Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Book review & giveaway! : Shaking it up ( Love served with a Twist) by Erin Quinn

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Daisy L’Amore is faced with impossible choices. A prophecy given a year ago has Daisy and her two best friends racing the clock to find love before midnight on Valentine’s Day or they will lose everything they’ve worked for, including With a Twist, the martini bar and bistro the three of them own. A crystal heart and a gypsy’s words guide them, but love has a way of making its own rules, and Daisy is afraid to break them.


Romeo Corazón is shaking up Daisy’s world, but will the transformation he brings to her life be the downfall of everything she values? Or will falling in love with the wrong man make everything right?

This story is part of the sexy, martini-inspired Love, Served with a Twist Valentine’s Day series by Amazon bestselling authors Erin Quinn, Calista Fox, and Mary Leo.


Three best friends and a gypsy. What could happen? Well the Gypsy makes a bunch of predictions and they almost all seem to come through. Daisy is the bartender at the martini bar that she and her 2 best friends own along with a attached bistro. Daisy feels like she's a fraud. She can't come up with her own drink combo's she has to find them on the Internet.  The gypsy tells Daisy that her mom who had died from cancer had left her a letter. She does in fact find the letter right where the gypsy says it is. She and her friends all need to open their hearts and find their true loves before the next Valentine's day. She predicts them getting the martini bar and restaurant and much success. The ominous part of her prediction being they will  lose everything of value to them if they don't find their true loves and make them return their love by Feb. 14th.  A clear crystal heart shows up in the bar that the gypsy had and it's supposed to show them the one. At this point it's already pointed out men for her two friends but for Daisy nothing. Then a funny thing happens. Two very different men approach her bar and somehow the heart lights up on both of them, or so it seems. Bad boy rough and tumble construction guy Rome and Mr sweet and respectable with a British accent. Hmmmmm now what? Afraid of getting hurt she goes for respectable looking guy. First Mr. Respectable doesn't show up for their date and then when she tried again he attacks her. Rome to the rescue both times though. This guy is totally sigh worthy and not all he seems. He's a great guy with money and a company he owns. I confess i fell in love with Rome. Loved the name the description of him and his bad boy motorcycle too. Knows how to love a woman too. Daisy takes a long time getting a clue that Rome was the one right from the start.  loved it! 4 out of 5 Modokker book Pick stars. Find out more about Erin Quinn on her website here www.erinquinnbooks.com .

Love, Served with a twist is a trilogy. Besides Shaking it up Erin Quinn contribution there is also Stirring it up my Mary Leo and Dirtying it up by Calista Fox. Read all 3 reviews here on my blog this week  and also enter 3 giveaways for your chance to win a ebook copy of these ebook novella's.

Erin Quinn is giving away a copy of Calista Fox  part in this trilogy Dirtying it Uo! To enter please leave a comment here with your name and email address is this form. NAME at Yahoo dot com. Comment or answer this question. What has been your best ever Valentines day? Ends Friday February 3rd Good luck!

Don't want to wait to buy it? Get it here at Amazon right now www.amazon.com/Shakingitup!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Free ebook Friday Highland Mist (Druid book1) by Donna Grant

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Highland Mist


AN HONORABLE LAIRD…

Laird Connall MacInness was born to a clan that for centuries has been charged with the guarding of the sacred Druids. ‘Tis a duty he has always met with a willing heart, until the day his sister, a Druid priestess, goes missing, and the very Druids he has protected refuse to help him find the last remaining member of his family. Then a 300 year old prophecy places a Druid priestess in his hands for safekeeping. ‘Tis the chance at revenge that he’s been waiting for, but is he willing to pay the cost his revenge will demand–the loss of his mate and the future of Scotland?

A WILLING LASS…

Glenna MacNeil wants only to be free, to find the purpose of her life. When she is told to look for the dark laird that would free her, she eagerly goes with the powerful laird who fights her clan, not realizing she has set in motion events that will change the course of history.



Find out more about Donna Grant here on her website. www.donnagrant.com
 
Get this ebook free from from Amazon for Kindle right now www.amazon.com/Highland-Mist-Druid-Glen-ebook

Thursday, January 26, 2012

My Photo Inspiration?!! Not my usual kind of post.

Do photos ever inspire you? Most people don't know i am hobby photographer.  I always had a interest in photography and once digital cameras came into being and more affordable it became easier to take lots of pictures and keep the cost down. Several years ago i bought a Canon Rebel XT DSLR camera. These kind of cameras are awesome. You can just push the button down and snap off 20 photos in seconds. Then pick through and pick the best ones and delete the rest. If you've ever tried to take photos of kids you know how hard it is to get a good photo with everyone looking at you. lol I thought i would drag out a few inspirational pictures I've taken over the past several years. If you have a interest in photography you don't need a DSLR camera to take photos with any digital will you. I challenge you to go out in your yard or go for a walk and really look and find interesting things to take photos over. Think of different angles than the normal ones. Get down on your subject level and have fun. Here are some photos of mine. Hope you like them.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Book review: Rocky Mountain Heat ( Six Pack Ranch book1) by Vivian Arend

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First about the series. Taken from Vivian Arend's website.
The Coleman family has ranched in the Rocky Mountain House area of Alberta for generations. These modern day contemporary cowboy romance stories follow the current family members as they find both their place in the community and happy-ever-afters.Plans are in place for at least 6 books in the series.


Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a blonde wearing a cowboy hat with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. Hell, he was the one that taught her to ride a horse and now all he can think about is riding her. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off. Jaxi has other plans for his hands, and his heart. She may have considered Blake a big brother once but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s just what he’s been waiting for.Add the complication of two sexy younger brothers who have suddenly noticed Jaxi and things heat up fast. Blake’s gonna have to decide if a little trouble is worth fighting for.

Oh boy this is a hot little book. I thought it was going to be all about the sex and although it does have a nice part in the story there is so much more to it than that. You have this big family and some secrets and some lust of course. lol It starts out with a prologue 3 years before the book takes place. Jaxi is dating Travis one of the younger Coleman brothers. ( There are 6)  There is a precarious scene or two with Blake the eldest Coleman who after years of looks at Jaxi like a kid sister now is seeing her in a total different light. The Age difference  is 10 years between them and that's one of the main reasons Blake has tried to stay away from Jaxi the past 3 years. There is also the fact that she used to date his younger brother Travis too and a list of things that really don't matter. He taught her how to ride a horse and a dozen other things so he's having trouble switching from brother to wanting to be lover. Jaxi for her part has loved him forever. She only dated Travis party to get close to Blake. Blake's mom breaks her arm in a fall and Jaxi is hired to come stay at the ranch and help with Blake's mom. This stirs up a hornets nest in many ways because Blake isn't the only Coleman brother interested in Jaxi. This is fun to watch folks. lol No matter how much Jaxi wants Blake to see and and admit that she is a grown woman he persists on holding back. Can't last forever though can it. This book had a thread of home and hearth throughout it with all the brothers and family and that drew me in. My favorite part is the bonus chapter at the end. It won't make as much sense if you read it first so no peaking. It just gets you right in the heart though and you have to smile and laugh. Can't wait to read book 2 in this series which is available right now. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Stars for Rock Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend. Find out more about this series and read a excerpt on her website and find out about her other books as well.

Main page www.vivianarend.com
Excerpt and blurb for Rocky Mountain Heat vivianarend.com/books/six-pack-ranch/rocky-mountain-heat/
Excerpt for the latest book Rocky Mountain Haven vivianarend.com/books/six-pack-ranch/rocky-mountain-haven/
Lastly Rock Mountain Desire which will be out in March. vivianarend.com/books/six-pack-ranch/rocky-mountain-desire/

All are available  in only ebook format right now but will start being published in paperback in Oct of 2012.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Book Review: Whispers in the Dark (KGI series book 4) by Maya Banks

This review by Sarah

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Whispers in The Dark (KGI Series #4) by Maya Banks


I have this bad habit of starting a book series by jumping in (often unintentionally) somewhere in the middle. And Whispers in the Dark is a great example! It is the 4th novel in a series featuring the Kelly brothers and their paramilitary organization, and the first book I've ever read by Maya Banks.

The story starts as Nathan is being tortured by his captors. He has been a prisoner for weeks and is close to giving up. But he soon hears the voice of Shea in his head, giving him strength and somehow taking his pain away, giving him the strength he needs to hang on. Shea has somehow randomly psychically connected to Nathan, and does everything she can to save him. But Shea has problems of her own, and is being chased by the mysterious men who murdered her parents and are hunting for Shea and her sister.

The pace is relentless, and the action is nail-biting, heart-thumping and very exciting. The romance between Shea and Nathan was deeply emotional and intimate, as well as sexy as hell. Their psychic link intensifies the emotional bond between them, and their shared experiences of pain and danger heighten this bond. I loved the fast pace and the focus on the weapons, action and operations of the KGI teams.

Also, this book has the BEST DIALOGUE EVER regarding romance novels.

On page 219, Nathan has just pulled Shea to him and is kissing her in front of everybody, including P.J., a crack sniper and the only female member of KGI, and Cole, another team member.

"This is better than a romance novel," P.J. said with a wistful sigh.

"You read that stuff?" Cole demanded.

"Why the hell do you ask the question like that?" P.J. said, annoyance evident in her tone and expression.

"You just didn't seem the type," Cole muttered.

"I'm tempted to shove one of my romance novels up your ass," P.J. said sharply. "But I love my books too much to desecrate them like that. I'll settle for my boot."
Hah!


And now the rest of the story: this is easily the first romance novel I have ever read that seems to be written for the straight male audience. A straight male audience that loves military/paramilitary romance novels. It's got to exist, right? So why do I think this? The book is written in third person narrative, and while the reader spends enough time with Shea to get to know and care about her, the focus is mostly on Nathan, his feelings and his inner dialogue. By the time Shea and Nathan meet in person, after months of an intense psychic emotional bond, Nathan is overcome with lust/desire/love and their first sexual encounter is realistic - which is to say, rather quick. The next few times they have sex there's a lot of speed, the actual deed itself, and lots of oral sex performed on Nathan by Shea. Basically it's a guy's idea of heaven. Repeatedly. I kept waiting for Nathan to return the favor but it wasn't happening.

After Nathan is rescued, and then after he rescues Shea, they return to the Kelly compound where there is nonstop brother/tough guy teasing and dialogue. It's entertaining, realistic and feels genuine. I really loved it.

All the Kelly brothers are super tough, hunky, former military special ops, all around good guys. I liked these guys so much I plan to read the first 3 books in the KGI Series to learn their back stories.

Add to that the fact that Shea (our romance novel heroine) felt like an under-developed character to me. She has cool psychic powers and is tough and resilient, but mostly she is helpless, vulnerable, so tiny and slender (enough with the stereotypical slender, tiny heroines, people! How the hell can she be so slender if she is also described as "plump" in all the right places - PUH LEEEZ!)

So there you have it - a romance novel focused on the hero rather than the heroine, with an exciting plot, adrenaline-laced action and a whole family of sexy military hunks with stories of their own. I will definitely be checking out the other novels in the series.

4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars

For more information visit the author's website at www.mayabanks.com. This page will get you to a excerpt for this book as well. It's a must read if you are on the fence about this book.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Free ebook Friday! Northern Exposure Compass brother series book 1 by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon

Warning Erotica for those 18 yrs or older please.
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Available now from Samhain Publishing, Amazon,B&N


Jayne Rylon and  Mari Carr

All roads lead home when that’s where you’ve left your heart.

Compass Brothers, Book 1



Silas Compton always had his eye on Lucy, the veterinarian’s daughter. He was even content to wait for the girl of his dreams to grow up before getting anywhere near her with his family’s double-edged legacy.



Waiting around led to fooling around with his best friend—and an impulsive eruption of desire that Lucy’s innocent eyes weren’t meant to see. Figuring Compton Pass wasn’t big enough for either the three of them or the pain he’d caused, Silas let loose his tightly reined wanderlust and headed for Alaska.

Ten years later, when an oil rig accident sends him home, he braces himself for the reopening of old wounds. Instead he finds himself in the care—and welcoming arms—of Lucy and Colby, whose marriage has plenty of room for the man they both still love. And forgive with all their hearts.


As things start to unravel at Compass Ranch, Silas must dig deep for the strength to assume his rightful place in the Compton family…and lay the foundation for a future with his lovers. If he can forgive himself.


Product Warnings

This book is overflowing with sexy cowboys who like to saddle up and ride each other as well as the woman of their dreams. The likelihood of becoming addicted to their ranch family is high. With three more stories yet to come, beware. You won’t be able to read just one!


Find out more about the authors here

Jayne Rylon www.jaynerylon.com
Mari Carr www.maricarr.com

Free for Amazon here www.amazon.com/Northern-Exposure-Compass-Brothers

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Book review: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton (Play by Play series)

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Changing the Game

Book Two in the Play-by-Play Series
Published August 2, 2011

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren't most people...

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.


Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.


This is book 2 in the Play by Play series. Book one was called "The Perfect Play" and involved Gavin's brother Mick. In that book Liz comes out looking like a coldhearted bitch. Things get turned around a bit in book 2 and Mick turns into the jerk. Interesting switch up. Liz isn't what she seems and Gavin works at trying to find the real Liz. He gets flashes of her throughout the book but it takes him a while to get the total picture. Liz on the other hand is trying hard not to let Gavin in. She decides that although she's loved him for the past 5 years he doesn't need to know that and she will enjoy him while she can. Little do they know that they are meant for each other and they each bring out the best in themselves when together. If you hated Liz in book one i am pretty sure you'll love her by the end of book 2. You get flashes of characters from book one and a intro to a some from book 3 "Taking a Shot" that comes out in March of 2012. It took a while for this book to get started for me and really get my interest but when it did it took off and i hung on for the ride. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars for Jaci Burton's Changing the Game. Find out more about this book and the Play by Play series including some excerpts by checking out Jaci's website here www.jaciburton.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Book Review: Margot's Lawman 3rd book Sisters of McDougal Ranch series by Debra Kayn

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It's hard to keep a secret in the small town of Pike, Montana, but veterinarian Margot McDougal and sheriff Roy Lee Hanson managed to keep their relationship on the sly for months. Margot cares for Roy Lee, but the last thing she needs is to worry about local gossip while she's busy running her clinic and dealing with the loss of her beloved father.


Roy Lee can't wait to tell the world that he loves Margot. He respected her decision to keep their affair quiet—until now. It's time for everyone to know Margot is his gal...especially Ryan Martin, her new assistant. He's formed an attachment to Margot and Roy Lee is sure the city boy's unexplained appearance in Pike means he's up to no good.

Margot just wants to help Ryan fit in, and Roy Lee's jealousy soon drives a wedge between them. A wedge that only increases when Margot is roped into Ryan's secret, too...


This is book 3 of the Sisters of McDougal Ranch. This time it's Margot's turn to find her true love. You find out at the end of Val's Rancher ( book 2) that Margot and Roy Lee are having some kind of relationship and that they've been keeping it a secret for some time. Roy Lee is ready to make it public and leaves subtle hints here and there as to let the cat out of the bag to everyone. Margot has a new assistant in veterinary clinic too. Ryan is a nice enough guy but totally from the city and wants to fit in. He starts trying to dress like a real cowboy and failing miserably but he is also acting very weird toward Margot which gets Roy Lee suspicious and jealous.  There is more than one secret in the mix and things eventually come out in the open. The funniest part of this book is Margot's affinity for her animals and her teaching a pig how to run along side her for exercise so he can lose weight. There just such a mix of things in this book that you can't help but read it on one sitting. Those are the best kind sometimes. Debra Kayn really knows how to suck you in with her sexy cowboys and her family of sisters and their dad to taught them about sticking together and being there for each other. 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Margot's Lawman. Read more about Debra Kayn and her books by checking out her website here. www.debrakayn.com

Pre-order this book now from Amazon here www.amazon.com/Margots-Lawman-ebook Releases Feb 13, 2012

pre-order from Barnes nad Noble here www.barnesandnoble.com/w/margots-lawman-debra-kayn Releases Feb. 13th 2012

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Book review and interview: Confession of a Neurotic Hitwoman by JB Lynn

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Maggie Lee is not your average hitwoman. For one thing, she’s never killed anyone. For another, after hitting her head in the car accident that killed her sister, her new best friend is a talking lizard—a picky eater, obsessed with Wheel of Fortune, that only Maggie can hear.


Maggie, who can barely take care of herself, is desperate to help her injured and orphaned niece get the best medical care possible, so she reluctantly accepts a mobster’s lucrative job offer: major cash to kill his monstrous son-in-law.

Paired with Patrick Mulligan, a charming murder mentor (who happens to moonlight as a police detective), Maggie stumbles down her new career path, contending with self-doubt, three meddling aunts, a semi-psychic friend predicting her doom, and a day job she hates. Oh, and let’s not forget about Paul Kowalski, the sexy beat cop who could throw her ass in jail if he finds out what she’s up to.

Training has never been so complicated! And, this time, Maggie has to get the job done. Because if she doesn't … she’s the mob’s next target.

This is the second book for author JB Lynn. Her books so far are complex. She has so much going on but it's not confusing. It's laid out nicely in a good pace that you can follow and savor as you go. I didn't know what to expected based on the title and cover and the brand spanking newness of this author. Was it a thriller? Seemed like it might be since the last one was. OK but the blurb mentions a talking lizard so maybe it's funny too??? Ha it's a mix of both. There are some dark sad elements going on in this book and some suspicious characters too but it's God or Godzilla if you want his full name that brings the funny to this book. Every time Maggie talks to the lizard or refers to him as God i want to crack up. The thriller part comes from what Maggie has to do to help her niece get the medical care she needs. Of course getting paid to be a hitwoman and kill someone isn't exactly something Maggie knows how to do. She gets help from a two side guy who is both hot cop and secret hitman for hire. Patrick is supposed to teach her the ropes so she can get the job done and help her niece. There is something going on between them but you can never quite put your finger on it. Things don't well with the hit though and Patrick decides he has to help her out of the mess. This is one of the most interesting books I have read in a while. I hated to see it end but the author leaves it open at the end  for the possibility of more books. 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Stars for Confessions of a Neurotic Hitwoman by author JB Lynn.

Find out more about JB Lynn this book and her debut book First Victum on her website here www.jblynn.com

Below is a quick interview i did with JB Lynn. Enjoy!
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1. Please tell us about Confessions of a Neurotic Hitwoman. How did you come up with the idea for this book but particularly for the talking lizard Godzilla or God for short.


I can’t describe the novel in a sentence or two, so here’s the official blurb:

Maggie Lee is not your average hit woman. For one thing, she’s never killed anyone. For another, after hitting her head in the car accident that killed her sister, her new best friend is a talking lizard--a picky eater obsessed with Wheel of Fortune, who only Maggie can hear.

Maggie, who can barely take care of herself, is desperate to help her injured and orphaned niece get the best medical care possible, so she reluctantly accepts a mobster’s lucrative job offer: major cash to kill his monstrous son-in-law.

Paired with Patrick Mulligan, a charming murder mentor (who happens to moonlight as a police detective), Maggie stumbles down her new career path, contending with self-doubt, three meddling aunts, a semi-psychic friend predicting her doom, and a day job she hates. Oh, and let’s not forget about Paul Kowalski, the sexy beat cop who could throw her ass in jail if he finds out what she’s up to.

Training has never been this complicated! And, this time, Maggie has to get the job done. Because if she doesn’t – she’s the mob’s next target.

Poor Maggie Lee, must decide she’s willing to become a contract killer in order to earn enough money to provide her hospitalized niece with the best medical care money can buy. Quite the dilemma isn’t it? Does doing something “wrong”, for all the “right” reasons, make it okay?

That’s where the invention of Godzilla came in. I wanted a character to embody how crazy Maggie’s life has become. He’s the character who is her closest confidant…it’s not like she could go and tell a friend or family member about what she’s contemplating. He’s a royal pain in the butt, but he’s the one who questions her choices and nudges her along when she needs it.

Plus, being a lizard, he’s portable and can come along on her adventures. You couldn’t sneak a ferret or chinchilla into a hospital room unnoticed.


2. What got you started in writing? Influences?

I love stories. I was the kid in grade school who’d rather write a story than draw a picture. I’ve always been writing…it just took me a way to work up to adding “novelist” to my repertoire.

I know you’re probably looking for me to name known authors when you ask influences, but this book was influenced by people I know: a single mom, with an autistic child, who still manages to find things in life to laugh at; a writer who writes the book of her heart, instead of trying to figure out what the market will bear; the friend struggling to rebuild her life after awaking from a medically-induced coma. Life hasn’t been fair to these people, but over and over again, they do their best. They keep trying. I wanted to imbue Maggie with those traits, because they’re what I admire in real life.

3. What genre's do you write and how did you decide on these?

Ha! What genre do you think Confessions is? I’ve heard it called “romantic suspense”, “humorous crime fiction” and “chick lit”. It’s also been compared to the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich…except way twisted. So I guess I write in some combination of those. I intentionally didn’t want to pigeon-hole the story while writing it, so I didn’t give it a label or write for a certain market.

I just wrote a story I’d want to read. It’s definitely different, but I don’t think that makes it any less entertaining.
4. How do you find your ideas for stories? I find your work very interesting and different and so i wonder how you do it.

Hmmm….that’s a really good question. I wish I knew the answer, lol. I’d like to say I’ve got some sort of system for capturing ideas, but usually it’s a result of paying attention to what my subconscious is trying to tell me. Usually it comes to me in disjointed bits, once I can connect them, all Is golden.



Confessions came together like this:
Piece One: A few years ago I wrote the sentence: “You know it’s going to be a bad day when Death pulls up behind you in a station wagon.” I had NO CLUE what it meant, but I wrote it down and kept it in my ideas file. I kept revisiting it, but couldn’t figure out the story that went with it. It’s now the opening line of the book.

Piece Two: A friend told me I should write something with the snarky voice I usually only reveal to those closest to me. A person saying the things I think might come across as bitchy, but have the same dialogue coming out of the mouth of a know-it-all lizard and all of the sudden it’s pretty funny.

Piece Three: A local news story started me wondering how someone might become a contract killer.

5. What's your process. Do you plot it all out or fly by the seat of your pants and hope it all works out?

I won’t start a book without knowing how it’s going to end. I always plot out the biggest and most important scenes, for every major character, ahead of time. I put it all on a chart. I doubt anyone could possibly figure out what my charts mean. For Confessions I plotted the main story, Maggie’s internal journey, Godzilla’s story, Patrick’s story, Armani’s story, Paul’s story, the aunts, Alice, Gary the Gun, and Delveccio.

Even with doing all that, I’m open to inspiration if it happens to show up. Without giving anything away, I’ll say that the whole Doomsday bit was a pleasant surprise that didn’t show up until I’d already written the first third of the book.



6. Name 3 things that people would be surprised to know about you.

1) I can put eye make-up on with my mouth closed.

2) I can wink both eyes.

3) I’ve never seen Titanic….and yet my heart still goes on…

Thanks JB for your time. Don't forget you can pre order this book now or buy it in ebook form only 1/24/2012

Sunday, January 15, 2012

JennLeBlanc Blog Tour Winner and My Birthday post Winner!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Winner of Jenn LeBlance giveaway from Wednesday is....

Shelly B!! Congrats.  You win all 6 parts of The Rake and Recluse! Your info is forwarded to Jenn and she will contact you soon.


My Birthday giveaway winner from Tuesdays post is....

Sarah!! You win a JR Ward Lover Unleashed in mass market paperback.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Free ebook Friday! Your Words, Your story, by debut author Cynthia Harrison

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Your Words, Your Story is a creative memoir and writing resource for short story, novel, memoir, screenplay, children's literature, and poetry. Includes section on how to publish. This text tells the story of one writer's journey and is ideal for new writer self-study or as a text for adult writing workshops.


About the Author

Cynthia Harrison is a teacher and writer who has published fiction, poetry and personal essays in many literary and mainstream journals. She also reviews for Publishers Weekly and blogs at A Writer's Diary.
Find Cynthia Harrison here:
Twitter CynthiaHarriso1
Facebook Cynthia Hines Harrison
website www.cynthiaharrison.com
 
This ebook is available for free until January 15th so grab it now www.amazon.com/Your-Words-Story-ebook

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Jenn LeBlanc Wicked Blog Tour! Giveaway!

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Thank you Lisa for hosting the WICKED blog tour! I’m so glad to be here today!


Hellooo lovelies! Thank you for stopping by today. This is my WICKED blog tour to celebrate the re-release of THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE, as a six part serial novel with all new content and never before released story of the Rake.



I can’t even begin to tell you how this is for me, I slaved away with a brand new AMAZING editor and went back through every image to find the very best images for the story. There are more scenes, more images and more excitement than ever before.



For those of you who are new to me, my name is Jenn and I am not just an author but I am also a photographer. I have photographed everything from the Grand Prix, to the BP oil spill, to the birth of babies and politicians, Paul Newman (he almost ran me over on his little blue scooter), Tim Robbins, Ian SMOLDERhalder, basketball, football, soccer, rugby, murderball...it goes on. I get around. Lately I’ve been shooting half nekked men for covers, and my books. Because...well...why the heck not I say.



Some people don’t like it or think it’s weird and that’s ok, it like any story, it isn’t for everyone. My novels are illustrated, because I can, because I am in a very special position since I am a professional photographer. This would be very difficult and expensive for someone else to undertake. I suppose that makes me lucky. But my books are truly one of a kind. There isn’t anything like them.



I brought a few pictures to show you what the book looks like, because it’s hard to envision. It is meant to be read as an ebook, that was the whole point. Drawing from the time period it is written in—Victorian—when novels were illustrated with beautiful plates. (think Alice In Wonderland)



There weren’t very many illustrations in Alice but every single one had so much depth and detail you could stare at the forever, at least I did. I happen to collect versions of Alice because it is simply my all time favorite book. I love everything Alice. It is so magical, all about innocence and imagination, and wickedness. It is pure genius.



You’ll probably find a little Alice in any book I write, somehow, somewhere, because ai love it so dearly.



Now for those illustrations. As a trained and practicing photojournalist, someone trained to illuminate the human condition, to tell visual stories, let’s break down the five part picture story:

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One of the most important tenets of photojournalism is open with a strong image. So there you go.
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Following images should be telling, show the smaller parts of the story to illuminate the characters.



Always include detail images to illustrate the small important parts of the story.

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They should explain, they should draw emotion from the viewer, they should be powerful.
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The closing image is meant to seal the deal. To tell the story, bring it home, explain the reason for the story in one image.
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To quote Gideon, when he was asked to chose either love or duty: “If you ask me today I say love. Be that my duty.”



Where to find me: Twitter | Facebook | Author Site | Blog | Tumbler | (NSFW)

And please come find me! I LOVE to chat with readers!

Blurb:

A woman out of time.

A man stifled by propriety.

A nemesis determined to take her away.

A brother to the rescue.



How will a powerful Duke deal with a woman who doesn't know her place? How will a woman used to the 21st century survive in time where she is considered property?



Francine Larrabee woke up on the wrong side of the century. She was fairly certain she went to sleep in her own comfy bed, but she doesn’t quite seem to be there now. Only adding to her problems is that she has no voice, is constantly being glowered at by a large, stunning man who is obsessed with propriety, and she is apparently betrothed to another horrid little man, determined to ruin her, and any other girls that get in his way.

How does she find herself in the past, when she couldn’t even find herself in her present? How does a self sufficient businesswoman survive in a time when women were still considered property for the whole of their lives and what is she going to do with this man who draws her to him so fiercely.

Where to get the books:
THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part one brings Francine to the world of the Duke of Roxleigh, clashing worlds in first installment of the completely revised novel, with all new material.

Available now from these ebook retailers:

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble


All Romance ebooks


THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE Part two finds Francine in the world of the Duke of Roxleigh. The clashing of worlds in first installment of the completely revised novel continues as Francine finds her footing, discovers secrets about her elusive host, and learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.

Available now from these ebook retailers:
Amazon

Barnes and Noble

All Romance ebooks

TAKEN : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Three

Part THREE brings Francine and Gideon closer than they ever imagined possible, until the unimaginable tears them apart. What will Gideon do if he loses her, this time, forever?


Coming January 17, 2012

RUINATION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Four

Part FOUR is full of revelations, celebrations, protestations and one surprise that will have you holding your breath for the final chapters. What has Perry done?


Coming January 31, 2012

SUBMISSION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Five

Perry leaves Roxleigh House without a backward glance only to be tossed headlong into one of the most difficult trials of his life. How will he protect the very thing he is dedicated to pursuing? How will a man dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure survive a woman who refuses to relent, when he knows he cannot have her.

Coming February 14, 2012

RETRIBUTION : The Rake And The Recluse : Part Six

Perry must find the woman who has managed to capture his heart, then he must find a way to keep her. Someone else is on the hunt, someone from her past who doesn’t appreciate that she still lives and breaths.

Coming February 28, 2012

NOW it’s your turn, what do you think of the illustrations? What do you think of a full scale illustrated novel? Thank you for stopping by, one lucky commenter will win a full copy of the six-part serial novel as it is released. You will ALSO be entered in the grand prize #WICKEDblog tour, which will be given away on March 1, 2012. Do not forget to include your email address in your comment or you can’t be entered into the grand prize drawing.



Rules can be found here.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Happy Birthday to me Giveaway and Results from Romance Biggest Winner

The end results for Romance Biggest Winner challenged were announced yesterday and i came in 4th in the readers part of the challenge. Not bad. I lost 34.5 lbs total so far and 20.49% of my body weight since i started July 5th of 2011. Here are some pictures to show my progress.

July of 2011
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October of 2011
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And yesterday January 9th
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If you were wondering what i did to get the weight off I'll tell you. I used www.myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise. You can use it to track your measurements and water intake as well. Find friends to to help encourage you. For exercise i tried a variety of things from walking to various Wii games including Zumba, Zumba 2, Gold's Gym, Just Dance 3 and Wii fit 2. I tried to keep myself in the frame of mind to think before i eat. I wasn't always successful but as i went along i got better. Take time to see what calories etc is in your food before you eat. Pay attention at the grocery store when your shopping. My fitness pal has a app for iPhone so you can take it with you when you go out to track yourself. Makes eating out much easier. Anyway I'm going to keep up with what I'm doing i have about 5 more pounds to lose and toning to do. I hope to add weight lifting and in the spring try running. I did one 5K walk this fall and won my age group so i would like to try more of those too. I never thought i could do this well when i signed up for Romance Biggest Winner but am more than happy with the results.

PS there is a Romance Biggest Winner in the works to begin in February. To see this RBW results click here and at the end of the post is the email address to sign up for RBW2 romancebiggestwinner.blogspot.com

Today is my birthday also and so i thought i would offer up a prize. A friend of mine gave me a new copy of JR Ward Soft cover book Lover Unleashed. If you are a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series you know this series well. This book came out in softcover in November and my friend picked up at her library used sale box for 60 cents. It's new. Not even cracked open to read even once by what it looks like. If you would like to have this book for your own all you have to do is leave me a comment. Make sure you leave a email address so i can contact you. Leave it in this form please YOURNAME at WHATEVER dot com. This keeps trollies from getting it. If your so inclined please follow my blog too. Open to US only please. Sorry. Ends Friday January 13th.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Free ebook Friday! Ryan's Return by Barbara Freethy

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Famous photojournalist Ryan Hunter has come back to a family torn apart by mistrust and resentment — to the father who disowned him, to the brother who betrayed him, to the little boy who shares his features. Ryan, the charismatic “bad boy” son, has returned — stirring up past conflicts like a whirlwind…and throwing Kara Delaney’s fragile, passionate heart into turmoil.




Kara has struggled back from a disastrous marriage to build a new life for herself and her little girl — a peaceful existence now jeopardized by vicious, small town politics, by her daughter’s fanciful ghost stories…and by Ryan’s return. Now nature’s impending fury threatens to expose long-buried secrets. And Kara must join with the enigmatic, misunderstood Ryan — to discover the truth that will save their families…. and to explore a dangerous, irresistible love as mighty and enduring as the onrushing river.


Find out more about author Barbara Freethy on her website here www.barbarafreethy.com


buy for free from Amazon for kindle here www.amazon.com/Ryans-Return-ebook

note I checked B&N and it's not free there at this time.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Book review: Wyoming Tough by Diana Palmer

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A cowboy through and through, ranch owner Mallory Kirk knows what it means to put in a full day's work. But does his new cowgirl? He has his doubts that Morie Brannt will be able to pull her own weight, even if the petite young woman does seem to have a lot of spirit.


As they spar over events at the ranch and a past that threatens their hopes for the future, sparks begin to fly, and Mallory can't help but notice Morie in a new light. But is this tough Wyoming man ready to love?

I know I've said this many times before but i have a love hate relationship with Diana Palmer books. I hate them for almost the first half or so of the book them i just might love them by the end. lol Happens almost every time. Wyoming Tough is one of the best of Diana Palmer's books that I've read. I kept waiting for that feeling i get where i think the hero is such a jerk and someone should knock some sense in him. I still got that feeling just not to the intensity that i usually do. Morie is rich, way more rich than Mallory big stuff Kirk. Thing is Morie's dad would never teach her the dirty parts to ranching.The other problem is almost all men saw her as a meal ticket to her daddy's wealth. She got the idea that she would leave town ( town being L.A.) and head out to Wyoming and work on a smaller ranch and pretend she was poor and learn what she wanted to and maybe be seen for herself. Mallory Kirk is one of three brothers who own the ranch that Morie ends up working on. All three brothers have had a rough time of it in some way, shape or form. Mallory doesn't think he is very good looking and he's been burned by women before who just wanted him for his money. Like all hero's in Diana Palmer's book Mallory has a attitude. Oh yes he thinks he knows it all of course and he has a girlfriend who is not what she seems and is out for Mallory's money ( imagine that). He is to blind to see this although to everyone else it's pretty plain. At the same time Mallory can't fight his attraction for Morie and it scares him a bit. It all comes to a head when Morie is accused of doing the one thing Mallory can't tolerate and she leaves the ranch broken hearted. Thing take a twist from there when Mallory and his girlfriend show up at Morie's parents house for a big party only to discover who Morie really is. I always enjoy the part when the hero finally gets a clue.  I really enjoyed this book. There are some great characters and i love Morie's toughness. She rich so she doesn't have to do anything but she gets right in there and does the work and she's smart and holds her own against everyone. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Wyoming Tough by Diana Palmer.

Find out more about this book and Diana Palmer's other works by checking out her website here. www.dianapalmer.com

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Book Review: Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis

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This book was first published in 2009 in trade paperback and will be reissued this fall in mass market. Look for it on bookshelves in October 2012.

back cover blurb via Amazon
The first in a sensational  series, Jill Shalvis introduces Cameron, Stone, and T.J. Wilder--three bad-boy heroes who effortlessly mix breathtaking adventure and scorching sex appeal. . .


Get Wild. . .And Then Get Wilder. . .

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl--working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn't fit in anywhere. That's all she wants. Well, that--and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she's crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed--that part defies explanation. . .

After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he'll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie's killer smile triggers something deep in his gut. . .among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a checkbook is the biggest rush he's ever felt--and an adventure Katie's wishing would never end...

I read this book once before but can't remember if i ever reviewed it so here i am. Love this series and Instant Attraction is book one. I've never read a Jill Shalvis book i didn't like and this one follows along with that. Funny and witty this is a "read in one sitting" read. Cameron Wilder was this world class athlete then he had a terrible accident on the slopes that ended his competing days for good. Heartbroken and lost he takes off trying to find himself and who he is now. A year later he shows up home to his brothers and Wilder Adventures.  Wilder Adventures is a outdoor adventure and expedition company is owned by Cam and his two brothers. Well mostly Cam's brothers until he shows back up. Of course he shows back up at 1 in the morning to find Katie Kramer in his bed in his cabin. This book is kind of a journey for Katie. She was in this horrific accident where she was the only survivor of a bridge collapse. Trying to deal with that she runs from LA and ends up working for the Wilder's for a month doing temp work. Sparks fly pretty fast between Cam and Katie although Cam resists getting to close to Katie. Both have to fight their inner demons to find the love they deserve with each other. The writing is so good you get drawn in and wish you were there. The funny bits here and there lead you through the story to the serious bits too. Even the last lines made me laugh. I was glad i got to read this. 5 out of 5 stars for Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis.

Read a excerpt here http://jillshalvis.com/excerpts/instant-attraction/
Find out more about Jill Shalvis her books and her hilarious blog by clicking here. www.jillshalvis.com

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Book review: Spirit Bound( Book #2 Sisters of the Heart) by Christine Feehan

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Lethal undercover agent Stefan Prakenskii knew a thousand ways to kills a man—and twice as many ways to pleasure a woman. That’s what made him look forward to his new mission: arrive in the coastal town of Sea Haven and insinuate himself in the life of an elusive beauty who had mysterious ties to his past, and a link to a dangerously seductive, and equally elusive master criminal who wanted only one thing: to possess her.



Judith Henderson was an artist on the rise—an ethereal, and haunted woman whose own picture-perfect beauty stirred the souls of two men who have made her their obsession. For years she has been waiting for someone to come and unlock the passion and fire within her—waiting for the right man to surrender it to. But only one man can survive her secrets, and the shadow she has cast over both their lives.

I am what you might consider a pretty big fan of Christine Feehan. I've read every one of her books many more than once. This new series Sisters of the Heart is good but I'm struggling with the love i felt for the Drake sisters series. I'm not quite there in feeling for this new series what i felt for the Drakes. I love that the new series is set in Sea Haven and that the Drakes are somewhat included but not enough for me at this point. Book number two Spirit Bound is was really good once i got about halfway through it finally picked up and i was really getting into it but this time the story was to wordy. To much thinking in their heads and they are in love right away or obsessed but then you spend half the book with them talking about in their heads. When you get to the action, it's really good. I love Lev and Stefan's interactions and the giving of more details into their history. The kaleidoscopes that Judith makes are really cool and interesting especially when Stefan makes one. I liked them together but i wanted more. Slightly disappointed in the ending of the problem with Judith's stalker guy. I kept thinking that's it? Where is Stefan. I don't want to say i didn't like it because i really did enjoy it. It just wasn't up to snuff for what i was expecting. If you are paying attention you get some interesting glances into Blythe. I have some theories i would love to talk to someone about but i hate to throw out thoughts and possibly ruin something for someone. lol Just pay attention to her parts of this book particularly at the very end and her hands and think of the Prakenskii brothers. There that's a hint at least. 3 and 1/2 stars for Spirit Bound. I so wish i could say 5 stars but i just can't. Hoping the next book is better.


Find out more about this book and read the first chapter on Christine Feehan's website by clicking here www.christinefeehan.com