Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Win A Signed Copy of Hex HAll By Rachel Hawkins


Over at The Last Word, C.J. Redwine has an awesome interview with Rachel Hawkins and a chance to win a signed copy of Hex Hall! Go here to enter and more information!


Hex Hall:
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.



Monday, March 29, 2010

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs


Silver Borne:
When mechanic and shapeshifter Mercy Thompson attempts to return a powerful Fae book she'd previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down. It seems the book contains secret knowledge-and the Fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side-leaving Mercy to cover for him, lest his own father declare Sam's life forfeit. All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she might not have many more to live...

Just like all of Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson books, Silver Borne has lived up to it's anticipation! Every book in this Urban Fantasy series takes you on a new adventure in Mercy's world of werewolves, vampires, witches and the fae. Mercy once again finds herself in trouble when she attempts to return the fae book she had borrowed from Phin Brewster back in Iron Kissed. She finds out he is missing and there is a strange fae in his store also looking for him. She immediately takes on the mission of searching for him and in doing so brings trouble to her doorstep and Gabriel (her garage assistant) is kidnapped to try to force her into an exchange for the book, turning her search into a rescue mission. Meanwhile, Samuel's wolf has taken over and they are close to losing both the man and the wolf altogether.





Monday, March 22, 2010

Fang by James Patterson


FANG:
FANG WILL BE THE FIRST TO DIE...

Maximum Ride is used to living desperately on the run from evil forces sabotaging her quest to save the world -- but nothing has ever come as close to destroying her as this horrifying prophetic message.

BUT THERE WILL BE ANOTHER...

When a newly created winged boy, the magnificent Dylan, is introduced into the flock, their world is up ended yet again. Raised in a lab like the others, Dylan exists for only one reason: he was designed to be Max's perfect other half.

TO REPLACE FANG.

Thus unfolds a battle of perfection versus passion that terrifies, twists and turns...and meanwhile, THE APOCALYPSE IS COMING.



I just finished FANG by James Patterson and having never before picked up any of his books I am ecstatic that I found this series. From the very first book Patterson pulls you into the "Flock's" world and although it is told mostly through Max's eyes you feel everything these kids are going through right along with them. I won't give any big spoilers away for those who have not had the pleasure of reading FANG yet, but let me tell you there are some pretty devastating and heart wrenching moments in this book and there were times when Angel really ticked me off! As each new book in the series is written, it completely surpasses the one that came before! I finished these six books in less than a week and because I couldn't put them down, got next to nothing done, but the experience of these books was worth it! Now I am completely on edge wondering what is going to happen next! When is the next book out?





Saturday, March 20, 2010

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson


Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment:
In James Patterson's blockbuster series, fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time...like when Angel, the youngest member of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were experimented on by a crew of wack jobs. Her friends brave a journey to blazing hot Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare--this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb--now her betrayed and greatest enemy--that her purpose is save the world--but can she?


I have just started reading the Maximum Ride books by James Patterson and I have hardly been able to put any of the books down! I am currently on the third book and am only taking a small break to share these books with you. James has created an incredible world of science fiction in which six children, Maximum, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman and Angel, have been genetically altered, their DNA has been spliced with that if birds, creating human-bird hybrids. The main character Max, is 14 years old and the leader of their flock, so not only does she have the usual teenage hormones to contend with but also the more important things in life like shelter, food, keeping everyone clothed and most importantly SURVIVAL. The flock is constantly on the run from "Erasers", human-lupine hybrids, who are stronger and faster than any of the flock. Each book is filled with adventure and non-stop action, but they also instill a strong sense of right and wrong, leadership and the importance of family. So go ahead, pick up the books and enjoy the RIDE!





Thursday, March 18, 2010

SPELLS ARC GIVEAWAY @ LATE BLOOMER ONLINE


Spells:
Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

In honor of Late Bloomer Online's new feature, "Sneak Peek Saturday," they are running a contest for the next month to win a signed ARC of SPELLS, the sequel to the NYT Bestseller, WINGS, by Aprilynne Pike. This is a heavy-duty contest so there will be multiple opportunities for extra entries. PLUS....they will be including a beautiful faerie necklace created by Cynthia Aguirre. If you can't wait for SPELLS....well this is your chance to win!! Contest is open to US and Canada entrants. International entries are accepted, however if an international winner is accepted shipping must be paid in advance through Pay Pal. Anyone can enter with their name and email address and be granted 1 entry. Extra entries will be given for followers, forum members, contest re-tweets, and fanning them on Facebook. The big entry comes from emailing them a picture of yourself dressed as a faerie (complete with wings) to latebloomeradmin@gmail.com. We will share the pictures we receive with Aprilynne so make sure they are awesome!! Entries will be accepted until April 15th. So....without further ado....happy entering and good luck to all!!


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter Series


I know I have mentioned her before, but I can't help bringing up Sherrilyn Kenyon once more! Sometimes when I need a break from reading I will re-read some of my books on my shelves. And lately I have been reading Sherrilyn's books again. You see, I never really "stop" reading, I consider re-reading a book a break because I already know the general outcome of the book. But at the same time sometimes I pick up new tid-bits of information going through the story again. I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series, that is not to say that I don't enjoy everything else she has written, whether it be as Sherrilyn Kenyon , Kinley MacGregor or when she teams up with the talented Dianna Love. But the Dark-Hunters...? This is the short and easy description: the books are full of adventure with the right amount of sensual tension to have you craving more with each book that you read!

"In the world of the Dark-Hunters nothing is ever as it seems. Life and death both take on a whole new meaning as this immortal cadre of warriors fight to protect mankind from those creatures and demons who would prey on us."

I love the way Sherrilyn has changed the age old story of vampire and vampire hunter and manipulated it in such a delightfully intriguing and original manor with her vivid imagination. Instead there are the Dark-Hunters and the Daimons.

Dark-Hunter: An ancient warrior who sold his/her soul to the Greek goddess Artemis for a single act of vengeance. Now they protect mankind from the Daimons who want to claim our souls.

Daimon: Once known as an Apollite, a race cursed by the god Apollo, they cannot be out in daylight and they must live on the blood of each other. At age 27, they die a slow and painful death unless they decide to turn Daimon and prey on human souls.

The Dark-Hunters series is about more than just the good guys and the bad guys it's about love, understanding and forgiveness, the search for a soul mate and a place of belonging. There is just so much you take away from each book as you rejoice and suffer along with each character, Sherrilyn pulls you into her story telling so deeply, immersing you in her world so that each character becomes a part of you and is unforgettable after the book is finished. You will laugh, you will cry and you will enjoy every second of it!!!


Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison


Sing Me To Sleep:
THE TRANSFORMATION

Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.

THE LOVE AFFAIR

When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?

THE HEARTBREAK

The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her…one that could shatter everything.


Angela Morrison writes a haunting story about beauty, love and healing. Beth's best friend Scott has been in love with Beth and her faithful companion since pre-school, blinded by her own physical attributes Beth believes she is unworthy of being loved, until she gets the solo in her choir's upcoming performance. She undergoes a huge transformation and her physical beauty is made apparent. While Scott has loved her since before her "makeover", Beth believes it is only the physical changes that make him declare his love for her and she runs, emotionally and physically from him. Then she meets Derek, a handsome boy from a competing choir and after years of abuse from her peers, falls instantly in love when he comforts her, after she receives devastating new about her future. They share their first kiss, something Beth always believed she would never experience because of her looks before the transformation. When Derek first meets Beth, he finally is able to put a face to the voice he has fallen so deeply in love with, his love soon grows and he falls in love with her completely, inside and out. Although I feel Derek was unfair to Beth by hiding his secret from her, their relationship is about more than just a physical bond between them, just as the book is about more than physical beauty.

This book will make you cry, Beth's lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and she takes you on an emotional journey through her heart-wrenching voice. Sing Me To Sleep is about loss and the strength to continue living a fulfilling life when it seems like there is no reason to go on.





Friday, March 5, 2010

Great Author Book Signing in Chicago, IL. March 13, 2010





Julie James—writes smart, sexy contemporary romances.

Beth Kery– writes steamy, emotional contemporary romances.

Shiloh Walker—writes erotic romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense.

Joss Ware (aka Colleen Gleason)—writes a post-apocalyptic romantic adventure series and a historical vampire hunter series.

Will all be signing at the following date and time, so come on out and meet them!

Barnes & Noble
Webster Place
1441 West Webster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
773-871-3610
March 13th, 3:00-5:00 pm

And if you can’t make it in person, you still have a chance to win signed copies and a $40 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Here’s how….

Help us spread the word about this great romance author event in Chicago, and you will be entered to win a fantastic prize!

Go here for all the details!


Thursday, March 4, 2010

Life After Jane: Mercy Thompson Giveaway


"Go ahead. Breathe. I understand if you need a minute.

In celebration of Miz Patricia Brigg's upcoming release of the 5th Mercy Thompson book, Silver Borne which will be hand delivered to the undeserving people of the earth by a messenger from the gods on March 30th of this year, and for which I will probably camp outside the bookstore like a total reject- I am giving away the first four books in the series."

As it is so eloquently put above, I most humbly bow down to Patricia's world of Mercy Thompson! I absolutely love this series and would highly recommend it to any Urban Fantasy lover! I of course will be waiting at the doors of my local bookstore on the morning of March 30th! So if you want to win the first 4 books of the series to get yourself started go here!

Patricia Briggs website.


Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear


Heart of the Wolf:
Red werewolf Bella flees her adoptive pack of gray werewolves when the alpha male Volan tries forcibly to claim her as his mate. Her real love, beta male Devlyn, has been out of her life for years, but comes after her when she finds herself accidentally captured by humans. Bella becomes convinced that Devlyn only wants to return her to Volan, but soon realizes that Devlyn loves her as much as she loves him, and is willing to fight Volan to the death to claim her. That problem pales, however, as a pack of red werewolves takes to killing human females in a crazed quest to claim Bella for their own. Bella and Devlyn must defeat the rogue wolves before Devlyn's final confrontation with Volan.



I have absolutely fallen in love with Terry's wolves! I love how she gave her wolves lupus garou characteristics, and their strong qualities of love and desire make her characters come to life on the pages. The love story she has written is balanced perfectly with the mystery and action. The world of the lupus garou seems almost tangible through Terry's strong voice, the book is filled with sensuality, humor, when Bella is accidentally tranquilized while she is out running in the woods and taken to the zoo...and a bond of love that can never be broken.

This is only the first of many in Terry's lupus garou books and I can't wait to read more!





Monday, March 1, 2010

Willow by Julia Hoban


Willow:
Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, Willow’s parents drank too much at dinner and asked her to drive them home. But they never made it - Willow lost control of the car, and both her parents were killed. Now the only way she knows how to survive and control the pain is to secretly cutting herself. But when Willow meets Guy, a boy as sensitive and complicated as she is, she finds it hard to keep the secret that's written all over her body.

Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her.

In Julia Hoban's heart wrenching story, told through the eyes of Willow herself was horrifically yet beautifully written. Every page is filled with powerful emotions and the story is about more than "cutting" it is about forgiveness, friendship and the importance of family. Each time Willow takes the blade to her body, I found myself cringing in sympathetic pain as she marks herself with the pain she is afraid to feel because she believes she deserves to suffer for the death of her parents, and that giving into the emotional pain would be more devastating than dealing with the physical results of the razor blades. When she meets Guy, Willow does everything to keep him at an emotional distance, but her efforts quickly become futile as Guy becomes the catalyst that allows her to start to look for answers within herself. He never stops believing in her and loves her despite her many physical and emotional imperfections. I found I could not put this book down as I was taken on Willow's emotional journey of pain and healing, from the first page I was drawn in and didn't close the book until it was finished.