Blog Tour & Giveaway: Code of Darkness by Chris Lindberg

Giveaway Details:
Mr. Lindberg has authorized me to give away 1 e-copy of Code of Darkness.   Since it is an e-book I can open it up internationally.  Just leave a comment with a valid e-mail.  Let us know if you tweet or post the giveaway on Facebook for an extra chance.  I'll keep this open until Dec 4.  

Also, Mr. Lindberg is running a grand prize giveaway for a $50 visa gift card to the person that comments at every stop and follows the entire tour. For a list of tour stops visit here.

Author: Chris Lindberg
Publisher: self published/ Lulu.com
Date of publication: Aug 17 2011

During a deadly hostage standoff, Chicago police officer Larry Parker witnesses a heroic act by a mysterious intervener. But when the Samaritan disappears, Larry is left only with unanswered questions. Suddenly vigilante activity begins popping up all over the city. Larry finds evidence pointing to the Samaritan, and discovers his identity – a loner known only by the name Rage. But Rage has also drawn the attention of a covert Black Ops division within the Pentagon itself. Seen as a liability to their secret operation, Larry finds himself in the cross hairs as well, and must find answers while on the run. The deadly chase leads cross-country to a top-secret military facility in Virginia, where Rage and Larry uncover the greatest danger of all -- and only they can stop the unthinkable from happening.


Code of Darkness is an exciting, tense and non-stop adventure.  I don't normally like straight action books, but I really enjoyed this one!  The entire time I was reading it, I kept thinking this would make a great movie. I could even picture how the scenes would play out.  The plot was well written and well thought out. 


The characters were well written.  Rage has special abilities and struggles with the question of using them or not.  In seeking justice for the helpless, he becomes a vigilante.  His actions bring him into the cross hairs of the police as well as a Black Ops team.  What interest does the military have in him and what is going on inside the secret research facility?  You will have to read to find out.  I hate to give away too much of the plot because it would really spoil it.  I never would have guessed the secret behind who Rage is and how he came to be.  I had a dozen scenarios in my mind, but I didn't even come close.  


I definitely recommend Code of Darkness.  I sorry when it ended.  This is the debut novel for Mr. Lindberg.  I see a bright future ahead of him and look forward to his next book!

About the Author:

Chris Lindberg was born and raised outside Chicago, Illinois.  After graduating from Northern Illinois University in the mid-1990s, he headed out to the west coast for a couple of years, where he began writing as a casual pastime.  

Some time after returning to Chicago he began attending writers workshops at StoryStudio Chicago, where he wrote two character studies, both of which have since been developed into key characters in Code of Darkness.  

Chris now lives outside Chicago with his wife Jenny and their two children, Luke and Emma.  You might catch him working away on his second novel while commuting on his morning train into the city.


Purchase Links:

paperback - http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/code-of-darkness/16526720?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/2

iBookstore - http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/code-of-darkness/id464114531?mt=11

Amazon Kindle Edition - http://www.amazon.com/Code-of-Darkness-ebook/dp/B005JHKKJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315497536&sr=8-1

Guest Post and review: Two Moons of Sera by Pavarti K. Tyler

Today we welcome author, Pavarti K. Tyler, who is promoting the first volume in her Two Moons of Sera series.  Welcome Pavarti!

Publisher: Fighting Monkey Press
Date of publication: November 2011
In a world where water and earth teem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother's water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one? 

All the Fun of YA written for Adults 

Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and will be released in a serial format. The first volume is just shy of 20,000 words and will be priced at $0.99. Anyone who purchases it will receive all future volumes for free. However if you wait to get it until later, the price will go up with each addition.

My thoughts:  My only complaint about this first volume is that is ended too soon!  I wanted more and look forward to the next installment.  It was a very quick read.  The story is well written and the author reveals just enough about the world to keep the reader intrigued. I can't wait to see how the story of Serafay and Tor unfolds.

The Esoteric Reader - by Pavarti K Tyler

I'm willing to bet that half the books on my bookshelves are things you've never heard of.  I know, I sound like a snob when I say that, and in a way I am.  A literary snob.  Not because I've read and bow down to the greatness of canon (because I don't) but because I have made it my life's mission to find the books that are the most interesting, most unique, best crafted pieces of writing I can find.  It's been a hit or miss endeavor but in the end it's been worth it.

This is not to say that I don't enjoy a good NYTs best seller now and then.  Hell, I'm one of those "twilight people" you've been known to make fun of (don't pretend you haven't).  I love a good new Sookie book and often pick up whatever the newest big thing is when I'm at the airport.  But left to my own devices I'm more likely to check out the newest release from Interlink Books than Random House.

Perhaps this is why the idea of Indie Publishing is so exciting to me.  I've not put much stock in the idea that doing things the way everyone else does is a good thing.  I never have, just ask my family.  I didn't go to the college I received a scholarship at because it wasn't what I wanted to do.  I didn't marry a man my father approved of.  I didn't get a job as a high powered professional.  I didn't stay home with my kids like a good wife should.  In fact, anytime there's a rule, the only thing you can count on is that I'll try my damnedest to find a way to break it.

When seen in that light it's not surprising that I make my day to day living as an entrepreneur, or that I am drawn to the stories that are rarely told.  I certainly love a number of mainstream books but for a moment; let's revel in a few you may not know:

Moth Smoke - The world isn't really that big or complicated, we're all people

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World - What is real?

Games of the Strong like Hunger Games? It was pretty much a direct rip-off of this

The Reapers Are the Angels - Zombies!  Brains!  The best book ever.

Amrita - What is it to be human?

A Sky So Close - A warzone through the eyes of a child

The Far Euphrates - the holocaust did so much more than kill people.

Changes: A Love Story - think you understand polygamy, you don't till you read this.

All of these books ARE traditionally published.  Many of them have won awards and achieved significant success.  I'm not special in my enjoyment of them, and believe me, I'm no high bar, Battlefield Earth is one of my absolute favorites (don't judge until you read it, you'll be shocked by how good it is).  But these are not titles you will see in your local bookstore, or in the Barnes and Noble "Staff Pics" section.  And why not?  What is it about them that renders them commercially unviable?

Probably the same thing that draws me to them.

These are stories that are not comfortable, are not familiar.  These are stories that challenge our minds in a way that Incarceron (which I couldn't even finish) simply does not.  I love a book that I can loose myself in so completely that I become another person, live another culture, revel in the sorrows and pain of a life I have never lived.

And this is my definition of success.  Why am I Indie Publishing?  Because I don't want to ever hear "yeah, but if you change this it will sell better."  Instead I want you to read it and then sit back, take a deep breath and shake your head, unable for a moment to be sure which world is real and which was within the pages of a book.


About the author:

Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing CompanyFighting Monkey Press . 

Pavarti K Tyler's novel Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and will be released in a serial format beginning this fall. Her next novel Shadow on the Wall is scheduled for release in early 2012. Shadow on the Wall is Book One of The SandStorm Chronicles, the saga of Recai Osman — businessman, philosopher, Muslim and . . . superhero. 

You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter or her blog.

Books We Didn't Finish

Kari reviewed White Heat earlier this month and enjoyed listening to the audiobook.  I tried reading the book and just couldn't get into it.  Part of it was the native language, I know most people can just skim over that kind of stuff, but I can't.  I have to stop to try to pronounce it, then that throws off my rhythm and frustrates me.  I gave it about 100 pages and decided it really wasn't holding my interest enough to keep with it.

Damned was a stupid book in my opinion.  The first thing that irritated me was the repetition.  Certain aspects of the book were repeated constantly.  It wasn't cute or clever or funny, it was boring.   It was a rip off of The Breakfast Club and the setting happened to be Hell.  It wasn't even a well written Hell.  It was like a bunch of 13 year old boys sat around trying to gross each other out more with their descriptions of Hell.  Again I gave the book about 100 pages and decided it was juvenile and a waste of my time.

I often peruse the shelves at the library for audiobooks to enjoy at work. Even though The Grave Tattoo is a couple of years old, I thought I would try it out.  I got to disc number 3 and I had to shut it off.  I was so bored.  I found myself replaying parts of the book because I kept zoning out and not paying attention. Never a good sign! The characters were dull and not much really happens.  The narrator's voice also really annoyed me on this one.  Which is surprising since she read White Heat and I enjoyed her on that one. 





Pretty got great reviews, so I downloaded the audiobook from my library.  I shut it off after disc 2.  I couldn't listen to it anymore. The narrator was fine, it was the story itself. I thought it was depressing and I really didn't care for Bebe at all. I couldn't see where the author was going with the story and wasn't really willing to find out.  Definitely not my cup of tea.  (Autumn gave up on Pretty too!)
 

Castaways was bad. I couldn't make it past the 4th chapter on audio. The writing was terrible and there was no suspense. Don't tell me who did it in the 2nd chapter! When I got to the political speech, I had to shut it off. I really didn't care about the characters enough to wait for them to be offed. This is my first Keene book and it might be my last.

Blog tour: Review & giveaway - Cloyne Court

Giveaway details:
I have been authorized to giveaway 1 copy of Cloyne Court to giveaway.  1 winner will be chosen randomly This will be open internationally. (US winner gets a paperback and international winner gets e-book)  Just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address.  The giveaway will run from until 12/4.   Good Luck!


Author:  Dodie Katague
Publisher: Three Clover Press
Date of publication: December 2009

The Real Animal House: In 1946, the "real" all male "Animal House" was born when Cloyne Court become a student co-op. In the 50 & 60s, the "beasts" waged war with the Berkeley Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, an athletically-oriented fraternity. That feud ended when Cloyne's archenemies moved across campus. However, the real story begins when Cloyne Court went co-ed in 1972 with the arrival of sixty-two women. Katague's sexy, reveal-all creative memoir takes place in the late 70s, soon after the women moved in. All it takes is one kiss to transform animals into horny princes.


I have to admit, the synopsis intrigued me.  While the author did live at Cloyne Court in the late 70s, this is more of a creative memoir.  I would recommend visiting the author's website to read his Q&A about the book.  Very interesting stuff.  That said,  I must say the my college years were extremely boring compared to Dereks' experience.   All through the book, I had to wonder when the students studied and it is a miracle that any of them actually graduated with all of the antics going on.  Overall, I liked the story.  I'm just not sure I liked Derek all that much.  Some of the choices that he makes in this book didn't sit well with me.  I thought that he should have been able to make better choices given his upbringing and not chalked everything up to immaturity.  The book is well written and I see a bright future for the author.  

About the Author:

Dodie Katague lived at Cloyne Court from 1977-79, while attending the University of California, Berkeley.  He is an attorney and lives with his wife and family in Walnut Creek, California.

Dodie's Website. 

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

by:  Maureen Johnson
published by:  Putnam Juvenile
publish date:   September 29, 2011

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up truly enjoying this book.  Aurora "Rory" Deveaux was a really fun character.  There were times I was laughing out loud because of things she said or did.  Because of her, this is a series that I would definitely continue reading.

This is the second book I've read in the last couple of months that dealt with a copy cat Jack the Ripper.  I found that a bit odd.  Now You See Me by S.J. Bolton is somewhat similar.  If you happen to be be a Rippermaniac, you might want to read these two books back to back.

The next book in the Shades of London Series is called The Madness Underneath, but I don't see anything about a release date.  I will definitely be reading it when it comes out.  If it's anything like The Name of the Star, I'm sure it will be a very entertaining book.

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

by:  Alice Hoffman
published by:  Scribner
publish date:  October 4, 2011

In 70 CE, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on a mountain in the Judean desert, Masada. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic historical event, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of four extraordinary, bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the horrifically brutal murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her twin grandsons, rendered mute by their own witness. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman, who finds passion with another soldier. Shirah is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine, a woman with uncanny insight and power. The lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women intersect in the desperate days of the siege, as the Romans draw near. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love.

After a trip to Masada, Alice Hoffman was compelled to write her version of the events that occurred from 70-75 CE.  Incorporating the history according to Josephus and using other items of historical note, this novel represents over 5 years of work and research. 

Before reading this book, I was not familiar with the events of Masada.  It was really a tragic occurrence in history.  Basically, when the Jews has been forced out of Jerusalem by the Romans, Masada was one of the the safe havens they sought.  The Romans eventually set their sights on Masada and laid siege on the fortress, when the people of Masada realized their time was up they killed themselves rather than die by Roman hands.

I loved this book.  I wanted to go find Alice Hoffman and have her tell me more about this story.  I wanted more!  The book is split in to books, one for each of the four women.  I liked this method of telling the whole story, but from 4 different view points. 

All the women were strong and fierce in their own way.  It was interesting to learn their history and find out how they had become they way they were.  I particularly liked Aziza and her relationship with The Man From the Valley.  He was another character I was drawn to and would have liked to have known more about. 

I would definitely recommend this book to people who like the history of this time.  Fans of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent would probably also really like this book as well.

Black Sun's Daughter Giveaway Winner

and the winner is....

Myra C!  

Myra, check your e-mail.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented!

Sacred Evil & The Evil Inside by Heather Graham

Since I listened to the audio version of these 2 book close together, I figured I would put them in the same post to save time.

Author: Heather Graham
Publisher: Mira (July 2011)
Audiobook by Brilliance Audio

The details of the crime scene are no coincidence. The body – a promising starlet – has been battered, bloodied and then discarded between two of Manhattan’s oldest graveyards.

One look and Detective Jude Crosby recognizes the tableau: a re-creation of Jack the Ripper’s gruesome work. But he also sees something beyond the actions of a mere copycat. Something more dangerous…and unexplainable. 

As the city seethes with suspicion, Jude calls on Whitney Tremont, a member of the country’s preeminent paranormal investigating team, to put the speculation to rest. Yet when Whitney and Jude delve deeper, what they discover is more shocking than either could have predicted, and twice as sinister…

Sacred Evil is the third book in the "Krewe of Hunters" series by Heather Graham.  I was a bit disappointed with the last one, so I was a little leery of this one.  I was very pleasantly surprised.  I thought Sacred Evil was much better than Heart of  Evil.  I was happy to see that there was more of the team as a whole in this one.  That was one thing that I was missing from book 2.

While I liked the romance in this one, I think it was the mystery that held my interest more.   I liked her use of the Jack the Ripper theme in this one.  It is a real life mystery that has always intrigued me.  I had a hard time deciding who the killer was going to turn out to be.  Ms. Graham did a good job of making me change my mind several times during the book.  The end was a nice twist.  As for the romance, it was really secondary to the story.  Jude and Whitney were a great couple.  The attraction was instant, but I felt it was sincere. The love scenes, I thought, were better written than in the other 2 of the series.  That was a nice touch.
 
I do recommend this one especially if you have been reading the series. 


Author: Heather Graham
Publisher: Mira (August 2011)
Audiobook by Brilliance Audio

For as long as it has stood overlooking New England’s jagged coastline, Lexington House has been the witness to madness…and murder. But in recent years the inexplicable malice that once tormented so many has lain as silent as its victims. Until now…

A member of the nation’s foremost paranormal forensic team, Jenna Duffy has made a career out of investigating the inexplicable. Yet nothing could prepare her for the string of slayings once again plaguing Lexington House – or for the chief suspect, a boy barely old enough to drive, much less kill.

With the young man’s life on the line, Jenna must team up with attorney Samuel Hill to pinpoint who – or what – is taking the lives of those who get too close to the past. But everything they learn brings them closer to the forces of evil stalking this tortured ground.

The Evil Inside is the 4th book in the series.  I enjoyed this one as much as the rest of them.  The mystery was interesting as it took place in Salem, MA.  I have been there several times, especially during the Halloween season, so it was easy to immerse myself in the setting.  This time around, the story centers on the Salem witch trials as well a house that has a history of brutal murder.  A young boy stand accused of killing his family.  Did he do it? You have to read to find out.

I had a hard time figuring out the killer until right near the end.  Ms. Graham threw in a lot of twists into this on and that made the book go by really quickly.  I loved Jenna and Sam together.  Their relationship was so easy it just had to make you smile.  Sam's sense of humor was a nice touch.  We also get some updates on the rest of the team, which was nice.

I hope that Ms. Graham writes a 5th book.  I want Will to get his story!

Definitely worth a listen to.  Luke Daniels narrated both books.  I have heard him before and do enjoy his voice.

Wallflower by Holly-Jane Rahlens

Author: Holly-Jane Rahlens
Publisher: Berlinica
Date of Publication: September 2010


Wallflower is four hours in the life of Molly Lenzfeld, sixteen-year-old New Yorker in Berlin. It's Thanksgiving Day 1989, two weeks after the fall of the Wall. Molly, the daughter of a German-Jewish mother who fled the Nazis in 1938, is off to her mother's birth house in East Berlin. On the subway trip from West to East wallflower Molly meets East German wildflower Mick Maier, nineteen. It's love at first sight, and for both, a journey into an unknown land, into the labyrinth of Berlin's underground world, a terrain in which they discover each other, the absurdities of the divided city, and, of course, the wonder of love.




Wallflower is a pretty quick read. I read it in an afternoon. It takes place soon after the fall of the Berlin wall. Molly is an American who is in Germany with her father. She is planning on leaving and returning to America soon because she is feeling lost and doesn't fit in. Before she leaves she sets out on a trip to East Germany to find the house her mother grew up in. During this quest, she meets Mick, as in Jagger, and it is like, or maybe love, at first sight. During the 4 hours they spend together, Molly really opens up and learns that she can fit in. 

This book was very interesting because the author draws a lot of comparisons between East and West Germany. You get a real sense of what it was like right after the wall came down. Especially the uncertainty of what the future will bring for those who have been in the East for their whole lives. I remember when the wall fell. It was an exciting event, but I never really thought about how it really impacted the people living right there or how it took a long time for changes to really be made. 

I definitely recommend this one. It is a sweet story about 2 people on opposites sides who find friendship on a train. I only wish it were longer!

Throwback Thursday: Not Even for Love by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown writing as Erin St. Claire
First published in 1982 by Pocket Books

Not Even for Love is a playful story about love at first sight. Jordan Hadlock is surprised to find a fellow American outside her bookshop in Switzerland especially one so ruggedly handsome. Whats even more surprising are the feelings this stranger, Reeves Grant, awakens inside of her.

First a comment on the cover..I think it has to be the raciest one I've seen  from the 80s so far.  At least, out of the ones I have featured for Throwback Thursday.  In fact, I like this one.  It doesn't make me giggle.   Overall, I liked this story.  I do like "love at first sight" tales. There are plenty of pretty steamy love scenes packed into this book. In fact,  I think they are some of the best love scenes I have read by Ms. Brown.

I really liked Reeves character.  It is fun to see a guy fall hard and fast. He is a fun-loving guy who has a good sense of humor.  However, I didn't care for Jordan.  I thought she was a bit wimpy.  She went from one bad marriage to almost marrying another man just like the first one.  For someone who was willing to move to a different country for a fresh start, she had no courage to speak her mind with Helmut and let him dictate her life for her.  I also detested how she strung Helmut along.

I listened to the audio version of this one.  It's a quick book with only 5 CDs.  Worth listen if you want a fast romantic indulgence.      

Blog Tour: Two and a Half Dead Men by Jason Krumbine

Today, we welcome author,  Jason Krumbine,  who is promoting his book Two and a Half Dead Men.

Publisher: One Stray Word (April 2011)


People die every day. 

But not all of the souls can or want to move onto the afterlife. 

That’s where the brothers Thane and Mort Grym come in.

Thane and Mort are bounty hunters for dead souls. They inherited the job from their father and they’re two of the best in town.

But when there’s a double homicide at the Kirkland Motel the Grym brothers end up with more than they bargained for. In a world without vampires, zombies or the undead, one of their bounties might not be as dead as he’s supposed to be.

Two and a Half Dead Men is the first in a series featuring the Grym brothers.  Brothers who are also bounty hunters for the dead.  Sometimes the dead don't pass over and it is their job to "bring them in".    Thane and Mort are two of the best characters I have read in a long time.    They are complete opposites, but loyal to each other.  Thane is neat, responsible and has a long time girlfriend.  Mort gambles, drinks and can't keep the cockroaches out of his apartment.  The banter between the brothers was very funny and natural.   

So, how do you become half dead?  You will have to read this to find out.  This was a very quick read filled with humor and the paranormal.  Surprisingly, those 2 work very well here.  It was almost too quick for me because I didn't want the story to end.   While there was some resolution to the story, the end also left me with a lot of questions.  I look forward to the next book to see if they are answered.

I definitely recommend this one!

About the author:

Jason Krumbine is the author behind the pulse pounding, wisecracking Alex Cheradon Series, the high concept Christian fantasy “Heaven’s Superhero”, and the tongue-in-cheek paranormal romance “A Graveyard Romance.” He can be reached at www.jasonkrumbine.com, onestrayword@gmail.com or on twitter @jasonkrumbine.

Blog Tour - No Holly for Christmas by Julie N. Ford

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Date of publication: November 2011

As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he's ever loved, he's all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA's office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter-and romance blossoms. 
Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn't due to her husband's untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas.

Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for Brian and Holly when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice. 

No Holly For Christmas is the latest offering by Julie N. Ford.  It involves defense attorney, Brian McAlister, who was featured in an earlier book, The Woman He Married.  While I hadn't read that book, I never felt like I was out of the loop.  Ms. Ford did a great job of getting you up to speed on the Brian's background.  No Holly for Christmas works well as a stand alone book.  No Holly For Christmas is a romantic suspense.  I would say that there is probably more romance than suspense, since you know the bad guys right from the start.  The suspense was nail biting though and knowing the culprits didn't lessen my enjoyment of it.  

At the heart of this story are two people who have been hurt in the past who find a second chance in each other.  I will admit that I didn't like Holly at all when I first met her.  I thought she was superficial and snobby.  But, as Brian got to know her, I quickly changed my mind.   The outward appearance may be perfect, but as you get into the person she really is, you can see she is just a woman who is trying to survive.  I loved Brian and Holly together.  Brian's "a-ha" moment when he realizes what he is about to pass up is very sweet.     I also loved the end.  Just perfect.  

I definitely recommend this one.  It is a good clean romance.  I applauded Holly for sticking to her convictions about sex without marriage.  It was refreshing to read about a character who isn't swayed into changing her mind.

About the author:

Julie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in English Literature from San Diego State University. In addition, she earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. She has worked in teaching, childbirth education and family therapy. 

She is the author of three women's fiction novels including, The woman He Married, and the most recent release, Count Down to Love. She is looking forward to the release of the follow-up novel to The Woman He Married, No Holly for Christmas, in November. 

Currently, she lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, two daughters and one very feisty fish. 

Visit her at JulieNFord.com or JulieNFord.com/blog

Giveaway: The Black Sun's Daughter Series by M.L.N Hanover

In anticipation of the release of KILLING RITES (book 4 in the Black Sun's Daughter series) by M.L.N. Hanover

The wonderful people at Simon & Schuster have authorized  a giveaway of Books 1-4 in the Black Sun's Daughter Series. 

Giveaway Details: 


Just leave a comment with a valid e-mail address (sorry US only).  Post the giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, etc and leave a message with the link for an extra entry.  This contest will run until November 24, 2011  The winner will be announce on Friday, November 25, 2011. (Black Friday). Good Luck!!

KILLING RITES (Book Four of the Black Sun’s Daughter series)

Pocket Books

Release: Nov. 29, 2011

Price: $7.99

Jayne Heller has discovered the source of her uncanny powers: something else is living inside her body. She’s possessed. Of all her companions, she can only bring herself to confide in Ex, the former priest. They seek help from his old teacher, hoping to cleanse Jayne before the parasite in her becomes too powerful. Ex’s history and a new enemy combine to leave Jayne alone and on the run. Her friends try to hunt her down, unaware of the danger they’re putting her in. Jayne must defeat the past, and her only allies are a rogue vampire she once helped free—and the names thing hiding inside her skin.

Blog Tour: Review and Interview - Amber's Muse by Lacey Wolfe

Today we have an interview with Lacey Wolfe, who is promoting her debut novella, Amber's Muse.

Author: Lacey Wolfe
Publisher: Beachwalk Press (October 17, 2011)

Sometimes it’s the person you least expect who can satisfy all your desires.

By day Amber’s a librarian, and by night she hides away writing erotic romance novels. She has just one problem—not enough sexual experience to pull from. A recent steamy dream leaves Amber wondering if her neighbor Jax might be just the guy who can help her. He seems almost perfect to use as a sexual guinea pig, especially since she doesn’t have to worry about falling in love with him.

Jax has lived next door to Amber for a year and has tried everything he can think of to get her to notice him, but it hasn’t worked. Until recently. When Amber approaches him asking for his help, he’s ready to jump on board. When he learns exactly what kind of help she needs, he’s definitely willing.  Becoming involved with someone like Jax simply isn’t an option for Amber. He barely works, can’t manage his money, and has no ambition in life. So why does he suddenly seem so right for her?

First my thoughts:

Amber's Muse is a short erotica story.  I was able to finish this pretty quickly. I enjoyed the story and thought the love scenes were very steamy and well written.  I was intrigued by the premise of the story.  I have always wondered how authors can write such great love scenes.  I really liked the chemistry between Jax and Amber. Jax is a great guy and it was refreshing to see him want to change and better himself.  I'm not sure I liked Amber all that much. I thought her reaction to the internet was a bit over dramatic and if I was Jax, I would have walked away without a second glance.  As with most novellas, I always want more. I do recommend this one.  I look forward to reading more from Ms. Wolfe in the future.

Ms. Wolfe was nice enough to answer a few questions for us:

Kari: What inspired you to become a writer?

Lacey: I have always loved to create stories. It was always my escape from reality. Like most other authors will tell you, I have scenes play out in my head and it often feels like they need me to tell their story. So, I do as best I can. Sometimes its just the scene I write, and sometimes it turns into so much more.

Kari: Where did you come up with the idea for your book?

Lacey: I actually saw an ad from a publisher with an open call for erotic submissions. I had a few different ideas stirring around and I wondered if any of them could have an erotic twist. My character Amber seemed perfect, so Amber's Muse was written.

Kari: What is your favorite part of the book?

Lacey: I have two favorite parts. The first is when Amber notices Jax and sees that he is more then just some dork next door. He's hot and maybe he is worth exploring. My second favorite is the last chapter. Each character grew and I think the story ended nicely.

Kari: What exciting projects are waiting in the wings?

Lacey: I'm currently writing a four book novella series. The series is titled Hot Bods and book one Fool Me Once should be out end of 2011 or early 2012. I'm having a lot of fun writing this series and I hope readers enjoy it.

Kari: Just for fun, if you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

Lacey: A long haired cat. I love cats--we have six. I especially love long haired cats. They seem to have different personality. Plus, they look so much more cuddly.

Thanks for having me!

About the author:


It's always been my dream to be a writer. Ever sense I was a child, creating stories has been a passion of mine. I have always said that one day I would be an author. Finally, I am working on this dream of mine. I have two children who have been keeping me busy for the past 7 years. My youngest is starting pre-k this year and I have more time for me and to concentrate on what I want out of this life. So I am picking up pen and paper...well I guess keyboard and screen, and working on this dream. It isn't going to be easy. There will be many ups and downs, but I am ready. I know this dream will come true, my mom told me so, "You can be anything you want to be when you grow up." Thanks mom, here goes nothing!

Buy links: Amazon / Nook / BeachwalkPress / 

www.laceywolfe.com