FURY OF FIRE WINNER!

Winner of FURY of FIRE by Coreene Callahan is BARB PATRICK as chosen by Rafflecopter. Congratulations Barb!  An Email has been sent!

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Lover Enshrined: An Ode to Recovery and Learning to Communicate

FMI or to Buy
Cover via Amazon

LOVER ENSHRINED

by J.R. Ward

Published by Signet Eclipse/NAL

June 2008

EXCERPT

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now, a dutiful twin must choose between two lives...

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

One fan's concept of Cormia (Photo credit: saytaina)

Awhile ago I read a post on Smart Bitches Trashy Books with  Q& A for a publishing executive.   One answer came down to the idea that there are writers whose past successes have made them un-edit-able. In other words, they get away with murder. Judging from the amount of product placement, the lack of continuity and the number of typos, I suspect JR Ward is one of these authors. The most annoying to me was a glaring character discontinuity when Cormia, watching Project Runway with a pregnant Bella on bedrest exclaims that something is a "trainwreck!"

Now, Cormia has just recently learned she can touch things, and walk outside and until this book had not watched TV. She hasn't gone anywhere but she knows the phrase "Trainwreck?!"

Having complained I can go on the say these books are like an addiction.  I would sit down and read them all in one streak but have other obligations like eating, making dinner, keeping house, having a social life, reading other books....

So, how ironic that this book should be about addiction, betrayal, and poor communication. The latter two are, of course, the foundation of the Romance genre. The first is a tough and important subject. Thank goodness the younger warriors are able to communicate with each other; even to the point of coming out as gay or bisexual.  THe Brotherhood is surprisingly accepting outside the Glymera.

The bad actor Lash is also a major factor here.  Let's just say he gets the opportunity to fulfill his propensity for nastiness.  We meet a new character, Lassiter who has decided to move in with the brothers.  He is a Fallen Angel and is perhaps an escapee from Ward's Fallen Angel series. But, he does something really helpful.

And, Grey Goose is hardly mentioned.  

We learn more about Rhevenge and Xhex's big secrets too. But the most important thing is the journey to each other that Cormia and Phury take and how it provides real strength to the race. I think the trip was a little bit circuitous, but, who am I to say?  And the Scribe Virgin gets taken down a peg or ten. Yay!

Series readers or not, with the caveat about poor editing, I recommend this installment in the BDB series.

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Fury in Fire's Dragon Commander Consents to Interview, Sort of by Coreene Callahan

Coreene Callahan, Interviewer

Today, I am fortunate to have a fabulous guest, Coreene Callahan who was able to land an interview with his highness of hotness- the Dragon leader Bastian. It's some scorching stuff! Enter the contest for a copy of FURY OF FIRE (18+, USA or Canada) using the Rafflecopter form. IF the form is not working, for a reason I cannot control, please leave a comment with the necessary particulars.

F U R Y  O F  F I R E

Coreene Callahan

Paperback: 424 pages 
Kindle Edition: 665 KB
Publisher: Montlake Romance/Amazon (February 7, 2012)

Amazon links below
My Review

it is Bastaian's Story so maybe
this is his likeness

It’s nearly midnight when I reach the antique bookshop where I’m meeting Bastian, commander of the Nightfury dragons. There aren’t any lights on inside, and as I cup my hands to peer through the window an October breeze teases the underbelly of the tattered awning above my head. I glance up. Yup, I’m at the right place. The signage above the wide blue door reads, Periwinkles: a Treasure Trove for the Distinguished Mind. Which is funny because Bastian doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who hangs out at bookstores, never mind one called “Periwinkles”.

But a deal’s a deal, and I’m holding up my end by showing up tonight. On a dead-end street. In the middle of the night. Without back-up.

I know what you’re thinking, but I haven’t lost my mind. Far from it. I’ve been waiting for this meet and greet—been pestering Bastian about it—for a while. But as I knock on the door, I’m having second thoughts. Maybe agreeing to meet him in a less than public place isn’t the smartest move.

I raise my hand and knock anyway.

The door swings inward. Eerie, especially considering there is an empty spot on the other side where a person should be standing. As the old fashioned doorbell tinkles, I get a case of the chills, but cross the threshold. I’m a writer on the trail of a story. No way I’m backing down now.

The door clicks closed behind me, cutting off the soft glow of streetlights. I strain to see in the gloom, searching for the subject of my interview. A second or two passes before I give up and call out, “Hello?”

“Back here.” The voice is low and deep, rumbling on the scent of musty paper as it drifts between tall bookcases packed to the gills with leather bound books.

Putting my feet in gear, I move past the checkout counter toward the back of the store. As I round the last shelf an overhead light flares, and I get a snapshot of an open area with leather club chairs. A second later, I see Bastian. The instant I do, I’m back to wondering what possessed me to come alone. Cuz, man, he’s enormous, and so flipping hot he oozes sex appeal. . .six and a half-feet of streamlined aggression and hardcore muscle. Dark hair cut military short, he’s handsome without being pretty. Lethal appeal tempered by grace, and 100 percent deadly when he chooses.

Decked out in leather, he’s slouched in one of the chairs, head resting comfortably on the backrest, army boots planted on the coffee table. His shimmering green eyes narrow on me. I get tongue-tied. He raises a dark brow.

Bastian: You wanted the meet and greet, kazmea. You gonna waste my time, or
are you gonna talk?

C.C.: Sure. (clearing my throat). Right. First things first, then. Thanks for meeting me.

Bastian: (he shrugs) You’re a pain in the ass, female. Figured the best way to get you off my case was to agree to meet you.

C.C.: (Some of my tension eases. He’s just paid me a huge compliment. Tenaciousness, after all, is a valued trait among Dragonkind warriors. His eyes spark with amusement. A good sign, an amused dragon-shifter is better than a pissed off one. I take a seat opposite him in a matching chair.) So, how’s it going? Everything all right?

Bastian: I’m up to my eyeballs in crap. . .like always. Every night has FUBARed
written all over it.

C.C.: I heard about the trouble. How’s Myst doing?

Bastian: Good. Adjusting. My mate is resilient. . .thank God. (silence descends as we both think about how badly Myst could’ve been hurt if Bastian hadn’t pulled her away from enemy claws in time.) The Razorbacks didn’t do any lasting harm. But another female’s missing. Not good news. Rikar’s on search and rescue, but so far. . .nada. Which means, I gotta go.

C.C.: So soon? (I try not to sound disappointed, but fail miserably.) Just a few more questions?

Bastian: A word to the wise, kazmea. We do this when and where I say. My way, not yours.

C.C.: Another time, then?

Bastian: (his lips twitch) Yeah. I’ll even give you the green light with the others.

C.C.: Really? (I try to be cool about the offer, but honestly? I’m dying to meet the other Nightfury warriors too). When?

Bastian: (laughs and gets to his feet) Up to them, and only if they want to.

C.C.: Kill joy.

Bastian: Pest.

It’s my turn to laugh. He grins and heads for the back of the store, toward the red glow of the exit sign. As he reaches the reinforced steel door, Bastian glances over his shoulder and tips his chin in my direction.

Bastian: You’re all right, you know that?

C.C.: I try.

Bastian: (shakes his head) Don’t worry about locking up, kazmea. Be safe getting home.

I nod, and then he’s gone, leaving me to wonder when I’ll see him next. Soon, I hope. I have so many questions. Chief among them? What the heck does kazmea mean?

GIVEAWAY CONCLUDED

(Amazon PRIME

members

can borrow free)

PRE-ORDER Fury of Ice (Dragonfury Series #2)

PRE-Order Fury of Seduction (Dragonfury Series #3)

Fury of Fire Rocks More Than One Kind of Action!

FURY OF FIRE

Coreene Callahan

Paperback: 424 pages  Kindle Edition: 665 KB
Publisher: Montlake Romance/Amazon (February 7, 2012)

When duty calls, a warrior answers—no matter  the consequences.
A clandestine race of half-dragon, half-humans known as dragon-shifters lives among us. Bastian, leader of the Nightfury dragon clan, is sworn to protect humankind at all costs. For him, honor and duty always come first. When the clan dictates he take a human mate to sire a son, he falters, aware that for a human to birth a dragon-shifter she must die. Myst, the woman given into his care, is the most extraordinary he’s ever met, and though he can’t bear the thought of harming her he is bound by duty.


Myst loves her life in the human world, but Bastian has captured her heart in an instant of electric connection. But Bastian and his warriors are in the middle of a deadly battle with the Razorback dragon-shifters, intent on killing every Nightfury clan member—and the humans they protect—the fate of their world and ours hangs in the balance.


An extraordinary blend of action, fantasy, and steamy romance, Fury of Fire brings to life a dangerous new world intertwined with the survival of humanity, all while exploring the meaning of honor and the nature of true love.  www.coreenecallahan.com

Dragon Fury first came to my attention via an email with this brilliant "newspaper headline."  I was really impressed with such a clever bit of marketing and the story looked interesting so I got in touch with Coreene who sent me an an interview with the leader of the Nightfury Dragons Cadre, the good guys! She also offered a FURY OF FIRE giveaway for the USA or Canada.

Fill out the form between now and 6 PM Wednesday, February 29, 2012 with some extra entry opportunities!

I want to whet your appetite for this sexually and emotionally charged, action filled novel.  The main male characters are all human/dragon shapeshifters.  Their species reproduces with human females who all die giving birth.  So, I was ticked off big time at the dragons.  The quandary they were in was extinction or killing their mates.  They are also energy vampires feeding solely from human women who they can sip or drain and kill.

So, I was angry, but that means I was engaged and a book that can engage me is special.  Plus the dragons in human form are hot.  The women are courageous. We get some great scenes where Bastian and Myst make very passionate love, then another kind of action — battle is also on offer.And, of course, you know SOMETHING has to give or it wouldn't be "Romance."

There's a bit of the J.R. Ward vibe happening without both  the product placement and massive amounts of booze. Part of that is the tendency of supernatural males to be rather posessive (Laurell K. Hamilton's characters excepted).

I highly recommend the series and personally can't wait to read the next two (covers below)!

Giveaway is concluded.

(Amazon PRIME members

can borrow free)

PRE-ORDER Fury of Ice (Dragonfury Series #2)

PRE-Order Fury of Seduction (Dragonfury Series #3)

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Related articles

• Interview with Author Coreene Callahan and Giveaway! (abookwormshaven.com)
• Book Review of Fury of Fire by Coreene Callahan (abookwormshaven.com)
• Coreene Callahan and the Dragon Shape-Shifters (omnivoracious.com)

A-Viking We Will Go Kiss of Pride by Sandra Hill

KISS OF PRIDE

Sandra Hill

Avon/Harper Collins

April 24, 2012 ARC

SOME MEN ARE TOO BAD TO BE TRUE...
Is he really a Viking with a vampire’s bit[e]? An angel with the body of a thunder god? A lone wolf with love on his mind? Alexandra Kelly, his prey, thinks Vikar Sigurdsson is either flat-out crazy or he’s trying to maneuver her into his bed--which is hardly where a professional reporter should conduct an interview, tempting as that prospect might be.
SOME MEN ARE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE...
Until Vikar does something a teensy bit unexpected, and Alex begins to wonder whether her mystery man could really be everything he says he is: a Viking Vampire Angel on a thousand-year-long mission with his pack of sinful brothers—and a man who’s finally found the woman of his dreams. By then, Vikar is already wrapping his chiseled arms around Alex’s body...and sinking his wicked fangs right into her neck. If this is sin, why does it feel so good?
sandrahill.net

I find this title and cover hard to accept Since the "Kiss of Pride" made think of werelions, and now I know it's about the Sin of Pride so other than some major smooching I don't get it.  Plus the main male character is described as having long hair with beads in it.

There was a lot about God and archangels in the first fifty pages which, with my aversion to religion almost closed the book for me.  Not to mention the rather ridiculous premise of God turning a bunch of marauding Vikings into Vampire angels who have to save the souls of others. But I stuck it out and started to enjoy the story as the couple gets together and have some heated encounters. Even then, once in a while the "R" word would rear it's head.  

There were some great anecdotal plot arcs that really didn't advance the story but that  The whole thing is a bit shallow and I was never sure if it was religious or if the religion was tongue in cheek. The female love interest Alex lost her child to murder and while perturbed doesn't seem to have taken it in entirely. If it was actually intended to push religion then the amount of almost sex and its descriptive nature would be a shock. The hell realm was a bit comical.  I felt the characters were a troupe fro a graphic novel.

Vampire angels taking up residence in a renamed town in Pennsylvania. I've seen weirder things, and it adds to the carnival atmosphere. The phrase "more money than God" came to mind when Vikar gives a triple bonus to a contractor who can redo a castle in seven-days. They're in tight with God, how about a few miracles?  And the vampire angel combo is a bit like someone threw dice with types of supernatural creatures and one came up vampire and the other angel.

All this aside, Hill somehow combines the entirety into a charming, often humorous novel with a lovely HEA. 

Pre-order from my Amazon shop:

I am doing an experiment on my site with text color and size. The red is pretty much my signature but I wonder if a lighter color text is preferable and if I can get away with this size text in a lighter color.  What do you think??


From publisher via Edelweiss in expectation of a fair review based on my opinions. No remuneration was exchanged and uless otherwise noted all opinions are my own.

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Hunger Games News and Products

Cover of The Hunger Games

So, I am not into this story as I haven't read it. Maybe I will get to it eventually. I think it looks like they put a ton of money into the film and the acting seems high quality.  They have certainly paid for some names. So although I lambasted it on someone else's site last week, and got called out for it, I think I may change my tune.

But, everyone is jumping all over the movie as a vehicle for the books, for related advertising (the first real trailer for BREAKING DAWN Part 2 will be released in the HUNGER GAMES pre-show clips) and whatever else can be commercially marketed. .And, I know a lot of you are interested. Since I am all about you here is some of what's around:

Lionsgate announced Tuesday that members of the cast and crew of The Hunger Games are embarking on a national mall tour. Starting on March 3, several of the actors, including Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson will make appearances during an eight-city tour, sponsored by the Microsoft Store, China Glaze, and h2O Spring Water. www.hollywoodreporter.com

If you want to be in a mob of screaming teenagers and want to see the stars go HERE to check out the schedule.

A Recently Released TV Spot.


Now that advance tickets are available all sorts of licensed merchandise.  I have an Aragorn action figure, and a 2004 Red Sox World Series bat, so I get the desire to collect stuff that is associated with the movies or teams or whatever! we love.  With that in mind here is a sampling of what Amazon has to offer and available through my A-Store:

BOOKS:

The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion Kate Egan (Author) The New York Times bestseller by Suzanne Collins is now a major motion picture -- and this is your guide to all of the movie's excitement, both in front of the camera and behind it. Go behind the scenes of the making of The Hunger Games with exclusive images and interviews. From the screenwriting process to the casting decisions to the elaborate sets and costumes to the actors' performances and directors' vision, this is the definitive companion to the breathtaking film.
The World of the Hunger Games Kate Egan (Author) PRE-ORDER:  This is the definitive, full-color guide to Panem. Gorgeous photographs from the movie make this a rich visual dictionary for the incredible world that Suzanne Collins created and that has come to life on the big screen. It showcases the major players and participants in The Hunger Games, the life and home of Katniss Everdeen, and the perils of the Games themselves — injuries, fire, muttations, and all the rest. A glossary and new quotes from Suzanne Collins herself complete the package. Fans of both the Hunger Games novels and the stunning forthcoming film will treasure this book.(Amazon)
Beyond District 12: The Stars of The Hunger Game Mick O'Shea (Author) Publication Date: March 20, 2012 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Hunger Games Film Tie in Illustrated with 100 full-colour photos The Hunger Games is set to be one of the most exciting films of 2012 and Beyond District 12: The Stars of The Hunger Games gives you an exclusive look at the up-and-coming young actors behind the three main roles of Katniss, Gale and Peeta. With detailed biographies outlining Liam, Jennifer, and Josh’s early lives, their first forays into acting and how they landed the most sought-after roles in Hollywood, this book gives you the chance to really get to know your new favourite screen idols. Beautifully illustrated with glossy photographs of each hot young sensation, Beyond District 12: The Stars of the Hunger Games also profiles the characters that they will be playing in the film franchise already being dubbed ‘the new Twilight’. The Hunger Games film is sure to be one of the cinematic highlights of next year and Beyond District 12: The Stars of the Hunger Games gives you exclusive first access to the on- and off-screen lives of the soon-to-be household names at the heart of the movie phenomenon.
The Hunger Games Tribute Guide Emily Seife (Author) The New York Times bestselling Hunger Games is now a major motion picture -- and here is the ultimate guide to the all the tributes in the 74th annual Hunger Games! Here is the ultimate guide to the twenty-four Tributes participating in Panem's 74th annual Hunger Games. Follow the Tributes' journey from the Reaping to the Games, with a look at all the highlights along the way--the Tribute Parade, the stations of the Training Center, the interviews, and more. Get exclusive information about the Tributes' strengths and weaknesses, their weapons of choice, and their experience in the Capitol before entering the arena.

T-SHIRTS (Click on Pic FMI or to Buy)

		This is cute. Even an old gal like me could get away with it.
MORE HUNGER GAMES TEE SHIRTS:

MISCELLANY — All Preorder
(Click on Pic FMI or to Buy)

The Hunger Games Movie Beach Towel "Poster Art" by NECA From Lionsgate Film Based on the Best Seller Book The highly anticipated movie! Great gift for the Holiday High Quality from NECA
The Hunger Games Movie Prop Replica Sack Nylon #12 by NECA #11, #5, #2 also available each $19.54 I think these are usable without looking like someone thinks they're actually in the movie.
The Hunger Games Movie Thermal Mug Katniss & Logo by NECA $14.99 This is great for a Mother's Day or End of Year Gift for someone into the books.
The Hunger Games Movie Pen Set Barrel Pen "Katniss Peeta District 12" by NECA $3.99 This is great to just tack onto another order to get your to the magic $25 for free shipping.

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Related articles

• New HUNGER GAMES Stills Arrive (geektyrant.com)
• Hunger Games onslaught begins with advance ticket sales (canada.com)

Deus Ex Machina or Mommie Dearest?

Click to Buy or FMI via Amazon

LOVER UNBOUND

by J.R. Ward

Published by Signet Eclipse

September 2007

Book Five: Vishous' Story
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now, the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will…

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous son of the Bloodletter possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp, he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time- until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her.

www.jrward.com

FOUL! NO FAIR! DEUS EX MACHINA ALERT!!

Spoilerish

Vishous is an abuse survivor from his "father's" war camp. Where everyone acts like and is treated like an animal and a expendable commodity.  He finally comes out as bi-sexual and just able to physically get off on sex as a pain inflicting dom. In this book we learn who his mother is and why she left him to be raised by his father and then left him until the time line of this book. Can you say, "Child Abuse?"

These vampires need more than one small group of people headed by Marissa, straightening out their society. Seriously, you have a group of women, the Chosen, raised to have sex with and breed with the Brotherhood.  They are cloistered within an inch of their lives. The Glymera (aristocratic caste) is antediluvian in their attitudes and structure. I don't care how much you need to preserve your race.  And, they refer to humans as "MERE?" I think the Scribe-Virgin needs to take a look at her rules and ridiculous behavior. What she does in this book is inexcusable and just when you think she's learned something, um, nope still a selfish bee-yotch of a  deity.

And, I am really, really disliking the Scribe-Virgin. I think she is morally bankrupt and selfish. I also think she stands as a symbolic J.R. Ward. There's a lot of talk of balance and so getting rid of the Omega is not a possibility unless we get rid of the S-V.

So, the love of a good woman, in the form of the surgical wizard, Jane, saves Vishous from one destiny only to set up one even more tragic. And, of course the woman Vishous wants is human, so we get the whole Rhage and Mary vibe.  Each has a tragedy in in their past and one coming. The Scribe-Virgin is like white out for J.R.Ward.  Oops, written myself into the corner?  I will just pull out the S-V to save the day.  That's what happens here as it was with Rhage and Mary. There's your "Deus," literally, in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  Yeah, there's no chariot or such that stands for the "ex machina," so.... Vishous' visions are never wrong, but they don't usually turnout as desired or imagined.

Still not as much product placement as one through four. I hear it returns with a vengeance. I have heard she doesn't get paid. Maybe she gets gifts in kind from the companies or is picked up in their PR feeds?   What do you think it's about?

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Forbidden Fantasies Spice Up This Marriage

www.jodiegriffin.com

Forbidden Fantasies

by Jodie Griffin

Carina Publishing

March 5, 2012

27,000 words

E-Galley/ARC

After fifteen years of marriage, Jessica Meyers's sex life is, well, a little predictable. Her handsome husband turns her on, but missionary style once or twice a week? It just can't compare to the hot new world she discovers in the pages of erotic romances. Her fantasies fuel the fire of her desire, adding a new spark to her and Alex's lovemaking. But Jess is afraid to tell her husband what she really wants in bed-and her secrets start coming between them.


State trooper Alex Meyers is a master at uncovering the truth-except when it comes to his sweet, shy wife. She's clearly keeping something from him. An affair? She wants out? When he finally confronts Jess, he's shocked to learn she wants to turn her forbidden fantasies into nightly realities. But when he takes her to a unique B and B-Bondage and Breakfast-catering to couples and multiples, Alex is about to find out just how far he'll go. NetGalley.Com

Often contemporary erotic fiction is just about the sex, but Griffin takes this short a bit deeper and works on communication between partners, growth, and trust.  She brings two fairly idealized characters, sometimes necessary in a short story, who are deeply committed and introspective and with Jessica being a bit of a stylized housewife.  She is already a bit of a submissive.

Image via Wikipedia

I can understand her fears about her fantasies; she was brought up by religious and strict parents and came out with the feeling that sex is dirty. That's a tough engram to break. After fifteen years,would you feel able to discuss what would feel HUGE like this with your partner? Jess was breaking out of who she thought she was, and not quite sure what that meant about her and her marriage so maybe she couldn't accept that he would also be okay with it.

I liked how possessive she was of the sexy books she bought; how she didn't even know about erotica. Of course how she got the nerve to buy the books reminds me of teenagers buying condoms. I also liked the love and respect the couple had for each other. I can recommend this short as a nice take on exploring fantasy. And, as a reminder that you never know what's going on behind those closed curtains at your nice, normal, neighbors' house! Nuanced and well thought out.

Available for Pre-order
through my A-Store!

Disclosure, Time delimited Galley from publisher through NetGalley with expectation that any review would be fair. No remuneration exchanged. Unless otherwise stated, all opinions are my own.

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