What to do?

I just wanted to stop in and let you all know what I've been up to...and will be up to!!

First off, I finally found Lover Awakened...OMG. I will have to share my thoughts. On another post, because...well, those of you who know what I mean, know what I mean...you know?

Things are crazy as Spring has finally decided to show her lovely little visage. Between enjoying the intermittent sunshine and opening the windows to let in the fresh air...sigh. And then the things that come with it. Love greenhouses and garden centers!! And my puppy demands all my attention.

Lucky she's so cute.

On the dancing side, I have a show coming up. Which is insane...even though its mainly just a little coffee shop shindig. Costuming cracks me up. I can't sew...at least, when I look at it, I think, did my ten year old niece do that? Hey stitching glue is amazing! Don't even get me started on the organizing aspect...

And, what is really exciting for me....doing my first guest post! Which means research. In a good way, because what I'm looking is something I already have an interest in. A little nervous, but its that good kind! Go on over to http://not-really-southernvampchick.blogspot.com/ and check it all out!!

So, if all goes well, you'll have two new review this weekend...and winner of my first contest http://ariadarkmuse.blogspot.com/2010/04/another-midnight-musing.html announced by Sunday....

Thanks for following!!

Review: Pleasure of a Dark Prince

From the back cover:

A DANGEROUS BEAUTY

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her-and those she loves.

AN UNCONTROLLABLE NEED

Garreth MacReive, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddenly sensual creature as his own.

THAT LEAD TO A PLEASURE SO WICKED

From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia's greatest weakness-her wanton desire for him

My Review:

True to my usual pattern, this was a series I picked up a few books into. An unabashed cover junky, that's me. I can't for the life of me tell you which one, but I can say I hungrily sought out the entire series. And then became disappointed when I caught up.

Warning: The Immortals After Dark series is addicting. The mixture of vampires, werewolves, witches, Valkyries layers in everything you would love about the paranormal. Strong females heroines who embrace head on with tenacious veracity every aspect about themselves. From strong sensuality, to (in my opinion) an addiction to texting, as well as loving shiny things, playing video games...inciting lightning. Yum. I adore strong female characters, and Pleasure of a Dark Prince is no exception.

Lucia, who is THE archer, can't miss a shot or else she'll experience the worst pain imaginable. She forgoes the...company...of the opposite sex, choosing this skill not only to protect herself, but those around her. Sometimes, she makes the wrong decision for the right reasons...like running from Garreth, the brother to the missing Lykae King, who turns out to be...well, you'll have to read that for yourself. I think you can guess ;), though.

If I had any complaints at all, it would be one of two things. The first, I think, is all a part of Kresley Cole's diabolical plan to make me (and in turn, you) salivate for more, forcing you to want to re-read the series over and over. The book follows a longish time span, which begins early in the series, and extends farther into it. Which means, we encounter many characters from previous books. Its a nice check in for those of us who can't seem to let go of Emmaline or Mariketa and their scrumptious males. On the downside, my brain kept second guessing myself.

So what did I do?

Yep. Got out my dog eared previous tomes and checked in. Like I said, diabolical. *smiles evilly* Cause I love Nucking Futs Nix. Tons...

The second is more me than anything. Garreth, enormous hulking lykae that he is, is from the highlands of Scotland. Which, more than once, made me read out loud (or at least silently mouth) his words. And I kept visualizing Collin Ferrell's accent just to make sure I got it spot on. Not necessarily a bad thing, mind you. But it did make either the pup or the husband eye me suspiciously. (Kept them on their toes!)

When all is said and done, while I have kept promising this to you all (and welcome new followers!!), and adore and LURVE this series.

I may even start them once again.

And the gorgeous cover...that doesn't hurt, either.

Another Midnight Musing...

So...recently it was brought to my attention...that...ahem...I (hangs head) have no button...

And being that I am just a tad bit challenged (not too, challenged...but I just figured out how to actually get on Google Chat) in the whole area of (clearing throat) buttons (why do I have a song in my head?)...I need help!

So, in search of my own button...what to do???

I turn to you, dear blogworld. I know you are brilliant and fabulous because I see your handiwork spread far and wide. Will you help me? Pretty please???

Now, my only question is, do I bribe you, or will you try to help me out of the goodness of your heart. I'm thinking both.

Now, here's the idea I have. (Drum roll please...eww, that reminded me of Will Smith somehow...shakes head.) Depending on response, I will (attempt...ahem) post responses...and if (pleads silently) I get a few...then we'll vote. You and I...

I'm hoping for some kick booty happenings...and the winning button will receive a pretty prize from me. Now, this all depends on how many responses I get. (I still think my husband is paying all of you.)

This will be my first giveaway...sigh...I'm hoping, and wishing...So feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.


By the way, Pleasure of a Dark Prince?? I'll tell you what I thought very soon...



Update:

Hmmm...I'm thinking maybe your lack of enthusiasm is based upon prize mentions, huh? (Silly me...seriously I thought I put it on here. Must drink more coffee.) Alright, so winning button will get a Border's Gift Card for $10. Winner will announced on April 30th....

Review: Get the Fever...

From the jacket cover...

He calls me his Queen of the Night. I'd die for him. I'd kill for him, too. When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister's journal, she is stunned by Alina's desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister's killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it.

Mac's quest for the Sinsar Dubh takes her into the mean, shape-shifting streets of Dublin, with a suspicious cop on her tail. Forced into a dangerous triangle of alliance with V'lane, an insatiable Fae prince of lethally erotic tastes, and Jericho Barrons, a man of primal desires and untold secrets, Mac is soon locked in a battle for her body, mind, and soul.

As All Hallows' Eve approaches and the city descends into chaos, as a shocking truth about the Dark Book is uncovered, not even Mac can prevent a deadly race of immortals from shattering the walls between worlds-with devastating consequences...

Review

First, to point out an obvious...once again, in the industrious line of my habitual start in the middle of a series, I did, in fact plunge head first with full knowledge that Faefever was no' the first in the Fever series.

That being said, let me also say I would like to thank all you little twitter book bloggers I follow for having debates (which entertained me while irritating my husband as I giggled over my Droid endlessly) about this Barrons person...because, now I know why.

There were three entirely odd things that sparked for me in this book.

First, I LOVE that the author didn't feel the need to make every character that were natives of Dublin speak with an accent. She allowed the city to paint the feeling as well as the characters of Dublin. This has, at times actually slowed down my enjoyment of a novel, only because I felt as if I wanted to read aloud (not that I did, mind you, but still...) or say "wuh?" because my brain didn't want to translate. (And I want to say fecking now. Is this really a swear word? Because if I am offending anyone's delicate ears, I apologize.)

Second...I felt the inner dialogue really replaced the actual interaction Mac had with other characters. Starting the series in the middle probably contributed to this because I felt I was missing something...Barrons and V'lane . There was really no great place to put a bookmark in...and sometimes I needed to stop. You know, to eat, work, sleep. Though it was a pretty fast going because of this...hmmm. Might be on to something. Seriously, though, the banter between Mac and Barrons made me want more.

Third. After the twitter stalking and giggling, I set myself up for some pretty intense moments. Ummm...part way through, I had to ask myself, did I miss something? (This should teach me to get the first book, girl. Seriously.) But the moments that were there were an entirely different level of intense. Building up, and I have to say, I kinda want to check out Barrons and V'lane myself. Which I did. On the Karen Marie Moning site. I would have to say the action was more on a sensual side, which sometimes is just what ya need...

So, without any spoilers for those of you who haven't (which should be few, if all that tweeting can be believed), I felt Mac was an intelligent, tough yet tender, selfish yet caring character. She loves her clothes. And I loved her taste in cars. (Really, the Viper didn't even have a radio or a/c when it first came out...its all about what a fast yummy lil sports car should be.)

Am I interested in the first two Fever books? Absolutely. Did I feel like I missed out on things sometimes...definitely. The cliffhanger...woah. So, yep, my lil Not Really Southern Vampire Chick friend, I am so glad I did not get the next book instead. Who knows where I would have ended up....

Next...Review of Pleasure of a Dark Prince (just start sighing now...what a cover!)

Busy Times...

With the busy crazy schedule (and my attempts to set up various other networking opportunities) its been a little slim pickings here. But I wanted to give a tiny preview of things to come in the incredibly near future!

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!

Yep, I'm gonna do it...but, as with all things, it needs a little more fun. And that means followers! Those of you here right now, I lurve ya...because I've been blog stalking you. But I'm lonely...well, not so much lonely, but hoping you all aren't either A.) My husband in disguise or B.) Being paid by said husband to follow me!!

So, while details to come, you can bet they'll include some new follower quotas amongst them...

Reviews....I have two get ready to gear up. A double, if you will, within the next 12-18 hours.

A few surprises I'm hoping to hash out...I know, such a tease, right???

Any ideas or comments or helpful suggestions, post 'em below...

Now I'm off to drill some tribal fusion bellydance...have a good one!

A Little Midnight Musing

Isn't it funny when you discover something new...from someone you've never met, and it changes everything?

Recently, I RT to an author and the artist my love of the cover of a new book, only to discover the only current media it was available in was in the "e" realm. With all the twittering and news articles surrounding ereaders as well as my own reluctance to really delve deeper into this new fangled form, I pretty much dismissed be able to get said book to check out until it was released in paperback.

(Said book, by the way, is Avalon Revisited. In case you're wondering...steampunk is incredibly intriguing to me as a whole, from the general technology and history, to the costuming influence in bellydance.)

The artist sent me back a message telling me how she didn't have a kindle, but downloaded the app to ther ipod touch. LIGHT BULB...So I logged on and got myself a lil ol' kindle app.

Backing up just a tad...Initially, I felt kind of...odd about the whole concept of an ereader. I love how a book feels in my hands, the smell (I know, kinda musty), having my favorite titles displayed proudly like trophies saying, yep, I read 'em. All of them. Really. So the thought of just one more device (WITH NO COVERS? GASP!!) launching me further into the digital realm made me feel overwhelmed. Really...which device? Could I keep track? But I love the library...and the used bookstore...and wandering through Borders for hours!! Will the pages turn fast enough (I read fast...my husband doesn't always believe I'm reading. Like I would just flip pages to amuse him. Seriously?)? ACK!

But...as with my new foray into short stories with Melissa Marr, I jumped in with her estory Stopping Time. Which also meant I didn't need another copy of Fragile Eternity, since said story was included with the new soft back edition.

*Pools of light shining down from the heavens*

Guess what? Yep, loved it. Well, let me clarify...

I finished part one of Stopping Time, and am part way through the second. UGH! I love Niall and Irial...and Leslie. Be able to visit with them once again...and before Radiant Shadows? Fab. Whet the appetite...

Just a bit about Stopping Time...

If you've read Ink Exchange (and if not, please do...I recommend the entire series very highly), you would understand why these characters have a little more of their story to tell...It's still heartbreaking and a darkly beautiful love story. Normally, I tend to skim through when there is too much explanation, but I never seem able to do so in the Wicked Lovely series. This is no exception. **Minor spoilers if you haven't read Ink Exchange**

Irial, the former Dark Court King, has sworn fealty to Niall, the Dark Courts new regent, and both have promised Leslie, the girl they both love dearly and utterly, to essentially alone and allow her to be...human. But, in the way that fae often do, they keep to their promised words while still protecting her. And Irial, with whom I just fell in love with, is more concerned with keeping Leslie safe and his need for Niall to be happy (a word I use lightly, because, really, no one in this situation can be) than his own well being. The relationship between these three characters is gut wrenching...and feels so real. Because sometimes love isn't enough. And a happy ending isn't guaranteed. My only issue...I wanted more.

So where do I stand? Other than searching the kindle store obsessively and now alternating between my droid and ipod touch? I like it. Alot. But, I'll still get my favorites, for now, in the good old bookstore... For now.

JoJo's Book Corner 200 Follower Giveaway

As noted in my sidebar, one of my favorite bloggers (not only books, and if you've been there, you know what I mean. If not, what are you waiting for! Click the next words!!) JoJo's Book Corner is celebrating her 200 Followers!!





And if that isn't enough for you (see above picture), she always has little goodies for you...


Congratulations!! Share the love.....

YAY!! My First Award!!

Let me just say, I totally geeked out and did a lil' dance...because, I am so totally convinced my loved ones are just somehow paying people to follow me and make the hits go up...Thank you, lady!

I received the Beautiful Blogger Award from Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick.

Here are the rules:
Thank and link to the person that gave you the award.
Pass this award on to 15 bloggers you’ve recently discovered and think are fantastic.
Contact said blogs and let them know they’ve won.
State 7 things about yourself.

15 bloggers I just love!

Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick
Jojo's Book Corner
Parajunkee's View
Intense Whisper
Darkly Reading
Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

Welcome To Larissa's Life

Smexy Books

Writings of a Wicked Book Addict

Kindle Vixen

The Book Guru

Bitten By Paranormal Romance

Book Faery

Papercut Reviews

Writings of a Wicked Book Addict

7 things about myself:

1.) I am, in fact, a tribal fusion bellydancer. But, what, you ask is tribal fusion? Here's how I learned, my friends...youtube Rachel Brice. Trust me...

2.) Avid Joss Whedon fan. I own three versions of Serenity. I love my captain.

3.) Bought my first romantic lil worn and torn paperback because my name was in it. Which freaked my mom out because she was with me. *shrugs*

4.) Comic Cons are one of my favorite things to do. Especially day trips. I don't dress up...but secretly want to one day...Princess Leia or Elektra maybe?

5.) Okay, silly little confession...I find it hard to say anything bad about a writer's vision at times. It's their world, and in fact, they make the decisions for it. That being said, I can tell you how I felt about it...

6.) Realized I love tormented male characters...Mal? Angel? Even Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl (yes, guilty pleasure). And Dean and Sam, oh my...And don't get me started on Lords of the Underworld, UGH, or even BDM.

7.) I have one tattoo, but am itching to get more!

Have a wonderful day, you awesome bloggers...who I've been stalking!