Review: Deliver me from darkness - Tes Hilaire

Series: Paladin Warriors #1

Genre: Paranormal romance

Pages: 368

Published: February 7, 2012

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Source: For review

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT... 

He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep. 

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR 

She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

My thoughts:

I read this book in no time, the pages just kind of flew by. There was passion, there was drama and there was this ease over it all which I appreciated. 

Roland then, he is your good guy, who is sadly bad, but does not want to be. While Karissa is your good girl, running from the baddies. And one of Roland's old buddies brings her around to keep her safe. Which she does not like, considering Roland is bad and all. They are meant to be and nothing can stop that. 

I needed a bit of fated love where the man goes all mine! Where they are totally wrong but that pull of true love gets them together. Where things might be rushed, but hey, it's love. And here I liked it. 

There was something light over the language here which worked well in this rather dark world. The Paladins, the good guys, do not seem that good when all comes down to it. And the bad guys, well they are evil. There were side-characters too around and I hope Logan finds love, I would like to see more of a certain vamp girl, and a certain paladin grew on me. I'd read more of this light yet so dark paranormal romance. 

Conclusion:

It's a promising start to a new series. True love, evil vampires out to get you and secrets that will keep you entertained. 

Cover:

Oh you know me, I want to see a head

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Tes Hilaire is stopping by tomorrow, and there will be an interview and a contest to win this book :)

Review: Rude awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict - Laurie Viera Rigler

Genre: Contemporary romance/time-travel/JA
Pages: 304
Published: 2010
Publisher: Plume
Source: Borrowed
In Laurie Viera Rigler's first novel, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, twenty­first-century Austen fan Courtney Stone found herself in Regency England occupying the body of one Jane Mansfield- with comic and romantic consequences. Now, in Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, Jane Mansfield awakens in the urban madness of twenty-first-century L.A.-in Courtney's body. With no knowledge of Courtney's life, let alone her world-with its horseless carriages and shiny glass box in which tiny figures act out her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice-Jane is over her head. Especially when she falls for a handsome young gentleman. Can a girl from Regency England make sense of a world in which kissing and flirting and even the sexual act raise no matrimonial expectations?

My thoughts:

This was a cute book that I just breezed through. Honestly I just opened it and then suddenly I had read it. I think I needed an easy book that was all sweet and fun.

And we all know I love Jane Austen. And in this one a woman called Jane Mansfield loves the author too. I do like a fellow Janeite. But the best part was of course that Jane is from 1813 and wakes up in another body in 2009. What is a fridge? A Computer? Why do women wear so little clothes? She must be ruined since she called of a wedding, and so forth. I liked the funny things how this poor woman tries to cope with our century because it sure is a different century.

And there is romance on the horizon, perhaps....

Jane finds herself. Still I did feel a bit sad because she gave up everything, just as Courtney did (the person she is now). Did they not miss their homes and family? And how about the person who seems to like Courtney? Because Jane is not Courtney. Anyway even with those questions I still liked it, and I sure would like to read the first book where Courtney from 2009 wakes up in 1813. Now that would be fun to read about.

Conclusion:
The verdict then; it is cute and easy.

Cover:
Fits

Review: Heir of Novron - Michael J.Sullivan

Series: Riyria Revelations #3 (5+6)
Genre: Fantasy
Pages. 900
Published: January 26, 2012
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Xmas pressie from Bf (and yes I told him to ;)

The New Empire intends to mark its victory over the Nationalists with a bloody celebration. On the high holiday of Wintertide, the Witch of Melengar will be burned and the Heir of Novron executed. On that same day the Empress faces a forced marriage, with a fatal accident soon follow. The New Empire is confident in the totality of its triumph but there’s just one problem—Royce and Hadrian have finally found the Heir of Novron and they have their own holiday plans. 

Heir of Novron is the final volume of The Ririya Revelations and includes Wintertide and—available for the first time—the final volume, Percepliquis.

My thoughts:

I am sad to see it end, but the end came. I still felt like this was one of those "I feel like home" books, because it reminds me of the books I first read and fell in love with. Which makes this the style of fantasy that is my first love, and my true love.

While reading there came a point where I just could not get enough, it was when the Percepliquis story started because it meant the end. I could not put the book down, but still I did put it down because at the same time I did not want it to end. I struggled between needing to know! And not wanting to know since then there would be no more. Of course the wanting to know struggle won, that is a given.

It was a good ending to this series and at times I giggled cos it was funny, at times I wanted to shout noo! And at times I said I knew it!! Did I really knew it? Well, I claim I did but in the end I have a million different versions of what might be going on, who might be who and all the rest. The book took me for a merry ride and gave me lots of surprises.

And what about our beloved heroes then? Oh I Heart Royce, but then I have always loved elves. I really fell for Hadrian in this one too because he is so chivalrous and sweet. And there were HEAs too, I do love them. Especially with one couple I did not know would meet. There are so many wonderful characters I would love to mention but that would take time. Though when thinking about what I have read I find myself startled cos I realize that I do not like Modina, I liked Thrace, but not Modina, the empress.

It was a wonderful conclusion to a great series and it had me at the edge of my seat. This is what I want my fantasy to be like, a great cast, a great story, a wonderful world and a rich history. In the end I would sure like to read more from this world, and certainly from this author.

Conclusion:

Of course I recommend this series to all. And do not be afraid of the page count, since I know some are. Fantasy books are huge, and this book is actually two books in one if that makes you feel better ;)

Cover:

I like it, Hadrian :D

.

Interview and Contest: Victoria Connelly - Dreaming of Mr.Darcy

Today I have Victoria Connelly over for an interview and there is a chance to win her book, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy.

1. Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?

- I’ve written all my life and I’m so happy when at my desk thinking about characters falling in love!  My favourite books and films are all romantic comedies and I grew up on a diet of Doris Day and Marilyn Monroe films.  I also adore animals and have a rescue spaniel and several ex-battery hens.  I love spending time with them.

2. Your new book is called Dreaming of Mr.Darcy, could you tell my readers a bit about it?

- Dreaming of Mr Darcy is the second book in my Jane Austen addicts’ trilogy.  It’s set in beautiful Lyme Regis where a new adaptation of Persuasion is being filmed and my heroine falls in love with the actor playing Captain Wentworth.  But is he really the hero for her?

3. From where do you get your inspiration for these modern Jane Austen stories?

- I’d been visiting lots of Jane Austen locations including her home in Chawton, Hampshire and I kept thinking how beautiful these places were and how much fun it would be to write about them and the idea for a trilogy happened very quickly.  It would be three separate books about three sets of Austen addicts and each would be set in a different Austen location: Hampshire, Lyme Regis and Bath.

I also wanted to explore what it was like to be an Austen fan in the twenty-first century and how so many of us use Austen to escape from the stresses and strains of the modern world.  

4. Considering what you write, which is your favorite Jane Austen book and couple?

- It has to be Elizabeth and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice because they just spark against each other and it’s so much fun to watch their mistrust turn to love.  But I also have a soft spot for Catherine and Henry Tilney from Northanger Abbey.  I love the way he teases her!

5. I kept seeing a certain actor when reading the character Oli Wade Owen, but now I am more interested in knowing who you might see as Adam Craig?

It has to be said that I rather fell in love with Mr Rupert Penry Jones as Captain Wentworth in the recent adaptation of Persuasion and I was highly inspired by him when writing my own hero, Oli Wade Owen.  Who would I like to play Adam?  I adore Henry Cavill and can just imagine him wearing Adam’s cute little glasses!

6. What’s next up from you?

The third book in my Austen addicts’ trilogy – Mr Darcy Forever – is out in April in the US.  This is about two estranged sisters who meet once again during the Jane Austen festival in Bath.  

I’m also just finishing a new romantic comedy called The Runaway Actress about a film star who swaps Hollywood for the Highlands of Scotland.  It’s due out in the UK in April 2012 and I hope US publication will follow.

And watch out for Christmas with Mr Darcy – a novella sequel to my Austen addicts’ trilogy which will be released on Kindle in time for Christmas!

Thanks!

Giveaway

1 copy of Dreaming of Mr.Darcy

1. Open to US and Canada

2.Ends Feb 3

3. Go ahead and enter, that is all :) 

Or comment, ask something or tell me if you like Persuasion...

Dreaming of Mr.Darcy -OUT NOW
Fledgling illustrator and Darcy fanatic Kay Ashton settles in the seaside town of Lyme to finish her book, The Illustrated Mr. Darcy, when a film company arrives to make a new adaptation of Persuasion. Kay is soon falling for the handsome bad boy actor playing Captain Wentworth, but it's the quiet screenwriter Adam Craig who has more in common with her beloved Mr. Darcy. Though still healing from a broken heart, Adam finds himself unexpectedly in love with Kay, but it will take more than good intentions to convince her that her real happy ending is with him.

Author's website

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My flash fic for this week

Review: Her Ladyship's companion - Evangeline Collins

Genre: Historical romance

Pages: 330

Published: 2009

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Bought

In the Scottish countryside of Selkirk, Lady Isabella Stirling resides at Bowhill Park, serving penance for a sin that nearly ruined her family. For five years she has been condemned to a loveless marriage and confined to the estate where she does little more than tend her rose garden. With her husband absent for months at a time and few visitors, Bella lives a lonely existence, denying the passions that burn within her very soul.
Then her cousin comes for a visit and makes an outrageous suggestion: what Bella needs is a lover. A hired lover. Despite her need, Bella says no. But soon Mr. Gideon Rosedale arrives-and he is at her service for two weeks. Indulging in what she intends to be a harmless flirtation, Bella is overcome by Gideon's intoxicating presence. And when she at last permits him to satisfy her desires, she discovers she's done the unthinkable-she's fallen in love.

My thoughts:

I read another book by her and liked it, even though I didn't think I would. So of course then I had to get this book. At least now I was used to the prostitutes ;)

Isabella is married to a man who is never around. She is lonely, sad and there is passion in her that never gets to come out. When she finally gets to live she is a tad bit immature, but that is because she wants and wants. Kind of like me in a bookstore. The hero, oh yes, he is a male prostitute hired by her cousin. Now this is a romance so of course they fall in love, but can they be? She is married and he is nothing.

I can't say what it is about her books that make me like them so much. There is just so much passion, angst, and love around. And there is that big elephant in the room, how on earth could this possibly work? The road there is long and it has me wondering. Because I want them and need these two to be happy. She is so deserving and he, well he sure deserves better too.

Conclusion:

I truly enjoyed this one and I recommend it. I really like her voice.

Cover:

Something is wrong with his body

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I am also now a permanent member of the gang over at Alternative-read.com and today I am reviewing Black Wings by Christina Henry.

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package. 

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with. 

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos. 

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell.

Review: A Brush of Darkness - Allison Pang

Series. Abby Sinclair #1

Genre: UFPNR

Pages: 343

Published: 2011

Publisher: Pocket

Source: Bought

The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.

Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn’t at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as- sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus’s whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there’s no one she can trust to save her.

My thoughts:

I thought it would be UF but considering the sexual tension and the smexing I am proclaiming this to be...UFPNR. 

I came into a world as confused as Abby was, but she just put up a better front and slowly I understood what she was involved in. But I will not tell you that, since that will spoil the plot. She is tough, snarky and damaged. But I like her and anyone who can put up with a horny little unicorn is good to me. 

Then we have the love interest, Brystion who oozes sex, well duh, he is an incubus. He will ride those dreams until you beg for more. What can I say, I am a sucker for dark and sexy. Together these two are sizzling. 

As for the story there is the hunt for his sister, Abby's boss and figuring out what the heck is going on in town. All while dealing with your friendly neighborhood incubus and having wet dreams about said demon. 

Conclusion:

It was a fun ride and I think I liked the end the best, why..well beats me. There was just a lot of tension and I sure like that.

Cover:
Awesome

Review: The Man who Rained - Ali Shaw

Genre: Fiction/Fable

Pages: 304

Published: January 2012

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Source: For review

When Elsa's father is killed in a tornado, all she wants is to escape — from New York, her job, her boyfriend — to somewhere new, anonymous, set apart. For some years she has been haunted by a sight once seen from an aeroplane: a tiny, isolated settlement called Thunderstown. 

Thunderstown has received many a pilgrim, and young Elsa becomes its latest — drawn to this weather-ravaged backwater, this place rendered otherworldly by the superstitions of its denizens. In Thunderstown, they say, the weather can come to life and when Elsa meets Finn Munro, an outcast living in the mountains above the town, she wonders whether she has witnessed just that. 

For Finn has an incredible secret: he has a thunderstorm inside of him. Not everyone in town wants happiness for Elsa and Finn. As events turn against them, can they weather the tempest - can they survive at all? 

The Man Who Rained is a work of lyrical, mercurial magic and imagination, a modern-day fable about the elements of love.

My thoughts:

I read this first book, The Girl with glass feet and was smitten. He made me believe it all could be real. That in some parts of the world there was still magic that was not truly magic, it was just life. It's not like paranormal books where you just read it but do not believe. Here, here it is different. Perhaps men can rain, and perhaps rain can come to life.

His prose is lyrical and it sucks you in, it holds on to you and it also made me feel scared. This is a town filled with superstitious people who kill that of rain and thunder. While on the mountain there lives a strange man called Finn, who is our man who rained. I feared for him.

The story is about Elsa who comes to Thundertown to start a new life. She is nice and curious and meets Finn. Who is mysterious and sweet. He shows her a world that seems to exist only in these mountains. It's a book filled with magical realism and feelings of longing, love but also hate of the unknown. And here it truly shows. That which you do not know you fear and think is dangerous. Only some give it a chance and find that we are all alike in the end.

The book is great, the writing, the story, the people in it and the world he creates. It's a place were sunbeams come to life.

Conclusion:

It's a book I recommend because it is so real and still so magical. I can't wait for his next book and see what he comes up with then. It was simply enchanting, heartbreaking and lovely.

Cover: 

Pretty

Review: The Waters rising - Sheri S.Tepper

Series: A plague of Angels #2
Genre: Futuristic fantasy sci-fi
Pages: 512
Published: Dec 2011
Publisher: Gollancz
Source: For review

The long-awaited and much-demanded sequel to A PLAGUE OF ANGELS, continuing the story of Abasio, once a farmboy, now, so Blue, his talking horse, is happy to inform people, a man who goes hither and thither helping orphans in this world where renascent mythical beasts and fairy tale 'archetypes' now live. When he comes across little Xulai from Tingawan, one of the Ten Thousand Islands, far across the western Sea, she informs him that she too is an orphan, and implores his help carrying out the last request of the Princess Xu-i-lok, who has been dying since the day she married Duke Justinian, who refused the royal order to marry Alicia, the Prince's sister. Xulai is Princess Xu-i-lok's Soul Carrier, and the task she must complete means visiting the scary forest in the dead of night - but it is the only thing that will bring the princess a measure of peace. Abasio, helper of orphans, promises though she must do this alone, he will be near, to aid her if necessary and it is, for there are dark things abroad. Xulai's job is not yet done, for with the princess now dead, the grieving Duke is left a widower - and Alicia, Duchess Altamont, still wishes to marry him. It's not just the man she wants, but his lands too and her plans do not bode well for anyone except her .

My thoughts:

This book was strange, but wondrous strange. But then all Tepper books I have read have been like that, she takes in things and turns into something utterly amazing and weird.

First, yes it is book two, but book 1 does not have to be read to understand this book. The only person from book 1 around is the hero Abasio. But here is he is all new and a bit different. I do not know how much time has gone by, and it takes place in a new land. It is a new book and it was published almost 20 years after book 1.

 I thought book 1 gave me answers what might have happened to our earth, but here I finally found out what The Big Kill, and the Time when no one moved around was. This our earth, which we destroyed and in its wake technology was no more. Which makes this a futuristic sci-fi book in a fantasy world. She explains it well at one time, how people when they do not understand something makes it into magic. There are a few things left over from the old times, and some do know things. Like when the baddie, Alicia curses someone. Some say it is magic, some know better. She took the pattern of that person and sent a cloud. Yes DNA and virus. The mix works so well, because what would happen if 99% died out? If machines were destroyed? 

And like that was not enough, now the waters are rising and even the highest mountain will be under water. Can humankind be saved? And do we deserve to be saved?

It's a book to read slowly because now and then something new comes along and everything slowly dawns on me. It's a good book, it is a strange story and I can't believe that this used to be earth. There are talking animals, the Kraken, a lovestory, and wicked witches. There is also a child's journey and the question why she is so important?

Conclusion:

Tepper needs to be read to be understand. I do not think I can make her world justice. But when you step in to her world you will be enchanted with it.

Cover:

Now I get it ;=)

Review: Contingency Plan - Anita Ensal

Series: The Neighborhood #1
Genre: Contemporary fairytale
Pages: 29
Published: Dec 2011
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Source: For review

Sharon’s running out of time and money. She’s got a plan for how to save herself and her two children after their deadbeat dad and the rest of their family have deserted them. But what will her contingency plan do to her soul and the souls of her children?

Mr. Mann carries burdens most couldn’t -- the visible, odd arrangement of connected boxes on his back, and the hidden guilt for deeds done long, long ago. The end may be in sight, but not a happy one if Sharon chooses the wrong path. Someone’s contingency plan will be put into effect, but whether it leads to a happily ever after or dark despair will require intricate maneuverings by the white witches of the Neighborhood. But even they can’t stop a good woman from going wrong.

My thoughts:

I meant to review another book today, but I got a few pages left, and well then it was perfect to take on this short story. And who can say no to a Gini Koch book in the first place, since that is her hiding behind that name.

This was a short tale about Sharon who is down on her luck, she got nothing except for her kids. But the is kind, and she tries. They meet the strange Mr Mann and their luck is beginning to change. But the question is, will she pick the right way or will things to dark again? And that is what it is about. 

There is also a bit of romance at the end, because every fairytale needs a HEA.

I do not want to say too much since it is short and I would just spoil it all, but it was a nice little tale. Even when there are struggles, there might be something good lurking behind the horizon.

Review: Miss Bannerman and the Duke - Fenella J.Miller

Genre: Historical romance

Pages: Ebook...

Published: Sep 2011

Publisher: Musa Publishing

Review by Anachronist

Synopsis:

Two young sisters are climbing a tree when their older brother brings some male friends home. Each of those guests catches one girl helping them to descent. Later on they marry. Oh, in-between there are some balls to be attended and  different outfits to be described and ruined. And jewellery. You can dance a waltz only with your betrothed in order not to scandalize the ladies of the ton. Isn’t this rule rather silly?

Good girl review:

It was a sweet read, more a longer novella than a short novel, about twin girls who get exactly those husbands they dream of. Amelia is a golden-haired angel and she is paired with a more flashy but poorer guy; still she fancies him a lot. Rosamond is a bit of a tomboy and an original so she scores higher – the Duke of Essex, no less, a fine gent in his prime who understands her like no other and is filthy rich. Have I mentioned their mutual understanding yet? Awwww…and horses, do not let me forget their horses…you know it is a match made in heaven when your horse falls for the horse of your partner, right? Pour some pink champagne and say it with me in unison: awww…

Bad girl review:

Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” would be a perfect soundtrack here, perhaps with a dash of Behemoth. No story. There was simple no story -  just balls and dresses and every Jill gets her Jack as soon as possible or even sooner without major complications or problems. Insta-love is rampant and I haven ‘t found any significant character development whatsoever. Apart from the horses, mentioned above, the book also features a homeless puppy found in the park – vermin- infested but what are those servants for, right? My inner Punk yawned and swore, my inner Goth went out looking for a vampire to share a pint of blood. Without the Magic Flute of Mr. Mozart (more precisely the Queen of Night aria “Der Hölle Rache”) I wouldn’t be able to finish it. Fortunately it was short. Just ten repetitions and I was almost at the end.  Still…”Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen; Tod und Verzweiflung flammet um mich her!...”

The quote that sums it all:

“The Duke of Essex was no longer proud and disdainful and Rose Bannerman was no longer prejudiced and wild. True love, as it always does, had changed them both.”

My foot! Even Miss Jane Austen would give a very polite snort.

Final verdict:

Bad girl wins - I didn’t enjoy this one but I love Mozart.

Review: Undead and Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson

Series: Undead #1
Genre: Paranormal romance (humour)
Pages: 288 (PB)
Published: 2004
Publisher: Berkley
Source: My own


Waking up in a tacky coffin, and wearing off-brand shoes, Betsy Taylor can't believe the horrible turn her life has taken–then she discovers she's a vampire. Soon, Betsy becomes a participant in a power struggle between the forces of darkness. With only her friend Jessica and the hunky vampire Sinclair to help her, this new "Queen of Vampires" will have a tough time getting her afterlife straight.

My thoughts:

Now this was light humorous paranormal romance and I do like that. Betsy did not take herself seriously and I enjoyed that. But then the cover does give it all away, light and fun.

Betsy is not normal kind of heroine, she loves shoes, loves loves them! And of course is should be designer shoes. She is funny, snarky, sweet and nice. Of course I had to like Betsy, especially when she brings out the snark. She also got sidekicks who are just perfect for her. The hero, well we know it from the first time she sets her eyes on him. Sink Lair, and I got Ethan vibes. Especially from one of the first times she sees him around. Nah, I did not care for him. He is full of himself and even if he changes his ways...ok I can't make a prophecy, I might actually like him then. But the first impression is just the same that she got, jerk.

The story is all about her waking up from the dead, coming to terms with that, meeting vamps, wondering why they call her queen and all in a lighthearted fashion.

Did I fall for it as much as my friend who read it first did? No, but I enjoyed it none the less. And since she liked it so much that she bought more,...yes I will read more then too.

Conclusion:

Fluffy and fun.

Cover

Cute

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My flash fiction for this week

Review: A Woman Worth Ten Coppers - Morgan Howell

Series: Shadowed Path #1
Genre: Fantasy(romance)
Pages: 324
Published: 2008
Publisher: Del Rey
Source: My own

Seer, healer, goddess, slave–she is all these things and more.
Yim is a young woman suddenly cast into slavery, a gifted seer with a shocking secret–and a great destiny. Honus is a Sarf, a warrior dedicated to the service of the compassionate goddess Karm. A Sarf’s sole purpose is to serve a holy person called a Bearer. But Honus’ s Bearer has been killed by the minions of an evil god known only as the Devourer. Masterless and needing someone to bear his pack, Honus purchases Yim for the price of ten coppers–and their fates are forever entwined.

My thoughts:

The book had a strange feeling to it, it was not epic fantasy, it felt like fantasy romance, without the romance. Just these hints of romance and feelings.

Yim is chosen by the Goddess and she does her best to follow her path. Though she does have these TSTL moments. They travel to a dark and desolate landscape and even though she already was in a jam earlier she still gets in trouble and needs to be rescued. I still like her because she is not truly TSTL, she just seem way too innocent and naive. I would thought she had learnt her lesson. Anyway, she ends up being a slave to Honus. Now he is good man who served a holy guy, still one would think he would be nicer to his slave, or at least tell her he would free her later or something. Instead he eyes her with lust, not very nice then now is he. But in the end Honus is a good man, his ego just seem to be a bit too big.

Yes you guessed it, these two will obviously get feelings for each other. You know it all the time. Under the mean time they travel through a dark world, a world which I liked because it was truly creepy and dark. A dark god is gaining powers and the world is going to hell. 

And then there is the big secret. She has a secret. He is going to where she should go as he also serve the Goddess. Does she tell him? No. One would think it would get her out of slavery and make her more comfortable so that she does not need to fear rape and getting sold. But yes yes Goddess, secrets and all that jazz.

Conclusion:

Enjoyable. I just wish I had not read the blurb for the 2nd book cos there I figured something out and then I checked book 3. Yeesh, depressing.

Cover:

Lovely

Review: Dreams of a Dark Warrior - Kresley Cole

Genre: Immortals after dark #11
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 515
Published: 2011
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK
Source: Bought
He vowed he’d come for her... 

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memories of his past lives-only an endless yearning. 

She awaits his return... 

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals, unaware that he belongs to their world. To sate a desire more powerful than death... 

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle the memories of the passion they once shared-even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

My thoughts:

I liked the book, since it is Kresley Cole after all, I just did not like the actual story in a way. Let me explain:

First of all it takes place in a prison where all the immortals taken are being dissected and experimented upon by humans who are idiots. I already disliked this in Stolen by Kelley Armstrong. So not a fan of prison stories.

But in the end the thing that was that made me frown a bit was not that. It was the love story. If I was Regin I would just have cut of his balls and fed them to him, or let someone else do just that. We all know they end up together so that is not a spoiler, we all know they live happily ever after so then why does everyone forgive for the moment just cos she loves him? I'd still rip out his intestines and then staple them back together inside of him. Because this is what he watched everyday. He looked upon and approved of torture that was not even torture. Now, it was just too horrible to even think about. There should be a new name for it. Because immortals do not die easily therefore they are alive while people play with their rib cages and pull out everything inside. So you  get the picture, the "hero" is a bad bad bad bad man. He is the kind of man who watched a little girl's mother get killed and then throw the child in a prison. And would surely look when they dissect her later too. Which is why I just could not like him as a hero, and thought that an ending where Regin kills him would have been much better. Aww, now that would have been a happy ending. And then Regin could have waited 100 more years for him to be reborn as someone nicer.

These immortals forgive too easily. I fear if they are that nice then the bad side would really win.

Conclusion:

But I still bloody like the book cos it is Kresley Cole. Just in my mind, they smexed and he died. HEA for me. The end.

Cover:

Eh

Review: Warbreaker - Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 600
Published: Dec 2011 (2009)
Publisher: Gollancz
Source: For review

Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesn’t like his job, and the immortal who’s still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Their world is one in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren’s capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished. It will take considerable quantities of each to resolve all the challenges facing Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris; Susebron the God King; Lightsong, reluctant god of bravery, and mysterious Vasher, the Warbreaker.

My thoughts:

Brandon Sanderson is a master world builder, but here it is the magic system that he builds with thought and precision. The world is of course still well built, but the magic, oh the magic just blows you away. I will not even try to explain it, he does it much better. But to simplify, everyone has got breaths, if you got more then you can use those for magic. There is also this thing about colors and how some have returned to life. But yes just read the book. Or else I will spend the rest of this review on the magical system in this world.

It's a world where the Returned and the Godking with his priests rules the kingdom we see most of. They are terrible and worships people who have come back to life. At least that is what our heroines from Idris think. Siri, is young and out of control, but in any other country she would just be filled with life. I liked her because she was real, human. While her sister Vivienne is collected and does her duty well. One of them will marry the terrible Godking to save their country from war.

The story is about these two sisters who are trying to survive and do what is best. It's also about a mysterious stranger called Vasher whom I do not know if I should trust or not when he is skulking about. And it is about Lifesong, one of the Returned. He died, he came back, and he is a God with doubts. My favorite character was Siri because just of the way her story went, which I will tell you no more about. I also liked the Lifesong bits since the whole concept about these Gods was so interesting. But then Viv's story took me for a few surprises too. All in all making all the characters so much more than I would have thought. It is a book about changes, freedom, doubt, misconceptions and more.

This book is it, yes there are no trilogy or 10 books to wait for. You will get a conclusion in it so that is a big plus for me. It's nice with a one book fantasy "series" once in a while.

Conclusion:

It was good and the magic, oh he creates it so well. Where does he come up with these ideas? I do love Brandon Sanderson's books.

Cover:

Not a big fan of the cover

Author Interview and Contest: Leigh Morgan

Today I am having Leigh Morgan over for an interview. Since Lis has read two of her books, and will read the next one, I asked Lis to ask the questions. 

And at the end of this interview you will have the chance to win one of her books. Open to all. Leigh will be stopping by so go ahead and ask questions :)

About me & what made me start writing: 

My real name is Morganne MacDonald. I’ve been a practicing attorney for the past 20yrs working as a child and elder advocate mostly. I also do mediation and help families settle cases. I have been an avid reader and creator of stories since I was little. My second year of law school I picked up my first romance, Johanna Lindsey’s DEFY NOT THE HEART and that was it for me. I can honestly say I would have shot my in-laws and one or more of my law professors had I not devoured every romance I could find. J After graduation, law practice stressed me in the extreme so I started martial arts training after my first week out. I’m now a 4th degree black belt in Okinawan Shorin Ryu. I have a 4th degree black belt in weapons (Kobudo) as well.  I started writing novels because I thought I could do it as well as anyone <big laugh> ignorance is truly the voice of inexperience.  I joined RWA and quickly learned I didn’t even know what “voice” meant. Two children and years later here I am.

In both Sparring Partners and Second Chances you write strong, independent female leads. Is that something that is important to you in romance?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Not only do I write them, I love them. Maybe that comes from the fact that all the women I know are strong. I’m sure I’ve met some who are not, but they don’t register on my radar. One of the sweetest, soft-spoken, go-with-the-flow women I know lost her husband who was also her best friend after decades of marriage. She picked herself up changed her area of practice to one she didn’t know at all and now she’s supporting herself, her sons and dating again. That’s strength and it’s in us all, no matter how deep. Plus, I’m kind of a pain in the a** so I appreciate women who also carry this trait in their DNA. Women are strong creatures and men and romance should add to their lives --- make them more whole --- not be the end-all-be-all. Plus, romance makes us vulnerable and I love playing around with that on the page.

Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? And do events from real life influence your stories?

What a great question. Most days I don’t find it by looking, it just comes when I don’t close any doors in my heart or in my mind. I know that sounds all kinds of Zenny, so I’ll try to be more specific. SECOND CHANCES began from a song I heard on the radio. The singer’s voice made my toes curl and the back of my neck tingle. Images of champagne, silk and lot’s of naked man flashed through my ‘I-gotta-get-a-room’ brain and voila the seeds of a story were born: Older, well-educated, straight-laced woman seeking herself and her new sexual freedom and a somewhat younger, vastly more experienced sensually knowing man who needed meaning and sincerity and just gets a kick out of her. I love Ram and Rhia and I still love that song.

Sparring partners is part of a series. Can you give us an insight into the series? What are your plans for the series?

SPARRING PARTNERS is book one in the Dojo Chronicles, a series of stand alone books that have martial arts training and philosophy as a common feature. The next book in the series is FIGHTING FATE. It features Reed’s adoptive son, Jesse, now in his late twenties and the daughter she gave up for adoption when she was 16, Taryn. The exterior plot deals with finding a mysterious artifact on the Glastonbury plain in England’s pagan spirituality center. This book, like all my books, is really about what family means and finding our own identities and meaning through our relationships with those we love, grow to love, and those we can’t just make swim with the fishes because to do so would piss off someone we love. <big grin> FIGHTING FATE is in the last phases of completion and should be up in Spring 2012. My dojo is so filled with weird, wonderful, interesting odd-balls that I will continue to write these fun, light stories as long as I can. I will be starting Scottish historicals too, featuring the same family ties (MacDonald & Campbell) as are in the contemporary series. I can wait to start weaving these together!

We all love a hunky, sexy, sweet, romantic man in romance. What does your 'perfect' man in romance look like? 

He looks as imperfect as the real thing to me, then I mess with him a bit and see how he will rise and be his own best self. Again a little Zenny <heavy sigh>. I love strong, kind men who have a sense of purpose or a quest. Men for me must live by a code and be honorable. I don’t have to agree with their code, and often don’t, which is what makes it fun, but they have to be true to it. My heroes all have to love deeply as well and be willing to sacrifice for the higher good when necessary and have fun not sacrificing when it’s not. They all love their mamas – or some female they identify with as mother, sister, aunt etc. I say this with a grin, but I can’t or won’t write a hero I can’t love and so they need to respect women; no misogynists need apply.

How important is a good book cover for you?

VERY. I love my covers. My husband and I created them, at least all the ones up now. Vince is attaching photos of my covers, including the new one for FIGHTING FATE. My husband is an architect and knows many graphic artists. We commissioned one to do a cover for SPARRING PARTNERS. The setting in SPARRING PARTNERS is integral to the story. It’s almost a character for me. That first cover captured the setting perfectly for me and I love it! So much in fact I have the original framed on my wall in its full 11x17 glory. Readers hated it. And by hate I mean refused to read the book. And as much as it pains me to say it, the READERS were RIGHT. The cover simply didn’t fit the feel of the story which is hot, sensual, sexy and fun. So, with that in mind we tried to make the covers for the Dojo Chronicle books reflect the sensuality of the stories. We’re very interested in what your readers think! Thank you so much for your blog…you and your readers changed my cover theme and in no small part have been instrumental in if not changing my life, nudging it forward with a shove!

You recently released Second Chances, what is next on the agenda book-wise?

Finishing, polishing and publishing FIGHTING FATE by Spring. Then I’m going to outline the 3rd Dojo Chronicles book, set it aside, and jump into my first Scottish historical. I’m a Highland girl and very active in Scottish events here in Wisconsin so I’m looking forward to this and welcoming it with open arms. I can’t wait to start fighting with some of the Highland weaponry…I mean research J. I’ll keep you posted.

Thank You again for this wonderful opportunity to share my love of writing and romance with your readers.

Leigh Morgan

GIVEAWAY:
2 winners will each win e-copies of Sparring Partners and Second Chances
(gifted from Amazon)

1. Open to all in the universe
2. Ends Jan 27th
3. Leigh is stopping by today so be free to ask her questions, comment on anything or just tell me if you are entering :)

 Have fun!



You and your readers can reach me at:

leighmorgan@bardintraining.com

You can also get me at:

mlmacdonald@wi.rr.com

My website address is:

www.leighmorganauthor.com or
www.bardintraining.com

Review: No rest for the wicked - Kresley Cole

Series: Immortals after dark #3
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 384
Published: 2011 (2006)
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK
Source: Bought

A vampire warrior who yearns for death...Three hundred years ago, Sebastian Wroth's brothers forced him to become a vampire-a nightmare in his mind. Shamed and alone for ages, he longs to die. Until an exquisite creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead. A beautiful assassin dispatched to destroy him...When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow-accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters the vampire with his grave eyes, her feelings-particularly lust-emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill. The prize is a key powerful enough to resurrect her sisters. Not understanding the key's import, Sebastian hinders her against other opponents by using her new feelings to seduce her and earn her love. But when Kaderin is forced to choose between finally killing Sebastian and reuniting her family, how can she live without either...?

My thoughts:

I did not like it as much as a certain book called A demon from the dark, but then that book was just delicious. Don't get me wrong, this book was also good, just not as good. You know the story. 

Sebastian Wroth is our worthy hero, who hates being a vampire. And he is a smart, now who does not like a warrior nerd? It sure works for me. Then we got Kaderin, sure I liked her but not that much since she is cold, which is totally stupid to say cos she is Kaderin the coldhearted. But then thing is she melts, but she still feels cold for me. But then who would not fight against falling for a vampires? Point taken. 

And I liked the whole fated for life thing because that does not mean they are in love like with other books. He knew she was her Bride and went to hunt her down. But he did not love her, so no instalove, passion yes but then he is a hunk and she is not that shabby herself. 

Conclusion:

We got a wild hunt for treasures, sweet loving (ok not sweet ;), and a insight into this very fascinating world. And it does make it my favorite paranormal series.

Cover:

Not a fan since they all look alike, but on its own, well he looks hot, the little I see of him

Flash Fiction friday

Welcome to another flash fiction Friday, hosted by the lovely Dottie @Tink's Place. Every Monday we get a new picture, and we write a 350ish word story on Friday. Be free to join us

(pic has been removed: elf and panther)

The Elf and the Panther

by Blodeuedd

She was a thing of beauty. He had followed her for days but she kept on slipping through his grasp. She was the night stalker, the creature of nightmares, a Goddess of Death and destruction. She was perfect. At night when he had to stop for a few hours sleep he could hear her in the distance. He did not want to sleep but he knew he would never catch her if he did not rest. He could hunt the next day, though she was not prey. She was something else. Call it fate, call it knowing, damn it all, call it love.

He was deep in the Ryarian Mountains when she cornered him. He had not meant it to happen. He had thought she was further along the path. He stood still and stared into her golden eyes as she growled deep in her throat. She came closer and he held his breath as her tail touched his leg. One move and she would rip his throat off.

“Nice kitty,” he whispered and she stood still. He could see the disbelief in her eyes and he knew he has won this battle, but he has lost the war. As she ran away he did not follow. Instead he went homewards. Weeks of tracking were over. He went home to his village, he talked to his kin and they all told him he had done the right thing.

Kaerin split the log in two and wiped the sweat of his brow. He had been home for weeks now and he feared that his decision has been the wrong one. He should have continued, even though the panther had looked him in the eye and told him to back off. And he had, because he knew that if she did not come then she certainly would not if he continued. But he missed her, he missed the hunt.

He looked up and was startled at once. Before him stood a beautiful woman, dressed only in a black pelt. He had not heard her sneak up on him, then she smiled and winked at him and he knew that he had finally won. You do not force love, you let it come to you. And he smiled back.

-----------------

Huh, what is wrong with me? Happiness and stuff ;)

Review: Dreaming of Mr.Darcy - Victoria Connelly

Genre: Contemporary romance/ Austenesque
Pages: 352
Published: Jan 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Source: For review

Fledgling illustrator and Darcy fanatic Kay Ashton settles in the seaside town of Lyme to finish her book, The Illustrated Mr. Darcy, when a film company arrives to make a new adaptation of Persuasion. Kay is soon falling for the handsome bad boy actor playing Captain Wentworth, but it's the quiet screenwriter Adam Craig who has more in common with her beloved Mr. Darcy. Though still healing from a broken heart, Adam finds himself unexpectedly in love with Kay, but it will take more than good intentions to convince her that her real happy ending is with him.

My thoughts:

This was a bit different from my usual JA stuff, but it still deals with the love of Austen. Kay, our heroine, truly loves Jane Austen. Truly loves is the word. But then our hero loves JA too, talk about a match made in heaven...or not.

This was a bit of an Emma novel. Kay is clueless (but in a good way) that Adam likes her. Because she is oogling hottie actor Oli who is playing Captain Wentworth. And this is where the Emma story comes in. She is smitten by someone who is just playing with her. And she is trying to hook up a friend with Adam. Not a good matchmaker, and neither was Emma. But it does make for a delightful story. She is dreaming about her actor, and poor poor Adam can't do anything about it.

I liked Kay, cos she was not clueless in a bad way. Come one, if Colin Firth hang around my house then of course I would stare at him and not the shy nerd who tries to talk to me. So it was understandable that she did not notice. I also liked who silly she was and how her mind went to babies and weddings at once. She was such a daydreamer. While our hero was a lovely shy guy who, aww, hugs. I do like a good shy guy.

Conclusion:

It was a cute story about not seeing that which is right in front of you. But true love always wins.

Cover:

Ok

--------------

Btw. Blogger has awesome threaded comments now, yay. But do tell me if you do not like the pink box which the comments are in...though I can't seem to fix the color.

Review: Vicious Circle - Linda Robertson

Series: Persephone Alcmedi #1

Genre: Urban fantasy

Pages: 384

Published: 2009

Publisher: Pocket

Source: My bookshelf

A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do....

Being a witch doesn't pay the bills, but Persephone Alcmedi gets by between reading Tarot cards, writing her syndicated newspaper column, and kenneling werewolves in the basement when the moon is full -- even if witches aren't supposed to mingle with wolves. She really reaches the end of her leash, though, when her grandmother gets kicked out of the nursing home and Seph finds herself in the doghouse about some things she's written. Then her werewolf friend Lorrie is murdered...and the high priestess of an important coven offers Seph big money to destroy the killer, a powerful vampire named Goliath Kline. Seph is a tough girl, but this time she bites off more than she can chew. She needs a little help from her friends -- werewolf friends. One of those friends, Johnny, the motorcycle-riding lead singer for the techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, has a crush on her. And while Seph has always been on edge around this 6'2" leather-clad hunk, she's starting to realize that although their attraction may be dangerous, nothing could be as lethal as the showdown that awaits them.

My thoughts:

Oh no, it happened again. An UF book that failed to grab my attention, I can't seem to muster up my reviewing powers either. Instead I am pondering the sudden death of potatoes in my fridge. Well, they were old and had been there some time. Those poor things. I so planned to make them into a soup today. I did not just leave them there so I would not have to make fishsoup...or did I?

But ok the book then. I just do not know, it was the same old story. The heroine failed to make me care for her. Sure I liked her, but I did not care. I did not care for the hunky love interest either. The one thing that did make me care was when the wicked bad vampire showed up, oh he was fine and evil. I would have liked to see more of his dark seductive powers.

Therefore I can't say what made me find this book just ok. The story was fine. Assassination, weres in the basement, a hunky guy who she should go for even if he is  bad boy. So it must be the people. A story can be wonderful but if I do not care, I do not like. A story can be bad, but if I still like the people, I like the book.

Conclusion:

Just not for me at this time-

Cover:

I do like the cover

Review: The Heretic Queen - Michelle Moran

Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 404
Published: 2008
Publisher: Crown
Source: My own

In ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family’s past and remake history.

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty’s royal family–with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh’s aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.

Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family’s history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharaoh in Egypt.

My thoughts:

I could gush a lot since this was a good book but I will try to keep it simple. 

Michelle Moran is good at was this does. She manages to bring history to life and she writes about the most fascinating women. In this book we meet Nefertari, the favorite wife of Ramsesses the great. Moran mentions that since so little is known she takes liberties, but she does it well. I could see these things happen. People have always liked power and playing with other lives. 

It's a good book that tells the story of how she married the pharaoh and how she tries to keep one step ahead of his other wife, Iset. There are political intrigues, dangers, but also love. It's an interesting story that kept me hooked even though I knew the story and have read book about Ramses before. But every story is unique and brings something new into play. 

As for the title, that is not about Nefertari, but about Nefertiti and oh you will see. 

Conclusion:

What else can I say, it was a good historical book and I am sure fans of this genre would love this book. And now I will wait for her next book to publish since I have read all that she has written. 

 I will end with an inscription on her burial wall that truly sums of his love for her:

"My Love is unique and none can rival her....Just by passing, she has stolen away my heart." 

Now that just breaks my heart. So beautiful.

Cover:

Lovely

Interview and Contest: Mia Marlowe - Sins of the Highlander

Today I have Mia Marlowe over for an interview and at the end you can win her new book, Sins of the Highlander.

Welcome!

1. Could you tell me a little about yourself?

MM: I’m a travel nut. My bags are always half-packed. If my DH has to take a business trip to an interesting place, I’m tagging along to play tourist. When I’m not writing, I’m playing with my neurotic terrier, Mack the Wonderdog, and Prince Harry, my rescue wire-haired dachshund. 

2. Your newest book is called Sins for the Highlander? What it is about?

MM: Sins of the Highlander is about a man’s plan to take revenge for the death of his beloved wife by kidnapping his enemy’s bride right from the altar. However, things don’t go as “Mad Rob” MacLaren planned. Elspeth Stewart is not one to go quietly. We had a wonderful time writing the twists and turns of their turbulent relationship.   

3.  You have written this book together with Connie Mason. Is it hard to write with someone else?

MM: I think it might be hard if I wasn’t working with such a gracious lady. Connie Mason is a romance legend. I grew up reading her books. Imagine what a thrill it is for me to actually work with her now! I’m pleased to share that in addition to Sins of the Highlander, we have another release coming this summer called Lord of Fire and ICe. We’re currently working on our new Regency series called The Royal Rakes.

4.  Why do you think Highlander romance novels are so popular?

MM: I think it’s the accent. I’m such a sucker for a fabulous male voice. Forget Sean Connery’s age. Is there anything better than his deep whisky timbre? If a guy calls me “lass,” that’ll do! 

When I read a Highlander story, I hear the hero’s voice in my mind. Of course, an accent is tough to convey in written form. I avoid odd spellings and try to convey the sense of Rob MacLaren’s voice with syntax and word choices. 

5.  Could you give me 3 reasons why “Mad Rob” is the man to fall in love with? ;)

MM: First, he already knows how to love deeply. He adored Fiona, his first wife. Two years after her death, he’s still crazed with grief. Second, he’s blessed with an abundance of physical courage. Check out this excerpt on my blog where he faces down a wolf pack: http://miamarlowe.com/blog/2011/12/exclusive-excerpt-from-sins-of-the-highlander/ Third, Rob MacLaren really does justice to a kilt. ‘Nuff said.

6. What’s next up for you?

MM: Touch of a Rogue, the 2nd book in my Touch of Seduction series, will come out on February 28th. My hero in this story, Jacob Preston, has the “gift of touch.” When he touches anything metal, he receives psychic information about the item’s owner. It comes in handy when he’s conducting one of his private investigations, but is a bit of a hazard at a dinner party. Silverware is so very chatty.   Here’s a taste of this story: http://miamarlowe.com/books/rogue.php 

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers out there?

MM: Join your local RWA (Romance Writers of America) Chapter. If you’re serious about writing, this organization can help you learn the nuts and bolts of the craft, as well as offer insight into the change sea of publishing today. 

I’d like to invite aspiring writers to volunteer for my Red Pencil Thursday. When I have a volunteer, I host an online critique group on my blog for the first 500 words of a story. My queue of victims . . . er, I mean volunteers . . . dried up over the holidays, but I’d like to start up the feature again. The point of this gentle critique is to offer construction suggestions. No snark is allowed. I’ve had writers from every end of the career spectrum in my hotseat, from total newbies to New York Times Bestsellers. More than one of my Red Pencil Thursday volunteers have gone on to be published. If anyone would like to take part in the program, please check out the details here: http://miamarlowe.com/blog/red-pencil-thursday/  

And while you’re at my website, please be sure to enter my contest! The Grand Prize is a new KINDLE! http://miamarlowe.com/contest.php 

Thanks so much for having me here Book Girl!

Giveaway:

Sourcebooks is offering 2 chances to win a copy of SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER. (USA/Canada only.) To be entered, simply leave Mia a comment or question. To get the conversation started, how about sharing your favorite Scottish surname? Mia calls dibs on MacLaren!  

Thanks for visiting with us today!

Ends: Jan 19th

SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER BY CONNIE MASON & MIA MARLOWE – IN STORES JANUARY 2012

Abduction...

Never had Elspeth Stewart imagined her wedding would be interrupted by a dark-haired stranger  charging in on a black stallion, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her off across the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between his trong thighs, she ought to have feared for her life. But her captor silenced all protests with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the pain behind his passion—a pain only she could ease. 

Obsession... 

“Mad Rob” MacLaren thought stealing his rival’s bride-to-be was the prefect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longed to introduce the luscious Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his, forever. 

With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to join together—body, breath and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the Sins of the Highlander. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Connie Mason is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels. She was named Storyteller of the Year in 1990 and received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews in 1994. She currently lives in Florida. Mia Marlowe is a highly acclaimed new voice in romance whose debut novel, Touch of a Thief, released in Spring 2011 from Kensington. She lives in Boston, MA. Together, they are working on a new Regency romance series for Sourcebooks Casablanca, the first of which will be in stores in Fall 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.conniemason.com/, http://miamarlowe.com/ and follow Mia on Twitter @Mia_Marlowe.