Review: Enchanting the Lady - Kathryne Kennedy

Enchanting the Lady

Kathryne Kennedy's first historical fantasy romance series features a light and wonderful Victorian England, where magic never dies and every level of the aristocracy has its own special powers. 

Sir Terence Blackwell is a lion shapeshifter who is determined to find the magical relic that killed his brother. When he sniffs out the taint of magic on Lady Felicity Seymour, a disinherited duchess, he's sure that she's far craftier than she first appears. Terrance believes that the easiest way to learn all of her secrets is to court the young miss. Unfortunately, Terrance's plans for vengeance are soon thwarted when he finds himself falling under the lady's enchanting spell... 

My thoughts:

I found this book to be adorable, it was just so cute and fun. Not to mention that I liked the society that in this alternate England.

Magic is still around and English society is infused by it. The Royals have the most powers and then the Dukes and so forth. If you are without then you are stripped of titles and lands. Magic rules and different titles have different magic. I really liked what she created and it was interesting.

Our heroine is truly naive, but that is the only way she could be. No one ever notices Felicity and she believes she is a grey little mouse. But there lives a fighter in her that wants to peak her head out. She was sweet and innocent.

While the hero Terrance is something else entirely. There is one class of nobility that has no magic and that magic can't touch and that are the shapeshifters. But the Royals use them as spies since they can sense relic magic. And Terrance, well I wanted to be angry at him for using sweet Felicity, but at the same time he was falling for her so I forgave him. His beast knew better than he did.

A relic of evil magic must be found, a couple fall helplessly in love and all is not well in the country of England.

Conclusion:

Such a sweet story that I devoured in a day. Easy to read, easy to fall in love with

Cover:

Cute

Series: Relics of Merlin #1
Genre: Historical paranormal romance, alternate history, historical fantasy
Pages: 320
Published: August 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (2008), Source: For review

Review: The Second Empress - Michelle Moran

The Second Empress

Empress Josephine's family has been called to Napoleon's court for the terrible news that he intends to divorce his barren wife of thirteen years and take a younger bride, the Austrian Princess Marie-Louise. For Josephine's daughter, Hortense, this means she is free to leave her husband, Napoleon's brother, having given the Bonapartes three heirs. As she looks for love, she must support her mother through the terrible grief of Napoleon's betrayal. For his new wife, it is a terrible duty she must take on in her father's name. She has nothing in common with the strange, older man she has married and can find little in her life to enjoy. But an unlikely friendship with Hortense will bring her much comfort, especially as she must fight for her own happiness. For Napoleon's sister, Pauline Bonaparte, it is yet another woman stealing her brother's attention and affection. Having spent years attempting to control his power and his influence, she must fight harder and dirtier if she is to win...

My thoughts:

So far I have not read a Moran book that disappointed me, and I happy to say that one was just as good as the rest.

Through out the whole book there was this easy flow to it, I took it up and started reading and suddenly I found myself 1/3 through the book. So I did what any booklover would do, I finished it in one day. I really liked the flow, the book felt light by it.

The book itself spans over 6 years and has 3 POVS. Princess Marie-Louise who have to marry Napoleon. She is not happy but will do her duty. Then we have Napoleon's sister Pauline who is a piece of work, but still, she has issues too. And last Pauline's chamberlain Paul. They all give an insight and we get to see more than we would have since with just Marie-Louise around. 

I like how Moran presents everyone, even with their faults she makes me see that there might be something behind all of it. Well except Napoleon, that guy was just crazy. But every man needs a vision.

The book felt different from the ones before, maybe because of the lightness, it was not that long either. She wove in the historical facts without making them heavy or making them too many.

Conclusion:

I could go on and on. In the end, all I want to say is that I really enjoyed reading this book and that I recommend it to all. It's the kind of historical fiction you just fall in love with.

Cover:

Nice

Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 358
Published; July 5th 2012
Publisher: Quercus
Source: For review

Review: Sticks & Stones - Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux

Sticks & Stones

Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream. They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other.

What can I say about Sticks & Stones? Not much that hasn’t already been said (by me) about Cut & Run. 

I was still cursing the adverbs and the repetition, although, the latter was greatly improved (read: greatly diminished) in this second part of the series. And as before, the characters are the story. There’s something around the 30% mark that could be interpreted as a hint of a plot, but it never develops into anything and fizzles out long before the end of the novel. 

To the list of authors’ sins we get to add infodump. Ty’s family is introduced in such a manner that the only impressions left are vague caricatural characterisations, one with a shovel, another with a limp, and a third with a cooking addiction. 

I’m still hoping for a better, more precise writing from this author duo. For example, there’s a scene where Ty and Zane spend a night in Ty’s old room and I was confused by the state of the door. Was it shut with a click, or was it left open to act as a deterrent for gay sex? Also, who was wearing which shoes? I could infer more details from the additional commentary, but only after spending a few minutes turning back the pages trying to find the right answer. 

These weren’t my only issues with the continuity within the book and the series so far. This time Zane took back the I love you he said in Cut & Run and Ty’s characterisation morphed from slightly unstable to properly insane without any real forewarning or foreshadowing. I guess the signs could have been there, but the imprecise writing undermined the effort.

My other issues include the questions when did “marine” become a magic word and why did the blissfully absent cockcommentary from book one have to be introduced here? 

Also it was fun (not really) reading how the men had a quickie with all their injuries and enjoyed unbridled and spontaneous kissing with a broken nose without a single complaint or a wince. No, the wince came after when he accidentally tried wrinkling his nose. 

In Sticks & Stones we also get to hear from Ty’s brother and father, but I was left wondering why. As nice as it was to have someone observe Ty’s and Zane’s unconscious cuddling, there really wasn’t a point to these point of views. Of course those paragraphs could have been wasted in background information or mental monologues in the middle of an action scene, so I’m not complaining too loudly.

There are lots of cute moments between Ty and Zane that unfortunately can’t carry this plotless story even if we do learn Beaumont’s real name.

2 stars

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Series: Cut & Run #2

Pages: 322 (paperback)

Publisher:        Dreamspinner Press

Published:       January 25th 2010

Source: NetGalley

Review. Cut & Run - Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.


Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliché: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.


Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again — this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.

While reading this book I had quite a few thoughts circling in my mind, but of those the most prominent three were:

1. Gods, save me from the adverbs. 

2. Gods, save me from the repetition. I’ll forget the adverbs as long as the repetition ends NOW.

3. This isn’t a character driven story, because the characters are the story. 

Now, there’s nothing wrong with a character centric book, but. 

There’s hardly any plot. Scratch that. There’s no plot. There’s barely a framework for a murder mystery and an awkward excuse to bring two men together and have them fall in love against all odds and their life experience up until that point. 

Ty G. and Zane G. (Grady and Garrett respectively) fall into each others arms repeatedly in scenes that can only be described as fantasy fulfilment. They take turns disrobing in front of each other and getting conveniently hurt to allow the other to touch them in a caring manner.  And of course this leads to unresolved sexual tension which quickly becomes resolved. 

Too quickly. Their relationship progresses too fast, which is a considerable achievement considering the over all length of the book. My NetGalley copy showed closer to 400 hundred Kindle pages than 300 and half of those could have easily been left on the cutting room floor without any significant loss to the plot. Er. My mistake: -without any significant loss to the character and relationship arcs. 

One of my Kindle notes says: 

”They’re od’ing on deux ex machina plot point encounters.”

The success of this book hinges on the readers connection to the characters. 

As a long time soap opera viewer I’m a sucker prone to suffering through horrible plot lines just to see my favourite characters stumble from one ill-advised adventure to another.

But I’m also a mystery and crime novel fan and whodunnits have made my heart skip ever since I picked up my first Agatha Christie Novel. And in this, too, the novel fails.

Almost all plot advancement mystery partition of the story is done in short paragraphs telling what had happened with the case and the world around them. The foreshadowing is done with a heavy hand and the culprit is clear pretty much from the beginning. At the time it felt like some relevant information like Zane’s wedding ring is withheld until the last minute.

I also have other small complaints like the fact that I’m not sure how accurate the hospital scenes are or like someone on Twitter said: New York is a city that should be a character. It’s not in Cut & Run and that shows the lack of actual research on the authors’ part. 

There’s a lot criticism in this review, so why is the rating two stars instead of one? 

That’s easy. I’m picturing Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki as Ty and Zane. 

Wonder why exactly that is.

2 stars

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Series: Cut & Run #1

Pages: 348 (paperback)

Publisher:        Dreamspinner Press

Published:         September 1st 2008

Source: NetGalley

Review: Cinderella and the Lady - KT Grant

Cinderella and the Lady

The sudden death of Ellie’s father leaves her with an uncertain future. Her stepmother, Geraldine and step-sister Mina treat her like a servant. The seductive Countess Tremaine wants to save Ellie from her life of drudgery, but all for a price-her innocence. Ellie feels all hope is lost until she meets a Lady who makes all her wishes come true.

Lady Kristina, the Duke of Perrault’s daughter has returned home after five years abroad. She’s expected to marry, but her attraction to women stops her from carrying out her parents’ wishes. One night she meets a shy servant girl and becomes obsessed. She’ll do whatever she can to gain the trust of this mysterious woman and claim her for her own.

With the countess pressuring Ellie into accepting her unscrupulous offer, and her step mother growing more unstable, she turns to Kristina for support. But then her whole world comes crashing down when she learns the truth behind Kristina’s identity and the lies Geraldine has kept from her.

As Ellie falls victim to those dark forces set on ruining her, Kristina fights to save Ellie’s heart before she loses her forever.

My thoughts:

Look at me, I tried something new! *applauds* Well, in the end it was not "new", whether it's a man and a woman or two women, they are still all just people falling in love :) (still "new" for me ;) 

This was a f/f Cinderella story. Ellie, poor thing, honestly evil stepmums, you all need a kick in the bum. But at least she has two friends, a cat and a mouse. Yup, that is how sad her life is. In comes her prince Charming, make that Lady Kristina who has been staying in Finland for a while (which brings me to the reason why I had to read this book.) And the Cinderella theme is always there, just different twists and it works so well.

I should also mention that there is also a side storyline, an m/m one, just saying. I will not spill the beans, you will see.

The bad guy is not always the one you think either. And here we got one creepy one, again, read and find out. Kind of charming creepy that you just want to back way from at once.

Conclusion:

A nice change to a familiar story. Cinderella always finds her happy ending.

Genre: f/f, romance
Pages: 185 (ebook)
Published: July 24th 2012 by Ravenous Romance
Source: Gift as I helped with something in it :=D

Review: The unidentified redhead - Alice Clayton

When Grace Sheridan returns to Los Angeles to become a working actor, it's a second shot at a life-long dream. With some help from her best friend and agent, that dream could become a reality, but at thirty-three, has Grace missed her chance at the big time? Will an unexpected sizzling romance with the entertainment industry's newest 'it' boy shine an uncomfortable spotlight on her life?

Alice Clayton spins a playful and erotic May to December romance in this, her debut novel. Clayton's funny, borderline neurotic heroine is perfect in her imperfections, and the off the charts sexual chemistry between her and her charming, yet blissfully unaware leading man are the true heart of The Unidentified Redhead. With laugh out loud dialogue and a super steamy romance that will get your heart racing, sneaking around in L.A. and dodging the Paparazzi has never been so fun.

My thoughts:

My ebook week is continuing, I have read nothing else for 1,5 weeks now ;)

I was going back and forth whether to give it a 3 or 4. As I really liked the first part and I giggled like crazy. But the later parts of the book was mostly them boinking each other to oblivion. And I really liked the silly beginning. I am so weird sometimes.

Anyway this was fun chick-lit. Woman meets man, man is famous, and almost 10 years younger, rawr. Grace was fun and I did see myself in her, ahem..potty humour, well it's funny! And together with Jack they were witty and oh so cute. That was all I wanted, cuteness and fun and this book sure delivered. It did not try to make them something they were not, they were silly and proud of it. At least not I do not feel alone with my lame jokes and laughing at certain things.

But yes the smexing was just insane, a bit too insane for me, coming like 17 times? Ok, her poor poor vjay jay. It must have taken a serious beating. But hey they were in love, in lust and going at it like rabbits. 

Conclusion:

But at the end I wanted more, cute and fun is all I ask for when it comes to chick-lit/contemporary romance and that I got here. Bottom line is that I do not care that it was actually written as some kind of ode to R.Patterson.

Cover:

Cute

Series: Redhead #1
Pages: 276 (paperback)
Published: 2010, Genre: Contemporary romance
Source: Won it

............

And yes I have a new blog button. The blog about the sued blogger got me worried. I did do all the right things. I found a bookcover that I, I checked who had painted it and emailed him. He answered and said that I was free to use it. But then I sent the image and he  could not remember it. He said it looked like his stuff (he has been doing this for 35 years so..) but that someone has perhaps edited the pic. So he was not sure. I emailed the publisher who told me that it was his work. Dead end. So if anyone know who made the pic I had before, the riders riding up to a castle, do tell me. I do fear that information will be lost forever :/ So I went pre-raphaelite instead.

Review: A Bloody Good Secret - Sierra Dean

A Bloody Good Secret

After cheating death twice in one night, confessing her true nature to her werewolf soul mates and being asked to kill one of her closest friends, Secret took a much-needed vacation. By running away.

Now she’s back in town—dragged kicking and screaming—determined to clear Holden Chancery’s name. Right after she finds out what he’s accused of. It shouldn’t be hard—Holden has a habit of using their new and scintillating psychic bond to break into her thoughts and dreams at some very, shall we say, awkward moments.

Just a few things stand in her way: a secretive Tribunal leader, a group of would-be vampire slayers and two werewolf boyfriends who refuse to let her operate in her customary lone-wolf style. Even less amusing are the terrifying creatures that someone is using in an attempt to gain control of the council. Even for this out-of-the-ordinary bounty hunter, it’s a challenge with potentially deadly teeth.

My thoughts:

First of all there will be spoilers from book 1 as I am gonna squee and ramble on.

I read book 1 today and thought, why did no one tell me the series is so good?! (ok maybe they did and I did not listen). After finishing it I had a serious case of withdrawal and you know I had to get more. So I had to get and start book 2 and I did not put it down. No dinner was made today, the dishes from yesterday's dinner is still in the sink, the bed was not made. You get the point. I was all about schhhhhh! I am reading today.

So what made it so good? A great heroine that goes her own way, and is both vampire and werewolf. And in the last book she found out she is soulbound, not only to the werewolf king but to his second in command too. Sure Lucas is good and rich, but I am lusting over Desmond more. Just cos he was more willing to stand there at the side watching them court. I heart Desmond. But, all is not good, honestly I need to read more! In the last book there was a mention that her vampire side will find someone too. And I am dying to know who it is, someone new? Holden? ..the freaky Finn Sig? 

You know a series is good if I read 2 in a day. And when I also want the books in print as I read ebooks.

Conclusion:

Recommended of course. And I need more..mooooore.

Cover:
ok

Series. Secret McQueen #2
Genre: urban Fantasy
Pages: (248 print)
Published: 2011 by Samhain

Source: Pressie from the best bookaholic cat in the world!!!!

Review: Something Secret This Way comes - Sierra Dean

Something Secret This Way comes by Sierra Dean

For Secret McQueen, her life feels like the punch line for a terrible joke. Abandoned at birth by her werewolf mother, hired as a teen by the vampire council of New York City to kill rogues, Secret is a part of both worlds, but belongs to neither. At twenty-two, she has carved out as close to a normal life as a bounty hunter can.

When an enemy from her past returns with her death on his mind, she is forced to call on every ounce of her mixed heritage to save herself—and everyone else in the city she calls home. As if the fate of the world wasn’t enough to deal with, there’s Lucas Rain, King of the East Coast werewolves, who seems to believe he and Secret are fated to be together. Too bad Secret also feels a connection with Desmond, Lucas’s second-in-command…

My thoughts:

I know from the start that this would be good, and the promise held as I came out from my book coma over later with a smile on my face. Ok strike that, it was more like a noooooooo! Do not leave me hanging, I need more!

Secret was one cool chick, of a freaky nature too. She works for vamps, she avoid weres. And that's where I fell in love. Weres show up and the rest is history, it started with a giggle, it ended with a craving for more. I can't say more, just...*giggle*

There is fighting, she not afraid to get dirty. There electricity in the air when certain people meet, and there is even a vampire from Finland, yay. Honestly we need vamps too (even if his name is not Finnish but hey maybe he is like me).

This is a book that I recommend. I can't even write a normal review, I just have this urge to get more, and pleeeease let book 2 be good. I can't handle it not being good.

Conclusion:

Amazing start to a new series.

Series: Secret McQueen #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 264, ebook
Published: 2011 by Samhain Publishing
Source. freebie

Review: Flaming Dove - Daniel Arenson

Outcast from Hell. Banished from Heaven. Lost on Earth. Laila--half angel, half demon. Laila--of tears and blood, of sins and of piety. Laila--alone, in darkness. This is her story.

Genre: Paranormal , post-apocalyptic

Pages: (print 292)

Published: 2010

Source: Freebie

My thoughts:

I am a bit torn really, I really liked the book, but the thing is, I hated the end. I am sure many will say, but the end was perfect! Just as it should be. Well not in this girl's book. It made me sad and angry.

The world was just, wow, so cool. Earth is almost destroyed, almost no humans around as they are all dead. Instead demons and angels fight each other in a war going on 27 years. I liked the world, the angels, the demons. All strength and weaknesses. 

The main character Laila is both and can neither go to heaven of hell. She is sad, angry and lonely and I loved her. I kind of just wanted to hug her. At least she has one friend, a wolf.

Then there is Michael who is the angel's leaders, and Belzebub who rules Hell. Both need her to win. A battle of epic proportions are about to begin.

I did not like her sister though, Bat El. She was tstl, but at the same time she was not. She was just pure, naive, a harp playing angel, but still I wanted to give her a smack over the head.

Conclusion:

And then there was the end who made me angry. But up to that, one cool book and Arenson a talented writer.

Cover:

Nice

Review: Linger - Maggie Stiefvater

Grace and Sam must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his werewolf past ...and figuring out a way to survive the future.

But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace finds herself changing in ways she could never have expected...

An old review that has been left hanging.

My thoughts:

I have no idea what happened. I could never get into the book. The first 1 was so good, I loved the style. Here, well here the style failed for me. I got annoyed at the feeling that I stood at the outside looking in. I never got warm, I never felt like I was there. I did not like the constant POV changes, 4 were too many in a book like this.

I was never invested in the story, I never cared about these two, or Isabel and Cole. But most of all nothing at all happened. It was a long fever dream where most of the time was spent "oh I love you, I miss you" etc etc. If someone would ask me what happened I would say that Grace and Sam thought about each other, Cole was dealing with his change and Grace's parents got mad, cos that was it (edit: and if you would ask me now, months later I would say that I can't remember anything..except for a rockstar.)

Conclusion:

It was still ok, it was just not.. interesting.

Cover:

Meh

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Genre: Paranormal romance / YA
Pages: 416
Published: 2010 by Scholastic
Source: Library

Flash Fiction Friday, brought to you on Saturday

Dottie at Tink's Place has come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you publish your Fiction Flash  on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

..pic removed----

Before the Moon

by Blodeuedd

She was sad, sure there was anger in her heart too but mostly it was the sadness that overwhelmed her. The moon was full and hung low over the sky tonight. Butterflies played around her as she stood on the cliff, their wings sparkling golden in the light of the moon. She felt the wings on her own back, begging her to fly away. To play with them throughout the night, but she stood still on her cliff and gazed upon the moon. So beautiful, so serene. So alone. Now the anger was back and she bit her lip as the memories flooded her.

She was just a young angel, guarding groves and temples, and he was everything she wanted. Handsome, strong, the God of the Sun. He drove his chariot across the sky every day and each night he came to her and they made love in the grass. She ached for him when he was away and he whispered sweet words to her as they soared to the sky. But like all things it came to an end, a painful end. He was to marry the hag, the Moon. She may look pretty on the sky but Carena knew better. The moon was past her prime, not like Carena who was young and fresh. This was a match made for the Gods, by the Gods. The sun and moon needed children as the moon was lonely on the night sky. But Carena was still angry and swore that if he ever came near her again she would cut that which he praised the most off. So he sulked in the shadows and she tried to go on with her life, but each night the moon taunted her for what she had lost and the anger and sadness grew and grew. Until the night she went to her cliff, where she now stood.

Slowly she let the fabric around her slip down and she stood naked before the moon. A smile now lay on her lips.
“Feast on this bitch!” She shouted and felt the moon grow angry. The Moon would never have be young of body again. And there was something else Carena also had hidden. She touched her rounded belly and smiled once again. She would not be alone. Let him have his moon.

..............................

I have not yet decided what her child would be, the Sun and Moon would have stars, but what would and Angel and the Sun have...

Review: The Gathering of the Lost - Helen Lowe

The Gathering of the Lost by Helen Lowe

Tarathan of Ar and Jehane Mor, ride into the great city of Ij in time for it's grand Festival of Masks. But soon after their arrival they witness a terrible slaughter as their fellow heralds are targeted an assassinated. They must flee for their lives across the city as they discover Swarm agents at work as they attempt to destabilise the entire River Cities network for their own ends. And five years after her great flight from the Derai Wall, Malian remains hidden to those who seek her. But she has not been idle. Her goal is to muster all Derai magic users that have fled into exile rather than face destruction. Only by uniting against the Swarm menace can they hold their own against the dark tide and she has hunted down every rumour of their presence. And she has developed her own powers that the Swarm must learn to respect ? and to fear. For Malian won't see her people fall to a dark tide of twisted magic as demonic forces subvert a way of life.

My thoughts:

I must say well done. Lowe kept on surprising me and I did not see things coming. 

The book is made into different parts. In the first part we meet Tarathan and Jehane from book one. Things are happening in the River country. The darkness are stretching beyond the wall know. The next part is about Carrick, who comes to the country of Emer. More plots and more showings of the Darkswarm. All these things happening are connected, pieces fall into place as I read on. Even if I did wonder where Malian was, there I was on page 300 and she was still not around. But it had to be like that, there are stories to be told and threads to come together. And when I do meet Malian and Kalan for that matter, they are so changed. 5 years have gone by since the fled the Wall. They are older, and in Malian's case, hard and bitter. She has much to deal with and she needs to be strong, but sometimes strong is too close to ruthless. 

There are characters from book 1 and new ones to get to know, and at the end I just sat there and thought, no way! Huh. She is like a spider in a web, plots going all directions, but all coming together in the most masterful of ways. There is such thought put into this book.

And I have to mention the world again, the echoes of could be sci-fi. No, there is no technology, this is pure fantasy. But the race of Derai and their enemies are alien to this world. They came to the world from another world, they had raced across the universe fighting each other. And they landed with a big bang that forever changed the countries on this world. Rivers changed, mountains fell. Aliens on a new planet. And I like that echo. Even if it was all brought by magic and such, that echo lingers and makes this world more alien in a way. Like it's out there somewhere, in the vast universe.

Conclusion:

And now I want book 3 to see what happens to Malian and the rest I have met in this world. And the more I learn about the enemy, the more alike they seem each other.

Cover...meh

Series: The Wall of Night #2
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 672
Published: 2012 by Harper Voyager
Source: Bookshelf

Review: The Night Beat - Gini Koch

The Night Beat by Gini Koch

The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place -- Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness. Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat.

My thoughts:

What to say about this book without giving it all away? Honestly some weird-ass stuff going on in this one. Trust me, I mean, wow, I'd like to dish it all out, but I can't, some things have to be read and I can tell one thing, you are in for one freaky ride.

Vic, is our snarky witty main character, she always have something good to say. Her love life on the other hand, not so good, she has been pining for her hot partner for a year now. Jack, a human, while Victoria is a werewolf. Two cops that are very different indeed from each other. But he is a nice guy. You need friends when all hell is breaking loose. And I liked them both.

Then we have a bunch of side characters and I am not even gonna name them cos you will meet them in time. A fun bunch, good guys, evil creepy baddies, yes this book has them all. Honestly I liked everyone. The bad baddie, so bad and creepy. You have to like a baddie that repulse you just by reading about it.

Yes I am not saying much at all. Gini twists and turns this book around several times. The pace is always high as they hunt down whatever has come to town. We meet beings, all kinds of beings. There is fighting, there is romance, witty banter and the trademark that is Koch, crazy stuff going down.

Conclusion:
That is what I liked about this book, the humor, the not having to take anything seriously. This book is insane, that is what it is, and it's a great thing. It's pumped up UF and humor blended in that creates one cool cocktail. And the best, surprises around every corner.

Series: Necropolis Enforcement Files #1
Genre: urban fantasy
Pages: 453 (paperback)
Published: July 2012
Source: Review

Interview and contest: Jeanette Murray - The officer says I do

Interview with Jeanette Murray

Help me welcome Jeanette Murray to my blog today :) She is here to talk about her new book The officer says "I do." And at the end of the interview you can win a copy.

1. Tell me 3 fun things about yourself…

I used to play rugby in college. I have watched Downton Abbey season 1 about a dozen times. And my favorite Disney princess is Sleeping Beauty.

2. Could you tell me about your new book The Officer says "I do"?

The Officer Says “I Do” is my first paperback release! Tim is a super-strict Marine who plays by the rules, always. But one night, he lets his friends convince him to let loose on a pre-deployment trip. He happens to runs into Skye, who has a much more loose view on life. After some smoking hot scenes behind a potted fern (What? It’s Vegas…) he proposes, and she agrees. It’s fate, right? But the next morning he’s left with zero memory, and thinks it was just a one-night stand. Skye has to track him down and remind him about the little technicality of their marriage…and convince him to give them a chance.

3. The free spirit and the man of duty. Do you like writing about opposites that attract?

I think opposites are fun! Conflict is important in every book, or else why read? And with opposites, you get instant conflict. The fun is in watching what people compromise on, what people stand firm on, and how they make the puzzle pieces that are their lives fit together and form the big picture.

4. What made you write about a Marine (a very sexy one ;) ?

Because Marines are sexy? Haha Kidding. I mean, not in that they’re sexy, because they are! But that’s not the only reason. I’m married to a Marine, so the connection was quite simple to me. And I’ve met some of the most amazing guys through my husband, his co-workers and friends. Their sense of honor and duty and their belief in what’s really right is astounding in this day and age.

5.  Which character in this book was the hardest to write?

The villains! (Such as they are…) I always worry about writing villains in that I want them to be believable, and “evil” enough to cause conflict but not so over the top they appear cartoonish. I write contemporary, after all. It’s a balancing act. And I never wanted anyone reading the book to think I believed all COs and their wives were that way. Not true at all. But just like with other jobs, you’ll have great bosses and not so great ones. These just happened to be fictional bad bosses.

6. Are you more like Skye or Timothy?

Oh good question! I’ll say I’m more like Tim. I’m a planner, a list-maker, and I want to know the rules so I can follow along easily.

7. What’s coming next from you?

So glad you asked! In December I have a Christmas novella coming out from Carina Press. Then in January, book #2 of the Semper Fi series comes out, titled The Officer Breaks The Rules. (This is Madison and Jeremy’s story, for those keeping track.) And in February, I start a brand new series with a new pen name (Kat Murray) that’s based around cowboys. Yee haw!

Thanks for having me! Great interview!

(B: Ohhh cowboys! I love cowboys)

Giveaway

1 copy of The officer says "I do"

1. Open to US and Canada

2. Ends Aug 1

3. Just go ahead and enter :)

Or you know the drill, ask a question, comment on..Las vegas weddings ;)

Out Now

He's a Marine...she grew up on a commune.

He always puts duty first...she's a free spirit with an unshakable belief in Fate.

He loves routine and order...she brings chaos and creativity wherever she goes.

They're going to balance each other perfectly--or drive each other completely, utterly insane...
On a wild pre-deployment celebration in Las Vegas, Captain Timothy O'Shay encounters free-spirited beauty Skye McDermott, and for once lets down his guard. Now his life is about to take off in directions he never could have imagined..

Review: When Harry met Molly - Kieran Kramer

When Harry met Molly

Dashing Lord Harry Traemore is perfectly content to live out his days in the pursuit of pleasure. But when he’s named by the Prince Regent as one of society’s “Impossible Bachelors,” Harry is drafted into a ribald romantic wager. The rules of engagement are scandalously simple: The bachelor whose mistress wins the title of “Most Delectable Companion” gets to remain unmarried. Harry is utterly unconcerned about his status...until his latest lightskirt abandons him.

Enter Lady Molly Fairbanks. Harry’s childhood friend— actually, “foe” is more like it—is the most unlikely companion of all. She’s attractive but hot-headed, and in no mood for games. Besides, what could the self-indulgent Harry possibly know about what makes a woman delectable? It’s time for Molly to teach him a lesson once and for all...but will it lead to “happily ever after”?

My thoughts:

Cute is the word, honestly what else can I say than the word cute. Ok disbelief, but this is HR and HR plots does not need to stay true to the era..you will see.

So Molly and Harry hates each other. Yes I do like that premise, they bicker, they are angry but they need each other. Here is the whole disbelief thing. Molly who is a lady and have spent most of her time at a school and with her elderly aunt is to play his mistress. Sure she stumbles and stuff like that, but she is a lady after all, the whole thing is just one big RUIN ME please event to happen. Her just being there is enough. Anyway so that is the story. A mistress of mistresses is to be chosen. Sweet virginal Molly against 4 mistress with weapons like charm, boobs and a spicy sexlife. 

Oh and I should also mention how Harry who always hated Molly now suddenly wants to get into her pants. Shame on you Harry, she is your sister in law. Ruin ruin ruin. Kind of a sad romance in a way, I know that there is always an obstacle but this obstacle is removed like on the last page first. There is a sword hanging over them the whole time.

But it was CUTE! I was not complaining, I just had to say those things. I am used to HR being like this, we all know all those ruined girls gets their men and everyone lives happily ever after. 

Conclusion:

Cute, there, I said it again and I will read more by Kramer and hope it will be just as cute.

Cover Thoughts:

Look at that, it's cute too.

Series: Impossible Bachelors #1
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 411
Published: 2010 by St: Martin's press
Source: my own

Review: Rape Girl - Alina Klein

Rape Girl
Valerie always wanted to be the smart girl. The pretty girl. The popular girl. But not the rape girl.

That’s who she is now. Rape Girl. Because everyone seems to think they know the truth about what happened with Adam that day, and they don’t think Valerie’s telling it. Before, she had a best friend, a crush, and a close-knit family. After, she has a court case, a support group, and a house full of strangers.

The real truth is, nothing will ever be the same.

You've seen the title, you don't need to read the blurb. You already know what happens. Question isn't when or where or even how. It happens. Rape happens, and this is a story of one survivor.

This is a story about how that one moment changes everything. How it changes people around you, strangers as well as family and friends. How it turns reasonable explanations into malicious comments. How gifts aren't simple gifts anymore but something more distressing.

The rape itself isn't shown, but Valerie relives through it as she tries to cope with the ramifications. She has her family around her, her mother, little sister, and even her somewhat absent big brother. She has friends, and she doesn't have friends. There are other adults involved as well. Everyone has an opinion of what happened or didn't happen they either want to share with her or shove it down her throat.

And that's how it is in real life. Rape is everyone's business. No wonder so many--too many--go unreported.

While I loved the realistic touch of the story, the simplicity of the events unfolding, and Valerie's reaction to them, I also thought it could have been done better. For example, I doubt Valerie's little sister could have escaped the situation as unscathed as she appeared to both in school and at home. It was strange that the house, her home, where it happened never felt unsafe to Valerie, not even for a moment. I bought the anger, the hurt, the depression, guilt for feeling like a normal teenager for two seconds, and every other feeling, just not the ease of it.

I'm not a rape survivor, I'm one of the lucky ones, and yet one of the scariest moments I've read was in this book--the moment when Valerie has to face her rapist. I wanted to scream and shout how could it be?! when I know--or think I know--how easy it is for man to think like that.

I saw Angela suggest in her review that this should be compulsory reading in high schools. I have to agree:

Now repeat after me: no means NO! No exceptions.

4 stars

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Series:           N/A
Pages           126 Hardcover, 132 Kindle edition.
Publisher:      namelos
Imprint:         Myric Marketing & Media, LLC
Published:      June 4th
Source:          NetGalley, Publisher

ARC Review: Sight Unseen - Hunter Raines

Sight Unseen

Daniel Van Doren was once a renowned writer, until he was blinded in the car accident that killed his lover. Now, all he sees are ghosts in need of help. They follow him everywhere, and the only way to be rid of his ethereal visitors is to help them resolve their unfinished business here on earth so their spirits can find peace.

Ghostwriter Logan Riley is assigned to pen Daniel's biography. He plans to reveal him as a fraud, but when they meet he's struck by Danny's quiet sincerity—and a growing attraction. Which makes sticking close to Danny to find out the truth more than a little distracting.

When they are attacked by a violent poltergeist Logan begins to believe Danny's not just telling the truth, he's in grave danger. A spirit has learned how to harness the energy of the living to break through the barrier between worlds to harm Danny. And Logan may be the one to blame…

You know those books that start out fine, not with a bang or a vortex that sucks you in and won't let go, but just plain well. You put it down and finish another book, a better book, a book by an author you love, and then you go back to it hoping it'll get better but not at all expecting to be wowed.

Sight Unseen was such a book for me.

I wasn't expecting high literacy, nor was I expecting to find my new favourite author ever. I was simply expecting to be entertained, but even in that Sight Unseen failed me.

It started with the little things.

Great mobile phone signal in the sewers. One of my favourite TV shows mentioned in passing. Mild misogyny I'd read without batting an eye in another place and time, but on a day reading about people defending rape jokes and remembering a government mandated rape for abortion seekers in a certain part of the world, I batted an eye. Those were the things it started with.

Then it graduated to fanfic clichés. It wasn't Edward pinching the bridge of his nose, it was Elena, Danny's sister, but who the hell pinches the bridge his or her nose if not a character from Twilight? It's a phrase I've only read in Twilight and Twilight fanfiction and even then it made me want to hurl my laptop through the window.

No, I'm not claiming this ever was a Twilight fanfiction, but that's where my mind goes in this era of  pulled to publish fanfiction.

That kind of little things that kept pulling me out of the story and making me stop. And with this start and stop and start again rhythm I started paying attention to things that probably wouldn't have bothered me otherwise. They were all small things, not mistakes really, but things that made me think the author hadn't quite thought things through.

Like the cane. Yes, blind people use a cane to find their way around the world, but even in their own homes where they've memorised the layout? Granted, Danny's new to this blindness thing, but I got the impression that he's pretty much a shut-in, other than the occasionally visits to the police station, nearby coffee shop and to his sisters. Though, I was under the impression his sister visited him, not the other way around. And then there was the way sounds and smells were described. They were only mentioned when it was convenient to the author and scene in the book instead of being an integral part of how Danny lives his life now.

I'd complain about the characterisations further, but that's not really my problem. All the building blocks were there, they just weren't utilised properly. Why not you ask? Well, because apparently according to this author, what qualifies as character and relationship development is remarks about the characters' various states of arousal. Basically cock-commentary and that's it.

I'm tired of reading M/M porn without heart. Or a story.

That's the worst part. This had potential. The plot thread about ghosts and a poltergeist haunting Danny, giving him a new kind of  purpose in life, and Logan wanting to expose him as a con man had potential. If we forget the misogyny angle, Sophie's anger and the confrontation were well done.

Except for the part that killed the remaining good for me. Spoiler coming:When Sophie possesses Danny's body, he temporarily regains his vision. This I could understand and even forgive, because it was only temporary thing--in the end Danny is just as blind as he is in the beginning of the book. What I could not forgive was what the author did with that sight. She used it to validate Logan's confession of love. You read right. The only way Danny could possibly believe Logan was honest and telling what he truly felt was by seeing it.Highlight to see.

I can't say more. I'll just rage and rant if I do.

Rating 1

I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Series:           N/A
Pages:          68,000 words ~ 200 pages
Publisher:      Carina Press
Published:      expected, July 23rd, 2012
Source:          NetGalley, Publisher

Flash Fiction friday - On Saturday as always

Amy C at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie atTink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you publish your Fiction Flash  on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

pic removed---

One Last Goodbye

by Blodeuedd

Never would I taste your sweet lips again, never would I hold you in my arms. Never would you hold me tight, never again would I dream of our future. I loved you so, with all my heart and all my soul. I sit here by your grave and mourn for a while. I think about the fun we used to have, stolen kisses in the garden, embraces in dark corners of the palace. Talking forever as midnight grew closed, laughing by the lake on lazy summer days. You were my everything and all I ever wanted. We were meant to be, to last, to watch the days go by together and raise a brood of our own. But life does not always play out the way you want to. I loved you so, in sickness and in health. During bad times and during good times. This was what love should be like, should feel like and I am happy we had our time together. So I kiss your stone and cry a little tear. The darkness has descended on me and I shiver in my gown. It’s cold and it’s dark. I should not be here alone but I just wanted you to know how much I miss you, how much I loved you. I laugh by myself and wonder what you would think if you found me here. You would think I was a silly thing and you would laugh with me. You always did love to laugh. The laughter dies in my throat as I feel the tightness over my heart close in. This is truly how it feels to miss someone. I say goodbye and take the lonely road home. A servant is waiting by a door with a candle in her hand.
“Hurry mistress”, she tells me and soon she has me tucked into bed and once again I lay in darkness with only my thoughts to hold me.

When morning comes I get ready, they are all around me, pampering and dressing me. I look stunning and I smile. A door opens and they all grow silent and curtsy.
“You should not see me before, “ I say and smile as he walks in. So handsome, so strong that my heart swells in my breast.
“I just wanted to know if you are ready?” He asks and takes my hand. Always the kind one and I nod.
“I said my goodbyes last night, it felt good. Now I am ready do go on” I flush as he smiles.” With you, “ I whisper and he kisses me and hugs me tightly.

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

Look at that, a HEA, i wonder who will like it ;D

Review: Midnight Promises - Sherryl Woods

Midnight Promises

When Elliott Cruz first courted struggling single mom Karen Ames, it it was a romance worthy of any Sweet Magnolia fantasy. The sexy personal trainer made it his mission to restore Karen's strength--physical and emotional--and to charm her children.Now, a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear a few years into the marriage, colliding dreams threaten to tear them them apart. Elliott's desire to finance the business opportunity of a lifetime with their hard-earned "baby money" stirs Karen's deep-rooted financial insecurities. It's the discovery that their brother-in-law is cheating on Elliott's sister--and thinks it's justified--that puts their irreconcilable differences into perspective. Will their own loving fidelity be a bond so strong they can triumph against all odds?

My thoughts:

This is book 8 in the series, but in the end it did not really matter. Sure there were people around that have had books of their own but it was not their book. It was like any other book with side characters in it. It's all about the couple in the end.

And this one was different from romances that I usually read. It was not about how they meet and fall in love. No they are married and like any couple they have hit a bump in the road. Elliott and Karen was truly like any other couple. They were real, they loved each other and they were such idiots at times.

I must confess to liking Elliott more, because Karen had her issues from her other marriage, and it was a bit annoying when she was angry at him for something he forgot. He did not mean not tell her, he simply forget. She did not know how to listen or how to trust. But then that is was the book is about. How small things might ruin it all and how you must trust, and talk to your partner. It does take two to make a marriage.

There is also a secondary story about Elliott's sister who is having troubles in her marriage and I liked her. Sure she was a bit mean to Karen but people change and evolve. I hope to meet her again in this town. And not to mention that it had funky old grandmothers :)

Conclusion:

A nice small town romance about two people already in love.

Cover:

It fits the book

Series: The Sweet magnolias #8
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pages: 400
Published: June 2012 by Mira

Review: The Silent Touch of Shadows - Christina Courtenay

The Silent Touch of Shadows

Professional genealogist Melissa Grantham receives an invitation to visit her family’s ancestral home, Ashleigh Manor. From the moment she arrives, life-like dreams and visions haunt her. The spiritual connection to a medieval young woman and her forbidden lover have her questioning her sanity, but Melissa is determined to solve the mystery.

Jake Precy, owner of a nearby cottage, has disturbing dreams too, but it’s not until he meets Melissa that they begin to make sense. He hires her to research his family’s history, unaware their lives are already entwined. Is the mutual attraction real or the result of ghostly interference?

A haunting love story set partly in the present and partly in fifteenth century Kent.

My thoughts:

At once I knew, this could not end well. Ok so not for Melissa, but the other story. If there is a ghost there can't be happiness and I raced to see what had happened. What made the ghost a ghost?

The book is two stories in one. First we have Melissa, a single mother trying to get by. A history lover (and this made me like her even more) who goes to live with an aunt. And yes in a spooky big house. I should also mention a nice neighbor who is a widower ;) A sexy neighbor.

Then there is the story set in the past. During the War of the Roses a young woman falls in love, but he is not meant for her. I really liked this story even I knew there could not be happiness. But I wanted to know what happened, why the ghost is around. Also the setting for it was nice. Even if I guessed something would happen it was not a sad book, it was just meant to happen and I liked the idea of seeing memories from the past. I always loved that idea ever since I read my first book dealing with it. 

The sad and past mingled with each other, and Melissa tried to solve the mystery.

Conclusion:

A good lovestory that gives you a bit more than the usual things. It's not romance, it's passion, hope and despair. And of course, happy endings. 

Genre: Fiction / historical fiction /romance
Pages: 323
Published: July by Choc Lit
Source: For review

 Amazon UK Amazon US

Forbidden by Fate Blog Tour Interview and giveaway: Kristin Miller

Today I welcome Kristin Miller to my blog, and it's Rameau's interview :)

Where did you get the idea for this novella?

I’ve always wanted to write about dragons, so when the idea struck—an enchanted isle ruled by shifters of different species: dragons, werewolves and merfolk—I ran with it! Forbidden love is one of my favorite tropes to read, so I knew I wanted a hero and heroine to be from different groups. (Damon is a dragon and Sasha is a werewolf.) I added some complexity with Sasha being heir to the Were throne and Damon being banished for loving her and voila!  

How did you come up with the world of Feralon?

I got the idea for the Isle of Feralon from the Farallon Islands that are off the coast of San Francisco. I wondered what that island would be like if there was more to it than meets the eye. Since I could make the isle however I wanted, I made it tropical with rainforests, gorges, caves and hot springs. I basically created a place I wanted to travel.

Why werewolves?

Why not? They’re protective to the fullest, take care of their own, and are powerful creatures by nature. I think they make sexy heroes, even though I made Sasha the werewolf. I did that because I wanted to write something different—a new, exciting twist to the “old reliable”.

How did you research and build the pack dynamics?

I did a lot of research on werewolves and their origins. I read a few werewolf novels and novellas. I watched Underworld a few times…okay, okay, I might’ve done that for enjoyment only…but, I researched a ton. What I discovered was that wolves may or may not have the ability to “mind speak” to other wolves in their pack. In Forbidden by Fate, the males can mind speak, but the females can’t hear them. (An interesting twist, I think, being that a female is set to become Alpha.) There was one common trait among all the groups I read and researched—they are always, 100% loyal and willing to fight for what’s theirs.

Why did you choose dragon shifters?

Oh, I love dragons. They’re mystical and awe-inspiring. They love treasure and protect what they consider valuable. (Even if that treasure is a woman—actually, that’s the best kind, isn’t it?) They are powerful in flight and dangerous on the ground. They make the perfect heroes as far as I’m concerned.There's very little about how the dragons live in this book. 

Could you tell a bit more about their society?

You can read more about the dragons (Dracos, in human form) in Claimed by Desire, the first novella in the Isle of Feralon series, but they live on the western part of the isle. They are ruled by Queen Elixa and each has to claim a rider before a certain age…or he’ll die.

Are you going to explore the world further? In other words are there going to be more books about dragons and Merfolk?

I’d love to explore the world further, though I’m not sure at this time if the story will include Merfolk. Although an Isle of Feralon #3 isn’t on my writing schedule yet, I would be thrilled to go back for a bit. I can’t say for certain (and this is the first time I’ve mentioned it), but I’d probably write about a Draco hero and Sindraco heroine (a woman with dragon blood who can’t shift into one). 

Thank you so much for having me today!

Giveaway Details:
• Two random commenters from the tour will win their choice of either a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Forbidden by Fate OR a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Claimed by Desire, the first novella in the Isle of Feralon series.
• The tour host with the most comments will receive a Kindle or Nook format eBook of both Forbidden by Fate and Claimed by Desire.
• Please leave a comment along with your broken up email addy.
• Contest is open the duration of the tour (July 2 - 20) and Internationally.
• Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email.

Forbidden By Fate by Kristin Miller
Release Date: July 2, 2012 by Harlequin Cravings

A forbidden love……
A second chance……
A night of passion neither will forget.
Sasha, a love-thirsty werewolf and rightful heir to the Were throne, is ready to take control over her pack. But when her first love, dragon shifter Damon Frost, lands on her doorstep, demanding their races negotiate ownership over Feralon’’s hot springs, he makes her question more than the fight for the enchanted neutral ground. No matter the emotions bubbling inside her, Sasha can’’t become involved with Damon. Not now. Not ever again.
Forbidden to step foot onto Were land after a romp with the Alpha’’s daughter as a teenager, Damon has bided his time, waiting for the day when he’’d be accepted back onto Were land. Using the hot spring negotiation as a way to get closer to Sasha, Damon plans to use every minute alone to remind her of the passion they shared–—a passion they could ignite again.
One night of ecstasy stands between them and the fight for the springs. One night of revealing glances, skin searing chemistry, and erotic desires they’’d long buried.
Will one taste of forbidden love be enough to satiate their desires? Or will the need to explore the depths of their love unleash a Were-Draco war?

FORBIDDEN BY FATE Purchase Links:
Amazon: 
Barnes and Noble:

Author Bio:
Kristin Miller has had a passion for language and literature her whole life. Born and raised in Small Town USA, she often made up stories about faraway places and edge-of-your-seat adventures. 

After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in psychology, Kristin realized there is no scarier place than the warped human psyche. Wanting to combine her love of writing with her desire to paint twisted villains, Kristin wound up in the unlikeliest of places—the classroom. She taught high school and middle school English before giving in to the desire to create her own world, where villains can be sympathetic and heroes can be devilishly good.

She is represented by Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill Associates Ltd. and writes dark paranormal romances and toe curling romantic suspense.

Find Kristin at:
Website: http://www.kristinmiller.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KM_Miller
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kristin.miller.102
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1222405.Kristin_Miller?origin=

Tour Stops:
http://events.litconnect.com/forbidden-by-fate-by-kristin-miller

Remember, the more tour stops you comment on, the greater your chances of winning!

Author Post and Contest: Rosanne Bittner - Thunder on the PLains

Today I welcome Rosanne Bittner to my blog. And at the end there will be a giveaway for a copy of her new book :) + info about her own celebration

Hello to Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell bloggers from Rosanne Bittner!  Just want to tell you to be on the lookout for the reissue of my western historical romance, THUNDER ON THE PLAINS, coming from Casablanca (Sourcebooks) this month!  I will be celebrating this reissue and the 4th of July all month long with a virtual party at http://rosannebittnerbookparty.blogspot.com/!  Come visit, and you might win a free copy of THUNDER and/or the grand prize of a Kindle Touch!

You asked for personal information – 3 “fun” things about Rosanne Bittner. Hmmmm.  Well, I know how to put a worm on a hook and take a fish off the hook –clean it, scale it, and cook it!  And for several years, besides working at full time jobs my husband and I grew 40 acres of asparagus.  I know how to plant the roots, and how to ride an asparagus picker and snap off the shoots at just the right size.  I know lots of things about asparagus and farming!  

Surprised?  People think us writers just sit in little rooms in ivory towers and write to our hearts’ content.  How I wish! I was able to quit my regular full time job to write, but it takes a lot of time and work and perseverance to keep pumping out the books – and now I do a lot of book work for a family tool & die/mold building business – I go in to my office (where I also write) every day at 8:00 till 5:00 – just like everybody else, except I don’t need to punch a clock and am free to come and go – which is nice.  So, there is another thing you know about this writer – I am a part time accountant, and my “right brain” hates it.  Right brain would rather be writing!

You asked about my book being reissued this month- THUNDER ON THE PLAINS.  Set amid the building of the transcontinental railroad, this book is a great love story with a “to die for” hero (Colt Travis) who falls in love with a beautiful woman (Sunny Landers) who comes from a world of wealth and a lifestyle totally unfamiliar for Colt.  Colt is a rough and rugged scout, and Sunny has inherited a hand in helping fund the Transcontinental Railroad.  Although she and Colt are worlds apart in how they live, but that doesn’t stop the fierce physical attraction between them that turns into a hot love scene out on the Nebraska plains (you’ll love it!) – and into forbidden love that brings many obstacles into Colt and Sunny’s path to happiness.  THUNDER is one of my favorite stories.

You asked if it was hard not making Sunny and Colt’s road to happiness much easier.  Well, that doesn’t make for a page-turning story.  It’s the struggle to get there that keeps the pages turning and keeps the readers glued to the book, anxious to find out if these two will find their happy ending.  Unrequited love and the deep longing to be with the one you love above all else is great food for plot twists and for bringing out the tears in my readers.

I have always written in the genre of 1800’s America, especially the Old West and Native Americans.  I absolutely love America’s history, and the settling of the Great West brings a writer a wealth of ideas for wonderful, romantic, adventurous stores set against real history.  I have always loved stories about pioneers and Indians and how today’s big cities like Denver and San Francisco came from nothing but the discovery of a little nugget of gold.  It is amazing how fast this country was settled.  I think my love for the West and it’s grand landscapes and strong, brave settlers shines through in my books.

Colt was definitely the most fun character to write in this story.  I love my tall, dark, brave heroes, which makes the love scenes more fun to write, too!  I don’t know who would play Bo and Sunny in a movie.  I’ll let my readers do their own daydreaming on that one.

Next up is a brand new western romance from Sourcebooks next spring called PARADISE VALLEY!  It is set in Wyoming and along the famous Outlaw Trail.  Great hero!  You’ll love it.  Just watch Sourcebooks and my own web site at www.rosannebittner.com – and my blog at www.rosannebittner@blogspot.com for more news about the book and how I will be promoting it.  

Meantime – be sure to visit my virtual 4th of July party and submit your name to win a free book or a Kindle!

Thank you Rosanne :)

And now to a 

Giveaway

1 copy of Thunder

1. Open to US and Canada

2. Ends July 24th

3. Just go ahead and enter :)

Or let's see, what can I think of today..how would you have fared in a Western setting?

Have fun!