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Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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Join the largest online protest in history! Tell Congress to stop this bill now!
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Thursday, January 12, 2012
Review: Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison
Series: Elder Races, #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Thea Harrison
Pub: October 4, 2001, Berkley Sensation
Format: Paperback, 312 pages; eBook
In order to save his friend's life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with Vampyre Queen Carling—without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge.
Recently, Carling's Power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help her find a cure for the serpen's kiss—the vampyric disease that's killing her.
With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling's instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the Queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss
It's been a while since I posted a book review so forgive me as I pour some oil on the squeaky wheels of my "review" brain.
*Ahem*. Have I told you how much I FRICKIN' LOVE THEA HARRISON? I may have tweeted it about a bazillion times already, but I do. Her writing style is a refreshing change from the typical paranormal romance. There are no plain vamps or shifters in Ms. Harrison's books. She gives us Dragons, Unicorns and Gryphons... yeah, you read that right. Gryphons!! Need I say more?
Rune and Carling are complete polar opposites. They're both ancient creatures, but Rune has managed to keep up with life and continues to reinvent himself as time passes. Carling, on the other hand has not. Her many years as a vampire have made her bored with life but the same "gift" that has given her long life is now killing her. As she tries to settle her affairs and prepare for her own death, Rune enters her life and they begin a journey of discovery and find a love that is timeless.
The romance in Serpent's Kiss is nuclear. There's no other way to describe it. If you've read Dragon Bound, you know Ms. Harrison isn't shy with the smex and she never disappoints. There's a certain scene that takes place in a hotel lobby that made me sweat! The wit and snark that is Rune jumps off the page. Here's one of my favorite quotes from Rune:
Just wait until you see what I can do with the fancy stuff, like a bed.
Of course, no Elder Races book would be complete without an appearance from the Wyr Lord, Dragos and his mate Pia. Here's my favorite quote from the Lord of Snark, Dragos:
“Bloody hell,” Dragos muttered from across the clearing. “I don’t know what the fuck that was, but something definitely happened.”
Serpent's Kiss is a "slow build" kind of story. By that, I mean Ms. Harrison is a storyteller in the truest sense of the word. In the Elder Races series, each book helps to expand the world and characters she has created and Serpent's Kiss follows that same formula. Some readers feel that it slows the pace of the story, but for me I thoroughly enjoyed it. When an author takes the time to build a world so intricate and so complete that it's seamless from book to book, they've nailed it and will have me as a fan for life.
Get your read on!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011 - A Year in Review
I hadn't planned on doing an end of year post - but with so many of my pals doing posts, it reminded me of how awesome 2011 was for me as a Blogger and a Writer. Without further adieu I'm sharing my quick thoughts about 2011 and all the fun I've had.
As a Blogger.....
As a Blogger.....
Can I just say I LOVE THEA HARRISON? Her debut novel, Dragon Bound is Book 1 of the new Elder Races series by this wonderful author and I was hooked from the first chapter. There are two more books and a novella in the series: Storm's Heart, Serpent's Kiss and True Colors (in that order). CHECK THEM OUT!
In August I attended Authors After Dark and finally met all of my blogger buddies face to face. It was pure heaven. Check out my post about all the fun here.
New 2 Me Authors
The books listed above represent my top author picks for 2011 for New 2 Me Authors. While the books were already published, with squee pressure from fellow bloggers I picked up several series from Ilona Andrews, Jennifer Estep, Alexis Morgan and Carolyn Crane. Three words -- OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!! Each series has it's own kick ass female lead or hunky hard cord hero. These are the first books in each of the series. If you haven't picked them up yet stop waiting and get to it.
As a Writer...
Next up - my very first trip to Romance Writers of America National Convention in New York. It was amazing! The seminars and workshops were great and I met so many of my favorite authors! Oh and I can't forget all the crazy free books!
To say 2011 was a year full of awesome sauce would be putting it mildly. I've met so many new friends, discovered new books and authors, I can't wait for 2012 to get started. So no time like the present :)
Happy New Year Everyone! May 2012 Bring You Joy and Happiness and lots and lots of good books!
Get your read on!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Merry Christmas Everyone!
I just wanted to take a minute to thank all my friends, family and followers for your kind words of support and patience during my "unscheduled" blogging hiatus.
After completing my Triathlon, I'd plan to jump back in with my reviews and rambling posts, but a car accident and increased "real job" duties made it impossible. But I'm on the mend, finished with training and ready to get back into the swing of things.
So stay tuned! In January my blog turns 2! I'll be doing a ton a giveaways of books and bling from my favorite authors.
Thanks for sharing your love of books with me in 2011. I promise to keep things rolling for 2012. There are so many awesome books scheduled for release, it's going to be a blast!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
And The Winner Is......Lori Z!
Congratulations LORI Z! You're the winner of the copy of The Renfield Syndrome!! I'll be emailing you shortly with the details.
Thanks to everyone for participating and to KLB Virtual Events!
Get your read on!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Guess What? I'm a Triathlete!
Yesterday, I ran my first triathlon - The Ramblin' Rose - Charlotte Triathlon. Swim 250 meters. Bike 9 miles. Run 2 miles. When my buddy Penny suggested that I sign up, three other girlfriends were geeked to do it as well. So I gave in to peer pressure and I'm so glad I did.
The group we joined is called Tri It For Life, a non-profit organization that helps train women for their first Triathlon. Training started in June. I didn't know how to swim - so TIFL mentors taught me. Don't ask how long it had been since I rode a bike - but the mentors of TIFL worked with me and helped me get up to speed (excuse the pun). For the running portion I worked out with some great women who run every Tuesday and Thursday morning at a local mall. In the end - 12 weeks later - I was ready to DO THIS THING!
Pictures say more than words so here we go!
TRI IT FOR LIFE CELEBRATION DINNER 9/23/11
From left to right: Marlene, Dawn, Mentor Penny and Me
Sassy me! (30lbs lighter)
Me and Mentor/Cheerleader Extraordinaire Penny
TIFL Super Mentor Laurie. She taught me how to swim!
My Race Number
6:30 AM Transition Set up! RACE DAY!
Me and Sister Athlete Deborah
Fabulous Mentor Sisters - Erica and Penny
Marlene and Me Pre-Race
Waiting on the Platform for my turn to swim.
And hereeeee we go!
Starting the Run portion
I DID IT!!! 1 Hour 38 Minutes 12 Seconds
Many thanks to all my sister athletes and mentors who made this dream a reality.
Come on Ramblin' Rose 2012!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
KLB Virtual Journey: The Renfield Syndrome by J. A. Saare
Title: The Renfield Syndrome
Series: Rhiannon's Law #2
Genre: Urban FantasyAuthor: J. A. SAARE
Where do I start? How do I begin? As with other reviewers -- I don't want to give too many details --that will spoil the story and I really don't want to do that. What I can say is once again, author, J.A. Saare nails it! If you thought Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between was a great book - you will absolutely ADORE The Renfield Syndrome.
KLB has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader a copy of The Renfield Syndrome. All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address. Contest ends at 11:59 pm on 10/3/11. Winner will be selected by Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond. Good luck!
Check out the other great bloggers on the tour!
Get your read on!
Pub: August 23, 2011, Mundania Press
Format: Paperback, 212 pages; eBook
Summary from back cover:
Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.
Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.
After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.
Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.
After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.
Barnes & Noble : Amazon : Amazon Market Place : Powell's Books :Amazon Kindle : Alibris : Book Depository
Find Author Here:JA Saare on Goodreads : Twitter : Website
Where do I start? How do I begin? As with other reviewers -- I don't want to give too many details --that will spoil the story and I really don't want to do that. What I can say is once again, author, J.A. Saare nails it! If you thought Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between was a great book - you will absolutely ADORE The Renfield Syndrome.
Saare takes Rhiannon (and readers) on an emotional journey that will leave you clutching your chest in excitement. I love it when an author writes "outside the box" with their characters. For example, think of the number one thing a character would never do -- then make them do it AND make the consequences OMFG worthy. Yeah -- it's like that.
Just wanted to share one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Rhiannon's Law #68: If you're going to fly by the seat of your pants, rock out with your cock out. The landing is going to hurt either way, and you might as well make an impression when you nail it.”
We all know that Rhiannon is a smart mouthed-azz kicking-badazz chick. But Saare takes you deeper into Rhiannon's relationships and interactions with the characters in this book.
It's one thing to try and control events that occur around you, but Rhiannon is in 100% react mode from start to end. She can't control anything. Saare pulls no punches in this story line and she even throws in a few dirty kicks to the ribs while you're down. But trust me -- it's a good thing.
I wouldn't recommend that you read The Renfield Syndrome as a stand-alone. There are too many necessary references to Book 1 that you'll miss (it also adds to the excitement and pacing of the story). So if you haven't started this series. GET TO IT! If you're waiting on a reason to move on to Book 2 - stop procrastinating! You will not be disappointed.
GIVEAWAY
Check out the other great bloggers on the tour!
SCHEDULE:
Nikki Brandy Berry Review Sept 13
Buckeye Girl Reads Review Sept 16
Donna Guest Post Sept 17
Reading with Tequilla Review Sept 18
Thyra's book addiction Reveiw Sept 20
Drens B SPot Review &Giveaway Sept 21
Kickin Back With kiwi Review Sept 22
Asiain Cocoa Review Sept 23
Escape by Fiction Review Sept 24
Reviews by Molly Review Sept 25
Larissa's Bookish Life Feature Sept 27
JoJo's Book Corner Review Sept 27
Books N Kisses Book Feature Sept 28
Ash Review & Giveaway Sept 29
Love to Read 4 Fun Review Sept 30
Twimom Review Oct 2
Book and Movie Dimension Oct 3
Get your read on!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
KLB First Class Tour: Q & A with author Ty Langston
Published July 26th 2011
Lazyday Publishing
119 pages
Erotic Novella
Beth Mason seemingly has it all. A successful bakery/café called Decadent Dreams, good friends, and a nice home in Stamford, New York.
After her previous boyfriend dumped her six months before for not spending enough time with him, Beth decided that she had been through enough and wanted more in a relationship. Throwing herself back into the dating scene, Beth decided to go onto an online dating website called, ‘A Foreign Affair.’
Enjoying the different types of men from all over the world that ‘A Foreign Affair’ catered to, Beth became struck by a handsome man from Belarus named Yuri who was the former manager of the famed Rhapsody night club. After realizing that they had a lot in common, the two struck up a close, intense relationship.
Yuri, who’s been depressed since his nightclub burned to the ground and watching his best friend’s parents both die from a terminal illness, decided to take Beth up on an invite and join her for a fun-filled weekend in New York City.With both of them full of emotions, will the weekend be just what they needed or more than they bargained for?
As part of KLB’s First Class Tour with Author Ty Langston, I'm featuring an interview with Ty. Please join me in welcoming her to the B-Spot!
Dren: Thanks of much for joining me on your tour Ty! Let's get right down to it. Vampires or Werewolves? Why?
Ty: Werewolves. They’re sexy, hot (literally) and can play in the daytime.
Dren: Thanks of much for joining me on your tour Ty! Let's get right down to it. Vampires or Werewolves? Why?
Ty: Werewolves. They’re sexy, hot (literally) and can play in the daytime.
Dren: If you could tell us in 140 characters or less. (Twitter Style) How would you explain Decadent Dreams?
Ty: Sexy, Fun and Hot with a capital H.
Dren: What animal characteristics would you describe as closely related to your personality?
Ty: I’ve been told I’ve got good instincts.
Dren: What did it feel like when you got your first contract?
Ty: Beyond thrilled. It was the culmination of two years of work. I had been though a lot during that time. I got very sick, was hospitalized and was just getting to know my father and half siblings. It was a huge learning experience. I realized that time is our most precious commodity. So, I worked as hard as I could at trying to make a dream a reality.
Dren: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Ty: Write. Write all the time. Doesn’t matter how much or how little. Just try to write something everyday. Also, read. Read a lot. When I have the time, I try to read as much as I can. Authors are a talented bunch, in my opinion, there is more than enough room for everyone who has a talent for storytelling.
Dren: What is your writing process?
Ty: I tend to write at night until early morning. I write long-handed in a notebook and then I transfer it all to my laptop. (yes, I have a death wish. LOL)
Dren: What are you working on now?
Ty: A paranormal story called “Coming Home” which will be a part of Lazy Day’s 1st printed offering called “Indulgence” and wrapping up “Mail Order Groom”
Dren: What is the one thing you can't do with out when writing?
Dren: What animal characteristics would you describe as closely related to your personality?
Ty: I’ve been told I’ve got good instincts.
Dren: What did it feel like when you got your first contract?
Ty: Beyond thrilled. It was the culmination of two years of work. I had been though a lot during that time. I got very sick, was hospitalized and was just getting to know my father and half siblings. It was a huge learning experience. I realized that time is our most precious commodity. So, I worked as hard as I could at trying to make a dream a reality.
Dren: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Ty: Write. Write all the time. Doesn’t matter how much or how little. Just try to write something everyday. Also, read. Read a lot. When I have the time, I try to read as much as I can. Authors are a talented bunch, in my opinion, there is more than enough room for everyone who has a talent for storytelling.
Dren: What is your writing process?
Ty: I tend to write at night until early morning. I write long-handed in a notebook and then I transfer it all to my laptop. (yes, I have a death wish. LOL)
Dren: What are you working on now?
Ty: A paranormal story called “Coming Home” which will be a part of Lazy Day’s 1st printed offering called “Indulgence” and wrapping up “Mail Order Groom”
Dren: What is the one thing you can't do with out when writing?
Ty: Music and water. If I don’t have my headphones or Ipod, it’s a bad scene at my house.
Thanks so much for stopping by the B-Spot Ty! I wish you continued success in your writing endeavors.
Thanks so much for stopping by the B-Spot Ty! I wish you continued success in your writing endeavors.
Want to learn more about Ty? You can find her:
Purchase Links:
Schedule of Events
8-18 Xee’s Corner: Review
8-28 Author Chat ((More Info to come)) *Giveaway
8-31 Skyla: Review
9-4 Penny Pimpin
9-4 KLB Discussion
Get your read on!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Review: Chosen By Blood by Virna DePaul
Title: Chosen By BloodSeries: Para-Ops, #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Virna DePaul
Pub: July 7, 2011, Berkley
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
Summary from back cover:
Felicia's experience as a hostage negotiator makes her a natural asset to a team divided by suspicion and prejudice. While being in close contact with Knox makes the desire she feels for him difficult to deny, Knox much marry a vampire, and she's not about to be his human lover on the side.
As the team embarks on its dangerous mission, Knox is determined to convince Felicia that the passion that connects them is enough to transcend both race and her human idea of morality. But Felicia is intent on teaching Knox that complete trust and love are the only forces strong enough to unite human and Other, once and forever.
When a book catches you off guard while reading -- where do you start with the review? I was stumped!
I'd heard so many great things about Chosen By Blood that I was ecstatic when I was able to pick up a signed copy from the author herself at RWA. (Virna DePaul was sooooo nice!) So I start reading it about a week after I get home. I'm so hooked on it - I purchase the Kindle version just so I can keep reading via TTS while at work. (Have earbuds, will read.)
DePaul takes the time to build a fantastic world where Vamps and "others" coexist (not under the best circumstances) with humans. I loved the different twist of "tainted blood" for the vampires and the complications that arise with locating the antidote.
In the beginning -- I didn't understand why Knox was sooooo insistent on marrying his own kind. I also didn't stand behind Felicia's issue of "monogamy or bust." But as I got deeper into the story - I learned more about Knox and Felicia's way of thinking -- their pain and why they held steadfast to their beliefs. The romance between them grew and it was at a pace that worked well with the story.
Two thumbs up and a snap for DePaul's mental gymnastics! There were plot twists and turns that literally had me sending status updates to Goodreads hourly. Shock and awe and "What the Hell?" was in full effect!! She also takes the time to set up the world and it's characters to give readers a full picture of the world she's created. Some readers find that a turn off - but I love it with Urban Fantasy books. If I have a better understanding for how the world operates, I can buy into pretty much any crazy thing the author throws at you.
This is DePaul's first book in her Para-Ops series. Book Two, Chosen by Fate will feature Para-Ops team members, Wraith, the team's ghost, and Caleb O'Flare, the team's human psychic shaman. You can also grab a FREE read of a prequel novella titled "Wraith's Awakening."
Get your read on!
In the beginning -- I didn't understand why Knox was sooooo insistent on marrying his own kind. I also didn't stand behind Felicia's issue of "monogamy or bust." But as I got deeper into the story - I learned more about Knox and Felicia's way of thinking -- their pain and why they held steadfast to their beliefs. The romance between them grew and it was at a pace that worked well with the story.
Two thumbs up and a snap for DePaul's mental gymnastics! There were plot twists and turns that literally had me sending status updates to Goodreads hourly. Shock and awe and "What the Hell?" was in full effect!! She also takes the time to set up the world and it's characters to give readers a full picture of the world she's created. Some readers find that a turn off - but I love it with Urban Fantasy books. If I have a better understanding for how the world operates, I can buy into pretty much any crazy thing the author throws at you.
Get your read on!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
AAD Philly - A Blogger's Perspective
This is probably the last AADPhilly post you'll see. I'm going to keep it brief and share my memories via pictures. I've titled this A Blogger's Perspective because I attended AAD as a Blogger and as a Writer. I'm posting my Writer's comments on Dren's Pen. So here goes.....
Authors Theresa Meyers, Carolyn Crane & Kristen Painter
I'm in love with CC's Pigtails! Also her books Mind Games and Double Cross ROCK!
My photography skills - IR Poster with Larissa in the background
Host Authors for the Chocolate Party for Bloggers. DELISH!
My Twitter Sisters - Marq (Love2ReadforFun) and Felicia (FERISHIA)
Oh and my BFF's Lara Adrian and Larissa Ione. The nicest women on the PLANET!
New to me Authors, Karin Tabke, Sylvia Day and Blogger extraordinaire Joy
from Joyfully Reviewed
Let us eat cake! Happy Birthday Larissa!
Yes - be jealous! Wide awake at 1AM with Larissa and Lara!
Me and Dakota Cassidy - Hilarious. Witty. The Bomb.
Pam! (SpazP) trying on a Bowler Hat
Pam and author Allison Pang - loved her costume!
Marq and Bells (Hanging with Bells)
The next set of photos are images of some of the fantastic costumes at the Steampunk Ball.
As many attendees have already mentioned, there were a lot of problems at AADPhilly. Some were due to the hotel's inefficiencies and others, clearly were not. But I will say that the attending authors, bloggers and readers who were confronted with the hiccups and mishaps took them all in stride and made the event what it was supposed to be; A gathering of people who share the love of reading. YAY US!!!
Will I attend AADNOLA? No, but that's my personal decision. I've heard that next year a professional conference management company will handle the event so that's a great start. I'll give AAD a couple more years to work out the kinks before I try again. I think this con has great potential for being one of the top reader focused conferences out there. It's just not there yet.
Am I mad that I went to AADPHILLY? Do I consider it a waste of my time or money? HELL NO! Where else could I get this fabulous photo with women who not only make me laugh on Twitter daily, but who touched my heart in person?
Nowhere.... Love you guys!
#WereflyLove4Eva
#WereflyLove4Eva
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