If you have not checked out the contest for A Touch Mortal at Leah Clifford's blog please so.
The video is spectacular and incredibly unique. Bravo!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Last Chance to Rock AAD: Operation Auction
The auction is for registration to the 2012 convention in New Orleans, August 8-12th AND hotel room. Includes 5 meals, registration, all convention functions (excludes cash bar alcohol and off-site food and drink), a special bag of books from the attending authors and special signing for you and 5 of your friends including but not limited to authors: Joey W Hill, Alexandra Ivy, Judi Fennell, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Tyler (together as Sydney Croft), Jess Haines, Allison Pang and Jeanine Frost! Auction ends, March 30, 2011 at 1:04 PDT.
So go forth and BID!
Oh.... pick me as a friend too *winks*!
AWESOME auction for AAD 2012 Package!
Now... I know you will also need trading cards for the conventions this year and next. So I made a donation of my own! My auction is for 500 - 2.5x3.5 full color custom designed and printed romance trading cards. Printed on heavy 16 pt stock and available with glossy or matte coating. Cards can be printed on both sides. All 500 must be the same design. Auction ends March 31, 2011 at 1:06 PDT.
Auction link for custom trading cards!
Private I Interview/Giveaway: Vivi Anna, Glimmer
Private I with Vivi Anna
As the author settles in the interview chair she cannot help but wonder what the ornate shimmering scroll work means on the wall...
Thank you for coming in. Were you informed of the reason you were brought in today? No, I was not, and I really don’t think the handcuffs are necessary, do you?
The shadowed figure behind the desk raises a brow and continues on.
We believe your character may be involved in suspicious activity. When and where is the last time you saw your character? Last time I saw her, she was digging in her garden and planting something odd.
For the record, can you please say and spell your characters full name and any known aliases. Nina Decker…her original name is N’lina Wolfstriker, but no one calls her that except her estranged mother. In fact nobody but her mother knows her true name.
Do know where your character may be now? Could be at work at the hospital, she’s a trauma nurse, or she could be at Severin Saint Morgan, the alpha werewolf’s estate home.
Can you please give a brief description of your character? She’s 5’10, about 120 pounds, sholder length jet black hair, light blue eyes, pale skin. She sort of stands out in a crowd.
What was the demeanor of the subject like when you last met? She was upset, angry in fact. Her father, you see, has been kidnapped. And she knows who did it.
Sure she does. Has she been fraternizing with anyone new as of late? Just the werewolves. I think she has feelings for the alpha of the pack, Severin Saint Morgan, who is a professor at the university.
We understand that you are the author of the character, but can you describe your personal relationship with them? I have a love/hate relationship with Nina. I care about her, don’t want to see her get hurt, but she’s heading for a tragic end, and I’m not sure I can stop it.
Do you know your character intimately? Of course. I birthed her, sort of speak.
We found this with your characters prints on it. Can you please tell me what it is? It’s a butcher knife. I believe she was using it to defend herself from a pixie attack.
Is there anything else you think may be helpful? I think there is more trouble coming, and Nina is at the heart of it.
If we our associates have any further questions, where can you be found? You can reach me at vivi@vivianna.net, I’d love to hear from anyone who has interacted with Nina and her werewolf lover.
The shadow behind the desk abruptly stands and leaves the room. The scrolls flash and then fade away. A muffled, "Thank you for your cooperation" can be heard from the hall.
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.
Available February 15, 2011
Amazon | Smashwords
Although Nina Decker's father is one hundred percent human, her mother is not. She belongs to an ancient and rare race of people called the fae. But these fae are not those written about in fairytales, with pretty gossamer wings and fairy dust, no they are sinister, malevolent and unkind, dwelling in another realm called Nightfall. More prone to destroy than to create. Abandoned at the age of ten, to be raised by her father, Nina has never forgiven her mother for that or for ruining her father. A man of only sixty, he appears to be closer to eighty with a frail body and mind. He's been fae-struck and is slowly fading away to nothing. This is one of the reasons why Nina has never gotten too close to any one man. She doesn't want to seal his fate like her father's has been.
But she can't deny her fiery connection to Severin Saint Morgan, a sexy as hell werewolf and the alpha of the Vancouver wolf pack. He's an Australian immigrant working at the university as an associate professor, and the publicized face of the werewolf species. He makes her blood boil with desire and makes her tremble with fear. But its only when her mother reappears with startling revelations about an upcoming war between the fae and the werewolves that Nina realizes that she may be a pawn for both sides.
Contest ends April 8th, 2011. International entries welcome.
Please leave your email address (name AT domain DOT com).
One entry per household.
Make sure to visit Bewitching Book Tours for more tour dates.You can visit Alayna at her website, on Facebook, and on Twitter!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Operation Auction is Live Now
Operation Auction is NOW LIVE.
All items can be found in the Operation Auction ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/operationauction2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Book-Cased (17)
By Laura Lee Guhrke
Avon Books
February 27, 2007
ISBN#: 978-0061143601
Amazon.com
The Girl-Bachelor Chronicles
Supremely sensible Emmaline Dove wishes to share her etiquette expertise with London’s readers, and as secretary to Viscount Marlowe, Emma knows she’s in the perfect position to make her dreams come true. Marlowe might be a rake with a preference for cancan dancers and an aversion to matrimony, but he is also the city’s leading publisher, and Emma is convinced he’s her best chance to see her work in print…until she discovers the lying scoundrel has been rejecting her manuscripts without ever reading a single page!
As a publisher, Harry finds reading etiquette books akin to slow, painful torture. Besides, he can’t believe his proper secretary has the passion to write anything worth reading. Then she has the nerve to call him a liar, and even resigns without notice, leaving his business in uproar and his honor in question. Harry decides it’s time to teach Miss Dove a few things that aren’t proper. But when he kisses her, he discovers that his former secretary has more passion and fire than he ever imagined, for one luscious taste of her lips only leaves him hungry for more… Read an Excerpt!
Book-Cased the week of March 21st
Friday, March 25, 2011
Operation Auction Update
Operation Auction will be going live on Sunday, March 27th at 12:01 am PDT. All items can be found in the Operation Auction ebay store: http://stores.ebay.com/operationauction2011
None of the items will show up until the auction is live and not all items are going up at the same time.
Items will be divided as equally as possible into three batches:
Batch One will be up March 27th at 12:01 am PDT, ending March 30th at 12:01am
Batch Two will be up March 28th at 12:01 am PDT, ending March 31st at 12:01am
Batch Three will be up March 29th at 12:01 am PDT, ending April 1st at 12:01am
All listings will run for three days. The only exception is the breakfast at RT with Angela James, Jane Litte, and Sarah Wendell. Because that event is approaching very soon, it will be in batch one and be a one-day auction only.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Hoppin Blog Hop
What - Easter Hoppin Blog Hop Giveaways
When - 12:01 AM April 15th to 11:59 PM April 17th
Where - All around the blogging world!
Each blog participating is hosting a giveaway of their own. The spending maximum should be around $20, and your giveaway can be anything you would like. Books, bookmarks , swag, coffees, teas, hand made crafts, anything you would like.
Visit the HOP Post to sign up and come back here to win on the 15th!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Angels & Demons Contest
By: Tarra Blaize, Madelyn Ford, Victoria Davies
Available at: Samhain | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders
The ebooks were released separately on May 25, 2010.
The print book will be available April 5, 2011.
Break by Tarra Blaize | Excerpt
To save her brother, Layla is forced to use her computer-hacking skills to go after Gethin, a powerful blood demon who pushes all her sexual buttons. It doesn’t take Gethin long to figure out his pretty traitor is being blackmailed. Yet even if he saves all she holds dear, she can never be his…
Deals With Demons by Victoria Davies | Excerpt
Talia’s inborn ability makes her the perfect demon hunter. Yet there’s one demon she can’t banish from her heart—despite the humiliation he caused. Now he’s back to cut her a deal in exchange for one last heated night in his arms. Resist? Hell, no. Forgive? Never…
My Avenging Angel by Madelyn Ford | Excerpt
Victoria should be celebrating her birthday. Instead she’s using her newly emerged powers to summon an angel to protect her from a demon out to kill her. No mere spell can hold an archangel as powerful as Michael, but the fact she’s his destined mate has him shaking in his heavenly combat boots—and in danger of losing his heart.
ENTER TO WIN!
First place prize: Print Copy of Angels & Demons!
Second place prize: Ebook of BREAK by Tarra Blaize!
To enter just FOLLOW this blog and leave a comment with your email address (name AT domain DOT com). To qualify for the 2nd place ebook prize: tweet, blog, or post the contest on facebook. Leave the link with your comment.
TWEET: Angels and Demons Contest with Tarra Blaize http://tinyurl.com/48twsjk hosted by @intensewhisper #Giveaway PLZ RT
Contest ends April 5th, 2011. Open to the USA and Canada.
One entry per household. One prize per winner.
Book-Cased (16)
By Rachel Hawkins
Hyperion Book CH
March 2, 2010
ISBN#: 978-1423121305
Amazon.com
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shape shifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.
Book-Cased the week of March 14th
Winner Announcement!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Theresa Meyers contest for The Truth About Vampires!
Special thanks for following my blog, tweeting and posting the contest.
The winner has been contacted.
Winner: Beverly
The winner has been contacted.
Winner: Beverly
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Operation Auction
Have you heard about the upcoming auctions for Fatin? She owns and runs the RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk blog, is an administrator of the WriteMinded loop, an author assistant and a tireless advocate for romance novels. She is also a friend to many in this community.
On Tuesday, March 8th, she lost her husband in a senseless act of violence, leaving her alone with four children. You can read more about the tragedy here: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/9233067/
The romance community would like to rally around her.
I will be donating 500 - 2.5x3.5 full color custom designed and printed romance trading cards. Printed on heavy 16 pt stock and available with glossy or matte coating. Cards can be printed on both sides. All 500 must be the same design.
My auction as well as a ton more will be held on ebay the last week of March. More information on exact days and donations can be found here: http://operationauction.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Review: American Vampire
By Jennifer Armintrout
Buried in the Heartland is a town that no one enters or leaves. Graf McDonald somehow becomes its first visitor in more than five years...and he was only looking for a good party. Unfortunately, Penance, Ohio, is not that place. And after having been isolated for so long, they do not like strangers at all.
Jessa's the only one to even remotely trust him, and she's desperate for the kind of protection that only a vampire like Graf can provide. Supplies are low, the locals are ornery for a sacrifice and there's a monster more powerful than Graf lurking in the woods. New men are hard to come by in this lonesome town, and this handsome stranger might be Jessa's only hope for salvation. Even if she has to die first...
Available From Amazon
Fun. It is the one word I would use to describe American Vampire. Armintrout writes extraordinary characters while keeping them real. With believable personalities and just-next-door settings I found myself completely absorbed in this book. I had no problems relating to the characters or picturing the environment. No, this does not mean I am a hill billy like many of the characters, but I swear I have met some of them in real life!
Jennifer's vampires are my favorites. They are not soft, the do not cuddle and damned if they will feel remorse for what they are. They are monsters, different and superior. Not because they have special powers but just because they ARE. They enjoy being vampires. I loved watching Graf struggle in this book. He is trapped in an Hitchcock-esqe nightmare where to survive he must find some humanity while keeping his vampire indifference. Sparkly he is not.
Jessa, the heroine, never fails to amuse and horrify Graf along with the reader. She is tired, down, desperate and defeated. But just when I thought I would need to give her a swift kick she would pick up her chin and solider on. Would I be a "Jessa" in the same situation? I really hope not. Could I appreciate her character? Absolutely. I know there have been times when I have just wanted to sit and say, "Please just take care of it all.". What Jessa does not realize is that her strength is that she keeps on, even if not in redeemable ways. She survives.
I would NOT describe this book as having explosive romance. Jessa and Graf both need to WORK at it and despite vows of "never", they do find a mutual dependence and respect. Born of sacrifice and fear, both characters hate to love each other. Working together they discover the towns secret and quest to escape their torments. It's the little things that make them smile, even if they try and hide it. I loved their banter and bitchiness.
If you are looking for a quick read with a unique take on monsters, please pick this book up. If you love vampires in all their different personae you will enjoy Graf. If shot guns, blood, barns, country folk and high school baggage bothers you, run the other way *winks*
Jennifer is one of my favorite authors! Please check it out her fantastic Blood Ties series as well!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Book-Cased (15)
By Devon Monk
Roc
May 4, 2010
ISBN#: 978-0451463272
Allison Beckstrom is committed to her work tracing illegal spells. Now, there’s an apocalyptic storm bearing down on Portland, and when it hits, all the magic in the area will turn unstable and destructive. To stop it from taking out the entire city, Allie and her lover, the mysterious Zayvion Jones, must work with the Authority-the enigmatic arbiters of all things magic-and take a stand against a magical wildstorm that will obliterate all in its path…
Read an excerpt!
Book-Cased the week of March 7th
Winner Announcement!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Alayna Williams contest for Rogue Oracle!
Special thanks for following my blog, tweeting and posting the contest.
The winner has been contacted.
Winner: Jolene Allcock
Winner: Jolene Allcock
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Guest Post/Giveaway: Theresa Meyers Vampire Worlds
Please welcome Theresa Meyers to Intense Whisper! Make sure to check out all of Theresa's tour stops!The Challenges of Building a World of Vampires
by Theresa Meyers
There’s something mythical about vampires. And for a writer intent on creating a whole new world populated by vampires, that’s just the first challenge.
You see most people already have an idea in their heads about what vampires should and shouldn’t be. They either believe in the whole garlic-stake-sunlight dogma, or they don’t. And no matter what you do as a writer, someone, somewhere is going to think you got it wrong… or they are going to think, wow, did you ever get it right.
But when I was creating the world setting of my new Sons of Midnight mini-series for Harlequin Nocturne, I was interested in doing something different and let my imagination run wild.
I had to think not just about how my vampires would interact with people (treating them as juice pouches to be pierced, drained and tossed vs. treating it as a symbiotic relationship), how they preferred to feed (some authors like the whole idea of either bottled blood or vampires who choose to feed off of animals instead of humans), and what their strengths and weaknesses were. I also had to think about how my vampire society functioned.
The vampires in The Truth About Vampires, and my June book The Vampire Who Loved Me believe in a kind of trinity—three circles that overlap each other—life, death and vampire. None is wholly like the other, yet vampire straddles both life and death. My civilized vampires, who retain their own free will, live in clans, with a clear-cut code of conduct, laws and consequences for stepping outside those boundaries. But there are always those on the fringes of society who don’t live by the rules and those are reviers who gather in migrating nests and have a more hive-mind mental state and can be controlled by a single leader. And then there’s the ancient gods and goddesses that come into play…but I digress.
For my vampires I chose to create a world with a more biological base. While they are stronger, and their senses are stronger than humans, because of their modified DNA, they are not all powerful beings without weaknesses. Which made me have to think exactly what would be their weaknesses? Well for one, any organism can be affected by their food. So for my vampires dead man’s blood is a swift-acting poison that immobilize them for several hours. Why? Because there’s no life force left in the blood, and it’s the life force that is actually what nourishes them in their state between life and death. It’s also the reason why animal blood is more like a virgin cocktail, while human blood has the real kick to it—the type of life force is different.
But I wanted my vampires to be more than just super-strong beings that fed on blood, so I gave them some super-powers! My vampires can walk through walls, flux (turn invisible), transport to places they’ve been before. They can read each other’s thoughts, materialize objects and change to suit the most intimate fantasies of their prey—so whatever turns you on most—that’s what they become for you and you alone. Most importantly they form emotional bonds that last beyond a single life-time to be reborn again to find true love.
Their transition from human to vampire is caused by a virus, which in sufficient quantities and with a lowered immune system can transform a person into a vampire. So it’s not just about a bite, if the blood supply were tainted, it could happen to anyone. Sure they may not sparkle, but when you are trying something totally different, not every bit of vampire lore is going to apply.
I’ve already seen reviews of some people who like my take in The Truth About Vampires saying it’s a fresh take on the undead, and I’ve seen some who think it’s all just ridiculous and I’ve done nothing new at all. Either way, I’m glad it’s producing a strong reaction and getting people to think about vampires and what they like and don’t like about our favorite gods of the night. So now that I’ve blathered on about my take on vampires, I’m curious, what do you like best and least about vampires?
Harlequin Nocturne - Vampire Romance
ISBN-13: 978-0373618545 / March 1, 2011
Harlequin
Pulling back the veil on a world shrouded in darkness, Theresa Meyers' stunning debut reveals a sinfully handsome vampire whose secret is about to exposed...
All her life Seattle reporter Kristin Reed sought her breakout story. She never thought she'd find it in the crimson lair of a real life creature of the night. Kristin never believed vampires existed—until with dark brooding eyes and a decadent chocolate scent, Dmitri Dionotte called out to her...
Dmitri and his clan's true nature was cloaked in secrecy until a warring vampire order threatened their existence. Kristin was just the woman he needed. She couldn't resist their story...or Dmitri. Her blood pulsed hot and furious when he touched her, and with his kiss, all logic fled. But each night she spent with her vampire lover brought her closer to death and destruction. A death not even an immortal could triumph over.
Contest ends March 18th, 2011. USA shipping only. Please leave your email address (name AT domain DOT com). One entry per household.
Make sure to visit Bewitching Book Tours for more tour dates.You can visit Theresa at her website, on Facebook, and on Twitter!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Moira Rogers Wild Kindle Contest
Want to win a brand new Wi-Fi Kindle 3?
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, and you can have your chance!
For more chances to win, visit the main contest page.
Every participating blog you visit gives you another chance to win!
This post is part of Moira Rogers’ Wild Web Adventure Promo. For full rules and disclaimers, or to hold your own kindle contest, visit the contest post. Winners will be chosen during the first week of April.
WILDER'S MATEby Moira Rogers
Digital Versions:
Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Samhain Publishing, Amazon UK, Kobo
Wilder Harding is a bloodhound, created by the Guild to hunt down and kill vampires on America’s frontier. His enhanced abilities come with a high price: on the full moon, he becomes capable of savagery beyond telling, while the new moon brings a sexual hunger that borders on madness.
Rescuing a weapons inventor from undead kidnappers is just another assignment, though one with an added complication–keeping his hands off the man’s pretty young apprentice, who insists on tagging along.
At odds with polite society, Satira’s only constant has been the aging weapons inventor who treats her like a daughter. She isn’t going to trust Wilder with Nathaniel’s life, not when the Guild might decide the old man isn’t worth saving. Besides, if there’s one thing she’s learned, it’s that brains are more important than brawn.
As the search stretches far longer than Wilder planned, he finds himself fighting against time. If Satira is still at his side when the new moon comes, nothing will stop him from claiming her. Worse, she seems all too willing. If their passion unlocks the beast inside, no one will be safe. Not even the man they’re fighting to save.
Warning: This book contains a crude, gun-slinging, vampire-hunting hero who howls at the full moon and a smart, stubborn heroine who invents mad-scientist weapons. Also included: wild frontier adventures, brothels, danger, betrayal and a good dose of wicked loving in an alternate Wild West.
What are you waiting for!? Comment on this post for a chance to WIN!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Book-Cased (14)
By Lara Adrian
Dell Books
October 2010
ISBN#: 978-0440245278
AT THE CROSSROADS OF DEATH AND DESIRE, A WOMAN TASTES A PLEASURE NO MORTAL IS MEANT TO SURVIVE.
In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her, as she struggles to understand—and control—a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal . . . and arouse.
As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself—until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenges their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire. Read an excerpt!
Book-Cased the week of February 28th
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Guest Post/Giveaway: Alayna Williams The Lovers in the Tarot
The Lovers in the Tarot
by Alayna Williams
I use Tarot cards a good deal in my writing, to give me ideas about creating characters and develop plot points. Sometimes, I pick cards on purpose that catch my eye, but more often, I deal them out at random. I let my imagination roam over the pictures to generate situations and connections.
One of the cards that captures many peoples' imagination is the Lovers card. When I first glance at the card, I see a man and a woman standing under the sun, blessed by the archangel Gabriel. On the surface, it's a card that gives one a warm fuzzy, as love so often does. It's easy to assume that this card is all about romantic love and eternal bliss.
But there's much more to the Lovers than that, as there is in any relationship.
When I look more closely at the card, I see a tree in flames behind the man, and the serpent coiling around the Biblical Tree of Knowledge behind the woman. The man and woman are also standing apart, as opposites. The traditional meaning of the card is that the querant is at a crossroads - a choice must be made between two alternatives. Duality is represented here: good and evil, knowledge and naivete...and harmonizing them.The card also reminds me of famous mythological couples, especially the story of Isis and Osiris. Isis and Osiris ruled Egypt as king and queen, overseeing a prosperous kingdom and happy subjects. Osiris' brother, Set, was jealous of his brother's power.
Set lured Osiris into a coffin, nailed it shut with a host of co-conspirators, and sent the coffin floating down the Nile. When she heard of this, Isis flew away in search of her husband. Convinced that without proper burial, he would not be able to reach the Land of the Dead, she searched the river for the coffin. She succeeded in finding the coffin lodged in a cedar tree and took it with her. Isis hid it away in an isolated marshland as she prepared the proper rituals to allow Osiris to enter the Land of the Dead.
But Set was not through. He discovered the coffin, tore it open, and dismembered the body. He scattered the pieces of Osiris' body all over Egypt.
The distraught Isis began to search for the pieces. She searched high and low until she had gathered them all and sang him back to life to receive the proper rituals. At this time, she conceived a child with him, Horus, the falcon-headed god that many of us associate with ancient Egypt.
But Osiris was dead, and could not remain in the land of the living. He descended to the underworld to become King of the Dead. Though he and Isis were reunited, they were also separated by that bridge of life and death...
...and this idea brings us back to the Lovers card, the union of opposites. Life and death are the ultimate opposites. And when we turn the card upside down to read its reversed meaning, it signifies division in a Tarot card reading.
And that's what love's often about in a story...union and division. Love is never a smooth road. Even fairy tales and old myths have monsters and obstacles. The Lovers card reminds us, through the distance between the man and woman - whether we cast them as Isis and Osiris, Adam and Eve - standing apart from each other and reaching out.
Delphic Oracle #2
Pocket Juno Books / Feb 22, 2011
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The more you know about the future, the more there may be to fear.
Tara Sheridan is the best criminal profiler around - and the most unconventional. Trained as a forensic psychologist, Tara also specializes in Tarot card reading. But she doesn't need her divination skills to realize that the new assignment from her friend and sometime lover, Agent Harry Li, is a dangerous proposition in every way.
Former Cold War operatives, all linked to a top-secret operation tracking the disposal of nuclear weapons in Russia, are disappearing. There are no bodies, and no clues to their whereabouts. Harry suspects a conspiracy to sell arms to the highest bidder. The cards - and Tara's increasingly ominous dreams - suggest something darker. Even as Tara sorts through her feelings for Harry and her fractured relationships with the mysterious order known as Delphi's Daughters, a killer is growing more ruthless by the day. And a nightmare that began decades ago in Chernobyl will reach a terrifying endgame that not even Tara could have foreseen…
a print copy of Rogue Oracle!
Contest ends March 11th, 2011. International entries welcome.
Please leave your email address (name AT domain DOT com).
One entry per household.
Make sure to visit Bewitching Book Tours for more tour dates.You can visit Alayna at her website, on Facebook, and on Twitter! Writing as Laura Bickle, she's the author of EMBERS and SPARKS for Pocket - Juno Books. Writing as Alayna Williams, she's the author of DARK ORACLE and ROGUE ORACLE. More info on her urban fantasy and general nerdiness is here: http://www.salamanderstales.com/
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Dual Review: Sins of the Flesh and Stronger Than Sin
Stronger Than Sin
by Caridad Piñeiro
Sins of the Flesh Teaser:
Caterina Shaw’s days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.
Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both... for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.
From http://www.caridad.com
Stronger Than Sin Teaser:
Dr. Liliana Carrera has had a few rough months. First her fiancé’s depression turns her into his punching bag. Then her brother – a gun for hire – involves her in a dangerous assignment to save world famous cellist Caterina Shaw. Now Liliana has even made a new life for herself and has found a new friend in her brother Mick’s newlywed wife. With stability returning to her life, Liliana turns her attention to keeping Caterina healthy and overcoming the trauma of the violent incidents which have colored her life in recent months.
Jesse Bradford had wanted only one thing when he approached Wardwell Laboratories in order to participate in their gene therapy trials – to stop the deterioration of his bones brought so he could return to his career as a football player. Jesse had never imagined that the cure would be worse than the disease.
Liliana knows of Jesse’s checkered past as a high profile celebrity and sees the rage in Jesse. Both bring back painful memories and awaken fear in Liliana. But she cannot be blind to Jesse’s suffering and just walk away. Especially when Liliana begins to see the honorable and caring man struggling to emerge. Together, Liliana and Jesse will battle to recover Jesse’s humanity and explore the dangerous love taking hold in their hearts.
From http://www.caridad.com
First and foremost I want to give kudos to the designer of Caridad's fantastic covers. I may be a bit glitter crazed, but I can proudly say I was so before the Twilight saga. I would love to add a Stronger Than Sin poster in my office. All that twinkle and magic *sigh*... throwing some sparklies on the husband may be imminent in the near future *winks*.
Now on to the good stuff... I read these books back to back for full effect as I like to do with series and this was a perfect duo to do so with. They flow smoothly from the first book to the second with just enough recap and no icky filler. Caridad did a spectacular job making two standalone books read as a seamless set. This being the case I will review as such and not make a harsh line between the two novels.
Both books feature genetically altered humans. Each of whom is ill and experimented on by mad scientists out for glory and money. The books are very techno savvy and sharp. With just the right blend of suspense and mystery. I really felt for the main characters and their strength of character. Both suffer unimaginable pain but maintain their compassion and heart.
The lovers of each are both strong willed and independent. Thrown into bizarre circumstances and bewildered by the love they find for their superhuman counter parts. The passion in each book is strong in both love and hate, pleasure and pain. Delving into the sacrifices humans can make when pressured.
As I was reading Sins of the Flesh I could not wait to see what character Caridad would write about in the second book. I secretly hoped it would be a man. I was not disappointed. Between the two books I think I actually liked the second (Stronger Than Sin) more. I am female enough to say "OOH LA LA" to the sculpted figure of Jesse. He is compared to the Incredible Hulk at one point but without the green. So really ladies, how could I not be drawn to the over protective, ex football star!?
I would recommend both books to anyone looking for an engrossing high tech romantic suspense. Though not stories I would consider to be paranormal the superhuman aspects most definitely add an exciting and, at times terrifying, twist. So sit down, pull up your blankets and submerge yourself in some sinful pleasure. Fantástico.
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