In My Mailbox 34 & Got Books Sunday 10/31/10

First Off......

 

For all of you who are Trick or treating around the world.... Happy Halloween.  Have fun and be safe.
And don't forget Steph and I are hosting our Spooktacular Extravaganza.  Right now I am working on posting an interview and giveaway with Seanan McGuire and the Firewalker book jacket. 

In My Mailbox - hosted by The Story Siren and Got Books Sunday by Paranormal Haven are weekly memes to showcase our book-related adventures.  To participate yourself be sure to head over to the blogs (linked above) to learn more!


ARC Review:
Across the Universe by Beth Revis


I bought:
Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick
Hunter's Moon (Nightcreature, #2) by Lori Handeland
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (Rachel Morgan/The Hollows, #2) by Kim Harrison
Every Which Way But Dead (Rachel Morgan/The Hollows, #3) by Kim Harrison
A Fistful of Charms (Rachel Morgan/The Hollows, #4) by Kim Harrison  





Winnings:
Arc copy of Halo (Halo, #1) by Alexandra Adornetto
Wolf Signs (Granite Lake Wolves, #1) by Vivian Arend (on Kindle)


Library:
Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise, #2) by Simone Elkeles
Read my Review



Be sure to enter my current giveaways:


 



Interview with Lori Brighton + Giveaway
-open to everyone-regardless of followship
-2 ecopies
*Ends 11/20*







 


Giveaway: Star Raiders by Elysa Hendricks
-2 signed copies 
-Open to followers shipping anywhere
*Ends 11/22*









I know I'm forgetting books but I'm to tired to sort through my Kindle and see what I've acquired.  And I have so many children books laying around I don't remember which has been accounted for and not. *sigh*
I do have a new post up of children reviews, here it is: Lovin' children Books 10/30/10

Anyhow, enjoy your Halloween.  I'm excited to make my rounds and see what you all received this past week. Feel free to leaves a link to your IMM.

On My Hit List 10/30/10...

On My Hit List *Bang*Bang* is the new name for my new feature but very similar to other features around. The idea of On My Hit List is to showcase what books you are eagerly waiting to read, want to read, hope to read or just want to share with everyone in the blogosphere.

If you have a similar post on your blog -no matter the featured name no matter the date- post a direct link via Linky Tool found below then rest of us can see what yummy reads looking to hit up.

 ********************

According to Laurie's blog post this is a preliminary cover and may see a few changes by publication time.  I absolutely love this cover and I bet it'll stop a lot of shoppers in the store.

Bonded by Blood (The Sweetblood series)

by Laurie London

February 1st 2011

 HQN Books 

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy—Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkblood rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors.

Now, Guardian team leader Dominic Serrano will be forced to choose between the vengeance he craves and the woman he can’t live without…

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she’s cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.

For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her…

EXCERPT COMING SOON.

Blurb taken from Laurie's website

 

River Marked (Mercedes Thompson, #6) by Patricia Briggs
February 1st 2011

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She’s never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River—one that her father’s people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help

Shadowfever (Fever, #5)  by Karen Marie Moning

January 18th 2011 

 MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever. Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister's murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals that have lived concealed among us for thousands of years. What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief, while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh--a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King that contains the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac, and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves. Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman that haunts her dreams? More importantly, who is Mac and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card? From the luxury of the Lord Master's penthouse, to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover, to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac's journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and make a choice that will either save the world...or destroy it

*Interview with Lori Brighton + Giveaway*

Aloha.  I would like to welcome Lori Brighton to LovLivLife Reviews.  Lori just released The Ghost Hunter in September and within that time I've seen some amazing reviews.  I've purchased the novel on Kindle- my lovely Kindle (Yes, I am in love with it).  I confess, I'm a cover junkie so The Ghost Hunter cover jumped out at me.  From there I read the blurb and was fascinated. 

Without further ado please help me welcome Lori here=)

The Ghost Hunter is a contemporary paranormal romance. Here’s the blurb:

When Ashley Hunter inherits the Inn where her father mysteriously vanished years ago, she jumps at the chance to finally uncover the truth about his disappearance. But soon after taking ownership of the decrepit building, Ashley realizes she’s in for far more than she bargained. Not only has she inherited answers to many sought-after questions, she’s also inherited spirits, demons and even fallen angels! Then Cristian arrives, a gorgeous man who insists he merely needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing...

As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can’t accomplish this daunting task alone.  He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don’t work together, they won’t have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, considering Cristian is the very man responsible for her father’s disappearance.

Could you share a little about your main characters?

Ashley is my heroine and she has the special ability to communicate with spirits. She inherits a haunted pub in a town where there are a variety of paranormal beings who want to be normal, which is sort of how Ashley has always been. Ironically, in the end she is the one trying to talk the townspeople into embracing their uniqueness; something she had never done herself. Hopefully it shows the reader how she grows as a person.

Cristian is my hero. Poor Cristian is a fallen angel who is being punished by working on earth. The guy is exhausted and merely wants his dark and dreary life to end. Then he meets Ashley and for the first time in years he starts to believe in life and love again.

And I have to mention Devon. Devon is a secondary character, a ghost who haunts the Pub where Ashley lives. Because so many readers love him, he will be the hero in my second book.

Where did you draw your inspiration from for The Ghost Hunter?

I actually came up with the idea while on The Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World. I wondered what would happen if a woman inherited a haunted house. Everything else fell into place from there.

Describe your ideal setting when working.

I have a lovely little office, but sadly you can usually find me on the couch, laptop on lap, T.V. on. I’m a parent, I can work with noise. But I do work better when I’m secluded, no T.V. and in my office. Now my ideal setting would be a cottage by the beach.

What kind of reader would enjoy this novel?

Well, you should probably like paranormal and romance. It’s got a lot of adventure and suspense in it, so you might want to like that as well. As for the characters…it has the kind of characters who are vulnerable but ready to kick ass if they have to.

On a personal note:

When you are not writing or reading what do you enjoy doing?

I love art; painting, drawing and photography. I love to travel, especially to the beach. On the weekends we usually go hiking. I also love to relax with T.V. and movies.

Hot seat questions: Think fast.

Singing in the shower? I take baths and I read in the tub!

PJ party with the gals or LNO (Ladies Night Out) @ the club? I have a kid, none of my single friends want to stay over night. lol. And I’m too old for clubs. Usually my friends and I will go to the movies.

Pedi or mani? Pedi, I think feet can use all the help they can get. Plus, if I got my nails done, I’d always be chipping the polish.

Summer or winter? Both! I love winter, as long as I don’t have to drive in the snow and I’m from the northern U.S. (although now in the south), so I’m used to snow. And of course I love summer! Who doesn’t?

High heels or flats? Flats at home, heels when out. I rarely go out, so flats. lol.

Pie or cake? Both! I can’t pick one. I love sweets! If you want details…I love fruit pies but they have to be warm.

Thanks so much for having me here!

If you’d like to find out more about my books, here’s a link to my website:

http://www.loribrighton.com/

 

And The Ghost Hunter can be found here:

http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Hunter-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B0042P5GOO/ref=pd_rhf_p_img_1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Ghost-Hunter-a-Paranormal-Romance/Lori-Brighton/e/9781452437521/?itm=1&USRI=Lori+Brighton

Feel free to ask any questions or just say hello. I’m giving away 2 Ecopies of The Ghost Hunter!

-This giveaway is open to everyone- follower or not.
-Shipping is a none issue so anyone can enter.
-Just drop in and say hi to Lori in the comments or ask her any question!
        I will go first: "What's your favorite junky food?"

Leave an email if it's not in your profile.  If you don't want to put your email on the web that's okay.  I will announce the winner in a blog post so then you'll just have to check back and email me.  For those who leave emails I will email you and send your email along to Lori.


Ends 11/20 Midnight Hawaii Time=)


**Extra Entries**
+2 Retweet this giveaway: http://twitter.com/lll808/status/29212296713 or make your own tweet *Leave Link in comments*
+2 Follow Lori's Blog Journal  *Leave user name in comment if not same as commenting with*



Btw, if you happen to review this novel and don't have a blog or do have one- I would be happy to either post a full review on LLL Reviews or even just link people over to your review.   Review is not mandatory but if you happen to I would love to help get the word out.

As always... Live life one yummy book at a time.... no other way to live!!! Happy Reading!

Review: Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise #2) by Simone Elkeles

Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did—and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past—and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise—and Maggie—forever. When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?


My heart is pounding.  Return To paradise is the fourth book of Simone Elkeles's I've read.  I've really come to love her characters.

What I loved the most is that Maggie and Caleb make one another stronger when together.  I think it's a great message to send out to all the readers esp the young adult readers.  Maggie has been to hell and back.  Everyday she lives with the constant pain of another's action.  But she chooses to forgive and move on.  Caleb stands tall and protects those he loves.  He also lives everyday trying to pick up the pieces that's become his life from another's action as well.  Caleb and Maggie hold a special place in my heart. *sigh*

I am sad to say that I don't think Return does the characters justice.  The story felt rushed in most parts. Too much telling rather then showing, it seems.  I do love the switch POVs.  I love having access to what's going on in both the main characters minds.  Again, I found the story rushed especially the ending.  Two weeks was what Maggie and Caleb had to be a couple before she had to jet set and I feel like I was short changed.  I wanted couple time darn it *hmpf*

At the end of the day, I would have read this novel regardless.  My curiosity would have had me knocked flat on my butt two seconds top reading despite the rushed feeling.
I do have one desperate plea......... Epilogue!?!  Pretty pleeease.



LLL's related postings:
Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry Trilogy, 1)
Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry Trilogy, 2) 

Read my review for Leaving Paradise (Leaving Paradise, #1)









Have you read and reviewed Return to Paradise? Or perhaps did a teaser from the book?  Please feel free to leave a direct link?

Lovin' Children Books 10/30/10

Lovin' Children Books is a segment here.  I figured since I read a ton of children books to my kiddos and include them in my IMM postings I may as well review them.  I am big on story time and love to get animated so I will do my best to let you all know which ones are great to play off and highlight other key area.
What I've learned so far is that there is almost never a bad childrens title. My reviews will be for the most part positive.  What will vary is the level of enjoyment, animation potential and if share any education extensions.

The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey

32 pages

"A is for Amy who fell down the stairs. B is for Basil assaulted by bears. C is for Clara who wasted away. D is for Desmond thrown out of a sleigh..." The rhyming couplets of this grim abecedarian are familiar, of course, to devotees of macabre humor, but the darkly crosshatched drawings are (as Poe put it) "the soul of the plot."

I read this title awhile back but after Author, Devon Monk mentioned this book in an interview for mine and Steph's Spooktacular Halloween Extravaganza.  I thought to pick it up again and read it.  It's certainly a twisted read.  I didnt read it to my kids bc the endless question that would occur made me hesitant.  However, my hubby and I read it together and had a good laugh.


Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman
32 pages

Once there was a witch who longed for pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, the pumpkin she had grown from a seed became so big she simply couldn't get it off the vine. Although 'she pulled and she tugged and she pulled...that pumpkin just sat.' Along came a ghost. 'I am bigger than you and stronger, too, ' said he. 'Let me try.' Well, the witch wanted that whole pumpkin for herself. But she needed help-Halloween was just hours away.

I absolutely love the repetition in this story.  It was easy for my to call to memory the sentence pattern which then allows me to look away and engage my little audience.  This book encourage a felt project with my daughters.  We made felt piece to tell the story of how a pumpkin grows.  I will photo the pieces and edit this post with it.

Bye-Bye, Big Bad Bullybug! by Ed Emberley 

32 pages,  August 2007 

Here comes Big Bad Bullybug! He's big, mean, and scary--and loves to pick on little itty bitty bugs! With the turn of each die-cut page, Bullybug grows bigger, meaner, and scarier. But it's the itty bitty bugs who get the last laugh in this exciting, new, frighteningly-fun adventure. 

This title is reminiscent of Go Away, Big Green Monster!  My girls love Green Monster and so this one was to their liking as well but I don't think it read as well.  I do like the illustrations and the big foot at the end.  But if you are looking for something that allows an easy flow of words when reading I would go with Green Monster.

Welcome to Monster Town by Ryan Heshka
32 pages, July 2010

As soon as the sun sets on Monstertown, creatures of all kinds go to work. So hop on the Ghoul Bus and see for yourself who inhabits this ghoulish town. Dr. Cyclops, Postmaster Skeleton, Frank N. Stein, Dr. Mummy, Captain Witch, and many other monster friends—including a junior monster-in-training—will welcome you with open arms!

Loved this one. I love the creatures and their respective professions.  For instance, Ghost Writers handle all press for the Monster Town Gazette.  Oh and the one that got me into trouble is the Vampire Bats who work at The Blood bank.  Why trouble?  Well, my four year is a bundle of questions.  So now she has interest in the working of a blood bank.  She wants to know everything.  What many of you don't know is that I am straight with my kids.  I don;t do the baby talk, ever.   So I explained to her the process of donating blood.  Then had to go into the storage process and who it's for.  She is still not satisfied.  She asked if i could talk her to a blood bank so she can see. *hmmm* Any advice on curbing this interest? I've logged onto my local Blood Bank site and showed her the few pictures but now I am on the hunt for a simple informative video.

Anyhow, this one was a fun read!!

Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler

32 pages August 2005

Skeletons are a little less scary when they have the hiccups. This particular skeleton can't seem to shake them--not in the shower (nice fuzzy bat slippers!), not while brushing his teeth (woops! there goes the bottom jaw!), not while polishing his bones, carving a pumpkin, raking leaves, or even when playing baseball with his friend Ghost. read more...

This one was an okay read.  I didn't like the short sentences as much but I could easily supplement with my own lines when i thought more was needed.  Every page had "hic, hic, hic."  I am a big fan of action words like these because I like to act them out for the kiddos but it was to much and actually trying to create the actual "hic" sound I thought I might give myself hiccups.   The illustrations were hilarious though esp seeing the skeleton trying the popular 'drink water' cure remedy. 

Halloween Safety by Laura Alden
32 pages


This one is a cute read.  The back of the book provide Halloween safety tips, activities, crafts and songs.  I like it and so did the kids but not so much a 'let's reread this one' book.

Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting

40 pages

Four pairs of eyes stare from the blackness to watch fearsome creatures trick-or-treat.

This one starts off a little creepy and gave me some great lines to work with.  Changing my voice and tone helped to portray the illustrations.  Plus, it rhymes so there was an even flow from page to page.  But then the ending all reveals itself to be not so creepy and more so fun.


Ghouls Come Haunting One by One, The by Tom McDermott
32 pages

Sept 2010 by Pelican Publishing

This counting book for young readers offers a rhyming Halloween twist on the old camp song "The Ants Go Marching One by One" (also known as the tune "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again"). It also shows little ones how to banish the "monsters" who sneak into their rooms.

Hooray! We loved this one.  The wording or lyrics to this one is fantastic.  The description mentions the wording is a play off of 'The Ants Go Marching."  After reading/singing 13 Days Of Halloween and If You're A Monster And You Know It  my girls could not sing anything else and now they have another to add to that list.  We love it!

Three Little Ghosties by Pippa Goodhart

August 2007 by Bloomsbury Publishing

How much trouble could three harmless little ghosties get into in one night? Plenty! These silly spirits love boasting to each other about who is the scariest. Ghouls, witches, and even a neighborhood ogre all find themselves at the mercy of these naughty ghosties, who spook them with a “woooo, woooo, woooo, BOOOO!” But when the ghosties decide to scare some boys and girls for a change, who will get the biggest fright of all?

Another cute read.  My children enjoyed this one even though I didn't enjoy the words that had a tacked on "ies" to the word.  For instance, boasties, schoolsies, rulesies, ghoulsies, booksies, looksies, etc.  It may just be me not feeling like the words flowed out of my mouth as easily.  And I do like when words flow.  I have an easier time slipping into more of a role pay setting then I read each word on the page mode.   We did like this one though and the children didn't seem to notice my less then eloquent delivery.


Very Scary by Tony Johnston
32 pages

A shimmering pumpkin is transformed into a very scary jack-o'-lantern with help from some eager trick-or-treaters. "A perfect Halloween treat."--"School Library Journal." Full-color illustrations.

Interesting read.  While other books began with scary and mysterious beginnings the ending always ended with a soft tone but this one is opposite.  Shimmering and shining and gorgeous pumpkin then turned into a very Scary pumpkin.  Good read.  We liked this one. 

Guest Post & Interview with Jess C Scott

Thank you Jess for being here today to guest post on the subgenres that make up The Other Side of Life.  When I read the book information I was intrigue by the genres mentioned and wanted to learn more.  Just to note, Jess is seeking reviewers and 'Cyperpunk Elves' fan art.  I am very interested in seeing more images so please do make a submission.  See her blog for more info.
.

Subgenres in "The Other Side of Life"--Article by Jess C Scott
BOOK SUMMARY: A thieving duo’s world turns upside down when an Elven rogue uncovers the heinous dealings of a megacorporation.
My upcoming publication is an urban fantasy project titled, The Other Side of Life [Book #1 in the (Cyberpunk) Elven Trilogy].

The story ended up crossing several genres (most of my work tends to blend genres—I like to keep boredom at bay, for both myself and readers). So technically, this novel could be classified as:

Urban Fantasy / Cyberpunk / Elf Punk / YA with adult crossover appeal

There’s also action and adventure, some philosophy, and a love story woven in for good measure. Ultimately, it’s a blend of urban fantasy and cyberpunk. I’ll elaborate a little bit on cyberpunk and elf punk, since urban fantasy is the most well-known at the moment.

Cyberpunk is a derivative of science fiction, and is about expressing (often dark) ideas about human nature, technology and their respective combination in the near future. I’ve a page on “cyberpunk” @ http://elventrilogy.wordpress.com/cyberpunk/, for visitors/readers who’d like to know more about what it is exactly.

The “punk” element in cyberpunk has to do with counterculture (an action/expression that communicates disagreement, opposition, or rebellion).

As for "elf punk," I guess I wanted it to be more than a "cool label" or fashion statement. To me, punk is more than the body piercings and apparel—it’s a spirit and attitude. The elves in this series are tech-savvy counterculture hackers, and self-identified outcasts within the Elven establishment. They have a rebellious element, and are rebels with a cause, to an extent. By the way, the elves are Tolkienesque elves, in terms of stature (not the Santa type elves, which I personally prefer to call gnomes or pixies!).

I spent a lot of time formatting the content of my first book, a blog/IM novel. I’ve been spending quite a lot of time with this urban fantasy book too—with regards to tweaking and enhancing certain key elements. I'm determined to see that my concept of “cyberpunk elves” will be more than a marketing label.

I guess that's the punk in me.

---------------
Author Bio:

Jess identifies herself as an author/artist/non-conformist. Her literary work has appeared in a diverse range of publications, such as Word Riot, ITCH Magazine, and The Battered Suitcase. She is currently working on a YA “seven deadly sins” series, as well as The Cyberpunk Elven Trilogy.

P.S. Jess is offering a free PDF copy of the novel to early reviewers (open to readers worldwide)! More details @ http://elventrilogy.wordpress.com/

For more information please visit Jess around the web:

Website / Book Site / FaceBook / Twitter

 ************************************************

In honor of the last song that Jess sang at the top of her lungs I am listening to the Beyonce's version of "All I Could Do Was Cry" while making this post.  I love music.  

Here is my interview with Jess:

Could you tell potential readers about your new urban fantasy, The Other Side of Life?

Sure--thanks for having me today! I've a short and slightly longer blurb.

One-line summary: A thieving duo’s world turns upside down when an Elven rogue uncovers the heinous dealings of a megacorporation.

Summary: Anya and Leticia are partners-in-crime who steal for a living. Their world turns upside down after a chance encounter with fellow rogue, Ithilnin—the enigmatic leader of an Elven band of thieves.

A scuffle to prove who’s “the better thief” transforms into more than Anya and Ithilnin ever bargained for. They retrieve the missing piece of an ancient poem, before getting caught in the secret dealings of a megacorporation. What they uncover threatens to alter the very essence of not just human life, but the other side as well.


I am known to read books solely from character description.  Could you share a little about your main characters?

[Elven]
Nin: Rogue/vagabond Elven leader. Formerly known as "Prince Ithilnin of Helli'sandur."
Tavia: Nin's cousin; fierce rebel/loyal fighter/trusty sidekick.
Dresan: The Elven band of thieves' "techno-geek."

[Human]
Anya: 18 year-old college student + thief who steals for a living. Piques Nin's interest when she "steals his heart."
Leticia: Anya's best friend since junior high, and partner-in-crime.
"The misguided bad guy": A 22 year-old heir to an evil empire.  

Many times I've read how characters are like an Author's child or sibling.  Have you bonded with your characters?  How do you view your characters?

They're usually partial extensions of myself (including the bad ones). There is a curious blend of involvement, yet detachment. I take a lot of time to develop the characters, so that they're real, at which point I'll step aside, and "leave them alone."

"Art's aim is to reveal art and conceal the artist." -- Oscar Wilde.

Romance? Is there romance in The Other Side of Life?

There's a love story. It's built up. The characters take the time to converse and "get to know each other," before professing undying love / feelings for each other.

Is there a genre that you’ve not written and would like to attempt a hand at?  

Maybe mystery -- one day, one day...

On to a lighter note:
What is the last song you sang at the top of your lungs?
"All I Could Do Was Cry" -- Etta James. So emotive!

What is your favorite season?
Early autumn, when it's cool, but not bitingly cold.

When you are not writing or reading what would you be seen doing?
Drawing, Yoga, surfing something or other on the net, watching Project Runway, The Soup, Fashion Police...

Hot Seat.  Answer quick.
Favorite color palette? Red (energizing)
Super strength or super speed? Super speed, definitely (brain > brawn)
Desktop or laptop? Desktop (more spacious)
Beach or pool? Beach (more spacious)
Make the call or send a text? Text (more efficient)
Horror or Romance? Romance (life has enough horrors)
Pick a number 1 to 10: Se7en (Korean popstar)

Giveaway: Star Raiders by Elysa Hendricks- 2 copies

Recently, I read and reviewed Star Raiders by Elysa Hendricks.  I am new to the Sci-Fi Romance/ Futuristic Romance genre and I'm thoroughly fascinated.  If this genre is as good as Star Raiders and Maria Zannini's True Believers I am here to to stay. 
Just this weekend I met Lysa and her husband.  Both are a riot to chat with.  Lysa was kind enough to give everyone in attendance a signed copy of Star Raiders which I will pass on to you all because I had my read copy signed as well.  Plus, I picked up an extra copy of Star Raiders to be signed.  So that's 2 signed copies total up for grabs.


 

Who can Enter:
*Any GFC Follower of LovLivLife Reviews- old or new. Must be a follower.



Shipping to:

Any country on the USPS Packages (Small Packages) Group 1-9  

*Please Check first*

To Enter:

1. Answer the question:  Have you read Sci-fi Romance before?  If so, recommend me a title.  If not, what genre do you normally read and what has held you back from the Sci-Fi Romance genre, if any hold ups? *In the comments*
2. Leave email if not in your profile
3. Tally up your entries please.  Make it easy on me to submit in Random.org=)

Extra Entries: Do none, one or all- up to you. 

+3 Comment on my Star Raiders Review  *Click Here*
+2 Link the giveaway on your sidebar *Leave blog link*

+2 Make your on Tweet or Retweet mine: http://twitter.com/lll808/status/28855362080 *Leave link*

+2 "Like" Elysa on FaceBook *Click Here*
+2 Friend Elysa on FaceBook.  Lysa says she is addicted to FB so she would love to have new  friends.  *Click Here*

Ends Monday Nov 22nd.  2 Winners will be selected, notified by email and announced in a post.

Review: Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4) by Ilona Andrews

Great Read Guaranteed?

Oh YES!!!!

Magic Bleeds is another amazing installment to this freakin' awesome UF series.  I do not want the series to end ever!

After Book 3 I've learned more about Kate.  The more I learn the more I love.  Ilona Andrews is a master at pacing what she gives readers.  More and more as I read through the series there is always something to be built upon the already fascinating storyline.  Never will I say my interest faltered.  Each book offers it's own mystery, it's own truths, it's own emotions, it's own set of dangers and it's own conclusions.

What I loved about Magic Bleeds is Kate.  She has allowed her heart to be exposed and I enjoyed getting a look into that side of her.  The romance is the biggie for me and this novel is certainly not lacking in that department.  Although I must admit it's not peachy and that's a compliment.  Romance is on Shifter terms and apparently trashing your man's personal space is a good thing- a great thing rather.  The courting process is mind boggling and awesome wrapped in one.

Erra- the b!t#h of this installment is scary as hell.  Heck, I'm just reading the novel and I'm cringing.  When Ilona Andrews create a nemesis there is no joking around.  The characters are not spared and never come out unscathed.

The ending of Magic Bleeds is still consistent with my early assessment.  There is always a conclusion but a nudge for more to come.  If you have not read the series yet, you must.  Advice: buy at least books one and two at the same time because you will want to plow through.  


Have you read and reviewed this novel.  If so, leave a direct link below:

Review: Magic Burns & Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels series)

I wrote this review a few weeks ago give or take but forgot to publish it.  Since I just read Magic Bleeds and plan to write a review I figure I better get this out.

 

 
Magic has never been more HOT then it is in this series.

Kate is among my top rankings of what a strong heroine should read like.  Kate is tough as nails against her adversaries and I would not have it any other way.  Winding down from all the action is not easy.  My poor husband is my punching bag.

I read Magic Burns and Magic Strikes back to back.  No breathers.  I just plowed through.

Magic Burns has only a tiny sizzle of romance but for some reason a romance fanatic like myself was satisfied (Just throw me a bone and I'm a happy camper).  Then came Magic Strikes and a big dosage of romance.  Let me tell you it's HOT.  I'm clawing for Book 4.

Besides the all important romance- the plot was bursting at the seams with action and intrigue.  What/who is Kate? What's in her blood that's so dangerous?  Sorry, to say you will not learn about that until book 3: Magic Strikes.  But the journey to get there is one hell of a ride.  What's special about book 3: Magic Strikes is the setting.  It takes readers into an Arena unlike what's been read in the previous installments and will certainly titillate your curiosity.

What I love most about the series on a whole, 2 words- The Ending.  Ilona Andrews know how to end a novel.  Within my experience of the 3 Kate Daniels titles I've read there is a conclusion to each book.  But there is just enough intrigue that I am sure to remain in tuned with the series but not so much of a cliff hanger that I want to throw the book across the room.

Amazing series.  I recommend this series to those who love UF.


Leave a link if you have read and reviewed any of these two titles=)

Interview and Giveaway with Author Ami Blackwelder

Spooktacular Halloween Extravaganza is in full swing still.  Be sure to head over to read the interview with Ami Blackwelder.  Then enter to win a copy of The Hunted of 2060

The Hunted of 2060 (The Saga of 2060, #1) by Ami Blackwelder

PLUS, enter to win all the other awesome books and goodies.  Every giveaway will remain open til October 31st!!