Winner Announcement!

 

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest for Educa Urano's Drop 1000 Piece Puzzle!
Special thanks to those who followed my blog, tweeted and posted the contest.
Stay tuned for more contests soon! The winner has been contacted.
 

Prize: Educa Urano's Drop 1000 Piece Puzzle
Winner: The Queen B who said...

My perfect heroine is usually tall, brunette and dangerous. She's tough and not

ashamed or wishy washy about it, but she also has vulnerabilities that

could be exploited by her enemies. Also, she usually has daddy issues :P

KINDLE CONTEST: Team Vampire Lumberjack

This post is a part of Moira Rogers’ Creature Feature Kindle Throwdown Contest. By leaving a (meaningful) comment, you will be entered to win a Kindle from Amazon.com, or an alternate grand prize of $275 to spend at an online book retailer.  For a full list of rules and more ways to win, visit the contest page. CONTEST HAS ENDED

I did not choose Team Vampire Lumberjack so much as it choose me.

What is more intense then an axe wielding vampire lurking in the wilds? The whisper of branches as he passes silently through the night. An unnatural quiet, with the wind as a warm breathe on your neck. Goose bumps travel up your spine as an owl calls to the darkness. The cold seeps into your flesh and you are stilled by fear. A passing leaf, feather light dew sparkling in the moonlight, and you know you are not alone.

What team are you on?

Sanctuary Unbound goes on sale June 1st and A Safe Harbor goes on sale July 13th.  The former features a badass vampire lumberjack.  The latter, a devious werewolf bootlegger.

IMM: In My Mailbox 05/24/10

The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells

IMM: 5/25/10 to 5/29/10
Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank
Seduced by a Vampire by Michele Hauf and Vivi Anna
 Countdown by Michelle Maddox
Gale Force by Rachel Caine

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Contest Time - Heroine Puzzle!

*taps microphone and tips over speaker stands* Oh crap. This thing on? I am announcing a contest for all my blog followers and friends! Thanks to CSN Stores I am offering a very special prize. I searched and searched for a prize fitting for my blog and all of you. A pan, a bookcase, or perhaps a clock. Oh wait, my daughter needs new sheets. I admit I got thoroughly lost in shopping bliss while browsing their 200+ store links.

Then I discovered Educa Urano's Drop 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. Perfect. Educa has several beautiful fantasy puzzles available. The artist, Luis Royo, does amazing work. You can visit his website here: http://www.luisroyofantasy.com

I cannot help but imagine this puzzle complete and framed in my office. She would make a great heroine. Click the image for a closer view.

Does she inspire you? To win this beautiful 1000 piece puzzle, just comment with your thoughts of a perfect heroine. Mine are always tall with long hair.  I imagine her hair swirling on wind currents, lightly misted with dew. She has a thoughtful expression on her stern tattooed face. Her sword glistens... um, where was I? Oh yah, contest rules...

The fine print: Contest open to USA and Canada residents only. Only one comment will be counted toward entry. I will try and contact the winner by email, twitter, etc. However, I must have a reply within 48 hours of the winners announcement. I will announce the winner within three days of the contest end. Each entry will be assigned a number and random.org will be used to generate the winner. The puzzle will be mailed from CSN Stores.  

Contest open until 5/30/10.

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Siren’s Call 
Devyn Quinn

Between desire and love there are some things that can’t stay buried, even in the deep of the ocean.

As a woman with a secret, lighthouse keeper Tessa Lonike savors her solitude on the island of Little Mer, off the coast of Maine. During a violent storm, Tessa spots a man thrashing in the ice cold waters and dives in to save him, using her ability as a mermaid to easily pull him to shore.

When Kenneth Randall awakens on the beach he is alone, left with the haunting memory of his beautiful, flame-haired savior. But a year later, when Kenneth meets her again, he’s determined not to let Tessa slip away. Just as the desire between them begins to burn, Tessa’s archaeologist ex-lover comes back to town with a tantalizing clue to her murky heritage.

The trio travel to the Mediterranean in search of answers, and when Tessa inadvertently opens an underwater portal they find a lost mermaid city. But in the deep, not everything is as it seems, and Tessa must decide if she wants to take her place as the royal heir, or follow the call of her heart…

“Siren’s Call is a thoroughly mesmerizing ride — Quinn throws open the doors to an unbelievable world where nothing is as expected. At once terrifying and fascinating and unbelievably entertaining, this is a book you won’t forget.” -Kate Douglas, bestselling author of Wolf Tales & The DemonSlayers

Pre-Order your copy today!
Amazon | B&N | Borders | BooksAMillion | Chapters | Indie Bound

Click here to read more about the book!

The Waiting on Wednesday concept was created by: Jill from Breaking the Spine. This is a weekly event featuring upcoming book releases. Please share your Waiting on Wednesday link in the comments!

IMM: In My Mailbox 05/17/10

Rogue Angel, Secret of the Slaves by Alex Archer
Stay the Night by Lynn Viehl
Darklight by Lesley Livingston
A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison
Demon Keepers by Jessica Andersen

IMM: 05/18/10 to 05/22/10
Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole
Rogue Angel, Polar Quest by Alex Archer
Rogue Angel, Solomon's Jar by Alex Archer
Rogue Angel, Swordman's Legacy by Alex Archer
Rapture by Jaquelyn Frank
Firefly Rain by Richard Dansky
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Winner Announcement!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest for It Happens in Threes by Denise Robbins!
Special thanks to those who followed my blog, tweeted and posted the contest.
Stay tuned for more contests soon! The winner has been contacted.
 

Prize: It Happens in Threes by Denise Robbins
Winner: Debbie F who said...

Sounds like a good read! Count me in! Thanks

JoJo's 30 Day Birthday Bash

Don't have a bookmark yet? Need a new one? How about 1000? Wish Jodie a Happy Birthday and enter my contest for custom bookmarks and a BOOK of your choice from The Book Depository.com!

JoJo's 30 Day Birthday Bash

Taking the Plunge

A bit back I mentioned a change on the horizon for our family. The time has come to make my reveal. Ready for it? Let me give some background. In 2002 I had a baby boy, tried daycare and decided it was not for me. So I quit my long time job as a digital artist for a photofinishing lab to begin my own business with my husband. He continued to work outside the home and I worked from home while caring for my son and in 2003 my daughter as well.

Our business started as a photo restoration and retounching business, as was my background. As the digital imaging industry became more prevalent our business began to slow down. My photographer clients started doing their own retouching and I had more time to play with my kids. This did not pay the bills. So we focused our business on advertising design and printing with the philosophy that businesses will always need business cards.

After a couple moves, a ton of direct mail advertising (stuffing and more stuffing), and finally putting my degree in electronic publishing into use our business began to grow. Today my husband gave notice at his job of more than 10 years that he is quitting to work from home. Any author or small business owner knows how scary this is. We have never had to depend solely upon me to pay the bills. Yes, you could argue that he will be here to help, but seriously this is about me *g*. We have savings, a great client base, new products and endless potential but questions remain. 

Will we make enough to pay the bills?
Can we retain our life style?
Will I freak out, jump across my desk and strangle him within a week?

I am excited and terrified. We need to make it work. To be honest, business ownership is more his dream. I am just a good worker. I have never fancied myself as an entrepreneur. What I am is a designer and I love what I do. With him home I will be able to focus more on design, which is good. 

What is my business? Well, we offer custom design and printing for many promotional items. Business cards, brochures, bookmarks, postcards etc. We also offer website design and management. We offer personal service and only the best materials. I try to go the extra mile for customers and love creating pieces they can be proud of. When someone calls they are talking with an owner and designer.

So here we go. Taking the plunge in the deep end.Wish me us luck! Please send encouragement, a pat on the back, breathe with me... anything *g*.

Review and Contest: It Happens in Threes

It Happens in Threes
Denise Robbins

Once burned, twice learned, did she dare trust again? Seeking to escape her stalking ex-fiancé, savvy computer expert, Ruby Goodman, flees to her family's vacation home. Always a healing place, Florida is the best spot for her to reassemble the crumbling pieces of her personal and professional life in safety. But somehow her high school sweetheart and first love, Michael Augustson, always appears when she least expects-but needs-him most. This time the only man she's ever truly loved needs her help to catch an international thief. But can she risk her life by becoming involved in his scheme? And does she dare to lay her heart on the line for a man who may disappear at any time?

Forced into some 'R and R', unflappable special operative, Michael, takes refuge in Florida where he runs into his old love, Ruby. Brilliant and a whiz with computers, Ruby is the answer to his prayers. He needs someone to crack the computer systems of an elusive money laundering thief. While working with her, Michael finds it a challenge to keep his distance from Ruby because he fears his passion for her may endanger both their lives. The only way to keep Ruby safe is to keep her close. Is it because of the threat to her life? Or is it because the stubborn, independent and infuriating but passionate Ruby has become a threat to his heart?  Source: Amazon

All I can say is, "Wow." Denise did it again. Well actually, she did this one first. I previously reviewed Denise's third book Connect the Dots and was so taken with the secondary characters that I had to read the first two books, this one and soon Killer Bunny Hill.  So let us dive right into this tropical, twisting tryst.

I do not know if a book could be written more perfectly for an easy escape of reality. Denise writes so eloquently. Her characters flow across the pages, enriched by well written landscapes and interplay. I loved being able to experience the paradise of Florida and Hawaii through the heroines eyes. The setting so entrancing I could taste the salt of the ocean and feel the warmth of the sun. I actually approached my husband about vacationing where we could scuba dive.

The characters are passionate, down-to-earth and human. They have flaws, obstacles and ghosts to hide. A myriad of emotions plays out between Ruby and Michael. They are as indecisive as the waves on the shore. They are best friends, lovers, strangers, enemies and competitors. I love the dynamics of this couple. When Ruby is not kicking his butt she is flirting. When Michael is not bossing Ruby around it is because she has left him breathless and sometimes speechless. Ruby is the epitome of a strong, independent female character. But she also brilliant with a touch of naivety. Ruby and Michael have a friendly banter filled with play and wit.

As a suspense romance this book is perfect. It Happens in Threes has startling bouts of action and intensity. From the calm to what-the-hell-just-happened moments I was always on the edge of my seat. I kept waiting for the big finale. This will be it, I thought. Nope. This is sure to be it. Nope. I could not read fast enough! Action, adventure, romance, and the thrill of the hunt. Do not miss reading this book.

This book is vacation anyone can afford!

Intense Whispers:
This is where I would usually quote a couple of moments I find intense within a book. To do so on this book would be an injustice. Each page whispers with electrical vibes. The feeling of imminent thrill. Thank you Denise for another great journey.

Contest: The prize is a fantastic new, SIGNED copy of It Happens in Threes! All you need to do to make this book yours is comment on this post! It is that easy. If you would like to follow my blog or befriend me on twitter that would be awesome. Contest ends Friday, May 21, 2010.

The fine print: Contest open to US residents only. Once the book has been mailed, I cannot be held responsible for its delivery. Only one comment will be counted toward entry. I will try and contact the winner by email, twitter, etc. However, I must have a reply within 48 hours of the winners announcement. I will try and announce the winner within one day of the contest end. Each entry will be assigned a number based on comment order and random.org will be used to generate the winner. Personally owned copy.

Review: Forbidden Highlander

Forbidden Hignlander (ARC)
Donna Grant

Fallon McLeod has gifts any warrior would covet—fierce strength, unmatched skill, even immortality. But those gifts have come at a price that puts everyone he loves at risk. Only when his brother, Quinn, is taken captive does Fallon leave the seclusion of his Highland home to seek the king’s aid. And though every woman at court would gladly be his for the asking, one alone causes desire to roar to life within him: beautiful, mysterious Larena Monroe.
 
Rumors swirl around the castle about “The McLeod” but Larena knows the truth. Like Fallon, Larena is searching for a way to vanquish the evil Druid who wants to wreak havoc on earth. Drawn to Fallon in spite of her fear, she surrenders to a passion that shocks them both with its raw intensity. But Larena dares not hope for more—not when she holds a secret that could turn her fiery Highland love against her forever…  Source: Amazon

The beginning of Forbidden Highlander is instantly absorbing. It begins where Dangerous HIghlander left off. Fallon (brother of Lucan) is in Edinburgh castle hoping to meet with the king to secure his castle and lands for his family. The tale starts by explaining Fallon's internal struggles and quickly introduces the reader to the heroine, Larena. She is new to this book and is an extraordinary and unique character.

Among the wonderful characters from Dangerous Highlander, this book also adds more warriors, heroes, villains and magical druids. Donna has a great talent for inserting new and instantly intriguing personalities. This series has the potential for dozens of books from what I can tell *g*. The list of characters is immense and I want to know know about all of them! Donna also does a fantastic job rendering this magical time and land to the reader. I was absorbed with the details of the King's castle, the gardens and later the reconstruction of Fallon's towers. Seeing the land through each characters eyes is remarkable. This book is as filled with rich colors as it is characters.

Forbidden Highlander has a classic "no battle is won easily" novel. Fallon and Larena's story is fast paced and exciting. They are plunged into adventure, passion and turmoil very quickly. Without extensive back story on the characters, I had to learn about them from each of their point of views. I enjoy this type of tale. It offers more suspense and mystery. As the main characters struggle with their own personal demons, the secondary characters fill the pages with teasing snips of their own histories and dreams.

Though the book can stand alone, it definitely has the "feel" of the middle book in a series. The end of the book leaves many items unresolved and left me wanting more. I am looking forward to Wicked Highlander.

Intense Whispers:
Just as the dream had taken the sinister road toward the death of the clan, he could have sworn he smelled lilies. Larena.~ page 62

She jerked, her mouth opening on a silent scream of bliss as his fangs sank into her neck...
~ page 262

Forbidden Hignlander releases on 5/25/10!

Review: Dangerous Highlander

Dangerous Hignlander
Donna Grant

He is magnificently strong—and dangerously seductive. One of the fiercest of his clan, Lucan MacLeod is a legend among warriors, inspiring fear in man and woman alike. For three hundred years, he has locked himself away from the world, hiding the vengeful god imprisoned in his soul. But then, a young lass caught in a raging storm awakens his deepest impulses…and darkest desires.

Cara doesn’t believe the rumors about MacLeod castle—until the majestic Highland warrior appears like a fiery vision in the storm, pulling her into his powerful arms, and into his world of magic and Druids. An epic war between good and evil is brewing. And Lucan must battle his all-consuming attraction for Cara—or surrender to the flames of a reckless, impossible love that threatens to destroy them both…  Source: Amazon

I started this book without reading any blurbs, but from recommendations of others and my love for new authors. I was not disappointed. The book is a thrilling adventure ride with amazing heroes and a feisty heroine. I love how the characters are introduced and their stories told. You meet Lucan and his brothers with Cara. Learning of their plight as she does. I have always appreciated books written in this fashion. It makes it easier to see through the heroines eyes and experience the tale as though it was your own.

The male characters are fresh, raw and untamed. Everything you would come to expect in a Highlander tale of castles, warriors and their wars. Each character has a unique personality and drew me in. I am found myself eager to read more about each character. The heroes of the story, there are more than one, are fiercely loyal to each other, their clans and their land. The book is written with great passion and emotion. I found my heart crying with the characters and cheering their victories.

The heroine, Cara, is written with rugged innocence and strength. She overcomes unbearable odds to give compassion and love to those around her. She aspires to better others, even if it means sacrificing some of herself. This being said, she is still down-to-earth enough to seek advice from others. Making her character less frustratingly stubborn as some characters written with the same traits. She can be taught.  I have read so many books as of late where the heroines never seem to learn and are pig-headed to a fault. Thank you, Donna, for writing a female character who is strong without being completely self destructive.

Dangerous Highlander is a fantastic tale of love, loss, sacrifice and family. With beautiful scenes of wind-swept castles and forbidding mountains, Donna weaves a tale filled with magic and mystery. I could write indefinitely about the intricate story line and characters. About the magic and power each one wields. But I am being purposely vague, because I want you to read it for yourself and experience the wonder of this book. I look forward to reading and reviewing Forbidden Highlander next.

Intense Whispers:
Lucan looked at the small elongated silver vial with Celtic knot work surrounding it. It was held about her neck by a thin strip of leather. Could something so small be what Deirdre was after? "What is it?"
"My mother's blood."
~ page 71
 
"...I see before me a man of strength and power and magic. A man with rippling muscles, and a body very pleasing to the eye. A man with sea green eyes, and a mouth that does delicious, wicked things to me."
~ page 234

eReader Contest at Bibliophilic Book Blog

 Is there any better kind of contest! I say, "No." The ever generous and gracious Monica S. from  Bibliophilic Book Blog is offering one lucky winner a choice of one of four eReaders or $100.00 gift card from Amazon. The readers are Sony Pocket Ebook, RCA Reader Ebook, Aluratek Libre Ebook Pro or the Kobo Ereader.

Click Here to link directly to the contest.

Please mention that Robin K from Intense Whisper

sent you and we both get extra entries.

IMM: In My Mailbox 05/10/10

Velvet Haven by Sophie Renwick

IMM: 05/12/10 - 5/15/10
Midnight's Daughter by Karen Chance
Birth Marked by Caragh O' Brien
Unclean Spirits by MLN Hanover
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis
Touched by an Alien Gini Koch
Rogue Angel, Destiny by Alex Archer
Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
Beloved Vampire by Joey W. Hill 

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie 
and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Do the Write Thing for Nashville

Have you visited Do the Write Thing for Nashville? If not, please do so.

Do the Write Thing for Nashville is auctioning off critiques, signed books,

and more from authors, agents, editors, and other industry professionals.

I am also donating my design and printing services to the cause.

Donations are going to: http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/ 

To learn more about the Nashville flood and current relief efforts,

please visit: http://www.tennessean.com/section/NEWS0101

Please spread the word and tell your friends.

A Couple Books for Mothers Day

For Mother's Day my husband and children brought me out for lunch and then shopping. I got to go to both Borders and Barnes & Noble. I purchased a couple hardcovers for my July birthday contest and a couple books just for me.

I got The Demon and I by Candace Havens and Necking by Chris Salvatore. They are both new-to-me authors and look very unique. I love chicks with swords!

Happy Mother's Day!

Private I with J.A. Saare

Author enters dark, musty room lined with book selves. There is a cough and stumble as a shadowed figure rushes into the desk chair.

Thank you for coming in. Were you informed of the reason you were brought in today? Err, not exactly.

We believe your character may be involved in suspicious activity. When and where is the last time you saw your character? Stuck somewhere between the present and the past.

For the record, can you please say and spell your characters full name and any known aliases. Rhiannon Murphy.

Do know where your character may be now? Stuck in some futuristic version of hell, maybe?

Can you please give a brief description of your character? Ballsy, brash, unapologetic. Once you meet Rhiannon, you never forget her. She’s the kind of girl that makes an impression.

Do you have a recent picture of the subject? Unfortunately, no.  She’s not one to pose for the lens.

What was the demeanor of the subject like when you last met? Loud mouthed with a penchant for cursing? She’s not the fun loving type, but once you get to know her, she grows on you.

Have they been fraternizing with anyone new as of late? She started hanging out with Disco, AKA Gabriel Trevellian, and his rag tag bunch.

We understand that you are the author of the character, but can you describe your personal relationship with them? We once had a pretty good relationship until recently. Rhiannon is the private sort and doesn’t like airing out her dirty laundry. She resents me sharing her with the world and wants me to stay out of her business. On a positive note, we are making headway. She’s finally coming around -- I think.

Do you know your character intimately? Very. We have lengthy discussions all the time and get along splendidly until I start piddling around with her life. That’s when she gets angry.

We found this with your characters prints on it. Can you please tell me what it is? *Sighs* Her shit kickers; the most important item in her wardrobe.

Is there anything else you think may be helpful? Not really. You can never tell with Rhiannon. She’s always getting into trouble and you just never know what to expect with her.

If we our associates have any further questions, where can you be found? You can find me at my website www.jasaare.com, my blog www.jasaare.blogspot.com, or my twitter @Jasaare.

The shadow behind the desk shifts and reaches from behind the desk revealing an arm length black, lace glove. "Thank you for your cooperation."

As the author turns to leave, a pile of folders of the desk can be seen. Each stamped as containing confidential information for the Office of Fictional Unaccounted for Characters, also known as O.F.U.C.

A Quest and a Question

First of all I need to apologize for being absent from networking and my blog as of late. My family and I are about to make a big life change and it has been absorbing my time. I "think" about blogging all of the time. If only I could connect my brain to a machine that typed my thoughts. I will be sharing our exciting news in a couple weeks time. No, I am not pregnant. *giggles*

I am also blogging to put out some feelers for a Birthday Contest I would like to have in July. As I am newer to blogging I am not sure of the exact decorum or, to be blunt, how to get book donations from publishers and authors. I have tweeted about it and will mention here again that anyone interested in contributing to a prize can contact me via email, twitter or by commenting here. My contact details are in the side bar. I am not sure what I will be doing yet. I want it to be special, easy and fun.

Having gotten very busy with our family business as of late, I am opening up the floor to any authors or bloggers to post guest blogs or Private I interviews. Please make sure that they are relevant to writing, being published, book blogging and the fiction genres listed on my side bar. I would also like to do some posts for authors with multiple books that have related characters or stories. Like a hierarchy of a series. Please let me know if you are interested.

Well, that is it for now. Please comment and let me know if you want to contribute to my blog, contests, or simply say, "HI". I will try and be more diligent here. I need to be to get the voices out of my head.

IMM: In My Mailbox 05/03/10

Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Devour by Melina Morel

IMM: 05/05/10 to 05/09/10
The Fallen by Thomas E. Sniegoski
Any Given Doomsday by Lori Handeland
Need by Carrie Jones
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Midnight Cravings by Hauf, Whiddon, Devoti, Leonard, Anna and Vanak