Sunday, July 31, 2011

2011 Historical Romance Challenge - August

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Hello Everyone,
It's time for the 8th month of our Historical Romance Reading Challenge. Each month I will post what the giveaway prize will be for that month and also attach a Mister Linky so you can post your reviews for everyone to see. I do check them all (btw). If you don't attach a review post of a book that you read in August, you will not be entered into the giveaway. Also, you need 12 reviews to be entered into the Grand Prize at the end. You can post more than one review for the month but you only get one entry into the giveaway. So, yes, you can catch up. 


Prizes: (Int. & US)

Silk Is For Seduction (Dressmaker Sisters Book #1)

by: Loretta Chase

Goodreads Blurb:

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:

The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:

ladies would die to wear it . . .

and gentlemen would kill to remove it!


Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot
is London's rising star. And who better to benefit
from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton,
the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the
future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune
for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady,
though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose
standards are as high as his morals are . . . not.


The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time
Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can
design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses;
and what begins as a flicker of desire between two
of the most passionately stubborn charmers
in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . .
and a blazing scandal.


And now both their futures hang by an
exquisite thread of silk . . .



You can also win 2 beautiful bookmarks by Miss Bohemia 

In My Mailbox


 In My Mailbox

Weekly meme from The Story Siren. The idea is to post the books you got this week,whether you bought them, got them as a gift, from the library, or received them to review.

All the books I received this week:

Paperback Swap:
I just had to request this one. It sounds like a fun read and I love Gena Showalter.

Unfortunately, this is the only book I received this week. Don't forget to enter my giveaways my giveaway page is here.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Excerpt and Giveaway: "Tales of Frewyn" by Michelle Franklin

The author of "Tales of Frewyn" is here to share a excerpt of her book with us today and giveaway a ebook copy. I recently reviewed her other book "The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu", and enjoyed it so don't forget to check out that post and enter to win a copy of it too.

Excerpt:

The Party Straw
                While the chief of the keep was in raptures over their new prince, Kai Linaa was searching for a manner in which to express her artist prowess in the way of a celebration commemorating the birth of a new Brennin. She was sensible of Alasdair’s moderate taste with regard to ceremony and would therefore contrive to keep any commemoration on his family’s account a small one, but in her questioning Martje on the use of the large kitchen, she had discovered that this very day was Shayne’s birthday.
                “Aye, I’m doin’ well by my man,” Martje proudly professed. “Makin’ him a cake and a nice dinner and all.”
                A birthday party was a prospect Kai Linaa could not look upon with ill-favour, for there was everything to be enjoyed in celebrating a birthday: gifts must be procured and wrapped in fine paper, a theme must be chosen for the celebration itself, accoutrements and ornaments must be made, and there was everything to give Kai Linaa delight in the business. Employing her abilities to titivate the kitchen and make it a haven for festivity became her first object.
                She  requested that she be permitted to make the celebration on both a accounts a joint one, and Martje enjoying the office of baker wherever she had opportunity to do so thought the scheme more than advisable. She set to work on creating something for everyone to eat while Kai Linaa fluttered away in search of gold paper and fasteners. Party hats must be constructed, decorations must be strewn, and while everyone was otherwise engaged with cooing over the newborn child, she became busy with putting her craftsmanship to use. In a short while, she had made enough curled ribbons and hats for everyone expected at the party, fashioned streamers and animal-shaped garnishings on Dorrin’s account, and brought every item to the kitchen to begin the room’s decoration.
                She had just left the kitchen, however, in quest of string with which to tie up the paper patterns along the windows when the Den Asaan entered the oven room to inspect his cake in the larder. He went to the storeroom, ogled his prize for a moment in rapacious reflection, and was to enter the training yard when the site of a strange article he had never before seen stopped him:  a violet straw fashioned in the shape of a butterfly lay aside on the table. There was a small pile of similar items beside the object, but this one, larger and better made than the rest, seemed to be beckoning his attention. He regarded it with circumspection at first, remarking its pleasant shape and obnoxious colours, and was inclined to leave it alone but something in the craftsmen ship drew him to scrutinize it further. The likeness of the butterfly was well-contrived, the straw did not lose its use from being bent in various directions, and upon the whole there seemed to be great care taken in the item’s creation. He could not wonder at who had made it, as no one else in the world but Kai Linaa would think to make everything adorable and vibrant, but as he examined it, he found himself drawing closer to it quite against his will. It was there on the table mocking his sensibilities with its disgusting shape and offensive colour, lying still as though it were begging to be taken up and coddled for its attractiveness. A hand unconsciously reached out to touch it but was instantly retracted. He must not venture to hold something so charming. A ruthless Den Asaan should never be mistaken as one who is easily charmed, but beauty in any form would have its way and must be admired. It lay there, its colourful and motionless existence paining him; such a well-crafted item going unnoticed but by him. This was not to be endured; attention must be paid. Lift me, it called to him, lift me and caress me.
                And lift it he did.
                “That one was made for you, Den Asaan,” said Kai Linaa as she entered the kitchen from the main hall. She had seen the entire performance of feigning neglect from her place at the doorway and had waited until the giant had succumbed to catch the end of the spectacle.
                Rautu instantly denied all claim to the object. He thought to toss it onto the pile of decorations but soon found himself unable to part with it. He twirled momentarily between his fingers to observe the full shape it made in the bending of the light. It was exceptionally made, and he now considered it a shame to use it and waste its magnificence when it could otherwise remain untouched.
                “I know you like your party straw, Den Asaan,” Kai Linaa giggled into her hands, watching the giant marvel at so small a thing.
                He ignored her laughter and went to the commons to place the artwork in the commons where it should be otherwise safe from others and he would be spared the derision of his admiration when the commander entered the kitchen in time to see the sense of wonderment prevailing Kai Linaa’s countenance.
                “I am aware that many consider him to be a ruthless beast incapable of deep considerations or profound feelings,” the commander said to Kai Linaa, “but any who should accuse him of such could not be more mistaken. He is a great admirer of ability in any form it might take, should it express itself on the battlefield or in the intricacies of a well-made straw. It is all art to him, and he must appreciate it wherever it is to be found.” The commander smiled at her mate’s thoughtful consideration of the item, watching him hold it up to the sunlight and twirling it about as he walked through the yard with a slow gait and mesmerized expression.
                Kai Linaa said nothing of the event but accepted it as the highest compliment accorded: that something she had made to be a trivial travesty of the Den Asaan’s harsh sensibilities should have impressed him so much. 

Now for the Giveaway:
The author is kind enough to put a copy of her book up for grabs. For all that are interested should enter following these rules.
1. You must be 18 and over.
2. You must be a follower of my blog.
3. Leave a comment with your email address.
4. This giveaway is international because it is a ebook.
5. The giveaway ends on August 12th.
6. The winner will be picked using random.org.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Review and Giveaway: "The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu

"The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu"
by: Michelle Franklin
Series: Haanta Series #1
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 142
Published: June 2011 by Michelle Franklin
ISBN: 9781450265799
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.

 
Goodreads Blurb: 
The Kingdom of Frewyn is being invaded by the Galleisian infantry and at the forefront of the battle is Boudicca MacDaede, a First Captain in the Frewyn armed forces. Her regiment is charged with defending the borders between the two nations, but when Frewyn’s last line of defense falls, Captain MacDaede enlists the assistance of a Haanta, one of giants from the islands to the far north. Promising to free him from his imprisonment in exchange for his help, she gains his trust long enough for them to win the battle and save the Frewyn border from being breached. The giant’s freedom is granted, but Rautu cannot return home unless he redeems himself in the eyes of his people for past his transgressions. He is offered a place by the captain’s side, and together, they defeat the Galleisian forces and become the saviors of Frewyn.

One year later, King Alasdair Brennin takes the Frewyn throne, Boudicca is made commander, Gallei and Frewyn reach an accord, and Rautu is granted an invitation home. He is eager to return and see his brothers but finds it difficult to leave Frewyn without Boudicca at his side. He has become accustomed to her company and the idea of being made to live without her begins to distress him. Rautu invites the commander to the islands in hopes of finding a way for them to remain together, but when they arrive at the white shores of Sanhedhran, not everything goes as planned: one of the dangerous Haanta magi is freed, Rautu’s three brothers are strangely missing, and the neighboring nation of Thellis leads an attack on the islands.

Together, the commander and the Den Asaan Rautu must find a way to unite their two nations and defend against the Thellisian fleets, but can they do so successfully when outside forces are attempting to keep them apart?
My Review:
Overall this was a good fantasy novel. It was well written with vivid details and great world building. I really liked almost all of the characters in the story. The Commander, Boudicca, was great if you like a strong independent heroine that can take care of herself and has a sense of humor for just about anything except mutilating children but you'll have to read the book to know exactly what I'm talking about. Rautu the hero is just that a hero. He helps defend the borders for the commander in exchange for his freedom from jail and he does a great job. He was a tough character for me. He is very set in his culture and the way his people do things. He doesn't speak very often and frequently calls the commander "woman". I believe the author purposely made him this way to show just how different he is from her people. He is called a monster more than once by her people. How you fall in love with a monster? You'll have to read the book to answer that question.
 The only problem I had with this book was that there wasn't enough romance and sexual tension that I love so much but that is just my opinion others may not care about that kind of stuff. I also felt the hero could have had a little more compassion and a softer side. These are the only two reasons I gave the book three hearts. It was a good book and I would recommend it to fans of fantasy. Its a 18 and over book due to sexual content. The book ended with a big cliffhanger so I'm very interested in seeing how the next book turns out.
     
 Overall rating: 

Sex rating:

Now for the Giveaway:
The author is kind enough to put a copy of her book up for grabs. For all that are interested should enter following these rules.
1. You must be 18 and over.
2. You must be a follower of my blog.
3. Leave a comment with your email address.
4. This giveaway is international because it is a ebook.
5. The giveaway ends on August 12th.
6. The winner will be picked using random.org.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

In My Mailbox


 In My Mailbox

All the books I received this week:

Bought:
The Chaperon Bride





I also bought  a beautifull charm bracelet from Miss Bohemia and she also sent me 3 bookmarks. Thanks Jen!
 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Congratulations to the Winner!!

I'm so excited to announce the winner of the Mermaid Giveaway. Thanks to everyone who entered and to Miss Bohemia for providing all the beautiful prizes. Now to the good part. 

The winner is..........






Crystal @ Reading Between the Wines

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Review: "Forbidden Blood" by Felicity Heaton

"Forbidden Blood"
by: Felicity Heaton
Series: Vampire Venators #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: ebook, full length novel
Published: June 2011 by Felicity Heaton
 
Goodreads Blurb: 
In a dark world where vampires exist and where Source Blood, a rare human blood type, can bestow godlike powers upon them, the vampire Venators of the Sovereignty fight to protect the humans by banishing those who drink it to the endless dark.

Exiled from his family and with only his duty to sustain him, Kearn has been on the trail of an elusive Source Blood abuser for three years. When he saves a beautiful human female from the vampire’s grasp, it turns out she’s the lead he’s been waiting for. Amber is a Source Blood and the perfect bait, but for who?

As they race to catch the vampire and survive the cruel games he plays, Amber is pulled deeper into Kearn’s world and discovers the painful secrets he hides behind his handsome but emotionless exterior—hurt that she has the power to heal if she is brave enough.

Forbidden Blood is book one in the Venator series and a dark, sensual tale of betrayal, revenge and a love that knows no bounds.
My Review:
What an awesome book. The author has done a great job putting these two characters together at just the right pace. Your not going to be bombarded by details in the first chapter. We learn more about the vampire world as the heroine learns. Making the world building easy to read. 
Amber has a rare blood type that is a drug that's forbidden in the vampire world. She has everyone after her and Kearn is the only one that can protect her. In the beginning she is just bait to him. A way to find a forbidden drug user he's been chasing the past three years. But he slowly changes is feeling for her. Kearn is a lonely person after he becomes a Venator and his family disowned him centuries before until Amber walked into his life. This book flowed nicely and didn't have any boring parts in it.
I highly recommend this book to fans of paranormal and urban fantasy romance. 
Here's the offers page on her website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/paranormal-romance-ebook-offers.php
 Overall rating: 

Sex rating:

Sunday, July 17, 2011

In My Mailbox


 In My Mailbox

All the books I received this week:

Bought:






For Review:











Friday, July 15, 2011

Review: "The Cold Kiss of Death" by Suzanne McLeod

"The Cold Kiss of Death"
by: Suzanne McLeod
Series: Spellcrackers Series #2
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 352
Published: July 2009 by Gollancz
 
Goodreads Blurb: 
All Genny wants is to live the quiet life and to do her job at Spellcrackers.com but there's her tangled personal life to sort out first. She's being haunted by ghosts who want her help. Her witch neighbours want her evicted. Genny's sort-of-Ex - and now her new boss - can't decide whether he wants their relationship to be business or pleasure now he knows all her darkest secrets. And then there's the queue of vampires all wanting her to paint the town red - how long will it be before they stop taking 'no' for an answer and Genny's life becomes even more complicated? But when one of her human friends is murdered by sidhe magic, Genny is determined to find the killer. Her efforts to find the real murderer lead her to some of the most dangerous and seductive fae - but her search is hindered by the vampires, who have their own political agenda. Then when all the evidence points to Genny - she's the only sidhe fae in London - and she's named the main suspect; it's not long before she's on the run - and not just from the police - but from some of London's most powerful supernaturals.
 
Darcy's Review:
This is a tough book for me.  With the first one I liked the premise but it didn't follow through for me.  The large cast of characters made it hard to keep them all straight.  So this book was going to be a make or break book for me in the series as I was hoping my issues with the first book was just first book syndrome.  I am sad to say that didn't happen, while I did finish the book it was tough to do so because I ran into the same issues.  I started out reading the book in 50 page chunks, but that was too much so I moved to 25 page chunks and took me 3 days to read, which for me is a long time.

What I did like about this book was that we learned more about Gen and just why everyone and their brother was after her, which turned out to be a very creepy reason why.  It seemed like you couldn't trust what your eyes saw with anyone in this book, including Gen.  Because of these facts Gen really couldn't trust what anyone said to her, they all seemed to have their own agenda, even those she trusted in the past.

It looks like Gen will get a short reprieve on what was behind everything in this book, but you just know that it won't be long enough and that she has some work ahead of her to make all of her problems go away.


 Overall rating: 

Sex rating:

Monday, July 11, 2011

Talk of Mermaids and Giveaways - Update

This is for everyone that has entered the Mermaid Giveaway and people interested in purchasing something from her shop.


She is offering a 15% discount on everything. Just use the coupon code: Mermaids117
If you haven't entered the giveaway yet you have until the 18th.

Talk of Mermaids and Giveaways

Some of you might have noticed that there are a lot of talk about Mermaids making a splash this summer. Pirates of the Caribbeans' latest movies has sexy mermaids who play key roles. And publishers are releasing a school of mermaid books this summer. During a recent interview Stephenie Meyer stated that she's writing about mermaids now. (Very excited about that one.) Their even having a Mermaids Convention in Las Vegas Aug. 12-13.
I have a mermaid obsession that I think that started with "Splash" and then "The Little Mermaid" which is still one of my favorite movies. Today I have Miss Bohemia here to show off her mermaid line of jewelry. I have picked some of my favorite pieces That is what you've seen so far but Miss Bohemia is offering a huge giveaway at the end. 

GIVEAWAY!!

Miss Bohemia's Fantasy Mermaid collection


These aquatic creatures are usually described as having a female head and upper body, and the tail of a fish!  Mermaids are often depicted as Sirens of the Sea, who tempt sailors with their beauty, charm and enchanting songs.  I offer you these temptations from the sea...



 How to enter: 
1. You must be a follower of my blog.
2. Must Visit Miss Bohemia's Website and pick your favorite piece in the Mermaid Collection and leave your pick in a comment. 
3. Don't forget your email address so I can contact you if you win.
4. Giveaway will end on 07/18/11.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

In My Mailbox

I went to the used book store and went a little crazy. 

Let me know what you think about giving away used books in giveaways. I try to find books that are in pretty good condition but I was wondering what your thoughts are.

Books I Bought:
Happy Reading!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

2011 Historical Romance Challenge - July

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Hello Everyone,
It's time for the 7th month of our Historical Romance Reading Challenge. Each month I will post what the giveaway prize will be for that month and also attach a Mister Linky so you can post your reviews for everyone to see. I do check them all (btw). If you don't attach a review post of a book that you read in July, you will not be entered into the giveaway. Also, you need 12 reviews to be entered into the Grand Prize at the end. You can post more than one review for the month but you only get one entry into the giveaway. So, yes, you can catch up. 


Prizes: (US only)

The Devil Wears Plaid

by: Teresa Medeiros

Goodreads Blurb:

Passion sparks in USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros’s irresistibly tempting new romance after a sexy Highlander kidnaps his rival’s spirited English bride Emmaline Marlowe is about to wed the extremely powerful laird of the Hepburn clan to save her father from debtor’s prison when ruffian Jamie Sinclair bursts into the abbey on a magnificent black horse and abducts her in one strong swoop. Though he is Hepburn’s sworn enemy, Emma’s mysterious captor is everything her bridegroom is not—handsome, virile, dangerous . . . and a perilous temptation for her yearning heart. Jamie expects Emma to be some milksop English miss, not a fiery, defiant beauty whose irresistible charms will tempt him at every turn. But he cannot allow either one of them to forget he is her enemy and she his pawn in the deadly Highland feud between the clans. So why does he still want her so badly for himself? Stealing his enemy’s bride was simple, but can he claim her innocence without losing his heart?


You can also win 1 beautiful bookmarks by Miss Bohemia 

 

Friday, July 8, 2011

18 & Over Book Blogger Tag Along Friday!!

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18 and over book bloggers tag along is for adult book bloggers to get to know each other and hopefully gain more followers. It doesn't matter what sub-genre you read as long as you read and review adult books.  You can have a book blog that reads some teen books, but you have to have more adult books on your blog then YA. I know, I know I am a pain LOL.

How it works
*First make a post on your blog with this picture on top. That lets us know we are in the right place to make a comment so you can follow back. If you don’t do this I will have to take you off the tag along.

*Second place your name or blogs name in the first linky tool.  I want to add here, put in (paranormal romance) beside your blogs name what you mainly review. Then add your URL to the tag along post in the second Linky tool.

*Third visit blogs listed if you like what you see hit the follow button. Remember to leave a comment, so they can tag along back.

If you have a question or problems you can contact Laurie @ Bitten by Paranormal Romance she is the host.

Now, get out there and find some 18 and over bloggers!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Winner of my Historical Challenge and my Monthly Giveaway for June

 Congratulations!!

I have chosen the winners of my monthly Historical Romance Challenge and my Monthly Book Giveaway.


The winner of:






Alex @ A Girl, Books, & Other Things


The Winner of:

Melissa @ Books & Things

Congratulations to both winners! I will need your mailing address within 48 hours. Thank you to all that participated.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Hello Everyone!!

As you could probably tell I've slowed down on my blog which really bothers me but I'm taking a college course and then 2 more classes from graduating. So I have massive amounts of papers to write and reading to do. If anyone out there would like to do a guest post or something. If you are an author I would love to do a promotion of your books depending on the book of course. I'm also collecting books for a huge blog hop for 18 & over readers. 


Sometime during this week I will have a  good friend here on goodreads and she and I are going to do a great giveaway with beautiful pieces. You'll have to wait and see. hehe


I also am going to be announcing winners for my monthly prizes for June and I will also be posting for the July Historical Challenge and the July Monthly Book Giveaway.


So we have a lot of exciting things planned. Don't forget to come back and check everything out.
 
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