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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Okay I Caved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I caved.
I am now on Twitter.
Can someoned please tell me how to link my blog to where my posts are now going to show each time.
I have no idea what I am doing on it. LOL
Here is the link to it: http://twitter.com/StuffdBookshelf
My Twitter name is: StuffdBookshelf
Okay start commenting on here and tell me what to do! LOL

posted by Amy J at 3:16 PM 8 Comments

THE NEXT BEST THING by Kristan Higgins

THE NEXT BEST THING 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (February 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373774389
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373774388
SYNOPSIS:

Lucy Lang isn't looking for fireworks.

She's looking for a nice, decent man. Someone who'll mow the lawn, flip chicken on the barbecue, teach their future children to play soccer. But most important: someone who won't inspire the slightest stirring in her heart…or anywhere else. A young widow, Lucy can't risk that kind of loss again. But sharing her life with a cat named Fat Mikey and the Black Widows at the family bakery isn't enough either. So it's goodbye to Ethan, her hot but entirely inappropriate "friend with privileges" and hello to a man she can marry.

Too bad Ethan Mirabelli isn't going anywhere. As far as he's concerned, what she needs might be right under her nose. But can he convince her that the next best thing can really be forever? 

MY THOUGHTS:
When I first started reading this book, I fell in love with the authors humor.  By the end of this first chapter, you have laughed, and get a shock with the last line of the first chapter as well.  I was hooked.  You instantly fall for Ethan and find yourself cheering for him the whole time.  I found Lucy whiney and annoying though.  Whe whined so much I wanted to dial her a Wah-mbulance so she would shut up and fall in love with Ethan already. I hated how the author kept the book focused mainly on Lucy, and hardly ever had Ethan in the book.  He was suppose to be one of the main characters!  When we did get to see him, Lucy used him more of a doormat than a lover. 

Overall, I have mixed feelings on this book.  This is my first read by this author and I am sure I will probably read more by her, even if this book left me with mixed emotions about it.  Cut about half of the book out, mainly Lucy's whining and watching her wedding tape each chapter, and bring on some more Ethan, and this book could easily get to my attention better.  The humor is what saved this book in my opinion.

MY RATING:


 
  A Good Book and Read! Perfect For Rainy Days
From the Library!

Labels:

posted by Amy J at 12:28 PM 2 Comments

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Open For Discussion

I have been asked by several people lately if I have a Twitter account.  Well, no I don't and I am wondering what the big thing is about Twitter.  So I thought I would have an open discussion on the issue so I can get more feedback on the pros and cons of it all.

Here are my thoughts, and please feel free to help me out on all of this.

I have my blog and I share a alot in my blog posts. I do my rants when I need to, I post my questions for everyone when I need to, and I post giveaways on blog posts as well.  What is the point of twitter?  To me it seems like just another blog.  I mean, if people are just following Twitter, isn't it the same as following a blog?  I would rather someone read my blog and comment on it instead of someone just following a Twitter account that only mentions contests and such.  If people want to contact me, email me. It is clearly posted on my blog along with a contact form also.

So what is the big thing about Twitter?  Is there some secret link in your Twitter accounts that push people to your blog?  I am just not understanding the purpose of it.  I am computer dumb, so maybe this is going over my head or something.  I mean, what exactly is RT and all the other mumbo jumbo words that are all over the place?  Isn't it the same thing as a blog post or an email to someone.  If anything it seems more like and instant messaging system.

What are your thoughts about Twitter?  Do you have Twitter and has it helped with traffic for your blog?  Have you really gotten more exposure with it?

posted by Amy J at 6:21 PM 13 Comments

WILLOW by Julia Hoban

WILLOW
Author: Julia Hoban
Source: Library
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Dial (April 2, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0803733569
  • ISBN-13: 978-0803733565
 SYNOPSIS:

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.
Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her. 

MY THOUGHTS:
This book was an emotional read that was also informative of a problem that is on the rise that is not thought about that much.  In Willow, the main character blames herself for the death of her parents after she is in a car accident with them where she was driving.  Instead of dealing with the pain, she turns to cutting herself to release some of the grief.  

I found the romance between Willow and Guy to be sweet and wonderful.  It was written beautifully and the characters definitely clicked together.  I still cannot believe that people can do this to their bodies, but that is only my opinion.  I can understand the reason that this character did it though, and each time she would do it, my heart would break for her.  There were many scenes in the book that Willow and her brothers interaction would also break my heart. 

I was sucked in from the first chapter and couldn't put this book down.  I was hoping that Guy would get through to Willow and be her hero.  I wanted Willow to sit down and talk with ther brother and work things out.  There were times I wanted to jump into the book and help Willow work through it all. 

A wonderful book that was not only informative, but moving.  It sent my emotions all over the place. 

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

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posted by Amy J at 10:17 AM 1 Comments

Friday, February 26, 2010

Contest Alert!!!

Today I am featured on Star Shadow Creative Mishaps!  I am also giving away an ARC copy of Eternal on the Water for the interview.  Go take a look and enter. You have to be a follower of my blog and her blog to enter!
More details are on the interview!

posted by Amy J at 7:07 PM 0 Comments

Q&A with author Rachel Caine

I am so over the moon right now!  I was so excited when one of my favorite authors agreed to do an interview for all of us here at My Overstuffed Bookshelf!  If you could only have seen my happy dance. Well, maybe it is better for your eyes that you didn't!  So without any further rambling from me, I give you author Rachel Caine!


1. Welcome Rachel! Can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

I'm really, really boring.  :)  ... what, you expected more?  Okay.  Well, I was born at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico (my mother worked for rocket scientists and my dad was the Countdown Voice for missile launches).  I was an only child, an army kid, and I moved around a lot.  When we finally settled down (when I was about 12) I lived in El Paso.  I got hooked on music early, and I really intended to become a professional musician -- and I did, that was what I did for about five years after I got out of college.  But I also started writing around the same time, and finally, I had to make a choice between music and writing.  I picked writing.  :)

What else?  I've published more than 30 books, I work ridiculous hours at a day job, and I am married to a fabulous artist (R. Cat Conrad).  I have iguanas as pets.  

See?  Totally boring.

2. What books are you currently working on? Any hints?

I just finished TOTAL ECLIPSE, the 9th book (and the last) of the Weather Warden series, which will be coming out in August.  I'm currently checking final proofs for KISS OF DEATH, the 9th Morganville Vampires book, which is being released (NEW INFO!) on April 27th (my birthday!).  Next up (next week, actually) I start GHOST TOWN, the 10th Morganville book.
 
3. I am a fly on your wall for the day.  What would I see in the life of Rachel?
 
You poor fly.  You're bored out of your MIND, aren't you?  You see me stumble out of bed at 5 am, sit down at the computer and write for 3 hours, then go to my day job for between 10 and 12 hours, generally.  Then you see me come home and spend as much time as I can with my husband (generally, cooking and watching TV).  Oh, and you see me returning emails for the rest of the night on my laptop as we watch TV.  That's a typical day.  Yawn.

4. If Morganville was a true town, would you want to live there?
 
HECK no.  I don't run fast enough.  Although if I was Claire's age, I'd probably get myself talked into it ...
 
5. A few quickies for everyone!
    
Fave Food:  Trick question, I'm on a very restrictive diet, so I have none.  I guess soft tacos, which is one of the things I can still eat!
Fave: Drink:  Used to be caramel mochas, followed closely by Diet Dr Pepper.  Now:  water.  Nothing but water.
Fave Color:  Orange!  And I haven't had to give that up.
Fave Perfume:  Red Poison (the vanilla kind)
Who do you think is hotter, Shane or Michael?:  OH.  Well ... um ... I give up.  Shane, but only because Michael would never date me.

6. What are three things you must have when you sit down to write?

1) Headphones and music.
2)  Internet connection. 
3) A comfortable chair.

7. Do you have a blog or website that your fans can keep up with you at? 

I am ALL OVER THAT.  Here goes:

Website: www.rachelcaine.com
Livejournal: rachelcaine.livejournal.com
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/rachelcaine
Myspace:  www.myspace.com/rachelcaine
I'm also on Facebook!  Friend me!
 
 8. Anything Else you would like to add?
 
I am so grateful to my readers.  It's so cool to be able to talk to them and say hello, and it's a real honor to be in the position I am in today.  I never thought I'd become this successful at something I love doing, and I owe it to every person out there who buys the books.  Thank you.

posted by Amy J at 9:10 AM 3 Comments

Thursday, February 25, 2010

You are a bad girl!!!!

 

Yes you a bad girl Blanche!  You are a bad enabler!!!!

Does everyone want to know why Blanche is a bad girl?

Well, let me tell you!!!!

I recently won a contest on her blog that involved a set of books by Susan Mallery.  I thought the blurbs sounded wonderful and the covers were oh so cute.  Well, I finally got a chance to start reading them today, and lets just say I have spent more time on PaperBackSwap finding more of those books that my credit balance is going to be exceeded for the month.  Thank goodness the month is almost over.

So thanks to you Blanche, I am hooked on a new author and spending more time trying to find more of this author's books than I should be.

Now get out your pencil and paper (oh yeah we are doing it the old fashion way) and write the following 100 times:
I WILL NOT ENABLE!!

(okay well keep enabling but we will keep it a secret to my checkbook!)

Thanks Blanche for giving me a new author to enjoy!!!

posted by Amy J at 9:10 PM 9 Comments

RAVISH: THE AWAKENING OF SLEEPING BEAUTY By Cathy Yardley

RAVISH: THE AWAKENING OF SLEEPING BEAUTY
Author: Cathy Yardley 
Source: Purchased from PBS
  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Avon Red (September 23, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061376086
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061376085
SYNOPSIS:
An innocent beauty, trapped in sleep . . .
Sheltered from society, Aurora Jacquard has yet to feel the sweet release of physical love. Then, on the night she is about to give in to temptation, she inexplicably falls into a deep coma.
A handsome prince, determined to discover her secrets . .
Jacob White is one of the best neurologists in the world, and he intends to awaken Aurora from her virginal slumber. But when she begins to invade his dreams every night, beckoning him into a sensuous place of lust and danger, Jacob realizes there's more to this woman than meets the eye.
It will take more than a kiss to wake her up . .
Trapped in a world of erotic dreams, Aurora and Jacob must surrender to their deepest darkest desires . . but how far are they willing to go?

MY THOUGHTS:
After cooling down from reading Crave, the first book in the series, I dove right into Ravish.  This a the modern day adaptation of Sleeping Beauty.  Again,  this is another highly erotic book by a talented author.  Hot and steamy doesn't even begin to describe this series.   

After Aurora's parents make a pact with a voodoo priestess, so they could have a child, they quickly realize the mistake they make.  When Aurora decides to have sex for the first time, the voodoo curse takes effect and she falls into a coma.  The physicians all label her as Sleeping Beauty because she stays in this coma for six years, with no medical reason.  Her parents hire Dr. Jacob White to try and awaken her.

After Jacob dreams of Aurora, he tries to figure out what the dreams mean and if they are real.  This is where the hot sex and erotic fantasies come into play. (Yes, pun intended)

He dreams of Aurora whenever he falls asleep.  They quickly fall in lust and love and try to figure out how to wake her up so they can have a life together. 

The author also included a secondary story in the book featuring Jacob's brother.  They all intertwine into one story and flow nicely.  Like I said before, this book is highly erotic, and should only be read by adults. 

I am looking forward to reading her next book, Enslave: The Taming of the Beast.


MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

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posted by Amy J at 1:17 PM 3 Comments

CRAVE: THE SEDUCTION OF SNOW WHITE by Cathy Yardley

CRAVE: THE SEDUCTION OF SNOW WHITE
Source: Purchased through PBS
  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Avon Red (June 3, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061376078
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061376078
SYNOPSIS:

When a woman is ripe for the picking . . . 
Beth Cordova's life is no fairy tale. Having barely escaped the evil grasp of her wicked stepmother, this “missing princess” seeks refuge in a strict commune where carnal pleasures are forbidden.

Sometimes just one bite of the apple . . .
Her world is lonely and void of intimacy, until the charming Stephen Trent arrives at the commune. Suddenly Beth yearns for a man's touch, the feel of his lips on hers . . . and Stephen is eager to show this pure-as-snow princess that she can still be the sensual woman she was once upon a time. 

Is all it takes to unleash her desires...
But all is not what it seems, and the stunning beauty finds herself again in danger, her stepmother hot on her trail. The commune's founders will not tolerate the pair, yet fleeing its walls could prove fatal. Trapped in a world where passion is outlawed, can Beth live happily ever after? 

MY THOUGHTS:

Whew! This series is NOT for the faint hearted.  There was more sex scenes in this book than a man's magazine. (Not that I would know)  Even though the scenes were hot, horny, and graphic, I could easily pick out the adaptations of the fairytale in this book.  Beth and Stephen were hot together and had the chemistry to be rooting for them from page one.  

Stephen joins the commune to work undercover as a reporter.  He is instantly attracted to the Goodmaid Beth.  They quickly fall in lust and love which is forbidden in the commune.  The Founders are very protective of Beth.  Beth joined the commune when she was seventeen, escaping the deadly clutches of her evil Stepmother.  She faked her own death.  Stephen realizes who she is when he notices her birthmark.  They find themselves in danger trying to escape the commune.  

Not only was this book so hot and steamy, but the author's adaptation to it was great.  I was a little confused at times thinking is this a historical or modern day book?  As I kept reading it though, I didn't care. It is modern day themed, but with the commune you get a feel of historical.

A great new author for me to keep looking into. Just be forwarned, that this book is hot and steamy.  If you don't like to read erotica, then this book would not be for you.

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

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posted by Amy J at 10:09 AM 1 Comments

DOUBLE TROUBLE by Susan May Warren (BLOG TOUR)

DOUBLE TROUBLE
Author:  Susan May Warren
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (January 11, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1414313136
  • ISBN-13: 978-1414313139
SYNOPSIS 

With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case—house-sitting for a witness in protective custody—Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they’re after PJ, too.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the second book in a series and I really recommend you read the first book before reading this one.  I had a hard time trying to figure things out, even though near the end of the book, it explains it all.  It could possibly be read alone, but not without some confusion at first.

Once you get into the book though, the characters humor and the way she is always causing trouble for herself will keep you hooked.  PJ is in training to be a private investigator, but she seems to make more work and trouble for herself than learning! It is comical to see what happens to her and what she will do next.  The character is likeable and she draws you into her world just to find out what is coming next.  Some of the stuff is so out there, but you can't help but laugh at her. 

Not only does the book have great mystery, but the author throws in a love triangle that leaves you rooting for all the people involved. It makes it hard for you to decide which one you want to prevail. 

A great book for all.  The humor, witty writing and chick lit feel was enough to keep me interested for the whole book. 

MY RATING:



Very Good! Worth Spending Your Money on!
 






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posted by Amy J at 7:34 AM 1 Comments

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

OMFG!! You will never look at peppers the same!

Okay, this has nothing to do with books and I haven't done a WTF? Friday post in a long time, but I wanted to share this with you today! My mom sent it to me in an email and I think it is too funny! Enjoy the laugh!


Have never seen a Pecker Pepper before...
 
These are actual peppers from a garden.  They are called 'Peter Peppers'..
 
 By the way, the farmer says they can grow up to 18" long!
 
 Sort of brings tears to your eyes doesn't it?

posted by Amy J at 4:19 PM 15 Comments

LOVE YOUR HEART by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas

LOVE YOUR HEART
Author(s): Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas
Source: Book Sneeze
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Reading level: Ages 4-8
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 16, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1400314739
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400314737
SYNOPSIS:

The second book in Tim McGraw’s My Little Girl series is a heartwarming story of a little girl’s selfless act of kindness.
Tim McGraw and songwriter Tom Douglas once again join forces to write another book about the precocious Katie and her dad. Katie has many talents, but she wonders which one will win her school’s talent show. With the help of Dad and her faithful dog Palio, and after several amusing mishaps, Katie finally chooses one talent that includes Palio. But at the talent show, she decides to drop out of the contest to help her friend, showing kindness is the best talent of all. Katie’s proud dad reassures her that she did the best thing and that while he loves many things about her, he loves her heart most of all.

MY THOUGHTS:

When it comes to reviewing book for children, I use a few different things to determine my opinion on it.

Was my child focused on the book as we read it together? Yes
Did she enjoy all the pictures or artwork throughout the book? Yes
Did she understand the meaning of what the book was about when we
discussed it afterwords? Kind Of
Did she ask me to read it again? No

Although my daughter enjoyed this book as I reading it to her, she had to ask a lot of questions.  Some of the words she didn't understand and I had to explain them to her as we read the book.  She liked the colored pages, and she thought the people that were drawn were fun.  Overall I think this book is better suited for children over 7.  My 4 year old didn't want to reread it again.

MY RATING:


 
  A Good Book and Read! Perfect For Rainy Days
From the Library!




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posted by Amy J at 1:55 PM 0 Comments

A WRITER'S JOKE X2

Here are a few more I found to give you a chuckle today!

A hungry lion was roaming through the jungle looking for something to eat. He came across two men. One was sitting under a tree reading a book; the other was typing away on his typewriter. The lion quickly pounced on the man reading the book and devoured him. Even the king of the jungle knows that readers digest and writers cramp 

_________________________________



A visitor to a certain college paused to admire the new Hemingway Hall that had been built on campus.
"It's a pleasure to see a building named for Ernest Hemingway," he said.
"Actually," said his guide, "it's named for Joshua Hemingway. No relation."
The visitor was astonished. "Was Joshua Hemingway a writer, also?"
"Yes, indeed," said his guide. "He wrote a check."





posted by Amy J at 12:46 PM 2 Comments

A WRITER'S JOKE

I didn't write this, but heard it from a friend and thought you all might enjoy it too:

A writer died and was given the choice of going to heaven or hell.

The writer thought she'd check out each place before making her decision. So with an angelic escort she descended the brimstone steps to the fiery pits and here she entered a grimy sweatshop and saw rows and rows of writers chained to their desks. As the writers worked on their manuscripts they were repeatedly whipped with cats-o-nine tails.

"Oh gosh golly," the writer told the angel, "I'd better go check out heaven now!"

So they walked back up the brimstone steps and now proceeded up the golden steps that led to Heaven. Here the writer entered another sweatshop, and here again were rows of writers chained to their desks. Just like in Hell, the writers were whipped with cats-o-nine tails as they struggled over every precious word and vital scene in their stories.

The writer was confused. "But this is just as awful as hell!"

"Certainly not!" protested the angel. "Here, your work actually gets published!"

posted by Amy J at 12:18 PM 2 Comments

COWBOY TROUBLE by Joanne Kennedy (ARC review)

COWBOY TROUBLE
Source: Sourcebooks (thank you Danielle!)
* I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 2, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402236689
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402236686
SYNOPSIS:

A cowboy like that could break your heart...
Fleeing her latest love-life disaster, big city journalist Libby Brown's transition to rural living isn't going exactly as planned. Her childhood dream has always been to own a farm-but without the constant help of her charming, sexy cowboy neighbor, she'd never make it through her first Wyoming season.

But he could sure keep you warm at night, too...
Handsome rancher Luke Rawlins is impressed by this sassy, independent city girl. But he yearns to do more than help Libby out with her ranch. He's ready for love, and he wants to go the distance...
Then the two get embroiled in their tiny town's one and only crime story, and Libby discovers that their sizzling hot attraction is going to complicate her life in every way possible...

MY THOUGHTS:

Girl gets tired of city life. Girl moves to ranch. Girl falls in love with hunky cowboy next door. Suspense. Sex. Love. Happy Ending.  It may sound like the normal romance book featuring cowboys, but there is a lot of wonderful story in between each of those sentence's.  The author does a wonderful job of making this story flow smoothly and giving the reader everything they come to expect from a romantic western love story.  You get the handsome cowboy,(just look at the cover), the strong heroine, plenty of suspense and intrigue throughout and steamy love scenes all in a nice little book.  The author is new to me, but is now on my automatic to buy list.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After 25 years in the business of selling books, I finally decided to sit down and write one. Five years and a lot of hard work later, I’m looking forward to the publication of my first novel, Cowboy Trouble, coming from Sourcebooks March 2nd.
Cowboy Trouble combines humor and suspense in a romance written for women whose interests range beyond high heels and hairstyles–readers whose idea of high fashion is wearing their Wranglers in “slim fit” instead of “cowboy cut.”

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!






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posted by Amy J at 10:49 AM 4 Comments

THE HIGHLANDER'S SWORD by Amanda Forester (ARC review)

THE HIGHLANDER'S SWORD
Source: Sourcebooks (Thank you Danielle)
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 2, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402229488
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402229480
SYNOPSIS:

A quiet, flame-haired beauty with secrets of her own…
Lady Aila Graham is destined for the convent, until her brother’s death leaves her an heiress. Soon she is caught between hastily arranged marriage with a Highland warrior, the Abbot’s insistence that she take her vows, the Scottish Laird who kidnaps her, and the traitor from within who betrays them all.

She’s nothing he expected and everything he really needs…
Padyn MacLaren, a battled-hardened knight, returns home to the Highlands after years of fighting the English in France. MacLaren bears the physical scars of battle, but it is the deeper wounds of betrayal that have rocked his faith. Arriving with only a band of war-weary knights, MacLaren finds his land pillaged and his clan scattered. Determined to restore his clan, he sees Aila’s fortune as the answer to his problems…but maybe it’s the woman herself.

MY THOUGHTS:

Aila is shaken when she is forced to marry Padyn at once with no courtship or engagement.  To say her world is turned upside down is an understatement.  

The author shows great work in details and story plot that flows nicely and makes a Historical Romance beautiful for modern day reading.  There was not a lot of dull spots, which made the book flow beautifully and quickly.  For a debut author, this was amazing to accomplish.  I am not a huge fan of historicals, but the author has written such a wonderful story, that I really did enjoy it this time around. 

A great new book from a new author that will keep you warm at night with quick page turning romance.  A great new addition to the romance genre.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

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posted by Amy J at 7:42 AM 1 Comments

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

COVER ALERT!!!

Larissa Ione revealed the new cover art for her next book on her blog. Here is what she had to say:

Squee!!!!! I has a cover!!!!
Now, I realize it's black and white — and pretty. But it'll be even prettier in person, because it'll have a metallic wash over it, so it'll be silver and black instead of black and white. I can't wait to see it!!!!!

 

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY
As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she’ll die before she’ll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin’s innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence.
HIS HUNGER CAN’T BE DENIED
Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she’s no stranger: He’s bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld’s most wanted and Con soon learns he’s the only one who can help her . . . and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.

posted by Amy J at 8:21 PM 3 Comments

WEEKLY CONTEST/GIVEAWAY

Here is this weeks giveaway contest.
  At times, there will be more than one book, but most of the time I will be featuring a weekly giveaway of one book. For these giveaways, I will NOT contact you if you win.  I will announce the winner and you will have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear from you.  the book will be passed to the next winner in line. 
Now here is the book(s) for this week and the rules will follow after the description:
 LIKE NEW/ HARDBACK

Manolito De La Cruz knew he was dangerously close to turning into a vampire. The last thing he expected after being called back to his Carpathian homeland by Prince Mikhail was to catch the scent of his destined lifemate in MaryAnn Delaney. MaryAnn is human, but she knows all too well the overwhelmingly aggressive instincts of Carpathian males. And they're not exactly the kind of men she'd prefer to be bound to for life.

A dedicated counselor for battered women, MaryAnn has a fulfilling life with no room for someone like Manolito, born and bred in the Carpathian Mountains, a law unto himself. But when MaryAnn agrees to go to South America to offer guidance to a brutalized young woman, she's oblivious of the trap that awaits her in the sweltering thick of the jungle. She has been lured there by Manolito himself, who has seductive plans for the unaware, irresistibly human female.

Once there, she will be his. Once his, she will never be released. He is her lover, her predator, her lifemate. She is his dark possession....

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1. You must be a follower to enter.
2. Contest is only available to the USA.  Sorry, but limited funds at this moment in time. This could change later.
3.  Leave a comment on this post.

OPTIONAL:
4. Mention the contest on your blog for extra entry. (Please post the link in a separate comment to qualify.)

This contest is open until 3/1/2010 with the winner being announced on 3/2/2010.

Good luck!

posted by Amy J at 11:39 AM 29 Comments

WEEKLY GIVEAWAY WINNER!

I had 35 entries for the weekly giveaway this week for the Katie MacAlister set.
I used random.org to pick the winner.
The winner is:


 
 
Please email me at:
djsfoxylady@gmail.com
with your mailing address so I can get these out to you.  You have 48 hours to respond.
Please include in the subject line of the email WEEKLY GIVEAWAY WINNER
 
Stay tuned for this weeks giveaway! 

posted by Amy J at 7:41 AM 6 Comments

Monday, February 22, 2010

2010 Romance Challenge Roundup Clompleted

WOOHOO! I finished a challenge for 2010 and it's only the end of Feb!  I will continue on with this challenge and add to it through out the year though.  But below, is my completion post for the challenge!

2010 Romance Reading Challenge
Runs from Jan 1rst,2010 until Dec 2010
I am signing up for:
-- Obsessed – Read 20 Romance Fiction novels

posted by Amy J at 10:31 AM 4 Comments

NAUTI INTENTIONS by Lora Leigh

NAUTI INTENTIONS
Author: Lora Leigh
Source: Library
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley Trade (April 7, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0425226050
  • ISBN-13: 978-0425226056
SYNOPSIS:
Since he saw Janey Mackay taking a dip in her bikini, Major Alex Jansen has had to quell the fire she ignites in him. Even touching her would mean death at the hands of the Mackay men. Until now, the girl of his dreams-and fantasies-has lived in a vacuum of affection, shying away from the danger she thinks men represent. Alex sets out to prove her wrong, with his torturously slow caresses.

Everyone thinks Janey's safe now, with her abusers dead. But when someone starts leaving spine chilling notes, Alex won't rest until she's completely safe. And completely his-body and soul...

MY THOUGHTS:
I know I should have read this tory in order, but the wait list at the library didn't think I should.  When I had heard about this book, everyone had said it was a scorcher!  Well, the hot sex scenes did burn up the pages, but other than that,  this book fell flat for me.

I loved the bones of the book.  It had greatness just in the blurb in my opinion.  The plot could have been wonderful.  Once I started reading it though, it just wouldn't click for me.  The characters of Janey and Alex were to forced and never caught a spark in my mind.  They seemed boring.  Janey was all over the place and Alex was too pushy.  

Now, I will say that maybe if I had read the book in the order it was meant to be read, I might have felt better about the characters. With that being said, I will wait for the first in the series to arrive and read it.  If I like it, I will reread this again to see if the book will come to life to me then.

MY RATING:


 
I did not enjoy this book.

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posted by Amy J at 10:26 AM 1 Comments

Saturday, February 20, 2010

DELICIOUS by Shayla Black (ARC review)

DELICIOUS
Author: Shayla Black
Source: ARC received from publisher (thank you Liz)
* I received this ARC copy free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley Trade (March 2, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0425232425
  • ISBN-13: 978-0425232422
SYNOPSIS:

He can’t control his desire.
Luc Traverson’s entire future is planned out—but there is one very sexy obstacle in his path: Alyssa Devereaux . She’s a former exotic dancer turned strip club owner and restaurateur. Recently, Alyssa and Luc shared one night of wild abandon that left Luc terrified by his loss of self-control—and Alyssa desperate for more.

And that’s just the way she wants it.
Fulfilling a promise, Luc is the guest chef for Alyssa’s restaurant debut. The sight of her makes Luc wild, so how can he survive a week without letting loose and ravaging her—especially when she’s begging for it? Luc’s desire for her explodes when he realizes he isn’t the only man desperate to have her. But one of the others is deadly. And that’s not the end of Alyssa’s secrets…which are as dark and mysterious and enticing as her fantasies.

MY THOUGHTS:
OMG!  I have been dying to post this review! Now it is finally close enough to release date that I can't hold back any longer in sharing with you this Delicious book!

First of all, I have waited FOREVER it seems for this book.  Luc so far, is my favorite out of all of the series so far.  Ms. Black has got a knack for writing wonderful stories that leave you hot and bothered and on the edge of your seat with suspense.  Just when you think the story is coming to an end, she throws more at you!

What was nice about this book is we get to not only get mention of the previous books' characters, but we actually get to see interaction with them.  We get to read the hot and heavy sex scenes that the author has mastered, the suspense that keeps this plot moving effortlessly, and characters with depth and reality to them.  At first, I wasn't too sure about the character of Alyssa, but as the story progressed I really enjoyed the chemistry between her and Luc.  I was constantly trying to figure out the mystery of who was stalking Alyssa, and the author kept me guessing up until the end. 

The sex scenes alone were enough to keep me going through this book.  The heat radiated from the pages and left you panting along with the characters.  The author knows sexy and can write it with ease.  I will never look at a strawberry the same way again after reading this book. 

A book that is very erotic, scorching hot and oh so Delicious!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!


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posted by Amy J at 8:59 PM 7 Comments

Friday, February 19, 2010

FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON by Jeaniene Frost

FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON
Author: Jeaniene Frost
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Avon; Original edition (February 9, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061583227
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061583223
SYNOPSIS:
The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows—her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield—and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness—and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.
He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human—even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together . . .
Because once the first crimson drop falls, they will both be lost. 

MY THOUGHTS:
I have never read the other books by this author that are so popular, but I will definitely be checking them out now after reading this book. 

I loved all the characters in this book.  Denise was a little whiney at first, but she does change throughout the book for the better.  Spade is just hot!  He needs no further explanation.  If Cat and Bones were wonderful so I know the series that features them will probably be devoured by me in one day as soon as I get them.  

I have read a bunch of review from numerous blogs, and everyone says that this book was not as great as they expected it to be.  I don't see what was wrong with the book. It had plenty of action and romance for me.  (Can I get a HELL YEAH for that shower scene that Denise got to witness of Spade?!) HAWT!  Not to mention Ian sounds like a character I can't wait to see unfold on the pages. Especially with more mentions to his piercing! I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next on in this series due out this summer in 2010.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

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posted by Amy J at 2:52 PM 4 Comments

SIZE EIGHT IN A SIZE ZERO WORLD by Meredith Cagen

SIZE EIGHT IN A SIZE ZERO WORLD
Author: Meredith Cagen
Source:Author
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 340 pages
  • Publisher: iUniverse (November 23, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1440169748
  • ISBN-13: 978-1440169748
SYNOPSIS:
Meet Lindsay Chandler-a 32 year-old New York working wife and mother with old-fashioned values who thinks she's living a fairy tale life (she's not). Then an unexpected friendship with her upstairs neighbor (he is smart, successful, sophisticated and sexy- she's not) unleashes her passion and re-ignites her sparkle. This liaison causes her to question the way she lives her life. Yearning for a storybook ending, she decides to make changes in her life, embarking on a quest for self re-invention.

MY THOUGHTS:
Are you looking for a sassy and upbeat book to read?  The author did a wonderful job of writing a witty and fun book with Size Eight in a Size Zero World.  Not only will this book make you scream at Lindsay for some of the choices she makes, but you will stand up next to her for the decisions she finally realizes are the right ones.  She gets tired of being a doormat and wakes up and realizes there is more out there. A great plot that finishes up nice at the end.  Some parts seem to drag out, but the end is worth the wait.

MY RATING:



Very Good! Worth Spending Your Money on!
 

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posted by Amy J at 7:54 AM 3 Comments

Thursday, February 18, 2010

MANGROVES AND MONSTERS by Sharon Cupp Pennington

MANGROVES AND MONSTERS
Author: Sharon Cupp Pennington
Source: Author submission
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 302 pages
  • Publisher: Draumr Publishing (November 6, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1933157313
  • ISBN-13: 978-1933157313
SYNOPSIS:
Charlie Cooper, reluctant teacher by day and broken-hearted wanderer by night, is a man desperately in love with a dead woman.

But is Angeline St. Cyr really dead?
 
The supermodel fell victim to an auto-pedestrian accident in New Orleans. Police reports and medical records substantiate the severity of her injuries. Cosmetics mogul Mathieu Fournier, her former boss, orchestrated a cremation and memorial service. The paparazzi swarmed celebrity attendees. Fans mourned.
Call it gut instinct, but Cooper is convinced Angeline's death was an elaborate scheme that Fournier sold to the world. But Cooper isn't buying it, nor is his heart.
A tenuous lead draws him to the Caribbean island of Jacqueme Dominique. Only Cooper isn't alone in his quest. By chasing his dream of rekindled love, he becomes embroiled in murder, treachery, and abduction at the hands of his old nemesis Willem Voorhees...a merciless killer.
For five long years Cooper's love survived while he searched for Angeline. Will finding her cost him his life? 

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the second book I have read by this author.  Her first book was titled Hoodoo Money.  

Charlie finally finds his wife after believing she has been dead for 5 years.  The author takes you to a getaway to a tropical paradise and involves mystery, suspense and action.  The book does move a little slow for my taste in the beginning, but picks up about halfway through.  It has a wonderful mystery in the plot that keeps you guessing until the end.  It also has rekindled love that you will find touching.  If you like mysteries, then this is an excellent book to read.  The author made it flow nicely and knows how to write. 

MY RATING:



Very Good! Worth Spending Your Money on!
 

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posted by Amy J at 1:31 PM 4 Comments