tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160182922768964132024-03-05T12:00:27.589-05:00Zemfirka Blogs...A book review blog, with an occasional recipe or two.zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-4269788703039007412021-05-19T11:20:00.001-04:002021-05-19T11:20:48.579-04:00Mini Book Reviews: April 2021<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Shipped</b><br />Angie Hockman</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i><u>Release Date</u>: January 19, 2021</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615709100l/55199191._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615709100l/55199191._SY475_.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br /></div><i><u><div style="text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div>Book Description</u>:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game in this witty, clever, and swoonworthy novel following a workaholic marketing manager who is forced to go on a cruise with her arch-nemesis when they’re up for the same promotion.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b>Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.<br />The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on how to boost bookings in the Galápagos - best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: They have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands...together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?<br />Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne, Shipped is a fresh and engaging rom-com that celebrates the power of second chances and the magic of new beginnings.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZWHPRV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55199191-shipped" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Review</u>:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>5 stars</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Great read and it's wonderful on audio as well - Inés del Castillo does a great job as narrator! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />This book really had strong <b>The Hating Game</b> vibes, which I also loved. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Interestingly enough, on the heels of finishing <b>Loathe at First Sight </b>(“<b>LaFS</b>”), <b>Shipped</b> explores some similar themes in regard to sexism in the workplace, and specifically explores how women in business are competing against men. But, unlike Park’s <b>LaFS</b>, <i>imho</i> <b>Shipped</b> does it better. Working this hot topic theme into the plot of the romance novel gives it a more organic flow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I also loved that the story felt more genuine (perhaps a tiny bit <i>instant-y</i>, but still). I clearly adored the lead couple and hope that we get to see some stories about supporting cast as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Wicked All Night (Night Rebel #3)</b><br />Jeaniene Frost</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i><u>Release Date</u>: February 23, 2021</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1613232718l/53660041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1613232718l/53660041.jpg" width="218" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /><u><br /></u></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><u>Book Description</u>:<br />Set in the Night Huntress World, ancient deities are poised to wreck havoc, unless vampires Veritas and Ian can stop them!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /><b>A gift from the gods… </b><br /><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Veritas and Ian have finally defeated their worst enemy, but the power it took to pierce through to the netherworld has unexpected consequences. Soon, Veritas is forced to rely on the last person she trusts—a golden deity named Phanes, who seeks far more than a temporary alliance with the beautiful vampire.<br /><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Can unleash hell…</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b>But an escape from the netherworld soon pits Veritas and Ian against supernatural beings seeking to rule over mortals once again. Now, they must rally friends and foes alike—if the vampire council doesn’t execute Veritas first. Plus, a wedge between Veritas and Ian threatens to destroy their love. Can they stand together against the unearthly powers about to be unleashed? Or does their love—and humanity—not stand a chance?</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087QG8PBG/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53660041-wicked-all-night" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><u>Review</u>:<br /><i>3 stars</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I’m a total latecomer into Jeaniene Frost’s world, and in fact, I have yet to read any of the <b>Night Huntress</b> books <i>*runs and hides*</i>. So, <b>Night Rebel</b> and <b>Night Prince</b> novels are my first foray into this author’s writing. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I enjoyed most of the prior <b>Night Rebel</b> books, but this was not one of them. It felt rushed and over the top. I think magic has gone off the rails and most of the rules seemed to have flown out of the window at this point. While in prior novels I found Ian’s character highly entertaining, here, his overprotectiveness and blinding need to ram through any and every obstacle has gone overboard. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Veritas, as always has been an acquired taste, especially in comparison to Ian’s vibrancy and eccentricity. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, this final installment was just <i>meh</i>. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone #3)</b><br />Abby Jimenez<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><u>Release Date</u>: April 6, 2021</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607693043l/56249406._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607693043l/56249406._SX318_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><u>Book Description</u>:<br /><b>A brilliant and touching romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b>Vanessa lives life on her own terms — one day at a time, every day to its fullest. She isn’t willing to waste a moment or miss out on an experience when she has no idea whether she shares the same fatal genetic condition as her mother. Besides, she has way too much to do, traveling the globe and showing her millions of YouTube followers the joy in seizing every moment.<br /><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>But after her half-sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her infant daughter, she is housebound, on mommy duty for the foreseeable future, and feeling totally out of her element.<br /><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The last person she expects to show up offering help is the unbelievably hot lawyer who lives next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. But as they get closer, Vanessa realizes that her carefree ways and his need for a structured plan could never be compatible for the long term. Then again, she should know better than anyone that life’s too short to fear taking the biggest risk of all. . .</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Q5X6W6H/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56249406-life-s-too-short" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Review</u>:<br /><i>3.5 stars</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I’ve been a fan of Abby Jimenez since <b>The Friend Zone</b> and have been looking forward to this final installment. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, it was no surprise that I really enjoyed <i>(most of)</i> this book. It was almost as good as the others, if not for the very end. I think I’ve said it before, but I really loathe the use of a "misunderstanding" as a device to create conflict in the story, which was the case here. Something that can be solved with a simple conversation – <i>why, oh why? </i> <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another thing that felt inauthentic to the story is our hero’s big character transformation towards the end. Yes, there is absolutely a need for character growth, but this 180 felt almost forced. I don’t think the fear that he experiences can be conquered in such a short time as portrayed here, even when there are motivational reasons for it. On the other hand, I quite admired heroine’s determinations and strength, even when some of those decisions might’ve contributed to unnecessary drama. <i>*Way to go, girl! Stay strong*</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Otherwise, the whole <b>The Friend Zone</b> series has been stellar. Highly recommended.</div>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-9055893335015013692021-04-13T16:32:00.001-04:002021-04-13T16:32:01.702-04:00(Audio)Book Review: Loathe at First Sight <div style="text-align: left;"><b>Loathe at First Sight </b><br />Suzanne Park <br />Great Jung (Narrator)</div><p><i><u>Release Date</u>: August 18, 2020</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1594980638l/54564987._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1594980638l/54564987._SX318_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><u>Book Description</u>:<br /></i><i>Melody Joo is thrilled to land her dream job as a video game producer, but her new position comes with challenges: an insufferable CEO; sexist male coworkers; and an infuriating - yet distractingly handsome - intern, Nolan MacKenzie, aka “the guy who got hired because his uncle is the boss.”</i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Just when Melody thinks she’s made the worst career move of her life, her luck changes. While joking with a friend, she creates a mobile game that has male strippers fighting for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Suddenly Melody’s “joke” is her studio’s most high-profile project - and Melody’s running the show.<br /></i><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>When Nolan is assigned to Melody’s team, she’s sure he’ll be useless. But as they grow closer, she realizes he’s smart and sexy, which makes Melody want to forget he’s her intern. As their attraction deepens, she knows it’s time to pump the brakes, even with her Korean parents breathing down her neck to hurry up and find a man.<br /></i><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>With her project about to launch, Melody suddenly faces a slew of complications, including a devastating trolling scandal. Could the man she’s falling hard for help her play the game to win - in work and in love?</i></div><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZXR8MM/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54564987-loathe-at-first-sight" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Review</u>:<br /><i>3 stars</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This book was not what I expected. It was more about perception and hardship of working in a male-driven industry for an Asian-American woman, which I guess is one of those <i>"it"</i> topics these days. But the description of this novel sells at as romance, that basically is an afterthought here. I'm not mad about reading (or rather listening to) this book, but I wasn't thrilled with the presentation and execution.<br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;">Suzanne Park definitely highlights the areas of issue in the industry, the sexism and perhaps racism as well. But along with that, the characters who experience these issues often act in similarly problematic way themselves. To me this feels duplicitous.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Getting back to romance - it's not well developed, the characters felt forced together for the sake of checking the box. I couldn't honestly tell who was the <i>"Loathe"</i>- love interest until at least halfway through. And ultimately, I didn't feel this book needed the romance aspect at all. Perhaps my thoughts were also colored by the narrator whose whole presentation felt robotic, at times unnecessarily exaggerated, and whose male (and most female for that matter) voices left much to be desired.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Overall: "meh"</i></div>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-92230007788842091322021-03-23T11:44:00.002-04:002021-03-23T11:52:42.443-04:00Book Review: A Court of Silver Flames<div style="text-align: left;"><b>A Court of Silver Flames</b> (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #4)<br />Sarah J. Maas</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i><u>Release Date</u>: February 16, 2021</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1600960807l/54479197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="289" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1600960807l/54479197.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><u>Book Description</u>:<br />Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.<br />Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CHNCDN5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54479197-a-court-of-silver-flames" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Review</u>:<br /><i>5 stars</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Epic! <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was an engrossing roller-coaster ride and is a strong fantasy romance on its own. (I dare say this reads as a stand-alone and not a spinoff, although one would greatly benefit from prior knowledge of these characters and this fantasy world’s lore). There is a lot of emotion and other aspects of the story that are brutal in many ways - Nesta takes a long road in rebuilding her character. I honestly, didn't think I would care as much but to my surprise I quite enjoyed it. To me the love story was not as strong/interesting, as Nesta's journey of coming to terms with herself and carving her own pass in life with her new friends. <span><a name='more'></a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <i>Blood Rite</i> gave me strong Hunger Games vibes, but I didn't mind. Except for the fact that most of the fast-paced action takes places in the last 10% of the book, while we are taken on a slow, grueling journey throughout could be a bit frustrating in a book of 700+ pages - this book definitely grabbed my attention from the get-go (which is an epic achievement in itself these days for me <i>*wink*</i> and a sign of a good read).<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>*Side note</i>: I read through some of 1-star reviews and I can certainly agree with some issues that could be glimpsed from the way things are handled - I have mixed emotions on this, but ultimately the story was captivating enough for me and the characters "likeable" to really enjoy ACOSF. Then again, if you found problems with Maas's earlier novels (which had some similar issues) you probably won't pick up this monster volume either. I, on the other hand, am very much looking forward to what's next to come. Hopefully the wait is not unbearably long. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Recommended</i></div>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-80046702668784525742021-02-09T17:20:00.003-05:002021-02-09T17:32:26.998-05:00It’s been awhile… :)<div style="text-align: left;">Life has a way of getting busy. Priorities change so do views and interests. And then there are the everyday to-dos, endless projects, a myriad of wishes and wants. Things tend to get away from you (or rather me). I certainly don’t have the time or the freedom (or maybe even a wish) to blog as I used to some years ago (as you can tell, it’s been a few years since I did this last). I’m also not the same voracious reader that I once was. Still an adventurous cook though. Thankfully that comes in handy when one is mostly stuck at home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />2020 was not a good year for reading. Even though we were stuck home most of the year I found it hard to keep reading – something that I love(d) to do. These days I find audiobooks more my style. Nonetheless there are always at least a dozen books on my nightstand waiting for the spur-of-the-moment all-nighter or (who am I kidding?) at least five minutes for me to get a few pages in. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the words of Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie: “and just like that” I thought to dust off my writing skills. Perhaps share a few good reads from the past few years and maybe some great recipes and ideas too. This is by no means to be a regular thing, but hopefully the mood strikes more than this one time. ;) So here are some books/series and authors that I’ve been reading and listening to:</div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Romance</i></b></div><p></p><div> </div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607349080l/55692620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607349080l/55692620.jpg" title="The Soulmate Equation" width="212" /></a></div></div></div><div><div><b><div><b><br /></b></div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36206591-love-and-other-words" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love and Other Words</a></b> (2018)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40189670-josh-and-hazel-s-guide-to-not-dating" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating</a></b> (2018)<br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42201431-the-unhoneymooners" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Unhoneymooners</a></b> (2019)<br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50892287-in-a-holidaze" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In a Holidaze</a></b> (2020)<br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55692620-the-soulmate-equation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Soulmate Equation</a></b> (2021)</div><div style="text-align: left;">By Christina Lauren – I’ve been slowly making my way through CLo’s back catalog ever since I read <b>Love and Other Words</b>, which is such a touching and sweet story. From Macy and Elliot to Josh and Hazel, and others – there is humor, love, family… <i>gah!</i> These novels give me all the right feels. Also, I just scored an early copy of <b>The Soulmate Equation</b> from <i>Goodreads</i> and am so excited to dive in! If you are a fan of romance, I highly recommend you check out at least one of this writing duo’s novels.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50208350-the-happy-ever-after-playlist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Happy Ever After Playlist</a> </b>(2020) – Dreamy and romantic! Highly recommend it on audio as Zachary Webber and Erin Mallon do an excellent job as Jason and Sloan.<br /><i>The Friend Zone Series</i><br />By Abby Jimenez</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36478784-the-flatshare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Flatshare</a></b> (2019) <br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45134200-the-switch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Switch</a></b> (2020) – Actually I just finished this one and it was a wonderfully touching story. Less romance focused, more self-discovery/healing and family dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed the idea of the live-in-each-others-shoes scenario between Leena and her 79-year-old grandmother – Eileen who is spunky and adventurous. I find Ms. O’Leary’s books a bit slow to start/get into but once you do the groundwork with her characters, they are very charming indeed. </div><div>By Beth O’Leary</div><div><br /></div><i>Honorable Mentions</i>: Jen DeLuca, Helen Hoang, Sally Thorne<br /><br /></div><div><i><b>Sci-Fi Romance</b></i></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35662096-polaris-rising" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Polaris Rising</a></b> (2019) – This popped up on my radar and I’m glad it did. What a fun space opera! I wish the series wasn’t wrapped at three books. I would totally read stories about the other von Hasenberg siblings. I need to check Mihalik’s other series – <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/234821-rogue-queen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rogue Queen</a></b>, hopefully it’s just as good.<br /><i>Consortium Rebellion Series </i><br />By Jessie Mihalik</p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Fantasy Romance/Urban Fantasy</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><u><br /></u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1502893641l/17333180.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1502893641l/17333180.jpg" title="Magic Triumphs" width="132" /></a><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578508906l/35126152._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578508906l/35126152._SY475_.jpg" title="Iron and Magic" width="129" /></a></div><br /></div></div><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333180-magic-triumphs?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magic Triumphs</a></b> (2018)/<i>Kate Daniels Series</i><br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35126152-iron-and-magic?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iron and Magic</a></b> (2018)/<i>Iron Covenant Series</i><br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37712577-sweep-of-the-blade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sweep of the Blade</a></b> (2019)/<i>Innkeeper Chronicles Series</i><br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49053880-emerald-blaze" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emerald Blaze</a></b> (2020)/<i>Hidden Legacy Series</i><br />By Ilona Andrews – What can I say? I am a big fan and Ilona Andrews are totally on my autobuy list. Highly recommend pretty much everything they write. From the epic battles and on point sarcasm of <i>Kate Daniels</i> with a colorful cast of characters, unique world building and mix of mythology, to delicious exploration of highly flawed character that suddenly becomes a “hero” in <b>Iron and Magic</b>. I know I’m in for a grand adventure with one of Ilona Andrews’ books. Also, if you an audiobook fan - Renée Raudman does an excellent job and she’s forever the voice of Kate for me. </div><div><br /><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51835665-night-s-reckoning?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Night's Reckoning</a> </b>(2019) – I’d like to think that I’ve been reading <i>Elemental</i> books since the beginning – <b><a href="A Hidden Fire" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Hidden Fire</a></b> (2011), which was recommended to me by a friend. And haven’t all of us fans waited for Ben and Tenzin finally take the stage? Well, we got a whole new spinoff series out of it. And I had many mixed emotions. There was angst, violence, some tender and bittersweet moments, with latter part of the book delivering a highly anticipated and yet somehow still surprising storyline. I don’t know if I was ready for it or the <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52493315-dawn-caravan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dawn Carawan</a></b> (2020) that followed. Still there is more story left to tell. <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54697040-the-bone-scroll" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Bone Scroll</a></b> coming this year. <br /><i>Elemental Legacy Series</i></div><div>By Elizabeth Hunter</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Honorable Mentions</i>: Patricia Briggs, Jeaniene Frost<br /><br /><b><i>Historical Romance</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33259027-the-duchess-deal?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Duchess Deal</a></b> (2017) – Tessa Dare knows how to make historical romance fun! <i>Girl Meets Duke Series </i>is filled with fun, quirky heroines who would much rather maintain their wallflower status and yet, there is always that one insufferable Duke… Speaking of Dukes, I really need to check out those <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/40393-bridgertons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bridgerton</a></i> books.</div><div><i>Girl Meets Duke Series<br /></i>By Tessa Dare<br /><br /><i><b>Young Adult</b></i></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558456354l/45045129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558456354l/45045129.jpg" title="Tweet Cute" width="131" /></a></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45045129-tweet-cute" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweet Cute</a></b> (2020) – Surprisingly I’ve been on YA kick as of late and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by it. <b>Tweet Cute</b> introduces are to classmates – Pepper and Jack, who start off as each other’s nemesis. We get that hate-to-love story feel here. While I really enjoyed both leads, who were funny, entertaining, and cute, they were also way more mature than either of their parents, which seems to be the trend with Emma Lord’s books. Yet, I still liked it. </div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53138158-you-have-a-match" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Have a Match</a> (2021)</div><div style="text-align: left;">By Emma Lord</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i>Honorable Mentions:</i> Jenn Bennett, Jenny Han, Kasie West</div><p>Phew! This seems like a good stop for now. So, what exciting books have you been reading lately?</p><p><i>xoxo</i></p></div>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-34377579181333764732017-07-03T11:30:00.000-04:002017-07-03T11:30:00.956-04:00Book Review: Mystery Man<b>Mystery Man</b> (Dream Man #1)<br />
Kristen Ashley <br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: December 11, 2012</i><br />
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i><b>Night time is the right time...</b><br />
<br />
Gwendolyn Kidd has met the man of her dreams. He's hot, he's sexy, and what started as a no-names-exchanged night of passion has blossomed into a year and a half-long pleasure fest. Sure, it's a little strange that he only appears in her bed at night, but Gwen is so sure he's the one, she just can't turn him away... <br />
<br />
Hawk Delgado knows more about Gwen than she could ever imagine. She's gorgeous, headstrong, and skittish about relationships. But Hawk is facing his own demons, demons that keep him from connecting with anyone. Yet when Gwen is drawn into Denver's lethal underground scene, Hawk's protective nature comes out full force. The problem is, when Gwen gets a dose of Hawk's Alpha attitude in the daylight, she's not so sure he's the one anymore....</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHFJABS/" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18819167-mystery-man" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>Review</u>:<br />
<i>3.5 stars</i><br />
<br />
I'm struggling a bit here with how to honestly rate and review this novel... On one hand, I was pretty engrossed with the story. On the other, I had major issues with some plot details and characters' behavior. So I decided I needed a list to sort my feelings:<br />
<br />
<u>Good</u>:<br />
There were many great moments throughout the book, both touching and emotional, as well as humorous. I always enjoy humor and sarcasm - you have to be able to laugh at yourself and situations you are in. (I even noted a bit of self-promotion from the author on her other series, and it was done in a good, fun way. <i>As Gwen would think it: "Nice!"</i>). <br />
<br />
If you are a big fan of the <i>Hot Alpha</i> man trope then this book is certainly for you! There were plenty of alpha men here (yup! multiple alpha men, lots of them). <i>Although, I think they might've be a tad too alpha for my taste.</i><br />
<br />
Add hot, steamy sexy time galore! There was palpable chemistry on these pages. Gah! <br />
<br />
It was an addicting read - my first <i>KA</i>, and I'm afraid aside all the problems I had with both hero and heroine, I would still read it. <i>(Towards the end of the book I started thinking of it in terms of Ward's <b>BDB</b> series except without the paranormal</i> [I used to roll my eyes at that series as well and look where it got me!]<i>)</i><br />
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<u>Bad</u>: <br />
Did I mention? Hot alpha men everywhere - the testosterone was a little suffocating. Major control issues, caveman attitude with a bit of stalker syndrome mixed in. Yikes! -- Rein it in <i>MM</i>, would you!? <br />
<br />
The heroine was a major problem for me. First, I don't really have a problem with <i>one-night-stand</i> turned <i>epic-love</i> storyline, but when that one night stand turns into [<spoiler>a year-and-a-half long sex-only relationship on a I-don't-need-to-know-your-name basis]</spoiler> I got an issue with that. Also, can someone please tell me what was so extra special about Gwen that everyone wanted to be with/save her? Can you say: <i>damsel in distress</i>?<br />
<br />
And I can't even go into all the ridiculous nicknames, and over-the-top descriptions. It felt a bit cheesy, but again, when I started to think of it in <b>BDB</b> terms it seemed somehow okay... <br />
<br />
***<br />
So, would I read another <i>KA</i> book? I think the answer is <i>"yes"</i> - I am really tempted to know what happens to all the other alphas.<br />
<br />
<i>Proceed with caution! <u>Fair warning</u>: If phrases such as, "my woman"and "Badass World" make you cringe and throw away your beloved reading device/book, perhaps this book is not for you. *winks*</i> <br />
<br />
<u>Dream Man</u> Series:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12299419-mystery-man" target="_blank"><b>Mystery Man</b></a> (Dream Man #1)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12881141-wild-man" target="_blank"><b>Wild Man</b></a> (Dream Man #2)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13412515-law-man" target="_blank"><b>Law Man</b></a> (Dream Man #3)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13448656-motorcycle-man" target="_blank"><b>Motorcycle Man</b></a> (Dream Man #4)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28287571-merry-and-bright" target="_blank"><b>Merry and Bright</b></a> (Dream Man #4.1)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33279941-law-man-short-story" target="_blank"><b>Law Man Short Story</b></a> (Dream Man #4.2)zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-75308677547551591762017-03-17T11:30:00.000-04:002017-03-17T11:42:19.682-04:00Book Review: Dreamfever<b>Dreamfever</b> (Fever #4) <br />
Karen Marie Moning<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: August 18, 2009</i><br />
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<br />
<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>MacKayla Lane lies naked on the cold stone floor of a church, at the mercy of the erotic Fae master she once swore to kill. Far from home, unable to control her sexual hungers, MacKayla is now fully under the Lord Master’s spell.…In New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning’s stunning new novel, the walls between human and Fae worlds have come crashing down. And as Mac fights for survival on Dublin’s battle-scarred streets, she will embark on the darkest—and most erotically charged—adventure of her life.<br />
<br />
He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister’s murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac’s every thought—and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust. <br />
<br />
As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V’lane vie for her body and soul, as cryptic entries from her sister’s diary mysteriously appear and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac’s greatest enemy delivers a final challenge.…<br />
<br />
It’s an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth—about herself and her sister, about Jericho Barrons…and about the world she thought she knew.</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LDM8WW" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8069867-dreamfever" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<u>Review</u>:<br />
In light of Saint Patrick's Day, it seemed appropriate to share my thoughts <i>(so far)</i> on the <u>Fever</u> series by Karen Marie Moning, which I've been enthusiastically reading for the past month. Happy, happy! <i>*winks* </i><br />
<br />
Caution: If you are <u>not</u> into epic cliffhangers DO NOT READ this series! Cause OMfG - fecking cliffhangers are really starting to annoy - lucky for me - I'm so late to this series that 9 of the series books are already published (i.e. no wait time for me to discover W T F happens next). <br />
<br />
Now that we got this over with... Finally!!! I'm so, so happy to see Mac thinking for herself and doing some a$$ kicking, at least occasionally. Don't get me started on the whole repercussion of the previous book's cliffhanger though; at least Mac got some special skills for her ordeal - I guess... <i>*(Btw, so sorry for swearing so much, it is so not like me at all, but having spent half the night reading, only to discover that at 87% in, I was at the end of the book, not 2-3 chapters away from it -- I do not have other tools to express all the feels this book left me with.)*</i> Which brings me to our favorite anti-hero <i>*read: jerk*</i>, - Jericho Barrons, who makes me want to throttle him with every entitled comment of his! He makes me so, so mad, with all the <i>omissions</i> and mysterious aura, but I do love to hate/love him - he's such a fascinating although frustrating character. <br />
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Having said this about our main duo, this series is finally moving and picking up action - I'm starting to see why people love it, but seriously - it took KMM 4 books to bring us here? Why? I honestly believe the first two books could've been condensed together for a better paced story, but that's just me.<br />
<br />
Now, I read in some reviews that people didn't enjoy the <i>Silver</i> sequence of Mac's adventures - I did. To me, it was reminiscent of Lyra and Will's travels in <u>His Dark Materials</u> series by Philip Pullman. <i>(Anyone think that too?)</i><br />
<br />
At the end, I'm not quite certain yet where I'd place this <u>Fever</u> series, some vibes from <u>Kate Daniels</u> - although Kate is a much better kick-ass heroine and MC, <i>imho</i>, and Curran a more pleasant/worthy alpha hero <i>(though, keyword here is hero, as opposed to Barrons' "anti-hero")</i>. Perhaps, some distant vibes of Ward's <u>BDB</u>? I don't know... fae are still not my thing, I much prefer werewolves and vampires, but I have to admit KMM has built an interesting world and it is worth exploring. <br />
<br />
On to the next installment then...<br />
<br />
<i>Recommended</i><br />
<br />
<u>Fever</u>:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112750.Darkfever" target="_blank"><b>Dark Fever</b></a> (Fever #1)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/344262.Bloodfever" target="_blank"><b>Bloodfever</b></a> (Fever #2)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2702704-faefever" target="_blank"><b>Faefever</b></a> (Fever #3)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6050298-dreamfever" target="_blank"><b>Dreamfever</b></a> (Fever #4)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7304203-shadowfever" target="_blank"><b>Shadowfever</b></a> (Fever #5)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12444166-iced" target="_blank"><b>Iced</b></a> (Fever #6)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12444297-burned" target="_blank"><b>Burned</b></a> (Fever #7)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12444298-feverborn" target="_blank"><b>Feverborn</b></a> (Fever #8)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12446825-feversong" target="_blank"><b>Feversong</b></a> (Fever #9)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31290162-a-stone-kissed-sea" target="_blank"><b>High Voltage</b></a> (Fever #10)<br />
<i>Expected Publication: April, 2018</i>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-3348706146783056712017-01-10T11:00:00.000-05:002017-03-17T11:40:32.759-04:00Book Review: Separation Games<b>Separation Games</b> (The Games Duet #2)<br />
C.D. Reiss<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: January 3, 2017</i><br />
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<i><br />
<u>Book Description</u>:<br />
<b>The stunning conclusion to the New York Times Bestseller.</b> <br />
<br />
These are the unbreakable rules in the game.<br />
Stay collected. Compartmentalize. Think your next move through. Never let your heart dictate your tactics. <br />
<br />
The heart is impulsive. <br />
The heart makes bad decisions. <br />
The heart doesn’t see the long game. <br />
<br />
Because the heart may have decided to get Adam back, but when the endgame comes, the heart’s going to be the first thing to break.</i> <br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Separation-Games-Duet-Book-ebook/dp/B01M6VGJTC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484063109&sr=1-1&keywords=9781942833291" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29242086-separation-games?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<u>Review</u>:<br />
If I had to pick one adjective to describe the feeling this novel invoked it would be "exasperating". <br />
<br />
I know I will probably get some backlash from all the Reiss' fans (and I do count myself among them) but I couldn't bring myself to find anything redeeming in either Diana nor Adam throughout this novel. And as they went on and on, in the angst-drenched mess of a relationship my irritation and dislike of these characters grew exponentially stronger. <br />
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Don't get me wrong, Reiss is one of the best erotica writers I've read, her BDSM series including <i>The Submission Series</i>, <i>Songs of Perdition</i>, and even <i>Corruption</i> are beautifully written and often poignant. Her prose is poetic in its form, unique and arresting. It is able to tell stories of human feelings and relationships, discovery and understanding, describe the sadness of emotion and so much more. But this... <br />
<br />
It saddens me to write this but I was not OK with events taking place in this novel. This is not a relationship I can stand by and cheer. I also had a hard time accepting Diana's drastic transformation and acceptance of a lifestyle she has come to experience for mere days, juxtaposed with her flakiness and indecision. The back and forth was too much. Her sudden <i>"necessity"</i> to give up all control, be broken by Adam, <spoiler>in what seemed to be a reenactment of his rape-scene with his ex-sub,</spoiler> in order to get past the loss of her father was just unacceptable to me. This whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth, no pun intended. <br />
<br />
I cannot quite recall at this point what made me like and care for these characters in <b>Marriage Games</b>, and having eagerly anticipated this follow-up I feel thoroughly disappointed with the evolution. <br />
<br />
I didn't let myself DNF <b>Separation Games</b> out of sheer respect for Ms. Reiss and hope that I will discover something that every raving reviewer saw in these words, these characters... Alas, it was not meant to be. <br />
<br />
<u>The Games Duet Series</u>:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29242077-marriage-games" target="_blank">Marriage Games</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29242086-separation-games?from_search=true" target="_blank">Separation Games</a>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-51758870768206760822016-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:002016-12-29T10:00:11.717-05:002016: My Year in Books<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here we are... 2016 has been a tough year in many ways, but I'd like to remember it for all the great reads I had the pleasure of reading: both new and old.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1565960489?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Review</a></td></tr>
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It's been a year of Ilona Andrews' books for me. I finally took the plunge and basically devoured most of their back catalog, including <b>Kate Daniels</b>, <b>The Edge</b>, and <b>Innkeeper Chronicles</b> <i>(this time on audio, which is absolutely fabulous by the way)</i>. The only problem now, I'm all caught up and have no idea what I shall do with myself - perhaps I need a re-read?! <i>#sendhelpandbooks</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1621089766?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Review</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1823943839?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Review</a></td></tr>
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I also had the pleasure of reading some great new books by some of my favorite authors, including Elizabeth Hunter, Penny Reid, and C.D. Reiss.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1799842501?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Review</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1236200590?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Review</a></td></tr>
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A new series by Bec McMaster, <i>(who published three books in three separate series this year) </i>surprised me in a pleasant way. So, if you think you would enjoy a post-apocalyptic romance, with <i>Mad Max</i> meets <i>Warm Bodies</i> vibe, and a shifter antihero in the lead then check out <i>Nobody's Hero</i> (<b>Burned Lands</b> #1) - I found it highly entertaining.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1635606004?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Review</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1635605953?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1" target="_blank">Review</a></td></tr>
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This year I started Patrcia Briggs' <b>Mercy Thompson</b> series. I'm currently listening to <i>Silver Borne</i> (<b>Mercy Thompson</b> #5) on audio and I'm still a bit iffy about the narrator - Lorelei King. I do like the world and the stories, but I think it's up against unfair competition - no one quite compares to Kate <i>*heart eyes*.</i></div>
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I checked out the hyped <b>Captive Prince</b> series by C.S. Pacat, which was not quite for me, but I finished all three books nonetheless <i>*laughs*</i>. I also enjoyed the first two novels in <b>The Bourbon Kings</b> series by J.R. Ward, and Jojo Moyes' <i>Me Before You</i> <i>(I had to, before the movie of course! *winks*)</i>. </div>
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So there you have it - my top reads of 2016 <i>(you can see my Goodreads graphic <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2016" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>. Which books made your list this year? </div>
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<i>Happy reading and a joyful New Year!</i><br />
<br />zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-17041377912202390022016-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:002016-12-02T12:00:08.851-05:00Book Review: A Stone-Kissed Sea<b>A Stone-Kissed Sea</b> (Elemental World, #4) <br />
Elizabeth Hunter<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: December 6, 2016</i><br />
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>An immortal wanderer. A brilliant scientist. A centuries-old menace written in blood.<br />
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Lucien Thrax, son of the earth and child of the ancients, is a healer of immense power. But years of work on a deadly vampire virus have not led to a cure, nor have they softened the wall he built around his heart. When he’s forced to work with Doctor Makeda Abel, Lucien is convinced he’s reached his limit of patience with humanity.<br />
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Makeda Abel may be human, but she’s far from impressed with the brooding vampire healer, even if his mind draws her reluctant admiration. She’s learned how to survive in the immortal world, and it’s not by being afraid. Working together may lead them to answers, but it also pushes Lucien and Makeda’s attraction to the boiling point.<br />
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When nightmares become reality, Makeda will have to trust Lucien with her life. Finding answers has never been more vital. Finding love has never been more deadly. To heal the Elemental World, Lucien and Makeda must follow ancient paths and ask for help from the most inhuman of immortals. Because even with a cure in hand, the battle has only begun.</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stone-Kissed-Sea-Elemental-World-Book-ebook/dp/B01M2V5LIK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1480693050&sr=1-1&keywords=9781941674109" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31290162-a-stone-kissed-sea" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>Review</u>:<br />
<i>ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for fair and honest review.</i> <i>Thank you!</i><br />
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Aah... I'm both sad and excited to see this story-arc come to an end, but what a way to do it! Bring on the ancients, the lush settings, grandiose style, tradition, battle, and, of course, a fiery and explosive couple - I guess even an earth and a water vampire can bring those adjectives to mind... <br />
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I savored the story, enjoyed the slow-burn romance, and even the science behind the Elixir. The locations are vividly described, full of scents and colors that help bring to mind a rich world. The ancient vampires vied for the spotlight and honestly, at times they almost stole, but Makeda, even newly turned, shined through. Lucien was a bit perplexing to me, I might be due for a re-read of the series because I remembered him somewhat different. Nonetheless, he is a force and I loved his and Makeda's story-arc, <i>(although, the way he finally admits his feelings is a bit abrupt - he is a man first after all... *winks*)</i>.<br />
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There is a lot to offer the reader here, but for me it's always the characters. Each time I pick up one of Elizabeth's books I realize how much I missed the <i>Elemental World</i> and its characters - they are vivid, complex, and are so addicting that I can't pick a favorite. <i>(Well, maybe I can - it's always been Carwyn for me - must be those atrocious Hawaiian shirts *laughs*. But each time he steps on the scene I feel giddy. He is always the best side character, with a perfect line to lighten any situation. But I digress...)</i> Here, Elizabeth, gives us an exquisite supporting cast of characters to choose from. They are well-drawn and I can almost see that any of them can be a star of their own story. Thankfully, we also get to visit with some of our favorites from the past: Baojia, Carwyn <i>*googly eyes*</i>, Tenzin, Brigid - all make an appearance - it's a treat <i>(but where were Gio, B and Ben?)</i>. I loved them all and having turned the last page - I want more... <br />
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<i>Highly recommended!</i><br />
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<u>Elemental World</u>:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16005449-building-from-ashes" target="_blank"><b>Building From Ashes</b></a> (Elemental World #1)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16263051-waterlocked" target="_blank"><b>Waterlocked</b></a> (Elemental World #1.5)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17315638-blood-and-sand" target="_blank"><b>Blood and Sand</b></a> (Elemental World #2)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20655727-the-bronze-blade" target="_blank"><b>The Bronze Blade</b></a> (Elemental World #2.5)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25499552-the-scarlet-deep" target="_blank"><b>The Scarlet Deep</b></a> (Elemental World #3)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26172973-beneath-a-waning-moon" target="_blank"><b>Beneath a Waning Moon</b></a> (Elemental World #3.5)<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31290162-a-stone-kissed-sea" target="_blank"><b>A Stone-Kissed Sea</b></a> (Elemental World #4)<br />
<i>Expected Publication: December 6, 2016</i>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-87188913289196834702016-11-03T12:00:00.000-04:002016-12-02T11:14:53.139-05:00Book Review: Marriage Games<b>Marriage Games</b> (The Games Duet #1)<br />
C.D. Reiss<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: October 22, 2016</i><br />
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>THIRTY DAYS<br />That’s all Adam Steinbeck demands of his wife.<br />Thirty days in a remote cottage, doing everything he demands. After that, he’ll sign her divorce papers and give her complete ownership of their company.<br /><br />THIRTY DAYS<br />That’s how long he has to rediscover the man he once was. The Dominant Master he hid when he fell in love with her five years ago. <br /><br />THIRTY DAYS<br />She wants the business they built badly enough to go to the cottage for a month. Cut off ties to the world and do his bidding. She can submit to him with her body, but her heart will never yield.<br /><br />She thinks this is his pathetic attempt to repair their marriage.<br /><br />She’s wrong.</i><br />
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<a href="https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01MPZTV5A&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Dr1gybJMX2PNT" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29242077-marriage-games" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>Review</u>:<br />
Gah! I don't know what to say about this book. I loved it and hated it at the same time. C.D. Reiss always writes such complex, multi-layered characters and stories - you think you know where it is going but really, you have no idea... <br />
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<i>"The world we inhabited wasn’t designed for people to be in love. It was designed for intensity, pain, pleasure, courtesy, and ritual."</i> <b>Marriage Games</b> (Kindle Location 584). </blockquote>
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This book will mess with your head. It brings up feelings... so, so many feelings. Adam and Diana are enigmatic. There is love between them, but this is not a lighthearted romance with a convenient <i>HEA</i> for dessert. This book takes on a Herculean task of dissecting a marriage, bound and ruined by the protective lies and boundaries these two have set themselves. It's devastating in its brutal honesty, forbidding in its denial, and full of discovery - perhaps too late found to salvage anything worthwhile... Time will tell (or rather the next installment -- <b>Separation Games</b> will be out January 2017). <br />
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<i>Recommended with reservations: explicit but consensual content and situations</i><br />
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<u>The Games Duet Series</u>:<b><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29242086-separation-games" target="_blank">Separation Games</a></b><br />
<i>Expected Publication: January 11, 2017</i>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-72825232771280221272016-02-17T12:00:00.000-05:002016-11-03T13:06:07.159-04:00Book Review: Magic BurnsMagic Burns (Kate Daniels #2)<br />
Ilona Andrews <br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: April 2008</i><br />
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:<br />
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Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…<br />
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As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.<br />
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When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WJS9JI?redirect=true&ref_=docs-os-doi_0" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1811543.Magic_Burns" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>Review</u>:<br />
I don't know if I'm quite sold on <u>Kate Daniels</u> and the whole UF genre is not quite my thing, but I'm intrigued and look forward to reading more from the dynamic author duo of Andrew and Ilona Gordon. <br />
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<b>Magic Burns</b> is the second book in the series and I happened to get this one on audio, which in turn slightly affected my opinion of the story. The narrator - Renée Raudman does a decent job, but her inflections often felt exaggerated and forced. I also found some of the voices and accents that she employed to portray certain characters take something away from their appeal for me. It is unfortunate, but narrators can truly affect your perception of the book. <br />
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Other than that, this was a more action-packed book: the beginning and ending were more engaging than the first time around and the world better developed. [The world] is quite interesting - it's a mix of magic and mythology and the creatures/villains are not of the garden variety that you find in every other book these days, which is a big plus but also it's down fall. I had a hard time following and drawing that mental image of the world, but that wouldn't stop me for wanting to know it. As for the characters themselves, Kate is still a kick-ass heroine and I love that she is so fierce and doesn't need saving every other page. Curran is growing on me too; his and Kate's banter and building sexual tension are exhilarating to witness. I can't wait for these two to get together - I'm dying for romance <i>(perhaps that's why UF is not usually my top reading pick - not enough romance! *gah*)</i>. The supporting cast also shines, both new and previously introduced characters are well developed and fun! I loved most of them from Jim and Simon, to Bran, Julie and Andrea. <br />
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All in all I found the story entertaining, even though the in-between parts felt slow and confusing at times. I'm diving straight into the next chapter and keeping my fingers crossed for some romance. <i>*grabby hands*</i><br />
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<i>Recommended</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/40691-kate-daniels" target="_blank">Kate Daniels series</a>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-48767320336379596472015-10-08T12:00:00.000-04:002015-10-08T12:00:01.664-04:00Book Review: Beneath a Waning Moon: A Duo of Gothic Romances<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beneath a Waning Moon: A Duo of Gothic Romances</b></div>
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Elizabeth Hunter, Grace Draven</div>
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: September 29, 2015</i></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i></div>
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<i>Two delightfully dark tales of Gothic romance from Elizabeth Hunter and Grace Draven. <br />
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In A VERY PROPER MONSTER, Josephine Shaw spends long nights filling the pages of her Gothic stories with the fantastic and the macabre, unaware that the suitor her father has arranged is one of the dark creatures she’s always dreamed. For Tom Dargin, courting an ailing spinster was only one duty in a long life of service to his sire. But after he meets the curious Miss Shaw, will Tom become the seducer or the seduced? Can a love fated to end in tragedy survive a looming grave? <br />
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In GASLIGHT HADES, Nathaniel Gordon walks two worlds—that of the living and the dead. Barely human, he's earned the reputation of a Bonekeeper, the scourge of grave robbers. He believes his old life over, until one dreary burial he meets the woman he once loved and almost married. Lenore Kenward stands at her father’s grave, begging the protection of the mysterious guardian, not knowing he is her lost love. Resolved to keep his distance, Nathaniel is forced to abandon his plan and accompany Lenore on a journey into the mouth of Hell where sea meets sky, and the abominations that exist beyond its barrier wait to destroy them. </i></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0160338Q8/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0160338Q8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26842050-beneath-a-waning-moon" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<u>Review</u>:</div>
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<b>A VERY PROPER MONSTER</b></div>
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Ms. Hunter never disappoints and I love reading her stories, especially those set in her <u>Elemental World</u>, that I suspect will always remain a favorite of mine to revisit. This world is bursting with complex, vivid characters, who are at times eccentric, romantic, brave and all those other things that we always yearn our heroes <i>(and heroines)</i> to be. So it's no surprise that I found <b>A Very Proper Monster</b> and its characters - Josie and Tom - exactly perfect. We've met both of them in Ms. Hunter's recent full novel, <b>The Scarlet Deep</b>, and here, they get to play the lead in their own love story, which is touching and sweet, if only a tad too quick, that must be the fault of the novella format. Nevertheless, I loved learning more about Josie and Tom, and I quite enjoyed Ms. Hunter's exploration of historical genre - in fact, I now demand more historical stories! </div>
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As I mentioned above, this novella is part of the larger <u>Elemental World</u> series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone or a first foray into Ms. Hunter's wonderful world of elemental vampires, because, trust me - you wouldn't want to stop just here! <i>Highly recommended.</i> </div>
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<b>GASLIGHT HADES</b></div>
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Now, after finishing <b>A Very Proper Monster</b> and craving more of the same I was a tad hesitant to dive into <b>Gaslight Hades</b>. But, knowing how Ms. Draven time and again pulls me in with her works - I gave it a go. I have to admit, <b>Gaslight Hades</b> got off to a slow start but quickly gained speed and I barely noticed how I've raced through the pages to the end. The novella format felt both short and surprisingly longer than intended <i>(in a good way!)</i> - Ms. Draven manages to masterfully make it feel like a full-fledged, well developed story with complex characters, an intricate new world, and surprising steampunk elements that were so elegantly woven-in. I savored the idea of the Guardians, the Gothic feel of the story, the steampunk airships and frightful battles at the Redan <i>(you'll have to read to find all about it!) </i>Also highly recommended.</div>
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<i>Happy reading! </i></div>
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<i>***<br />
And don’t forget to check out other works by these authors:</i></div>
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Elizabeth Hunter's <a href="http://elizabethhunterwrites.com/books/" target="_blank">Books</a></div>
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Grace Draven's <a href="http://gracedraven.com/books/" target="_blank">Books</a></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-5840572836181985072015-09-21T23:30:00.000-04:002015-09-21T23:30:00.397-04:00Recipe: Russian Syrniki<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi there! How have you been guys? </div>
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It’s been a very long time since my last post; in fact, I’ve taken a semi-permanent break from blogging to do some other fun and exciting things (a bit on that later). So I know it’s a little strange to find this blog post pop up here, especially since early last year I joined Karina’s blog – <b><a href="http://nocturnalbookreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nocturnal Book Reviews</a></b> <i>(which you should totally check out!)</i> and <i>closed the shop</i> here, so to speak. But, tonight I made these absolutely easy and delicious <i>syrniki</i> that I felt the need to share with you – so here I am with a new recipe! </div>
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And, no, before you ask, I’m not back to blogging, (just yet at least). Life is a bit crazy around here these days, that I don’t want to commit to a regular blog. But it is certainly fun! What, with an addition of a rambunctious, adorable little boy in our household who is already quite fond of my cooking and loves books – a man after my own heart!</div>
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<b>Russian Syrniki</b><br />
Servings 4 – 5<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zwpY67_BRtYuTBsabqocf89IEKu3Nb8j_bGy-oMHz8dfzM9dfmMGoioVHidolSD2x_uydipWRNhRrfD7jmRkDpPMHgaDWIpATav0KolCriI_yH5BSd4mT_OL8r4Nka_x-kbjW2kzOd8/s1600/15_9_21+Syrniki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zwpY67_BRtYuTBsabqocf89IEKu3Nb8j_bGy-oMHz8dfzM9dfmMGoioVHidolSD2x_uydipWRNhRrfD7jmRkDpPMHgaDWIpATav0KolCriI_yH5BSd4mT_OL8r4Nka_x-kbjW2kzOd8/s320/15_9_21+Syrniki.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Ingredients</u>:</i><br />
<i>16 oz <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/tvorog-russian-style-farmers-cheese-494514" target="_blank">tvorog</a>- Russian style farmer’s cheese<br />
½ - 1 cup flour plus ¼ cup for dusting syrniki<br />
½ tsp. baking powder<br />
3-4 tbsp. vanilla sugar (or 3 tbsp. sugar + 1 tsp. vanilla extract)<br />
1-2 large eggs<br />
1½ tsp. poppy seeds (optional)<br />
3 dried apricots, diced (optional)<br />
Zest of ½ a lemon (optional)<br />
2 tbsp. extra light olive oil (or other neutral oil) for frying<br />
Powdered sugar, to finish (also optional)</i><br />
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<u>Preparation</u>:<br />
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Combine tvorog, flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and any of the optional ingredients in a large bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time – you want the consistency of scones dough so you can form patties with it.</div>
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In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and set to medium heat. With two spoons or an ice cream scooper (my personal preference) scoop the batter then form the balls into round patties. Dust with some flour on both sides and fry for a couple minutes until syrniki become golden brown in color. Flip them over, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for additional 6-8 minutes. </div>
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Syrniki are best served hot, but will keep just fine in the fridge and are quite good cold. </div>
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Finish with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of sour cream, condensed milk (to satisfy <i>that</i> sweet tooth), or simply enjoy as is!</div>
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<i>Bon appétit</i>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-58350300745935930742014-04-20T00:00:00.001-04:002021-03-23T11:54:07.685-04:00Release Day Blitz: V-Card by Alicia Michaels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<i>Hi guys! I'm pleased to welcome New Adult, Romance author Alicia Michaels to the blog! She's celebrating the release of her newest book, <b>V-CARD</b>, out today! Enjoy the excerpt, and don't forget to enter the giveaway before you leave. Good luck! :)</i> </div>
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<i>Enjoy!</i></div>
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<b>V-Card</b></div>
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Alicia Michaels</div>
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: April 20, 2014</i></div>
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<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1395933606l/21776279.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alicia Michaels" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1395933606l/21776279.jpg" title="V-Card" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i></div>
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<i>Jennifer Nolan has been unlucky when it comes to love; even more unfortunate when it comes to sex. In fact, the twenty year-old college junior is about to enter her senior year still carrying her v-card. All she wants is to be with that special someone without it resulting in a trip to the emergency room, runaway office supplies, or being scarred for life by someone's weird fetishes. With several botched attempts under her belt, she begins to fear she'll end up a lonely spinster or a crazy cat lady.<br />
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With only 60 days until her 21st birthday, Jennifer is determined to lose her virginity once and for all. Little does she know that her mission will lead her down a path toward love. She never expects that her mission will lead her to a discovery of what true womanhood is, and where true and lasting love begins.</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/V-Card-Sharing-Spaces-Alicia-Michaels-ebook/dp/B00JPQ5RBW" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21776279-v-card" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<u>Excerpt</u>:</div>
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My mission? To lose my stupid virginity by my twenty-first birthday ... which is in two months. I can’t very well go into the next phase of adulthood with my v-card. How can I honestly call myself a ‘woman’ if I fidget, wheeze, and just about have a heart attack at even the thought of intimacy? Any guy I date is going to wonder what the hell is wrong with me.</div>
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So, it’s happening. I’m not sure when, or with who—since I’m not dating anybody—but I’m determined not to see twenty-one without shedding that one last thing keeping me at girl-status. </div>
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Drastic, much? I don’t think so. Maybe if you knew some of my history, you wouldn’t either. First, there was Jeremy …</div>
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My first attempt was as seventeen years old, senior year. It was like something out of a cheesy movie, making out in the back of a car after Homecoming at Lookout Point. Okay, so the place isn’t called Lookout Point, but The Ridge is a cliff overlooking my small Texas hometown and people do go there to make out. Me and Jeremy had been dating for six months—a lifetime in TDT. That’s Teenage Dating Time, by the way.</div>
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Anyway, things were getting pretty hot and heavy. The windows were steamed up and we had collapsed on to the backseat in a tangle of writhing arms and legs. Jeremy had me topless and was pretty much in teenage-dude heaven. I mean, I don’t want to brag or anything, but I’ve got some pretty nice boobs. Not too big or anything; average size, but almost the perfect shape and symmetry. Although, with the lack of finesse Jeremy showed in handling them, I doubt he would have cared if one was three sizes bigger than the other, or if my nipples were two different colors. </div>
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That familiar tingle of horny teenage hormones was tearing me up inside, turning me into a panting, thoughtless animal. I guess that natural high was what made me bold enough to attempt my first B.J. I mean, how hard could it be? It’s not exactly rocket science.</div>
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At least, I didn’t think it was. Apparently there is a science to it, especially when you wear braces. In my enthusiasm, I might have gone in a little too hard. I slipped, my face landed in his lap, and I almost unmanned him. To be fair, the wound was superficial, but there was so much blood you’d have thought someone was stabbed to death in the back of that car.</div>
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After dropping Jeremy off at the emergency room, I pretty much ended our relationship by ignoring him until graduation. He didn’t seem to mind. After I mutilated his man-parts, I doubt he would have felt safe getting in the sack with me without some major life insurance. </div>
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Let’s see, my next attempt came during my first semester of college, just a few months after my eighteenth birthday. Somehow, I managed to catch the eye of a teacher’s aide. He was a graduate student working on his Master’s in Education. While he was officially considered ‘faculty’, the age gap wasn’t that much and he was too gorgeous for me to be put off with teacher vibes. Slender with long legs and broad shoulders, ginger colored hair and green eyes peeking out from behind sleek, rectangular glasses. Alistair: even his name was sexy.</div>
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We traded a lot of smoldering looks across the classroom. Those looks turned into short conversations in passing. Some flirtations where our hands touched as we exchanged papers. One of those hand-touching exchanges led to me being propelled into an empty classroom.</div>
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Once again, the moment played out like something from a film. Alistair grabbed my ass and pulled me up against him, his lips crashing down over mine in a seductive move that left me swooning like an idiot. We tore at each other’s clothes, and as soon as he had my pants off, he lifted me and threw me onto a desk.</div>
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And right onto a stapler.</div>
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You’re probably thinking the two staples I took to my left butt cheek would have been enough to end it, but apparently I’m a glutton for punishment. </div>
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“I’m okay, really,” I told him, pulling him in for a kiss.</div>
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“Yeah?” he asked, his smile crooked and sexy as he swept the contents of the desk aside to avoid any more injuries. “I’ve wanted this forever,” he said, his mouth tracing a path from my neck and down to places that made my toes curl. My only response was a whimper, as I allowed him to lay me back, struck dumb by his sex appeal as he rested his weight over mine on the desk.</div>
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This resulted in another trip to the E.R.</div>
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Who’d have thought those classroom desks were so flimsy? It splintered as if it were made of matchsticks, dropping me to the floor, where I cracked the back of my head open on the tiles. A concussion and a few staples were enough to dampen that encounter. Luckily, Alistair did a good job covering up what we’d been about to do and no one was the wiser. When no one questioned his story about how he’d perched on top of the desk I’d been leaning against, causing it to collapse, we were in the clear. I probably could have had a chance with Alistair after that if I’d wanted it. Especially if the longing looks he threw my way were any indication. However, by then I was so freaked out about sex, I just couldn’t bring myself to allow him to get me alone. At the end of the semester, he graduated and I never saw him again.</div>
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After that, I decided my first time was going to have to be more vanilla to avoid injury. Good ole missionary position, laying on a bed sex … that was the way to do it. My braces were long gone and office supplies couldn’t impale me. </div>
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The chance came my sophomore year when I met Geoff, a moody, brooding art student. He was sexy in a less obvious way. Thin, long, and tall, with an ethereal face framed by inky black hair. He drew pictures of me and called me his muse. He was a total weirdo, but in an artsy sort of way. At least, I thought it was only in the artsy sort of way. He had me fooled for about four months and I thought I we were on our way to a long lasting relationship. That was before he got me half naked in his room and proceeded to try to tie me to the bed with a set of very scary looking leather straps. I don’t think I even bothered to get dressed before I ran, screaming for the hills.</div>
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After that I pretty much gave up. There have been a few guys I was interested in, and even a couple of great first dates and kisses. Just a month ago, I went on a date with a guy from my Sociology class. He was cute, funny—and, most importantly—normal. Just the kind of guy I wouldn’t mind giving my virginity to. Unfortunately, when our kisses started to turn in to something more, the twitching and wheezing started and I panicked. If I’m not careful I’m going to develop a reputation for this crap.</div>
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No, actually, I’m not. </div>
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I’m not, because I’m determined to just power through and do it. </div>
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The countdown is on.</div>
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60 days.</div>
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Oh God, I think I’m going to barf.</div>
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<u>Giveaway</u>:</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fa26db80/" id="rc-fa26db80" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br /></div>
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<u>About the Author</u>:</div>
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<a href="http://rabidpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/AliciaMichaels.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rabidpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/AliciaMichaels.jpg" /></a></div>
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Ever since she first read books like Chronicles of Narnia or Goosebumps, Alicia has been a lover of mind-bending fiction. Wherever imagination takes her, she is more than happy to call that place her home. The mother of two and wife to an Army sergeant loves chocolate, coffee, and of course good books. When not writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, shopping for shoes and fabulous jewelry, or spending time with her loving family.</div>
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<a href="http://fantasybyalicia.com/">FantasybyAlicia.com</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/fantasybyalicia" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/fantasybyalicia" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.fantasybyalicia.com/my-blog.php" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6469080.Alicia_Michaels" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://amzn.com/e/B009CVNFXM" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-45707165483133172822014-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-17T00:00:04.551-04:00Cover Reveal: Tied<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi guys! Today I’m taking part in the cover reveal of the fourth book in the <u>Tangled</u> series by Emma Chase – <b>Tied</b>. So check out the lovely cover and add it to your <i>to-read</i> list! <br />
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<b>Tied</b> (Tangled #4) <br />
Emma Chase<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: October 7, 2014</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66zf2M3R799kGLWHjM2u5eGQj9ZTQHx_75UwAQRcoS7yCQBxsibj0cp3lNtrVQTpunKBto65ruiLnFdhMl3UlXdmvEHBrsDbq3-R4g-6zLYVaD-R3g5X04QbWoptJ5zMvs-x8j0QKYKc/s1600/14_4_17+Tied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Emma Chase" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66zf2M3R799kGLWHjM2u5eGQj9ZTQHx_75UwAQRcoS7yCQBxsibj0cp3lNtrVQTpunKBto65ruiLnFdhMl3UlXdmvEHBrsDbq3-R4g-6zLYVaD-R3g5X04QbWoptJ5zMvs-x8j0QKYKc/s1600/14_4_17+Tied.jpg" height="320" title="Tied" width="206" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>In the fourth sexy romance by the New York Times bestselling author of Tangled<br /><br />and Twisted, Drew and Kate can’t wait to tie the knot—if they can survive the pre-<br />wedding festivities.<br /><br />For most of my life, I never imagined I’d get married. But Kate did the impossible: she changed me. I think we can all agree I was pretty frigging awesome before, but now I’m even better.<br /><br />The road to this day wasn’t all rainbows and boners. There were mistakes and<br />misunderstandings worthy of a Greek tragedy. But Kate and I made it through with our inexhaustible lust, boundless admiration, and everlasting love for one another intact.<br /><br />That being said, there were some unexpected incidents in Vegas last weekend that could have been a problem. It was kind of…my final test.<br /><br />I know what you’re thinking—what the hell did you do this time? Relax. Let’s not judge, or call for my castration, until you’ve heard the whole story.<br /><br />And hold on tight, because you’re in for a wild ride. Did you expect anything less?</i><br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1fTEIx2" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20876097-tied" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/OpTC3C" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> </div>
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<u>Tangled Series</u>: <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18297707-tangled" target="_blank">Tangled</a></b> (Tangled #1) <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18282724-holy-frigging-matrimony" target="_blank">Holy Frigging Matrimony: A Tangled Series Short Story</a></b> (Tangled #1.5) <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17977710-twisted" target="_blank">Twisted</a></b> (Tangled #2) <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18279145-tamed" target="_blank">Tamed</a></b> (Tangled #3) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: July 15, 2014</i><br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20876097-tied" target="_blank">Tied</a></b> (Tangled #4) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: October 7, 2014</i>zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-28069432417573690132014-04-08T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-08T00:00:01.305-04:00Book Review: My Paris Kitchen<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My Paris Kitchen: Recipes and Stories</b><br />
David Lebovitz<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: April 8, 2014</i></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i><b>A collection of stories and 100 sweet and savory French-inspired recipes from Chez Panisse pastry chef turned popular food blogger David Lebovitz, reflecting the way modern Parisians eat today and featuring lush photography taken around Paris and in David's Parisian kitchen.</b><br />
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French cooking has come a long way since the days of Escoffier. The culinary culture of France has changed and the current generation of French cooks, most notably in Paris, are incorporating ingredients and techniques from around the world. In My Paris Kitchen, David Lebovitz remasters the French classics, introduces lesser known French fare, and presents 100 recipes using ingredients foraged in the ethnic neighborhoods of Paris. Stories told in David's trademark style describe the quirks, trials, and joys of cooking, shopping, and eating in France, while food and location photographs reveal modern life in Paris.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607742675?" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18209508-my-paris-kitchen" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>Review</u>:<br />
<i>Egalley courtesy of <b>Ten Speed Press</b> via <b>NetGalley</b> in exchange for fair and honest review.</i><br />
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Paris! What can I say? I simply can’t resist my fascination, love, and admiration for the city of lights. Then you add food to the mix… and I really can’t help it. I spied <b>My Paris Kitchen</b> while browsing on <i>NetGalley</i> one day and I had to have it, so I’m incredibly grateful for a chance to get acquainted with this gorgeous and inspirational cookbook and feel honored for a chance to share it with you. <br />
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David Lebovitz, the man behind <b>My Paris Kitchen</b>, is no stranger among foodies and food enthusiast. He is a celebrated food writer, blogger, and former top pastry chef. He first started his food blog in 1999 (you can check it out <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/" target="_blank">here</a>), and even though I don’t regularly follow the blog myself, I peek around once in a while and often find his recipes and suggestions – creative and inspirational. But what I enjoy most about the blog and this cookbook, are the approachable manner in which David manages to present his recipes and ideas. <br />
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Browsing through <b>My Paris Kitchen</b> collection of recipes I often found myself immersed in the stories prefacing each recipe and section of the book. I felt that these stories allowed me to picture and experience Paris, as if I, myself, was there along for the ride. It was exciting, new perspective, which I greatly enjoyed. <br />
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As for the recipes themselves, they are not strictly French, because right there along the fancy and French <i>Duck Confit</i>, you find a recipe for Moroccan <i>Lamb Shank Tagine</i>, Levantine <i>Baba Ganoush</i>, and Indian <i>Naan</i>. This cookbook is as much a cultural experience as it is a culinary one, and I think it beautifully underlines and presents Paris, as a cultural and culinary epicenter, where both coexist and intermingle to create beautiful and unique experiences. <br />
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<b>My Paris Kitchen</b> reads like a culinary memoir of Paris. Its collection of recipes is unique and interesting. And even though I won’t attempt every single one of them, a few are definitely on my to-try list. At the end I really enjoyed this cookbook. From setting up a kitchen, shopping local, and cooking <i>“by the nose,”</i> to picking a knife, and slicing bread, <b>My Paris Kitchen</b> is a thoughtful guide to simple but elegant entertainment, French-style and I highly recommend giving it a try. <br />
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<i>Recommended</i> </div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-3179860531070748502014-04-03T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-03T14:03:09.491-04:00Excerpt & Giveaway: Copper Girl {Blog Tour}<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Copper Girl</b> (Copper Legacy #1)<br />
Jennifer Allis Provost<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: June 25, 2013</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX21-W6fqgOZz8HXzlEi_iAIFpYBl5pCauNSEBw14xGpYImNK1Qs7qcL0OouGM0OpbzIX0ONPD5NgSjzDq64NPAmCxfH0ZpdkjobmlWmXfZZGkh62Z7rpFX-bJYlABunWebt0VYQnqqw/s1600/Copper+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Allis Provost" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX21-W6fqgOZz8HXzlEi_iAIFpYBl5pCauNSEBw14xGpYImNK1Qs7qcL0OouGM0OpbzIX0ONPD5NgSjzDq64NPAmCxfH0ZpdkjobmlWmXfZZGkh62Z7rpFX-bJYlABunWebt0VYQnqqw/s1600/Copper+Girl.jpg" height="320" title="Copper Girl" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>Sara had always been careful.<br />
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She never spoke of magic, never associated with those suspected of handling magic, never thought of magic, and never, ever, let anyone see her mark. After all, the last thing she wanted was to end up missing, like her father and brother.<br />
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Then, a silver elf pushed his way into Sara's dream, and her life became anything but ordinary.</i> <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Copper-Girl-Jennifer-Allis-Provost/dp/1939392020/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1392778219&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/copper-girl-jennifer-allis-provost/1114334202?ean=9781939392022" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16193519-copper-girl" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> <br />
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<u>Excerpt Chapter 1</u>:<br />
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It seemed like a good idea at the time.<br />
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My office, like most modern offices, cranked the air conditioning down to Arctic proportions during the summer months. Consequently, we workers arrived in the morning dressed in sandals and sleeveless tops, donned heavy sweaters upon reaching our desks, and ended up shivering by noon. Ironically, when our workday ended we were hit by a wall of oppressive heat the moment we stepped outside the main doors. No, this wasn’t a flawed system in the slightest.<br />
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That day, I wasn’t having it. I had the grand idea of spending my lunch hour outside, away from the icy wind stiffening my fingers and chilling my neck. After I unwound myself from the afghan I kept in my desk (and only used in the summer months), I gathered up my lunch and my phone and headed out for an impromptu picnic in my car.<br />
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What I hadn’t considered was that the office runs the air conditioning so cold because it was, well, hot outside. Very hot, in fact. So hot that the cheese was melting in my sandwich and the lettuce looked like something that had washed ashore months, maybe even years, ago. I was parked in the shade and had taken down my car’s convertible top, but I still couldn’t manage to get comfortable. I’d already shed my sandals and cardigan, which left me wearing my sundress and…<br />
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Dare I? <br />
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I glanced around the parking lot of Real Estate Evaluation Services, the ‘go-to firm for all your commercial real estate needs’, according to the brochures. No one, human or drone, was taking a noontime stroll, and, by virtue of my being on the far side of the lot, no cars were near mine. Most of my coworkers didn’t even have cars, so the lot was rarely more than half-full. What was more, from where I sat, I couldn’t even see the office.<br />
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I dared.<br />
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I took a deep breath and channeled my inner wild woman, then leaned the seat back and slipped off my panties. Removing that small bit of cotton made an incredible difference, and the heat became somewhat bearable. Enjoyable, even. Was that a breeze? <br />
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Ignoring my decrepit sandwich, I fully reclined the seat, set the alarm on my phone, and closed my eyes. A nap. Now that would make today bearable.<br />
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Suddenly, he is there. <br />
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Here. <br />
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Kissing me, holding me. <br />
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I know I’m dreaming, because he’s perfect. His lips are soft but insistent, his hands gentle. I glide my fingers across his back, feeling thick cords of muscle, before sinking my fingers into his hair. It’s superfine, like cobwebs, and when I crack an eyelid, I learn that it’s silver. Not gray or white, but the elegant hue of antique candlesticks and fine flatware. Cool.<br />
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I squeeze my eyes shut again, not wanting the dream to end any sooner than it has to. He kisses me once more, and I can’t help melting against him. His hand travels up my leg, up past my hip… shit! No panties!<br />
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I try twisting away, but he already knows. I feel his mouth stretch into a smile, and he moves to nuzzle my neck. “What’s your name?” he murmurs.<br />
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“Sara,” I reply. “Yours?”<br />
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“Micah.” By now, his hands have traveled to my waist, and he slides one around to stroke the small of my back. “Why did you summon me, Sara?”<br />
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“I didn’t,” I protest. “I don’t know how.” I would say more, but he nibbles a trail from my neck to my shoulder, and pushes my dress to the side. As for me, I let him . <br />
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Micah raises his head, and I get a good look at him for the first time. His eyes are large and dark gray, like thunderheads, his features chiseled into warm caramel skin, and his unruly mop of silver hair seems to float around his head. He wears an odd, buff-colored leather shirt, made all the odder in this heat, and matching leather pants and boots. Boots? <br />
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“You did summon me,” he insists. “My Sara, you must tell me why.”<br />
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“Does it matter?” I ask. I pull him back to me, kissing him with all the passion I’ve never felt with anyone during my waking hours. Micah kisses me back, fingers deftly unbuttoning my dress while his other hand rubs my lower back. I’ve never felt so free, so alive as I do in Micah’s embrace, and I have no intention of rushing this. None at all.<br />
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My phone screamed for attention, thus ending the best dream that had ever been dreamed. Ever. I fumbled to silence it, then shook myself back to reality. I still felt warm and glowy from the dream, almost after-glowy. It wasn’t until I stretched and got tangled in my clothing that I noticed anything was amiss.<br />
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The straps of my dress had slid down around my elbows, and the dress itself was unbuttoned to my waist. What’s more, my bra was all askew and a nipple was dangerously close to freedom. I shot a quick glance around the parking lot as I fixed my clothing; luckily, there was no one around, either of the human or robotic drone persuasion. I hoped no one had gotten an eyeful of how I was apparently fondling myself in my sleep.<br />
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Some dream. Soon enough, I got the top half of my dress squared away and reached into the passenger seat, only to come up empty. My panties were gone. <br />
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Great. Either one of my coworkers had found me sleeping and stolen them, or a randy squirrel had absconded with my delicates. Hoping for the latter, I stuffed my feet back into my sandals and returned to the office and my ever-growing mountain of paperwork.<br />
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Speaking of the mountain there was a fresh sheaf of reports on my desk, ready for sorting. My title, if it can be called that, is Quarterly Report Collator. <br />
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This impressive moniker means that I have the ability—no, make that the responsibility—to place various documents and reports in their proper order, usually alphabetically. I’ve even been known to utilize ascending numbers when the occasion warrants, a feat those who get paid far more than I do cannot seem to manage. As long as they keep paying me, I’m fine with my place on the food chain, low though it may be. It sure beats the alternative--a luxurious but caged life as a sellout government shill, performing spells on command as if they were parlor tricks. My family may have lost much, but we still have some pride left.<br />
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I dove right into the heap of reports, for once appreciating the mindless work since it gave me the mental space to dwell on my dream lover. Why would a man in my dream claim that I’d summoned him? And what was with his getup? Micah had looked like he should be playing the part of a swashbuckling hero in a trashy romance novel, not hanging around in the parking lot of a midsized corporation specializing in commercial real estate acquisitions and liquidations.<br />
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And his name: Micah. I was certain that I’d never heard it before, which puzzled me. If I were going to create a dream lover, wouldn’t I give him a regular name like Tom or Joe? A name I was at least familiar with?<br />
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I swiveled in my chair and called up my search engine. We are not, under any circumstances, supposed to use this bit of technology that is standard issue with each and every one of our ergonomically correct workstations. I’m not quite sure what the punishment for internet usage is, but I’ve always imagined ninjas dropping out of the ceiling and hauling me off to their lair. After enduring a mild torture session, I’m given a cup of hot sake and sent on my way. <br />
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I could have waited until I got home. I had a nicer computer and better, faster internet access than the office does, but I couldn’t wait. Not while the image of Micah’s thundercloud eyes still burned in my memory, inciting not-safe-for-work thoughts.<br />
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I typed in Micah: define, and the results page immediately listed a bunch of Biblical references. Mmm, not exactly helpful. I clicked around for a while until I found one of those sites that specialized in the meaning of names. It read thusly:<br />
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Micah ( mī ' kə ) he who resembles God.<br />
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Huh. My dream man was certainly attractive, but I didn’t know if I’d go so far as to call him a god. Then I remembered that there was a type of stone called mica, which also seemed like an unlikely source for me to pull a name from. In the midst of typing mica: stone, I was interrupted.<br />
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“Hey, beautiful.”<br />
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I glanced up and saw Floyd, the office sleaze, hovering at the edge of my cubicle. Better and better. I clicked off the browser and nonchalantly swiveled away from the keyboard. To throw the ninjas off my trail, of course. “You and Juliana heading over to The Room tonight?” he asked.<br />
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The Room is a local hangout, stocked with stale beer and watered-down liquor, not to mention a floor that has never, ever been mopped. Not. Even. Once. But it’s cheap and close to the office, so we all go. Since I started working at REES, I’ve been a regular. “We haven’t discussed it.”<br />
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“Everyone’s going,” Floyd pressed. “C’mon, I’ll buy you a drink. You like gin and tonic, right?”<br />
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I heaved the stack of reports from my lap to my desk and uncrossed my legs, squarely planting my feet in order to deliver the Keep Away From Me speech to Floyd yet again, when I remembered my lack of undergarments. Quickly, I snatched my afghan from where I’d tossed it before lunch and spread it across my lower body like a shield.<br />
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“Whatever,” I mumbled, which Floyd counted as a victory.<br />
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“See you there,” he drawled. I hate him.<br />
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I spent the rest of my shift with my thighs clamped together, having mild anxiety attacks whenever I stood. Or sat. Or reached for anything. Needless to say, by the end of the day I was more than ready for something eye-wateringly alcoholic. Juliana, my best friend and REES’s office manager, was game, as she usually was, and we made it to The Room in time for happy hour. Normally, I feel like I’m in her shadow, what with her long, dark hair, matching eyes, and the body of a pre-war pinup girl, but tonight I didn’t care. Right about now, a little overshadowing was just what the doctor ordered.<br />
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After a few bowls of pretzels, and more than a few cocktails, I confessed my al fresco state, to which Juliana and I clinked glasses and downed a few shots in honor of my missing panties. Floyd, the scum, welshed on his promise of gin and tonic. I really do hate him.</blockquote>
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<u>Giveaway</u>:<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f602/" id="rc-ba112f602" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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<u>About the Author</u>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFmLx18UTst44-cVfQIxfUyefAx-sP7paMvNegPp4s8hMfT9QSF_p3EsGweSuDokloWIt9gukiqzYPpUjpCPcmEah4d9gb4pXsNlwb4DEir3HT-Hg3ez1ytLPuQUxLyEqWiBl_XiInu8/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFmLx18UTst44-cVfQIxfUyefAx-sP7paMvNegPp4s8hMfT9QSF_p3EsGweSuDokloWIt9gukiqzYPpUjpCPcmEah4d9gb4pXsNlwb4DEir3HT-Hg3ez1ytLPuQUxLyEqWiBl_XiInu8/s1600/mail.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jennifer Allis Provost is a native New Englander who lives in a sprawling colonial along with her beautiful and precocious twins, a dog, two birds, three cats, and a wonderful husband who never forgets to buy ice cream. As a child, she read anything and everything she could get her hands on, including a set of encyclopedias, but fantasy was always her favorite. She spends her days drinking vast amounts of coffee, arguing with her computer, and avoiding any and all domestic behavior.<br />
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<a href="http://jenniferallisprovost.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="http://jenniferallisprovost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jennallis" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/parthalan" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975887.Jennifer_Allis_Provost" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>Copper Legacy Series</u>:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16193519-copper-girl" target="_blank"><b>Copper Girl</b></a> (Copper Legacy #1) <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18812985-copper-ravens" target="_blank"><b>Copper Ravens</b></a> (Copper Legacy #2) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: May 20, 2014</i><br />
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<u>Blog Tour</u>:<br />
To follow <b>Copper Girl</b> blog tour please visit <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Chttp://bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com/2014/02/now-scheduling-two-week-tour-for-copper.html" target="_blank">Bewitching Blog Tours.</a></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-17491998613919829672014-04-01T22:00:00.000-04:002014-04-01T22:11:21.325-04:00Book Review: Neanderthal Seeks Human<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Neanderthal Seeks Human</b> (Knitting in the City #1)<br />
Penny Reid<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: March 14, 2013</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCM8AVAN5Pif20c44Tjekf5mSbFEYmvxkMaUzTSpRY_tkghFQwagIonbDjvtrkjNihzyh7z1WDv9CW97g-MjmHL-5leHEtql7Dk_PcWKGOZ1sEdewa83jrDhbTuQmOMXMnu6HbbNs7pk/s1600/14_4_1+Neanderthal+Seeks+Human.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Penny Reid" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCM8AVAN5Pif20c44Tjekf5mSbFEYmvxkMaUzTSpRY_tkghFQwagIonbDjvtrkjNihzyh7z1WDv9CW97g-MjmHL-5leHEtql7Dk_PcWKGOZ1sEdewa83jrDhbTuQmOMXMnu6HbbNs7pk/s1600/14_4_1+Neanderthal+Seeks+Human.jpg" height="320" title="Neanderthal Seeks Human" width="196" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>This is a full-length, 110k word novel and is the first book in the Knitting in the City series.<br /><br />There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris: 1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn't know how to knit.<br /><br />After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan- aka Sir McHotpants- witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn- the focus of her slightly, albeit harmless, stalkerish tendencies- to make her an offer she can't refuse.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUWA58E?ie" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17673307-neanderthal-seeks-human" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>Review</u>:<br />
Fun, quirky, romantic and totally adorable!<br />
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<b>Neanderthal Seeks Human</b> has been on my to-read list for quite some time now and since I had a long weekend planed I eyed my opportunity to finally read and have a proper introduction with Janie and Quinn. Now, I admit, I’ve read second and third books of the series previously (I know! It is so improper of me, but fortunately Penny Reid’s books work as standalone(s) too <i>*score!*</i>) and I’ve since become quite a <i>fangirl</i> of hers, so I expected nothing less than a delightful reading experience, which was exactly what I got.<br />
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Janie Morris, our heroine, is smart and adorable. She loves shoes, collects comic books, tutors kids <i>*aww!*</i>, is great at accounting, and knows way too much trivial information that she has propensity to overshare at all the odd moments, which makes for lots of funny situations. <br />
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Quinn Sullivan is swoon-worthy, mysterious alpha male type; works in security and seems to have an eye for our heroine, whom he keeps running into. He is possessive and bossy; has a bit of a dark past, but Janie really brings the best in him, and she can’t quite resist his charms (and why should she, right?).<br />
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So these two, are very much perfect for each other. Both are good at what they do professionally, smart, witty, but totally lack some social skills when it comes to relationships and as their undeniable attraction begins to grow, this creates quite a few misunderstandings between the two. I will honestly say that I’m usually not a fan of such devices and I did think one of the misunderstandings lasted longer than necessary here as well, but otherwise it worked effortlessly as part of this romantic story. <br />
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Having seen glimpses of both Janie and Quinn in other books I was growing quite curious about them, especially the enigmatic <i>Sir McHotpants</i> himself, and I was not disappointed. In fact, I loved both of these characters and think you will love them too. So if you are looking for a smart and funny romantic read give this book and series a try. I highly recommend it!<br />
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<i>Happy reading! </i><br />
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<u>Knitting in the City Series</u>:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17673307-neanderthal-seeks-human" target="_blank"><b>Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance</b></a> (Knitting in the City #1) <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18875842-neanderthal-marries-human" target="_blank"><b>Neanderthal Marries Human</b></a> (Knitting in the City #1.5) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: June 24, 2014</i><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18001399-friends-without-benefits" target="_blank"><b>Friends Without Benefits</b></a> (Knitting in the City #2) <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20982872-love-hacked" target="_blank"><b>Love Hacked</b></a> (Knitting in the City #3) <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20359781-beauty-and-the-mustache" target="_blank"><b>Beauty and the Mustache</b></a> (Knitting in the City #4) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: September 9, 2014</i></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-60185321688867557122014-03-21T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-21T00:00:07.792-04:00Cover Reveal: West<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi guys! Today, I’m very excited to unveil the cover of <b>West</b>, which is out this April. <b>West</b> is the second book in the <u>Campbell</u> series by a Toronto-based author C.S. Starr. I read <b>Campbell</b> last year, when it first came out (check my review <a href="http://zemfirkablogs.blogspot.com/2013/12/book-review-campbell.html" target="_blank">here</a>). It was brutal, unapologetic, and surprisingly refreshing among the myriad of dystopian novels populating the market today, so my hopes and expectations are high for this next installment and I can’t wait to share it with you. Let’s see what the future brings us…<br />
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<i>Have a great weekend!</i><br />
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<b>West</b> (Campbell #2)<br />
C.S. Starr<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: April 15, 2014</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy7tZXo1jF8IWNgdXU8ZKHp2JBIclUBuAMFekoaqoxLBl5dD1tYA3LaDEfjhFgW4r4uBB0nmvsN7l1drCmmui9GQr-qnpuxL31MES1cMjPTKzzcR6NgEY4-CppiMFf7xx9UkN9N72X6o/s1600/14_3_21+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="C.S. Starr" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy7tZXo1jF8IWNgdXU8ZKHp2JBIclUBuAMFekoaqoxLBl5dD1tYA3LaDEfjhFgW4r4uBB0nmvsN7l1drCmmui9GQr-qnpuxL31MES1cMjPTKzzcR6NgEY4-CppiMFf7xx9UkN9N72X6o/s1600/14_3_21+West.jpg" height="320" title="West" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>After her world was turned upside down by the death of her twin and a new alliance forged through an unexpected friendship, Lucy Campbell left West determined to return to her old life.<br />
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It took four years and a natural disaster for her to admit that was impossible.<br />
<br />
Hatched from a lie devised to keep them both safe, the conflict with East has affected Lucy and Tal Bauman in different ways. It’s left Lucy engulfed in a bitter power struggle with her war-hungry brother. It’s forced Tal to align himself with Campbell, despite questioning their motivations in continuing to attack East, when peace seems attainable. He’s also left to sort out the mess left behind by his predecessor and best friend, Connor Wilde.<br />
<br />
When they are reunited by a tragedy, Lucy and Tal are forced to question how far their duties stretch, where their loyalties lie, and how far they would go for one another.<br />
<br />
They’re also left reevaluating their morals, values, and the futures of those around them.<br />
<br />
West is the second book in the Campbell trilogy.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21520742-west-campbell-2" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<u>Campbell Series</u>: <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19001403-campbell" target="_blank">Campbell</a></b> (Campbell #1) <br />
<i>Currently on Sale: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GI4E2SS/" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> ($0.99) or enter to win via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/86225-campbell" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></i><br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21520742-west-campbell-2" target="_blank">West</a></b> (Campbell #2) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: April 15, 2014</i></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-33840460126231690222014-03-13T10:00:00.000-04:002014-03-13T10:00:00.191-04:00Tempus Giveaway Winners<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And the winners are… </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Heather N.<br />Miss. L.<br />Amanda B.<br />Melissa </b></i></span><br />
<br />
You won ebook copies of <b>Tempus</b> by Holly Lauren!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1384674957l/18810502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holly Lauren" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1384674957l/18810502.jpg" title="Tempus" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Congratulations!</b></span><br />
<br />
Thank you everyone who participated!<br />
<br />
Victoria, <i>xoxo</i></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-60994042188841964642014-03-11T09:30:00.000-04:002014-03-11T09:30:03.572-04:00Silver Tongue Giveaway Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And the winner is… </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Heather Norcross</b></i></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1389229131l/20495099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Evelyn Ink" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1389229131l/20495099.jpg" title="Silver Tongue" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You won an ebook copy of <b>Silver Tongue</b> by Evelyn Ink via Smashwords! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Congratulations!</b></span><br />
<br />
Thank you everyone who participated!<br />
<br />
Victoria, <i>xoxo</i></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-53078165001221680102014-03-11T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-11T00:00:06.298-04:00Release Day Launch: Love Hacked<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Today I’m excited to celebrate release of Penny Reid’s newest novel – <b>Love Hacked</b>. And if you haven’t had a chance to check out Penny’s books before, you are totally missing out because her books are smart, funny, sexy, and all in all fabulous. So add <b>Love Hacked</b> to your to-read list and head on over to <a href="http://nocturnalbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/02/valentines-day-contemporary-romance.html" target="_blank"><b>Nocturnal Book Reviews</b></a> for a joint review of <b>Love Hacked</b> by Karina and I.</i><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Love Hacked</b> (Knitting in the City #3)<br />
Penny Reid<br />
<br />
<i><u>Release Date</u>: March 11, 2014</i><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1393966301l/20982872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Penny Reid" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1393966301l/20982872.jpg" title="Love Hacked" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>There are three things you need to know about Sandra Fielding: 1) She makes all her first dates cry, 2) She hasn't been kissed in over two years, and 3) She knows how to knit.<br />
<br />
Sandra has difficulty removing her psychotherapist hat. Of her last 30 dates, 29 have ended the same way: the man sobbing uncontrollably. After one such disaster, Sandra--near desperation and maybe a little tipsy--gives in to a seemingly harmless encounter with her hot waiter, Alex. Argumentative, secretive, and hostile Alex may be the opposite of everything Sandra knows is right for her. But now, the girl who has spent all her life helping others change for the better, must find a way to cope with falling for someone who refuses to change at all.<br />
<br />
This is a full-length, 110k word novel and is the third book in the Knitting in the City series. All books in the series can be read as a standalone.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Hacked-reluctant-romance-Knitting-ebook/dp/B00IS98B24/">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1fIhDsi">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20982872-love-hacked">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<u>About the Author</u>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aP76eX-ZfEfg45WnAKkhODQJFTcEizrIGm9yuyBzajYkVKQxe_VrZcUNdJM-Wl4Fltl5fzpJEcQMu2UvBIrbgcLPIEAOqec9OWFsszwwLZruu9fpaZNNHf_omw8iGAQBswief-ssuVY/s1600/Penny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aP76eX-ZfEfg45WnAKkhODQJFTcEizrIGm9yuyBzajYkVKQxe_VrZcUNdJM-Wl4Fltl5fzpJEcQMu2UvBIrbgcLPIEAOqec9OWFsszwwLZruu9fpaZNNHf_omw8iGAQBswief-ssuVY/s1600/Penny.jpg" height="200" title="Penny Reid" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).<br />
<br />
By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://reidromance.blogspot.com/">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ReidRomance">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/ReidRomance">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://pinterest.com/reidromance/boards/">Pinterest</a><br />
<br />
<u>Knitting in the City Series</u>:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17673307-neanderthal-seeks-human" target="_blank"><b>Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance</b></a> (Knitting in the City #1) <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18875842-neanderthal-marries-human" target="_blank"><b>Neanderthal Marries Human</b></a> (Knitting in the City #1.5) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: May 2014</i><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18001399-friends-without-benefits" target="_blank"><b>Friends Without Benefits</b></a> (Knitting in the City #2) <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20982872-love-hacked" target="_blank"><b>Love Hacked</b></a> (Knitting in the City #3) <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20359781-beauty-and-the-mustache" target="_blank"><b>Beauty and the Mustache</b></a> (Knitting in the City #4) <br />
<i>Expected Publication: September, 2014</i><br />
<br />
<u>Tour Organized by</u>: <a href="http://indiesage.com/blog-tour-sign-up-love-hacked-by-penny-reid/" target="_blank">Indie Sage, LLC </a><i><br />
</i></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-50994154741781571462014-03-06T08:00:00.000-05:002014-03-06T08:00:04.371-05:00Iced Giveaway Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And the winner is… </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Elizabeth Haney</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You won a signed copy of <b>Iced</b> by Karen Marie Moning! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1393785531l/13532020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Karen Marie Moning" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1393785531l/13532020.jpg" title="Iced" width="195" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Congratulations!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you everyone who participated! You guys are awesome. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Victoria, <i>xoxo</i></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-2040045869995402002014-03-04T01:00:00.000-05:002014-03-04T01:00:03.412-05:00Guest Post & Giveaway: Holly Lauren {Blog Tour}<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Hi guys! I’m excited to welcome Holly Lauren, author of NA fantasy novel - <b>Tempus</b>.. Holly is a fan of YA lit and today she is sharing her 5 favorite YA couple scenes with us. Also, as part of the <b>Tempus</b> blog tour, I am giving away 5 <i>ebook</i> copies of <b>Tempus</b>, so don’t forget to scroll down for a <b>Rafflecopter</b> giveaway below “and may the odds be ever in your favor” (err… sorry! couldn’t resist).</i> <br />
<br />
<i>Enjoy!</i><br />
<br />
<b>Tempus</b><br />
Holly Lauren<br />
<br />
<i><u>Release Date</u>: November 25, 2013</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1384674957l/18810502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holly Lauren" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1384674957l/18810502.jpg" title="Tempus" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>Chapel Ryan isn't crazy. At least, that's what she's been trying to convince herself of for most of her life. But after being hallucination-free for three years, Chapel finds herself facedown on her English classroom’s gritty linoleum floor. When she looks up, everyone around her is suspended in animation. Mouths hang open mid-yawn, feet hover mid-cross, Ms. Freeman’s arm flexes mid-sentence diagram. It's another hallucination. Or, is it?<br />
<br />
Chapel prepares to tear herself back to reality when something happens. Something that has never happened before in any of her hallucinations--someone moves. And not just any someone—it’s the new guy with a scar over his lip and a reputation as black as his perfectly styled hair. And all of the sudden Chapel's white-knuckle grip on her life has slipped, and with it, her assurance that what she's experiencing isn't real.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tempus-Holly-Lauren-ebook/dp/B00GWAZK3Y/" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18810502-tempus" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<u>5 YA Couple Scenes I Love by Holly Lauren</u>:<br />
My sister and I are always highlighting scenes and quotes on our Kindles and sharing them with one another. I am going to share 5 of our favorites “couples” scenes below. So, actually, that title should say <i>we love</i> instead of <i>I love</i>. (But if my sister were writing this, she’d probably take all the credit.)<br />
<br />
BE WARNED. WE ARE GIRLY AND SILLY AND BASICALLY LAME. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<b>1. Jace and Clary from <i>City of Bones</i> by Cassandra Clare</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"How did you know I had Shadowhunter blood? Was there some way you could tell?"<br />
<br />
The elevator arrived with a final groan. Jace unlatched the gate and slid it open. The inside reminded Clary of a birdcage, all black metal and decorative bits of gilt. "I guessed," he said, latching the door behind them. "It seemed like the most likely explanation."<br />
<br />
"You guessed? You must have been pretty sure, considering you could have killed me."<br />
<br />
He pressed a button in the wall, and the elevator lurched into action with a vibrating groan that she felt all through the bones in her feet. "I was ninety percent sure."<br />
"I see," Clary said.<br />
<br />
There must have been something in her voice, because he turned to look at her. Her hand cracked across his face, a slap that rocked him back on his heels. He put a hand to his cheek, more in surprise than pain. "What the hell was that for?"<br />
<br />
The other ten percent," she said, and they rode the rest of the way down to the street in silence.</blockquote>
<br />
<b>2. Tris and Four from <i>Divergent</i> by Veronica Roth</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“You think my first instinct is to protect you. Because you're small, or a girl, or a Stiff. But you're wrong." <br />
<br />
He leans his face close to mine and wraps his fingers around my chin. His hand smells like metal. When was the last time he held a gun, or a knife? My skin tingles at the point of contact, like he's transmitting electricity through his skin. <br />
<br />
"My first instinct is to push you until you break, just to see how hard I have to press." he says, his fingers squeezing at the word break. My body tenses at the edge in his voice, so I am coiled as tight as a spring, and I forget to breathe.” </blockquote>
<br />
<b>3. R and Julie in <i>Warm Bodies</i> by Isaac Marion</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As she dampens my shirt with sadness and snot, I realize I'm about to do another thing I've never done before. I suck in air and attempt to sing. “You're . . . sensational . . . ,” I croak, struggling for a trace of Frank's melody. “Sensational . . . that's all.”<br />
<br />
There's a pause, and then something shifts in Julie's demeanor. I realize she's laughing.<br />
<br />
“Oh wow,” she giggles, and looks up at me, her eyes still glistening above a grin. “That was beautiful, R, really. You and Zombie Sinatra should record Duets III.”<br />
<br />
I cough. “Didn't get . . . warm-up.”</blockquote>
<br />
<b>4. Mara and Noah in The <i>Unbecoming of Mara</i> Dyer by Michelle Hodkin</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Have you kissed many boys before?" he asked quietly.<br />
<br />
His question brought my mind back into focus. I raised an eyebrow. "Boys? That's an assumption."<br />
<br />
Noah laughed, the sound low and husky. "Girls, then?"<br />
<br />
"No."<br />
<br />
"Not many girls? Or not many boys?"<br />
<br />
"Neither," I said. Let him make of that what he would.<br />
<br />
"How many?"<br />
<br />
"Why—"<br />
<br />
"I am taking away that word. You are no longer allowed to use it. How many?"<br />
<br />
My cheeks flushed, but my voice was steady as I answered. "One."<br />
<br />
At this, Noah leaned in impossibly closer, the slender muscles in his forearm flexing as he bent his elbow to bring himself nearer to me, almost touching. I was heady with the proximity of him and grew legitimately concerned that my heart might explode. Maybe Noah wasn't asking. Maybe I didn't mind. I closed my eyes and felt Noah's five o' clock graze my jaw, and the faintest whisper of his lips at my ear.<br />
<br />
"He was doing it wrong.”</blockquote>
<br />
<b>5. Peeta and Katniss in <i>Mocking Jay</i> by Suzanne Collins</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Peeta and I grow back together. There are still moments when he clutches the back of a chair and hangs on until the flashbacks are over. I wake screaming from nightmares of mutts and lost children. But his arms are there to comfort me. And eventually his lips. On the night I feel that thing again, the hunger that overtook me on the beach, I know this would have happened anyway. That what I need to survive is not Gale's fire, kindled with rage and hatred. I have plenty of fire myself. What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again. And only Peeta can give me that. So after, when he whispers, "You love me. Real or not real?" I tell him, "Real.”</blockquote>
<br />
***<br />
And, because I am a shameless writer, here’s one of my favorite scenes from my debut novel, <b>TEMPUS</b>, out now:<br />
<br />
<b>BONUS: Zay and Chapel from <i>Tempus</i> by Holly Lauren</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Chapel made a complete circuit, peeking through the breaks in the stream, but she still didn’t see him. Had he left her there? The thought burned a hole through her excitement. <br />
<br />
The song changed again. This time it was something more current. A woman singing about going around and around. <br />
<br />
<i>“Tell me now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.”</i><br />
<br />
Chapel pulled her hair over her shoulder and wrung it out. She felt cold for the first time.<br />
<br />
<i>“Don’t know how to feel about it. Something ‘bout the way you move.”</i><br />
<br />
She backed up to the center of the ring, making herself visible. She wondered if she should leave. <br />
<br />
<i>“Makes me think I can’t live without you, and it takes me all the way.”</i><br />
<br />
“Chapel.” His voice was right behind her. <br />
<br />
<i>“I want you to stay.</i>”<br />
<br />
She turned slowly. Met his eyes. <br />
<br />
<i>“I want you to stay.”</i><br />
<br />
All pretense of play was gone as his fingertips brushed against her chin.<br />
<br />
"You're not at all what I thought you'd be,” he said. <br />
<br />
Her heart thundered in her ears, along with the pulsing water around them. "What did you think I'd be?"<br />
<br />
He drew his dark eyebrows down. "I thought you were just another girl."<br />
<br />
She swallowed. "But instead I’m . . .”<br />
<br />
<i>“Not."</i> He dropped his hand, stared at his fingers.<br />
<br />
His breath was warm against her cheek as he stepped even closer and leaned his mouth toward hers. <br />
<br />
She was paralyzed. <br />
<br />
Not by fear. Not by indecision. But by the feeling that the moment was unique. That it was monumental for them both. That they were lowering their shields, holstering their weapons—at least for that perfect span of time.<br />
<br />
He kissed the side of her temple, just over her trio of freckles. When he leaned back and studied her, water droplets from his hair showered her like rain. <br />
<br />
“Zay,” she whispered, and her voice, her always sure, always steady voice, shook. “I want—” She didn’t finish. <br />
<br />
“I want, too,” he said simply. <br />
<br />
Then she closed her eyes. His hand came around the back of her neck, and with his thumb, he angled her jaw toward him.<br />
<br />
“So beautiful,” he whispered.</blockquote>
<br />
<u>Giveaway</u>:<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a8ab95/" id="rc-3a8ab95" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<i>Sponsored by <a href="http://gmtapublishingllc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>GMTA Publishing</b></a>.</i><br />
<br />
<u>About the Author</u>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbnjhPPPRSjEvDRXLk9GMcCVZ1mbyHAmP1hjusurUGxDrLA8sMC7IggZRNIuP86rMyearOeL4xJNlpadh_yWjtLxiAWCRton_iMKg8m4FUJ3chjQLY3pNEudBOQb-cnnK4pf2ihnB2u4/s1600/Holly+Lauren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbnjhPPPRSjEvDRXLk9GMcCVZ1mbyHAmP1hjusurUGxDrLA8sMC7IggZRNIuP86rMyearOeL4xJNlpadh_yWjtLxiAWCRton_iMKg8m4FUJ3chjQLY3pNEudBOQb-cnnK4pf2ihnB2u4/s1600/Holly+Lauren.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a></div>
<br />
Holly was born and raised in a small town in North Georgia. The third of four children, Holly grew up telling stories to get herself out of—and her siblings into—trouble. When she was eight years old, she penned her first publication: a newspaper called Sunny Dayz News. While she didn’t sell any actual copies, her sympathetic grandmother did peruse through the edition at least once.<br />
<br />
When Holly isn’t dreaming up new plotlines for her next book, she enjoys breakfasting at Picnic Café in Dahlonega, Georgia with her (handsome) husband and their two (adorable) daughters.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hollylaurenwrites.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hollylauren.writes?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/_HollyLauren" target="_blank">Twitter</a><br />
<br />
<u>Blog Tour</u>:<br />
For Holly Lauren’s <b>Tempus</b> blog tour schedule please visit <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Chttp://gmtapublishingllc.blogspot.com/p/holly-laurens-blog-tour-tempus.html%E2%80%9D"><b>GMTA Publishing</b>.</a><br />
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zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816018292276896413.post-2012344474645163462014-03-04T00:00:00.001-05:002014-03-04T00:00:04.080-05:00Release Day Giveaway: Chasing the Green Fairy<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi guys! Today is the release day of <b>Chasing the Green Fairy</b> by the lovely Melanie Karsak! And to celebrate Melanie is giving you a chance to win a fun prize pack with signed copies of both books in <u>The Airship Racing Chronicles</u> series and other cool book swag, enter below via <b>Rafflecopter</b>. <br />
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<i>Happy Book Birthday!</i><br />
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<b>Chasing the Green Fairy</b> (The Airship Racing Chronicles #2)<br />
Melanie Karsak<br />
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<i><u>Release Date</u>: March 4, 2014</i></div>
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<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1392435918l/20512114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melanie Karsak" border="0" height="320" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1392435918l/20512114.jpg" title="Chasing the Green Fairy" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Book Description</u>:</i><br />
<i>A sabotaged airship.<br />
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A recovering opium addict.<br />
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A messenger with life-shattering news.<br />
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With the 1824 British airship qualifying race only weeks away, Lily Stargazer is at the top of her game. She’s racing like a pro, truly in love, and living clean. But on one ill-omened day, everything changes.<br />
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Pulled head-long into the ancient secrets of the realm, Lily soon finds herself embroiled in Celtic mysteries and fairy lore. And she’s not quite sure how she got there, or even if she wants to be involved. But Lily soon finds herself chasing the spirit of the realm while putting her own ghosts to rest. And only accepting the truth--about her heart and her country--can save her.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Green-Fairy-Airship-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00IMSIQMG/ref" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20512114-chasing-the-green-fairy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOk_xzD8WWaR8veifSreVoqYrgUXkeCtK">YouTube Playlist</a><br />
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<u>Giveaway</u>:<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/309ef120/" id="rc-309ef120" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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<u>About the Author</u>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc_WEh2cOoO41JDKqprvC2Eas709gFhjKnFU1tMo1q48UmSauv_vScmI7nlDiX5ruf7njNEqtra6wMO-rJCy1VXAPwxw4UrTVDPGh0s3ClFp3tCC7nN9Ffin0zCu355W1C_yNUbgkD90/s1600/Melanie+Karsak+Author+Pic+by+Orange+Moon+Studios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc_WEh2cOoO41JDKqprvC2Eas709gFhjKnFU1tMo1q48UmSauv_vScmI7nlDiX5ruf7njNEqtra6wMO-rJCy1VXAPwxw4UrTVDPGh0s3ClFp3tCC7nN9Ffin0zCu355W1C_yNUbgkD90/s1600/Melanie+Karsak+Author+Pic+by+Orange+Moon+Studios.jpg" height="200" title="Melanie Karsak" width="132" /></a></div>
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Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania where there wasn’t much to do but read books and go for hikes. She wrote her first novel, a gripping piece about a 1920s stage actress, when she was 12. Today, Melanie, a steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and caffeine junkie, lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Karsak/e/B009DKGKQG/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://melaniekarsak.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MelanieKarsak" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="mailto:melanie@clockpunkpress.com" target="_blank">Email</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieKarsak" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/MelanieKarsak" target="_blank">Authorgraph</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/melaniekarsak/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539577.Melanie_Karsak" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<u>The Airship Racing Chronicles Series</u>: <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18683809-chasing-the-star-garden" target="_blank">Chasing the Star Garden</a></b> (The Airship Racing Chronicles #1) <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20512114-chasing-the-green-fairy" target="_blank">Chasing the Green Fairy</a></b> (The Airship Racing Chronicles #2) <br />
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20512138-chasing-the-fog" target="_blank">Chasing the Fog</a></b> (The Airship Racing Chronicles #3)<br />
<i>Expected Publication: June, 2014</i></div>
zEmfIrKahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15764491948185317213noreply@blogger.com2