Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Review Highlander Dragon by Kimberly Killion

Highlander Dragon
Author Kimberly Killion
Historical romance
Mass paperback Pgs.352
Author's website



Book Description
Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan's children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch - and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share - and truths that can no longer remain hidden - could rip all of Scotland apart...



Laurie's Review
Rating 4 1/2 coffins
Sexual-



I really enjoyed this heartfelt romantic story. I love Kimberly’s way of writing, she bring you in by writing a heartbroken prologue, then at the end of the Prologue she gives you tremendous hope of what is to come in the rest of the book. This continues throughout the book. This book is full of all emotions, some humorous, betrayals and lots of steamy romance. Then you throw an ex-mistress in the mix and things get quite interesting.

Akira’s life didn’t start out good as a just born baby. (I don’t want to get into the details here, it would be a bad spoiler). She was branded by a man, Calin when she was born. Akira was to marry Calin for an alliance to bring two clans together. Akira new nothing about an alliance but she did know one day a man that was her benefactor would come to get her and marry her. He has paid for her education an much more. Now years later he, Calin has come to claim her, but can she be tamed. Lets just say Akira is a spitfire, she takes nothing off any man. She is still a virgin and wants to remain that way. Until she meets her Benefactor then things change after the first kiss form Calin, she wants more. Will Calin tell her all the story about her birth and the alliance or will he keep it from her and make things worse.

I really felt the love grow between Calin and Akira, they have their ups and downs but their love still grows. I loved the way Calin calls Akira his wee fire breathing dragon, he hit’s the nail on the head with that nickname.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Author of the Month- June 2010

Julia Quinn
     With her novels translated into 13 different foreign languages and her 9-time appearance on the New York Times Bestseller List; I believe the consensus is, that Julia Quinn is a bona fide super-maven of the romance world. The Harvard alum with aspirations of becoming a doctor, entered medical school only to leave shortly after and pursue her dreams and write full-time. And what wonderful dreams they were! Every novel with her name scribed on the cover exemplifies her magnificent determination and talent; Each book by Quinn is simply marvelous. There is just no breaking down that sentiment; its fact. Readers fell in love with the Bridgertons, Blydons, Bevelstokes, Lyndons, Wyndams; and who can forget fan-favorite, Lady Whistledown! God-willing, through the years, Ms.Quinn will keep on as she's been keeping on and stick to the old adage; "If it isn't broke, don't fix it". Her humorous and emotional writing-style will surly be the text-book guide for the new generation of authors. But mark my words; Another JQ, you will never find!Source

-Notable Recognition
1997- Everything and the Moon nominated for Best Regency Historical by Romantic Times Magazine
2001 - Finalist in the Romance Writers of America(RWA)'s RITA Awards
2002 - Romancing Mister Bridgerton voted one of the top ten books of the year by RWA membership
Finalist for the RWA RITA Awards in the Long Historical category
2002 - To Sir Phillip, With Love named one of the six best mass market original novels of the year by Publishers Weekly
2003 - Quinn was profiled in Time Magazine (a rare accomplishment for a romance novelist).
2007 - Received Romance Writers of America RITA Award for Best Long Historical Romance, for On the Way to the Wedding
2008 - Received Romance Writers of America RITA Award for Best Regency Historical Romance, for The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
2010 - What Happens in London nominated for Romance Writers of America RITA for Best Regency Historical Romance Source


And here is your Author of the Month for June 2010!!

-Make sure you head over to JQ's fabulous website, where you can find any and every thing you need to know: click here





This weeks giveaway Marked by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast



My daughter has cleaned out her stack of YA's and she has given me some to giveaway on the blog. Her books are very neatly kept, this one still looks new. I would put a picture on here, but my fever has went back up again, so I am skipping this step sorry.

Rules
you have to be a follower
This is US and Canada but if you are internationally and want to pay shipping by paypal by all means enter.

2+ for posting on blog facebook or twittering. Please leave link


Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for June 2010

   Let's Jump For Joy! It's Finally June! May has come and gone and brought with it, a lot of fabulously new books which are now perched somewhere in our bookshelves. In June we will see some wonderfully new additions coming our way! Like the new Johanna Lindsey novel for instance! I know, I can hardly wait!





 Here's what you should look out for in the Month of June:

-June 1st  is today! The following are the new releases scheduled to come out today! Run out and go bother the cashiers at your local B&N, Borders, or convenient drug store with a romance rack!

'Taste Of Temptation' by Cheryl Holt
"Helen Hamilton is a twenty-five-year old spinster, with no income and no prospects, who struggles to care for her two orphaned sisters. Destitute and only a heartbeat away from the streets, Helen applies for a position as a governess to the younger siblings of Captain Tristan Odell, the oldest and illegitimate son of the notorious philanderer, Earl of Hastings. But when Tristan turns Helen away, her future seems as desperate as her options.

Determined to do whatever it takes to support her sisters, Helen ends up at a brothel, where she agrees to sell herself as a mistress to a client of wealth and prestige. She even drinks a potion to make men desire her — and is shocked when the man who buys her is none other than Tristan. He too is shocked — and aroused by the possibilities. He hires Helen, but offers her more than a position as governess. Enmeshed in an affair of unrestrained desire, their passion quickly grows, as does an unexpected danger that could soon destroy them both..."Source
-Read an excerpt from 'Taste Of Temptation': here (click 'Sneak Preview')
~*~

'The Forbidden Rose' by Joanna Bourne
"A career is blooming...

A glittering French aristocrat is on the run, disguised as a British governess. England's top spy has a score to settle with her family. But as they're drawn inexorably into the intrigue and madness of Revolutionary Paris, they gamble on a love to which neither of them will admit."
Source
Read an excerpt from 'Forbidden Rose': here
~*~
'To Kiss A Count' by Amanda McCabe
 "Leaving exotic Sicily behind, and with it her heart, Thalia Chase returns to England to visit her sister—and to try to forget the enigmatic Italian Count di Fabrizzi. She's shocked to suddenly see him in Bath—and in the company of a suspected thief!
Marco, Count di Fabrizzi, is on a dangerous mission and doesn't need the beautiful Lady Chase hindering his progress. But she is intent on adventure—so what is a gentleman to do when a lady is so insistent, and so very passionate?" Source
-Read an excerpt from 'To Kiss A Count': here
~*~
'To Surrender To A Rouge' by Cara Elliott
"An expert in antiquities, Lady Alessandra della Giamatti arrives in Bath to excavate newly discovered Roman ruins-only to find herself caught in a web of evil intrigue by a blackmailer threatening to expose her scandalous past. The one man who can help her is Lord James "Black Jack" Pierson, a fellow member of the expedition and a sinfully handsome rogue whose tempting presence ignites a different sort of danger.

Jack has clashed with Alessandra in the past, so when she suddenly surrenders her body he can't help being suspicious. Is she a scheming temptress? Or is she truly a lady in trouble? As desire and deceptions swirl around them, Alessandra and Jack must find a way to win each other's trust. For if they don't work together to uncover a shocking truth, their enemy-and their own simmering passions-may destroy them and everything they cherish."
Source

-Read an excerpt from 'To Surrender To A Rouge': here
~*~
-June 8th
'Tempting A Proper Lady' by Debra Mullins
"A Most Improper Alliance
Two years ago, dashing Captain Samuel Breedlove disappeared without a word. But he's resurfaced in London a wealthy man, only to discover his fiancĂ©e preparing to wed another. Now Samuel needs to restore his good name and expose a villain—and tempting, temptable Cilla seems an ideal accomplice.
Priscilla Burke knows the marriage of her charge, Annabelle Bailey, to the Earl of Raventhorpe must be perfect. It would be madness for her to even consider doing anything that would mar this beautiful day and destroy her fledgling career as a wedding planner. Why then is she so drawn to this irresistible stranger who insists she help him sabotage the impending affair?
But a proper lady's desire is nothing to toy with. And a man whose character has been questioned cannot allow himself to dream of happily ever after. This not-so-innocent seduction may have unforeseen consequences . . ."Source
-Read an excerpt from 'Tempting A Proper Lady': here

-June 15th will mark the release of yet another Johanna Lindsey novel. This one is listed as being apart of the beloved Mallory series; all you JL fans can stop salivating now (or at least until you reach the epilogue)!
 
'That Perfect Someone' by Johanna Lindsey
"Nine years ago, Richard Allen fled England and his controlling father. Determined to live his own life, he took to the sea and settled in the Caribbean, joining a band of treasure-hunting pirates and adopting the persona of a carefree, seductive Frenchman named Jean Paul to guard the secrets of his past. When he slips back into England to carry out an urgent task, Richard becomes infatuated with a married woman, Georgina Malory. But his reckless attempt to woo Georgina at a masked ball turns out to be the worst mistake of his life because it brings him face to face with another beautiful woman.
Thrilled that her solicitors have finally come up with a way to free her from her betrothal contract to the Earl of Manford’s son who abandoned her years ago, heiress Julia Miller is ready for the marriage mart and hopes to find that perfect someone at her friend Georgina’s ball. Charmed by a masked Frenchman who gives her her first kiss, she can’t help but pursue this mysterious man—until she makes a shocking discovery. Now, to avoid falling into a ruthless nobleman’s trap, Julia must enter a risky, intimate charade with a man she never believed she could love."Source
-Read an excerpt from 'That Perfect Someone': here
~*~
-June 22nd
'Twice Tempted By A Rouge' by Tessa Dare
"Luck is a double-edged sword for brooding war hero Rhys St. Maur. His death wish went unanswered on the battlefield, while fate allowed the murder of his friend in the elite gentlemen’s society known as the Stud Club. Out of options, Rhys returns to his ancestral home on the moors of Devonshire, expecting anything but a chance at redemption in the arms of a beautiful innkeeper, who dares him to take on the demons of his past — and the sweet temptation of a woman’s love.

Meredith Maddox believes in hard work, not fate, and romance isn’t part of her plan. But when Rhys returns, battle-scarred, world-weary, and more dangerously attractive than ever, the lovely widow is torn between determination and desire. As a deep mystery and dangerous smugglers threaten much more than their passionate reckoning, Meredith discovers that she must trust everything to a wager her heart placed long ago."Source
-Read an excerpt from 'Twice Tempted By A Rouge': here
-For a funny video made about the Stud Club Trilogy (from which this book is apart of) featuring the Author Tessa Dare click: here
~*~

-June 29th looks to be the M.Y.C (mark your calender) a.k.a 'Big Day' in June 2010. A lot of amazing authors had a meeting where they discussed the perfect day to suffocate us avid readers with their much sought-after new releases. The following books are set to be released on Tuesday, June 29th 2010!!

'My Dangerous Duke' by Gaelen Foley
"The Inferno Club: In public, this scandalous society of London aristocrats is notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery. But in private, they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country . . .
They say that the very name of Warrington is cursed . . .
From a time as old as the cold stone of the duke's ancestral castle, the Warrington men have been plagued by tragedy. But Rohan Kilburn, the Duke of Warrington, has vowed to escape the predestined torment by forsaking love and devoting his life to the Inferno Club and its secret mission.
And then she is brought to him unbidden by cutthroats hoping to calm the duke's infamous temper—a sacrificial virgin of sorts. But even overpowered, Kate Madsen will be no man's sacrifice. And the duke's price for claiming her may be what he has sworn never to give—the heart he has so long and fiercely guarded—to the beautiful hostage he was never meant to love." Source
-Read an excerpt from 'My Dangerous Duke': here
-Watch this INCREDIBLE book trailer for the Inferno Club series: here
~*~


'Love In The Afternoon' by Lisa Kleypas
"As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood?

Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can’t be denied…"Source
-Read an excerpt from 'Love In The Afternoon': here
~*~
'The Brazen Bride' by Stephanie Laurens

"Shipwrecked, wounded, he risks all to pursue his mission - only to discover a partner as daring and brazen as he.

Fiery, tempestuous, a queen in her own realm, she rescues a warrior - only to find her heart under siege.
Bound by passion, linked by need, together they must brave the enemy's gauntlet to win all their hearts' desire." Source
-Read an excerpt from 'The Brazen Bride': here
~*~
'A Groom Of One's Own' by Maya Rodale
"Miss Harlow's Marriage In High Life
London, 1823

A handsome duke. His beautiful soon-to-be duchess. A whirlwind courtship. It is this author's privilege to report on the event all of London is talking about: the upcoming wedding of the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon to the only daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Every details of the "Wedding of the Year" will be reported in these pages as a London Weekly exclusive.
But I, Miss Sophie Harlow, must confess to a secret infatuation with this "double duke" that can only lead to trouble. It is impossible that this notoriously upstanding gentleman would ever jilt his bride for a scandalous female newspaper writer. And yet...the arrival of a foreign prince, the discovery of a shocking secret, and one passionate kiss could change everything. Will this perfect duke risk the scandal of the year to marry the woman his heart desires?
There are only just three more weeks until the wedding…" Source
-Read an excerpt from 'A Groom Of One's Own': here
~*~
'I Kissed An Earl' by Julia Anne Long
"Violet Redmond's family and fortune might be formidable and her beauty and wit matchless—but her infamous flare for mischief keeps all but the most lionhearted suitors at bay. Only Violet knows what will assuage her restlessness: a man who doesn't bore her to tears, and a clue to the fate of her missing brother. She never dreamed she'd find both with a man whose own pedigree is far from impeccable.

"Savage" is what the women of the ton whisper about the newly styled Earl of Ardmay—albeit with shivers of pleasure. Born an English bastard, raised on the high seas, he's on a mission to capture a notorious pirate for vengeance. But while Violet's belief in her brother's innocence maddens him, her courage awes him . . . and her sensuality finally undoes him. Now the man who once lost everything and the girl who has everything to lose are bound by a passion that could either end in betrayal . . . or become everything they ever dreamed."Source
-Read an excerpt from 'I Kissed An Earl': here
~*~
'The Duke's Captive' by Adele Ashworth

"Vengeance would be his . . .
Ian Wentworth arrives in London with one goal: revenge. Now a duke of enormous wealth, he should settle down to the business of marrying and producing heirs. But nightmares of an ordeal from his past haunt him at every turn. All those he believes responsible have paid with their lives. All but one: Viola Bennington-Jones, the lovely Lady Cheshire. And he will not rest until he sees the tempting beauty suffer.
Viola keeps her secrets—and there are many—safe from society's prying eyes. When she first spies Ian at a glittering ball, the rush of recognition immediately turns to panic. Does he remember the tender touches that once passed between them? Does he feel the electric passion that binds them still? Or does he blame her for the awful horrors her kin bestowed upon him? The enigmatic duke holds her captive: in desperate thrall to his powerful sensuality, her future—and her heart—in his hands."Source

So mark your calenders and get ready to clean off the reading glasses; because June 2010 looks to be THE month to blow your life's savings at Barnes and Noble!

Tis the Season...

...to clean out your freezer.

If you live in a hurricane prone area like I do, it's time to make sure you have a solid evacuation plan, keep a full tank of gas, and keep track of your outdoor pets in case y'all have to make a quick getaway.

Are you in the spirit yet? Yeah, me neither.

So, to get us into the spirit of the season, how 'bout a book giveaway?

A book giveaway? That's a great idea. You got it!

Want to win a copy of Paula Morris's Ruined?


Here's the summary:

Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her Aunt Claudia, who reads Tarot cards for a living. And at the snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of the city. There's just one catch.

Lisette is a ghost. A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle. As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend - and as she slowly learns to trust Anton Grey-she also uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?


Though this book was written for the younger end of the YA spectrum, I think it paints a pretty vivid picture of New Orleans—a New Orleans of high society and Mardi Gras balls that's oh-so-very different from the world my characters inhabit in Evangeline.

Ruined is centered around Lafayette Cemetery Number 1, which is a very important location in my novel. (You may also remember the cemetery from Anne Rice's Witching Hour novels, and the film Interview with the Vampire. The cemetery from Easy Rider is downtown, St. Louis Number 1, where Marie Laveau—the second Marie Laveau—was supposedly buried.)

To enter to win, just comment on this post.
Old followers= +2
New followers= +1
Blog or tweet about the giveaway= an extra +5

Contest will be open until June 16, 9am cst. Before noon on that day, I'll reveal the winner!

Good luck to everyone who enters!

This weeks book winner of Spider Bites

Want to have some fun join a 6 month humours reading challenge click here





Thanks to everyone that entered. I have one winner its Robin K aka Intense Whisper congrats!

New Month, New Material- June 2010

It's June!
   What does that mean? Rowdy, hormonal, sugar-addicts, also known as your children and teenagers, will be finishing up the school year. Also, the high school seniors in your lives (I count myself in that number) will be saying goodbye to adolescents and facing a new world and new challenges.

    Many of you followers of the blog are parents, and obviously, June will be a month of transition and acceptance. The kiddies will need some distraction so that they don't get into TOO much mischief, but you guys will need some distraction as well. Use the summer as a period of restoration.Take a trip to the spa, go camping with loved ones, do something adventurous and life-defining if the desire so compelled you.
   During this month, I plan to keep on as I've been keeping on. More reviews and what not, but I also want to get more personal. I want to dive into the Romance Reading world and find out things I haven't been privy too. More randomness is sure to come, but I need your help if I want to make this happen. Send emails and comments and give me some bearings as to what you want to read about. Suggest whatever it is you've wanted to see on this blog, and we'll make it happen.
   I want to welcome and thank the new followers of the blog; and also those of the official twitter and facebook pages. The month of May has been as fruitful as ever and I have you to thank for that. I appreciate your support and hope to make your followship worthwhile.

Here's some of what to expect this month:
-This is a given but; MORE REVIEWS
-A look at online resources for info on romance novels (google books, fictiondb, ect)
-The first Series Spotlight here on the blog!! (every Friday this month I will post a review, on for each book from a particular series by the author of the month and my dissection of the series at the end of the month)
- Favorite Quotes Post (5 memorable quotes from the collection of quotes I've accumulated over the coarse of my avid-readership)
-What ever else I can think of without brainfarting.

-Until Next Post<3...