Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Book review: The Queen's Consort (Spice briefs) by author Leia Rice

Warning this is really super hot Erotica. Definitely for ages 18 and older.

I have never read any Harlequin Spice Briefs that i recall until now. When they say spice they mean it. This is erotica without a doubt. Here's the blurb.

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The Queen’s Consort (July 2011) Leia Rice

Royal maid Arabelle fantasizes about taking the queen’s place, but not for power or riches. She wants to be pleasured by the queen’s secret consort. Watching them together arouses cravings that her trysts with other men and her sensual encounters with her fellow maids cannot satisfy. She longs to be given licentious commands from the mysterious man, and to give orders in return.

Then, in the secret halls of Versailles, Arabelle’s fantasy comes true—with even more wicked pleasures than she imagined….

This is a very short story only 25 pages and it's pretty much 25 pages of all erotica. Arabella has been watching the Queen having hot wild sex with her consort all while the country is in turmoil. There is a revolution in progress that doesn't seem to touch the Queen in her quarters. Secretly Arabella watches wanting to trade places with the Queen and have the consort for herself. Fantasy becomes reality when the mysterious consort follows her down a passageway and take her against the wall. She doesn't get to see him still so it's still a mystery as to who he is. Arabella shares her tale with her fellow maids and they are intrigued as well. Finally the revolution comes right into palace. While the royal family is escaping she is trying to find her lover who by now she has seen his face and knows his name.  Guess how it ends? lol Lots of hot sex and a 4 way. Very Spicy! I give The Queens Consort 3 out 5 Modokker Book Pick stars. For a super short story it was packed full with smexy. Find out more about the author Leia Rice by clicking here www.leiarice.com
Available at elarlequin.com http://www.eharlequin.com/

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Book review: Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini (A Granny Apples Mystery #2) by author Sue Ann Jaffarian

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Back of the Book Blurb:


Imagine spending eternity with your backside hanging out—that's what Emma Whitecastle and Granny Apples can't help but think when they meet the ghost of Tessa North frolicking in the surf off Catalina Island. Tessa, a young starlet who died on the island in the 1960s wearing nothing but a polka dot bikini, won't cross over until "Curtis" comes for her. To help the winsome, bikini-clad spirit, Emma and Granny must find out who Curtis is and how Tessa died. Their investigation takes them from the grit and glamour of Hollywood to Kennedy-era political intrigue-before hitting dangerously close to home.

Along with a sprinkling of history, this spirited new mystery series features the amateur sleuth team of Emma Whitecastle and the spirit of her pie-baking great-great-great-grandmother, Granny Apples.



Review: This was a highly enjoyable, quick reading mystery. I would describe it as a cozy with a paranormal twist. The main character, Emma Whitecastle, is a forty-something, recently divorced Hollywood "starter wife", who has discovered a gift for seeing and communicating with ghosts. She has her own paranormal talk show, her ex-in-laws are Hollywood royalty and still adore her, and she has a handsome, manly-man lawyer boyfriend who is also a cowboy. Her great-great-great grandmother, Granny Apples, is her partner in crime solving and very funny.

The mystery begins on Catalina Island, where Emma and her boyfriend have gone for a romantic getaway. They are accompanied by Granny Apples because it's hard to get rid of a ghost. On the beach they meet the ghost of a young starlet named Tessa, who was apparently murdered on the island shortly after the assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968. Emma and Granny Apples feel badly for Tessa and want to help her cross over. But to do so they need to convince her that "Curtis" is not coming back so Emma begins to investigate Tessa's short life and film career. She discovers that her former father-in-law knew Tessa, and pretty soon Emma's questions result in another murder and threats.

This really was a delightful book. Emma is very likeable, and most readers will admire her for her strength and grace in dealing with a sleazebag ex-husband. She's like a grown-up Nancy Drew, with fabulous clothes, a great lifestyle, and a ghost grandmother. Her boyfriend is supportive, sexy and dependable. Her best friend is dating her mentor, a medium named Miles. Reading this story was like hanging out with a best girlfriend. And to make things even better, the mystery was well-constructed and intriguing, and the pace of the book was just right and kept things moving along.

I have not read the first Granny Apples book, but had no trouble figuring things out - this is easily a stand-alone novel. Highly recommended for a delightful escape!
5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars
For more information, visit the author's website at www.sueannjaffarian.com

Monday, August 29, 2011

Book review: So i Married a Demon Slayer (Anthology)by authors Kathy Love, Angie Fox and Lexi George

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a ARC of the anthology book "So i Married a Demon Slayer" by a trio of authors, Kathy Love, Angie fox and Lexi George. I have to admit that i was after the  Lexi George novella. I read her debut novel(Demon Hunting in Dixie) a while back and loved it so much I've been patiently waiting for more.

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The blurb.

So I Married a Demon Slayer
Aug. 30th 2011


In the lusty humidity of the Deep South, among the neon lights of Vegas, and the glitz of high-fashion, demon slayers are the new sexy…

“Hot!” by By Kathy Love
At Hot! Magazine, the devil really does wear Prada. When the CEO is an actual demon and the mail room guys are undercover demon slayers, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility for an up-and-coming photographer and a model possessed by much more than a sweet tooth to fall in love.


“What Slays In Vegas” by Angie Fox
When a sexy succubus comes up against a fearless demon slayer intent on killing her boss, a truly wild Vegas night turns into a quickie wedding. But in a city where anything goes, a demon slayer wedding a succubus is strictly forbidden. Which doesn’t mean either is rushing to jump out of the marriage bed.

“The Bride Wore Demon Dust” by Lexi George
He’s perfection in a tuxedo—more so out of it—and on a mission to protect his Alabama gal from the mysterious mayhem intent on her destruction. But the bride is a spunky steel magnolia with special powers of her own, determined to drop-kick evil forces across the state line and give her slayer a run for his money


Starting with Kathy Love her 98 page novella is called "HOT".  Hot is the name of a fashion magazine where Charlie wants to work as a staff photographer. He gets in working as a mail room employee but something isn't right. People in the mail room act as if the world depended on them getting the mail delivered and people on the 15 floor look off to him. He keeps seeing things and thinking it must be the lighting. He meets super model Ava Wells and clicks with her but there is sadness in her eyes and he feels something is going on with her. Turns out he is a demon slayer. Go figure. This one was just eh? There wasn't much to the story really and it felt kind of ho hum for me. I don't think i've read Kathy Love before so I'm not going to say i wouldn't read her again because this doesn't seem like a fair representation of her work.

Next up is Angie Fox and her novella "What Slays in Vegas". There is a note in the book that says that this story takes place 1 year after the events in "The Dangerous Book of Demon Slayers."  Before i read this i went to her website to see if this was part of a series or just a novella on it's own. It's part of a series and browsing the website i got the gist of the series it goes with. I hope to read a few of the other books in this series in the future based on what i saw there.  This novella is 82 pages and there is quite a lot of story packed into it. Shiloh is a half demon half human succubus working for a demon literally from hell in Las Vegas. She's been used by many in the thousands of years she's been around. Then one day she gets assigned to Damien in the Lust room. He thinks he's getting a full succubus and when he drugs her with a truth serum to find out secrets about her boss the master demon he gets nothing. He does wake up married the next morning with Shiloh in his hotel bed. Neither remembers what happened. Damien decides to use Shiloh to get what he wants. Thing is what he is starting to want for keeps is her. I really liked this one and hope to read the other books that go with this one. This one had some funny stuff and some sweet stuff going for it. Definitely worth reading.

Last we have Lexi George. Her novella is a whopping 132 pages or so of the most hilarious stuff ever. The novella is called The Bride Wore Demon Dust. The first sentence of the story goes like this. "Bunny's wedding was perfect, beautiful, tasteful and refined--until her husband tried to kill the photographer." At first i thought BUNNY? seriously? Then i remembered Lexi's last book Demon Hunting in Dixie and how funny it was. Ah yes this is going to a funny paranormal. A few sentences later and i was laughing my ass off literally. Rafe and Brand his brother from Demon Hunting in Dixie are demon slayers. He's come to see why big brother Brand went gaga over a women. The Dalvahni are warrior demon slayers. They don't fall in love.  Bunny is the town librarian and Rafe meets her when he saves her from what she thinks was a mugger. It wasn't of course it was a demon. In order to save her though Rafe had to give her some of his essence so now she is like him. He marries her in  order to protect her but doesn't explain exactly what he is and what she now is until the they are attacked by the photographer at the wedding who has been taken over by a demon. What follows is some of the funniest stuff I've read in a while. I was in tears laughing so hard. Had to read out loud some of the dialogue to my adult son who was here at the time and he was laughing too. I like my humour in any book but i usually don't get this much. Bunny can't believe what she's just been told and takes off, literally. She jumps in the pink Mary Kay wedding car all decorated up for the wedding and takes off in her wedding dress for the house on the coast where she and Rafe were supposed to have their honeymoon. In the meantime Rafe goes after her. Does he ever figure out that yes Dalvahni do love? You bet! He also gets the surprise of his life before the end. Bunny is hiding a pretty big secret herself.

Here are some links for you to check out these authors and see what other books they have in the works.
www.angiefox.wordpress.com
www.readkathylove.com
www.lexigeorge.com

I give So I Married a Demon Slayer 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars. The Lexi George book was the best of the 3 by far for me but i enjoyed them all. I can recommend Lexi George's debut book Demon Hunting in Dixie if you like humorous paranormal romance. It comes before this novella but each can be read alone.




Mancandy Monday Yeah it's ok to just stand there.

Mucho sexy huh?

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Friday, August 26, 2011

Free ebook Friday! Today is a two for one!

Today I'm giving you twice the free ebooks! Yes I am! First up is Lisa Renee Jones.

Pleasure with Purpose.
An erotic novella (April 18, 2011)


eBook: Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
Smashwords

Heather and Brad have been close family friends for ten years but both have secretly pined for each other, secretly fantasized about one sultry hot night together. So when fate delivers them a chance at that night—will they take it—and risk a lifetime of friendship being destroyed? Or will they pretend they can really wake up tomorrow and pretend it never happened?

This is a 12,000 word short, sexy story.
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To find out more about author Lisa Renee Jones check her out here www.lisareneejones.com Her awesome Zodious series has been reviewed here starting with book one and book two is coming out shortly. You check into that and more on her website.

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The 2nd book is Exotic Endulgence written by 3 amazing authors.
Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee

It’s time for an indulgence, or two…or three.

August 23, 2011
Bandicoot Cove, Book 1

There’s something magical about Bandicoot Cove. It’s where Kylie Sullivan’s dream of managing a luxury, five-star resort is about to come true. And it’s where people tend to fall in love. Kylie should know. She’s fallen hard—for three very different men.

There’s Brad, who knows just how to relieve her stress and send her body on a crash course through pleasure. Hemi, her untamed Maori, who awakens her primitive side. And Finn, the sexy bartender whose specialty is Screaming Orgasms.

The three men fulfill all her sexual fantasies, but Kylie knows reality will eventually set in and she’ll have to choose. But how? For now she decides not to decide—at least until she makes sure the resort’s soft opening comes off without a hitch.

As far as Brad, Hemi and Finn are concerned, Kylie’s life is too much work and not enough play. The only choice they plan to give her is to say yes to their wildly passionate proposal…

Three sexy men pleasing one uninhibited woman—how much more warning do you need? This short story is long on heat, with a drool-worthy setting and sexual interludes in the office, at the beach and the bar. You want a day job like this.

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Check out the website of these fab authors by clicking the links below.
www.vivianarend.com/
www.jessdee.com
www.lexxiecouper.com
Check them out on their website and see what other books they have in the works and read a excerpt or two.

Enjoy!

Lisa

Book review: Falling Hard by author J.K. Coi

Review by Sarah

Carina Press, published July 2011.

Tags: Paranormal Romance, Angels, Sucky Books (hah!)

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Back of the Book Blurb: After a life filled with tragedy, rocker Gabriel Gunn thinks he's finally getting the better of his personal demons. Then he's attacked after a concert—and rescued by a warrior goddess brandishing a sword and white wings. As hard as it is to believe in an angelic bodyguard, Gabriel must face an even more impossible truth: he carries the devil's soul within him.

Amelia has been watching over Gabriel for years, using her angelic powers to prevent Lucifer's return. Now she must also protect him from warring angel factions with their own agendas. Amelia would do anything to avert another angelic war, even sacrifice her own emotions to avoid temptation. Yet with Gabriel she feels things she no longer wants to deny, and pleasure she never imagined.

But the closer Gabriel and Amelia get, the stronger Lucifer becomes. Will Amelia be forced to kill the man she's come to love to stop the war she's always feared?



Review:

The first 70 or so pages were quite promising, as we are introduced to Gabriel Gunn, rock god and recovering drug addict. For the last year or so he has been trying to live a better life, and his best friend and manager David has been by his side on a concert tour. But Gabriel's life is about to change, as a rogue angel attacks one night, killing David and injuring Gabriel. The only reason Gabriel survives is the arrival of the mysterious Amelia, his personal guardian angel and a warrior known as the Avenger. Turns out most people don't have a guardian angel, but then again most people don't have Lucifer's soul hanging out inside them. And Gabriel does, which is one of the reasons for his dark past and his hypnotic singing voice. But it also puts Gabriel in the middle of an ancient war between angels, as the rogue faction wants to release Lucifer's soul, in order to defeat the Archangels. Amelia's job (she is the Archangel's Avenger) is to prevent this from happening, even if it means killing Gabriel.


However, Amelia has spent so long on the mortal plain she has regained her emotions as her strength wanes. And her emotions are love and lust for Gabriel, making her question her orders, as well as her loyalty to the Archangels who originally stripped all emotions from angels and bound them to the angelic realm.


At this point I became frustrated with the story, as it took a good 100 pages for the plot to advance and action to occur. But the narrative also began to inform the reader of emotions and reactions, rather than the characters speaking or acting in a way that conveys emotion. The growing attraction and affection between Gabriel and Amelia is described as electric and hot, but as a reader I never felt it. I actually skimmed over the sex scenes, which I never do, but reading it felt like passion being dictated, rather than felt. An example of the forced narrative is the sudden change described for characters in order to advance the plot. For pages and pages Gabriel is lusting after Amelia and fretting over his desire to "defile an angel", but she is worried that he is not seeing the real Amelia. Cue one paragraph forward, and now the narrative is describing how Gabriel is suddenly, awkwardly thinking about how he likes Amelia for who she is, not just her body.


The rest of the story involves the battle of Gabriel for his soul against that of Lucifer's, the relationship between Amelia and Gabriel, and a battle between the warring angel factions. Towards the end Amelia is apparently mortally wounded, and Gabriel spends a significant amount of time posturing and threatening another angel before trying to help her. While the ending is a happy one, it also leaves an opening for the next book. Because I found the character development forced and awkward, and the plot pace too slow, I can not recommend this book. But if you love angel romances, this book may be for you.

1 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars



Thursday, August 25, 2011

DANA MARTON GIVEAWAY WINNERS! Did you win???

Congrats to everyone who entered the Dana Marton novella giveaway! Everyone is getting a copy of both novella's! A copy of Guardian Agent and Avenging Agent all for yourself! lol Dana will be email you a code to use at www.smashwords.com . If you need help figuring out how to use it ask me here please. How about a peak at the cover of the 3rd and final book in this series. Warrior Agent. Due out in November i think. Watch for it!

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To find out more about Dana Marton and her book please click here www.danamarton.com

Thanks for entering!
Lisa (Modokker)

Book review: Moon Dance by author J.R. Rain

Review by Sarah

If you recall this was a Friday free ebook pick a couple weeks ago. It is still free on Amazon as of 8/22

It was self-published by the author in July 2010.

Moon Dance by J.R. Rain

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Back of the Book Blurb:

Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.

Now the world at large thinks Samantha has developed a rare skin disease, a disease which forces her to quit her day job and stay out of the light of the sun. Now working the night shift as a private investigator, Samantha is hired by Kingsley Fulcrum to investigate the murder attempt on his life, a horrific scene captured on TV and seen around the country. But as the case unfolds, Samantha discovers Kingsley isn't exactly what he appears to be; after all, there is a reason why he survived five shots to the head.

Review: Does anyone else get that weirdly happy, tingly feeling when you're a few chapters into a book by an author new to you, and you realize "Damn, this is REALLY GOOD!" and he's got MORE!! Well, that's what happened to me yesterday, as I was reading Moon Dance by J.R. Rain. I was enjoying it so much I didn't want to leave the story. It doesn't get much better for us bookworms. Contented sigh here..................ok, on to the review.

Samantha Moon is six years into life as a vampire. Although she has learned to cope, her life has drastically changed. She had to quit her job as a federal agent and start a home-based (with night hours) business as a private investigator. Her husband, who was initially supportive, is increasingly distant and cold, and caring for her kids in the afternoons is a constant struggle for a creature of the night. The stress of juggling these demands, while coping with her vampirism, is taking its toll on Samantha. But she deals with it by working out like a fiend, boxing and running until she's exhausted. Or as close to exhausted as a super strong, super fast vampire can get.

Samantha is a great, realistic character. She's a loving mother trying to raise her kids, run a business and keep her marriage together. Her husband is absent much of the time, and she's pretty sure he's having an affair. But she's not ready to confront him, and is terrified of losing her children and her marriage. She also has the added stress of dealing with her abilities and limitations. Her enhanced strength and reflexes are great, but dragging herself out of bed to be with the kids after school is painful and difficult. Not to mention her existential worries: is she dead? evil? how long will she live? These things made Samantha sympathetic and relatable. Her frustration and anger are understandable.

A couple points here - I really liked how the author dealt with the practical issues of a mom and wife who becomes a vampire. The incident caused her to live a life of secrets, to protect herself and her family. She lives in fear of discovery. Her husband, initially seen as a cold and adulterous jackass, really helped her after her attack, researching diseases to explain her aversion to sunlight and her pale skin. He set up an account at a butcher shop to procure animal blood, and supported her career change. But six years of living with a vampire have taken their toll on the relationship - love and support have turned to fear and loathing. These characters are so multi-dimensional, and as such much more believable.

Enter Kingsley Fulcrum, new client and really sexy man. His case is a challenge to Samantha, as she works with the police detective (another sexy man! she may be undead, but she's not DEAD), to figure out who tried to kill him. And on a personal level, she's rather suspicious about Kingsley's freakish survival. She also receives support and advice from an online friend who accepts her claims to be a vampire.

The new men in Samantha's life help her to put a positive spin on things, and look at her life with a new perspective. She is learning to embrace her changes, and believe in herself, just as her old life is crumbling. Soon she is trying to survive a vampire hunter, and another killer, juggle her feelings of lust for Kingsley with her loyalty to her philandering husband, and take care of her children.

A plot and pace that moves along nicely, a well-done mystery, interesting secondary characters, and at the end the stage is set for the further adventures of Samantha Moon - I loved this book! Barnes and Noble is offering an e-book boxed set of these books for $9.99 and I plan on getting them - stay tuned for future reviews!

5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars

A HUGE thank you to my friend Lisa who recommended this book as her most recent Free Ebook Fridays here on this blog - I owe you one, Lisa!

Check out more of J.R. Rain's books and stuff at his website, www.jrrain.com

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Book review: the Secrets of Bella Terra by author Christina Dodd

Review by Sarah

Romantic suspense, military

Published August 2011 by Signet Select

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Back of the Book Blurb: The three dynamic DiLuca brothers are tormented by their memories of the past. Brooding and sexy Rafe DiLuca has returned home to his family's luxurious vineyard resort for one reason: to find out who attacked his beloved grandmother. His homecoming stirs up a long-ago feud, forcing him to work with Brooke Petersson, the woman he once seduced and betrayed....but never forgot.

As the danger escalates and their passion threatens to consume them both, Brooke fights her treacherous longing for a man who can never truly share his life. Remembering how his love once shattered her, she vows that Rafe may possess her body, but never again will she trust him with her fiercely guarded heart.

The peril they face will either bring them together or destroy them both...unless they uncover the secret that will change everything.


Review: This was my first Christina Dodd novel - I'm not sure how I've missed her before, as she has a lot of books in print. This if the first book of a new series featuring the DiLuca brothers, and I'm assuming each brother will get his own book. The brothers share the same father, and each has an exotic and dangerous backstory. Rafe's mother is an internationally famous actress and beauty, and he is also shockingly handsome. And tough - after the military he started his own security firm and now has secret, dangerous missions all over the world. Which is why he left the first and only love of his life, Brooke, back in Bella Terra.

Brooke has grown up since he left, becoming the concierge for the DiLuca brothers resort. And by concierge the author really means hotel manager, because Brooke seems to be in charge of the whole place and the staff, to include the hiring and firing. There were a few things about this book that irritated me to the point of distraction. The discrepancy between Brooke's job title and her actual duties was one. A second was the history of Brooke's mother, Kathy, a medically retired USAF helicopter pilot who ran secret government operations, and who seemingly lacks compassion for her daughter. The author explains this by stating "for a woman to thrive in the service, she had to let her grasp of the subtleties of human emotion slip away." (Quite the opposite - one MUST understand the human subtleties to be a good leader - showing compassion, however, could indeed be seen as a sign of weakness.) As a retired Army officer this was like a red flag of WTFness, made me question other claims in the book, and took me out of a mystery that I otherwise really enjoyed. I know this may seem nit picky to some, but it's my review, right? It's funny how one "off" detail can yank a reader right out of an otherwise well-constructed world - anyone else find that to be true?

So after Rafe's grandmother is attacked as the result of a decades long feud, Rafe is determined to investigate and needs Brooke's help. They both still love each other, but don't communicate well, so there is a lot of anger and resentment fueling their simmering passion. Pretty soon Brooke stumbles upon a horrific find, and while helping her deal with the shock, Rafe tenderly cleans corpse goo off Brooke in the shower. Before you know it they are having amazing shower sex on the hard tile floor, and Brooke is desperate, because after having one spasming/firework-seeing orgasm, she is still waiting for the "ultimate orgasm". The phrase "ultimate orgasm" is used three times on one page, so it must be good, right?

Anyway, I digress with my sarcastic self. The good points of this novel were many - a really interesting mystery, a nicely developed cast of characters who were believable and enriched the story, and a setting so well described I can still see it in my head. And the best part - I wasn't sure who did it until the end! The author is a great story-teller, and I would like to read the next book in the series, Revenge at Bella Terra.

3.5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars
For more information and a complete list of the author's novels, go to www.christinadodd.com


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Book review: Possesses by author Kate Cann

Review by Sarah

Ooooh, this is a fabulous, spooky young adult novel - it was sooooo good!

Published in 2009 by Scholastic
Young Adult/Mystery/Supernatural/English
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Back of the Book Blurb: Escape....or trap? When she finds a job at a secluded country estate, Rayne jumps at the chance to escape from her controlling boyfriend and her mother's tiny apartment in London. A quiet summer is just what she needs. But Rayne's retreat feels like another prison. The ancient estate is filled with spooky relics and a strange, stifling energy. Rayne wants to believe it's all her imagination, but the longer she stays, the more she can feel something evil at work...something that wants to keep her there...forever.



Review: Possessed is an exceptionally spooky novel that weaves a chilling web of encroaching menace around the reader. The story's heroine is sixteen year old Rayne. She feels trapped and smothered in London, where she takes care of her little brother for her irresponsible mother, and by her boyfriend who wants more than she is ready to give. She also craves silence and space, so she applies for a waitress job at an ancient estate in the countryside near the Wales border.

When she arrives, Rayne is almost overwhelmed by the natural beauty, the silence of the country, and by the strange and unsettling energy swirling around the thousand year old building. The kindly housekeeper, Mrs. Driver, gets Rayne settled into her room, and after her first terrifying night in the strange place, Rayne is ready to head for home. But after her first day of waitressing, followed by a quiet and peaceful walk through the grounds and woods, Rayne experiences feelings she has never had before. She feels free, content, and strangely at home in the natural setting, and feels like she can finally be herself.

All is not as peaceful as it seems, however, and Rayne begins to feel as though something more is going on. Mrs. Driver insists that Rayne always lock her door at night, and mentions that so few people can "sense" the house energy. The few locals Rayne meets are shocked she is willing to stay at the Manor, but nobody will tell her anything specific.

The author is a master at slowly building a feeling of dread, as though an invisible trap is being slowly sprung around Rayne. The prose is so evocative I felt as if I was walking with Rayne through the woods, feeling the sunshine on my skin, and sensing the evil presence of something unseen in the ancient manor. The imagery is very effective at enhancing the theme of a trap and freedom being a matter of perspective. From the geese living on the tiny island in the lake, isolated but safe from the fox, to the magnificent palm tree that has shattered the greenhouse roof that sheltered it and allowed it to grow, and is now reaching for the sky. A major secondary theme is that appearances can be deceiving and all is definitely not what it seems. A pair of beautiful leather gloves embroidered with flowers, except on closer inspection those flowers are actually tortured faces in agony. A handsome local boy who is infatuated with Rayne but who has a seemingly hypnotic hold on those around him. A local fire festival group that may or may not be devil worshippers. And a mother and boyfriend who didn't seem to care about Rayne, yet they call and text constantly, frantic with worry at her silence.

As Rayne struggles to learn who she can trust, and tries to discover the secrets held by the locals, she is also gaining a sense of self. Her journey is full of confusion, fear, exhilaration, and a little of the supernatural.

Possessed is a rare treat, and well worth your time. Very few books capture a feeling so completely, transporting the reader to a different place and a different mood so thoroughly. I will be reading the sequel, Consumed and reviewing that as well.


5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars

For more information, visit the author's website at www.katecann.com

Friday, August 19, 2011

Free ebook Friday! The Seeking Kiss by author Eden Bradley!

Ah yes it's Friday again and time for a free ebook! This week we have the lovely Eden Bradley's book The Seeking Kiss Midnight Playground series. Book 1!!!

THE SEEKING KISS

Book One in the MIDNIGHT PLAYGROUND series
An erotic vampire novella
 from Samhain Publishing Barnes & Noble Amazon Sony

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London, 2069: Nissa has known for years about Midnight Playground, the most exclusive of the vampire sex clubs. And for as long as she’s known about such places, she’s yearned to be there, to become one of them. When she finally gains admittance to the club, she expects to discover a world unknown to most mortals, to be offered the sensual Seeking Kiss. And when she meets Aleron and Hex, they draw her into an intimate world of sex—and love—beyond anything she has ever dreamed of. But when she falls for one of the powerful vampire duo, will it mean the end of her deepest fantasies, or a new beginning she’s never dared to imagine?

To find out more about Eden Bradley her books, her blog and where to find her on the internet click here www.edenbradley.com.

Don't forget to scroll down to the last two post for giveaways on my blog!




Book review and giveaway! Avenging Agent by author Dana Marton

Avenging Agent is the 2nd book in the Agents under Fire series by author Dana Marton. Yesterday i reviewed Guardian Agent the first in the series. Today we'll take a look at the follow up. Blurb below.
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An undercover agent on a deadly mission, the last thing Jake needs is a troublesome beauty distracting him from his investigation. But something about Allison makes it impossible for him to leave her to her fate, surrounded by danger in a war-torn country.


They couldn't be more different, but soon they must rely on each other to stay alive, uncovering a diabolical plot that shakes even Jake's battle-hardened heart. Attraction grows between them as they form a tight team against their enemies. But to act on that attraction, first they have to stay alive.

Wow Dana Marton really knows how to pack a lot of power packed action and romance into a small space. She makes every single page count right up to the cliff hanger ending. Jake Tekla we met in the first book only he was in bad shape half starved and hurt. Gabe, Jake and Troy another guy we met in the first book are now a 3 man team working for the FBI. Jake is after secrets in Lahedeh this time. He's not sick and he's ready to go and out for blood. Allison in there looking for her missing fiance. She doesn't want to marry him anymore but he disappeared 5 months ago and no one seems to know anything. Jake's been watching her though. They share the same hotel and he's checking out everything and everyone. He ends up having to rescuing her from a bunch of locals and finding out she might be helpful to his operation but also finding himself very attracted to her. Allison is a heiriss of sorts owner of a huge company she's been struggling to prove she can handle the job. The two of them have to fight there way from baddies more than once while trying to find the answers they both need in the process falling in love. Allison has to learn she can handle anything but it's OK to have some help now and then and Jake learns to trust and that he's worthy of love. Action packed all the way through. This faced paced book packs a punch! Just watch out for the cliff hanger at the end !!! All i can say is it got me excited for the third and final book in this trio of books! I give Avenging Agent 5 out of 5 Modokker Book pick stars! To read a excerpt and check out everything Dana Marton click here www.danamarton.com . Look for Warrior Agent coming in November.
Find Dana on Facebook www.facebook.com/DanaMarton
Twitter www.twitter.com/danamarton

Dana has agreed to give a ebook copy of Avenging agent to one lucky person. You must be able to use www.smashwords.com. All you have to do is be a follower of this blog, leave a comment and a valid email address. Don't forget the email address! Giveaway ends August 24th. Don't forget to enter the other giveaway for Guardian Agent as well from yesterday's post.







Thursday, August 18, 2011

Book review and giveaway: Gurdian Agent by author Dana Marton

Guardian Agent is the first of a 3 book series by author Dana Marton called Agents Under Fire. Below is the blurb and check out that cover! Wow I could look at that guy for a while. How about you!!

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When Gabe Cannon's commando team is tasked with bringing down a rogue solider, he doesn't expect to come face-to-face with the target's sister at the showdown instead of the man himself.


Jasmine is trying to lead the team away from her injured brother. Recognizing one of the hunters as her teenage crush is definitely a shock to her system. To save her family, she must convince Gabe that her brother was framed. But can she stop from falling in love with him all over again?

This is a fast moving book. It's was way to short for me. Sexy as hell Gabe ( see the cover) was a once in the Army and then after the FBI and finally a private security firm. He finds himself in Venice looking for a old Army buddy who has gone AWOL and is wanted dead and not alive. Something seems fishy to Gabe the longer he gets into this OP. He finds himself face to face with who he thinks is his old friend Jake Tekla but it's not it's his sister Jasmine. Before he can find out anything she escapes. Jasmine is running out of time and energy. Jake her brother has been shot in the leg and has a broken arm and an infection. Her sister Mandy is sick with a fever from living in the harsh conditions from being on the run. She decides she has to trust Gabe. She once had a huge crush on him 10 years ago when she last saw him. Hoping she's doing the right thing she goes to spy on him and see if maybe he's worth trusting. He is!!! Fast paced and action packed. You get a whole lot of story in a short amount of book. I give Guardian Agent by Dan Marton 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars. I read this in one afternoon. Half in the dentist office and the rest when i got home. I love these kinds of books but always want more. Luckily the next book in the series Avenging Agent is out and i possess a copy! lol Watch for the review of that book soon. To find out more about Dana Marton and this book and others click here www.danamarton.com . There is also a excerpt there for both these books. Dana is offering a ebook copy of Guardian Agent to one lucky person. All you need to do is be a follower of this blog and leave a comment with your email address and you are entered! The ebook will be from www.smashwords.com.  Do not forget the email address so you can be contacted. Giveaway ends Wednesday August 24th,



Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Book review: Good Girls Don't by author Victoria Dahl

I received a ebook copy of this book through netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

Good Girls Don't is the first in a new series by author Victoria Dahl called the Donovan Brothers Brewery. There is a short novella called Just One Taste is in the anthology book The Guy next Door. Get more info on that here Anthology. I made sure i read it along with the rest of that book and was certainly intrigued and excited to try this series out. Without further ado here's the blurb.

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With her long ponytail and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman – or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break-in at her family’s brewery. He’s got his own problems – starting with the fact that his partner Simone is pregnant and everyone thinks he's the father. The last thing he needs is a nice girl like Tessa getting under his skin.


Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother’s playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tensions could tear her tight-knit family apart. In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their “baby” sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath.

I read Victoria Dahl's tumble creek series when it came out and loved it so much. Re-read them several times. There was so much humor in those among other things that i was excited to see she had another series coming out. The new contemporary series is called the Donovan Brothers Brewery series. Like i said above there is a short novella you can check out to get a taste of what the series will be like. The first book is Good Girls Don't and involves Tessa the youngest Donovan sibling. When Tessa was 14 a terrible accident killed her parents and her and her brothers were left with no one but each other. Eric the oldest was 24 so he took over the family business and job as parent to his younger sibling including Tessa and brother Jaime. All grown up now Tessa and Jaime and trying to be seen as mature smart adults who can take care of themselves and be full partners in the business. Tessa Meets Luke Asher a detective with the Boulder police department after the Brewery is robbed. Both seemed to be attracted to the other and it doesn't escape big brother Jaime's notice. Thinking he needs to protect Tessa from Luke he warns him off her by telling him he's not good enough for her and that she's a virgin. Yeah boy! Luke has had a rough past. His marriage ended in divorce when his wife walked out on him. Problem is everyone thinks he walked and while she was dealing with cancer. He was shortly after stabbed in the line of duty and his wife never even came to see him when he almost died. That's was in L.A. and so he decided he'd had enough and moved back to Boulder, Colorado. The rumor followed him along with a few others. He's a chick magnet supposedly and since his single female partner is pregnant well he must be the father right?? Tessa on the other hand has had to live without her parents the 2nd part of her youth and so she's hanging on tight to her brothers in case something happens to them or they just decide to leave. Hanging on tight and trying to keep the 3 of them together leads to lots of little white lies then over time bigger lies til it seems like she's lying all the time. Ignoring her brothers Tessa likes Luke and decides she wants to spend time with him. Even though Luke tries to stay away it's a lost cause. He's attracted and he can't help it. I loved Luke. He's had a rough time of it but he is still a wonderful guy. Tessa drove me a little bit nuts. She is a lot more wild that you would think and her brothers don't seem to realize this. There is humor and there is lots of complications and a robbery to solve in this book. Tessa must learn to trust and Luke must learn to open up. Can they weed through the tangled complicated lives they each have on their own to be together at the end of the day? You can read a excerpt of this book by clicking www.victoriadahl.com . You can also find out more about Victoria Dahl and her books by clicking here Victoriadahl.com/books. Next up in the series. Bad Boys Due out in stores and online October 2011. I give Good Girls don't 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars. Luke Asher gets me in this books. I wanted to give him a hug more than once.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Book review: Only Yours (Fools Gold series) By author Susan Mallery

I received a eARC of this book through netgally.com for my honest opinion and review.

Only Yours is the 5th book in the Fools Gold series. Susan Mallery has been building a series around a fictional town called Fools Gold and she even has a website dedicated to the town with pretend real things going on it. You can check it out here www.foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com .

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


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

I love how Susan gives you the town in this series. This book in particular you get bits of the town and it's people along with Simon and Montana's story. Both have alot of emotional baggage. Simon really has the worst of it. A awful childhood and a brilliant mind combine to be a genius surgeon as a adult albeit a very controlled and lonely existence. Simon is afraid to let anyone in. Lucky for him Montana comes along and literally knocks him on his butt. Montana trains service dogs and meets Simon when one of her trainees gets away from her and gets into the hospital on the loose and barrels right over Simon. It will hurt your heart when you find out what happened to Simon as a child to make him the way he is. He is scarred on the outside by terrible burns and on the inside by how he got them and why. Montana has never felt like she belonged like she was ever good enough. Each tries to convince the other how wrong they are about themselves. You get to meet Kent and his son Reese. One of the Hendrix brothers who is divorced and now looking to move back to Fools Gold. Denise is still trying the dating game with some sad and funny results but then there is Max. Is Max THE Max? The one that got Denise to tattoo his name on her hip? hmmmm You have to read this book to find out. You get some updates on some of the other town and friends on Montana too. The end came a little sudden but was good. Wish it had been drawn out a smidge more though. Can't wait for Nevada's story next in October. I give Only Yours 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Picks. To find out more about this book you can go to the Fools Gold website www.foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com or Susan Mallery's website http://susanmallery.com/ . There is a special members area you can sign up to get bonus goodies from Susan. You can find Susan on Facebook and Twitter as well. www.facebook.com/SusanMallery www.twitter.com/SusanMallery

Only Mine out now in stores and online
Only Yours out Aug 30th 2011
Only His out  Sept 27th 2011

Monday, August 15, 2011

Man Candy Monday!! Little late. Easy on the eyes eh?

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Book review: Black Ties and Lullabies by author Jane Graves

Book review by Sarah

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Back of the Book Blurb:


A good girl can be bad for one night...

Bernadette Hogan doesn't make mistakes. Not when it comes to caring for her mother, and not at her job protecting Texas's most eligible—and infuriating—bachelor. Maybe that's why she's overcome with guilt after one tiny indiscretion: a passionate fling with her boss that's left her confused, intrigued...and pregnant.

but can a bad boy be good for a lifetime?

To self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridges, women are like fine wine: if held for too long, they sour. But one wild night with Bernadette changed all that. She makes him laugh, she makes him think, and soon she's going to make him a father. For the first time, Jeremy wants to be a one-woman man. So how can he convince the fiercely independent Bernadette he's ready to change from partying playboy to dependable dad—and become the loving husband she deserves?


Review:

This is a sparkling and romantic fairy tale, and I read it in two sittings (which is rare, as I have small children who demand meals and supervision on occasion). It's very much a modern Cinderella/Pretty Woman (she saves him right back!) tale combined with the Ugly Duckling (our heroine is not just plain, she's nearly invisible). Bernie, is a top notch bodyguard who has spent the last two years protecting the very handsome, very wealthy, and very shallow womanizer Jeremy Bridges. Bernie has no respect for Jeremy and his string of vapid, siliconed, look-alike babesicles. But she is not immune to his good looks, charm and intense focus. Jeremy, however, has immense respect for Jane. He loves that she is honest with him, enjoys their sarcastic banter, and appreciates her extreme professional competence, intelligence and wit. But he has never looked at her as a woman.

But everything is about to change.

One night Jeremy ignores Bernie's warnings and finds himself being robbed in his own home. Bernie returns to save the arrogant playboy, and successfully gets him into the safe room and calls the police. But after two years of putting up with his cavalier attitude, Jeremy's disregard for her suspicions have driven Bernie over the edge and she quits and gives him a piece of her mind. In the middle of a heated, angry argument, sexual attraction sparks flare and they have incredible, explosive sex. After which, Bernie walks out, because while she's attracted to him she still doesn't like or respect him. I loved this scene - a self-respecting heroine who can admit to her sexuality and attraction but is not controlled by it! Needless to say, control-freak Jeremy is shocked that he is the one walked out on. Bernie can't be persuaded, cajoled or paid to come back. Her moral integrity and strength of character are refreshing, and they intrigue Jeremy, almost as much as the memory of the incredible sex he had with Bernie.


In a few weeks, though, Bernie is back to inform Jeremy that she is pregnant and wants him to sign away all rights to his baby. Much to Bernie's shock, Jeremy decides he wants to be a father, and at this point the story is about the two of them getting to know each other. Turns out that both of them are more than just their stereotypical appearances of rich playboy and plain tough girl. As Shrek would say, they are like onions - they have layers. And beneath these layers we discover that both have had tough lives and are more alike than they realized.


As much as I liked this story, I got really annoyed by the constant commentary concerning the unattractiveness of Bernie. Everyone is shocked - SHOCKED - that Jeremy had sex with her, and frankly this got old. I'm as sick of the siliconed, Botoxed, Barbie-fembot version of female beauty as the next girl, but nothing nice was said about Bernie's appearance until Jeremy, now madly in love, explained she had perfect skin and beautiful hair and a nice ass. How about calling her pretty, Romeo? And how come the narrator couldn't toss Bernie a bone and describe some attractive aspect of her? On the flip side, Bernie is so against "girly" stuff that she may as well be a guy. Her abhorrence for anything beyond basic hygiene and jeans and t-shirts was enough to make me question if there was another stereotype at play here. But as much as these issues bugged me, I kept reading until the happy, problem-solving, family-creating end, because the author is such a skilled storyteller. The narrative, the sparkling, witty dialogue, and the colorful secondary characters created a very enjoyable, happy escape. And isn't that what we want in a romance?

3.5 Modokker Book Pick Stars

About the Author:

Jane Graves is the author of seventeen contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's Rita Award, the industry's highest honor, and is the recipient of two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Booksellers' Best Award, and the Golden Quill, among others. Jane lives in the Dallas area with her husband of twenty-eight years and a very sweet kitty who kindly keeps her lap warm while she writes.

You can visit Jane's website at www.janegraves.com , or write to her at jane@janegraves.com.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Free ebook Friday! Read for free! Moon Dance by author J.R. Rain

This weeks free ebook is Moon Dance (Vampire for hire #1) by author J.R. Rain.

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Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.


Now the world at large thinks Samantha has developed a rare skin disease, a disease which forces her to quit her day job and stay out of the light of the sun. Now working the night shift as a private investigator, Samantha is hired by Kingsley Fulcrum to investigate the murder attempt on his life, a horrific scene captured on TV and seen around the country. But as the case unfolds, Samantha discovers Kingsley isn't exactly what he appears to be; after all, there is a reason why he survived five shots to the head.


To check out J.R. Rain's website, read a sample of this book and see his other work click here www.jrrain.com I read the free sample and I'm buying this book. check it out and see what you think. If you buy let me know. It's free so why not try it?

Book review: Into the Night by author Janelle Denison

Into the Night is the first book by Janelle Denison that I've read and the first in a new series she started in April of this year called The Reliance group series. You get a introduction in this book to the members that make up The Reliance group and at the same time a peek at who might be in future books. Up first is Former Vice cop Nathan Fox.

Into The Night
St. Martin's Press
The Reliance Group Series - Book #1
April 2011
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A former Marine and Las Vegas vice cop, Nathan Fox has seen it all and then some. Heading up security for the Onyx Casino is tame compared to his past, but it's not his only job. Working for The Reliance Group is his real passion project. His current case: a missing woman. His mission: to find her. But soon Nathan must deal with a stubborn, and stunning, journalist who's nosed her way into the investigation . . . and into Nathan's fantasies.

To reporter Nicole Hutton, exposing a ruthless, twisted criminal who abuses vulnerable teens isn't just a job. In fact, this story has become very personal, especially now that she's gotten tangled up with sexy Nathan Fox. But before she can break the story, and help rescue a missing girl, she and Nathan must brave the labyrinth of Vegas's dark underbelly . . . where the heat simmering between them is about to burst into flames.

This was a book packed with suspense, romance and lots of mixed up feelings. Both Nathan and Nicole had things in their past at working against them. Nathan is a ex-cop who quit when his last assignment went horribly wrong and resulted in the death of someone he had sworn to protect. It wasn't his fault but he still harbors the guilt for it. Nicole was taken advantage of by her college professor when she was 18 years old. She was hurt so bad emotionally that she won't trust a man again with her heart.  Nathan working for The Reliance Group is asked to save a runaway girl from Sloane a man who is a known to be a shady character who uses underage girls and then tosses them away. Nathan attending a speed dating a event as a favor for a friend  happens to meet Nicole, who was there for a story for the paper she works for. They hit of off and their chance meeting turns into a night of super hot sex!! Nicole happens to see the file on the runaway girl at Nathan's house and decides she wants to do a story on Sloane and his nefarious activities and maybe get a little justice for all the girls he's hurt.  Nicole and Nathan both go under cover to get into Sloane's circle separately but neither one knows it until  they meet at a place Sloane is supposed to be. After the initial shock Nathan grabs Nicole and after hashing things out decide to work together. This is when the story really picks up. They have to get into Sloane's inner circle, invade his spaces and find the runaway girl. All without compromising Nicole who is pretending to be alot younger than she is so they can find Angela the runaway girl.  The closer Nathan and Nicole get to finding Angela the closer they get to each other. The sex scenes in this are to die for. Well written and designed to get you heart thumping. You'll fall for Nathan and hurt for Nicole's past. I thought Nathan and Nicole were perfect together and look forward to the next book in this series to find out what happens with the rest of The Reliance Group members. If you like a mix of hot romance, steamy love scenes mixed with rocking suspense this series is a good fit for you! I give Into the Night by author Janelle Denison 4 out 5 of Modokker Book Pick stars. After you read this one get ready for book 2 in this series Night After Night coming October 11. I will also be reviewing it here on the blog.

Check out Janelle Denison's website by clicking here www.janelledenison.com and find out more about this book and series and read a excerpt as well. You can find Janelle on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Book review: Star Island by author Carl Hiaasen

review by Sarah
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Back of the Book Blurb:


Meet 22-year-old Cherry Pye (née Cheryl Bunterman), a pop star since she was fourteen-and about to attempt a comeback from her latest drug-and-alcohol disaster.

Now meet Cherry again: in the person of her "undercover stunt double," Ann DeLusia. Ann portrays Cherry whenever the singer is too "indisposed"— meaning wasted — to go out in public. And it is Ann-mistaken-for-Cherry who is kidnapped from a South Beach hotel by obsessed paparazzo Bang Abbott.

Now the challenge for Cherry's handlers (über-stage mother; horndog record producer; nipped, tucked, and Botoxed twin publicists; weed whacker-wielding bodyguard) is to rescue Ann while keeping her existence a secret from Cherry's public — and from Cherry herself. The situation is more complicated than they know. Ann has had a bewitching encounter with Skink, the unhinged former governor of Florida living wild in a mangrove swamp, and now he's heading for Miami to find her . . .

Will Bang Abbott achieve his fantasy of a lucrative private photo session with Cherry Pye? Will Cherry sober up in time to lip-synch her way through her concert tour? Will Skink track down Ann DeLusia before Cherry's motley posse does? All will be revealed in this hilarious spin on life in the celebrity fast lane.


Review: Carl Hiaasen is at his gleefully twisted, cheerfully maniacal best in Star Island, which was released in paperback earlier this year. He has once again unleashed his clear-eyed vision of people and their foibles, this time in the fertile fields of no-discernible-talent celebrities and the parasites surrounding them.

Cherry Pye is a character everyone will recognize - she could be any number of hard-partying girls in Hollywood who seem to be famous for nothing more than drinking, drugging, rehab, and perfume endorsements.

Chock-full of real name dropping, Star Island is an unsentimental unveiling of the story behind the glossy magazine covers. And this is one of the reasons I love Carl Hiaasen's writing so much - he spares very little sentimentality for people, showing them as they really are, warts and all. This is not ncessarily unsympathetic - for instance, we learn that Cherry Pye was turned into a sexy little prepubescent by her own mother, and then signed to Jailbait records by a music producer who really likes his young clients. But the flip side is that Cherry really is a self-involved, hard-partying simpleton. Her double, Ann DeLusia, also has beauty but also brains and a sense of right and wrong, yet her upbringing was little better than Cherry's. After Ann is kidnapped by the Cherry-besotted Bang Abbott, Ann is hurt and angered to learn that Cherry's mother has not reported her kidnapping to the police. Word of Ann's existence would be financially disastrous for Cherry's "comeback", and that is more important than Ann's life. Luckily for Ann, she has met and charmed both Skink and Chemo who each have their own methods of dealing with situations such as this. And in Hiaasen's world, situations like this are the norm creating an incredibly entertaining and wild ride full of laugh out loud moments. I would recomment NOT drinking a beverage while reading this book - there are too many funny parts.

Hiaasen's sympathies and sentiment are primarily reserved for the Florida flora and fauna, and his anger for those who exploit and destroy it. But while that message is part of his books, it is conveyed with his unique sense of humor and writing style. Phrases like "flaccid conscience", "carefree venality", and "cheese-jizzed nachos", and the song titles of Cherry's "hits" such as "Daddy, What's My New Momma's Name?" and one of her first songs as a 14 y/o titled "Touch Me Like You Mean It", make his books a treat to read.

As with most of his books, the greedy get punished and the good folks have a happy ending. The ending of Star Island felt a bit forced to me, which is the only negative in an otherwise fantastic book. I didn't understand Ann's need to drag Skink to a night club (name and theme of "Pubes" - ha!) to confront the clueless Cherry, and it felt contrived. But after the wild ride of this hilarious, wacky story it's a small complaint. This book is fun and entertaining - read it!

5 out of 5!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Romance Biggest Winner. My biggest Challenge!

 Romance Biggest Winner it sounds like something you've heard on TV right? Well it kind of is in a way. Romance Biggest Winner was put together by author Ashley March.  We are all in for the same thing. To lose weight, eat better and feel better for life. We all have the same or similar struggles to get there. I joined right at the last minute. Didn't give myself time to think about it just emailed Ashley my info. Romance Biggest Winner or #RBW as it's known in a hashtag on Twitter is made up approximately 93 authors and readers.

 Borrowing from the RBW blog here's how it works. Each team member is required to weigh in every Tuesday. Next week the participants will calculate their weight loss percentages and the team representatives will report each member's percentage lost. The team with the highest percentage of weight lost each week will win free books! The individual romance reader and romance author at the end of the competition (January 5, 2012) will win $1,000 each. That's how it works in a nutshell.

 There are 10 teams and my team has nine members. It's made up some great authors, readers and blogger/readers like myself. We've been at it for a month now and team nine or otherwise known as "The Naughty Nine" won week 2 of the 4 weeks so far. It's hard but we all email each other and tweet each other and try to encourage each other to eat better and drink water and try new forms of exercise. We don't all lose weight every week not for lack of trying but none of us have given up because we get encouragement within the team and the other participants. As for myself i have lost 6 pounds in the last 4 weeks. Almost completely given up my soda pop addiction and barely hit the fast food restaurants at all and when i do it's for salad. This is a big deal for me as i am usually on the run and thinking I'll just grab something on the go and not worry about it. I've been exercising every day too. I started doing cardio walking 30 minutes a day every other day then went to every day and then to one hour a day. This past week my boys and i tried out Just Dance 2 for Wii. It will kick your butt but it's fun. I have a few other wii games here that are made to make you sweat that i plan to use to my advantage. lol

I want to share some of my teammates websites and blog with you. Some of them will probably blog about their experiences with Romance Biggest Winner at some point and I'll try to keep you apprised of how I'm doing as well as we go along. If you have a chance give them a look see and say HI! A few might just show up here on my blog in the near future. Remember to sign up as a follower on my blog so you can keep up with me on my journey and my teammates as well.

Romance Biggest Winner blog to follow along with everyone.
http://romancebiggestwinner.blogspot.com/

Vanessa Kelley who is a Regency romance writer and whose latest book My Favorite Countess came out in May. Vanessa often hosts giveaways on her blog page.
Website www.vanessakellyauthor.com
blog http://vanessakellyauthor.wordpress.com/

Author Hope Ramsey who is another awesome writer.
website www.hoperamsay.com
blog www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com
another blog http://blameitonthemuse.com/
Hope also has a giveaway on her blog Blame it on the Muse right now.

Author Cynthia Harrison who is another fabuloso author and fellow teammate of mine
www.cynthiaharrison.com

Helen Seeley who is a quilter extraordinaire. Who makes quilts, burp clothes baby blankets and many other things. Custom orders welcome.
www.cuteandcuddlyquilts.com

Rita who is a blogger at Not Another Romance blog.
www.notanotherromanceblog.blogspot.com/

Check out the Romance Biggest winner blog today to see how my team and i did this week.

Do you have a fitness or weightloss tip to share with me and my team? We would love to hear it.

Book review: Chantilly's Cowboy by author Debra Kayn

I received a copy of this book as a eARC through Netgalley for honest opinion and review.

This is another book i picked up through Netgalley by a author I had never read before. I do love my cowboy books so i decided to try Chantilly's Cowboy.

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Chantilly's Cowboy
Carina Press
June 6th 2011
Debra Kayn

All Chantilly McDougal wants is to run her daddy’s ranch. The only one of five sisters content to stay on the McDougal spread, Chantilly loves the land and knows the workings of the ranch better than anyone. So when Stuart McDougal hires Jack Grady as his new foreman without even consulting her, Chantilly is furious. She doesn’t need the help of any cowboy, no matter what feelings the man arouses in her!




Jack Grady can understand Tilly’s frustrations over working with him, but he needs the job to put his nephew through law school. Besides, he’s made a promise to Stuart, and everyone knows a cowboy never goes back on his word. But when he finds himself falling for the boss’s daughter, Jack is torn between being honest with Tilly, and keeping her father’s secret
 
This book is actually the first in a new series. I did a little investigating on her website and well I asked her. Twitter is a wonderful place for instant contact and conversation when needed. The series is called Sisters of McDougal Ranch. First i have to tell you the hero in this book Jack is just wonderful. My favorite character. He had a not so good upbringing and has been raising his brothers son for him since the boys was 12. He's in college now and is working to get him through that. He comes to the McDougal ranch when the owner Stuart hires him on as the new manager, but he has a ulterior motive as well. Chantilly ( there are 5 girls all named after different kinds of lace) is really ticked at first but Jack well you can't stay mad at Jack. You get to meet all the McDougal sisters in this book, which is really fun. They are all different and one is a exact twin of Chantilly. This was a really quick and fun read for the most part but there is some sad stuff in the last quarter of the book when Stuart secret is revealed. You'll have to read it to find out what it is but i did tear up a little for a bit. There is of course a happy ending for Jack and Chantilly. The more i read this book the more i liked what i read and was hoping it was a series. I was glad i found out it was the first book too because i like reading a series from the beginning. This is your chance to start at the beginning too if you want to give this book a shot. You can find out more about this book by going to Debra Kayn's website by clicking here here www.debrakayn.com . You can also read a excerpt for this book there as well. I give Chantilly's Cowboy 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars. If you love cowboy books this ones for you.
 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Book review: Protective Custody by author Wynter Daniels

I received this book through netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

This is my first Wynter Daniels book. I browsed through netgalley looking for something different a author i wasn't familiar with and Protective custody was one of my choices. How about we get to the blurb.

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Wynter Daniels
May 9, 2011
Protective Custody


Witness to a murder, but no one will believe her...


Shocked by the brutal crime she witnesses through the window of her small office, Megan Jackson calls the police and is devastated when they question the truth of her story. With no body and no evidence of a crime, she's written off as a nutcase.

Megan suspects the killer saw her face. Terrified, she calls the only person she can trust—her ex-boyfriend and former police officer, Will McCoy.

Despite a devastating breakup, Will jumps at the chance to help the woman who broke his heart. When the killer ramps up the stakes, Will is forced to take her into hiding—where the passion they once shared reignites, deeper and hotter than ever. But can Will keep Megan alive long enough to win back her heart?

This book really didn't do alot for me. There was just something off for me. Some of the dialog was really great and some of it was like eh? It was too sad and to many miscommunications and misunderstandings. I kept waiting for it to get better but it never really did. It was a OK story but not good enough. I don't think I'm ready to give up on reading this author but it's not a book i would ever re read. I will say that the sex scenes were awesome. Best parts of the book. If you would like to find out more about the author or this book please click here www.wynterdaniels.com . I give protective Custody 3 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Bonus Free ebook Friday. Texas Hold him by author Lisa Cooke

For a limited time you can get Lisa Cooke's Texas Hold em for free for Kindle, Nook and Sony ereaders.

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Lottie Mason needs $15,000 to save her ill father from a blackmailing lunatic. The War Between the States has left everyone destitute except the riverboat gamblers, and Dyer Straights is the best gambler on the river. Lottie wants poker lessons, but he wants to continue his search for a murderer without distraction. So to scare her off, he agrees to give her lessons in exchange for a night in his bed. He didn’t realize Lottie doesn’t scare that easily.


To find out more about Lisa Cooke and her other books please check out her website here www.lisahistoricals.com

For Sony reader http://ebookstore.sony.com
For Kindle www.amazon.com
For Nook www.barnesandnoble.com

Free ebook Friday! Legacy by author Jeanette Baker

This Friday free ebook is Legacy by Jeanette Baker.

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Publisher: Sourcebooks
Available March 1, 2011
Legacy...

When a distant relative bequeaths a Scottish castle to Christina Murray, the beautiful college professor is off to a distant land to claim her inheritance. It is there that she meets Ian Douglas, a breathtakingly handsome man who may hold the key to the secrets of Traquair House...and to her heart. As Christina enters the elusive passageway to love, her all-too-lifelike dreams reveal that she is tied to three ghostly ancestors: Katrine, a spirited Jacobite, in love with an Englishman...Jeanne, a Renaissance wife accused of witchcraft...and Mairi, the medieval maid Who shares a forbidden passion with England's king.

Destined to become the curse's next victim, Christina travels through time to unveil the mystery of her family. But she soon discovers that her assumptions about Ian and their, newly found love, as well as her own life, may have put her in grave danger....

Find out more about this author by going to her website/blog by clicking here www.jeanettebaker.com .

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Book review: Lord of the Vampires by author Gena Showalter

Review by Sarah
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Back of the Book Blurb:


Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance.

Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.…

Nicolai the Vampire was renowned for his virility, but in a twist of fate "The Dark Seducer" had become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remained was a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who could help him.

In her dreams, a wanton vampire called to Jane Parker, drawing her to his dark sexuality and his magical realm.

But for a human, all was not a fairy tale in Delfina. Jane was the key to Nicolai's memory…but exploiting her meant dooming the only mortal he craved.

Review:

Fans of Gena Showalter are sure to devour her latest novel, a steamy modern fairy tale. Jane Parker is a scientific genius who has spent the last year recovering from a horrific car crash that killed her entire family and left her unable to walk for months. When she is finally released from the hospital, she returns to her small home in Oklahoma to live a life of boring and monotonous routine. But one day a magical book is left on her doorstep, and after reading it she is transported to another world, where she meets Nicolai, a vampire and a sex slave. He has magically called her to him to help him escape, and has glamoured her to appear to be the sadistic witch princess he killed. Nicolai's original intentions are to escape at any cost, leaving Jane behind. But he does not anticipate being intrigued by Jane's intelligence and bravery, and attracted to her at a primal level. When the Queen of Hearts has Jane whipped for defying her, his plan to escape alone disappears, as his need to protect and rescue Jane overrides every other emotion. When Nicolai goes animal/alpha, he goes ALL the way. He is soon ripping out throats, removing limbs, grunting in one word sentences, and protecting the hell out of Jane. Hubba hubba!

After a bloody escape from the palace, Jane returns the favor and protects Nicolai as he recovers. Their intense sexual attraction is enhanced by mutual respect, and pretty soon they are exploring their attraction. Lots of steamy, erotic romping ensues. Then sex-crazed ogres kidnap Jane, there's more fighting, rescues, danger and falling in love.

Jane is a great heroine. She is incredibly smart, but also brave, strong, and willing to fight. Her year of loss, surgeries and pain has molded her into a woman capable of handling almost anything, and she is not going to let a hot, animalistic, incredibly experienced vampire get away from her.

Nicolai is the personification of the alpha male, brooding, violent when necessary, protective, and EXPERIENCED. He has, after all, been a sex slave, and before that he was a horny, spoiled prince.

The action keeps the plot moving along at a rapid pace and the characters are both likeable. The story was greatly improved with the well-developed main characters, as well as their detailed histories. Nicolai is slowly starting to recover his memories, and realizing he has siblings to find and murdered parents to avenge. Jane is struggling with the guilt that she spent her career studying magical creatures that somehow came into the human world.

As with other books by Gena Showalter, there is genuine humor in this story, and I laughed out loud several times. The ending is very satisfying. I can't wait to read the next story in this series!
4 out of 5 Modokker Book Picks


Lord of the Vampires will be published August 23, 2011 by Harlequin Nocturne (#119). It is the first tale of the Royal House of Shadows Series. Forthcoming titles are Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe (September 20, 2011), Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (October, 2011), and Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (November 2011).

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Book review: Dead Reckoning by author Rachelle McCalla

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Dead Reckoning is my first Love Inspired Suspense and the first book that i've read by author Rachelle McCalla. I have read a few Love Inspired books but didn't know they had a suspense line until i was asked to read and review this book. The blurb sounded good so i decided i needed to check it out. Here is that blurb.

July 5, 2011
Rachelle McCalla
Dead Reckoning

Risky maneuvers are no novelty for stunt pilot Ginny McCutcheon… until danger follows her to the ground. Someone's targeting Ginny— and former air force pilot Ben McAlister won't rest until he finds the culprit. He'll stay glued to Ginny's side until she's safe, whether the stubborn beauty accepts him there or not.


Ginny tries to resent Ben's protectiveness—and instead finds herself falling for the man whose fierce determination so perfectly matches hers. But trusting Ben means going home, something she can't bear to do. Until someone gets very close to grounding her—and Ben—forever.

I really liked what i read in the blurb for this book but i wasn't sure what to expect when i read it. It was in fact full of suspense and romance and lots of emotion. I just loved Ben and Ginny. Both were caring people in general. Ginny McCutcheon (Ginger McAlister) effectively ran away from home at 18 to join the Dare Divas a all women stunt flyer's group. Her father who suffered from cancer for 9 years died and she gave up having faith in god and in people. Someone is trying to hurt her now though and Ben McAlister shows up on behalf of her brother to bring her home for his and his wife's wedding celebration. Seems like every step they take there is danger though. Ben has got to figure out how to protect her and find out who is after her and why. He will also unknowingly help her find her way back to her faith. Both need to figure out they both deserve love. This book is packed with a whole lot of story in 217 pages. Well worth buying and reading. Romantic suspense in my favorite genre right now and this one really fits the bill for me.  This is a easily a 5 out of 5 Modokker Book pick stars for me. To find out more about this author and her other work click here www.rachellemccalla.com.