Thursday, September 30, 2010

New Month, New Material: October 2010

   October is always a sluggish and rueful time in the year. The weather goes from mood-swingy, to full-blown Mid-life crisis. And obviously, Halloween just HAS to come along and take everyone by storm. I am not an All-Hallows-Eve type of girl,but I enjoy a good scare, so maybe all is not lost.
   So, let's touch base on what I've accomplished this last month... NOTHING! LOL. I've got so many plans I'd like to get started on, but like I said, October isn't my shining month, and September is just a sorry shake of the head. But don't fear. I've been brainstorming and working my butt off to give you guys some more fun stuff to keep you coming back. You'll see soon ;)
     That being said, I also want to thank the new followers of the blog, facebook page, and twitter account (and everywhere else I have an account on). And of course, the continued patronage of those 'old school followers' who have been with me through it all. My thanks will always lie with you!
   The month may change, but the mission stays the same: To make your followership of Not Another Romance Blog worthwhile!

Here's some of what to expect this month:
-Did you hear me last month when I said: MORE REVIEWS
-More Coffee Shop Conversations & Book Giveaways (a duh!)
-A few addition to Rita's Harem ;)
-More 5 memorable quotes (plus special poet/famous writer editions)
-My TV-Top Bookshelf's replacement!
-Cool book trailers I've found


...And so much more...

-Yea, most of the stuff on here was said last month, but really, I've been so remiss I haven't gotten around to anything! AHH! But I'll keep pushing and I'll need you guys with me! It's because we love books, period!

Until Next Post<3...

18 & Over Book Blogger Tag Along Oct. 1st

                                          


Calling all 18 and over book bloggers, are you looking for more bloggers like yourself? Well please join in so we can tag along with each other. This is for a specific group and your blog needs to primarily have book reviews and post adult book content. In other words, if you read books like erotic and adult romance and have adult pic., then you can play tag along. Sorry YA readers, but if you read both (I know some of you do) you can tag along also. Just make sure you have both YA and adult romance on your blog.


I wanted to do this not only for myself, but for others out there that are looking for more adult book blogs.

It doesn't matter what you read if its paranormal, suspense, historical, contemporary or mystery, along with erotic with any genre. As long as it is adult then your in.

You don't have to have blog to join in on the fun. If you like adult content books, please click on a link and if you like the blog then follow that blog. You can comment on there post that you found them from the tag along.

Rules
1.Make a post for your blog to direct people to this post, you will find a code for the pic on my left sidebar. That way we get more bloggers involved.


2. Place your blogs name in the first box of the Linky


3. Then add your post that you made place that ULR in the second box.


4. When you find a blog that you like to follow please leave comment on the post the blogger made, so they can tag along to your blog.


This is a weekly theme, so make sure you come back next Friday if you can.
Hope you guys have a good Friday!!

Winner Announcement: Michelle Willingham- 'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' & 'Pleasured By The Viking' Giveaway

Congratulations to:

LilMissMolly
and

Carrie In the Hammock

Upon commenting and entering into the Michelle Willingham- 'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' & 'Pleasured By The Viking' Giveaway, all those who commented/entered were given specific slot numbers (if you followed the instructions to get extra entries, your extra slots were added and given numbers as well). LilMissMolly and Carrie's numbers were randomly selected by random.org, so that makes her our winner!




The winners have been sent an email to the address listed in their entry
-Please follow the instructions and send the necessary information to claim your prize.
If the current winner fails to respond in 48 hours (by October 2nd ,2010), a re-drawing will take place and another entry will be selected.

Again, thanks to all of you who participated!

WiP... Thursday: Just Write!


[Tried to post this yesterday, for WiP Wednesday, but Blogger was giving me major agita and I gave up. I know, no one likes a quitter, but I felt like I was about to smash something that probably cost more than I make in a month. Makes the above picture that much more appropriate, non?]


Last night I hit the 30K mark of my WiP (see an excerpt here). Go, me! I rule!

Oh, wait, I don't really. Thirty thousand words may sound like a lot, but when I realize it's taken me almost a month to write the last five thousand words, it's really nothing to be proud of. *hangs head in shame*

In my defense, the past month has been pretty busy. So many books came out that I wanted to read, and I have to admit I've been a little... distracted. I've learned that having an agent hasn't stopped me from compulsively checking my inbox after all. If anything, my palms are even sweatier than when I was querying. My breath catches every time I check my gmail in the hopes there might be some good news: that an editor loves my book. Obviously, it hasn't happened yet, and I'm about thiiiiis far from a freak-out of epic proportions. Good thing I live in New Orleans, where no one would notice.

Ugh. Submission is worse than querying. I never thought I'd say that, but it's true. It's enough to make me throw my laptop out the window or set it on fire. Or go all gansta on it รก la Office Space.



But for a few hours last night, Finding Nemo on in the background (after I caught the beginning of this sweet documentary on t.v about the history of Pixar), I forgot about all that and wrote over 1500 words. And I thought of a new direction for the plot. No, there are no missing clown-fish involved, don't worry, but there's intrigue and danger, and magic... This story's going to kick ass, y'all!

That's when I realized that there's no excuse for not writing when I have the time to actually sit my butt in my chair and type. I know I'm not the first person to figure this out, and hell, it's not the first time I've had this same epiphany. But I'm adding it to my list of mantras for getting this first draft finished:

Butt in Chair = increased word count
Don't get it right, get it written.

Anyone else have a mantra they follow when drafting?

Anyone out there in editing/revision hell? What do you say to keep yourself motivated?

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

"The Making of a Gentleman" Review


"The Making of a Gentleman"
by Shana Galen

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: Oct 5, 2010

Source: ARC sent by publisher


My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review:

Felicity Bennett is engaged to marry a gambling swindler against her will, her only way out is to pay him. So she accepts a tutoring position for the impressive Duc and Duchesse de Valere. Felicity expects to be a governess to a small boy named Armand, but she finds out that Armand is a very handsome, if untamed, grown man. Armand had been imprisoned since childhood during the French Revolution. While in prison, he lost all human contact, even losing his ability/desire to speak and touch others. Will Felicity be able to help him communicate in society and overcome his past, and can Armand help her overcome hers?

I loved this book! The romance between Felicity and Armand was magical. It seemed like they were the only two people in the world. Armand was so guileless in his feelings for Felicity, he never played Society's games, always choosing to ignore their rules. I loved that the romance was so simple because of Armand's lack of knowledge of "The Rules"-not to mention that he didn't care to even learn them. Armand was so fierce, but since he had been through so much pain, he was very vulnerable.

I liked the backdrop of the French Revolution. It's not something you read about a lot in historical romance, so it was good to read something new. And Armand being a Comte just sounded exotic and untamed just like him.

This romance was very much about a fantasy and a very pure love. The story was simple and not overcomplicated with side stories. There was a very clear and valid reason why Armand didn't speak, which made the story believable. The book reminded me a bit of a Tarzan-type of story, or even a little like "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie."


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5

Setting: 5/5

Romance: 5/5

Uniqueness: 5/5
Cover: 5/5 (so classically pretty)
Writing: 5/5



Bottom Line: I loved this book, true love stories like this are what historical romance is all about. Shana Galen is one of my new authors to watch!

'The Claiming Of Suzy' by KT Grant -Review-

   A delicious read, perfect for some Friday night indulging! 'The Claiming Of Suzy' is filled to the brim with lovable characters, interesting storyline, and all the driver-seat sexcapades you could ever want.
   Sassy and sensuous Suzy Bean is ready to make her move on the guy she’s always had a ‘thing’ for. He may be one hunky, tall, dark and handsome Alejandro of a masseuse with ab’s of steel and bedroom eyes that could send grandma into cardiac arrest, but Suzy is confident in her own skin and plans to drive one J.C Mosino absolutely wild.
   When she finally confronts her attraction to Mosino, Suzy is optimistic at the idea of where their spontaneous living room activities will end up. But once J.C. opens his mouth and says some incendiary comments, Suzy isn't sure how they will be able to move forward.
   And then, in walk Xavier Marks- new partner at Suzy's job, and an irresistible smooth-talker who reins in his attentions and focuses on Suzy! Now the choices have been laid out and someone’s got some 'Claiming' to do.

[Read an excerpt: here]

Major aspect to the plot in a sentence: Suzy Bean knows what she wants, or at least, she thought she did.
   At the thirty-fifth wedding anniversary celebration for her parents, Suzy Bean gets slightly tipsy and the gallant J.C. Mosino whisks her back to her apartment to recuperate. From there, quite simply: it is ON! This is all a part of Suzy’s grand master plan to take her flirtatious friendship with J.C. to the next level. Back at the apartment, Suzy finally makes her move and to her overwhelming joy, J.C. couldn’t be more enthusiastic. They share passionate kiss after steamy, passionate kiss; or perhaps it’s that same kiss that started it all, just deliciously prolonged.
   Eventually they find their way to the living room couch and as J.C. helps himself to Suzy’s ‘honey pot’, he can’t help himself and spills passionate words of praise that leave Suzy a little less than flattered. If you made a move on the man you’ve had the hugest crush on, and he actually kisses you back and THEN some-only to liken your stomach to a ‘soft, downy pillow', wouldn’t you be a little disappointed as well? J.C. further makes an ass out of himself, believing he’s done nothing wrong, and can only vaguely imagine why Suzy would slam the door in his face and refuse to open up-in more ways than one!
   While Suzy gives J.C. the silent treatment, she is also quitting smoking (cold-turkey) and giving up caffeine. Suzy, a woman accustomed to never deny herself a good smoke, a double espresso latte, or a good screw, now finds herself without any of her vices.
   Luckily-or maybe frustratingly- for Suzy, her sufferings are tempered by the flirtation and attentions of a sexy new man in the office building. A fine, tall glass of chocolate milk indeed, Xavier Marks is not only looking in Suzy’s direction for some fun, he’s also her BOSS!
   Xavier’s intentions, while often joked upon, are sincere and he makes Suzy feel great about herself during a time when everything’s confusing the hell out of her. She still can’t seem to get over J.C.’s insensitive words or figure out what to do regarding their relationship. All the while, Xavier wants to move in where J.C. dropped the ball, but Suzy can’t  help hesitating when her heart screams for another. Misunderstandings aside, can Suzy truly give up something that could be potentially wonderful in exchange for what her confused little heart has always wanted?
   At the end of the day- or Halloween gala- the best man will win and Suzy will get thoroughly claimed.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Suzy first meets Xavier in a coffee shop and doesn't know he's her soon-to-be boss. He's flirting with a barista who doesn't give-in to his charms, then he sets his sights on Suzy. It was just a generally cute scene because it's so obvious Xavier enjoys flirting, and Suzy calls him out on his crap, but she can't help feeling hooked-lined-and sinkered by his suave words.
   If you’re looking for that patented KT Grant heat, you'll definitely find it in this novella. If you’ve read, 'For The Love Of Mollie', you are familiar with Suzy's character and probably expect nothing but sexual bliss throughout the 129 pages. Think again! While it does get hot and heavy (just the way we like it), there was a considerable amount of restraint that you wouldn’t anticipate. It was story, not a karma sutra. I admit to looking out for sex scene upon sex scene, but Grant put more depth into her characters and plot than I expected to see. Suzy is confidence personified, but when J.C. made a comment about her stomach, you saw her tough wall come down a bit. She had insecurities and indecision plaguing her left and right, but when everything came together at the end, you had a smile on your face because you realize you were rooting for her the whole time. The only thing that had me wincing a bit was the dirty talk. I am a little miss-ish and sentimental when it comes to bedroom vernacular and Grant's will definitely go outside the box and around the corner! But just like any great roller coaster -you'll enjoy the ride, regardless if you're a little faint-hearted ;).  I read this on a Friday night with tons of chips ahoy and it felt luxurious! Indulge yourself and read this one!

[Special thanks to the author
for sending the PDF for review]

* And if Xavier left an impression on you like he did with me, prepare for his story! 'Xavier's Loving Arms' will be released by Decadent Publishing soon (will keep you posted with a date!)

Lila DiPasqua's October Blog Party- Lots of Authors, Lots of Giveaways


Umm, yea, you're going to want to get in on this. Like, SERIOUSLY! lol (sorry, valley girl moment). But HELLO!? Fabulous authors, daily giveaways, all of which leads up to the release of another set of Fiery Tales! 'The Princess In His Bed' is sure to be a fabulous read, and while we use our spoons to carve tally marks in our holding cells until it comes out, Join Lila and all her friends for a month long party!!

-Mark your calendars! Starting Oct. 4th to Nov. 1st, historical romance author Lila DiPasqua will be hosting a BLOG PARTY. Counting down to the release of the next book in her sexy Fiery Tales series, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED (out Nov. 2nd, Berkley Sensation), she's hosting wonderful authors with GIVEAWAYS EACH DAY!



You won't want to miss out!  Stop by HERE and join in the fun!


Participating Authors:




















...Again, what are you waiting for!?!
Go become a follower of Lila's blog and get ready for a fab month-long 
party!

Review Buliding Magic by Lilly Cain

Bulding Magic
Author Lilly Cain
Erotic Fantsay
eBook Novella
Requested Review
Authors website
Release date October 1st

Book Description: When architecture student and summertime welder TinaMoreland develops a reputation as a peeping Tom, it isn’t the first timeshe’s been teased for being different. Catching a glimpse of the man ofher dreams is worth the aggravation. But when she witnesses him doingsomething stranger than stripping in his hightower office, it’s enough tomake her forget that when working unharnessed on the fifth floor, thefirst step is a long way down.
Sent to Earth to find a power source strong enough to end the civil war athome, Devin Ken’Draga doesn’t have time to rescue a damsel in distress.But since she is literally falling at his feet, he can’t help but to saveher. Bringing her home wasn’t part of the plan, but once they fall throughthe magical portal together, there is no going back. It is only when hespreads his wings in his true dragon form that Devin realizes something hehadn’t anticipated – the woman is a virgin, a temptation no dragon canresist. Together Devin and Tina create a sensual bond, gladly sacrificingvirginity to find love and a solution to the bloody war.

My Review

Rating-

Sexual-


This was a really good Erotic Fantasy Romance. The story was interesting from beginning to end. The heroine Tina had always felt like an outcast, with her intelligence, red hair and flat chest, she felt she would never find a man who would love her.
Devin is the King of 5 clans of Dragons. He is sent to earth to find something to help the clans stop fighting and become united again. What he finds is Tina.
Once Devin had Tina in his claws all's it took was one sniff of her and he had to have her. Tina was extremely attracted to Devin and wanted him too. He made her feel like no other man has ever made her feel before. When Devin claims Tina as his mate the claiming was HOT! As where the rest of the love scenes.
There was a battles between Devin and a power hungry dragon. I really liked the imagination used in this scene and this is where Devin and Tina's love shone through.
The ending was very happy indeed with Devin and Tina in love and the clans all reunited.
The only thing I wish is that this story would have been a bit longer.
If you like Erotic Fantasy Romance stories with shapeshifting dragons, magic, and hot love scenes I'd say give this book a try. I'm sure glad I did.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

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.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!





The Wrong Suitor by Tina Folsom

" What am I to do now? She can't marry him."

"Good. Then we're in agreement."

"In agreement of what?" Irving gave him a confusing look.

"That your daughter will have to retact her acceptance and agree to Mr. Raley's offer instead."









Waiting on Wednesday (37)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it is a way to show off the books you can't wait to be released!!

This week I chose:

"Warped"
by Maurissa Guibord
Delacorte
Release Date: January 11, 2011


The following description is from goodreads.com


A love story that crosses centuries...and hangs by a thread.

"By warp and weft I bind thee..."

Tessa Brody doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But all that changes the day she discovers a dusty unicorn tapestry in a box of old books The wild, handsome creature woven within it draws Tessa, and frightens her too. When she pulls a silver thread from the tapestry, Tessa accidentally releases a terrible secret-one that has been contained for centuries. She also meets William de Chaucy, a young sixteenth-century nobleman with gorgeous eyes, an odd accent and haughty attitude to spare. His fate is as inextricably tied t
o the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together with Will, Tessa must overcome a crafty, ancient enemy. That is, if she can get along with "his lordship" long enough. And do it before her whole life unravels.


A love story that combines time travel and a tapestry? I love it!

What are waiting on this week?

Winner Announced!! Just One Taste and Kitchen Swag!

Winner Announced!!

The winner of an autographed copy of "Just One Taste" and the Recipe for Love kitchen set is:


Stacey!!

Winner was chosen via random.org random number generator. Congrat to the winner!! I have emailed the winner for a mailing address. Winner has 3 days to respond :) A huge thank you goes out to Louisa for stopping by with her guest post and for sponsoring the contest and to everyone who entered!! Congrats!!

Linda Lael Miller Scholarships


New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller will award $15,000 in scholarships to women 25 years or older who have a difficult time finding scholarships for which they qualify. As in previous years, the funds may be used not only for tuition and books, but also for child care, transportation and other expenses not covered by traditional scholarships. Miller�s intention for the scholarship program is to help women leap the barriers keeping them from building a better life for themselves and their families. Find the 2010 Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women application form and rules at http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/.

Teaser Tuesday (8)

Yay for "Teaser Tuesday" from MizB of Should be Reading!!

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 teaser Tuesday pick:


"A splash of gold hit the pianoforte, and she smiled. If words could not persuade him, the perhaps music could.
"


p 85 "The Making of a Gentleman" by Shana Galen (ARC)

CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE - Debbie Macomber


I watched Mrs. Miracle last holiday season and loved it.  This is a press release for Call Me. Mrs. Miacle.

There’s no better time for a little romance than the holiday season, and no better way to stretch gift dollars than a good book. This year, with romance novels more popular than ever (accounting for more than $1.3 billion in sales last year), New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Macomber has crafted a wonderful new holiday story to delight fans this festive season.

And, for the second time, Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle will star in a holiday movie: the Hallmark Original Movie made from the novel will debut Saturday, November 27, 2010 (8p.m. ET/PT; 7C). Last year, the first Mrs. Miracle production was one of the season’s highest-rated holiday movies.

#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Debbie Macomber brings you the gift of a story that’s destined to become a Christmas classic, in CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE (MIRA Books, October 2010. $CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE is a story that embodies the holiday season and everything it means and sees the return of Emily Merkle in her first appearance since MRS. MIRACLE, Debbie Macomber’s 1996 novel, and the 2009 Hallmark Channel TV movie of the same name starring Doris Roberts of Everybody Loves Raymond.

This Christmas, Emily Merkle (call her Mrs. Miracle!) is working in the toy department at Finley’s, the last family-owned department store in New York City. And her boss is none other than…Jake Finley the owner’s son. For Jake, holiday memories of brightly wrapped gifts, decorated trees and family were destroyed in a Christmas Eve tragedy years before. Now the spirit of the season means just one thing to him – and to his father. Profit. Because they need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat.

Holly Larson needs a miracle, too. She wants to give her eight-year-old nephew, Gabe, the holiday he deserves. Holly’s widowed brother is in the army and won’t be home for Christmas, but at least she can get Gabe that toy robot from Finley’s, the one gift he desperately wants. If she can figure out how to afford it…

Fortunately, it’s Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making Children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others – and that includes doing a bit of matchmaking!

This Christmas will be different. For all of them.

THE SEQUEL TO HALLMARK CHANNEL’S HIGHEST-RATED FILM OF 2009  FIVE-TIME EMMY® AWARD WINNER DORIS ROBERTS STARS IN DEBBIE MACOMBER’S CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE,’A HALLMARK CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE, A HALLMARK CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE WORLD PREMIER NOVEMBER 27 ASED ON THE BOOK ‘CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE’ BY BEST-SELLING AUTHOR  DEBBIE MACOMBER




Hallmark Channel, the biggest holiday destination in television, presents Five-time Emmy® Award winner Doris Roberts in the World Premier of “Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle,” a Hallmark Channel Original Movie, Saturday, November 27, (8p.m. ET/PT; 7C). The telefilm is based on prolific writer Debbie Macomber’s upcoming literary release, Call Me Mrs. Miracle and is the sequel to the highest-rated Hallmark Channel Original Movie of 2009. The film also stars Jewel Staite, (“Stargate: Atlantis”), Eric Johnson (“Rookie Blue”) and Lauren Holly (“The Town That Christmas Forgot”).

No one celebrates the holidays like Emily Merkle (Roberts) – Mrs. Miracle as she is known by some – who is back to insure that this Christmas is the most magical and meaningful of all. When Mrs. Miracle appears as a seasonal employee in the toy department at the financially troubled Finley’s Department Store, neither the store’s owners, nor the customers, have any idea of the saintly events that are about to unfold. None of them can even say who hired Mrs. Merkle or where exactly she came from, but her illustrious and angelic spirit will dispel gloom, drive away misery, and prove that miracles happen every day, especially on Christmas. With Mrs. Miracle in charge of the holidays, toys fly off shelves, Finley’s business is saved, and its owners and customers all find renewed faith in the spirit of Christmas. Yes, just when it seemed Christmas might not come at all this year, Finley’s favorite employee proves they don’t call her Mrs. Miracle for nothing!

“Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle” is an MRM Productions, Ltd. Harvey Kahn is the producer. Michael M. Scott is directing from a script by Nancey Silvers, which is based on the novel Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber.

Debbie Macomber is one of America’s leading voices in women’s fiction. Her work has appeared on every major bestseller list, including those of the New York Times, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and Entertainment Weekly. There are more than 140 million copies of her books in print. Her 2010 holiday hardcover from MIRA Books, Call Me Mrs. Miracle goes on sale September 28.

Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming available in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to a national audience of 90 million subscribers. The top tier program service is distributed through more than 5,450 cable systems and communities as well as direct-to-home satellite services across the country. Hallmark Channel is the nation’s leading network in providing quality family programming with an ambitious slate of original TV movies, general entertainment and home and lifestyle content. Hallmark Channel’s sibling network is Hallmark Movie Channel, also available in HD and SD, which focuses on the family-friendly movies with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original Hallmark Channel movies and special events.

Watch the video of  Call Me Mrs. Miracle here


On my wish list

On my wish list is hosted by Book Chick City



As a college senior and server at Hanaford Park's hottest nightclub, twenty-one year old Ryann Pierce's plan was simple: work hard, make lots of money, and avoid the ass-grabbers at all costs. What she never planned for was Quinn Donegan—the living, breathing advertisement for sinful behavior that waltzed into her life.




With an angelic face, a hard body and a butt-load of charm, Quinn had a way with the ladies—a lot of ladies. Cursed with a deadly, addictive touch, his trail of indiscretion blazed across five hundred years. Tired and jaded, Ryann is a shocking revelation Quinn didn't see coming.



Filled with desire, yet unable to touch one another, Ryann and Quinn embark on a daunting journey, battling frustrating physical limitations while exploring their new love. In a race against the clock, Ryann learns she must plead for Quinn's life before…the Eve of Samhain. Determined to end her lover's suffering, not even the danger dogging her every move can keep her from her mission
 

 
To most people, the realm of magic is the stuff of nursery rhymes and dusty libraries. But for Capt. Gabriel Huntley, it’s become quite real and quite dangerous…




IN HOT PURSUIT…

The vicious attack Capt. Gabriel Huntley witnesses in a dark alley sparks a chain of events that will take him to the ends of the Earth and beyond—where what is real and what is imagined become terribly confused. And frankly, Huntley couldn’t be more pleased. Intrigue, danger, and a beautiful woman in distress—just what he needs.



IN HOTTER WATER…

Raised thousands of miles from England, Thalia Burgess is no typical Victorian lady. A good thing, because a proper lady would have no hope of recovering the priceless magical artifact Thalia is after. Huntley’s assistance might come in handy, though she has to keep him in the dark. But this distractingly handsome soldier isn’t easy to deceive…
 
 
 

 
Graduate student Rebecca Small is so obsessed with the past—especially the Golden Age of Piracy—she doesn’t mind her unglamorous job preparing museum displays. This display is about her favorite subject, James Morrow, a famous pirate who mysteriously disappeared without a trace.




Becca touches the pirate’s antique sword, and finds herself on a ship in the middle of a sword fight, saving the sexy captain from being stabbed in the back—literally. Once the smoke clears, the man who claims he’s her husband is more than eager to reward her for her timely assistance.



James Morrow knows very little about the woman he was forced to marry five years ago, but the woman who saved him doesn’t fit the portrait he’s painted of her in his mind. She’s strong, brave, and submits to his every dark desire. She seems the perfect woman for a pirate, but he makes his living among the dishonest and disreputable—trust isn’t a commodity he trades in.
 
 

Review Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton

Ghost Hunter
Author- Lori Brighton
eBook Paranormal Romance
Requested review
Authors website



Ashley Hunter is intent on uncovering the truth about her father's disappearance. But Ashley realizes she's in for more than she bargained. Not only has she inherited a decrepit pub, she's also inherited ghosts and demons. Then Cristian arrives, a mysterious man who insists he only needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing...

As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can’t accomplish this daunting task alone. He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don’t work together, they won’t have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, for Cristian is the very man responsible for her father’s disappearance.



My Review

Rating-

Sexual-

Lori Brighton is talented and creative writer. This one kept me on edge wanting to know what was going to happen next. I love all the paranormal she has going on in this book. I was very happy that is wasn’t like most ghost hunters I have seen on TV or read about. It was fresh and exciting. Here is what you get action, exorcism, spell casting sword fighting, body passions, twist and turns, surprises and a great cast of characters. I hope to read more about this cast in the future.

OMG, I have to say poor Ashley she never seen what was coming when she walked into her new owned old pub, she truly went for a exciting and deadly ride. If it wasn’t ghost it was the angel warriors messing with her, then add the rest of the towns witches, vampire, werewolf and the big demon that lives in her basement whew, like I said she never seen it coming. Ashley is strong and is ready to fight for what is hers.

Cristian is a angel warrior that helps passes ghost to the other side, but he has to have a seer to do so. He already knows Ashley and her family and wants to buy her out of her pub house, but she refuses. So he takes matters in his own hands and moves in.

My only downside was I really would have love to read more of Cristian
And Ashley working together instead of separated, it was like it took from the romance part for me.



Monday, September 27, 2010

Coffee Shop Conversations: Q&A with author Miranda Neville

              Hello all you fabulous Dames, and welcome to Coffee Shop Conversations! On this segment of the blog I will be conducting interviews with Authors, Bloggers and anyone else relative to the literary world and willing to answer my questions. Coffee Shops are great places to just relax, let the hair down and talk about life, love and good books! So without further adieu, let's get to chatting with my special guest:

Author Miranda Neville

"I grew up in beautiful Wiltshire in southwest England. During my misspent youth I devoured the works of Georgette Heyer, Jean Plaidy and any other historical novels I could lay hands on. As a result I attended the University of Oxford to study history, ignoring all hints that economics might be a more practical subject. I spent several years writing catalogues of rare books and original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby's auction house in London and New York. Much of my time in this job was spent reading the personal correspondence of the famous. This confirmed my suspicion that the most interesting thing about history is people. I'm also a sucker for a happy ending: I howled in the back of geography class when I was supposed to be learning about German coalfields because I hated --HATED -- the end of Gone With The Wind. I still haven't forgiven Margaret Mitchell.
A few years ago I decided to write an historical romance. How hard could it be? Wrong. Several manuscripts under-the-bed (or deep in the hard drive) later, HarperCollins bought NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION, published in 2009 by Avon Books.
I now live in beautiful rural Vermont with my daugher Becca, a college student and confirmed drama queen, and two cats who are never on the right side of any door."Source

 Miranda Neville on the web: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Miranda's Latest Release:
'The Dangerous Viscount'
Released 09.28.2010 (TODAY!)
"This book proves that the only reason to be disappointed by a Miranda Neville novel is because the book will eventually come to an end!" quote from my review


"She is determined to find a husband ... now!
Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows the right marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world--which is precisely why she will Marry Lord Blakeney. But then she's kissed by the brilliant ansd unconventional Sebastian Iverley, and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.
Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. He likes his books, his male friends in the Burgundy Club, and he avoids women. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, he's smitten by the tantalizing Diana.
Should the lady follow her heart and try to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her–or should she sacrifice love for respectability?"Source

-Read an excerpt from 'The Dangerous Viscount': here
-Read My Review of 'The Dangerous Viscount': here


 
 -Q&A-
RJ: Hey Miranda! Thanks so much for stopping by for a little chat. Firstly, congratulations on your new book, 'The Dangerous Viscount', available for purchase as of 09.28.2010 (TODAY)!  What have the past few months been like; with finishing the book and anticipating it's release? What have you experienced emotionally as well as professionally with the completion of this new book?
MN: Because of the long publishing lead time, I finished the book at the end of last year. Since then I've seen one book published and finished writing another. But The Dangerous Viscount is a book that means a lot to me and hasn't been out of my thoughts. I really look forward to seeing readers' reactions to it, at the same time as being a little nervous - kind of like a mother sending her kid off to kindergarten.

RJ: Why don't you tell me and the readers a little bit about 'The Dangerous Viscount' from the author's point of view?

Google's idea of a 'Book Nerd'
MN: The hero is not your average romance novel hot hunk. When the book opens Sebastian is a bit of a nerd, a book collector who wears glasses, dresses like a scarecrow and hates women. Then he sets eyes on Diana Fanshawe and falls like a ton of bricks. When he learns Diana kissed him only to win a bet, he wants revenge. He gets an extreme makeover and sets out to seduce her. 

RJ:Where did the inspirations for your plot, characters and setting come from?
MN: I've always been fond of the romance plot where the guy bets he can win or seduce the heroine. I had the idea of doing it the opposite way, with the heroine doing the betting. Sebastian first appeared in my previous book, The Wild Marquis, and it occurred to me I could make the plot work with him. Then I needed to find a heroine for him and decided he'd go for someone very worldly and sophisticated, totally unlike him. Most of the book takes place in three different country houses. They are all based on real locations in England.
RJ:What challenges or difficulties did you face with the writing of this particular novel?

MN: (laughs). Just finishing a novel is always a challenge. That said, The Dangerous Viscount came relatively easily. But I don't think there's any question my biggest challenge was to make Sebastian, a nerd and a (ahem) virgin into attractive hero material.
RJ:  'The Dangerous Viscount' is not your debut novel. How does it differ from your previous books? What were you trying to achieve with this book, and also, do you feel like it's "mission accomplished"?
MN: My first two books had very strong mystery subplots. This books is all about the romance between the hero and heroine, without any subplot at all.  I was able to linger over the growth of their relationship, which evolves in stages. One major development (which I can't mention without a spoiler) came as a surprise to me as I wrote. Secondary characters, Diana's eccentric family and Sebastian's friends, got a little more page time too. I enjoyed portraying a whole community while keeping the novel centered on my couple.  I hope I've been successful. 
RJ: Lets talk about your Hero and Heroine (Sebastian & Diana). What are their flaws and what are their redeeming qualities? Also, why are they attracted to each other (aside from physical attraction)?
MN: Diana, the young widow of a much older and wealthy husband, is socially ambitious. She tells herself that she is in love with Lord Blakeney, the handsome heir to a dukedom. But while her aspirations may seem shallow, she is rebelling against her own family who are well born but eccentric and not well accepted in society. She needs to learn that appearances aren't everything. But she is also warm and kind and intelligent and those are the qualities Sebastian falls for. Physical attraction he both feels and resists. He begins to get serious about her when he meets her family: she finds them embarrassing but he thinks they are delightful. Sebastian is prejudiced against all women (for reasons we learn during the book), set in his ways, and stubborn. He is also smart, loyal, reliable, and protective. Diana finds him likable and interesting as a person long before she is awoken to his physical attractiveness.
RJ: Your September release is the latest novel in The Burgundy Club series. What is the premise for this series/where did the idea for it come from? And also, how does 'The Dangerous Viscount' tie into/contribute to the series?
Book 1 in Series
MN: The series is about a group of aristocratic young English book collectors. At the end of The Wild Marquis, the boys form the Burgundy Club, to commemorate the rare book auction that forms the central plot feature of the story. I worked in rare books at Sotheby's auction house so I drew on my knowledge of book collecting. Sebastian is one of the collectors who became friends with the hero of The Wild Marquis. His fellow book collectors help him transform himself to win Diana. 

RJ: How did your writing journey begin and how did you get here?  What pit-stops, wrong turns, and perfect lane changes did you make on your road to publication?
Neville's debut novel
MN: About six or seven years ago I decided to try my hand at writing fiction and chose historical romance, something I'd always loved. My first book was very traditional in feel. After getting a bunch of rejections, I realized it wasn't going to sell. I had also learned a lot about writing a better book. I had an idea about a girl disguised as a boy who works as a pastry cook for the Prince Regent. That became Never Resist Temptation, published in 2009.


RJ: The writing process differs from author to author. Some are planners, and others just jump right in. Some consider themselves night writers, while others need daylight and a park bench or a coffee shop (wink) to set the mood for creativity; whats your writing process and atmosphere like?
MN: I wish I knew. Seriously, I'm amazed my books get written. The process is different every time and I have no routine and no established method. It's a miracle.
RJ: Romances has transcended many different sectors of pop culture. I think the Beatles said it best, "All you need is love". This being a Romance Blog, I've got to ask: what are your favorite picks from the following:  Favorite Love Song? Favorite Scent on a man? Favorite Romantic Comedy? and of course, Favorite Romance Novel
MN:  
Love song: The Way You Look Tonight. 
Scent on a man: Shaving soap from Floris, a London perfumer whose history goes back to the eighteenth century.  
Romantic comedy: When Harry Met Sally. 
Romance Novel: Pride and Prejudice
RJ: What's coming up next for you (book-wise or otherwise)?
MN: I've just finished the third Burgundy Club book (no title yet) featuring Tarquin Compton, the haughty arbiter of London society. He's going to get naked and lost in the wilderness with a governess who holds a grudge against him. Next up: Minerva, the younger sister of Diana in The Dangerous Viscount.
RJ: Do you have anything that you would like to address to your fans and the readers?
MN: I love hearing from readers, so feel free to contact me - through my website or on Facebook or Twitter (@Miranda_Neville). My website has information about the historical background of my books. Plus I'm running a fabulous contest and there's still time to enter before it closes on September 30th. 
RJ: Final Question: Name something shocking or interesting about yourself that the readers may not know.
MN: There are many, many shocking things about me your readers don't NEED to know. [but] OK, here are two: I  love fruit cake. [Second,] when I helped my Dad move out of my childhood home, I found a bunch of hand-written, long forgotten romances I'd started writing in my teens. They were really bad.



-MN: Thanks so much to Rita for inviting me here. I've had a blast.
-RJ: My pleasure, Miranda. It was GREAT having you on! Had a blast myself!!

~Thanks once again to my special guest, Miranda Neville, for stopping by and telling me a little bit about her life and her new book! I immensely enjoyed reading 'The Dangerous Viscount' and I know everyone else will too! I also can't WAIT to read Tarquin's and Minerva's stories!!! ~
--
To all the readers, be sure to make use of those 'on the web' links above to better acquaint yourself and get connected with this fabulous author! This has been great!  I hope all of you have enjoyed this edition of: 

"Crescendo" Review


"Crescendo"
by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: Oct 19, 2010

Source: ARC sent by publisher


My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review:

Nora Grey and her boyfriend and guardian angel, Patch, are closer than ever until one night, Nora blurts out the dreaded "I love you." Patch immediately comes up with excuses and zooms off in his Jeep. As if that's not humiliating enough, Patch goes straight to Nora's arch-nemesis, Marcie's, house. Two can play the jealousy game though, and Nora accepts her mom's urgings to get to know family friend, Scott. However, Scott may not be as perfect as he seems, he may not even be human. Will Patch still protect Nora if they aren't a couple anymore?

I haven't read Hush Hush, but I have heard so much about Patch being a nightmare of a character. After reading Crescendo, I've realized Nora isn't really a great catch herself. After so much Patch backlash, it wouldn't surprise me if the author had tried to make him a nicer person, because I didn't have a problem with him at all in this book. Nora, however, was so reckless! She continually put herself in very dangerous situations! I couldn't stand how she toyed with Patch and treated him badly by trying to make him jealous and then smugly thinking to herself-"I can put myself in danger because Patch is required to rescue me."

Even with the heroine's questionable choices, this book was addicting! I couldn't stop reading it. Through all of Nora's dangerous adventures, I was honestly scared for her, and couldn't wait to see what happened next. The author has a great way of writing exciting and suspenseful scenes.

I liked the twisted and jealous relationship that Nora had with Marcie. It was pretty typical of high school mean girls. Nora's best friend, Vee, was probably the most stable character in the book. I really liked her and it was nice to be able to see things through her perspective when Nora got too out of control.


Main Characters: 4/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5

Setting: 4/5

Romance: 4/5

Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5 (love it)
Writing: 5/5



Bottom Line: I think fans of the first book will love the sequel, and those who really hated patch might be happy to see he's cleaned up his act.

Review Ain't Nothin' Like Succubus Lovin' by Sapphire Phelan

Ain't Nothin' Like Succubus Lovin'
Author: Sapphire Phelan
Erotic Paranormal Romance Short
eBook - 23 pages
Author requested review
Release Date: April 5, 2010
Author's Website



About the Book:
Finding a date was never more hellish. When Jordan Hudson borrowed his friend's A Dummy's Guide to Demon Summoning and called up a succubus, he found that dating and making love to a minion of Hell proves to be more than a one night stand.

My review
Rating-

Sexual-

Review:
I gotta give it to the author, she wraps a good story up in short story format! I wasn't sure how this read was going to play out when I read the first paragraph and the main character was immediately talking about doing a spell to get a girl for sex and not just any human girl, but a succubus! I was pleased that we didn't have to read about him doing the act with a horned, green breasted demon. Instead he insisted she change her appearance to human. Yay!!! It goes on from there with the two of them getting past superficial ideas of one another to have a great time in bed.

This is a hot short story and worth taking the time to read. There is a sweet ending to it so give it a chance. I recommend this one to other erotic readers that love a little something different!

Enjoy!!