: An Allie Beckstrom Novel by Devon Monk
3rd - Hunter's Rise (The Hunters) by Shiloh Walker
10th - The Calling (Darkness Rising) by Kelley Armstrong
17th - The Last Echo: A Body Finder Novel by Kimberly Derting
24th - Sunrise Point (Virgin River) by Robyn Carr
24th - Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black
24th - The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden) by Julie Kagawa
24th - Whisper (Riley Bloom) by Alyson Noël
24rd - Under a Vampire Moon (Argeneau) by Lynsay Sands
26th - Frostbite: A Graphic Novel (Vampire Academy) by Richelle Mead

May

1st - Black Dawn: The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine

1st - Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready
1st - Bitterblue (Graceling) by Kristin Cashore
1st - Insurgent (Divergent Trilogy) by Veronica Roth
1st - Born of Silence (The League) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
1st - Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 12) by Charlaine Harris
1st - Sparks Fly: A Novel of the Light Dragons by Katie MacAlister
1st - Karma (Serendipity) by Carly Phillips
1st - Embrace of the Damned (Brotherhood of the Damned) by Anya Bast
1st - Captivated by Lauren Dane
8th - City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare
8th - Endure (Need) by Carrie Jones
8th - Last Rite by Lisa Desrochers
8th - Until I Die by Amy Plum
15th - Vampire Kisses 9: Immortal Hearts by Ellen Schreiber
22nd - Shadow Bound (An Unbound Novel) by Rachel Vincent
22nd - Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
22nd - Taken by Storm: A Raised by Wolves Novel by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
22nd - Lucky in Love (A Lucky Harbor Novel) by Jill Shalvis
22nd - The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (The Steampunk Chronicles) by Kady Cross
29th - Summer Days (Fool's Gold, Book 7) by Susan Mallery
29th - Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling) by Nalini Singh
29th - Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson
29th - Darkness Before Dawn by J. A. London
29th - Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep

June

1st - Blue-Blooded Vamp (Sabina Kane) by Jaye Wells
1st - Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance) by Larissa Ione
5th - Kiss the Dead (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter) by Laurell K. Hamilton
5th - Undead and Unstable (Undead/Queen Betsy) by MaryJanice Davidson
5th - Arise by Tara Hudson
5th - Accidentally Dead, Again (An Accidental Series) by Dakota Cassidy
5th - Chaos Burning by Lauren Dane
12th - Rapture (Fallen) by Lauren Kate
12th - Serpent's Kiss: A Witches of East End Novel by Melissa de la Cruz
12th - The Taken: Celestial Blues: Book One by Vicki Pettersson
19th - The Golden Lily: A Bloodlines Novel by Richelle Mead
26th - Darkness Devours: A Dark Angels Novel by Keri Arthur
26th - Once Burned (Night Prince, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost
26th - At Last (Lucky Harbor) by Jill Shalvis
26th - Summer Nights (Fool's Gold, Book 8) by Susan Mallery
26th - Before I Wake (Soul Screamers) by Rachel Vincent

July

1st - Tempest's Fury (Jane True) by Nicole Peeler
3rd - Grave Memory: An Alex Craft Novel by Kalayna Price
3rd - Night Seeker (An Indigo Court Novel) by Yasmine Galenorn
3rd - Samurai Game (Game/Ghostwalker) by Christine Feehan
24th - Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong
31st - The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper
31st - Gunmetal Magic: A Novel in the World of Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews
31st - Shadows Before the Sun by Kelly Gay

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I'm pretty sure I've missed a few books. I keep adding new favorite authors all the time, so it's hard to keep up. Stay tuned, I'll be posting Part 2 of My Naughty and Nice Must Reads for 2012 later in the year. Happy reading everyone!!!

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ENTER TO WIN: SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL BY JAYE WELLS

Enter below for the chance to win one an eBook copy of Jaye Wells' newest release: Silver-Tongued Devil . The contest closes January 22, 2012 at midnight. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have FIVE days to respond & claim their prize! Since I'm gifting this eBook through Amazon.com, the winner must be have a US amazon.com account set up to receive their prize.

Here is what you need to do:

In the contest entry box below, please leave your first name/last initial and e-mail address
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Rules and Legal Disclaimers:

I will use random.org to choose the winner.
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The winner has FIVE days, from the day I e-mail them, to claim your prize. Failure to contact me result in forfeit of your prize. At that time, I will choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
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TOP BOOKS OF 2011: Audiobook Edition

2012-01-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

For me, 2011 was the year of the audiobook! For the first time ever, I probably listen to more audiobooks, then I actually read. My busy lifestyle and crazy travel schedule, makes them the more sensible choice. Whether I'm driving to work, getting ready in the morning, or cleaning, I almost always seem to have an audiobook playing in the background. It's been a year to say goodbye to old series, and making room for new ones as well.

I have gotten together with a few narrators and bloggers to talk about the best audiobooks of 2011!

MY TOP AUDIOBOOKS OF 2011
(in no particular order)

#1 IF I DIE by Rachel Vincent / Narrated by Amanda Ronconi / YA Paranormal / This book has me in tear from chapter one and from there on out I couldn't put it down. As per usual, Rachel Vincent doesn't shy away from controversial topics and realistic teenage issues. She also has a knack of turning her fictional worlds up-side-down, and making them all the better for it. Things happen that I never see coming. She has a way of finding unique and ingenious solutions to problems. This always keeps me guessing. Kaylee, through out the series, has become a strong and caring heroine thinks of others even at her own detriment. Amanda Ronconi's narration style is fitting for this story. She talks like a teen, not like what she thinks teens sound like. She also has a knack for conveying the heartbreak and devastation in this book.

#2 DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE by Jeaniene Frost /Narrated by Tavia Gilbert / Paranormal Romance / I have a massive weakness when it comes to Cat and Bones. I just can't get enough of their true love and adventures. Their relationship is the heart, not only of this series, but of this book in particular. Cat had to learn the hard way to fully trust her husband and know that he would be there for her no matter what. This book contains one of the most gut wrenching break-up scenes I've ever listened to. Plus, Tavia Gilbert narrates this series with a spectacular range of character voices. She really brings the series to life for me, and is Cat and Bones to me!

#3 HARD BITTEN by Chloe Neill / Narrated by Cynthia Holloway / Sometimes you love and had a book equally! I laughed, throw my headphones against the wall, and sobbed uncontrollably, while listening to this book. Chloe Neill took a real chance when writing this story, and it's all the better for it. Merit has become a strong Sentinel of Cadogan house. Her relationship with Ethan is as always on shaky ground. She has also teamed up with a guard from another house to solve a problem haunting the entire vampire race. Cynthia Holloway's narration of this series is perfect. She has a wide range of both male and female voices. She is able to convey deep and sometimes tragic moments in this story.

#4 PALE DEMON by Kim Harrison / Narrated Marguerite Gavin / An elf, a witch, avamp, and a pixie walk into a restaurant. No this isn’t a joke, it’s Pale Damon, the ninth book in Kim Harrison’s Hollows’ Series. Rachel Morgan, shunned witch and paranormal bounty hunter, is on the road-trip from hell with her business partners Jenks and Ivy along with everyone’s favorite sexy elf Trent Kalamack. I absolutely adore Marguerite Gavin’s narrations of The Hollow’s series. She is The Hollows to me. Even when I read this series, I can almost her reading the story to me. She does such an amazing job narrating the many Hollows characters that span different cultural backgrounds and eras. Her voice really draws you into the story with her emotional narration.

#5 GREEN-EYED DEMON by Jaye Wells / Narrator: Cynthia Holloway / Paranormal Romance / Vamps and Mages and Weres! Oh my! Sabina travels to New Orleans with her sexy mage partner Adam and her demon Giguhl, to find her twin sister who was kidnapped by their grandmother. Sabina has come so far since book one of this series. She is a strong, smart heroine, who finally learns to rely on her friends to back her up. Cynthia Holloway’s narration of this series is one word, brilliant! She is actually one of my favorite audiobook narrators, and the main reason I picked up this series on audiobook rather then eBook. She has a great variation in voices for each character, and really draws the reader in. Plus, no one does sexy like Ms. Holloway!

MY TOP 5 NARRATORS OF 2011
(in no particular order)

#1 Therese Plummer
#2 Cynthia Holloway
#3 Tavia Gilbert
#4 Marguerite Gavin’s
#5 Jennifer Van Dyck

TOP AUDIOBOOK SERIES OF 2011
(in no particular order)

#1 Jeaniene Frost's Cat and Bones
#2 Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers
#3 Robyn Carr's Virgin River
#4 Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires
#5 Richelle Mead's Georgina Kincaid

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Name: Lorelei King (Audiobook Narrator)
Blog: www.loreleiking.blogspot.com
Website: www.loreleiking.com
FB: www.facebook.com/LoreleiKing
Twitter: @LoreleiKing

A busy recording schedule means I don’t have the chance to listen to as many audio books as I would like, so I’m afraid my ‘favorites list’ includes some of my own!

Top Audiobooks of 2011

#1 Gods Without Men by Hari Kunzru / Literature / I have a small part in this book, which is an ensemble recording – it was a privilege to be included among some fantastic narrators, including Kerry Shale and Rupert Degas. The book is a multi-layered, following several stories and several timelines. Eerie and gripping.

#2 My Dear, I Wanted to Tell You by Louisa Young / Wartime Romance / A moving wartime love story set in London, Paris – and on the Western Front. It’s read by the incomparable (and rather dishy!) Dan Stevens – unmissable. Have a hanky ready!

#3 The Lowdown: A Short History of the Origins of the Vietnam War by David L. Anderson / History/ This was fascinating to record and so educational. I’m not big on history, and find that audio is a great way to study it relatively painlessly!

#4 A Tiger’s Wedding: my childhood in exile / Memoir / Written and read by Isla Blair. This autobiographical story moves from India, to Scotland, to swinging 60s London, and is engaging all the way. The writing is beautiful, and Isla Blair’s voice is just luscious. Couldn’t stop listening.

#5 Explosive Eighteen / Crime Fiction / I can’t let a list of favorite audios go by without including something by the fantastic Janet Evanovich. I’m lucky enough to narrate the Stephanie Plum series, and I’m also a huge fan – this book didn’t disappoint. Lots of Lula and Grandma Mazur, two of my favorite characters – and who doesn’t appreciate a bit of humor in the dark days of winter!

Favorite Audiobook Cover for 2011

There were so many great covers this year, but I particularly liked the cover of ‘The Sisters Brothers’ by Patrick deWitt. Striking, witty, and works well in digital (so important these days!).

Favorite Audiobook Series of 2011

I am lucky to narrate some fantastic series, all of which I love – Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson and Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta – so it’s very difficult to say which is my favorite! But having recorded Darynda Jones’s First Grave on the Right in 2010, I was thrilled to be asked to do Second Grave on the Left in 2011, as it means that Darynda’s fantastic heroine, Charley Davidson (Grim Reaper), now has a series. I’ve just finished recording Third Grave Dead Ahead, which will be released in 2012 - so I think, as it’s the newest, this paranormal romance is my favorite series of 2011. It has humour, suspense, romance – and terrific characters.

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Name: Karen White (Audibook Narrator)
Blog Address: http://karenwhiteaudiobooks.com/
Twitter Address: @KarenWhitereads

Caveat: Because I am 1) a mom of 11 and 8 year old girls, 2) a narrator and 3) an audiobook director, I really only have the opportunity to listen to audiobooks appropriate to kids for pleasure (at least this year!). So my choices are affected by my circumstances.

Top Audiobooks of 2011

#1 NO PASSENGERS BEYOND THIS POINT, by Gennifer Choldenko. Children’s 8+. Published by Listening Library, narrated by Becca Batoe, Jesse Bernstein & Tara Sands. I directed this audio and got the meet the author, but it’s my favorite because it’s a book that doesn’t condescend to kids. It’s a fun listen (Tara Sands’ Mouse is one of my favorite characters ever!) but it makes you THINK. We are still talking about it in my household.

#2 THE DRY GRASS OF AUGUST by Anna Jean Mayhew. Literary (possibly Historical?) Fiction. Published by Blackstone Audio. I narrated this book, but I was a fan of the book before I worked on it and was SO excited to do it. This is a first novel by the author, who has had a fascinating life, and is a brutally honest account of racism and family disfunction in the early 1960s in my home state of NC that somehow manages to be hopeful due to it’s feisty young heroine.

#3 EVERYTHING THAT RISES MUST CONVERGE by Flannery O’Connor. Classic Fiction. Published by Blackstone Audio. I’m also a narrator on this one but am honored to be included in it. The other narrators are masters: Mark Bramhall, Bronson Pinchot and Lorna Raver. O’Connor’s work is wrenching, georgeously written and darkly hilarious. I can’t speak for my work, but the other narrators truly bring these twisted characters to life.

My favorite Author/Narrator Combination

Wendy Mass and Kathleen McInerney: Our family loves Wendy Mass for her ability to write engagingly for the middle years of 8 – 11. Although we loved EVERY SOUL A STAR narrated by Jessica Almasy, Ali Ahn and Mark Turetsky, our perennial favorites are 13 GIFTS, FINALLY, and 11 BIRTHDAYS all narrated by Ms. McInerney. She has a gift for creating characters of all ages, and her narration is especially engaging.

Favorite Authors I discovered this year

Hilary Jordan: I read her first novel, MUDBOUND, this summer and quickly followed it with WHEN SHE WOKE. Completely different books in style, setting and tone, but I just love her writing. Dense and juicy.

Courtney J. Sullivan: I read MAINE and then COMMENCEMENT and loved them both. Again, very different novels, but she excels in both with her complex female characters.

Jo Ann Beard: Recently finished IN ZANESVILLE: A NOVEL, one of the best coming of age books I’ve read in a long time and I can’t wait for her next book. I felt as though I were completely immersed in the teen narrator’s world and thought processes.

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Name: Therese Plummer (Audiobook Narrator)
Website: http://www.thereseplummer.com/

Favorite Audiobooks of 2011

#1 Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

#2 Faith by Jennifer Haigh

#3 The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson

#4 Firelight by Sophie Jordan

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Name: Audiobook DJ (Audiobook Reviewer)
Blog Address: http://www.audiobookdj.com
Twitter Address: @audiobookdj

Top Audiobooks of 2011

#1 The True Meaning of Smekday, by Adam Rex, narrated by Bahni Turpin, 10 hours, 38 min. Listening Library, 2011. Science Fiction. Even if this had not won the 2011 Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adult, I'd still give this a top pick. When Earth is conquered by aliens, twelve-year-old Tip Tucci travels cross-county, accompanied by a runaway alien named J.Lo, to find her mother. The way Turpin handles the voicings for both Tip and J.Lo is nothing short of remarkable.

#2 The Girl in the Garden, by Kamala Nair, narrated by Anitha Gandhi, 9 hours. Hachette Audio, 2011. Fiction. A family secret lies hidden away in a secret garden in a village in India. This grabbed my attention because it has such a sense of place - you can almost feel the humidity, smell the flowers, and taste the curry. You can hear the many characters because the narrator does such a lovely job with the delicate and refined Indian accents. The story takes you to a different place and time.

#3 Don't Eat the Marshmallows... Yet! The Secret to Sweet Success In Work and Life, by Joachim De Posada and Ellen Singer, narrated by Michael McConnohie and Dan Worren, 2 hours. FonoBook, 2011. Non-fiction -- Self-help. An interesting look at self-discipline and how the ability to delay gratification can be a predictor in success. Both narrators do a fine job, but Michael McConnohie voice is really perfect for this piece. You may say, oh yeah, I've heard all the self-help clap-trap I can handle. I sort of thought the same thing as I started, but am very glad I gave a listen! I'll confess I've already used one of the tips to make a big change in my outlook for the New Year.

#4 The Bite Before Christmas, by Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost. Narrated by Paula Christensen and Tavia Gilbert, 6 hours, 50 minutes. Harper Audio, 2011. Paranormal Romance. The two short stories in this novel offer an introduction to the uninitiated of what paranormal romance is all about. For those familiar with the authors' work, it's a pleasant dip into familiar territory with a holiday twist. I especially enjoyed the Jeaniene Frost title, along with Tavia Gilbert's narration. For a short story, I suspect the cast of characters kept her plenty busy!

#5 The Hum and the Shiver, by Alex Bledsoe, narrated by Emily Janice Card and Stefan Rudnicki, Blackstone Audio, 2011. Horror. I enjoy hearing both of these narrators and to get to hear them perform together is a real treat. Bledsoe offers an incredibly ingenious take on the isolationism of the Tufa, a back-woods clan from Appalachia. No one knows much about them, but they claimed the mountains as their home long before any white settlers arrived.

Favorite Audiobook Cover for 2011

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray - this makes me laugh every time I see it!

Favorite Audiobook Series of 2011

Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris. Harper Audio, 2011.

OK, only the first title has been published - the second is not due out until 2012, but if you're in the mood for steampunk and great narrating (by James Langton) then you'll be hooked after the first title and ready to listen to the next installment as soon as it's available. The website is very cool and includes short stories to keep your interest in the ministry in tip-top shape before the next release.

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I want to not only thank all of the authors, narrators, and fellow bloggers that have been involved with my TOP BOOKS OF 2011 posts. I couldn't have done this without them and their support!

I hope everyone had an amazing New Year's Eve. And here's to finding new books, authors, series, and narrators in 2012!

TOP BOOKS OF 2011: Authors' Edition

2011-12-31T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had an amazing New Year's Eve! Today, I'm honored and very grateful to bring you: Carly Phillips, Nicole Peeler, Dakota Cassidy, Michelle Rowen, Shiloh Walker, Kelly Meding, Laurie London, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Tammy Kaehler, and Sang Kromah! These spectacular authors have stopped by the Nice Girls Blog to share their Top Books of 2011.

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Author: Karen Drogin/Carly Phillips
Website: www.carlyphillips.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

I want you to know I read over 400 books this year and going back on through wasn't easy! Thanks to my Kindle, I've read genres that are new to me as well this year. I've dug into authors and backlists like never before. This was NOT easy! :) For me, this wasn't about "best written" as I went through all the books I read - it was all about pure emotional reaction.

Top Books of 2011

#1 Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks - because any book that can make a jaded romance author/reader who's been reading for years, read with a painful lump in my throat for 3/4 of the book and then cry (literally) must take my # 1 spot.

#2 Wife by Wednesday - Catherine Bybee - recommended by someone on Twitter - a new author to me - and a good "old fashioned" marriage of convenience plot that read anything like an old fashioned book. Modern, strong heroine, lovable hero - really made me smile and stuck with me long after I finished!

#3 Can't Help Falling in Love - Bella Andre - I fell in love with Gabe Sullivan. Period. That and the story just held me captive from page 1!

#4 Laid Bare - Lauren Dane - A new genre for me this year - scorching erotica - but the heroine has a heart wrenching backstory - and I just fell in love with Erin. It's unusual for me to fall so in love with a heroine when I read - but I liked her so much - I wanted her happy and I wanted to be her friend! Or should I say I wanted her to be mine? And let me add Erin's "men" are something else as well. The other thing I loved about this book extends through the rest of the series - we revisit Erin, Todd and Ben in subsequent books and watch their unorthodox relationship grow as they deal with their families and reality.

#5 A Table for Three - Lainey Reese - Again scorching hot - to be honest, the way the heroine meets the heroes (yes plural) stretches the bounds of reality - but that's what I liked about this book - pure fantasy - Kade and Trevor are the yummiest heroes I've come across and when they decide that yes, they are "keeping" Riley, I just about melted.

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Author: Nicole Peeler
Blog Address: http://nicolepeeler.com
Twitter Address: @NicolePeeler

Top Books of 2011

#1 Bad Day for Scandal by Sophie Littlefield / Mystery - Suspense / I just adore this series!

#2 Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell / Mystery - Suspense / Because I couldn't wait to see what happened with Mel.

#3 How To Knit A Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron / Romance / She's made me a fan of knit-lit.

#4 Silver Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells / Urban Fantasy / Because I can't believe it's the last one.

#5 Ocean's Touch by Denise Townsend / Romance / Because it's smexy!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Diana Rowland's My Life as a White Trash Zombie. God I love that cover.

Favorite Series of 2011

I ate up Richelle Mead's two adult series this year. I absolutely went ape shit for them and read them like they were going to burn a hole through my hands if I slowed down. I loved them!

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Name: Dakota Cassidy
Website: www.dakotacassidy.net/
Twitter Name: @DakotaCassidy

Top Books of 2011

#1 Darynda Jones-- First Grave On The Right. I adore Darynda--she's snarky and clever and I've developed a huge fangirl crush on her this year!

#2 Susan Elizabeth Phillips-Call Me Irresistible--I love Susan's crazy concepts and her madcap comedy. I most especially love her hunky heroes and feisty heroine's :)

#3 Dead Undead Or Somewhere In Between by J.A. Saare -- I met J.A. at a conference this year, and fell in love with her, and I was thrilled she gave me one of her books to read because she's a fantastic writer! And seriously, who can resist a book with a vampire named Disco? Love it, love her!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

I don't really have a favorite cover--I know, my bad! But I've been reading on the Kindle, so I haven't as much looked at the covers as I have the authors names when I choose a book. And because it's been a crazy year, I haven't done nearly the kind of reading I'm used to. :(

Favorite Series of 2011

My favorite series would have to be Darynda Jones Grave series!

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Name: Michelle Rowen
Blog Address: www.michellerowen.com/blog
Twitter Address: www.twitter.com/michellerowen

Top Books of 2011

#1 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / A fantastically epic ending to my favorite series (but happily there are more books coming in this world).

#2 Delirium by Lauren Oliver / YA-Dystopian / Beautifully written love story set in a dystopian world where "love" has been deemed a curable disease. I seem to enjoy books that tear my heart into pieces. Looking forward to book two.

#3 Bloodlines by Richelle Mead / YA-Urban Fantasy / The first book in the new series, which is a spin-off from Vampire Academy. I just love Adrian Ivashkov far too much.

#4 The Iron King by Julie Kagawa / YA Fantasy/ Such a fun twist on fae lore, great set up for a love triangle, and who doesn't love a talking cat? (Yes, this was a 2010 book but I only read it this year!)

#5 That Old Black Magic / Paranormal Romance/ Yes, I picked my own book. Sexy, funny demon, troubled witch, the final book in a trilogy. What's not to love? ;)

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff. This cover is absolutely stunning in person.

Favorite Series of 2011

The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.

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Name: Shiloh Walker
Website: http://www.shilohwalker.com/website/
Twitter Address: @shilohwalker

Top Books of 2011

#1 Once and Again by Lauren Dane / Contemporary Romance / I loved the heroine. She was just plain fun.

#2 Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison / Paranormal Romance - Dragons / Need I say more?

#3 Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh / Paranormal Romance / It's Nalini. It's one of her Archangel books, and it was awesome.

#4 Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews / Urban Fantasy / I hadn't read this one until a few weeks ago, although it's been out a while. But I loved it. I also have developed a mad love for Teddy Jo.

#5 Alphas by Ilona Andrews / Urban Fantasy / Because I loved her twist on angels... :-)

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Ahhh... that one is hard. I don't tend to remember that very well. I'm blanking

Favorite Series of 2011

Stacia Kane's Downside series, Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels' series or the Stardoc books by SL Viehl. I can't narrow it down more than that...

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Name: Kelly Meding
Website: http://kellymeding.com/
Book Blog Address: http://chaostitan.blogspot.com
Twitter Address: http://twitter.com/KellyMeding

Top Books of 2011

These aren't exactly in order (I don't think), and one of them wasn't published this year (I read it for the first time this year, though), but here is my list!

#1 Soft Apocalypse, by Will McIntosh / Science Fiction / This is the only book I read this year that gave me actual nightmares. I thought about it for days after the final pages, because it's the kind of SF novel that really could happen--sooner, rather than later. Riveting and dramatic, it has one of the most brutal death scenes I've ever read.

#2 Sweet as Sin, by Inez Kelley / Contemporary Romance / A beautifully written love story about two damaged people who find each other. I loved the way the author used the book-within-a-book method to further illustrate the emotional battle waged by the hero, as he comes to terms with his past in order to find a happy future.

#3 Deadline, by Chris Crutcher / Contemporary YA / Even though the description of the book makes the ending a gimme, I still sobbed, because I loved the main character that much. A wonderful story about making the best of the time you have left.

#4 Precious and Fragile Things, by Megan Hart / Contemporary Fiction / I'm a huge fan of Hart's erotic contemporaries, and this book was a super departure for her. It was the first book I read in 2011, and it's still one of the best, with its nail-biting story line and a heartbreaking conclusion.

#5 Across the Universe, by Beth Revis / YA Science Fiction / Lovely writing, a fresh premise, and a tense mystery all wrapped up in a spaceship-shaped package, with a dash of teen love story. I loved everything about this book, and I can't wait for the sequel coming in 2012.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

This is a tough one, because I read so much and in so many different genres. But one cover that I do keep going back to and staring at is SHINE, by Lauren Myracle. It's just so haunting and striking. It makes me want to open the jacket and see what the book is about.

Favorite Series of 2011

Hands down, it's the Donovan Brothers Brewery Trilogy, by Victoria Dahl (Good Girls Don't, Bad Boys Do, Real Men Will). Smart, fun, sexy--I gobbled them up in three days!

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Author: Laurie London
Blog: www.LaurieLondonBooks.com
Twitter: @LaurieBLondon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieLondonAuthor

Top Books of 2011

Since I've been on a zombie kick lately, here are some of my favorite reads this year.

#1 Feed by Mira Grant / Science Fiction & Fantasy / Decades after the zombie apocalypse happens, bloggers play a huge part in how news is disseminated in a world where people have cocooned themselves, rarely leaving their homes and neighborhoods. It's very fast paced and nail-bitingly scary. The world-building is fantastic and I loved her writing style.

#2 The Passage by Justin Cronin / The Passage by Justin Cronin / Okay, so this is a vampire story but they're zombie-like vampires. Can you imagine packs of them glowing in the trees then dropping down to suck your blood and kill you? There's even a scene at an abandoned shopping mall! Not only do you find out what happened that caused the apocalypse, but the story is epic-like in that it jumps forward about 100 years. Plus, how can you not want to read it when you learn the author came up with the story premise when his 8 year old daughter said she wanted him to write a book about a girl who saves the world.

And, last but not least, this isn't a zombie book, but I enjoyed it very much.

#3 A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin / Science Fiction & Fantasy / I started watching the HBO series first then quickly read the book. I need to read the second book before the new season starts up.

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Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Blog Address: http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/
Twitter Address: @JLArmentrout

Top Books of 2011

#1 Soul Screamers Books by Rachel Vincent / YA Paranormal / I read them all this year. Todd. Need I say more?

#2 Lover Eternal JR Ward / Adult Paranormal / I like the godzilla like beast. What can I say?

#3 Touch by Jus Accardo / YA Paranormal / I really love the whole killer touch thing.

#4 Unearthly by Cynthia Hand / YA Paranormal / This angel story really stuck with me.

#5 Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon / YA Paranormal / The whole elemental thing is fascinating.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

The Space Between by Brenna Yomanoff / I haven't read the book yet, but my God, that cover is gorgeous.

Favorite Series of 2011

Ah, that's an easy one. Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent

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Name: Tammy Kaehler
Website: www.tammykaehler.com
Blog: tammykaehler.blogspot.com & twofortheroadblog.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tkaehler
Facebook: facebook.com/Tammy

Top Books of 2011

(I’ll apologize in advance, because my recommendations will all be mysteries. They’re what I read, write, and love the most!)

#1 Trick of the Light by Louise Penny / Mystery / The first chapter of this book is quite simply magic. It’s one of the best descriptions I’ve ever read of the peculiar mix of bone-deep terror and transcendent joy that is the sharing of something one has created with the world. And the story just gets better from there. Read Penny’s entire Inspector Gamache/Three Pines series. Every book is beautifully written, and though the characters aren’t always good or true or just, you’ll still wish yourself in the village with them.

#2 One Was a Soldier by Julia Spencer-Fleming / mystery / I love this book. Her writing is warm, evocative, and intelligent, and somehow manages to be comforting and educational in the midst of exploring murder, other crime, and the aftermath of soldiers gone to war. She devastatingly illustrates how war doesn't just exist “over there,” but is brought home too, existing here in the people who've had to live it. I was moved.

#3 Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger / Mystery / This is the latest in Krueger’s series (which I just discovered this year) featuring Cork O'Conner, a part Irish-American, part Ojibwe former county sheriff in Northern Minnesota. Cork’s no superhero, but he's good and just, and you want him to be your friend and champion. Northwest Angle is a gripping story that starts with a natural disaster and ends with a man-made one. It'll have you short of breath and appreciating how Krueger makes you feel part of the action.

#4 The Dangerous Edge of Things by Tina Whittle / Mystery / I found Tina’s book because we share a publisher, and the minute I finished the first chapter, I started running around making people read it … because it was just that compelling. Her writing sucks you into the story immediately, entertains you, and leaves you puzzling (in a good way) over the plot. It’s a great read.

#5 Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen / Mystery / This is the latest in a really fun series about Lady Georgiana, who is 34th in line to the British throne, yet penniless, and trying to survive in 1930s London. In Naughty in Nice, Georgie ends up in France discharging a task for Her Majesty, solving a nasty murder, and modeling clothes for Coco Chanel. Bowen’s books are always entertaining romps, and I enjoyed this one every bit as much as her others.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

I’m horribly biased, but nothing will ever compare to my own first book cover! Dead Man’s Switch, Tammy Kaehler

Favorite Series of 2011

Sophie Littlefield’s “A Bad Day for …” series about Stella Hardesty, avenger of wronged women. It’s hilarious.

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Name: Sang Kromah
Book Blog Address: http://sangkromah.com/author-blog/
Twitter Address: www.twitter.com/SangWrites

Top Books of 2011

#1 Concealed by Sang Kromah / Young Adult Fiction / I'm thinking my opinion would be biased since I am the author. But I wanted to tell a story that hasn't been told before...a story that defies the laws of storytelling yet endears itself to every reader. I made up the back story as a child...almost as an escape from reality. It's a story like nothing else in today's YA genre. Concealed is a modern-day cautionary tale, set in Sykesville, Maryland, about finding the courage to choose your own destiny, while paying tribute to lore of foreign lands.

#2 The Seventh Blessing by Melissa Buell / Young Adult Fiction / Melissa Buell's world building was what drew me into this novel. Imagine believing one thing about yourself, only to discover it’s all been a lie. That’s the situation Samantha, Princess of Mittra, finds herself in when she realizes the gifts given to her by the fairies weren’t truly hers at all. So if you're a fan of fairies, this tale is an original take on fairy lore.

#3 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi / Young Adult Fiction / This was one of those books that a lot of my friends pushed me into reading, and I must say, I'm glad I did. At the end of every chapter, I was very reluctant to stop. I must say that if you're an X-Men and Hunger Games fan, you'll enjoy Shatter Me.

#4 Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick / Young Adult Fiction / The Hush, Hush series was the first series that got me into the angels. This series prompted me to read Fallen as well, but Crescendo is the best I've read so far. It's a definite must-read!

#5 Passion by Lauren Kate / Young Adult Fiction / I loved this third installment of the Fallen series for the simple fact that Luce, the main character, gets to see first hand, why everything is happening to her. It answers so many questions. So even though it wasn't my favorite book of the year, I was satisfied.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Favorite Series of 2011

The Hallowmere Series by Tiffany Trent. I read them all and then found out that the author just stopped writing the series. I was very disappointed, because I fell in love with this series.

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I wanna thank all of the authors for helping me with this post! All of the authors involved were amazing and very helpful. I appreciate them taking the time out of their busy holiday schedules.

Check back tomorrow for my Top Audiobooks of 2011 post!

TOP BOOKS OF 2011 - Blogger Edition

2011-12-31T13:04:00.000-08:00

It’s just about time for the party hats, noise makers, and countdowns to begin. I may not have a big shiny ball or Dick Clark, excuse me, I mean Ryan Seacrest, but I’m having my very own countdown. This has been a great year of book! I watched one of my most beloved series come to a heartbreaking end, as well as picked some new spectacular series as well.

With 2012 just around the corner, I decided to get together with my favorite book bloggers, authors and audiobook narrators to ask them about their favorite books of 2011. This blog is part one of three in my Top Books of 2011 series (Book Bloggers, Authors, & Audibooks).

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Name : Samantha
Book Blog Address: http://chicklitplus.com
Twitter Address: @chicklitplus

Top Books of 2011

#1 A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess / Chick Lit / A laugh out loud comedy that will have you relating, laughing, and cringing with the main character!

#2 Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Roud / Women’s Fiction / A book that will inspire women to always be their best and work hard at their goals.

#3 Girl in a Spin by Clodagh Murphy / Chick Lit / A novel that will make you think, laugh and cry. An all around total package.

#4 Stay by Allie Larkin / Women’s Fiction / Super cute cover, and a book for animal lovers. I almost bought a dog solely because of this book.

#5 Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank / Women’s Fiction / My first book from one of my new favorite authors. Will pull you in at the first page.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

The Whole Package by Cynthia Erlangen / Elegant and classy!

Favorite Series of 2011

Mysteries A La Mode by Wendy Lyn Watson / I love her cozy mysteries!

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Name: Sophia (Fiction Vixen):
Book Blog Address: http://www.fictionvixen.com
Twitter Address: https://twitter.com/#!/fictionvxn/

Top Books of 2011

#1 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / This series is my most favorite UF series of all time and this final book in the series was awesome. Mac and Barrons had an amazing journey.

#2 Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews / Urban Fantasy / Another fabulous UF series that just keeps getting better and better. The Andrew's team write such engaging characters.

#3 Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep / Urban Fantasy / I feel like I've waited so long for Gin to get her final revenge and Jennifer Estep did not let Gin down. Amazing action in this one.

#4 Sweet as Sin Inez Kelley / Contemporary Romance / This was an emotionally powerful story. One of my favorite Inez Kelley titles.

#5 Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt / Historical Romance / I adore this series and couldn't wait for Charmin' Mickey's story. He was horrible but I loved him.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

I don't really go crazy for covers so this is a hard one for me. I really like historical romance covers because I'm a sucker for a pretty dress. But on the other hand I like gritty UF covers too. If I had to pick a favorite cover I'd say the original cover for Enclave by Ann Aguirre, when it was called Razorland

Favorite Series of 2011

The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning hands down.

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Name: Mandi
Book Blog: www.smexybooks.com
Twitter Name: @smexybooks

Top Books of 2011

#1 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / The fifth and final book of the fever series blew me away. An amazing ending to my favorite urban fantasy series. We finally got answers to this very intense, dark and sexy series. I'm sad it is over, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

#2 Unraveled by Courtney Milan / Historical Romance / I was so looking forward to this book, after we meet the hero in a previous book in this series. Smite exceeded all my expectations. He was so tortured, and the heroine was a perfect match for him. My favorite historical of the year.

#3 Divide and Conquer by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux / Mystery - Romance / This series as a whole is one of my favorite romance series out there. Ty and Zane, both FBI agents are so intense and emotional together. Their books leave me wrecked for days, and I can barely stand the wait for the next one.

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Name: Fiktshun
Book Blog Address: http://www.fiktshun.com
Twitter Name: @fiktshun

Top Books of 2011

#1 A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / I am obsessed with this book. I re-read it so many times. I love how dark it is, how twisty-turny. I love that no punches were pulled and nothing was held back. It was dark. Brutal. Awesome.

#2 If I Die by Rachel Vincent / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / It was the ultimate roller-coaster of emotions. My heart was crushed, it was lifted, I lived in torment from beginning to end. It was merciless. It was amazing.

#3 Wildefire by Karsten Knight / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / Another one of my obsessions. I loved how kick-a this book and the MC is. I loved the beautiful writing. And I loved its originality and the knock you into yesterday cliffhanger ending.

#4 Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / The book that made me fall in love with witches. The writing blew my mind. The creativity and imagination that kept me riveted. The promise of so many amazing things to come.

#5 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi /YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy -Dystopian /It left me breathless. It broke my heart. It took me weeks to recover. It was beautiful. Fragile. It was everything.

Just have to say that I’m so sad that this is not top 10, because it was painful to cut books I desperately wanted to include. I cheated the system a little by putting two of my top tens reads into the cover and series categories though!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey / (Also one of my top ten reads of the year, but I was only allowed to choose 5.) / The most beautiful cover I’ve seen this year. The first one that pops into my mind. The artwork is stunning. The dress shattering into petals is beautiful. The colors are rich yet subtle and simply beautiful. The cover is totally pet-able.

Favorite Series of 2011

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout from her new Covenant series. / This series is already a favorite of mine. Having only read the first novel and the novella, I’m a fan for life. The heroine is totally fierce. The demons are even fiercer. Deity Island is a place even I want to be. The boys are yummy. And the action doesn’t’t let up.

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Names: Julie, Leisha, and Jennifer of A Tale of Many Reviews
Book Blog Address: http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com
Twitter Address: @Tale_of_Reviews

Top Books of 2011

These are a mix of picks from me, Leisha, and Jennifer. We all review for the blog. They are not in a particular order.

#1 Ashfall by Mike Mullin - Julie / YA Mystery - Suspense
#2 Where She Went by Gayle Foreman - Jennifer / YA Romance
#3 Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard - Julie & Leisha / Contemporary Romance
#4 The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines - Julie / YA Romance
#5 The Rift Walker by Cay & Susan Griffith - Jennifer / Urban Fantasy

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Destined by Jessie Harrell

Favorite Series of 2011

Elemental Mysteries Series by Elizabeth Hunter - Leisha

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Name: Parajunkee
Book Blog Address: www.parajunkee.com
Twitter Name: @parajunkee

Top Books of 2011

#1 Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Ann Aguirre / Urban Fantasy / I thought Aguirre blended the dystopian genre with the zombie myth so well and her established writing pattern showed so fantastically in this book. She proved that an adult writer could pen a phenomenal young adult book.

#2 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / Shadowfever was the end of an era for me. For years I had been left with cliff hangar after cliff hangar via the evil (j/k!!) Karen Marie Moning. Shadowfever was the conclusion that I desperately wanted and even opened up with more questions. A book that you finish and then you have to page right back to the first page to star again.

#3 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern / Science Fiction & Fantasy / This one was so beautifully written and imagined that if I taught an English class I would assign it immediately. I can't wait to see what will become of this movie but I know it will never compare to the book, there is just no way it can be interpreted to film.

#4 Ashes (Ashes Trilogy, #1) by Lisa J. Bick / YA Fantasy / I was blown away with Bick's writing style and the desperate situation of this apocalypse novel. From page one this book grips you and doesn't let you go - not even after you finish it.

#5 The First Days (As The World Dies: A Zombie Trilogy #1) by Frater, Rhiannon / Science Fiction & Fantasy / I've taken on a new obsession as of late and that one just happens to be zombies. The First Days did more than just feed my obsession it raised the standards that I will measure all other zombie novels. It's a great book.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Favorite Series of 2011

The Fever series ended for me this year and remains one of my favorite series of all time.

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Name: Kelly @ Reading With Martinis
Book Blog Address: http://readingwithmartinis.com
Twitter Address: @MartiniReading

Top Books of 2011

#1 Divergent by Veronica Roth / YA Dystopian / I loved this book because it was made of so much awesome! Fabulous characters, action-packed, I loved the world that Roth created, it was just amazing! I can't wait for the sequel, Insurgent!

#2 The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson / YA Dystopian-Speculative fiction / I had so many people recommend this book to me. I kept putting off reading it, and then it ended up being one of the best books I read this year. Jenna Fox is an amazing character. She grapples with an unfathomable situation and that situation left me breathless! I couldn't put this book down! It is so well-written, so engrossing, I would totally recommend it to everyone!

#3 Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult / Contemporary Fiction / I am a huge Picoult fan and I always enjoy her work. But she managed to completely blow me away with this book! It was such an emotional read for me. I laughed along with the characters, and I cried at the novel's ending. It was absolutely tremendous!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (the one with the girl in the white dress. I have seen several covers for this book).

Favorite Series of 2011

The Hunger Games trilogy

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Name: Katie Bartow
Mundie Moms: http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MundieMoms

Top Books of 2011

#1 Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare / YA-Paranormal / I absolutely LOVE this Victorian London era Shadowhunter world. What Cassie does in Clockwork Prince is brilliant. That's the best way to describe this book. I loved every moment of it, even the parts where she broke my heart into a million pieces and then picked it back up again. Cassie also has a talent for her surprises, and there's a few things that happened in CP that I didn't even see coming. Not to mention she has written the best love triangle ever. I know that sounds fan girly, but the Jem-Tessa-Will love triangle is my all time favorite one. I can not wait for Clockwork Princess.

#2 The Iron Queen by The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa / YA-Paranormal /A broken fey Prince, a hilarious side kick who loves to make jabs at him any time he can and a forbidden romance...... SOLD! I love this series for those reasons alone, and then some. Julie's writing is so addicting, I can't ever seem to get enough of it. Though this series has ended, it will forever be one of my all time favorite fey and YA series. If you haven't yet, go pick it up!

#3 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi / YA - Romance / Can I just say brilliant!?! I'm completely blown away that this is her debut book! Tahereh's writing is brilliant, flawless and completely captivating. This dystopian is a MUST READ! I don't even know what else to say about this book other than the fact I am totally in love with this story line. There's a fantastic heroine, two well written love interests, though one of them is a little twisted and the love is not reciprocated back, plenty of plot twists, action and that shocking ending that leaves me wishing I had the sequel now. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

Favorite Book Cover from 2011

This is a hard one, as there were a lot of fabulous covers released this year. I'm going to say that Clockwork Prince was my all time favorite. I love what Simon & Schuster has done with the Infernal Device covers and Clockwork Prince with Jem on the front was their best one yet.

Favorite Series from 2011

This will be no surprised, The Infernal Devices. Again, I love the Victorian Era Shadowhunter world Cassie's created and the entire cast of characters. That's not saying I don't love The Mortal Instrument Series any more, because I do, it's just that the Infernal Devices series is my all time favorite of Cassie's. When you meet Will, Jem and Tessa you'll understand why ;)

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First: The Lit Bitch
Book Blog Address: http://www.thelitbitch.com
Twitter Address: @thelitbitch

Top Books of 2011

#1 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon / historic fiction - romance / I loved it's originality, I have not read anything like it. The characters are bewitching and play to each others weaknesses and stregnths beautifully. I loved that the book has something for everyone...action, adventure, fantasy, romance, humor, history....everything! I can't say enough good things about this book and series as a whole. I could easily put every single one of the books on this list but then it wouldn't be much of a variation now would it :).

#2 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig / historic fiction - romance / It was hilarious! A spy paradoy but yet belivable adventure mixed with some romance. I loved this book, I haven't had a book make me laugh out loud, literatlly till I had tears...in a long time!

#3 Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare / YA - steam punk -fantasy / A nice break from vampire infused romance YA novels! This book balanced adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, and young romance in a steampunk Victorian world. It was AWESOME I was so anxious to read the next book. I loved Will, the dark, brooding gothic hero and who could not love the passionate Jem? It is the first in a trilogy which promises to be a great series!

#4 Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare / YA - steampunk - fantasy / I literally devoured this book in a matter of hours. I was so anxious to find out what happened next in the series that I simply HAD to read this one ASAP! Clockwork Angel left a huge cliff hanger so I was biting my nails till this one came out. The adventure, love triangle, and mysteriousness only thickens as this book progresses....I can't wait to see how everything works out in the next book! Who will Tessa pick is the big question!

#5 Soulless by Gail Carriger / fantasy- sci-fi - steam punk / Who could not love the spunky and witty Alexia Tarabotti? She is a great heroine and reading about her adventures with the paranormal sect living in London was second to none. I read the novel in 1 day, finally someone made Victorian London seem positively ravishing and exciting!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare or Outlander (the first book) by Diana Gabaldon.

Favorite Series of 2011:

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

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Name: Stacey O'Neale
Book Blog Address: http://www.staceyoneale.com & http://www.yafantasyguide.com
Twitter Address: @StaceyONeale

Top Books of 2011

#1 Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare / YA Fantasy / This story is so rich with both it's characters and setting. I am so torn between my love for Will and Jem that I can actually argue a case for both. Seriously, I am in love with this series and will cry when it ends.

#2 Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead / YA Fantasy / I am so late, I know. I have avoided this series for years because most books don't live up to the hype, but THIS ONE DOES. It's so fantastic on every level. I read the first one in two days and requested the rest of the series immediately after. I'm such a junkie now for this series.

#3 City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare / YA Fantasy / Anyone who follows me on twitter knows that I am so nutty for all things shadowhunter. This book is the best in the series thus far. I was literally laughing out loud, and then ten pages later, crying. Not many authors can get me teary-eyed.

#4 Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins / YA Fantasy / I am absolutely in love with her protagonist. I want to be her or at least be her best friend. She cracked me up on nearly every page. I'm reading the second book of the series now.

#5 Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr / YA Fantasy / This was the conclusion to her bestseller series, Wicked Lovely. I thought I had this series all figured out, but Melissa is so creative that she managed to come up with an ending that I didn't expect. All the storylines tied together seamlessly and I was pleased when it was over. I'll miss the characters especially Seth & Niall. I've heard it's being made into a movie and I'm really looking forward to it.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - It's underwater and you can't see their faces but you know it's a boy and a girl. I actually bought it without reading the description which I almost never do. I haven't read it yet, but I've heard it's really good!

Favorite *NEW* Series of 2011

I didn't want to pick from the list I already created so I changed mine to read NEW series of 2011. My favorite NEW series is Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. The first book in the series came out in November and it rocked me from page one. It was unputdownable. I literally carried it with me around the house until I finished it in one day. I cannot wait to see where this story goes!

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Name: Stephanie
Book Blog Address: http://www.readinasinglesitting.com
Twitter Address: @readinasitting

Top Books of 2011

#1 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery / young adult / 2011 was the year in which I discovered Librivox, and I've had a wonderful time catching up on or revisiting many notable classics. Having for some reason skipped by Anne of Green Gables as a child, I decided it was time to make amends, and promptly found myself zipping through the entire series in audiobook format. Warm, loving and full of good humour, Anne is the kind of heroine you'd love as your best friend (so long as she's not cooking dinner for you), and her antics and surprising wisdom are an utter delight--it's no surprise that this series has continued to enchant readers for generations.

#2 Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper / young adult / Award-winning young adult author Mary Hooper has rocketed to the top of my must-read list as a result of her recent novels Fallen Grace and Velvet, both of which are elegant, enchanting novels set in Victorian London. In Fallen Grace, Hooper examines the culture of death and mourning in London in this era, and artfully blends the horror of life in the Big Smoke with small whimsies and Dickensian characters who'll stay with you long after the book is done.

#3 Tantony by Ananda Braxton-Smith / young adult/ Ananda Braxton-Smith's Tantony is proof that a book should not be judged by appearances alone. Set aside largely due to its less than appealing cover, this one languished in my review pile for months before I finally picked it up. All I can say is that I'm glad that I did: the book is utterly exquisite from start to finish. An historical YA, Tantony examines mental illness in a time where neuroatypicality was thought to be the stuff of evil spirits, and it's a deeply moving, heart-wrenching read. Braxton-Smith's prose is lilting and musical, taking its inspiration from the Celtic poets, and her characters complex and painfully real.

#4 The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett / middle grade / Hodgson Burnett's famous novel was a favourite during my childhood, and I tortured my parents by watching it over and over. Revisiting it as an adult, however, I found that this novel resonated on so many levels: the focus on emotional renaissance through nature and relationships; the importance of engaging with and dealing with one's demons in order to grow as an individual; and even the fascinating (if admittedly objectionable) depictions of class and race during these times.

#5 Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett / literary / Favel Parrett's debut has received wide critical acclaim since publication, and deservingly so, too. Past the Shallows is a laconic, subtle examination of live in small-town Tasmania, where the ocean looms large and the future prospects of the town's residents are quickly dwindling. The book is told from the viewpoints of two young boys whose family has been torn apart by death and depression, and who look set to follow the same desultory path. It's a magnificent, moving read, and one that you won't be able to put down.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

I adored this collection of Art Deco-inspired F Scott Fitzgerald covers by Coralie Bickford. Certainly proof that great covers can sell books!

Favorite Series of 2011

I've thoroughly enjoyed Michael Grant's young adult "Gone" series, in which all of the adults in a small Californian town abruptly vanish, leaving their children to fend for themselves. It's part Stephen King, part Lord of the Flies, and it's wonderful gory fun. The books may look action-oriented and slight on the surface, but there's a lot going on thematically in these--politics, economics, and philosophy all get a thorough working out.

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Name: Laurie
Book Blog Address: www.dangerousromance.com
Twitter Address: @dangerromance

Top Books of 2011

#1 Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison / Paranormal Romance / I'm usually more of an Urban Fantasy then Paranormal Romance kinda girl. This book was such a wonderful surprise, the writing was witty, sexy, exciting, hilarious and addictive. The couple could not be more different, not only were they not like eachother...they weren't like any other couple out there in PNR. The story of Dragos Culebre and the secret his love interest was hiding, the chase she leads him on...just great stuff. This book spurred more comments at my blog then just about any other, and we kept going back and re-reading our favorite parts over and over. The world Harrison has created is refreshing and creative and there are 3 sequels so far. Which brings me to my 2nd favorite book of the year...

#2 Oracle Moon by Thea Harrison / Paranormal Romance / Books two and three in the series were good, very good. But the recently released book 4, took me back to what I loved so much about book one. Characters we've gotten to know through the other books make appearances, and the love story was incredibly touching, and has great scenes that can go from hilarious to heartbreaking. Harrison's world is filled with so many different interconnected stories I can't wait to read what else she throws at us, but the story of the Oracle and the Djinn will always be one of my favorites.

#3 Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews / Paranormal Romance / Ilona and her husband Gordon write fantastic, nail biting, nerve wracking Urban Fantasy. The sexual chemistry between Kate Daniels and the King of all the shifters, Curran is sizzling hot. No "Moonlighting Curse" here, this book is even better now that they have finally gotten together. If you haven't read any of this series you have to start with book one, and read slowly...Ilona Andrews has started writing another series, it will be a solid two years before another Kate Daniels story comes out, so savor them.

#4 The Bitter Seed of Magic by Suzanne McCleod / Urban Fantasy / I wish I could put my finger on what it is that makes this series so great. Written by a British author and set in London, it is refreshing to read something not set in America, but what shines for me is the great chemistry between the characters and how complex the plots are. Genny is a Spellcracker, she can not only unwork a spell, she can usually tell who crafted it. She is a sympathetic character who through no fault of her own is walking the line between the worlds of the Vampires, The Fae and the Witches. McLeod's spellcracker series also features one of the hottest Vampires I've ever read. Malik gives Eric Northman a run for his money.

#5 The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss / Epic Fantasy / This was the most anticipated book I read this year. I fell head over heels in love with Rothfuss' writing in his debut, "The Name of the Wind" which came out about 4 years ago, and I never thought the sequel would come out. When book two finally came out this year, I was afraid it might disappoint, but it was even better then book one. Rothfuss took the Fantasy Fiction world by storm with book one, and having received so many comparison's to the greatest writers of Fantasy, there was a lot riding on the sequel, but it did not disappoint. No sophomore slump here, brilliant prose, deeply textured and layered plots upon plots, a character that is a hero for the ages. If you love fantasy and haven't read The Name of the Wind, you are in for a wonderful ride, and lucky you...you won't have to wait 4 years for the sequel like I did. However, you will have to wait about two more years to read book 3. That's just how Rothfuss rolls.

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I really wanna thank all of the book bloggers who helped me with this post! I really appreciate your help. Check back over next couple days to see your favorite authors Top Books of 2011 and favorite narrators Top Audiobooks of 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S

TOP COVERS OF 2011

2011-12-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

They say, "Don't judge a book by it's cover.", but sometimes the covers are so stunning you can't help yourself! I scoured my book shelves, book stores, and the internet to find my favorite covers from 2011. I have to admit that narrowing it down to 10 was a difficult task, seeing as there were so many spectacular covers this year.

SOUL SCREAMERS: VOL. 1 by Rachel Vincent

It starts with a scream….

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent's compelling Soul Screamers series keeps getting better—here, for the first time, the original stories are compiled into one special volume….

My Soul to Lose

—The prequel: never before in print!—

Kaylee is just your average girl shopping at the mall with friends—until a terrified scream bursts from her that cannot be stopped. Taken to a hospital ward, will she be able to save her mind—and her life?

My Soul to Take

She's always felt different, but now Kaylee discovers why. The screams that cannot be denied mean that someone near her will die—and she can never save them. Because saving one life means taking another….

My Soul to Save

Going on dates with her boyfriend is still new to Kaylee. But when the singer of the band they're seeing dies onstage and Kaylee doesn't scream, she knows something crazy is going on. Soon she discovers souls can indeed be sold….

SHATTERED SOULS by Mary Lindsey

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries. Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

HEREAFTER by Tara Hudson

Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.

HADES by Alexandra Adornetto

Heaven Help Her.

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier’s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

The story that Alexandra Adornetto built in her New York Times-bestselling debut, Halo, comes alive in action-packed and unexpected ways, as angels battle demons, and the power of love is put to the test.

SILENCE by Becca Fitzpatrick

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

ENTWINED by Heathere Dixion

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

WILDFIRE by Karsten Knight

Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

COLLIDE by Megan Hart

A childhood accident left Emmaline vulnerable to disturbing fugue states that last only minutes, but feel like an eternity. The blackouts are unsettling but manageable…until she meets Johnny Dellasandro.

The reclusive painter gained notoriety in the '70s for his debauched lifestyle and raunchy art films. His naked body has achieved cult status, especially in Emm's mind—she's obsessed with the man, who's grown even sexier with age. Today Johnny shuns the spotlight and Emm in particular…until she falls into a fugue on his doorstep.

In that moment she's transported back thirty years, crashing a party at Johnny's place in his wild-man heyday— the night is a blur of flesh and heat that lingers on her skin long after she's woken to the present.

It happens again and again, each time-slip another mind-blowing orgy, and soon Emm can't stop, though every episode leaves her weaker and weaker. She's frightened by what's happening to her, but she's even more terrified of losing this portal to the Johnny she wants so badly. The one who wants her, too, and takes her—every chance he gets.

PARANORMAL FICTION - CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

2011-12-13T17:09:00.001-08:00

I've decided to gather together my list of must-have gift for the Paranormal book fan in your life. Whether they love Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy Series , Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake or Kim Harrison's Hallows Series, this list has something for everyone!

Richelle Mead

Series: Vampire Academy

Item: (AUTOGRAPHED) Vampire Academy Graphic Novel
Price: $12.99

Series: Vampire Academy
Item: Light Blue VA Junior Cut T-Shirt
Price: $18.00

Series: Dark Swan
Item: Dark Swan Comic Vol. 1
Price: $13.75

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Rachel Vincent

Series: Soul Screamers
Item: The Triangle is the Most Stable Geometric Shape T-shirt
Price: $21.99

Series: Shifters
Item: Alpha Mug
Price: $10.99

Series: Soul Screamers
Item: Soul Screamers: Volume One
Price: $8.99

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Laurell K. Hamiltonn

Series: Anita Blake
Item: (AUTOGRAPHED) Copy of Flirt
Price: $45.00

Series: Anita Blake
Item: Anita Blake US Marshal Mug
Price: $20.00

Series: Anita Blake
Item: Ladies T-Shirt - Jean-Claude by Brett Booth
Price: $10.00

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Cassandra Clare

Series: Infernal Device
Item: Tessa's Clockwork Angel Pendant
Price: $89.00

Series: Mortal Instruments / Infernal Devices
Item: Metal Quote Book Marks
Price: $15.00

Series: Infernal Devices
Item: Wings Pendant inspired by Clockwork Angel
Price: $69.00

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Jeaniene Frost

Series: Cat and Bones
Item: Bones' Chew Toy T-Shirt
Price: $30.49

Series: Cat and Bones
Item: Hello Kitten Mouse Pad
Price: $13.49

Series: Cat and Bones
Item: Once You Go Dead - Tank
Price: $23.49

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Kim Harrison

Series: The Hollows
Item: Blood Work (The Hollows Graphic Novel)
Price: $13.36

Series: The Hollows
Item: Burning Bunnies Lapel Pin
Price: $5.99

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Sherrilyn Kenyon

Series: Dark-Hunter
Item: Simi - 12" Vinyl Doll
Price: $149.99

Item: Official Kenyon Minion T-Shirt
Price: $24.99

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Rachel Caine

Series: Morganville Vampire
Item: Welcome To Morganville iPad 5-in-1 Case
Price: $55.99

Series: Morganville Vampire
Item: Michael Glass Tank
Price: $19.99

Series: Morganville Vampire
Item: I <3 Morganville Mousepad
Price: $12.29

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P.C. & Kristin Cast

Series: House of Night
Item: House of Night- Layered Combo Necklace
Price: $49.99

Series: House of Night
Item: Guardian Sword-The Claymore Necklace
Price: $29.99

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Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires
Item: Cadogan House Jr. Jersey T-Shirt
Price: $20.99

Series: Chicagoland Vampires
Item: Red Guard Gear Women's Fitted T-Shirt
Price: $24.19

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Keri Arthur

Series: Dark Angels
Item: Dark Angels Sholder Bag
Price: $69.99

Series: Riley Jenson
Item: When the Going Gets Tough ... Mug
Price: $12.99

Series: Riley Jenson
Item: Riley Jenson V-Neck Black Tee
Price: $21.99

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J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Item: BDB Logo iPad Case
Price: $34.99

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Item: BDB Dagger Logo Heart Charm Necklace
Price: $16.95

Series: Fallen Angels
Item: Fallen Angels Mouse Pad
Price: $12.99

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Patricia Briggs

Series: Mercy Thompson Series
Item: Mercy's Garage Logo T-Shirt
Price: $34.95

Series: Hurog Duology
Item: Hurog Means Dragon T-Shirt
Price: $30.95

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Christine Feehan

Series: Ghostwalkers
Item: Ghostwalkers - Gray Necklace Circle Charm
Price: $18.99

Series: Leopard Series
Item: Feehan Shape-olive/Bird Tote Bag
Price: $17.99

Series: Dark
Item: Skyler Gildan Women's T-Shirt
Price: $31.00

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Yasmine Galenorn

Series: Otherworld Series
Item: Smoky Tote Canvas Bag
Price: $10.95

Series: Otherworld Series

Item: Moon Stalkers Fan Club Mug #2
Price: $16.90

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More items will be added as I find them. Please feel free to leave me a comment and tell me of any merchandise that I'm missing!

REVIEW: Robyn Carr's BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-12-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

Title: BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Author: Robyn Carr
Release Date: October 25, 2011
List Price: $7.99
Publisher: Mira
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778312712
ISBN-13: 978-0778312710

My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 37/40 = 92%

Synopsis

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on.

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother's men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

My Review

(Review contains spoilers)
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I adored Denny when he was first introduced in a previous Virgin River book. He had a tough childhood and his past had left him a little broken. As an adult Denny had come to Virgin River to find family, and he did even if they weren’t related by blood. Just as Denny started to settle in to life in Virgin River, in walks his ex-girlfriend Becca. She decided that she couldn’t move on with her new life without facing Denny again. She tricked her brother into taking her on his hunting trip to Virgin River with his buddies.

This book really show how much Denny had grown in the years after he left Becca. He used to be a lost young man with no where to really call home. Now he has become a man that the town has come to love, respect, and rely on. He was willing to wait on Becca hand and foot after her accident, even though he didn’t know her true feelings. And he was even willing to give up everything for the girl he loves.

Becca may have been misguided in the beginning of this book, but she truly found her way in Virgin River. She found who she was, and what she wants to do for the rest of her life. The town changed her life for the better, and now she will help change the town on child at a time. I also loved the addition of Becca’s brother and his friends to Virgin River. I’m hoping to see more of them in the future. The series is always looking for a few new sexy soldiers!

I simply adore the characters and this town. Reading new books in this series, is like getting to see an old friend. Once you get into a each book, it feels as if you never left. Also, there is just something about Robyn Carr's writing that give me hope in life, people, and the world. Make you almost want to pack up and move there yourself!

BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS was a sweet and heart-felt holiday tale. If you are looking for something festive to read or just a chance to find peace in this crazy world, this is the book for you. When I pick up a Virgin River book I know I’m going to get two things: realistic characters and touching romance, and this book didn’t disappoint!

Virgin River Series

Book 19 - Sunrise Point (May 2012)
Book 18 - Redwood Bend (Mar 2012)
Book 17 - Hidden Summit (Jan 2012)
Book 16 - Bring Me Home for Christmas (Nov 2011)
Book 15 - Harvest Moon
Book 14 - Wild Man Creek
Book 13 - Promise Canyon
Book 12 - "Midnight Confessions" (novella)
Book 11 - Moonlight Road
Book 10 - Angel's Peak
Book 9 - Forbidden Falls
Book 8 - "Under the Christmas Tree" (novella)
Book 7 - Paradise Valley
Book 6 - Temptation Ridge
Book 5 - Second Chance Pass
Book 4 - A Virgin River Christmas
Book 3 - Whispering Rock
Book 2 - Shelter Mountain
Book 1 - Virgin River

Website

Robyn Carr's Website
Robyn Carr's Twitter

Naughty & Nice Holiday Reads - 2011

2011-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. We just got our first real winter weather of the season here in Indiana. A little snow and some adult hot chocolate has got me in the holiday mood. Again, I'm compiling a list of Holiday Naughty & Nice Reads. Most of my this years picks are brand spanking new, while some are past favorites that deserve a re-read!

These books are spicier then a mug of hot mulled cider, and what better to keep you warm this winter!

Title: The Bite Before Christmas
Author: Lyndsey Sands & Jeaniene Frost
Release Date: 10/25/11
My Rating: 5/5
Naughty Rating: 4/5
Product Description:

In Lynsay Sands' "The Gift," Katricia Argeneau knows grey-eyed cop Teddy Brunswick is her life mate. She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget.

It's "Home for the Holidays" in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones may long to wrap presents and set up a tree, but this Christmas, an evil vampire and long-buried family secrets will threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer.

Title: A Vampire for Christmas
Author: Michele Hauf, Laurie London, Alexis Morgan, Caridad Pineiro
Release Date: 11/18/11
My Rating: 5/5
Naughty Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

Tis the season…for these darkly sexy tales.

All they want for Christmas is you… It’s the time of year for twinkling lights on trees and kisses under the mistletoe. Yet the passing of another year means nothing to the stunning immortals who lurk in the shadows of the new-fallen snow. And they don’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice. Let four fanged lovers open your eyes to a passion you never dared to imagine. After all, there’s no place like home for the holidays—and these dazzling vampires can’t wait for an invitation.

Title: Tied with a Bow
Author: Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks, Kimberly Frost
Release Date: 11/1/11
My Rating: 5/5
Naughty Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

For the holidays, giving can bring as much pleasure as receiving. — Come, as these four bestselling authors invite you to savor the sweet anticipation of unwrapping these never-before-published novellas of searing sexuality, rapturous romance, and paranormal pairings. — Experience the feral fire of #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh's latest novella of the Breeds in her story, An Inconvenient Mate.

Feel the incendiary passion that cannot be extinguished in New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra's tale of the Children of the Air novella, Upon a Midnight Clear.

Explore the other limits of carnal craving in USA Today bestselling author Eileen Wilks's world of the lupi in her novella, Human Error.

Enter national bestselling author Kimberly Frost's all-new world of desire and devotion in First Light.

As intimate as they are imaginative, these unique holidays stories reveal the flush of surprise and joy when the most unexpected package turns out to be just what you always wanted...

Title:Unwrapped

Author: Megan Hart
Release Date: 12/6/2010
My Rating: 5/5
Naughty Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

Naughty is Nice

Newlyweds Leah and Brandon Long are finally taking a honeymoon. But just a few days into their Christmas-in-Vail vacation, Leah takes a tumble on the slopes, severely spraining her ankle. Being stuck indoors isn't so bad though: the luxurious chalet boasts a hot tub and cozy fireplace. Besides, sitting with her feet up while Brandon serves her in every way a man can serve a woman is exactly how both of them like to spend their time.

Leah would be in heaven, if only Brandon didn't insist on playing with the dynamic of their relationship. With kinky sex and deep conversation the only things on the agenda, Leah can't avoid the discussion of how things might change. Will she be ready to take their marriage to the next level in the New Year?

Title: Believe
Author: Lauren Dane
Release Date: 12/6/2010
My Rating: 4.5/5
Naughty Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

Their First Christmas, Bound Together…

All Jude wants for Christmas is Rori, all to himself. It’s their first holiday season as a couple, and staying home, seeing friends and family, means they’ll be surrounded by the memory of Rori’s late husband. It’s time for Jude and Rori to create their own traditions. Time for them to fully explore their most intimate desires to dominate and submit.

Rori is thrilled when Jude whisks her away to a luxury resort in the mountains. Spending Christmas away, just the two of them, is the perfect time to show him she’s ready to give herself to him completely…

Title: Red Hot Santa
Author: Tori Carrington
Release Date: 11/1/11
My Rating: 4/5
Naughty Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

Subject: Marine Reservist Jackson Savage Current Status: Security expert, ready for his first assignment.

Mission: Playing Santa at a local bar.

Obstacle: A woman who tempts him to be very, very naughty.

Jackson Savage is all ready to start an exciting new career at a local security agency. But for tonight, his job is to play Santa…until his good friend and co-marine Maxine "Max" McGuire sits on his lap, ready to tell him exactly what—or rather, who—she wants for Christmas! Before long, Jackson has Max in his bed, exploring all manner of things naughty and nice. But soon, they'll have to join forces on a critical, incredibly dangerous mission. Will they be able to objectively watch each other's backs…or will memories of their naughty bedroom antics put both of their lives at risk?

Title: Unwrapped
Author: Erin McCarthy
Release Date: 9/1/11
My Rating: 4.5/5
Naughty Rating: 4/5
Product Description:

From the streets of Chicago to the back roads of Kentucky to the wild dunes of a Scottish isle, mistletoe and mischief are this season's hottest gifts...

Blue Christmas --author Erin Mccarthy

While a blizzard blankets the world outside, Blue Farrow burrows into the arms of her highway hunk at the No Tell Motel. The road might be closed for dangerous conditions, but the couple navigates their own Kentucky Christmas curves. Nice and oh-so-naughty, Blue and her man open up to each other as they keep the Yule log burning.

Santa in a Kilt --author Donna Kauffman

The wind-whipped December sands of the isle of Kinloch invigorate Kira McLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan, a Scottish bachelor as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun. It'll take all the wiles of the canny islanders to weave a perfect Celtic Christmas for all....

Snow Angel -- author Kate Angell

Snowed under in Chicago, free spirit Allie is trapped in Dutton's department store on Christmas Eve when the lights go off and the holiday romance heats up. Our snow angel finds herself face to face with the dashing Aiden, the heir to the retail riches and her host for a night of winter wonder...

Title: Merry Christmas, Baby
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jennifer LaBrecque, Rhonda Nelson
Release Date: 11/15/11
My Rating: 4/5
Naughty Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

Who will you find under your Christmas tree? A cowboy? Ranch hand Tucker Rankin isn't crazy about the holidays...until a wintry night before Christmas, when Lacey Evans shows him how much fun it is to be nestled all snug in her bed.... A wealthy New Yorker? Stockbroker Jared Martin needs to get away, and Alaska's the perfect place to unwind. Especially once actress Theodora "Teddy" Monroe gets him to loosen his tie—and take it all off! Or maybe even a man in uniform? Soldier Silas Davenport is on Christmas leave. But when he arrives at his parents' home, no one is there...except for the irresistible Delphie Moreau. And she's one gift he won't be exchanging!

Title: A Red Hot New Year
Author: Cynthia Eden , Diana Mercury , Virginia Reede
Release Date: 11/27/07
My Rating: 4.5/5
Naughty Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

This New Year's Eve, turn up the "heat" . . .

At the stroke of midnight a new year begins--a time for passionate resolutions and brand-new pleasures; a time to let go of past restraints and embrace new sensual boundaries. Four masterful writers offer a quartet of boldly erotic tales guaranteed to heat up those winter nights.

Anna has always been the good girl, until a mysterious and powerful encounter with a wolf brings out her wild side Now she's unleashing her long-repressed desires on the sexy stranger who comes to her rescue . . . in Cynthia Eden's New Year's Bites.

Seducing her lover at a lavish party seems like the perfect way for Chantal to rekindle their lost passion. But the tables are turned when she finds herself the target of an even more intoxicating man's desire . . . in Diana Mercury's Night Resolutions.

During a weekend getaway at a cozy mountain cabin, two couples decide the long winter nights lend themselves to exciting sensual exploration. But no one expects their red-hot sessions will turn good friends into lovers for life . . . in Virginia Reede's Snow Blind.

Gina is your average female who just happens to become a bit of a . . . dragon when she's turned on Good thing she's found the kind of savagely sexy man who can bring out the beast in her . . . in Denise Rossetti's Coming on Strong.

These are some of my favorite heart warming tales of inspiration, love, family, and the Holiday Spirit.

Title: Only Us
Author: Susan Mallery
Release Date: 11/1/11
My Rating: 5/5
Nice Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. But he's also her boss and a good friend. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever.

Since his divorce, Cameron hasn't been willing to trust his heart—or his daughter—with anyone else. For months he's pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship for a single night of pleasure. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all...

An ebook exclusive Fool's Gold series novella.

Title: Bring Me Home for Christmas
Author: Robyn Carr
Release Date: 10/25/11
My Rating: 5/5
Nice Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly high-school relationship and moved on.

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother's men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Title: Holiday in Stone Creek: A Stone Creek Christmas\At Home in Stone Creek
Author: Linda Lael Miller
Release Date: 10/25/11
My Rating: 4/5
Nice Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

A Stone Creek Christmas

Stone Creek veterinarian Olivia O'Ballivan communicates easily with animals, but men are another story. Especially rugged architect-turned-rancher Tanner Quinn. Olivia's uncanny bond with his daughter Sophie's pony has him questioning her sanity, while she wonders if he's not just a drugstore cowboy. Then twelve-year-old Sophie conspires with Olivia to get Tanner into the spirit of Christmas. But will a holiday miracle transform the globe-trotting Tanner into a rancher—and family man—for all seasons?

At Home In Stone Creek

Everyone in Ashley O'Ballivan's life is marrying and starting families—except her. But why bother dating when no one can compare to Jack McCall, the man who left her heartbroken years ago? Now he's back in town —and maybe he isn't who she thinks he is.

While recovering from a dangerous mission for the DEA, security expert Jack rents a room in Ashley's bed-and-breakfast. For both their sakes, he tries to keep his distance, though neither can deny the growing spark between them. But when his past catches up with him, he'll have to leave again…just as he realizes where he's always belonged—in Stone Creek.

Title: Mistletoe & Margaritas
Author: Shannon Stacey
Release Date: 12/5/11
My Rating: NOT RELEASES YET
Nice Rating: NOT RELEASED YET
Product Description:

Heating up the Holidays

Claire Rutledge still believes in love, despite losing her husband. So, after two years, she's not surprised by the steamy dreams telling her it might be time to start moving on. But she didn't expect her friend Justin to have the starring role.

Justin McCormick has loved Claire since the moment he first saw her, but his best friend got there first. Now that Claire is ready to move on with her life, Justin is finding it harder than ever to hide his true feelings. And when they both get caught up in the holiday spirits at a party, their simmering mutual attraction boils over into a night neither of them can forget...

Title: 1225 Christmas Tree Lane
Author: Debbie Macomber
Release Date: 9/27/11
My Rating: 4/5
Nice Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

The people of Cedar Cove know how to celebrate Christmas. Like Grace and Olivia and everyone else, Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. Her small Christmas-tree farm is prospering, her daughters and her dogs are happy and well, and her new relationship with local vet Ted Reynolds is showing plenty of romantic promise. But…someone recently left a basket filled with puppies on her doorstep, puppies she's determined to place in good homes. That's complication number one. And number two is that her daughters Bailey and Sophie have invited their dad, Beth's ex-husband, Kent, to Cedar Cove for Christmas. The girls have visions of a mom-and-dad reunion dancing in their heads. As always in life—and in Cedar Cove—there are surprises, too. More than one family's going to have a puppy under the tree. More than one scheme will go awry. And more than one romance will have a happy ending!

Title: An O'Brien Family Christmas
Author: Sherryl Woods
Release Date: 11/27/11
My Rating: 4.5/5
Nice Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

Dating Matthew O'Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents' respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew's objections.

But the O'Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It's a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew's bound to be there, and she's far from immune. What if she can't resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O'Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell's unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

Title: Midnight Kisses
Author: Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear, Victoria Dahl
Release Date:
My Rating: 5/5
Nice Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

These are New Year's resolutions worth keeping!

Take a risk.

At the inaugural New Year's Eve party at Jack's Bar, two lonely revelers decide the best balm for their broken hearts might just be each other.

Find the perfect work–life balance.

When a flinty lawyer with a bad-boy addiction meets the quintessential nice guy, sparks fly that consume their expectations of life and love.

Get those finances in order.

Working over the holidays on a messy bank takeover is made worse for two federal specialists by an ill-advised kiss that will never happen again…right?

Title: Holly and Mistletoe
Author: Susan Mallery
Release Date: 08/17/09
My Rating: 5/5
Nice Rating: 4.5/5
Product Description:

A storm had claimed her apartment and now Holly Garrett was without a home for the holidays. But just when she saw her plans for Christmas crumbling, a miracle came her way...

The handsome firefighter who'd saved her and her cat - and who'd injured himself in the rescue - was now asking her for help. And he was inviting her to live with him. Sure, she could cook and clean for him while he recuperated, but was that really all he wanted?

Jordan Haynes couldn't let Holly be alone for Christmas - not when she brought out his every protective instinct. No, he could play the needy patient as well as anyone... and just maybe he could convince her to keep him company through the holidays - if not longer.

Title: The Naughty List
Author: Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden, Susan Fox
Release Date: 10/1/11
My Rating: 5/5
Nice Rating: 4/5
Product Description:

Donna Kauffman -- Naughty But Nice Businessman Griffin’s never believed in luck…until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there’s a catch: There’s no way he’ll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. His new “lucky charm” could destroy all his dreams…or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible…

Cynthia Eden -- All I Want for Christmas Good girl toy inventor Christie takes a walk on the naughty side when she sparks a no-strings fling with Santa—actually, sexy cop Jonas in a Santa suit. She loves her new “bad girl” persona, except as the holidays approach, she starts falling, and hard, for this known’ “love ’em and leave ’em” ladies man...

Susan Fox -- Tattoos and Mistletoe Charlie returns to her hometown to fix up her aunt’s B&B, but she doesn’t count on LJ handling the renovations. Nerdy LJ pined for her in school, but now he’s grown into the town’s hottest bachelor. Charlie’s been burned before and won’t let him get close. But LJ’s determined to break down her walls and make her dearest Christmas wish come true.

Title: Highlander for the Holidays
Author: Janet Chapman
Release Date: 10/25/11
My Rating: 4/5
Nice Rating: 5/5
Product Description:

After a brutal attack, Jessie Pringle moved to the small mountain town of Pine Creek, Maine, to start over. But she never expected to meet Ian MacKeage, who had seemingly stepped right out of the Scottish Highlands. As drawn to Ian as he is to her, Jessie finds it more and more difficult to deny her own desires... Then, on one of her long walks through the wilderness, she meets a kindly hermit who sells her a walking stick-one imbued with a magic that may allow Jessie to finally be rid of the pain of her past, and build a future with Ian.

What holiday book will you be reading this year?

THE RESURRECTED: Contest Winner!!!

2011-11-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

I wanna thank everyone who stopped by to check out Megan Hart's spectacular guest blog. I'm super excited for her new series, THE RESURRECTED. She was kind enough to give away the entire series to one lucky reader. The winner is.............

Brie R. who said, "I don't read zombie fiction, but I really enjoy movie or television shows based on them."

Brie, please e-mail me at NiceGirlsBkBlog at aol dot com! You have two days to e-mail me, or I will re-draw for a new winner.

Thanks to everyone who entered! If you didn't win, take a few minutes and stop by Megan's site to check out: Part 1 of THE RESURRECTED!

GUEST BLOG & CONTEST: Megan Hart 's THE RESURRECTED

2011-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to bring you one of my all-time favorite authors, Megan Hart. She has taken the time to stop by the Nice Girls Blog to talk about her series THE RESURRECTED. Megan is know as much for her sexy writing and gritty language, as she is for her deep, realistic characters. Her new series THE RESURRECTED may be change from her usual genre, but still contains that same thought provoking, emotional writing style.

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When a series of freak storms sweep across the world, they leave behind something more than devastation. First come the swift-growing flowers, smelling like heaven and dying as quickly as they bloom. Next comes the infestation as the flowers breed and multiply inside their hosts. After that, chaos, mayhem and death.

And after that…resurrection.

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I started working on The Resurrected in the spring of 2011. I’d been wanting to write some horror for a while, and had been tossing around the idea of doing a serial set of stories, released one a month, each standing on its own but being part of an overall story. I knew I’d want to write in an “end of the world” type setting -- something with zombies, maybe, because I love shows like The Walking Dead, movies like 28 Days Later and books like I am Legend and The Stand.

I came up with the idea that something would trigger an outbreak of irrational, furious behavior, but I didn’t want it to be a virus. As I thought more and more about the story, I was intrigued by the series of tornadoes that swept the country, along with other really strange weather anomalies we’d been experiencing. When my husband sent me a link to an article about a fungus that can show up in the aftermath of natural disasters, I knew I had my premise. An alien flower something like a mushroom, transported and distributed by strange tornadoes (including a water spout in one story) roots, blooms and dies while infecting human hosts which then incubate the spores inside them. The growing spores cause irrational behavior culminating in rage, violence and finally, the expulsion of the spores through the eyes, nose and mouth, thus spreading the spores to infect other hosts!

The Resurrected is a little horror, a little science fiction, there’s a little sexy romance. The best part of writing the stories has been the ability to include whatever I wanted, making each story a unique piece while tying them all together and telling a story about many people’s experiences when the world as they know it ends. At their heart, though, the stories are all about people and their relationships and how they react to their situations -- just like all my other books.

Part One features Cal and Abbie, strangers who meet in a bar and find an instant connection that leads to something more as they share a night of passion and destruction. Cal...mmm, Cal. Long and lean, sexy as all get-out...and he knows just what to do in an emergency. You gotta love that!

Currently, I have five completed stories. Parts one and two are available now at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, BN.com and the iBookstore, with other digital retailers to be added in the future. Part three will be released in December. You can find Part One for free on my website (and also from the iBookstore!) I plan to release ten to complete the first overall story, with more in the future depending on where the story goes.

I hope readers of my sexy romance or mainstream work will give The Resurrected a try, especially if they enjoy a little scare now and then. And, because Heidi was so kind to invite me here today, I’m going to give away a complete collection of The Resurrected to one lucky winner -- parts one through five to be send immediately, with six through ten as they’re completed. Just leave a comment here telling me why or why not you like zombie fiction!

So, don’t forget to visit http://www.meganhart.com/short-fiction/the-resurrected/ to get your free download of the first part of The Resurrected, as well as up-to-date information about the upcoming releases!

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Excerpt from The Resurrected-- Part One

That man walked like he’d never been afraid of anything.

That’s what Abbie Monroe thought when she looked at her own reflection in the mirror behind the bar at the Hole in the Wall and saw him passing behind her without so much as a second glance. That man walked like he’d never been afraid of anything and would never have to be. She turned to look at him in the real world, not in the mirror, thinking maybe it was the shadows or flashing lights from the tiny dance floor, or maybe simply the backwards, through-the-looking-glass reversal of everything that had made him stand out to her so clearly.

Nope.

It was still all him.

Her grandfather had been a sailor in the Navy during World War II and for most of his life, and he’d never lost that sort of rolling lope of a man for whom the ground beneath him was never still. The man heading toward the pool table at the back of the bar didn’t walk quite that way, but there was something familiar in the stride, in the shift of his hips. In the way he looked neither to right nor left unless he was focusing his gaze on someone reaching out to shake his hand, and even then, he shifted his entire body so briefly, so intently, that it was clear very little could ever take him by surprise.

And, Abbie reasoned as she signaled the bartender for another beer, she was probably full of seven different kinds of shit.

Maybe she just wanted him to not be afraid of anything, she thought as she sipped cold, foamy beer and twisted in her stool to watch the man nod at the couple playing pool. Was he going to play? She watched him tip his cap with some sort of letter logo on it, a big OU. It looked like a giant Kosher symbol to her, which was so unlikely it had to be wrong. Out here in the middle-of-nowhere, Oklahoma, it was all boots and hats and worn denim jeans with big belt buckles, shirts with the mother-of-pearl snap-front buttons and sleeves rolled up to elbows. Even on the women. She looked down at her skinny jeans and ballet flats, her fitted t-shirt and cardigan sweater. Maybe if she wore a hat like his, a pair of shit-kicking boots, she’d never be afraid either.

The bartender slid a basket of onion rings toward her along with a small plastic cup of some kind of spicy dip. It smelled so strongly of horseradish she had to blink and turn her head to hold back a sneeze, but her mouth watered in anticipation of the burn. She dipped a ring, thick with batter and grease and the size of her fist, into the dip and took a bite.

Damn, she thought with a sigh of ecstasy. That is some good dip.

“You like it?” The bartender laughed and rapped the top of the bar with his knuckles. “It’ll grow hair on your chest.”

“It just about seared my sinuses, that’s for sure.” Abbie gulped some beer and wiped her lips with a napkin. Gave the guy a grin that felt a little too big, a little too bright but was nevertheless genuine and didn’t seem to scare him too much. “Not sure if I need any hair on my chest, though.”

“Can I get you anything else?”

She shook her head. “I’m good for now.”

Behind him, above the mirror, a flat-screen TV flickered and danced with pictures of products and services she’d never used or bought but could easily be convinced she needed. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d watched television — cable had been one of the first things to go when she took her own place, and though she’d taken her share of the DVD collection, she’d never gotten around to getting a DVD player. Even in hotels she rarely turned on the television, having grown out of the habit of needing mindless background noise. When she’d still been paying for her smart phone, Twitter had provided her news, and if her tweet stream filled up too much with chatter about some subjects that had become incomprehensible to her because she wasn’t up on pop culture she simply tuned out for a few days. It had been months since she’d had a smart phone.

Television, the great hypnotist. When her children were smaller, Abbie had often needed to physically stand between them and the set in order to break the force it had on their attention. Ryan had been the same way, gaze ensnared by infomercials and cartoons with the same sticky strength. Now Abbie found herself understanding, sort of, the allure. Watching the TV meant she didn’t have to think much about anything but the steady stream of images, the sound turned down so it became a game for her to match the Closed-Captioning with the action on the screen.
“Can you believe that?” Beside her, the man she’d noticed earlier had sidled up to the bar, unnoticed while she’d allowed herself to be numbed by the TV. He tipped a glass rattling with ice cubes but otherwise empty, toward the screen. “Fella’s been on the news all day long.”

She gave her stool a half-turn, feeling rather than hearing the squeak of metal on metal. “What for?”

“Bud, turn it up, will you?” With a nod for the bartender, the man turned to her. “Says he’s had a sign from God the world’s gonna end.”

“Oh.” Abbie’s mouth twisted. She looked at the screen, noticing the captions were a couple seconds behind the actual words, which was disorienting. Especially when they were misspelled.

“Ice cream suit.”

The man laughed. “Huh?”

She pointed. The guy on the screen wore a white suit, white shirt, white tie. She’d bet he wore white shoes, too, but she hadn’t yet caught sight of his feet even though he was walking up and down on a small stage, shouting his proclamations to a rapt audience of a couple hundred moon-eyed faces.

“Ice cream suit,” she said. “Um, it was a story by Ray Bradbury. The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit. Whenever I see a suit like that, that’s what I think of. Also, it makes me suspect the guy wearing it is full of shit.”

The man laughed again, louder this time, and turned to rest his elbow on the bar while he looked at her. “Is that so?”

Abbie smiled, just a little. “Well. What do you think?”

The man kept his body angled toward her but tilted his head to look up at the TV. He watched for a second or two, smiling though his eyes were narrowed. Assessing. He noticed things, she thought, and her throat gave a small, dry click when she swallowed. He noticed everything.

He looked at her. “I think you’re right. Overflowing with shit.”

Her smile hadn’t faded while he studied the d-bag in the ice cream suit. Now it slanted just a little wider — not as freakishly broad as the one she’d given the bartender earlier, and this one sat more naturally on her face. “A veritable river of it.”

“An ocean,” the man agreed and gestured at her drink. “Buy you another?”

She hadn’t planned on drinking another beer, but then…when did she ever plan to drink another one? They usually just followed one after the other like stepping stones set into a stream, and she hopped along them one at a time until she lost her balance and fell into the drink. She nodded and pushed her empty glass toward the bartender. “Sure. Thanks.”

“Cal,” the man told her, and held out a hand for her to shake.

“Abbie.”

His palm was callused, his fingers strong and warm. He held her hand for a second or two longer than was absolutely necessary, and that’s how she knew she’d be taking him back to her place.

****************************************************

THE RESURRECTED -- CONTEST

Megan has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader the entire series (parts one through five to be send immediately, with six through ten as they’re completed)! Entering this contest is extremely easy.

The contest begins today and ends on Monday, November 28 at 11:59pm EST. Check back on Tuesday, November 29, when I will post the winners name!

Here is what you need to do:

In the comment section below leave you first name, last initial
Tell me why or why not you like zombie fiction

Rules and Legal Disclaimers:

I will use random.org to choose the winner.
Entrants must be at least 18 years of age to enter.
The winner has Two days, from the day I post the winners name, to claim your prize. Failure to contact me result in forfeit of your prize.
These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
Contest is void where prohibited.
By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry.

DRINK DEEP Blog Tour & Contest - Interview with Merit

2011-11-05T01:04:00.000-07:00

Publishers Description: Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can’t tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city iself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven’t been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That’s when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago’s mayor insists it’s nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She’ll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who’s behind this, and stop them before it’s too late for vampires and humans alike.

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Hey readers! With upcoming release of Chloe Neill's newest Chicagoland Vampire novel DRINK DEEP, I have invited Cadogan very own Sentinel, Merit, to the Nice Girls Blog for a little Q&A. Also in celebration of my Birthday today, I'm giving away an eBook copy of DRINK DEEP!!!

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Welcome Metit! We're excited to have you here at the Nice Girls Blog. Thank you for taking time out of you ass-kicking schedule to chat with us!

Q: What is your favorite part of being a vampire?

Merit: Being able to eat whatever I want whenever I want and not gain a pound. The metabolism is awesome!

Q: Knowing what you know now, would you become a vampire again if given the choice?

Merit: That's a hard question. I've been given the gift of immortality, but I've also had to completely change my life and my lifestyle, and give up everything I knew before. I'd have to think about that one.

Q: What is your favorite book from Cadogan Library and why?

Merit: There are some books of vampire literature--gothic stories written by vampires for vampires--that humans don't even know existed. It's the kind of stuff I would have loved to read while in graduate school! Think Jane Eyre with vampires.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have been give since you've became a vampire and who gave it to you?

Merit: Ethan told me once that I'd have to make a decision--pick a side between vampires and humans and commit to one or the other. I think that's true in a lot of areas of life. You can't stand around and wait for things to happen. You have to do them yourself.

Q: You seem to love your local Chicago eateries. Where is you favorite place to eat?

Merit: I love Crust, a pizza restaurant in Wicker Park. And Rosebud Trattoria. The vodka sauce is LEGENDARY.

Q: If your fellow initiates were to plan the perfect birthday party for you, who would attend, where would it be held, and what flavor of cake would they choose?

Merit: Can we have the vodka sauce at Rosebud Trattoria? No, I kid. Mallory would be there, obviously, and my grandfather. Maybe my sister, and definitely Jeff, Luc and Lindsey. And Margot and Katherine from the House. I'm pretty flexible on the location, but there must be chocolate cake. Lots of chocolate cake!

Merit: Thanks for having me today!

Merit, we really appreciate you stopping by to answer a few questions! Also thank to everyone for stopping by on this DRINK DEEP Blog Tour Stop, and if you haven't purchased DRINK DEEP run right out and get it!

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BIRTHDAY CONTEST: DRINK DEEP

Enter below for the chance to win one an eBook copy of Chloe Neill' DRINK DEEP. The contest closes Saturday, November 18, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have FIVE days to respond & claim their prize! Since I'm gifting this eBook through Amazon.com, the winner must be have a US amazon.com account set up to receive their prize.

Here is what you need to do:

In the contest entry box below, please leave your first name/last initial and e-mail address
Follow my twitter for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)
Follow this blog for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)
Link contest via Twitter/Facebook/Blog 1 bonus point for each link provided.

Rules and Legal Disclaimers:

I will use random.org to choose the winner.
Contest is open to readers in the USA only.
The winner has FIVE days, from the day I e-mail them, to claim your prize. Failure to contact me result in forfeit of your prize. At that time, I will choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
Contest is void where prohibited.
By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry.

(Scroll down in the box to fill in contest information)

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Carrie Vaughn's KITTY'S GREATEST HITS

2011-10-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Title: KITTY’S GREATEST HITS
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Release Date: August 16, 2011
Format: MP3 Audiobook CD
Length: 11 Hrs
List Price: $29.99
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140016804X
ISBN-13: 978-1400168040

My Ratings

Plot: 4/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4/5
Characters Development: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 4.5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4/5

Overall: 39/45 = 86%

Synopsis

Kitty Norville, star of a New York Times bestselling series, is everybody's favorite werewolf DJ and out-of-the-closet supernatural creature. Over the course of eight books she's fought evil vampires, were-creatures, and some serious black magic. She's done it all with a sharp wit and the help of a memorable cast of werewolf hunters, psychics, and if-not-good-then-neutral vampires by her side. Kitty's Greatest Hits not only gives listeners some of Kitty's further adventures, it offers longtime fans a window into the origins of some of their favorite characters.

In "Conquistador de la Noche," we learn the origin story of Denver's Master vampire, Rick; with "Wild Ride," we find out how Kitty's friend T.J. became a werewolf; and in "Life Is the Teacher," we revisit Emma, the human-turned-unwilling-vampire who serves the aloof vampire master of Washington, D.C.

This entertaining collection includes two brand-new works: "You're on the Air," about one of Kitty's callers after he hangs up the phone; and the eagerly awaited "Long Time Waiting," the novella that finally reveals just what happened to Cormac in prison, something every Kitty fan wants to know.

My Review

KITTY’S GREATEST HITS is a collection of Kitty Norville short stories written by Carrie Vaughn. Some of these stories are recent and occur around the same time as the Kitty Norvile Series, while other stories help shine a light on your favorite characters pasts. Did you ever wonder how Cormac and Amelia found each other in prison or how Rick became a vampire? These short stories shed a light on unknown stories from Kitty and her group of friends.

My favorite short story of the bunch was "Long Time Waiting". I have a massive soft spot when it comes to Cormac. His time in prison was like a black hole in the storyline. Everything that happened inside the jail never come out, until now. I always felt that he and Amelia were such and odd pairing, but after reading this short story I really was able to understand. It was also nice to see that even though Cormac’s so dark, he has a place of light inside that basically no one could touch. It makes him more human.

My second favorite short story was, “Kitty and the Mosh Pit of the Damned”. This story most of all felt like a true Kitty Norville story. Kitty’s goes into a club to get a harmless interview with a popular local band, and gets herself in way over her head. It had the energy, wit, and mythos I have come to expect from this series. It’s always fascinating when Carrie brings new monsters to the party!

“Temptation of Robin Greene” was the most unique of the bunch. Robin is a scientist with observing and caring for a group of mythical creatures, including Kitty’s best-vamp cohort Rick. Everything changes for Robin when a a male selkie is brought into the lab. While I found this story haunting in the end, I just wished it had been a stand alone book. It was such an ingenious story line, I didn’t want it to end. Plus, I loved the role Rick played in this short story.

While I found most of the short stories to fascinating, some I had a hard time connecting the dots and finding their ties to Kitty’s world. And some had no connections what-so-ever, which confused me. I wish that their had been an introduction at the beginning of each story explaining it’s importance.

As the narrator, Marguerite Gavin has an uncanny ability to really set the perfect mood for a story. Whether bright and cheery or dark and mysterious, she is able to transport the reader alone for the ride. Marguerite’s wide range of character voices brings each story to life in my head. I also find myself forgetting that this series is narrated by a female narrator alone, because she does a wonderful job voicing each male so flawlessly.

While I connected with some short stories more then others, I enjoyed listening to them as a whole. I would defiantly recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves Kitty and her cast of characters. KITTY’S GREATEST HITS was fantastic chance to revisit past and present characters from Kitty’s world and getting to know a little more about each one!

Kitty Norville Series

1) Kitty and the Midnight Hour
2) Kitty Goes to Washington
3) Kitty Takes a Holiday
4) Kitty and the Silver Bullet
5) Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
6) Kitty Raises Hell
7) Kitty's House of Horrors
8) Kitty Goes to War
9) Kitty's Big Trouble
9b) Kitty's Greatest Hits (Anthology)

Related Websites

Buy KITTY'S GREATEST HITS on Audiobook
Marguerite Gavin - Narrator
Carrie Vaughn - Authors Site
Carrie Vaughn's Blog

REVIEW: Rachel Vincent's IF I DIE (Soul Screamer's Bk 5)

2011-10-09T16:05:00.001-07:00

Title: IF I DIE
Author: Rachel Vincent
Release Date: September 27, 2011
List Price: $9.99
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210329
ISBN-13: 978-0373210329

My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 38/40 = 95%

Synopsis

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

My Review

IF I DIE is the absolute best book in the Soul Screamers series so far! There are two things I have come to expect from Rachel Vincent’s books. First, expect the unexpected. She has an impressive ability to break genre rules and work outside the box. And second, her books have an uncanny ability of breaking my heart into teeny-tiny pieces. Couples are never promised a Happily-Ever-After and no character is untouchable by death or injury. IF I DIE didn’t let me down.

Rachel Vincent starts this book out with a bang. She tackles a very serious life and death issue within the first couple chapters. It hooked me in and couldn’t put this book down. It was an emotionally tough for me to read, but was extremely well written. She handles these issues in a very delicate and real way. It has probably never been said that Rachel shies away from controversial subject matter

Kaylee has once again found herself sinking in quicksand. Her life is falling down around her. Her friends and family are trying everything they can to help her out of an impossible situation. She has grown emotionally from book to book, and this book is no different. She excepts her limitations, and uses her energy, time, and skills to help her friends and family.

As always, Kaylee’s love life isn’t making things any easier. Kaylee and Nash are trying to get their relationship back after some bumps in the road. They are trying to move on, make new memories, and forgive past indiscretion. Then there is Nash’s mara ex-girlfriend Sabine, who is torn between stealing Nash from her and wanting to be Kaylee’s friend. Kaylee isn’t sure if she can really trust Sabine when the chips are down. Not to mention Nash’s sexy brother Tod, the reaper who is always there to help when Kaylee is in need. He has become her white knight, but instead of wearing shining armor he’s dressed in his pizza delivery uniform.

Rachel Vincent has a knack of turning her fictional worlds up-side-down, and making them all the better for it. Things happen that I never see coming. She has a way of finding unique and ingenious solutions to problems. This always keeps me guessing. The last few chapter of this book shattered my heart, but gave me hope for Kaylee’s future.

IF I DIE is heart-wrenching, shocking, and whispers of new beginnings to come! This book is a real game changer for this series. Bravo Rachel Vincent, you have skillfully develop characters that the readers can‘t help but be emotionally attached to! This book has cemented the Soul Screamers series on my must read list. If you enjoy reading unique and thought provoking Paranormal YA, you should picked up Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamer’s series!

Rachel Vincent's Books

Soul Screamers (YA Series):
0.5) My Soul to Lose (2009)
1) My Soul to Take (2009)
2) My Soul To Save (2010)
3) My Soul To Keep (2010)
4) My Soul to Steal (2011)

Unbound Series (Adult Series):
1) Blood Bound (2011)
2) Shadow Bound (2012)

Shifters Series (Adult Series):
1) Stray (2007)
2) Rogue (2008)
3) Pride (2009)
4) Prey (2009)
5) Shift (2010)
6) Alpha (2010)

Related Websites
Buy IF I DIE
Rachel's Website
Rachel's Twitter
Rachel's Message Board

Book Trailer

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Michelle Rowen's BLOODLUST (Nightshade Bk 2)

2011-09-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

Title: BLOODLUST (Nightshade Bk 2)
Author: Michelle Rowen
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
Release Date: July 19, 2011
Format: MP3 Audiobook CD
Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
List Price: $29.99
Publisher: Tantor Media
ISBN-10: 145265297X
ISBN-13: 978-1452652979

My Ratings

Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Narration 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 40.5/45 = 90%

Synopsis

One taste is all it takes...

For those who feast on blood, Jillian Conrad is a fatal attraction. After being injected with a serum that made her blood both irresistible and deadly to vampires, she was used as a pawn to assassinate the vampire king. Now, the vampires want her eliminated.

Hunted and unable to return to her old life, Jillian desperately seeks to prevent the poison in her veins from killing her. And she must find a way to help her dhampyr protector, Declan, whose exposure to the serum has split his personality into one part uncontrolled desire, and one part stone-cold killer.

But an even greater danger is rising. The Amarantos---a secret society of vampires---are seeking the infant daughter of the slain king to complete their quest for true immortality. And if they succeed, no one, living or undead, will escape the darkness.

My Review

I really enjoy reading about Jillian, the reluctant heroin. She is just your run-of-the-mill 20-something temp secretary. She doesn’t know who she is or what she really wants to be. I actually see a bit of myself in her, as well. Jillian is thrust into the world of vamps and damps, and she doesn’t look back. She has accepts the role that she has been given, and strives to use her gifts in a more positive way then they were initially meant for. Her love life is a complete mess, and that is one of my favorite parts of this book. She cares for Declan, but she’s clearly drawn to Matthias.

My feelings for Declan aren’t quite as clear. He’s not the usual urban fantasy sexy hero. I give Michelle Rowen major points for going against the grain. He’s not tall, dark, and smoldering. Declan is strong, gruff, and loyal as his ties will allow him to be. I love him for his flaws, but sometimes his stubbornness makes me crazy. He feels that he need to be the one so single-handedly save the day. For this book most of all, I feel sad for Declan. He is forced into a situation that makes him do things against his own will. He is left no other choice then to go after those he loves and trusts. I clung to his moments of clarity, when he gets to be himself with Jillian. I hope to get more of those in the future.

Where do I start with Matthias? He might just be my favorite character of all in this series. He is the stereotypical sexy, cocky vamp. Just as soon as you start to believe that that is all he is, he turns around and does something selfless that you would never expect! I love seeing the emotional bits and pieces that Matthias hides deep down. Also there is nothing I enjoy more then a juicy love triangle! He makes a very valiant effort in seducing Jillian. I have to admit that part of me enjoys the time that they spend together. Can you say, sexy bathroon scene? Yes, please!

One of my favorite parts of this book is that us moves so quickly. Every time that I felt like I could catch my breath, Jillian would walk right back into harms way. I had a very hard time putting this book down, because of all of the action. I also love that Michelle Rowen does an amazing job misdirecting the reader. You truly believe that something is fact, and then you begin to hate a certain character. Next thing you know you’re completely shocked when the truth is reveled.

Cynthia Holloway, as always, lends a sense of high emotion, sexuality, and passion to her narration of BLOODLUST. She has such and amazing range of character voices, that bring this story to life. Her stellar performance brought this story to a higher level for me. She made this almost 9 hour audiobook fly by for me.

BLOODLUST, has a wonderful mix of dark adventure and steamy sexuality. It’s a must read for all urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers!

Nightshade Series

Nightshade (Nightshade #1) — June 6, 2011
Bloodlust (Nightshade #2) – July 19, 2011

Related Websites

Buy BLOODLUST on Audiobook
Michelle Rowen’s Website
Michelle Rowen’s Twitter
Tantor Audio Website

REVIEW: Megan Hart's COLLIDE

2011-09-11T11:53:00.001-07:00

Title: COLLIDE
Author: Megan Hart
Release Date: 06/28/2011
List Price: $14.95
Publisher: Harlequin - Spice
Language: English
Reading Level: Adult
ISBN-10: 0373605579
ISBN-13: 978-0373605576

My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 4/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 36.5/40 = 91%

Synopsis

A childhood accident left Emmaline vulnerable to disturbing fugue states that last only minutes, but feel like an eternity. The blackouts are unsettling but manageable…until she meets Johnny Dellasandro.

The reclusive painter gained notoriety in the '70s for his debauched lifestyle and raunchy art films. His naked body has achieved cult status, especially in Emm's mind—she's obsessed with the man, who's grown even sexier with age. Today Johnny shuns the spotlight and Emm in particular…until she falls into a fugue on his doorstep.

In that moment she's transported back thirty years, crashing a party at Johnny's place in his wild-man heyday— the night is a blur of flesh and heat that lingers on her skin long after she's woken to the present.

It happens again and again, each time-slip another mind-blowing orgy, and soon Emm can't stop, though every episode leaves her weaker and weaker. She's frightened by what's happening to her, but she's even more terrified of losing this portal to the Johnny she wants so badly. The one who wants her, too, and takes her—every chance he gets.

My Review

When I picked up this book, I was unsure how I was going to feel about reading this story with it‘s slightly sci-fi twist and turns. For me, most of Megan Hart’s stories are realistic, touching, and poignant. I go back and read them over-and-over again, because they touch me so deeply. I have to admit, COLLIDE has earned a spot on my bookshelf next to my other Megan Hart favorites.

Emmaline is a truly broken character. She suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a childhood accident. Now Emm suffers from lapses in time, which she calls fugues. During these fugues she loses touch with her body and the reality going on around her. They can be as simple as zoning out and as complex as finding herself in an alternate universe. Emm had been fugue free long enough to move out of her parents house, and get a job on her own. The smell of oranges was Emm’s first sign that the fugues were coming back. Once the fugues start to involve fantasies of 70’s movie sex symbol and present neighbor Johnny Dellasandro, Emm questions whether having the fugues were a bad thing. Her fantasies feel so real to her, and she has to asks herself how can they not be real.

Johnny f*ucking Dellasandro! I loved him in his past and present incarnation. Young-Johnny, is cocky, sexy, and enjoys every bit of his fame. He opened his home and life to his creative group of friends. His fame lead him down a road littered with drugs, alcohol, and depression. Present-Johnny is more private, aloof, and has learned from a majority of his mistakes. He’s lived the fame and fortune. Now all he wants is to live his life out of the spotlight and concentrate on his art. Even when present-Johnny was being cold and aloof, there is just something the draws you in. For me, reading about Johnny was like pealing off the layers of an onion, each chapter you discovered more and more about who is his and who he was. Both young and present-Johnny are sexy for their reasons. Why wouldn’t Emm want them both.

I enjoyed that Megan did not try to hide correlations between time travel stories like, The Time Traveler’s Wife and Dr. Who. Not only did she welcome the parallels, she brought them to light in this book. She used them as a reference to help the reader understand the story better. I felt that these references to pop culture references help the readers relate to this story.

COLLIDE, like many other of Megan’s books, grabs hold of the readers and doesn’t let go until the last page. This book was unique, sexy, and dark. I enjoyed it so much, that I had a very hard time putting it down each night. I would tell myself just one more chapter, and then I’d read another two or three chapters. I’d come home from work and want to jump right back into the Johnny’s world. Bravo Megan Hart!

Websites

Buy COLLIDE Here
Except from COLLIDE
Megan Hart’s Website
Megan’s Blog
Megan’s Twitter