Queen of All She Reads

Friday Fifty-Six (56) - A Cornish Maid

2012-01-27T03:00:00.000-06:00

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you, right now
Turn to page 56
Find the fifth (5th) sentence
Post that sentence, plus one or two others if you like, along with these instructions on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, post it below in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link with your post on this blog and at Freda's Voice, so that others may follow too.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, or the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST!

My Friday 56 :
A Cornish Maid by Fenella J. Miller

Keeping her eyes firmly averted, she did as he bid.
He enveloped the wet limb in the cloth and without
touching her burning skin with his fingers. With
professional calmness, he dried her foot and then, as he had done more than once before, carried her into her sitting room.

From the publisher:

Demelza Tregorran is desperate to keep her brothers and sister in their ancestral home and to keep the roof above their heads. On the beach early one morning, she inadvertently pushes an autocratic stranger into the sea. She is not impressed by his manners but can't help but admire his appearance.

Dr. Lucas Fairfield is immediately attracted to Demelza and decides to use some of his unwanted inheritance to help her out of her financial difficulties. Demelza agrees to take Lucas in as a paying guest .With her friend Martha as chaperone, who can possibly object to the arrangement?

Lucas is a respectable gentleman and wealthy enough to pay her far more than necessary for his board. Demelza is a simple Cornish maid. What possible interest could such a sophisticated man have in her?

So what's your Friday 56?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY - ALPHA INSTINCT

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-06:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted byJill at Breaking the Spine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read"selection is:

Alpha Instinct

by Katie Reus

Release Date: February 7, 2012

From the Publisher:

After all the males in her pack are murdered, lupine shifter Analena Cordona is doing the best she can to keep her remaining family safe. She doesn’t want to depend on anyone, but someone is targeting her pack and the threats are getting worse every day. When violent attacks also start escalating in town against humans, she knows that sooner or later, people are going to start pointing fingers at her kind regardless of proof. Unless she can figure out who wants to hurt her pack and why, a few cattle mutilations and property damage will be the least of her worries.

Connor Armstrong has waited fifty years to claim what’s rightfully his: Ana. And with the pack vulnerable, he knows the time is right to return to his hometown and the woman he once called his best friend. In exchange for his pack’s protection, he demands that she be his. But things don’t go quite as planned. Ana is as stubborn as she is sexy and if Connor doesn’t gain her trust, he’ll never get the chance to claim the one woman who’s never left his thoughts. And if he can’t, the evil hunting her will destroy everything they both cherish.

What is your "Waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW on your blog (or if you don't have a blog post it below in the comments) and leave your link below!

TEASER TUESDAY (JANUARY 24, 2012)

2012-01-24T09:06:00.001-06:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

My Teaser Tuesday is from The Wedding Beat:

A Novel by Devan Sipher (This is from the ARC- it might change for final publishing).

I’m scribbling in my pad and trying to forget I’m a thirty-seven- year- old single guy alone on New Year’s. No, not alone. Surrounded by married couples. The only single woman is the bride’s grandmother, who is eighty- five and a humpback. And even she has a date.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!

ENJOY THE DAY OFF!

2012-01-22T03:00:00.000-06:00

It's time to relax and read a book. Have a nice Sunday!

Friday Fifty-Six (56)

2012-01-20T03:00:00.000-06:00

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted
by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you don't have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link to your post on Freda's Voice.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. USE THE CLOSEST!

My Friday 56: Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas

"No," he responded. "He'll know more what Beverly

would want than I would. Tell him to just do it and

send me the bill."

Teaser Tuesday (Jan 17, 2012)

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-06:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish Meme, hosted by Mz. B of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current book
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be Careful not to to include spoilers (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers:

"No, for there's nothing shameful about it. My mother
and I lived in poverty so that my brother could train
for a profession and support us." She didn't share
Aaron's failings here. "When I sank to my lowest,
Hetty befriended me, even fed me. I'm not ashamed
to call her friend, and I hope she and her family will
stay nearby."

~p. 385 An Unlikely Countess by Jo Beverly

Please leave a comment with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share
your "teasers" in the comments below in the comments here. Thank you!

Happy Sunday!

2012-01-14T23:30:00.001-06:00

While we didn't get that much snow on the ground, we still have some left over and I'll be taking a lazy Sunday. Enjoy yourselves today and stay warm!

Maria

WINNERS OF LISA KLEYPAS CONTEST

2012-01-09T08:51:00.001-06:00

And the Winners are:

Liz @ Fictional Candy

Joan

Lidia Perez

Headn!@book

Please email me at maria63303 at gmail dot com

with your snail mail addy so that I can get the book out to you this week.

Congratulations!

A QUICKIE CONTEST

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve on Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

One Little Girl Needs A Family

One rain slicked night, little six-year old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

One Single Man Needs A Wife

The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year old girl in his life. But he soon realizes he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister's will gives him the instructions: There's no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

Sometimes It Takes A Little Magic...

Maggie Collins doesn't dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

...To Make Dreams Come True

Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home.......

Have you read this book yet? Want to win a copy?

I have been given three (3) hardcover copies of this book which I'm giving away in a contest. The rules are below:

Contest Rules:

1. Leave a comment below saying you are interested in the book. Please make sure to leave an email address so that I may contact you in case you win.

2. Winner to be chosen using Random.Org

3. Contest will run from Friday, January 6, 2011 through Sunday, January 8, 2011.

Winners to be chosen on Monday, January 9, 2011.

4. Contest open to US and Canada Residents only.

5. For an extra entry, become a follower via either RSS or GFC (let me know which one, I will check).

Good Luck Everyone!

FTC Disclosure: As a part of the Lisa's Divas team, I was provided with the copies of the books by the publisher.

Waiting For - Midnight Reckoning

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

I can't wait for this new release -January 1, 2012

Midnight Reckoning by Kendra Leigh Castle

Dark Dynasty, Book 2

Two separate worlds . . .
One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn-if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity . . . just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith-and Lyra and Jaden's love-may never recover from the deadly blow . . .

What new release are you waiting for?

New Reading Challenge - Steampunk Challenge 2012

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've decided to join the Steampunk Reading Challenge for 2012 being hosted by

Dark Faerie Tales. There are a lot of great things about Steampunk fiction. If you want to learn more about what it is, check out the information here.

The Timeline of the Challenge: January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2012

My Goal: Get Gears - to read at least 6 steampunk novels in 2012

Reading Levels:

1. Gaslight - choose 6 books to read

2. Gears - choose 12 books to read

3. Gadgets- choose 18 books to read

4. Greased - choose 24 books to read

5. Steamed- choose 30+ books to read

For More Information on How to Join the Challenge

Visit Dark Faerie Tales!

This looks like lots of upcoming fun!

Rainshadow Road - A Video

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

I'm really looking forward to the release of Rainshadow Road. I think you'll really like this video from Lisa about her upcoming book.

Look for it on February 28, 2012!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T11:27:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Everybody!

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY- DREAM LAKE

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This weeks pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is :

Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas

A Friday Harbor Novel (August 2012)

There's no blurb available yet but I can't wait to see who this book will be about!

What's your "Waiting On" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog and leave your link below. Or, if you don't have a blog, leave your WoW entry in the comment section below.

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX (56)- TOUCHED BY ANGELS

2011-11-25T05:30:00.000-06:00

The Friday Fifty-Six (56) is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you. Right Now.
Turn to Page 56.
Find the fifth (5th) sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you don't have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link with your post back to Freda's Voice.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

My Friday 56- Touched by Angels by Debbie Macomber

Yolanda's mouth thinned, and it looked as if she were about to explode when Suzie Chang saved the day.

So, what's your Friday 56?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY- RAINSHADOW ROAD BY LISA KLEYPAS

2011-11-08T17:33:00.017-06:00

This week my "Waiting" on item is extra special....isn't the cover gorgeous?

Coming in February 2012

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiance Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy's own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the sever disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life - even after being broken - can be made into something new and beautiful.

To read an extra special yummy excerpt of this Lisa Kleypas book coming in

February http://bit.ly/j5qdP8

FTC Disclosure: I am one of "Lisa's Divas" - a group of select fans who share info & content related to Lisa's novels and get sneak peaks & swag in return.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

2011-10-31T11:21:00.000-05:00

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

2011-10-25T09:02:00.000-05:00

Quite a few books out today I'm really interested in. Here is what I'm expecting in the mail:

The Bite Before Christmas by Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost

In Lynsay Sands' "The Gift," Katricia Argeneau knows grey-eyed cop Teddy Brunswick is her life mate. She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget.

It's "Home for the Holidays" in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones may long to wrap presents and set up a tree, but this Christmas, an evil vampire and long-buried family secrets will threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer.

Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri DuLong

For the second time in ten years, Grace Stone is starting over on Cedar Key. Grace first moved to the serene island to escape a disastrous relationship. Now a visit with her Aunt Maude is interrupted by unwelcome news: Grace's apartment and coffee shop have been destroyed by fire. Grace is devastated, yet ever-practical Maude has a plan. While she helps Grace resettle, Maude even has a business venture in mind - weekend knitting retreats where women can craft, chat, and support one another. But other surprises await, including the return of Grace's estranged sister, and a tentative romance with the local bookstore owner. Knitting together her past and future will mean untangling the painful threads Grace left behind. But the result could be a vibrant new life - and the courage to live it fully...

And for the Nook:

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

In a tale of strong ties and true love, Maya Banks’s trilogy comes to its stunning conclusion, as the youngest McCabe brother uses sword and seduction to save his clan—and seal his heart.
Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.

There are several other books I want to get but with the holidays coming up....I have to save some $$$...so they will have to wait.......

What's on your new Release Tuesday list?

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX(56) - TEN BEACH ROAD

2011-10-21T08:39:00.000-05:00

The Friday Fifty-Six (56)

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you. Right Now.
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two more if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or if you don't have a blog, in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, or the most intellectual. Use the Closest.

Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax
My Friday 56:
Relentlessly positive, John Franklin led them through the downstairs with it's large rectangular rooms and ceilings beamed with Florida cypress, pointing out the architectural details with great delight.

So what's your Friday 56?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY -

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking theSpine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Dreaming of the Wolf by Terry Spear

Release Date December 1, 2011

Jake Silver doesn't believe in fate or dream mating, despite the fact his brother and other family members have been afflicted with this strange notion. But when dreams begin to plague him about a woman so seductive, he wakes up in a sweat and he's losing way too much sleep over it, he seeks to learn the truth. Can dream mating be a reality? Is the woman real?

Alicia Greiston doesn't dream. Not ever. So when a man visits her in the first dream she's ever had, she's startled, pleased, then alarmed. He's not going away, and the dreams take a sinister turn. He's in trouble, and if the dreams are a foreshadowing of the future, she has to save him.

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link below! Or if you don't have a blog, leave your WoW entry in the comments.

FRIDAY FIFTY SIX (56) - MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER BY VONDA SINCLAIR

2011-10-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

The Friday Fifty-Six (56)

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you. Right Now.
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two more if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or if you don't have a blog, in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, or the most intellectual. Use the Closest.

My Friday 56:

My Fierce Highlander by Vonda Sinclair

Something unspoken had passed between the two men. And something possessive in the way Alasdair watched her now held her captive.

Oh dear.

Her knees going slightly weak, she reclaimed her seat.

So what's your Friday 56?

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX )56) - HOME SWEET HOME

2011-09-30T08:21:00.000-05:00

The Friday Fifty-Six (56)

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you. Right Now.
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two more if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or if you don't have a blog, in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, or the most intellectual. Use the Closest.

Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley

My Friday 56: "What the hell am I supposed to think, Andi? You come in here

looking like that--".

So what's your Friday 56?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of new release books today but I'm only listing the ones I bought:

Elemental Assissin 5: Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep

Old habits die hard for assassins.

And I plan on murdering someone before the night is through.

Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very, very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen. Oh, I don’t think the mission will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I’m coming for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters Mab hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority. Taking Mab out is a close second. Good thing I’ve got my powerful Ice and Stone magic—and my irresistible lover, Owen Grayson—to watch my back. This battle has been years in the making, and there’s a good chance I won’t survive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s coming with me . . . no matter what I have to do to make that happen.

Fools Gold 6: Only His by Susan Mallery

Wedding bells are ringing in Fool's Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they've seen each other naked, but she'll never forget the way he broke her heart.

Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada's "business only" ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again…or will their past get in the way?

Love at Stake 11: Sexiest Vampire Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

The secret is out . . . Vampires do exist!

When a video reveals to the world that vampires live among us, it’s up to “young” vamp Gregori Holstein, VP of Marketing, to persuade the U.S. government to declare the video a hoax. But first the president wants a favor, one that requires Gregori to spend forty-eight hours in very close contact with the First Daughter.

Abby Tucker would rather spend her nights in a lab than attend her father’s state dinners. She’s dedicated her life to finding a cure that will save her dying mother and needs only two more ingredients. To find them, she’ll have to venture into the most dangerous region of the world—with a vampire. Her Armani-clad escort may be Undead, but he still makes her heart race. And the greatest danger won’t be the predatory hordes lying in wait for them; it will be her undying desire for the Sexiest Vampire Alive.

And for the Kindle:

Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks

A warrior is caught between family loyalty and forbidden love in book two of bestselling author Maya Banks’s sensual new trilogy featuring three indomitable Highlanders.

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.

An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric’s keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

So what's on your buy list for today?

CONTEST WINNER - CHELYNNE

2011-09-25T12:30:00.000-05:00

AND THE WINNER IS:

Larena!

Congratulations!

Winner chosen using Random.Org

Book provided by review site.

KINDLE BOOK GIVEAWAY - CHELYNNE BY ROBYN CARR

2011-09-22T08:10:00.001-05:00

Chelynne by Robyn Carr

IN THE DECADENT COURT OF CHARLES II, SHE WANTED A MOST UNSUITABLE MAN—HER HUSBAND.

Orphaned and raised by her uncle, the feisty sixteen-year-old Chelynne resolves to show her gratitude by marrying the man of her uncle's choice. Bracing herself for a graying, sickly noble, the last man she expects for a husband is the dashing future Earl of Bryant, Chadwick Hawthorne—suddenly, being a loving wife doesn't seem too hard a task. But he spurns her affection and remains her husband only in name, never in deed. Tormented by unfinished business from his past and an uprising threatening his land, Chad resolves to keep his distance from everyone, including his young wife.

Chelynne will go to any lengths to ignite her husband’s passion and save their marriage. But when she finally goes too far, the Earl must share his dark secret before Chelynne loses her reputation—or worse, her life.

Set during the English Restoration, CHELYNNE is filled with political conspiracies, family secrets, and shocking affairs, creating a deliciously complicated plot. Fans of VIRGIN RIVER are going to love this historical novel written with Robyn's trademark zest for life.

Robyn Carr is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Virgin River Series, published by Mira. CHELYNNE is the first of her nine historical novels, which will be reissued as digital editions in the coming months.

Contest Rules

1. Answer the question: Do you look forward to authors re-releasing their backlist via digital format? Be honest, I'm just curious to how other's feel.

2. You must leave your email address so that I may contact the winner. You can put spaces in the name in case you are worried about spam.

3. You must be a follower of the blog.

4. Open to anyone with a Kindle or the Kindle App in the U.S. only.

5. Winner to be chosen by Random.org on Sunday night, September 25, 2011

Good Luck Everyone!

FTC Disclosure: Prize being awarded purchased by review site.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 21

2011-09-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

"Waiting on" Wednesdy is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Gingerbread Bump-Off: A Fresh Baked Mystery by Livia Washburn

A Christmas killer has been icing Phylis Newsom's friends in the sixth Fresh-Baked mystery.

Not only will Phyllis Newsom's house be featured in the annual Christmas Jingle Bell Tour of Homes, she also has a Christmas Eve bridal shower and a New Year's Eve wedding to bake goodies for. But like her tasty treats, she rises to the occasion.

Before the tour gets under way, Phyllis makes a gruesome discovery on her porch: someone has tried to kill her friend. As Santa's naughty list gets longer, Phyllis tries to catch a half-baked killer.

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link below! Or if you don't have a blog, leave your WoW entry in the comments.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 20TH.

2011-09-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

I'll be honest...there isn't much I wanted on today's list of releases but I did get the following:

The Searchers Book 3: Blood Trails by Sharon Sala

This is the final installment in this series, which I've enjoyed so far.

Her "father's" deathbed confession reveals that Holly's real father was almost certainly the notorious serial killer known as "The Hunter," and that her mother gave Holly up Holly Slade to save her life. But The Hunter was never caught—and Holly's mother has just simply vanished.

In search of her past, Holly leaves both her home and Bud Tate, the handsome ranch foreman she's afraid to love. She's horrified by the discovered knowledge that the blood of a depraved killer might run through her veins. Haunted and driven, she searches for identity of The Hunter and hopes her mother was wrong.

But her search leads to a terrible truth no one could have imagined, and even Bud's determination to follow and protect the woman he loves may not be enough to save Holly from the terrors of a past become present.

Turner Series Book 3: Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

Her only hope for survival…

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he's known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check...until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he's waited for all his life.

Is to ruin the man she loves…

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to be free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark's enemies make her an offer she can't refuse: seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she's sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs…and the love she knows is impossible.

I haven't bought this book yet but I did get the first book, Bright Young Things, when it was free for Kindle so I think I'll go ahead and buy this even though I haven't had a chance to read the first book yet. My sister has really liked this author in the past so I'll give her a shot too.

Bright Young Things Book 2: Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen

For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Greys’ lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan’s bustling metropolis. But Letty’s not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams—no matter the cost.

Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Thom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey’s legacy . . . and take her revenge.

Promised to Cordelia’s half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights—and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Luxe comes the second book in an epic series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.

So what's on your buy list for today?

MAILBOX - September 19TH.

2011-09-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

Mailbox Monday

I didn't get any physical books over the weekend but I did purchase some Kindle books and won one Kindle book in a contest.

What I Purchased:

Did you know Emily March first wrote as Geralyn Dawson? I didn't but she's made two of her books available for Kindle/Nook now that she got her rights back. I purchased both. They look like really fun books and I love her writing style. Both of these books are full length and were previously published.

In this USA Today bestselling contemporary romance, Geralyn Dawson invites you to visit Cedar Dell, Texas--a small town with a big heart.

Kate Harmon wonders how life got so complicated.

One minute she's dating the sexiest bachelor in Dallas and the next she's back in her small hometown surrounded by grannies, gossip, and green bean casserole. It's not enough that she's been forced to finally return to the scene of her Scandal. Her cantankerous father needs nursing, her hormonal, pregnant-for-the-first-time-at-forty sister wants coddling, and her brother, Mr. Perfect, requires rescuing from a situation that threatens the family's future.

As if that's not enough, who else is back in town but Max Cooper, former high school football star and the father of her teenage son. And now he wants to date her?

Over the course of a long, hot Texas summer, Kate has the chance to finally make peace with her past and open a door to her future. But will a second chance at love stand in her way?

MY BIG OLD TEXAS HEARTACHE is a full length novel of approximately 100,000 words.

Love and duty calls talent manager Tess Anderson away from the glamor of Hollywood to sleepy little Cedar Dell, Texas to care for her wild-child sister's newborn twins. As if that isn't trouble enough, there she catches the romantic attention of Nicholas Sutherland, the most eligible bachelor in Texas.

Nicholas hasn't come to Cedar Dell looking for love, but he's a man accustomed to getting what he wants...and he wants Tess. He's happy to help her diaper the twins, dispose of the threat to her family leveled by the Cowboy Mafia, and even put up with a visit from Mr. Hollywood himself. All he wants in return is...everything.

What's a self-made, independent woman to do?

The Last Bachelor in Texas is a full-length novel of approximately 100,000 words. It was originally published with the title My Long Tall Texas Heartthrob.

What I won over the weekend from RR@H Novel Thoughts:

Beth Brown doesn’t believe in premonitions until she dreams a sexy stranger is gunned down during the brutal hijacking of a commercial airliner. When events in her dream start coming true, she heads to the flight’s departure gate.

To her shock, she recognizes the man she’d watched die the night before.
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters comes from a bloodline of elite warriors with psychic abilities. When Zane and two of his platoon buddies arrive at Sea-Tac Airport, he has a vision of his teammates’ corpses. Then she arrives—a leggy blonde who sets off a different kind of alarm.

As Beth teams up with Zane, they discover the hijacking is the first step in a secret cartel’s deadly global agenda and that key personnel within the FBI are compromised. To survive the forces mobilizing against them, Beth will need to open herself to a psychic connection with the sexy SEAL who claims to be her soul mate.

Winner of the 2010 Launching a Star Contest, romantic suspense category

I can't wait to get a chance to read all 3 books. What about you? What was in your mailbox this weekend/today?

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX (56)

2011-09-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you. Right Now.
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two more if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or if you don't have a blog, in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, or the most intellectual. Use the ClOSEST.

My Friday 56:

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

He was kind, courteous, and had a sense of humor to match her own.

So what's your Friday 56?

COVER LOVE!

2011-09-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Louisa Edward's just debuted the new cover for her next Recipe for Love book

It won't be released until March 2012 and there's no blurb yet but I'm already in love with it. What do you think?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY - THE HEART OF A KILLER

2011-09-14T05:00:00.003-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is

The Heart of a Killer by Jaci Burton

Before the Special Forces hero has even unpacked his bags from twelve years of active duty, he's embroiled in murder—corpses bearing the brutal trademark he's seen only once before—on the worst night of his life.

The last time Detective Anna Pallino saw Dante Renaldi, they were in love. Now, he's part of the connection to a string of fresh homicides and a horrible assault Anna only survived thanks to him.

More than anything, Anna wants to trust Dante. But as the bodies and the coincidences stack up, Anna will have to decide, and fast: Is the man she owes her life to the very same one who wants her dead?

What's your "waiting on" pick for this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link below and at Breakin the Spine! Or if you don't have a blog, leave your WoW entry in the comments.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY!

2011-09-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

There aren't many new print releases this week. In fact I'm only getting one new release....but I'm waiting for it with a lot of anticipation because I just love this series:

New York to Dallas (In Death)

Prepare for the new In Death novel that will take readers even deeper into the mind of Eve Dallas, NEW YORK TO DALLAS, on sale September 13, 2011.

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name—and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.

When a monster named Isaac McQueen—who was taken down by Eve back in her uniform days—escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.

So what's on your new release list today?

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX (56)

2011-09-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules

Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

Turn to page 56.

Find the fifth sentence.

Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.

Post a link along with your post back to Freda’s Voice.

Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

My Friday 56:

Murder Half Baked by Kathleen Delaney

“Sure.” I gulped, wondering just how much I was overstepping my boundaries. I didn’t care. The vision of the child clinging to her mother, the spilled orange juice as the woman tried to hold the glass steady, the look in the eyes of those children, the smell of real fear, overwhelmed any reservations I had. Ida was getting a phone call.

So what's your Friday 56?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY- SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER BY CONNIE MASON WITH MIA MARLOWE

2011-09-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticpating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Sins of the Highlander by Connie Mason with Mia Marlowe

Even with her gift of the Sight, never had Elspeth Stewart imagined her wedding would be interrupted by a darkhaired stranger charging in on a black stallion, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her off across the wild Scottish highlands. 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.

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link below! Or if you don't have a blog, leave your WoW entry in the comments.

NEW RELEASES TUESDAY

2011-09-06T06:00:00.004-05:00

There are some really great books out today. I'm waiting for my copies of the following for my Kindle:

A Very Vampy Christmas by Kerrelyn Sparks

Maggie O'Brien is thrilled when she lands a starring role on the Digital Vampire Network's hottest soap opera, As the Vampire Turns. Doesn't hurt that her leading man is Don Orlando de Corazon, the greatest lover in the vampire world! But who is Don Orlando really? Nobody knows, not even Don Orlando. As the couple sets out in search of his mysterious past, "home for the holidays" takes on a new meaning when the recently-turned vamp discovers his own Christmas miracle.

The Dragon Who Loved Me by G.A. Aiken

I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I've earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it's the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.

So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don't care if he's fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He's having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I'm going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways. . .

In Print I'm waiting on these to be delivered:

To Seduce an Angel by Kate Moore

The youngest of the Jones brothers, Kit, has just been made the Marquess of Daventry-heir to his vengeful grandfather, the Duke of Wenlocke. Kit wants to free his family from the old duke, and he hires the beautiful Emma Portland to tutor his young wards while he makes his plans. But Emma's true identity may be even more dangerous to Kit than his dastardly uncle. And the feelings they begin to have for one another may spell their mutual doom.

Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh

Trying to discover the identity of a murder victim brings together the vampire Dmitri and a hunter for the Guild, Honor. And as the gruesome murders continue, a lethal sensuality explodes between them.

So ...what are you getting today?

FRIDAY FIFTY SIX (56)

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules

Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

Turn to page 56.

Find the fifth sentence.

Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.

Post a link along with your post back to Freda’s Voice.

Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

"Still, she couldn't waste this opportunity. She nuzzled the base of Greg's neck and inhaled the scent of his skin. Her past, her lack of magic and Greg's situation with his grandfather were all forgotten".

Page 56
Motor City Wolf by Cindy Spencer Pape

So, what's your Friday 56?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY - MASTER OF SIN BY MAGGIE ROBINSON

2011-08-31T06:13:00.010-05:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticpating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Master of Sin

The Courtesan Court Series, Book 4

Andrew Rossiter has used his gorgeous body and angelic face for all they’re worth—shocking the proper, seducing the willing, and pleasuring the wealthy. But with a young son depending on him for rescue, suddenly discretion is far more important than desire. He’ll have to quench his desires—fast. And he’ll have to find somewhere his scandalous reputation hasn’t yet reached…

Miss Gemma Peartree seems like a plain, virginal governess—or so she hopes. No matter how many sparks fly between them, she has too much to hide to catch Andrew’s eye. But with a stormy Scottish winter driving them together, it will be hard to keep her secrets. Especially when Andrew feels he has found the woman who can restore his soul—one kiss at a time…

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog and leave your link below and at Breaking the Spine.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

2011-08-30T10:15:00.000-05:00

Waiting on several deliveries today - these are the new books I'm getting:

Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she's finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right… or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can't have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool's Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.

Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it . .

A bargain that was all business . . . and pure passion.

Neither wealth nor beauty will help Lady Francesca Gordon win custody of her young niece Georgina, saving the girl from a cruel stepmother; she needs London’s top solicitor for that. But when Edward de Lacey, son of the powerful Duke of Durham, hires away the one man who can do the job, Francesca decides Edward himself must champion her case . . . if only she can melt the dashing lord’s stony heart.

Edward has reason to be guarded, though. London’s tabloids have just exposed a secret that could ruin his entire family. When Francesca offers a unique chance to undo the damage, Edward is forced to agree to a partnership . . . and now, each moment together feeds the flames of his scandalous longing for the passionate widow. But when Georgina disappears, fate will test them both . . . and leave their love hanging in the balance.

Lady Caroline Christie has been separated from her husband for five years. Their brief marriage was a disaster everywhere but in the bedroom. Baron Edward Christie was the most proper widower in the ton - and marrying the scandalous beauty was his one impulsive act. Yet before he puts Caroline out of his life, he must get her out of his blood. And the more he learns about her, the less he wants to let her go. Caroline was prepared to hear that her husband wanted to divorce her, spare them both the torture of passion they can neither tame nor escape. But his plan is more wicked than any she's ever heard. Life as his wife is suffocating. But she cannot resist becoming her own husband's mistress...

She’d never forgotten him . . .

Miss Octavia Pierce is witty, well-off . . . and shockingly unwed. Still, she is far too successful in society to remain on the shelf forever, and her family has hopes that Octavia will finally make the perfect match. What they don’t know is that, years earlier, Octavia was scandalously tempted by the one man capable of sweeping her off her feet— the man now known as the Marquess of Doree.

A third son, never meant to inherit, Lord Ben Doree has abandoned his past and grown accustomed to his illustrious new position of wealth and power. But he has never forgotten Octavia, and now she desperately needs his help in a most dangerous, clandestine matter. Although she claims she has put the memories of the passion they shared behind her, Ben is determined to once again have her in his arms—and in his bed.

Sent on a dangerous mission into the shadowy world of the Druids, Galen must find a powerful ancient relic to defeat the enemies of Castle MacLeod. But what he discovers is far more powerful—and far more dangerous. A Druid lass whose beauty is as spellbinding as any magic…

Reaghan is the most enchanting woman Galen has even met—and the most enigmatic. She alone is immune to his mind-reading gifts. He alone makes her feel safe and secure. But Reaghan holds a secret power deep inside her that could destroy them both. And if Galen hopes to hold this captivating woman in his arms every night, he must defeat the darkness that draws closer around her every day….

"Vampire Fight Club" by Larissa Ione: When a wave of violence forces shape shifter Vladlena to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice - with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge. Both Vladlena and Nathan are hiding something, but they can't conceal the lust that simmers between them..."Darkness Eternal" by Alexandra Ivy: After being held captive by one vampire for four centuries, Kata had no intention of taking another one to the underworld with her. Yet even in the pits of hell, there's no ignoring the intoxicating desire awakened by his touch..."Kane" by Jacquelyn Frank: Kane knows Corrine was meant to be his...just as he knows that truly possessing the lovely human is forbidden. But on the night of the Samhain moon, the beast in every demon in stronger than reason, and Kane's hunger is more powerful than any punishment..."Dragon on Top" by G.A. Aiken: Escorting the highborn Bram through deadly Sand Dragon territory will try Ghleanna's patience...and her resolve. For Bram is determined to enhance the journey with a seduction no female could resist...

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving-leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

So......what are you getting today?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

2011-05-03T07:48:00.000-05:00

These are the new releases that should be arriving sometime today from Amazon. There are a lot of books out today:

I'm kind of sensing a theme here

This one is for the Kindle:

So what are you getting today?

WISHLIST WEDNESDAY

2011-04-27T09:01:00.000-05:00

These books have made it to my wishlist lately

Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, Book 4)

Cloudy With A Chance Of Marriage (The Impossible Bachelors)

I really want this one for my Kindle since I have the others in that format

Shiver of Fear (The Guardian Angelinos)

Face of Danger (Guardian Angelinos)

So what's made it to your wishlist lately?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

2011-04-26T09:17:00.000-05:00

So I'm running behind schedule today but this is what I'm expecting in my delivery from Amazon today:

For My Kindle:

From my book club:

So what books are you expecting to get today?

AUGUST RELEASE COVER LOVE - THE LADY OF THE STORM

2011-04-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

I am completely in love with the cover for Kathryne Kennedy's upcoming book in The Eleven Lords series!

The Lady of the Storm

Giles is bound to protect her...

In a kingdom viciously ruled by warlike elven lords, village blacksmith Giles Beaumont reluctantly swears to protect the half-elf, half-human Cecily Sutton, never dreaming that he will fall under her enchanting spell.

But duty soon turns to desire...

When Cecily's father disappears, Cecily and Giles set out to find him. But, as their journey unfolds, duty is quickly replaced by desire--and the search for Cecily's father leads to a magical destiny that could end the rule of the elven lords forever ...

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX (56)

2011-04-15T01:30:00.009-05:00

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules

Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link along with your post back to Freda’s Voice.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

The Detective's Lover by Aliyah Burke

My Friday 56:

Something was wrong.
Ian couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was definitely abnormal. Grabbing his Glock from its holster he carefully crept up the hallway to his living room.

WISHLIST WEDNESDAY!

2011-04-13T10:23:00.000-05:00

On my wishlist this week I've added the following books by an author that would be new to me :

Dark Embers: A Dragon's Heat Novel

Hidden Embers: A Dragon's Heat Novel

Forbidden Embers: A Dragon's Heat Novel

That's it for me today. What's made it onto your wishlist?

TEASER TUESDAYS- APRIL 12, 2011

2011-04-12T00:05:00.001-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along, just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) *teaser* sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author so that other Teaser Tuesday particpants can add the book to their To-Be-Read Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

She didn't reply and he looked down at her. She was staring at him wide-eyed.

page 312- Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane)

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!

FRIDAY 56

2011-04-08T02:00:00.001-05:00

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice. Here are the rules:

v Grab the book nearest you. Right now

v Turn to page 56.

v Find the fifth sentence.

v Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.

v Post a link along with your post back to Freda’s Voice.

v Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

It's that simple.

Masquerade by Denise Jeffries

Page 56:

Elijah paused when he reached the door, turned and reached out for Samantha again. She didn’t step back. He pulled her close. His mouth captured hers with power. This time her mouth welcomed his. She didn’t fight it. Their tongues danced together as their mouths tasted each other.

REVIEW/ HIS DAUGHTER....THEIR CHILD/ KAREN ROSE SMITH/ SILHOUTTE

2011-04-06T07:20:00.001-05:00

Title: His Daughter....Their Child
Author: Karen Rose Smith
Publisher: Silhoutte an Imprint of Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: January 18, 2011
Print ISBN: 978-0373655809
eBook ISBN: 978-1426884788
Length: 224 Pages
Format: Print
Series: Reunion Brides

Purchase

Book Description:

Celeste Wells didn't think twice about becoming a surrogate mom for her twin sister. But when Zoie's marriage ended suddenly, heartbroken Celeste just couldn't let the little girl go.

Clay Sullivan's world shattered once his wife walked out on him and their daughter, and Celeste was a reminder of the painful memories the tough survival guide had barely survived. Yet she was everything her sister wasn't—loyal, loving, committed to the child to whom she'd given birth. Not to mention the attraction that sizzled between them the moment they came face-to-face at their fifteen-year reunion! Would falling for Celeste be making the same mistake twice…or giving Abby the mother she was always meant to have?

My Review:

I bought this book on a whim when I was shopping in the Harlequin store. I was attracted to the blurb and I’m happy to say that I’m pleased with my choice. The characters are likeable and the dialogue is engaging. I was drawn into the story and read it in one day.

Celeste is a great character; she’s thirty, single and attractive. She’s also shy and self-conscious about her past and what people in her hometown think of her family. When her fraternal twin Zoie asks for help in having a child, she agrees thinking Zoie and her husband Clay will be good parents. She didn’t know their marriage was in trouble and never imagined Zoie would divorce her husband and abandon their child. Now that Celeste is back in town for their high school reunion, she’s determined to get to know Abby, the little girl she gave birth to. She plans to stay in town and become a part of Abby’s life. She didn’t plan on falling for her sister’s ex.

Clay Sullivan is an interesting character; he’s attractive, smart and a successful outdoor and wilderness guide. He’s still angry with his ex-wife for betraying him and abandoning their daughter. He’s a great dad, it’s clear that his daughter Abby is the center and main focus of his life. Clay is threatened by Celeste’s return and is at first reluctant to allow her to have a relationship with Abby. Yet, he knows he wouldn’t have a daughter if she hadn’t agreed to be a surrogate. He didn’t plan on the immediate physical attraction he feels towards Celeste or on the emotional relationship that they develop.

The romance between Celeste and Clay isn’t without problems; they both have reservations about their attraction and about how their friends and the people in town will react. They also have to deal with Clay’s family, who don’t always approve of his choices. I was completely mesmerized by how Ms. Smith developed the characters and paced the story. The dialogue is engaging and Abby is a precocious child. When Zoie comes back to town, she adds to the tension between Celeste and Clay, which forces them to face their remaining issues and make choices about their future.

I was very happy with how the story ends and with how Celeste, Clay and Abby’s are doing and where their future is headed. I look forward to reading the next book in the series which will be released in October of this year.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Crowns

FTC Disclosure: The book reviewed was purchased by the blog owner.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

2011-04-05T08:03:00.000-05:00

These are the New Release books that I ordered from Amazon that should be delivered today or tomorrow:

Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz cooks up big trouble as she tries to help her longtime friend and fellow chef Yolanda Garcia. When the rental house shared by Yolanda and her irrepressible aunt Ferdinanda is destroyed by arson, the pair moves in with cop-turned-PI Ernest McLeod. But then Ernest is shot dead and his house is set on fire, nearly killing Goldy, Yolanda, Ferdinanda, and nine beagle puppies that Ernest recently rescued from a puppy mill.

Concerned for her friends, Goldy invites them to stay with her while the sheriff's department investigates. Yet even Goldy's house isn't safe and, after a failed break-in by an unknown intruder, a policeman is assigned to keep an eye on things. The action really starts to rev after a second body turns up. Swapping her chef's hat for a sleuthing cap, the intrepid Goldy turns detective. But she's got to move fast. It's crunch time to close in on a killer, before he can close in on her.

Crunch Time: A Novel of Suspense (Goldy Schulz)

You wanted to know more about Cassie? Her friendships, her interactions, the nightmares that haunt her?

In the wolf breed novel, NAVARRO’S PROMISE, Mica Toler’s best friend is the wolf/coyote hybrid breed, Cassie Sinclair. And now Mica is being drawn into her world in ways she had prayed she never would be when the charming wolf breed Navarro makes good on the promise he made her on a dark, explosive night.

The Breeds guaranteed that no harm would come to Micah Toler but they never allowed for her sensual fascination with Navarro Blaine. Aloof, cool, and mysterious, he draws her in as no man ever has. But Micah never wanted this. She had her own dreams, her own desires, and being stalked and seduced by a wolf breed wasn’t part of that plan.

Now she knows her life is in danger. What Navarro knows is that she’s his mate and that the breeding and training that created him is being peeled away in his desperation to claim a woman that refuses to be claimed.

He has her body. She craves his touch. And as the breeds converge the past will rise up to haunt Navarro in ways he never expected.

Navarro's Promise (Breeds)

Books I haven't ordered yet but are in my cart:

There is nothing Connor Malone wants to do less than babysit the outrageous and out-of-control pop star Lyric Jones. But part of him relishes taming the celebratty songstress and showing her what it's like to be possessed-body and soul-by one man. And though Lyric's crazy antics nearly drive Connor to the edge, his quiet intensity penetrates her defenses, leaving them both vulnerable to the secrets that could topple Lyric from the stage.

Sweet Possession

Seduced in a dream by a handsome, rugged man, Charlotte Bennett decides to let pleasure and desire lead the way-only to discover her "safe night of passion has dangerous repercussions.

Dark Enchantment (Dark Magick, Book 3)

Months after her dangerous encounter with the vampire overlord Saloman, Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is still trying to cope with both the demands of her vampire-hunting bloodline-and the desire she feels for Saloman, the immortal she brought back from the grave. But when Saloman's ancient sword becomes the object of a ruthless race between humans and vampires, Elizabeth must decide between unwanted loyalty, or unholy love.

Blood Sin: An Awakened By Blood Novel

Andrei Solace delivers death on silent feet as an assassin for the Phantom Corps. Mercenary Piper Roundtree thought she was over him. But against the backdrop of an impending war, their passion is rekindled. Now the lovers must join forces- in more ways than one-to save the Known Universe before the Imperialist enemy hurls it into irreversible chaos.

Mesmerized (Phantom Corps, Book 2)

So what's on your shopping list today?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY!

2011-03-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

These are the new release books that are on my order for delivery either later today or tomorrow:

Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward
(this one will actually be late since a
friend is going to one of her signings
and I'm getting a signed copy)

Eternal Rider -Book 1 of the Lords of Deliverance by Larissa Ione

Get Lucky by Lorie O'Clare

The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks

And for my Kindle:

Claimed by the Highlander by Julianne
MacLean

There are a few more books that I want to get from Today's new releases but I want them in hardcover so I'll be waiting to see if my book club is able to get them in hardcover editions.

What's on your New Release Tuesday shopping list?

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX (56)

2011-03-25T07:43:00.038-05:00

The Betrayal of the Blood Lily (Pink Carnation)

Captain Reed raised one brow. "I fail to see how the two are connected. Would you contract your marriage to suit the wishes of your superiors?"

The words acted on Freddy like a match to tinder. Penelope could practically hear the flames crackling in the suddenly too-still air. Mandated marriages were a senstive topic for Freddy at the moment.

Rules:

*Grab the book nearest you.

*Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest or the most intellectual. Use the
CLOSEST!

*Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like or if you feel the scene
needs it

WISHLIST THURSDAY

2011-03-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

This is a roundup of books that are on my Amazon wish list, I'm not buying them right away but I do plan to buy these sometime this year.

It Happened One Bite

A Lot Like Love (Berkley Sensation)

How to Woo a Reluctant Lady (The Hellions of Halstead Hall)

So what's on your wish list?

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

2011-03-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! Some really great books coming out today. This is what is on my shopping list

Hummingbird Lake: An Eternity Springs Novel

Seduce Me in Dreams: A Three Worlds Novel

The Peach Keeper: A Novel

So what's on your list today?

MAILBOX MONDAY

2011-03-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately no new books made it into the mailbox for me this weekend or today.

Did you get any new books today?

LAZY SUNDAY

2011-03-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

I'm having a Lazy Sunday. My only plans today are to read and eat.

What about you? What are you doing today?

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX (56)

2011-03-18T09:32:00.001-05:00

The Friday Fifty-Six

Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you

* Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you feel you need to for it to make sense).

* Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

When Beauty Tamed the Beast

Page 56; "I think this will all work out better than it might have otherwise," her father went on. "After all, Augustus could never have married you. And there isn't a single duke on the market this year. Someday Marchant will be a duke."

So what's your Friday Fifty-Six?

REVIEW/ THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE(NIGHT HUNTRESS, BOOK 5/ JEANIENE FROST/ AVON

2011-03-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

Title: This Side of the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon, An Imprint of Harper Collins
Publication Date: February 22, 2011
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Print ISBN: 978-0061783180
eBook ISBN: 978-0062065797
Length: 384 Pages

Purchase: Amazon

Book Description:

Danger waits on both sides of the grave…

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance…

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. …to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

My Review:

Cat Crawfield and "Bones" Russell continue to be one of my favorite paranormal/urban fantasy couples, they are smart, hip and just so much fun. Once again I found myself drawn into the world created by Jeaniene Frost, which I didn't want to leave when this installment was over.

Cat has been through a lot since the start of this series. Having survived the showdown with "Gregor", she and Bones have been rounding up the remaining troublemakers. When Cat and Bones discover that master less vampires in Ohio, where Cat is originally from, they have no choice but to investigate. They are not surprised to discover that their nemesis is one of the troublemakers that they have been searching for and that he is using Cat's new abilities as a reason for preaching anti-vampire rhetoric and stirring trouble between ghouls and vampires in an attempt to start a supernatural war. I feel that Cat's character continues to grow in each book, she's had to let go of her "vampire prejudice" and now is having to learn to judge each supernatural creature on it's own merit. Cat is also learning to control her emotions better and her love for Bones continues to grow. She's also learning more about friendship and working on her other relationships, though she still has a quick temper.

Bones continues to be an incredibly important character in the series, both as Cat's love interest and as a Master Vampire. It's really nice to see Bones concerned for Cat's welfare and support her. He's still very territorial about Cat being his wife and with his mind reading abilities, this proves to be very dangerous for anyone who has inappropriate thoughts about her.

The scenes between Cat and Bones are very well written and I especially liked that Cat is working on her "impulsive" behavior and thinks before she leaps into action. We get to see quite a few of my favorite secondary characters including Mencheres, Bone's grand sire, who is becoming very important to the series. We also get to see Denise and Spade, Cat and Bone's best friends. I really liked what Ms. Frost is doing with these two characters, especially with Denise's growth in self confidence. Vlad makes another appearance, and is becoming one of my favorite supporting characters, I find him highly amusing.

The villain is someone we met in This Side of the Grave: A Night Huntress Novel and without giving spoilers, I won't say who he is but I will say that he is definitely a thorn in Cat's side and that his behavior will force Cat to re-evaluate how she deals with their enemies in the future. The ghoul queen of New Orleans, Marie Lavou or "Majestic", makes another appearance in this book and though she is not portrayed as a villain, she is somewhat of a gray character. When she forces Cat to do something she's not comfortable with, and which results in a new and unusual power for Cat, I did begin to wonder about her ultimate motivation.

The ending was perfect for this story and left both Cat and Bones in a good place. There are still a lot of unresolved issues in the supernatural world and there are more changes coming in the future. It will be interesting to see where Ms. Frost takes us next in this complex and highly interesting world that she's created. Due to the nature of this particular series, I do continue to recommend that the books be read in order.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Crowns

FTC Disclosure: The book reviewed was purchased for review.

WISHLIST WEDNESDAY

2011-03-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

This month has been very hectic so far and for some reason I left a book off

my order at Amazon that I want very badly. I've read 2 of the 3 books that this author has published so far, Garden Spells and The Sugar Queen. I have The Girl Who Chased the Moon: A Novel in my T-B-R pile and I will read it when this book is issued next week, which I've just added to my shopping cart:

The Peach Keeper: A Novel

It’s the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam—built by Willa’s great-great-grandfather during Walls of Water’s heyday, and once the town’s grandest home—has stood for years as a lonely monument to misfortune and scandal. And Willa herself has long strived to build a life beyond the brooding Jackson family shadow. No easy task in a town shaped by years of tradition and the well-marked boundaries of the haves and have-nots.

But Willa has lately learned that an old classmate—socialite do-gooder Paxton Osgood—of the very prominent Osgood family, has restored the Blue Ridge Madam to her former glory, with plans to open a top-flight inn. Maybe, at last, the troubled past can be laid to rest while something new and wonderful rises from its ashes. But what rises instead is a skeleton, found buried beneath the property’s lone peach tree, and certain to drag up dire consequences along with it.

For the bones—those of charismatic traveling salesman Tucker Devlin, who worked his dark charms on Walls of Water seventy-five years ago—are not all that lay hidden out of sight and mind. Long-kept secrets surrounding the troubling remains have also come to light, seemingly heralded by a spate of sudden strange occurrences throughout the town.

Now, thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery, Willa and Paxton must confront the dangerous passions and tragic betrayals that once bound their families—and uncover truths of the long-dead that have transcended time and defied the grave to touch the hearts and souls of the living.

So what's on your Wednesday Wishlist? Inquiring minds want to know:)

TEASER TUESDAY

2011-03-15T09:22:00.004-05:00

Unfortunately there were no new releases that came out today in print that
screamed my name so I'm doing a Teaser Tuesday post instead of a New Release Post.

Today's Teaser is from the new print book that I'm starting, from a new to me author that a lot of people in one of my groups love. Once again the rules for Teaser Tuesday:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page - pr a little more if you need to set the scene

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

From page 212:

"Cross Industries," Garrison Said. "As in Darius Cross of Cross Industries."

"Darius died eight months ago. We were pitching to his son Micah. They're switchingad firms and it could be a big coup for us to get them."

So what's your teaser for today? Please leave it below in your comments either like what I did or in a link if it's on your blog.

MAILBOX MONDAY

2011-03-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

This is what I've gotten in the mail so far......might have some more books I'm waiting on though:

My Wicked Enemy

My Forbidden Desire

Kiss Me, Kill Me: A Novel of Suspense

Saddled and Spurred: A Blacktop Cowboys Novel

So what was in your Monday Mailbox?

REVIEW/ DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE/ JEANIENE FROST/ AVON

2011-03-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Destined For An Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4)
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon(A Division of HarperCollinsPublishers)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (Vampire)
Print ISBN: 978-0061583216
eBook ISBN: 978-0061892899
Length: 400 Pages
Reviewer: Maria

Purchase: Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4)

Description:

Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger

Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won't stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor's hold over her. She'll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she's ever faced . . . even if getting that power will result in an early grave.

My Review:

I've had this book sitting in my t-b-r (to-be-read) pile since it was released but had fallen behind on my reading. When I began to read, I was once again drawn into the world created by Jeaniene Frost and captivated by her characters. This is the fourth book in The Night Huntress series and due to the number of characters involved and the amount of action that takes place, I do recommend that you read this series in order beginning with Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1).

Cat Crawfield continues to evolve as a character; she's young and still very impetuous. Her skills as a vampire killing damphir continue to grow, as does her love for Bones, her vampire husband. Now that she and Bones have some free time, she is looking forward to visiting Paris and relaxing on their "honeymoon". When Cat beings to have dreams of being chased by a blond vampire, one who claims that she is married to him and not to Bones, she is naturally disturbed. As the story develops, Cat discovers that she does know "Gregor", the blond vampire and that she did apparently spend some time with him when she was a young teen.

While Cat is willing to acknowledge that she might know "Gregor", she's not willing to give up her relationship with Bones and refuses to acknowledge a previous marriage. As Cat and Bones travel across Europe dodging "Gregor's" attempts to grab Cat, their relationship begins to fray under the stress. Especially when ghouls become "Gregor's" allies and complicate the situation. When Cat discovers that Mencheres, Bones sire, had tampered with her memory so that she would forget "Gregor", she begins to have doubts about the depth of Bones love and commitment to her and about Mencheres intentions towards her future.

Trying to keep Cat safe and out of Gregor's clutches, Bones and Mencheres bring her back to the United States and enlist the help of her uncle and his special military group. When Gregor threatens the lives of people that Cat loves, she makes an interesting decision that will change her life forever. I was thrilled when Cat finally acknowledges her relationship issues with Bones were mostly due to her impetuous behavior and self-esteem issues which allowed them to resolve their problems and prepare to face off with Gregor in a final battle.

Since I don't give spoilers if I can help it, I will just say that the story concludes in a very dramatic fashion and that I look forward to reading This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 5)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Crowns

FTC Disclosure: The book reviewed was purchased for review.

NEW RELEASE & TEASER TUESDAY

2011-03-08T08:15:00.001-06:00

Unfortunately there is nothing being released today that yelled "Shiny" to me.....so I'll be doing a Teaser Tuesday post instead.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers:

Rhys had no idea what time it was, because he had slept for hours after the wolf and his goddess had left him. He was thirsty and sore, and more than a bit curious about the world he now found himself in.

~ Page 151
Mists of Velvet: The Immortals of Annwyn: Book Two (Annwyn Chronicles)

Hidden from mortals, Annwyn, the Otherworld, is home to shapeshifters, wraiths and dragons. Rhys MacDonald, the mortal great-grandson of a banished prince races to Annwyn to offer help when his ancient homeland is threatened by a dangerous Dark Magick. There he encounters a young goddess and shapeshifter, who thinks he is the mate foreseen in her dreams. Bound together by the flames of desire, they discover that destiny-and the Dark Magick- has other plans for them...

READ AN E-BOOK WEEK!

2011-03-06T01:00:00.012-06:00

Happy Birthday E-Book!

The E-Book turns 40 this week. First created by Michael Hart when he was granted $100,000.00 worth of computer time with a Xerox Sigma V mainframe computer. Instead of spending the time computing he decided the best use of the time would be the storage, retrieval and searching of what was already stored in our libraries. The first E-Book was born - The Declaration of Independence.

Mr. Hart's work would go on to become Project Gutenberg.

The Romance genre became one of the first genres to become successful in the E-Book field.

A company called E-Ink would eventually get involved and they would introduce a new display technology. Thank you for helping to make reading an E-Book so much easier.

Read an E-Book this week to celebrate!

For more information on E-Books and for information on

the official "Read an E-Book Week" check out

E-Book Week.Com

MOVIE TIE - IN SATURDAY- I AM NUMBER FOUR

2011-03-05T01:00:00.003-06:00

So I thought I would do something a little different and do a movie tie-in type post, both as a way to get to read a book or go and see a movie.

People might ask "What is a movie tie-in"? Well, according to Wikipedia :

A movie tie-in book is a book, frequently a paperback but occasionally a trade paperback or a hardcover, that has a direct relationship to a specific film. Usually, the cover of the book will bear photography of the film's stars, and slogans indicating that it is directly related to a specific film.

Tie-ins are often newly-published editions of a book upon which a film was based that is published around the time of the release of the film, and even sometimes re-titled so that the book's title now matches the film's title. Movie tie-in books may also be novelizations of original screenplays. Novelizations of all six Star Wars films have been published, based on each film's original screenplay. Novelizations are generally published several weeks before a film's release, almost always feature the film's poster as cover art, and are usually never republished, with rare exceptions.

If a film is based on a story shorter than a novel — such as a short story, novelette, or novella — a tie-in book may be published featuring the adapted story as well as other stories from the same author. In extremely rare cases, a movie tie-in book may also be a "re-telling" or abridgement of an original novel.

MY MOVIE TIE-IN CHOICE: I AM NUMBER FOUR BY PITTACUS LORE (AKA JAMES FREY)

Original Cover

Movie Tie-In Cover

I have to say that I love the cover for the movie tie-in version best. I also love the author's name, so unique and it just makes me smile when I see it......here's a little background on the book and the sequence of the movie-tie in.

Book Description:

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

And Number Three in Kenya.

They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

Movie Tie-In:

The publisher is Harper Teen, a division of Harper Collins. The hardcover book was published on August 3, 2010 and spent 6 weeks on the children's chapter of the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Dreamwork's Pictures bought the film rights in June of 2009. A full year before the book was even published. The movie was released a couple of weeks ago on February 18, 2010.

I didn't read the book as I don't read much in the Young Adult market but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. So much so that I now plan to read the book, which is the first of six books planned in the series by the author.

The next book in the series, The Power of Six, will also be made into a movie and will be released in the later part of this summer. I'm already looking forward to seeing the movie

On a side note....the actor who plays Number Four (Alex Pettyfer) is yummy to look at

FRIDAY FIFTY-SIX AND FRIDAY WISHLIST

2011-03-04T08:55:00.004-06:00

The Friday 56 Rules:

1.Grab a book, any book

2.Turn to page 56

3.Find the fifth sentence

4.Post it

My Friday 56 is from

Velvet Haven: The Immortals of Annwyn: Book One (Annwyn Chronicles)

by Sophie Renwick from Page 56, 5th Sentence:

The house it was said, had been built by an eccentric Scotsman, Daegan McDonald, for his wife, whom he had adored.

The Friday Wishlist

What's books have you added to your wishlist this week? These are mine.

The Soldier by Grace Burrows

The Sins of Viscount Sutherland by Samantha James

and finally

Burning Down the Spouse by Dakota Cassidy

So, share your Friday 56 and let me know what's on your wishlist-

You never know...it might show up in a contest later.

Happy Friday Everyone!

CONTEST WINNERS- MAYA BANKS HIDDEN AWAY

2011-03-03T09:05:00.001-06:00

And the Winners Are:

Raonaid Luckwell

and

Karin

Please contact me at maria63303@gmail.com with your shipping

details within 2 days. Failure to claim your prize by Midnight

on Saturday, 5-February-2011, will result in forfeit and a re-draw of

the prize.

REVIEW/ FORBIDDEN MAGIC/ JO BEVERLY/ NAL TRADE

2011-03-02T09:45:00.000-06:00

Title: Forbidden Magic

Author: Jo Beverley

Publisher: NAL, A Division of Penguin

Genre: Historical/Paranormal

Publication Date: February 1, 2011

Print ISBN: 978-0451232182

eBook ISBN: 978-1101210437

Length: 368 Pages

Format: Trade Size Paperback

Purchase: Amazon

Book Description:

Left penniless after her parents' death, Meg Gillingham is in dire straits. Her cruel landlord threatens to turn her and her siblings out of their home at Christmastide -- unless she surrenders her young sister to his lecherous whims. Only a miracle can save them: a magic statue that grants wishes -- for a price.

Meg never expected the statue to bring her a handsome earl offering marriage, and warily waits for the sting in the magic's tail. Soon, however, charming, eccentric Sax is weaving magic of his own -- until the statue is lost and Meg is plunged into danger of losing him, her family, and perhaps even her life.

My Review:

This is a sweet and light Regency romance with a heroine who has a touch of paranormal power. The dialogue between the characters is sharp, occasionally funny and highly entertaining. Both the primary and secondary characters drew me into their world and kept me engrossed in the story.

The heroine, Meg Gillingham, is a practical young woman whose parent's death has left her responsible for her siblings. Unfortunately her parents left them penniless and at the mercy of their landlord, Sir Arthur Jakes, a "friend" of Meg's father. The only heirloom her parents left is a Sheela Na Gig or "Sheelagh", a magic statue that is supposed to grant the wishes of the women in her family who can wield it's "magic". A magic that always carries a price. When Sir Arthur demands that Meg either pays all of the past due rent or hand over her younger sister, Laura, to be his mistress, Meg realizes she has no choice but to use the "Sheelagh" and wishes for a solution to her family's problem.

Frederick, The Earl of Saxonhurst, or "Sax" as everyone calls him, is a fantastic hero. He has a house full of servants who he treats as part of his family, a precocious parrot named Knox and an extremely ugly dog named Brak. He does have some flaws though, a temper that leads to the destruction of his own property and a strong hatred toward his maternal grandmother, The Duchess of Daingerfield. When he receives a note the day before his 25th birthday reminding him if he is not married by the end of the next day, his grandmother will get to choose his bride, he becomes desperate and confides in his servants. One of them suggests that he marry Meg and he promptly agrees and makes his proposal via letter. When Meg replies that she's willing to marry him if he agrees to help her take care of her younger siblings, he readily agrees and makes their wedding arrangements.

The scenes between Meg and Sax are charming and funny. Their dialogue is highly entertaining and they have great chemistry. Being strangers when they married, Meg and Sax have a lot to learn about each other and Ms. Beverly did an excellent job developing their characters. Meg is afraid that Sax will discover how she "wished" him into marriage and Sax is determined to seduce his wife. Sax is also somewhat unconventional and at times Meg wonders if she's married a mad man.

When Meg finds herself being blackmailed by Sir Arthur, Sax has to come to her rescue, which gives them an opportunity to develop their relationship further. The secondary characters were well done and I was happy to see the "villains" in the story get their just desserts. The ending of the story is well done and resolved all of the open story lines. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of this author's work.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

FTC Disclosure: The book reviewed was purchased by the review site

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY AND CONTEST

2011-03-01T00:05:00.003-06:00

Today is a huge release day with 115 books being released. I am highlighting one book that I can't wait to read and because I just love this author- I'm also doing a contest.

A man who shoots first and asks questions later...

Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who's in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marcus Lattimer, her half-brother--and a personal enemy. This gig may be beneath a disciplined soldier like Garrett, but if he gets a shot at Lattimer, it will all be worth it...

...and the ultimate moving target.

But Garrett hadn't counted on falling for Sarah. He'd considered seduction as a tactical maneuver, but when he glimpses Sarah's dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe--even after she disappears on him. Garrett doesn't know exactly who, or what, Sarah's running from, but whatever it is, she's running for her life...

I will be giving away 2 copies of this book. To win a copy, please tell me what series this book is a part of. The winners will be chosen by Random.org.

Open to US and International. Must be a follower of this blog to enter. Contest will run until Midnight tonight and winners will be posted by Thursday, March 3rd, 2011.

Good Luck Everyone!

FDC Disclosure: Books for the contest are being purchased by the review site.