Christmas On Wherever Island Excerpt Tour & Giveaway!!!

An outrigger cut through the surf. The tallest boys ran into the waves and pulled the boat onto the sand. Through the crowd of children, Marti saw a tall, sturdy man in red shorts and a T-shirt jump from the boat. From the neck up he was a traditional Santa. White beard and red hat contrasted his black skin. Cliff and Marti watched children receive small gifts and candy from the boat and rush off.
Cliff called out. “Does Santa Mon have presents for big children?” He took Marti's hand and drew her close to Santa, whose puckish grin and green eyes reminded Marti of the Chicago ticket seller.
Santa nodded. “Christmas is a time of giving. So true. What gift does the gentleman have for his beautiful lady?”
Marti felt her face flush and wondered if Cliff blushed in the dark. How embarrassing that the Santa thought they were a couple. Cliff knelt and scooped wet sand. With a smile he stood and placed a perfect white scallop shell in her hand.
“A fine gift for your lady.” Santa nodded, pushed his boat into the water and called, “Merry Christmas to all,” and was gone.
Marti smiled at Cliff. “Ah...thanks.”
He looked at her. “Santa Mon was right. For a beautiful lady.” He leaned forward.
She turned to the side and his lips met her cheek. In this amazing romantic setting a handsome man kissed her and she desperately wanted to kiss him back. But she refused to be seduced by a tropical moon and ocean breeze. A vacation fling was not her style. She was loyal. She was loyal to Ben and ignored the voices inside her head reminding her Ben was with his wife.
Cliff whispered, “I'm sorry, Marti. That wasn't a good idea.”
She nodded and dropped the seashell. He bent and stuffed the shell in his pocket.
The hotel desk clerk walked past, calling in a sing-songy rhythm, “Time for Christmas cake! Santa Mon's lucky Christmas cake!”
Marti began to follow him.
“Wait!” Cliff took her arm. “The sun is ready to drop below the horizon. You must watch.”
“Yes,” the manager said, “you may see the green flash.”
“That's not real.” Marti was sure she'd read the green flash was a myth.
“The green flash is real.” Cliff nodded. “If you see one, they say your life will never be the same.”



About The Author:



Amber Polo has had a lifelong love affair with libraries and dogs. A fascination with lost ancient libraries and curiosity about why werewolves outnumbered dog-shifters in literature inspired her new urban fantasy series filled with librarian dog-shifters.

　

"Released" Book One of The Shapeshifters' Library celebrates St. Nicholas Eve as a magic night for the dog-shifters. They celebrate in the old style with wassail, gingerkucken, and old fashioned traditions. 　Share their fun. Read The Shapeshifters’ Library Book One.

　

TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY:



Enter to win a copy of The Shapeshifters’ Library, a Starbarks Coffee Hound mug, plus some treats for your favorite dog.

　

Rafflecopter Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Buy links for Released: Amazon

Book Trailer for Christmas On Wherever Island: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4enl721U0s

Virtual Book Tour...Review Alien In The Family by Gini Koch

From Amazon.com:

Super-being Exterminator Kitty Katt and the Alpha Centuri she loves, Jeff Martini, should be finalizing their wedding plans. But that was before she discovered Jeff is in line to become Emperor back on his home world. Kitty knows she is everything a royal family wouldn't approve of, and is bracing herself for the worst. As it turns out, the royal family is just the beginning. Especially when extraterrestrial Amazonian terrorists are determined to start and end Kitty and Jeff's nuptial festivities with a bang.

Not sure if I've ever mentioned this, but I am a true and tried geek girl. And, there are few things that ever give me the chance to voice this little quirk of mine. It's always there, lurking under the surface, waiting to jump up and be noticed. Imagine my giddiness when asked to participate in this virtual blog tour!! I may have blushed....seriously, after I squealed. This book is one of those reads that will kick start your reading rut, at least it did for me!

(Quick note...I'd like to thank a few tweeties, Bells and Collette...for the Martini addiction.)

In the third book of this series, it still seems Kitty can't keep away from the fugliness that seems attracted non-stop to her. From the Wonder Woman wanna be's, to emissaries from other planets, and even royal family members ready to put her to the test (yikes). Thank goodness she has Martini to distract her when she most needs it! (Um, in case you hadn't noticed, maybe just maybe she might get a nice distraction from Chuckie...or Christopher...or Kevin...you get the idea. This works because, hey we are all human *!* enough that we notice others hotness or something we find drool worthy. The key, however, is what you get to take home, ya know?)

Who knew getting engaged would cause intergalactic subterfuge and deadly girl power assassins plus a really colorful light show? (And with all the hoopla surrounding royal weddings, let's just say the timing worked well for me *wink*.)

Just like real life, one things most definitely leads to another. Extraterrestrial Amazonian terrorists leads to intergalactic emissaries of all, er, types, leads to the grandma's and all that family drama, which inevitably should end up in Vegas with all the craziness and twists and turns you can get while not being the Hangover. Which, sadly, didn't really enjoy (the Hangover, not the book!). I can't even imagine the in-law situation...shudders. Also, I want a poof...however, my lil kit and caboodles would most def get jealous.

Love how well Kitty either handles a situation, or, as we all would, doesn't. And to complicate matters even more her best friend, and not so bad on the eyes himself, Chuckie may have the upper hand, in at least a few situations. Which, as imagined, may not go over as smoothly as one would hope.

As much as in the previous two books from this series, this girl got her geek on (see post here) as well as her shop envy on (have you been to Vegas? Window shopping takes on a whole new meaning. However, I prefer Cesar's...just saying.) and her hotness quotient filled. (Screaming orgasms have me rethinking remodeling my bathroom. Shh, don't tell...) Gini Koch has the ability to make cute (I use this term lightly, only because normally the term applies differently in my mind but I credit A Buckeye Girl Reads!) sexy, smart, geek chic all at once.

There was a deeper message hidden in there, as well, and just as in the story telling the message hits, stays with you unconsciously through out all the action packed mayhem that kept piling on. You'll just have to pick up for yourself and take what you will...There was a a few moments that left me thinking, well, heck, what's next...

Martini, you'll always be Martini to me. Just as like Kitty, I may take a look around but always come back to you...(Is it just me, but are some men more like a girl than you are *wink*?)

To celebrate the virtual blog tour, I have been graciously given a copy of Alien In The Family for one lucky person. Click here to enter the geekiness!!!!!!

(Reviewer's note...copy of Alien In The Family provided for review.)

Alien In The Family Giveaway, Comic Geek Girl Style!

"Never piss off the comic geeks-girl."

If there's anything a comic geek girl loves, it's the ability to happily geek out while enjoying one of her other loves. The two collide, and geeking out occurs...This phenomenon, while rare, is truly an interesting sight to see...or hear.

So, imagine my utter happiness when my favorite amazonian warrior had a reference in one of my new favorite series, "Alien In The Family" by Gini Koch. (Yep, squealing that some might say only my gorgeous golden retriever could hear. But, what can I say?) What can I say, I totally had Wonder Woman Underoos. TMI, anyone? Anywho, in true geek girl fashion, the reference is used and corrected by the other secretly (or not) geek characters to truly embrace the true nature that is Wonder Woman. (Go fan boys and girls!!!!!) Now, where did I leave my lasso? Never mind...

(Side note, the picture above is beautifully rendered by Michael Turner, and is undoubtedly of my favorites...no copyright infringement intended! Check out Aspen comics and get inspired to geek out, too.)

Now, I've always had a thing for Iceman from Top Gun..and Goose...and Slider...and I could go on and on. Hmm...*shakes head* Thanks, Gini *grin* for all the fun times! (Hello, beach volleyball, anyone?)

Down to the business at hand. Up for grabs...a copy of Alien In The Family for one lucky winner, thanks to KLB Virtual Events.

To enter, answer one easy peasy little question...

What makes you geek out? Be it comics, a movie, your favorite new pair of shoes...Leave a comment below, contest ends May 18th.

Good luck, y'all! Open to U.S. and Canada only...

Winners...Better Late Than Never

Sigh...

Let me tell you, the Holidays were actually much easier to deal with this year than I have ever experienced. Because, it was the days after that killed me.

Sadly, I lost the first man in my life a few days after Christmas. (My kitty Drew has been in my life longer than my husband. Which, seems like there's never been a time when I haven't had him around to lovingly torture.) Tore me up.

And, to add insult to injury...literally...it seems I have an ankle issue that has made me grumpier than a certain dwarf with a huge yet adorable sniffer. Finding a good doctor is a journey I do not envy anyone.

Which brings us to today (quickly, because Shadowfever finally got left at my door!!!!!!!!! *dances giddily* The following lovies won my Holiday Celebration (chosen by my pumpkin of a niece who wishes I had more contests she could help me with!)

Ahem...

A Highlander for Christmas....Stephanie!

Christmas CD and Larissa Ione swag...Debbie!

Goddess of the Sea...Cathie!

Devil to Pay....Dren!

(Be on the lookout for an email!!)

In Mailbox #1 (and Happy Holidays Contest #4)

(Hosted by the Story Siren) This is my first In My Mailbox, mostly because Sundays are always insane for me. But I thought I'd do a little twist on the subject...


First, here's what was in my "mailbox"...

• ARC of Never Have I Ever by Alisha Rai (Won by me!)


• Lady Mechanika #1 (hunted down by me!)


• Despicable Me DVD (I still want minions...)

And now, what I am tackling from the TBR pile...

• Blameless by Gail Carriger (Where's my parasol?)


• Danger Girl by J. Scott Campbell (graphic novel)

For my wish list for Christmas...

• Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia


• Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (I know, it doesn't come out until after Christmas, but I can hope for a Christmas MIRACLE, right?)


• Touched By An Alien by Gini Koch (Seriously, it needs to be in my stocking, Santa!)

• A parasol and a minion, as well, Santa. I've been extra good this year!!!!
  

What do you want in your stocking this Christmas? (Besides that candy cane....I call dibs!) Just answer below for a chance to win an oldie but goody - The Devil to Pay by Michele Hauf. Contest ends December 26th. (U.S. and Canada only, please...if only due to my inability!) Comment below with your email to be entered!

Happy Holidays Giveaway #3

Spreading cheer and hoping your holidays are everything you hope for, no matter what you celebrate! To win a copy of P.C. Cast's Goddess of the Sea, just answer this question in the comments below...

What word did I use to describe the Iron Duke in my review located here...(which, I may add, my spell check didn't recognise as a spellable word, but, hey, what does it know.)?

Happy Holidays!

(Contest ends Dec. 26th...U.S. only)

Holiday Giveaway #2!!

The Holidays are fast and furiously approaching. Which is why I capitalized it. Because, somehow, they take over and speed toward a finish line that I am so not ready for! I still have a few lights to put up, a few gifts to get together. But, my Holiday cards are in the mail. CHECK!

To mark this monumental occasion (celebrate the little things!), I have a few little presents for someone special! A holiday CD by Joe and little Larissa Ione Swag.

To enter, just leave a comment below with your email so the winner can be notified. As always, two entries if you follow...Contest ends December 20th. (U.S. only please...)

Off to the lights....(I am grumbling, by the way. That's the noise you keep hearing as you read!)

Holiday Giveaway #1

Happy Holidays! With all the craziness and zany times that the season brings, I have been a busy little bee. (My kitchen is designed, the cabinets are in...and a wall is gone. WHO DOES THIS DURING THE HOLIDAYS? Yep, that would be me.) To help spread the love and the the spirit of giving...it's contest time. I know, it has been a loooooong time. And so, here is the first of just a few surprises to help make the season even more, um, sparkly.

So, on the blog, there are two reviews posted here and here. In my review of Lauren Dane's To Do List, how may variations of the word Holiday are there? And, because I know you looked, what colors are the stripe of the candy cane on my scrumptious review of Sweet Enchantment by Anya Bast?

To enter, simply post your answer below with your email...two entries if you follow.

So, what will you win?



Contest ends December 20th...Happy entering!

Holiday Celebrations...and Giveaways

There has never been a time when I haven't disgustingly and absolutely adored the holiday season. It always seemed magical...no school (of course, that is one of those I achingly miss), presents, family actually getting along (until they didn't, which I always ignored blissfully), and that special spark that permeated the air. Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, right?

Fast forward to being a big kid (I refuse to use grown-up to describe myself...not exactly Peter Pan but, eh) and I have found a different kind of appreciation to add to the pile of sparkly goodness I envelope myself in for a month and a half. (Sometimes, I include Halloween. I've never given up the whole dress-up thing. Bellydance costuming is a fabulous outlet, by the way!) Corny as it may sound, but giving and helping out others (especially furry little pumpkins who have no voice) has taught me the importance of paying it forward.

Interestingly enough, I've discovered all the different ways people celebrate the holidays (Bellydancers come in all kinds of faiths and are beautiful in so many ways. Sorry, gotta gush a lil for my girls.). Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa or any other celebration of the season, I hope its as magical for you as it is for me!

And with that gushy silliness, I will be posting a few special presents for the next two weeks to celebrate the season. So stop back to visit and enjoy the season...along with a few holiday themed reviews!

Winner...A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

So here's a quick little note (which is long overdue, I know, trust me!!)

I would like to congratulate SARAH for winning a copy of A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

I passed on your email...enjoy!!

Speculative Romance Fall Frenzy (or sharing the love for some fabulous authors whom I heart!) Blogger Tour

Win a copy of A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

Find out how it all began...

During the bite of the Great Depression, sole female dominant Joan Fuller struggles against the rise of cruelty among her alpha counterparts. The men tolerate her interference--until she breaks from the pack and allies with a witch and a vampire. Now the Boston alpha intends to bring them all forcibly back into the fold--and teach her a lesson she may not survive.

Seamus Whelan and his werewolf bootleggers intend to retire from smuggling and savor their fortune, but first they must do a favor for an old friend: escort some female wolves to safety. An easy job, if their leader wasn't a prim ex-debutante with enough power to challenge Seamus himself. Chance makes them allies; powerful need makes them lovers.

Together, they have the opportunity to build a sanctuary for their kind, but first they must free themselves from Joan's past, and the powerful man who would see her destroyed.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of A Safe Harbor!

This contest is a part of Moira Rogers' & Vivian Arend's Fall Frenzy Event. For your chance to win books, gift certificates, ereaders and more, visit http://www.moirarogers.com/contests/

Winner chosen October 14th!

And The Winner Is (4)...

Monday mornings aren't always the prettiest, are they? So, in order to bring a little happiness to our dreariness that is upon us, its time for a winner!

With no further adieu, the winner is....

Tori!!

(Imagine my giddy squee when I found both the girls done by the same artist that kicked it on the cover of the comic?!?!)

Thanks to all who entered and shared the love and geekiness that is Comic Con...I hope you all get a chance to experience the best parts someday. And if not, there is always Halloween!!

Enjoy...

And The Winner Is (3)...

Ooh...thank you to everyone who has made the concept of actually leaving my home for things other than hunting through the used bookstore and my local Border's a mere step away to reality!

And, with no further delay (at least, I hope...you never know with me and technology lately!)..

The winner is...


VIXEN PEARL

Congratulations!

Adventures at Wizard World Chicago...Giveaway!

Is there anything better to a fangirl than Stormtroopers, Slave Princess Leia, Batman, or even Harley Quinn rubbing elbows with you as you search for the first issue of Danger Girl? Yep. When its in Chicago!

Every year, the awesome man I married and I take a road trip to Wizard World Chicago in Rosemont. Crazy as we are, we actually drive to Chicago just for the day (5 1/2 hours there, and the same back) to get our fix on all that is comic greatness. Sometimes, its epic. (Take the year we snuck into a Joss Whedon Panel to hear the most deliciously Joss tale of Buffy, her new shiny boots, and Willow...priceless!) Seeing the entire Top Cow Universe and the amazingingly talented artists who bring it to life (and the first time I saw Michael Turner in person...), making my friend get Amber Benson to sign my Buffy card because I knew it woul dmake him blush.

There is nothing like getting to Chicago, parking in that parking garage (most of garages scare me, but not this one...its a portal to that which awaits!) and walking in to see Marvel, DC, Top Cow, Aspen Comics, Zenescope, Dark Horse....I could go on and on.

Except for this year. Sadly, there seem to be no major companies coming to hype up theirw new releases penned by the hottest artists, all in a row. More like a ghost town than a comic convention. Just a little disappointed in this department.

Instead, this year was an invasion. By the final five cylons (Hey, there, Hot Unccle Cooper), Buffy-ness (SPIKE! Glory! Xander!), the Captains Kirk and Picard, Adam West (da da da da da BATMAN), Terminator royalty, and wrestlers old and new. Although, the Slave Princess Leia was none other than Adrianne Curry. Wow...I only had to wonder how many fan boys had a fab day thanks to her hotness. Go Fangirls!

No Captain Tightpants. Sadness...

Alas, although I begged to take both Sam the Cylon (cough, cough, Michael Trucco) and the bloody awesomeness that is James Marsters home as souveniers to share with y'all, the husband wasn't having any of it. And so, I instead share this with you:







Imagine my supreme fangirl giddiness that transpired in the middle of the convention floor as I squealed and gushed over these lovelies. And let me tell ya why...the covers of both are by one of my favorite artists, J. Scott Campbell. (All the single ladies, if you want to get in to a conversation with a cute tatted up hunky fanboy, get yourself JSC's 2011 Calendar. Picking up will ensue!)




To celebrate all that was this comic con trip, I've decided to give away the first issue seen above (not only to give you some vampy-ness, but to suck you into the world of comics *evil laughter*!) and another goody from Chicago to two lucky winners! To enter, please just leave comment below, include email address (or if you're shy, send me an email with it) and tell me who you would dress up as at comic con. Open to U.S. and Canada...



Contest ends September 10th...

New Review....Street Magic by Caitlin Kittredge (and Giveaway!)

From Publishers Weekly (via Amazon.com)



The first in the Black London series, this dark tale takes Kittredge's supernatural shadows to the next level. At 16, Pete Caldecott witnessed the apparent death of punk rocker Jack Winter after he raised an ancient spirit. Twelve years later, Det. Insp. Caldecott has followed in her dead father's footsteps at Scotland Yard. She follows a tip about a missing child and finds Jack, now a heroin junkie claiming intimate knowledge of a parallel realm called the Black. As Jack detoxes and more children disappear, he joins Pete's quest to find them, teaching her to use hexes and spells as well as her physical abilities in the fight against a rising dark power. Kittredge (the Nocturne City series) knows how to create a believable world, and her fans will enjoy the mix of magic and city grit. (June) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.



A girl named Pete? I have to throw this out there first. Mostly because my husband kept asking me this utterly inane question periodically. To which I responded, "Yep. Didn't name her babe." Then the look. You know the one. The one which telegraphs the "I'm reading. I will stare at you until you comprehend this fact and cease the interruptions though I find you amazing charming so are you finished" sentence directly into their brain. At least until they get up to finish off the ice cream you'll no doubtfully search for....but enough of my issues...

Caitlin Kittredge first came into my estimation when perusing one of my fave blogs, Whedon alumni Felicia Day. Oddly enough, I'd hit a rut in my reading, mostly because I had been let down recently by my purchases. I needed help. As it turns out, fan girl extraordinaire is a fan girl herself of a few things, and authors, that I...cough, cough...drool over, too.

A match made in heaven.



To be honest, can't remember how much she said, it just stuck in head. Nocturne City (it may have been one of her strong female character lines, I think) quickly devoured. Enter the steampunkish-ness reference.

As you may or may not know, I have a little love for Steampunk (and its influences in my creative side)...so, I thought, HECK YA! Bring it!



Enter Pete...and Jack. (Did you see that cover...drool drool drool. I know most authors have no say over covers, but, thanks anyway.)



We start our journey with a younger, more innocent Pete...with her sister's boyfriend Jack (Gonna throw this out...I always channeled Spike from Buffy. But, with a lil more hair.) Doing suspiciously suspicious doings in a cemetery. Then, chaos ensues.



Flash forward, Pete thinks jack is dead. She's a cop (in London) and her investigations involve missing children and their mysterious circumstances.



For me, this was a Love/Hate relationship.



The author obviously researched and put a ton and a half of effort into her new series. I mean this as a good thing. However, the language (even in narration) was so involved in vernacular that I really had to concentrate through the first half of the book. HARD. I pushed myself, mostly because there was something about Pete and her relationship with Jack (no matter how much of a bugger he was being at the time) that I needed to discover.

Then, a little over halfway through, I actually called an inanimate object a bloody wanker. No flippin kidding, folks. It all clicked. I still heard Spike, but now, he was Jack channeling Spike.



World building, I believe, is something an author either excels at, does pretty well, or...eh. This, in my opinion, is the former...I love layers being pealed back and not being treated like I may not be smart enough to get it.



And while it may have been slow going in the get go, I am chompin at the bit for Demon's Mark...because I need some more Jack and the world he lives in. Plus, now I know why there's a girl named Pete.



So, to hook you up with my lurve of Caitlin Kittredge and her world, I'm going to give away a copy of Witch Craft, A Nocturne City Novel...







To enter, just leave a comment below! And if you feel like adding a new series that you are excited about, or maybe you almost didn't get through but then loved, please do. I can always add to my TBR Mountain!

And, any British vernacular is appreciated (because then I won't feel so sodding ridiculous, luv!)

Contest ends September 3rd....

And The Winner is (2)...

First off, thank you all for entering....it was a little dicey there and I thought maybe I'd have to randomly pull someone off the street and say "Hey!! Congratulations...you won!"


I may have ended up behind bars.


And now, without any further delay, the winner is:

Sara M.!!!

Congratulations, Sara! And to everyone, I would like to thank you for making me feel like I'm not the only one to feel a little behind...and now, I am off to add to my mountainous TBR pile.

Don't forget to enter my other contest...because there will not be just ONE winner, but TWO!!!

Just click here to enter!!

Midnight Musings and Pleasant Surprises (Prizes?)

Isn't sit funny when you sit down to read a good book that you've heard an absurd amount of buzz (from either your blogging buddies or the girls at work)? The hard part of the whole situation is two fold. Either you get so excited to get going or you worry about being let down.

Where do you set your expectations?

Once in a while, you get the whole enchilada...

(Great, now I'm hungry.)

Take the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The first time I encountered the Brothers, I am ashamed to admit, I wasn't impressed at first. Vampires have taken on so many different characteristics in the last few years, from the dark, brooding yet entirely misunderstood battered soul to the bloody, vicious demons. Did I really want to dive into yet another person's version of the Count ?

Back on the shelf went the unwilling King. Until a friend bothered me to borrow from her now personal library (my fines aren't as high *wink*). The following day, I swear she was drooling and shaking her head at me like I was crazy to not have read this steamy masterpiece.

Still, I resisted. Until I gave in at the library one day. Lover Avenged (and my not so little mohawked Rehv....sigh) joined a few other choice pieces in my go green library bag. Feel free to pause here and enjoy the view.

And I was lost. (No thanks, in part to the Twitter conspiracy that refused to let me forget! You know who you are, my dears!) The reading frenzy and frantic searches for all the Brothers' at every bookstore (new and used) began, all the while getting crazy looks not so cleverly hidden from my husband. And I read the rest in order. (Kinda proud of myself!)

Vampires who were hot, hunky, and knew how to dress? Swoon! Oh, yeah, the ink and such didn't hurt the fan yourself factor, either.

I even spread the insanity to the girls at work. Yep, I'm officially a book pimp, as well. Sometimes I worry I may be corrupting them all too well. Then I laugh evilly.

And, my favorite Brother...sigh...that's between me, and him! Mostly because I can't always choose just one.

So, really, there are two final thoughts I'd like to impart with you.

The first, maybe its not always the right time for us to meet our favorite vampire (or Barrons, but that's another story *grin*). The stars need to sometimes align and then, it just works,

And the final (which is a two parter) is it is okay to not always start at the beginning. Because, as you may or may not know, it can be sometimes a tad trying to get the correct reading order. (Insert pout here.)

Did someone say prize?! (Looks around) Wait. That was me!

To win some yummy series goodness, just leave a witty comment below featuring your favorite buzzed about series that you fell under the spell of and why. Please be sure to leave your email (or send it privately, if you prefer). Winner gets the choice of either Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan or Lover Revealed (Oh, Butch!). You get an extra entry for following, as well! Contest ends July 30th.

And if I reach 50 followers, double your pleasure...two winners. Thanks for stopping by and joining me! I can't wait to read your thoughts and maybe find myself a new addiction...

Now I must be off to play with the puppy and her (whispers) B-A-L-L while shimmy drills ensue!!!

Review: Moon Called...Or Starting At The Beginning

From Amazon.com:



Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.




Having just finished Moon Called, which by the way, I hate the fact I waited this long to pick it up. Especially when I recall, distinctly, picking up subsequent books in the series and biting my lip, contemplating and yet never indulging. I loved the covers, and each one seemed to call to attention the series, they belonged to one another. But I never did. Mostly because I have this really annoying habit of finding series in the middle, and while so far (knock on wood) its been pretty easy on me, the reviews and tweet of mouth, err, fingers? made me not want to do the tried and true method.






And while my TBR pile is really a mountain (or a mountain range as it were), I finally caved. Border's gifted me (as it does on a weekly basis) with a fabulous offer. Home Moon Called came (say that three times fast!)...






Let me tell you, a little vitamin d time and some Mercy make for an enjoyable afternoon...with no where to go save the cooler.






As I read, I felt a little biased. I checked out my fellow bloggers reviews (mostly on goodreads) and saw that a few thought it started a little slow. Perhaps a little long in explanation about Mercy? But, I found I liked that. It wasn't slow to me, more like an introduction. Of course, it was just enough in my eyes to allow the rest of the tale to fill in the spaces in between.






As a heroine, Mercy isn't your typical female, at least not at first glance. A tomboy mechanic who specializes in foreign (read mostly German) autos, she's independent and not afraid to get dirty. And she knows more than a walker (read, coyote) should about werewolves given that she's not. Especially since the area alpha lives right behind her trailer in his rather nice (hmm) abode. (It tickled me how she loved to push his buttons...three wheels, a little graffiti perhaps?) She had strong character but, unlike how some stories tend to make their female character either entirely strong willed and loud mouthed or simpering and obedient, Mercy knows how to handle a situation both politically and to her advantage. Its kinda refreshing.






The fabric of her world is woven in such a way that the story, like previously mentioned, fills in the details, at times with Mercy herself or just the situation she faces. Subtle and yet at times, kind of a here ya go. The distinction between the preternaturals was presented in such a way that really, it wasn't like you need an extra in the back of the book to keep everything straight.






The werewolves alpha in town gets attacked (and a lone wolf that Mercy took in gets killed), all in a tangled web of mysterious druggings, changings, and downright messiness. Oh, yeah, and his human daughter gets kidnapped. Mercy somehow gets herself wrapped up in this (but lets face it, the girl has great extincts combined with fierce loyalty and protectiveness so its not a surprise).


***Possible Spoiler in next paragraph***


Adam is badly hurt, possibly by a member of his own pack, that Mercy takes him to the only other alpha she knows that is more dominant to control the wolf (who wants to be dinner when you're trying to help?). Her old pack, whose alpha is the Marrock, Bran. The leader of all packs on this side of the ocean. With all the old baggage that comes with going back home (read sexy dominant first crush, and all that extended family fun). All the while, knowing someone deliberately attacked the area alpha...and there may be more beneath the surface.


Okay, you're good to go now.


As I read and finished my first Mercy Thompson Novel, I recalled how I felt when I read Guilty Pleasures for the first time by Laurell K. Hamilton. (But in that case I had in fact, my in tradition, started at Cerulean Sins...I'm a sucker for a stiletto.) Anita became a strong character who likewise didn't mind getting dirty. The beginning of series can do one of two things, I believe. It either makes you like it, care enough for the characters to want to see more and hope the next one is better. Or it begins the series in such a way that just itch to get the rest. Right then and there. And Guilty Pleasures was the latter for me. Eagerly, Moon Called also fits into that category.


If I had any complaint, its that for a late comer like me (in this and any series), I need a reading order folks. Sometimes you can't rely on the info on the first few pages. So I've taken to previously logging on Amazon or the authors site to get a reading order and making myself a nifty little list. Now, I have it at my fingertips (love you, my smart phone.)



Here's a link to help with this little annoyance!



And now, I can proudly say I am now on the Mercy Thompson Express. Or something not so cheesy sounding!





Contest:



Post a comment below to enter to win a copy of Red Fire by Deidre Knight...The first in the Gods of Midnight Novels, so you can start out right!



Rules:



1.) In your comment, tell me what series you've discovered and loved, yet you seemed the last to be in the know! (It's okay, there are like three I've found and about two more that I have to get a move on!)

2.) Please leave your email address or click on the link to send it to me if you'd prefer!

3.) This isn't a requirement, but you get an extra entry for being a follower (I love finding new blogs).



Good Luck! Contest ends Friday July 23rd....Good Luck!

Guest Post....Steampunk style!!!

I am part of Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick's Countdown Birthday Bash!!

YAY!!!

Since I am having technical problems, I humbly suggest clicking on the Birthday countdown Button on the side bar and join in the fun!!

Thanks for having me, lady...it was so fun!!

*waves* Blog ya soon!

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....