Winner of Japan Fundraiser!

The winner of my Japan Fundraiser Giveaway is ................................

mamabunny13

Congratulations! You have 48 hours to send me your mailing address for your prizes.

Review: " The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf"

"The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf"

by: Molly Harper

Series: Naked Werewolf Book #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 352

Author's Website: http://www.mollyharper.com/

Source: Simon & Schouster in exchange for an honest review

Published: Feb. 22nd 2011 by Pocket Books

 

Goodreads Blurb: 

Baring It All Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave . . . and even worse, she can’t convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous. . . .

Darcy's Review:
While I enjoyed this book, I didn't like it as much as the first one. I really missed the crazy towns people of Grundy. It helped that we did get to see lots more of the crazy pack that the werewolves belonged to. I also had reservations about this book due to Maggie. She did not come across as likable at all in the first book, so I wondered how I was going to handle reading a full book about her. While I never warmed up to her to the level I did with Mo, I did end up liking her.

I think the appeal of Maggie is her gruff, take no crap personality. So some of the funnest scenes of the book was where she got roped into being all girlie and had girlie thoughts. She was just so uncomfortable and would even chastise herself in her head.

I loved how she fought her attraction to Nick and how the geek in him would turn her on. The talks about Star Trek, Star Wars, and how even when he would just "talk smart" made her go all gooey and she wasn't sure what to do.

What I didn't enjoy so much was the "trouble" that happened to the pack and Maggie. The aspects of them did make sense within the storyline, but for me those were the boring parts. I did like the resolution that happened, I think it was the best that could happen for everyone involved.

I would love to see more books in this series, the remote setting and quirky characters keep me wanting to know more!!

Overall rating: 

  

Review: "How to Flirt with A Naked Werewolf"

"How to Flirt with A Naked Werewolf"

by: Molly Harper

Series: Naked Werewolf Book #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pages: 384

Author's Website: http://www.mollyharper.com/

Source: Simon & Schouster in exchange for an honest review

Published: Feb. 22nd 2011 by Pocket Books

 

Goodreads Blurb: 

Northern Exposure
Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.
For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.
If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .

Darcy's Review:

After reading this book I have to admit I want to pack up my belongings and move to a remote Alaskan town, I mean who wouldn't when you are having issues in your life. But then again if I did decide to do that I sure as heck wouldn't be a good looking guy around for me, I would be left with a town filled with the old guy that kept upping his offer and the one everyone ran from.

Mo is one of those characters you can't help but to love form the first minute you meet her. I loved hearing about her unorthodox upbringing and her parents, but if I had those parents (they bring the term helicopter parents to a whole new heights) I would have made a run for the great north tundra. I especially loved it that she had to do all of this on the sly and wouldn't give them her contact info. I love my parents, but I love them even more 300 miles away, so I can relate.

The quirky characters filling the town had me laughing. I loved the restaurant/saloon that seemed to be the social center, one where they all gathered to meet, talk, and had all of their events. Mo and Evie's burgeoning friendship was great for laughs in their "girls" days.

Along with Mo, I didn't like Cooper at the start. He was an ass with no redeeming qualities, who really had to work hard to overcome, at times I didn't think he was going to be up for it. At first I thought it was just with Mo that he was like that with, but as the story progressed we saw Cooper was like that with the whole town. It is not until after you hear his whole story that you understand why.

I also really liked that from the first day Mo meet Cooper she didn't put up with his crap and actually called him on it. It was surprising that with his feelings for Mo, that Cooper went to Mo for help when he really needed it, and then showed her his biggest secret. Once he decided on wanting Mo, Cooper sure was the alpha male and didn't waste any time.

Meeting Cooper's family sure added another dimension to him. I wish there was more of Pops he was a card, Sampson had me laughing with his on purpose innuendo, and Maggie just plain drove me nuts. The others that we meet of the pack were interesting. The issues that were within the pack was something that I didn't see coming until Mo did.

Overall this book was so much fun to read, it had me laughing out loud so often through the book. I can't wait for more tales from Alaska!

Overall rating: 

  

In My Mailbox (17)

 In My Mailbox

All the books I received this week are:

Books I Bought:

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning








Books I got for Review:

Thief by Anitra Lynn McLeod

Date with Death by Eve Langlais











 


Vampire Relationship Guide by Evelyn Lapont

18 & Over Book Blogger Tag Along Friday!!

18 and over book blogger tag along is for a specific group of book bloggers. You have to primary review adult books. Yes, I know some of you still read teen and adult, so if you do both your welcome to join in. You can read any genre paranormal, suspense, historical, contemporary or mystery and of course, erotica books. And if you blog has a few extra hot male pictures, well, that’s an added bonus! LOL. So if you have a book blog like this and would like to find others please join in the tag along.

We are small in number, but we do love books and other bloggers. So please if someone follows you and leaves a comment please follow back.

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.

*Second place your name or blogs name in the first mister Linky and your URL to the tag along post in the second Mister Linky.

*Third visit blogs listed and leave a comment to let them know you’re a new follower and would like a tag back. Or you can just a comment if you’re an old follower if you'd like.

If you have a question or problem you can email Laurie @ Bitten by Paranormal Romance, you'll find it under my contact.

Now if your new don't be shy most of these ladies are here every week and they are very, very friendly (I know because I follow most of them;)

If your new, get out there and visit other like you. 

Question of the week: Do you have a favorite hero, so far, this year? If-so who? 
To be completely honest I do not have one that really comes to mind.

Please fill out my very short survey about memes.

Hello Everyone, I would greatly appreciate your participation in my meme survey. Its on the left sidebar. I'm really curious about the whole meme thing and how many people really like them. Thank you!!

2011 Historical Romance Challenge - April Reminders

This is a reminder to all the participants of my challenge. There are a little more than 2 weeks left to enter this month and I currently have only 4 links to reviews. I want to remind you that its ok to mix genres as long as they take place in history more than 50% of the time.


I also wanted to clarify that even if you miss a giveaway you can still link your reviews at any time to get caught up so if you need to post 4 reviews in the same month to catch up that is perfectly fine. Don't forget that you need to link up 12 reviews to be entered in the Grand Prize Giveaway.


Good Luck to everyone!

Review: "Master & Apprentice

"Master and Apprentice"

by: Sonya Bateman

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Pages: 352

Author's Website: http://www.sonyabateman.com/

Source: Simon & Schouster in exchange for an honest review

Published: March 29, 2011 by Pocket

 

Goodreads Blurb: 

A DEADLY CULT. AN UNBREAKABLE CURSE. THE RULES ARE SIMPLE: LEARN TO KILL . . . OR DIE. Luck has never been on Gavyn Donatti’s side. Anyone else with magic abilities inherited from a distant genie relative would have it made, but not Donatti, descendant of a cranky, shape-shifting genie named Ian. The prince of a murdered kingdom, consumed with revenge and driven by an unbreakable curse, Ian is determined to hunt down and destroy every last one of his enemies in the power-hungry snake clan—at any cost, including his life. Or Donatti’s.
Obsessed by his own rage, Ian has never really taught Donatti how to use his abilities. So when a powerful cult of magic-users captures Ian’s wife, the princess Akila, and then Ian himself, Donatti is left alone to take on dozens of half-djinn and their mysterious leader with designs on world domination.
Facing an impossible mission, Donatti is forced to turn to an enemy for help—one who claims to know how to unlock his true potential. Trusting a snake might be the last mistake Donatti ever makes—but if he doesn’t learn to wield the power inside him, everyone will pay the ultimate price.

Darcy's Review:

I am torn with some aspects of this book, there are parts that I really liked and some that I disliked. 

I will start with the dislike as it is a part of the foundation of the series.  I get that in the past Donatti was a thief, but he isn't any more.  It irritates me how everyone, especially Ian calls him Thief, as his name, and when they do it is like a slur.  Donatti was very much thrown into this situation and has done so much to help Ian, often at great personal peril.  It does seem that this may be changing, I guess we will have to wait for the next book to find out for sure. 

I also really dislike that Ian doesn't seem to trust Donatti.  He could have been teaching him about his new powers, but it seems like he can't be bothered.  I would think that if Donatti knew and could use those powers it would be better on their trips to hunt the Morai.

What I really like is the odd family that Donatti and Ian have formed, along with their spouses and Cy.  Those quiet times when we get to see them being normal makes up for all the crazy magic things that happen.

I also liked how Ian and Akila had to face some old foes and learned things about those in the world they come from.  Those new facts definitely make them think again about what was going on back there and going back. 

I really liked that Ian came face to face with his enemy, the Morai, but had to re-evaluate them. 

I did get a little tired of all the action going on in the book.  It seemed like they went from one disaster to another, were almost killed each time, yet still able to go on.  Even with the healing skills it seems to be too much.

I think the best part of this book was Mercy, a mountain woman they encountered who was part redneck, part pot smoking hippie, and animal wrangler.  For some reason all the scenes when she was around became my favorite, probably because she took everything in stride and came up with some way to help.

With all of the game changers in this book I look forward to seeing just what the future will bring for Donatti and Ian.

Overall rating:  

18 & Over Couples Book Giveaway Hop

One of my favorite blogs, Bitten by Paranormal Romance is hosting a blog hop for adult couples books only including erotica. Of course, I'm all in for this one. If your interested in signing up just visit her blog to get all the details. but you have to sign up by May 20th. The blog hop isn't until June 2nd - June 5th

Review: "Surrender the Dark" by L.A. Banks

"Surrender the Dark"

by: L.A. Banks

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Pages: 373

Author's Website: http://www.leslieesdailebanks.com/labanks.php

Source: Simon & Schouster in exchange for an honest review

Published: January 2011 by Pocket

 

Goodreads Blurb: 

National bestselling author L.A. Banks’s electrifying new paranormal series is set in a sizzling world where Dark and Light are trapped in an eternal struggle for the fate of mankind. Celeste Jackson has fought all her life against a fog of hallucination and substance abuse, but it’s not until she meets her protector, Azrael, an angel who has left the safety of the Light, that she learns of the evil forces that have been trying to ruin her, and why. A fierce battle for control of the mortal realm is brewing, and only Celeste—with the help of the Remnant, her half-human, half-angel brethren—can stand in the way. Together, Celeste and Azrael must gather an army of sensitives to defeat the dark powers that have ruled humanity for centuries, but time is running out. If Azrael surrenders to his growing desire for Celeste, he risks being trapped among humanity forever. But the longer he stays, the harder she is to resist. To save the world, Celeste must draw on her own dark experiences with addiction to help Azrael overcome the one temptation that could possibly make him an eternal prisoner—his obsession with her.

Darcy's Review:

   This book was so very slow, I could only read 50 pages before switching off to a different book for awhile. I also felt like I was getting preached at while reading this book. When books are about Angels I expect that to some extent, but in this case I also felt preached about eating vegan and organic (I love meat, not going to give it up), drinking (there is nothing like a good glass of wine sometimes), drugs (ok, this one I agree with), and swearing (I don't swear a lot, but sometimes you are in a situation where a good curse word will only do).

When we first met Celeste there isn't a whole lot to like about her, she is a drunk, does drugs, lives with a guy who's main entertainment is beating on her. Really, her life just couldn't get any worse. Things go from bad to worst and Celeste finds herself hitting rock bottom sitting at a bar when Azrael comes in and changes her life. It takes a while for Celeste to believe Azrael and then they are off on their mission, good against evil.

Some of the best scenes of the book were when Celeste and Azrael weren't with a lot of others around. The discovery of food in Whole Foods was one of the light fun scenes in the book. I also loved it when the couple found their way to Aunt Nicey's house. She is such a card and her way of thinking had me laughing. I also thought the scenes with Queen Aziza were interesting. It definitely gave Celeste somethings to think about.

Overall rating:  

Celebrating 700 Followers with a Mystery Giveaway

<br><br><a href="http://s742.photobucket.com/albums/xx62/RomanceBookJunkies/?action=view&current=Background-purple-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx62/RomanceBookJunkies/Background-purple-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br><br>

It's time to celebrate again now that I have over 700 followers. I am ecstatic and never thought I 'd reach this many so thank you to all of my wonderful follower.


This giveaway is going to be a mystery giveaway were you can enter with a list of books you want and then I pick one and ship it and you don't find out which one until it comes in the mail . Just fill out the form below. This giveaway will end on May 15th and for every 50 new followers I will add another winner to be drawn. This giveaway is for everyone that lives within Book Depository shipping. Please go and check before entering.

April's Monthly Book Giveaway

I know its coming out late this month so please forgive me. To make up for my lateness the monthly book giveaway this month is going to have 2 winners. I have two used Amanda Quick books to give away in good condition. 
*The first winner gets to chose which they would prefer and the second winner gets the book that is left. 
*Drawings will be held on May 1st.
*This month giveaway is available to US only.
*All you have to do is fill out the form at the bottom of this post. 
* Good Luck!

Goodreads Blurb for "Wait Until Midnight":
"The sins of Adam Hardesty's past have been discovered. And if he does not hunt down his blackmailer quickly, his secrets will be revealed to all... But there is an obstacle in his way: sensation novelist Caroline Fordyce. She knows that Adam's quest for justice could shatter her own reputation - and mire her family in lethal scandal. And she fears what he may find. Together, they will navigate the shadow side of London, venturing into an underworld of cutthroats, connivers, and illusionists. And as the mystery grows ever deeper and the danger circles ever closer, they must guard not only their secrets but their lives..."

 

 Goodreads Blurb for "The Paid Companion":
The Earl of St. Merryn needs a woman. His intentions are purely practical - he simply wants someone sensible and suitably lovely to pose as his betrothed for a few weeks among polite society. He has his own agenda to pursue, and a false fianc e will keep the husband-hunters at bay while he goes about his business. The easiest solution is to hire a paid companion.

However, finding the right candidate proves more of a challenge than he expected - until he encounters Miss Elenora Lodge. Her dowdy attire and pinned-up hair cannot hide her fine figure and the fire in her golden eyes. And her unfortunate circumstances, and dreams of a life of independence, make the Earl's generous offer undeniably appealing.

But Elenora is unsure what this masquerade might entail. For St. Merryn is clearly hiding a secret or two, and things seem oddly amiss in
his gloomy Rain Street home. She is soon to discover that his secrets are even darker than his decor, and that this lark will be a far more dangerous adventure than she's been led to believe. And Arthur, Earl of St. Merryn, is making a discovery as well: that the meek and mild companion he"d initially envisioned has become, in reality, a partner in his quest to catch a killer - and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a wild passion in his practical heart.

Followers Giveaway - April

Hello to everyone and welcome. I'm getting more and more new followers everyday. I'm currently at 701 followers which I am ecstatic about. 
So last time a I had a followers giveaway. I hosted a mystery giveaway were you tell me a wish list of books of more than 2 books  you would love to own. I will look at all the books you want and decide which I think wold be best for you. So I plan on giving away a book from someones wish list.

We have a winner!

Its time to announce the winner of my Historical Romance Reading  Giveaway for the month of March.

The winner is:

Alexa @ Pages of Forbidden Love

Congratulations Alexa!! Please email me your mailing address so can ship it for you. My email is Romancebookjunkiesdanielle@yahoo.com. If I hear nothing within 48 hours I may pick another winner.

Darcy's Review: "Trading Up" by Brindle Chase

"Trading Up"

by: Brindle Chase

Genre:   Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Pages:40
ISBN: 9781926930268

Author's Website: http://www.fornlorn-hope.net

Source: From the Author in exchange for a honest review

Published: March 25, 2011 by Breathless Press

 

Goodreads Blurb: 
Heather adores her flighty sister's boyfriend, Mark. He's Mr. Right, and her sister is about to let him go. He's a catch, and Heather's only chance is to play out her sister's insane and wicked plan to switch in the dark. If she fails, she'll lose him to the throng of girls waiting in the wings. It's a winner takes all arena and seduction is the game.

Darcy's Review:

I found that this story hit some buttons for me when reading it. Theresa, currently dating Mark, but getting bored and wants to break up with him. Heather, her sister, has had a secret crush on Mark after meeting him. Theresa, knowing herself, Mark, and Heather realizes that Heather and Mark would be perfect together, comes up with a Lucy and Ethel worthy plan, to see that they end up that way.

This is where the story hits my buttons. I am ok with the sisters talking about the men in their lives. Where I am skeeved out is when Theresa tells Heather exactly what will get Mark going and encouraging a switch between the women, with Mark thinking he is having sex with Theresa, but it is really Heather. The potential for things to go wrong with this plan was so high I almost didn't want to read it, but I had too just to see how it was going to play out.

I will say that once I could just let go of those personal issues I had with the story, it was good, with some really hot sex scenes. I loved that Mark knew when he meet Heather he was dating the wrong sister, but couldn't do anything about it.

In the end things ended on a good note and everyone was happy. Although I do wonder how they all are going to explain things to the girls' parents and friends.

* I would like to thank the author for providing a copy of the story for an honest review.

Overall rating:  

Hottie of the Week

Hey Ladies,

Here is the new Hottie of the Week. This guy looks like another guy that can take the heat here in Florida. LOL =)   Enjoy!! 

I would love some suggestions for hotties of the week. Just leave a comment with a name or link to a picture. Your help with suggestions would be extremely appreciated. 

Have a great week!

2011 Historical Romance Challenge - April

Hello Everyone,

It's time for the 4th 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 March, 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. 

This month's giveaway is for both US & International participants. 

This is a ebook version donated by the author Kiki Howell. We will also be doing a Author Spotlight with her this month. So look for that.

And Miss Bohemia has made custom Victorian bookmarks for me to give away each month in my challenge giveaways.

Please link your review of a historical romance that you read this month to the Mister Linky to be entered for a chance to win these great prizes.

 

 

Susan Mallery's Blog Tour - Guest Post

Susan Mallery, Author of ALREADY HOME

Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories of women and the relationships that move them. In her latest novel, ALREADY HOME, Jenna Stevens, still reeling from a recent divorce, is unpleasantly surprised by the arrival of her birth parents, who seem to want her to feel a family bond immediately. Can she learn to love a second mother without damaging her relationship with the mom who raised her? Join Susan’s Members Only area at www.susanmallery.com for an exclusive, extended sneak peek.

Do you get any ideas for characters from your pets?

LOL! Clearly, word has gotten out that I love pets. I often invite my Facebook friends to post pictures of their pets to my page, and I have a Funny Reader Pets picture gallery on my website home page, www.susanmallery.com. Then there’s the small matter of my dog’s wardrobe outstripping mine. You can see pictures of her in all her little outfits inside my free app for the iPhone, iPad, and Android. Just search for my name on the iTunes app store or on the Android market.

ALREADY HOME has an all-human cast of characters, so the answer to your question is no for this particular book. Oh, I suppose Jenna’s brother Dragon has an animalistic quality to him, but he’s more of a wild animal than a domesticated pet.

Just wait until this summer, though. I’ll be continuing the Fool’s Gold series in August, September, and October. The Hendrix triplets will fall in love this year. For those of you who have already read the first three Fool’s Gold books, you’ll know that Montana was searching for a career that would mean something to her. Well, she finds it in training therapy dogs. But as Montana discovers in the first chapter of her book, ONLY YOURS, not every dog is therapy dog material. For those of you who haven’t read the first three Fool’s Gold books, you can read Chapter 1 and 2 of each book for free at www.foolsgoldca.com.

Do you have a pet? What is a personality quirk that makes your pet a true character?

We have a winner!

 

Its time to announce the winner of my March Monthly Giveaway.

The winner is:

Lisa S.

Congratulations Lisa!! Please email me your mailing address so can ship it for you. If I hear nothing within 48 hours I may pick another winner.

Giveaway Fundrraiser for the people in Japan

Hello to everyone!

Good Choice Reading is hosting a hop to raise money for the unfortunate people in Japan. I know you have all heard of the earthquake, sunmi, and Nuclear tragedies that has been their everyday life since the earthquake. They are in need of so many things. People have lost everything including the lives of love ones. Please donate so we can play our part in helping them recover. The giveaways are going to be open for entry until April 15th.

My Giveaway is going to be two lightly used books.

#1 The Breakdown Lane 

by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Goodreads Blurb:

An advice columnist for a local newspaper, Julieanne Gillis dispenses wisdom to her readers, but somehow missed the signs that something was amiss in her own home. Devoted to being a good mother and keeping her twenty-year marriage fresh and exciting, she is shocked by her husband's surprise announcement that he needs a “sabbatical” from their life together—and devastated when he disappears, leaving Julie with no funds to raise two teenagers and a small daughter alone. But it is the discovery that Julieanne suffers from a serious illness that truly crumbles her family's foundation—setting her children on a dangerous, quixotic journey to locate their missing father before it's too late.

#2 Dark Embrace (Rose Trilogy, #1)

By Brenda Joyce

Goodreads Blurb:

Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years—until he hears Brianna Rose's scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her.…Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop—and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Still, her life is pretty ordinary—until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan's pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption…and his love.
To enter simply fill out this form:



You do not have to donate to win but it would be wonderful if you could. Thanks to all that donate and play their part in helping the people in Japan.




Thanks for the donation!

Don't forget about checking out all the other blogs giveaways.