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Friday, October 12, 2012

Dead Faint by Lizzie T. Leaf - Review


The first two books in the series will be free from Amazon today and tomorrow.  If you are looking for a great read with a different twist on vamps, its not to be missed.  :)  Buy link is below.

BLURB:

Waking up to discover you're a vampire then fainting at the sight of your number one food source isn't healthy.

 
Billie Joyce’s dream visit to New York City turned into a nightmare. Now not only is she one of the living dead, but she has to contend with a know-it-all vampire who wants to tell her how to talk. Not gonna happen!


Review:


When I was offered to read and review this series I was elated!  Well...I was too late to read book 1 but I jumped at the chance to read book 2, Dead Faint.  O.M.G.  This series is hilarious!  I now have the first book.  (Highly recommended)

If you are looking for a completely different twist on the whole vampire genre, this series is for you.  Its laugh out loud funny, sexy and real.  I really felt like I was there in the alleyway when Billie Joyce (BJ) was turned and Daniel coming to her rescue...BJ is this timid girl from the country and did not expect to find vampires, become a vampire and have to deal with drinking blood.  The ways that she had to drink was priceless. 

Daniel is the vampire with the task of trying help BJ in her new world.  He didn't expect to be attracted to her or her to him.  Their relationship was sweet and felt completely natural to me.  Minus, the blood.  :) 

I know that most writers either like being compared to other authors or not but Ms. Leaf's turn on the vampire world is reministant of MaryJane Davidson with her pacing, plotting and humor.  Vampire stories don't have to be all gothic to make a point and be good.

I would recommend this book and so far, the series to my mother, aunts, cousins for the humor, dialogue and twists and turns the book takes.














BIO:

Award winning author, Lizzie T. Leaf started life in Kansas, continued her growing in North Carolina, and currently shivers through the winters in Colorado.  She has numerous e-books in varying lengths and her first print book, Struck by Lightning, won dual 2007 Beacon awards, in addition to being a finalist in two other contests.

In addition, Making Christmas, a Christmas Historical novella set during the Civil War won Love Romances Café Best Historical for 2011 and is a finalist in the Aspen Gold for Best Novella.

Beyond Magic, the first book in the Magical Love series won the 2012 Award of Excellence Best Paranormal/Fantasy/Sy-Fi, and is a finalist for Best Paranormal in the Aspen Gold.  Winners are announced in mid to late October.

 Since discovering the fun of writing paranormal, she plays with creating vampires, faeries and other immortals. Her current focus is the DEAD series.  Musa Publishing has re-released the first four novellas in the series and DEAD Hot, a new novella, is scheduled to release in October.  Emerging Magic, the second novel in the Magical Love series will also release in late October or early November with Passion in Print Press.

When not creating mischief for paranormal beings, she can be found exploring the other genres she wants to write.  She also serves as the 2012 President for the Heart of Denver Romance Writers.

Lizzie loves to read, spend time with her family and travel with her best friend husband during her free time, on which most of friends ask…“what free time?”

 
ONLINE LINKS:




Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Harlie's Books is Moving...



Yes, Harlie is moving to WordPress in the next few days.  If you follow with GFC, I'm sorry but GFC hates WordPress.  Please follow me by email, Networked Blogs, Linky.  I will have another way for you to follow Harlie once the WordPress site goes live.

Also, you can follow Harlie via her Facebook page and on Twitter.

Links:

Facebook link

Twitter Link


I realize that this does not make alot of people happy but with all the Feedburner and Blogger issues of late, Harlie needs to make the move.  I have two other blogs on WordPress and love it.  User friendly, templates are better and since I own the domain, I can self host on WordPress so I can manage the content.

I hate to lose all of my followers because of Feedburner and GFC but the decision has been made.

I will let everyone know via Facebook, Twitter and email when the change happens.  Hopefully in the next few days. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

I will have a contest when the move is complete.  And yes, I know that I owe books and GC to people.  I promise, you will get them.  The house move is complete now.  Whew!!!!!



The Pirates of Vampire Island by Phoenix and Lover Boy - Review


Title: The Pirates of Vampire Island, A Paranormal Romantic Thriller

Series: Steamy Voyages, Series #1

Author: Phoenix and Lover Boy

Publisher: Self (Amazon and B&N)

Length: 61,700 words

Genres: Paranormal Romance (Adventure)

Heat Level: Sizzling

 

AVAILABLE AT:


 


 

BLURB:

Pretty Jane O'Doherty always chooses the wrong kind of guys. Her specialty seems to be guys who have serious flaws and who break her heart.

 

Her last breakup was a year ago and still she can hear his final words, "I'm sorry, Jane. I've found someone else."

 

A 30-day cruise through the exotic Indonesian Islands with her best friend seems like the perfect distraction to mend her broken heart.

 

On board, she meets devastatingly gorgeous Nick, who attracts women in droves, including our lovely Jane.

 

And she meets Peter, who is the cute geek with puppy dog eyes. 

 

Will either one just lead to another broken heart?

 

Should she run the other way from them both and just enjoy the cruise?

 

But before Jane can decide, the ship is attacked by modern day pirates.

 

Unlike the pirates of old, these guys are vampires and are more interested in human treasure than gold and jewels.

 

They take over the ship and take twelve women hostage.

 

And the handsome pirate leader—with eerie chalk-white skin, and red eyes, is looking for a special prize. He wants a woman for his mate and queen . . . 

 

Jane catches his eye, but she, along with Nick and Peter, manage to escape in a lifeboat and onto the open sea.

 

They drift for fourteen days before finally finding an island.

 

But the fates are cruel, and their island turns out to be the home of the pirates and the lair of the Vampire.

 

The Pirates of Vampire Island is non-stop action . . . filled with adventure, suspense . . . and steamy romance.


EXCERPT #3:

As we approached the outdoor swimming pool on the top deck, I saw dark clouds threatening a storm. My hair was whipping in the wind. I shivered. Bad idea. But Remy was undaunted. She immediately ran and did a cannonball. As I stood wondering if I should just go back to the cabin, a waiter came up, a small, dark boy about sixteen, probably a native of the area. He wore a short white jacket with epaulets and black pants.

 

"Would you like a drink, mum?"

 

"How about a snow suit?" I laughed. "Just kidding. No, I'm good for now." I surveyed the sunbathers and swimmers. There he was. As usual, he was surrounded by women. He was dressed in a simple white pullover sweater and tan slacks, but the cut and fabric screamed money. His luxurious, curly black hair whipped in the wind, making him look very unkempt, rugged, and nonchalant, as if fine grooming was so not important because he was stunningly handsome no matter what he wore or did.

 

"Excuse me, sir?" I said.

 

The waiter turned.

 

"What's that guy's name? The one with the black curly hair."

 

"Nickolas Angelopoulos." He stood for a moment. "Anything else I can help you with?"

 

"Nope. Thank you," I said, not taking my eyes off the amazing-looking man.

 

"You're gawking."

 

I shook myself and looked down. Remy was hanging on the side of the pool. "Yeah, I guess I am."

 

Enough of that.

 

"I'm coming in." I walked over to the diving board and performed a perfect dive. I had always been very athletic, and I knew my body showed it.

 

I swam several laps, trying not to look at this guy named Nickolas, and climbed out of the pool, dripping water, and squeezing it out of my thick mane. I shivered a little in the cool wind, and as I finished drying, I saw out of the corner of my eye that Nicholas was staring at me – well, at my chest anyway. I looked down to see that my nipples were perfectly erect through my black bikini. I quickly draped my towel around my shoulders so it covered my breasts and was suddenly looking for a quick way to exit.

Review:

Add one woman with so much lacking in the self confidence department, one completely arrogant playboy, the boy next door that grows into a man, a cruise gone wrong and an island full of nasty vampires?  The Pirates of Vampire Island.  Whew!!!  I'm tired but its a good tired.

If you are expecting sparkly vampires, this book is so not for you.  Expecting the arrogant playboy to change?  Nope, again.  The heroine to finally get some self confidence?  You bet.  The boy next door growing up...yes again. 

 I won't rehash the plot summary but this book is the wildest ride I've been on in awhile.  Its violent, well plotted, the setting is rich and you can tell that the authors researched the islands and pirates in general.  At first Jane was your typical romance heroine.  Mousey, unsure of herself, dating the wrong men and going on a cruise that was supposed to be a break from her life.  I will admit that I didn't connect with her in the beginning.  I kept thinking to myself, surely she will grow on me and grow in the book.  Yes, she did.

Nickolas, the arrogant playboy can and will charm the panties off of anyone.  As you know, I love a great Harlequin Presents hero - like Nickolas - but he was beyond redemption for me.  I never liked him but that was the point.  His character was written perfectly in my opinion.  Great job.

Peter to me was the true hero in the book.  In fact, if Nickolas didn't exist in the book, I think Peter's character would have been lost.  The difference between both men was apparent and necessary for Jane's growth in the book.  Loved it.

I will caution you on a couple of things in the books.  The vampires are nasty, cruel and violent.  Yes, there is violence and its brutal.  No sparkly vampires here and it was nice to read a different twist on the whole vamp genre.  Leon, the leader is such a bad ass that you need to read this book and try to disagree with me.   Also, this book is defintely a thriller which I loved.  The action and story were different from the typical romantic suspense that I usually read.  The twists and the overall flow of the book was spot on.

I can't wait for book #2 in this series.  I'm hoping that Remy's story is next.  Hint, hint!!!  No pressure.









ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in California. I came from a long line of Americans who were pioneers and individualists. The family tree is filled with rugged people: rough coal miners, pioneers, and farmers living in log cabins in the early west. I wrote A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, but like to write in several genres.
 

Lover Boy (aka my husband) was born and raised in Anaheim, California and wishes to remain anonymous because he doesn’t want anyone to know he likes to write romance novels. (Let's keep his secret.)

 

We wrote THE PIRATES OF VAMPIRE ISLAND, A Paranormal Romantic Thriller (Steamy Voyages #1). And we are working the sequel to Steamy Voyages and a dystopian thriller, The Trash Pile People. We live in Hollywood with our ornery tomcat, Snickers.

 



Twitter: @PhoenixRead

Goodreads: Phoenix Reads

Facebook Page: Fiction by Phoenix

Facebook Profile: Lee Jordan

Pinterest: Lee Jordan

Amazon Author Central: Amazon.com/author/phoenixread

Amazon Reviews by Phoenix Profile Page: http://amzn.to/P8T5QD

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Halloween Heat V Menage Anthology - Guest Post/Giveaway

Book Blurb:

Five scorching contemporary erotic tales of ménage love to heat even the coldest Halloween night.

Giveaway is a $25 GC and its tour wide.  Good Luck.  Make sure that you fill out the Rafflecopter at the end of the post.

Heating Up Halloween…

 Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. It's like the naughty, raucous stepsibling of the more formal, sometimes stuffy holidays. You know, a slightly embarrassing relative who tends to drink too much and say things we really wish they wouldn't have and is never officially invited to the party, but always shows up anyway? Yep, that's our ol' Halloween.

Who says costumes and candy are only for kids? A time for mischievous, playful fun, it offers up a chance for adults to get in on the act. And when grown-ups let go of some of their inhibitions, things can get interesting. Imagine the things that may happen if a certain grown-up doesn't have many inhibitions to begin with…or none at all.

My short story, Taking Candy, is about one such adult. And while Candy may not need an excuse to throw caution to the wind, for the more reserved of us, it helps--even if our version of “going wild” only consists of daring to dress up. Halloween offers the wonderful opportunity to become a character of your choosing.

I haven't dressed up in a few years, I have to admit, but the last time I did I was a sexy (ahem, if I do say so myself), little Alice in Wonderland while Candy opts for a most revealing cheerleader's costume. If you were to dress up this year--or better yet, if you're going to!--what costume would you choose? What character would you become if only for one fun, crazy night? What's your personal Halloween style? Sexy? Funny? Morbid? I think they're all good, but, then, I always have been a fan of playing dress up.

 

Connect with us




Ana Maria Pasion
https://www.facebook.com/AnaMariaPasion


Buy Links
 



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Thursday, October 4, 2012

A Practical Arrangement by Nadja Notariani Review/Giveaway





Practical plans go awry when prim sensibilities unwittingly capture the heart of a scandalous seducer.

BLURB:

Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother.  Her father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband for her. 

Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue with little more than mild alarm.  Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any perspective suitor.  Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance. 

When he discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement.  A war of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey's stern, inhibited exterior.  Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her passions.  As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation – threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical Arrangement.


Review:

I'm on a historical kick right now with my reading.  I shied away from them for awhile because they tended to read the same way.  Rogue/rake, virginal heroine/mouse of a woman, marriage of convenience/arranged, evil characters trying to break them up, and then of course, my favorite...hero ignores the heroine.  Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.  Boring.  Well in the last two days, I've read some of the best historicals written in a long time.

Evangeline is a strong willed and sometimes too smart for her own good heroine.  She doesn't want to marry.  When her father hears about this, he decides to take the matter in his own hands.  He decides that she must marry by spring or he will choose someone for her.  Paying no attention to the edict set by her father, she is meets Thomas.  A notorious seducer. 

Thomas hears of her plight and when he proposes an arrangement to help each other out, he was not prepared to actually fall for Evangeline.  Thomas is not your typical historical hero.  He admits to his rakish ways, his ability to do nothing but play around.  I liked him from the start and by the end of the book, he stole my heart.

The dialogue between Evangeline and Thomas was witty and intelligent.  While their personalities were different, they complimented each other.  The needed each other.  The characterizations of the secondary characters were great.  Not overpowering and they kept the pace going.  While there is no "true" villain in the story, one of the secondary characters kept popping up and I wanted to smack them upside their heads.

Keeping in tradition of "mainstream" historicals, the bedroom scenes were passionate, sweet and emotional.  I truly adored the building of their relationship and kept turning the pages for more.  It never felt rushed and was sweet.  I highly recommend A Practical Arrangement for the dialogue, sweetness of their relationship and the overall crispness of the story.






BIO:

Nadja Notariani was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania.  Her upbringing included very diverse environments, affording wide and varied richness of ethnic and religious tradition.  Raised in both an Italian/Mediterranean American home and a traditional German household, Nadja gleaned the unique benefits of viewing the world through two widely different lenses.

Nadja resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania, ever embracing new adventures with her husband, three sons and faithful German Shepherd.  She also boasts two grown daughters, who have flown the nest to pursue their own adventures.

Within her titles, readers can find romance and adventure, from contemporary to paranormal to historical, always with a happily-ever-after.  Nadja enjoys hearing from readers and can be found at her website, on Facebook, Goodreads, and at Romance Novel Center.  Readers are welcome to contact her via email.




BUY NOW LINK:

 ·         Amazon Kindle Copy

ONLINE LINKS:

·         Website  http://nadjanotariani.blogspot.com/

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard


9/24  Arianne Cruz  Guest Blog and Giveaway  http://ariannecruz07.blogspot.com

9/25  My Devotional Thoughts  Guest Blog and Giveaway  http://www.mydevotionalthoughts.com/

9/25  Sultry Storyteller  Interview  http://sultrystoryteller.blogspot.com/

9/26  All Things Writing   Guest Post  http://www.allthingswriting.blogspot.com

9/26   Reading Romances  Review and Giveaway  http://reading-romances.com

9/27   T B R    Review and Giveaway   http://tbr-io.blogspot.com/

9/27   Free Book Dude  Guest Post  http://FreeBookDude.com

10/1  Queen of the Night Reviews  Review, Guest Blog, and Giveaway  http://queenofthenightreviews.blogspot.com/

10/1  A Chick Who Read  Review, Guest Blog, and Giveaway  http://achickwhoreads.blogspot.com/

10/4  I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read!  Guest Blog and Giveaway http://www.sithereandread.com/

10/4  Harlie's Books   Review and Giveaway   http://harliebooks.blogspot.com/

10/8 Identiyy Discovery Guest post  http://www.identitydiscovery.net/

10/9  The Insane Writings of a Crazed Writer  Guest Blog and Giveaway http://www.jessekimmelfreeman.com/blog.html

10/9  The Bunny's Review  Review, Interview, and Giveaway  http://bunnysreview.com

10/10  Just Another Rabid Reader  Review, Guest Blog, and Giveaway http://justanotherrabidreader.info

10/10  My Cozie Corner   Review   http://coziecorner.blogspot.com

10/10  Reviews By Molly  Review  http://reviewsbymolly.com/

10/11  Mademoiselle Le Sphinx  Review  http://aliaaelnashar.blogspot.com/

10/12  Reading on the Wild Side  Guest Blog and Giveaway  http://readingonthewildside.blogspot.com/?zx=1013a8f156087770

10/12  Oopie Poopie The Bibliomaniac  Review and Giveaway  http://oopiepoopiethebibliomaniac.blogspot.com/



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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Cover Reveal by Nikki Lynn Barrett




BLURB:



The magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion of his
ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at a mall, hoping to restore his
Christmas spirit. Even that doesn't seem to work until a special little boy
ambles up to make a very special wish...

Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without the help of her ex
husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter's existence and doesn't provide
for the son he does. Christmas is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last
until her son Ben's kind actions lead a stranger to them.

Ah, but it's Christmas time and the magic has begun.

When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can deny their immediate attraction to one
another. As situations arise that require they spend more time together, the
stronger their feelings grow.

With Christmas fast approaching, the pair learn what matters most in life, now
if only they could ditch the ghost of Christmases past.

Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes come true- for everyone after all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Nikki Lynn Barrett is a mother and a wife, and loves all things creative. Writing has been a passion since she was in elementary school. Along with writing, she is a reviewer, blogger, online bookstore owner, photographer and most recently, she went into business with her mom to design jewelry. Nikki currently resides in Phoenix Arizona, where she spends her summers dreaming and wishing she had a swimming pool to float around in, and dodges raindrops as monsoon storms roll in and she's out with her camera. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book, but look out world, for this will not be the last you hear of her, as she has more stories planned to share with everyone.



You can like Nikki's Facebook page here:





Love's Debt by Rachel Brimble Review/Giveaway


Title: Love's Debt

Author: Rachel Brimble

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Length: 91 pages

Genres: Historical Romance

 

BUY LINK(S):


 

BLURB:

To keep herself from the depths of poverty, Milly Shepherd needs to be appointed manager of the Red Lion Tavern. The elderly owner is in failing health and has promised her the job permanently if no one more suitable applies. Milly will fight with her entire being to make the job her own.

 

Joseph Jacobs needs to supplement his income to pay off his father’s creditors and save him from debtor’s prison. Though the job as manager of the local tavern looks promising, Milly is favored by both the owner and customers.  Instead, Joseph swallows his pride and agrees to tend bar.

 

As they work together, their attraction grows, their goals cross, and both Millie and Joseph find they must face their fears …the question is whether they face them alone or together?

 

EXCERPT #1:

Joseph Jacobs closed the tavern door behind him and paused a moment to take in his surroundings. As a man used to looking over his shoulder and sensing trouble, experience taught him to be aware of others before they became aware of you. He narrowed his gaze. The meager number of patrons at the tables surprised him at an hour when he expected the bar to be fairly busy. He glanced at the clock; maybe it wasn’t time for the workers yet.

 

He shifted his gaze to the woman standing beneath the clock and his heart kicked. Her green-gold eyes held him where he stood. She stared and Joseph swallowed, willing some words to come forth from his frozen tongue or at least a smile to curve his paralyzed lips.

 

She lifted her eyebrows and slowly pulled a cloth from her shoulders. Her hair was a mass of fire-tipped curls around her oval face, her skin creamy-white and her parted lips, a soft delicate pink. Joseph cleared his throat and belatedly removed his hat.“Good evening, miss.”

 

Her smile slipped easily into place. “Good evening to you, sir.” Her voice was smooth, clear and full of confidence. “Are you looking to quench your thirst or just planning on soaking up the atmosphere?”

 

Joseph inhaled a long breath through flared nostrils as if trying to smell her. Something told him she’d smell of lavender…or maybe musk. Something to throw a man off guard, to lower his defenses.

 

He stepped forward. “Neither. I am looking for the landlord. Would you happen to know if he’s available?”

 

Her gaze lingered on his a moment longer before she looked to the four glasses at the table beside her. She grasped them expertly between her fingers and carried them behind the bar without answering his question.

 

Joseph couldn’t take his gaze from the natural sway of her hips beneath the deep burgundy dress she wore, the bustle a little too prominent for the current fashion showing her lack of money to afford better. Why else would a woman with the features of an artist’s model be working in a tavern unless necessity demanded it?


Review:

Let me start off by saying that Rachel is my English Rose.  I adore her as a person, writer and as someone that has cheered me up when I needed it.  This is her second Victorian historical romance and it doesn't disappoint.

I know that my English Rose is nervous about this review and she shouldn't be.  Its a sweet,
historical with a complete twist on what you expect from two Victorian characters.  Ms. Brimble writes with a deft hand and her settings are perfect.  I really feel like in the story; walking down the street; in the tavern; on the docks.  Her imagery is fantastic but it doesn't over power the story.  Only enhances it. 

Milly is not your typical Victorian English Rose.  Oh no, she works for a living in a tavern and is looking to be promoted to manager of the tavern.  She provides for her mother and sister and will not let a man take that position away from her.  She's smart, friendly and different from the standard Victorian lady.  She is a lady but has no use for balls, fancy things.  She wants all of that for herself and family but it will have to wait.  She's not a bitter person but a very happy person and very well liked.  What she never counted on was fighting for a job and her heart.

Joseph is a the complete opposite of what an English gentleman.  Down on his luck, sharing a room with his father and losing his stature.  I really felt for Joseph.  He really wanted the tavern manager job but ended up working for Milly in the end.  His pride was wounded and he wouldn't ask for help.  Damn English pride!  When a part of his past catches up with him, will he let Milly help him or push her away.

Milly and Joseph were well thought out and drawn characters.  I understood what motivated them and kept them from truly opening up to one another in the beginning.  Their romance was sweet and uplifting.  I felt their need for each other and keeping their independence.  Again, Ms. Brimble puts the characters in opposite roles that are standard in Victorian novels and she does a great job.

I highly recommend Love's Debt for all you nay sayers about Victorian novels.  This one is different, fresh and heartwarming.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012.

 

Represented by US agent Dawn Dowdle, of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family.  Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

 

Contact Rachel at:



Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble or @rachelbrimble


 


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