Sophie is beautiful, clever and has a successful career. She also has a gorgeous wealthy boyfriend but there is one thing that doesn't really fit into her life. You see Sophie is a werewolf. A hairy, shave your legs twice a day, howling at the moon werewolf.

Her mother has done a great job bringing up Sophie, has supported her completely and even paid for all those razors she needed while growing up. So when Sophie's father turns up she isn't the least bit interested in meeting him. Why should she want to meet a man she has never met and abandoned her and her mum when she was only a baby?

Then her father, Luc, gets accused of murder by the Houston pack. Locked up and no chance of a fair trial, Sophie feels she needs to do something to help him. Even with some unexpected help from a few people she didn't think would get involved and the offer of assistance from a demon. The odds are not looking good for her father and if certain people of the werewolf community have their way, things won't be good for Sophie either.

The third book in the Tales of an Urban Werewolf series was just as good as the previous two books. With the feisty, independent and growling Sophie taking the lead the reader is in good hands all the way through the book. Some new revelations, expansion on the werewolf community and some big life changes see Sophie through this new story. Which all added up to making this a book I couldn't put down.

This is definitely one of my favourite werewolf series and I am hoping there will be more. I don't want to give anything away but I can tell you that I really need to know what happens next. Anyone else reading this will also be left wanting to know how things will develop. After all the title says it all.

If you haven't already met Sophie before then get to know her in 'Howling at the Moon' and then move on to 'On the Prowl' before starting this third book.

Labels: Books Read, Karen MacInerney, New Releases

The poll is still open for another hour or so but it looks like the winner of the Monthly Giveaway will be taking home Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison.

Now there is still time to vote but with the majority of the votes so far I think it is clear that Kim Harrison's new YA novel is the one you all want!

Didn't vote? Don't worry! You still have time to enter the Monthly Giveaway! Just subscribe to the newsletter before 4pm (Central European Time) on Sunday 2nd of August!

Oh and don't forget the L.A. Banks contest which also closes for entries at the same time!

Labels: Contests, Kim Harrison, L. A. Banks, Monthly Giveaway

Eugenie Markham is a shaman you can hire to banish creatures from the Otherworld that are troubling you. However since her last battle she is now the queen of the Thorn Land. That may sound glorious but the kingdom isn't in such a great state and there is a prophecy hanging over her head that she definitely doesn't want to see come true. Going back and forth between the human and Otherworld is time consuming and tiring and as a result Eugenie's love life starts to crack. Although that also might have something to do with her boyfriend's ex expecting his baby anyday...

Trying to get in touch with her kingdom and the people living there, Eugenie finds out that some young girls have gone missing from the Otherworld. It seems that this, while not normal, isn't a cause for concern. However Eugenie knows that she has to help her people and find the girls if she can. Following the clues and finding her way in a world she doesn't really want to be a part of, Eugenie is up against something clever and evil that could hurt her in ways that she didn't think possible.

I have been waiting for book two in the Dark Swan series for a year and was extremely worried about not being able to get back into the story after such a long pause. However I didn't need to worry. Going back into Eugenie's world was like visiting an old friend I hadn't seen for a while and catching up with her over coffee.

I absolutely love this series and this is only the second book. I really hope there is a third, fourth, fifth, sixth...well you get it. Why? Well because this is not only original, fast paced and gripping but Eugenie is someone I can relate with and understand.

Another great book from a great author. Wonderfully written, outstanding plot and captivating. Long live the Thorn Queen!

P.S - Because its my Birthday today....the first person to make a comment gets this book! (now we can see who reads the reviews or not hehe) all other comments will have their names added to the monthly giveaway (if you are already subscribed to the newsletter you get a second entry!)

Labels: Books Read, New Releases, Richelle Mead

'Then' Callie Bradford, code name Iridium, and Joannie Greene, code name Jet, were best friends at an elite academy for superheroes in training. 'Now' the girls are mortal enemies. Jet is the superhero of New Chicago and spends her time protecting the people against the supervillian Iridium.

What both of the girls don't know is that there is an evil looming over them that goes back to their days at the academy. Jet is busy trying to track down Iridium while Iridium is trying to get back at the people and cause chaos. Both are at the center of something much bigger and they haven't realised it yet. It's the ultimate battle of good versus good. They’re both right. And they’re both wrong. Because nothing is as simple as Black and White.

Hogwarts meets the X-Men in this amazing new series from two great Paranormal Urban Fantasy writers. Taking a break from the paranormal both Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge prove that superheroes are cool and worth reading about.

With the chapters flipping back and forth from Iridium and Jet the reader gets a good look at how it is to be the good and the bad guy. The change from 'Then' and 'Now' means that we get to see what happened to the heroes and made them what they are today. Plot wise this is a fantastic effort with twists, turns and a few surprises that keep the reader gripped and ready for more.

Although this isn't aimed at Young Adults this is definitely one teenagers will enjoy. With half of the book told from the perspective of the heroes school years and the other half in their early twenties, there is nothing too 'adult' to censor. Making this a all round great read.

The second book in the series 'Shades of Gray' is due out in a years time. Why the wait? Who knows...but I hope I won't forget too much about Iridium and Jet during the twelve months break.

Labels: Books Read, Caitlin Kittredge, Jackie Kessler, New Releases

So it is time to let you know what book I am giving away this month. No wait...I have a better idea! You guys can choose!

There are five books to choose from and only one will win! So if your name is picked by the radomiser you will win the book with the most votes! Use the poll below or on the sidebar to vote. You can find infomation about all the books up for grabs here on Amberkatze's Book Blog (except Black & White which I am in the middle of right now but the review will be coming soon!).

The poll will stay open until 5.15pm (GMT) July 31st. Why such a strange time? Cause its my birthday and that is the time I was born ;)



How to Enter

All you have to do to have your name put in the draw is to sign up for Amberkatze's Book Blog newsletter. Sign up and confirm your subscription and maybe your name will be picked as a winner!

If you already subscribed then you are also eligible to win this prize! Just make sure you confirmed your subscription and that the subscription is for this site and not for the old version!

This book is registered on Bookcrossing.com but you do not have to be a member to win this prize. I do not expect the winner to journal the book on bookcrossing or become a member of Bookcrossing. The book does have a sticker inside advertising Bookcrossing.

The winner will be picked on the 2nd of August.

Use the form below to sign up for the newsletter!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Labels: Caitlin Kittredge, Jackie Kessler, Juliet Blackwell, Kim Harrison, Kimberly Raye, Lisa McMann, Madelyn Alt, Monthly Giveaway

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Contest Time

This week there are two prizes up for grabs! First prize is a cool Vampire Huntress Tote bag from Leslie and second prize is a Vampire Huntress book of your choice from me!

All you have to do to enter let us know what new release/s you are looking forward to!

No Book = No entry!

The usual rules apply!

Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!

You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.

The contest will stay open until Sunday 2nd of August 2009 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.

If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.

Labels: Author Interviews, Contests, L.A.Banks

So who has won a signed copy of this beautiful book? We will soon find out!

First I have to say thank you to everyone who entered the contest! There was an amazing 110 comments/entries which I think is an all time best! It was great reading all the spells people would like to have and I think the cleaning spell was the most popular ;)

Also a huge thanks to Kimberly for being my guest this week and for offering such a great prize. If you didn't win the contest please make sure you get yourself a copy of this book. It is a wonderful read!

So who won? The randomiser has picked -


Kelly F!!


Please contact me via email - Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot eu within the next 7 days to claim your prize. Your claim will go quicker if you send me your address straight away.

I will pick a new winner if a prize isn't claimed. If you email me and don't get a reply within 48 hours please post on the blog letting me know. Some email gets eaten by my spam filter.

If you didn't win this week then keep trying! There is a new contest coming up with L.A. Banks and the monthly giveaway for July will also be announced sometime this week (see sidebar for more details).

Labels: Contests, Kimberly Frost, L. A. Banks, Winners

The Blurb -

After death, one soon discovers that every theologian was right. The afterlife offers too many inconvenient options including the chance at reincarnation, a boring existence as a ghost, the ultimate demise of oblivion or a short walk into the great unknown on the other side of The Light.

AFTERLIFE is a humorous yet tragic tale that forces everyone rethink their postmortem prejudices. If you think life is frustrating, try death.

My Review -

This novella about the afterlife seemed at first to be a little on the depressing side. However once the whole 'death' thing was over and done with things got interesting.

The Afterlife is a subject people can argue about forever and certain people have their own certain views on how the afterlife works. In this short story Guy Smith has give us yet another fresh alternative look on the afterlife and given it a little humour and alot of ghosts.

The little twists and turns in the story kept me reading and finding out how things really 'end' also make me want to read to the last word. There is something for everyone in Afterlife and it made for a nice quick read. In a whole it left me hoping that if there is an Afterlife, hopefully it will be a little like the one in this story.

Labels: Book Reviews, Books Read

Rowan Gant’s wife, Felicity O’Brien is arrested and charged with a string of brutal murders and it looks like she will be spending the whole weekend in jail and there is nothing he can do to help her. Rowan is left confused, angry and alone but will do anything in his power to help his wife prove her innocence. Just how far he will go is yet to be seen.

Due to a number of strange events leading up to her arrest, even Felicity is unsure of her own innocence, let alone her sanity. Rowan’s faith in her, however, remains unshaken, and he will stop at nothing to find the real killer. The only problem is, the woman he is looking for looks exactly like Felicity.

All Acts of Pleasure is the seventh book in the Rowan Gant Investigations but book two in the Miranda Trilogy, a story arc that found its way into the series. While the usual characters are present in this story there is little in the way of crime and magic in this story. Therefore the plot revolves mostly around the relationship between all the main characters due to the mysterious Miranda.

Miranda makes herself known a few times in this book and we also get a better look at who Miranda really could be. The reader also sees what really happens when a close friend or family member ends up getting arrested for something that nobody she believes she has done, despite the evidence. Tension runs high for all concerned and there are a few punches pulled.

The cliffhanger ending has me itching to order the next book 'The End of Desire'. Not only do I want to know who Miranda really is and how she has been getting away with murder but also how Felicity and Rowan manage to get through all they have been through since Miranda appeared.

Well written and totally addictive this series is turning into one of my favourites. If only the books were easier for me to get a hold of. I am sure I would have read them all a long time ago.

Labels: Books Read, M.R.Sellars

Lily Ivory feels that she can finally fit in somewhere and conceal her “witchiness” in San Francisco. It’s there that she opens her vintage clothing shop, outfitting customers both spiritually and stylistically.

Just when things seem normal, a client is murdered and a child start disappears from the Bay Area. Lily has a good idea that some bad phantoms are behind it. Can she keep her identity secret, or will her witchy ways be forced out of the closet as she attempts to stop the phantom?

I liked this first book in the 'Witchcraft Mystery' series. Realistic with alot of depth into the art of witchcraft this made for interesting reading. Sometimes the information about the San Fransico area was a bit too much for me but it did the book a certain homely feeling.

The twists in the plot kept me guessing right to the end and the story was well written. I liked the main character even though I couldn't really get a feeling for the way she looked or how old she should be. Oscar is hopefully going to be a very funny pig/gargoyle and Bronwyn and Maya are two characters I would like to see more of.

Altogether this was a great concept for a series that I look forward to visiting again in the future when the second book comes out in June. If you like Shirley Damsgaard's or Terri Garey's books you should think about trying out this paranormal magic filled cozy mystery.

Labels: Books Read, Cozy Mystery

My guest this week is author Kimberly Frost! I was lucky enough to win a copy of her debut novel 'Would-be Witch' and wrote this review!

Not only does the series (book 2 is due out in September) have amazing covers but it has a great lead character and a cute cat! I can't wait to read 'Barely Bewitched' when it is released and I hope this interview will entice you all to pick up the first book or even win a copy....

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Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you as a guest here and I hope you will enjoy your time here ;) Maybe you can start things off for us by telling my readers a bit about your debut release WOULD-BE WITCH?

Kimberly - WOULD-BE WITCH is one of those “kitchen sink” novels that mixes different elements; it combines fantasy, mystery, romance, and action-adventure. I jokingly say it’s Charmed meets The Dukes of Hazzard.

Tammy Jo Trask, a small-town Texas girl from a family of witches, has always lacked the gift—until now. When the family locket, which is linked to the soul of the family ghost, is stolen, Tammy starts casting spells to recover it. Unfortunately, the spells go horribly and humorously wrong. Next thing she knows, she’s involved with a forbidden wizard and fighting werewolves, all while trying to find the locket before the ghost is lost forever.

Amber - How was the idea for the series born? Was it a long process or something that just came to you?

Kimberly - It just came to me. I had the idea for the series about a year before I began to write it. I had been reading a lot of humorous mysteries and dark urban fantasies and wondered if I could combine my favorite elements from each.

Amber - Are you anything like Tammy Jo or any of the other characters in your book? Are any of them based on people you know?

Kimberly - Tammy Jo cares about people--no matter how crazy and eccentric they are--and she has a high level of personal responsibility. If there's a problem, she'll try to help fix it. I'm like that.

In terms of our backgrounds, we're very different. She grew up without a dad and never felt like she could live up to her family's expectations. She married and divorced very young. She wasn't great in school, but is a creative genius in the kitchen. None of that comes from my experience.

Likewise, the other characters in series were inspired by a lot of different influences, not on any one specific person.

Amber - Although Tammy Jo is the star of the series there is a certain feline character who I am totally in love with! I guess you are a cat person? Will Merc be a fixed character? Will we find out more about him?

Kimberly - Yes, I love cats, but I'm allergic to them. So wrong! Merc will be a fixed character, and we learn more of his backstory in BARELY BEWITCHED (Book 2).

Amber - WOULD-BE WITCH is just the first book in the series. What can we expect next? How long will the series go on?

Kimberly - BARELY BEWITCHED will be available on September 1st, 2009 and I'm waiting to hear from the publisher about whether they want more books in the series. I'd love to do more!

Amber - You have been blessed with an amazing cover artist! Did you get any say in picking the covers? Were there other covers taken into consideration?

Kimberly - The cover is fantastic! I did have some input in that I provided a lot of information about the book, including character descriptions, pictures of ocelots, etc. But then the cover artist went off on his own and worked his magic. When he came back with the WOULD-BE WITCH cover, we all knew it would catch readers' eyes, which was very exciting.

Amber - How did you end up being a writer? Was it something you always wanted to do?

Kimberly - Yes, I've written since I was a child. I treated it as a wonderful hobby for many years. In 2002, I decided to seriously try to get a book published. I started going to writers' conferences and presentations. I learned about the business, etc.

I got my agent in the fall of 2006, and she sold WOULD-BE WITCH and the sequel in the summer of 2007.

Amber - How did you end up writing paranormal romance? Was it planned?

Kimberly - Not exactly. I actually didn't begin reading romance until 2003, but I'd always had romantic subplots in my stories. I've always liked seeing characters fall in love, but didn't realize that the romance genre was so vast and would allow so much flexibility for an author.

WOULD-BE WITCH isn't really a romance. It doesn't end with Tammy Jo getting married and living happily-ever-after with one of the guys. It ends with the love triangle still in play. It's more of a fantasy/mystery/adventure series with romantic threads running through it.

I do plan to write some paranormal romances that are focused on the romance itself and that have a happily-ever-after ending where you know whom the girl ends up with.

Amber - What books do you like to read when you have time? Do you have any must read authors/series?

Kimberly - I love all kinds of books! I read mystery, romance, fantasy, young adult, literary, mainstream...

Here are a few favorites: OUTLANDER (Diana Gabaldon), TITHE (Holly Black), GUILTY PLEASURES (Laurell K. Hamilton), ONE FOR THE MONEY (Janet Evanovich), SON OF THE MOB (Gordon Korman), DEATH AT WENTWATER COURT (Carola Dunn), THE PROTECTOR (Madeline Hunter)

I also love Suzanne Enoch, J.K. Rowling, Rex Stout, Christina Dodd, Kerrelyn Sparks, Annette Blair, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Rachel Gibson, Christopher Moore, Jim Butcher, Sabrina Jeffries, and so MANY MORE!

Amber - How do you relax?

Kimberly - Obviously, I love to read. I love watching television series on DVD. I'm addicted to Netflix. I also often unwind on the phone with close friends. I've had some marathon phone conversations.

I like meeting people for brunch or dinner, having a margarita or a coffee. Writing is a solitary profession, but I'm very social by nature, so I have to connect with people when I'm not in front of my laptop.

Amber - Lots of authors have playlists for their books. What music or bands would find their way onto a playlist for your Southern Witch series?

Kimberly - The Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith, Martina McBride, and Robert Earl Keen were often playing in the background when I was first trying to get into the Tammy Jo universe.

Amber - If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be and why?

Kimberly - Definitely a witch because they have a lot of freedom. They can go to sun-drenched beaches (unlike vampires), they can dance under the full moon (unlike shifters), and they can perform all sorts of different spells depending on what the situation calls for.

Amber - You are stranded on a desert island. What 5 things do you hope to have with you?

Kimberly - A friend, a toothbrush, a box of books, a box of matches, and a knife

Amber - Thank you so much for being a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog. I hope you will pop by again sometime!

Click here to Read or listen to an excerpt of 'Would-Be Witch'!!





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Contest Time!

Kimberly has kindly said she will send the lucky winner of this weeks contest a copy of Would-Be Witch! This is your chance to get a copy of one of the best books I have read so far this year!

All you have to do to enter let us know what kind of spell you would use the most if you were a witch?

No Spell = No entry!

The usual rules apply!

Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!

You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.

The contest will stay open until Sunday 26th of July 2009 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.

If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.

Labels: Author Interviews, Contests, Kimberly Frost

There were alot of entries for the Cynthia Eden contest but there can only be one winner!

A thank you to everyone who entered and a huge thank you to Cynthia for her guest blog and the prize!

So the randomiser has picked a winner. So congrats to -


gigitiger89!!!


Who wins a signed copy of Midnight's Master!

Please contact me via email - Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot eu within the next 7 days to claim your prize. Your claim will go quicker if you send me your address straight away.

I will pick a new winner if a prize isn't claimed. If you email me and don't get a reply within 48 hours please post on the blog letting me know. Some email gets eaten by my spam filter.

If you didn't win this week then keep trying! There is a new contest coming up with a new author interview!

Labels: Contests, Cynthia Eden, Winners

Morgan Kingsley is America's most powerful and successful exorcists. However when one exorcist goes wrong Morgan finds herself suspended from her job and being sued. Not only does Morgan have to defend herself against a law suit but she also has a private investigator digging up dirt on her. Eating cornflakes and noodles is getting boring but things are about to get busy for Morgan.

See Morgan is an exorcist but she is also hosting the king of the demons. It is hard enough to deal with Lugh and his problems without becoming the target of a mysterious enemy with a deadly grudge. With anonymous death threats piling up and her enemy closing in, Morgan stands to lose everything she holds dear. Her reputation, her boyfriend, her freedom and maybe even her life.

Morgan Kingsley's adventures continue in her fourth book 'Speak of the Devil'. Dark, sexy and full of action this is a paranormal urban fantasy genre readers dream. With the kick-ass exorcist heroine Morgan and the demons around her these books are totally original and unique. There is no other series out there that comes even close to being as good as these are.

Hooked from the first page I was taken in yet again by the whole push me pull me relationship between Morgan and Lugh. Add to that the relationship Morgan has with her boyfriend and her demon 'friends' I couldn't wait to see what kind of mess she would get herself into this time and hopefully get herself out of again. Morgan is a feisty character who has been developing into a character who has her faults but is still likable and realistic.

I can't wait for book number five due out next year. 'The Devil's Playground' is hopefully not the last book in the series but only the next stepping stone to continue what Jenna Black has started, a bloody amazing series!

Labels: Books Read, Jenna Black, New Releases

This time tomorrow (well in about 24 and a half hours) the Cynthia Eden contest closes!

So there isn't much time left to enter and win an autographed copy of MIDNIGHT’S MASTER! Make sure you enter and answer the question!!! Alot of entries are not going to be put in the draw because they didn't answer the question! (don't like the 'enter me' posts!)

The interviews and contests you can look forward to over the next few weeks are -

Kimberley Frost
L.A. Banks
Cassandra Clare

Make sure you check in each week to read what the authors have to say and win a prize!

Labels: Cassandra Clare, Contests, Cynthia Eden, General, Kimberly Frost, L. A. Banks

Genny would like to have a quiet life and just do her job at Spellcrackers.com but she has a bit of a tangled personal life to sort out first. She's being haunted by ghosts who want her help. Her witch neighbours want her evicted. Genny's kind of ex is now her new boss and can't decide whether he wants their relationship to be business or pleasure because he now knows all her darkest secrets. And then there's the queue of vampires all wanting her to paint the town red with them. How long will it be before they just snatch her for a private party. With all that happening in her life could it be possible for it to become even more complicated?

Sure it can! When one of her human friends is murdered by sidhe magic, Genny is the only suspect so she needs to find the killer to clear her name. Her efforts to find the real murderer leads her to some of the most dangerous and seductive fae and her search is hindered by the vampires, who have their own political agenda. But when all the evidence points to Genny, she finds herself on the run, and not just from the police but from some of London's most powerful supernaturals.

The Cold Kiss of Death is the second book in the Spellcrackers.com series and it is a great sequel to the first book 'Sweet Scent of Blood'. Genny is a tough character and while maybe a little confused with so much going on around her she is likable and her story makes for interesting reading. Genny is the Anita Blake of the Fae world mixed with Rachel Morgan. She is hot, independent and kicks major magical and paranormal butt.

The series as a whole is dark, action packed and full of mystery. The world the author has created is so fitting to the London background and is full of all kind of creatures including a new kind of vampire. Fresh, unique and urban paranormal fantasy at its best this is an author you need to check out if you are a lover of the genre.

I look forward to book three in the series and anything else this author can offer paranormal readers. This series is fascinating and this author is on my must read list.

Labels: Books Read, New Releases, Suzanne McLeod

Rachel can't remember ever meeting her cousin Julia and has doesn't even know what she looks like. Actually you could say she even forgets she has a cousin because they never see each other. Then there is an accident and suddenly Julia is moving in, sharing Rachel's room and anything else she can get hold of.

At first Rachel tries to like Julia but as the days go by she realises there is something strange about her cousin and how people treat her. Why can't anyone else see the evil behind Julia's every move? Is Rachel jealous or is there really something wrong with Julia?

Lois Duncan is an amazing young adult writer and she really knows how to grab the reader and give them an experience they won't forget. Summer of Fear builds up nicely taking the plot to a point of no return that keeps you guessing till the end. Thrilling and scary this story is something that could happen and is wonderfully realistic.

However on the other hand I found the story a bit old fashioned, which is to be expected seeing as this was written in the 70's. Also the story was over too quickly. The author could have stretched things out a bit and built up even more suspense but instead things went quiet fast.

A great read to keep in your bag when you need something quick to read. You can put this down and pick it up again without losing your place in the plot and as this is a young adult story it isn't too deep. All in all worth reading even if it is just to see what the genre had on offer back then. We have come a long way ;)

Labels: Books Read, Young Adult

Maggie O'Neill loves her job at Enchantments, Stony Mill’s finest mystical antique shop. However since Maggie's sister told the town gossip a little more than she should of, the shop and the owner has been outed as a place for witches. Nobody has really said much about the news but when Maggie visits a carnival run by a local church she finds out that Stony Mill do have some problems with her boss.

But the carnival has more surprises to spring and that in the form of a hidden room and then a dead body. Maggie senses some bad spirits and finds herself in the middle of another investigation with spooky elements surrounding it. Will Maggie be able to find out the truth before the spirits get up to no good?

The Bewitching series has been a favourite of mine since the debut book 'The Trouble with Magic'. I have eagerly awaited each new installment and this fifth book was no exception. So when this arrived yesterday I couldn't wait to start it. I got up this morning and began reading. A few hours later I realised I was finished and had read the book in one sitting! Which only goes to show how great this book and the series is.

Maggie is a lovely character and her struggle to come to terms with her abilities and how to go about the magical aspect in her life is very well written. Her love life is also not to be forgotten with two guys both wanting her attention. Throw in the other great characters in this book and the plot and you have a exciting and interesting read.

Full of magic this series is enchanting and fun to read. Cozy mystery with the paranormal lavishly stirred in and a slice of romance this is a tasty read that is not to be missed. I now have a long wait till April when book number six 'A Witch In Time' is due out. It is already on my pre-order list and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

Labels: Books Read, Madelyn Alt, New Releases

A few people have emailed me telling me that they are having problems posting comments. Apparently there is something wrong with the word verification. I am not sure if this is a blogger problem or a problem with a certain kind of browser so I can't really help.

What I have done is turned off the word verification on posting comments. I hope this will help the people who have been having problems. However if I start getting spam comments I will have to turn it back on.

If anyone has any questions or can offer some input please let us all know!

Labels: General

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does because they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want, can't control and doesn't understand.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant and it opens a whole new life for her.

At first I found it hard to get into this book. With the time frame switching back and forth to Janie at different ages I found it difficult to get to know the character and understand what was happening. After about 20 or 30 pages I managed to get settled into the way things worked and who Janie was and what she could do. Then things got really good.

This new, unique and haunting idea makes for brilliant reading. I am left very impressed and can't wait to read more about Janie and her abilities. The plot was outstanding and the twists in the story kept me reading all the way through in one gulp. Now I am off to order book two 'Fade' and suggest you all take a good look at this newcomer!

Labels: Books Read, Young Adult

If only you knew then what you know now. Imagine if you could go back ten years and meet your younger self. Would you recognise her? And what advice would you give? Wear sunscreen! Back away from those PVC trousers? DON'T give that idiot your phone number? Lemon juice won't bleach your hair but it will attract wasps. He's the one, so don't let him go!

For Charlotte Merryweather, there's no need to imagine. She's about to find out for real. With surprising consequences. Older, wiser and stressed out Charlotte gets a view of how things were and realises she can change herself. However it takes her a while to see which changes she should make now in the present day and not in the past.

I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author and this book was no exception. Nearly the same age as Charlotte, I could totally see where she was coming from and was really glad that I didn't end up like her ;)

This was a lovely story, funny and cute. Different and a little unrealistic (like meeting your younger self can really happen?) this was a little romantic but truely magical. I definitely want to read more of Potter's books in the future.

Labels: Books Read

This week we have a guest blog and contest! Cynthia Eden's books have blown me away and I hope you have all picked up and tried at least one of her stories. If you haven't then make sure you enter the contest. Maybe you will win a signed copy of her newest release!

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Contest Rules

No reading pleasure = No entry!

The usual rules apply!

Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!

You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.

The contest will stay open until Sunday 19th of July 2009 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.

If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.

Labels: Contests, Cynthia Eden, Guest Blog

Time to let you know who the two lucky winners are of the Kat Richardson contest! Both winners the randomiser picks will get a signed copy of 'Greywalker' to enjoy!

First though a huge thanks to Kat for being my guest this week and for the great prizes and secondly a thank you to everyone who entered! There were nearly 100 comments!

So congrats to the two winners -

Yalerie2350

&

LadyVampire2u

Both winners should contact me via email - Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot eu within the next 7 days to claim their prizes. Please make sure you tell me what contest you are claiming a prize for and which book you want (if there is a choice). Your claim will go quicker if you send me your address straight away.

I will pick a new winner if a prize isn't claimed. If you email me and don't get a reply within 48 hours please post on the blog letting me know. Some email gets eaten by my spam filter.

If you didn't win this week then keep trying! A new contest is already up! Cynthia Eden is giving away a signed copy of her new book Midnight's Master and it is an amating read! So head on over to her guest blog to find out how to enter!

Labels: Cynthia Eden, Kat Richardson, Winners

Kate O'Brien is thirty and has been trying to make it in London's media-land for quite a few years. Finally she has reached D-List status and has her own TV show but then things go wrong. Fiona, Kate's responsible older sister, happily married with twin boys and a dog, has a life changing problem to deal with. This problem means Kate has to go back to Ireland asap and step into her Sister's Shoes for a few months.

Never a domestic goddess, Kate finds her new responsibilities extremely challenging. Arguing with her brother-in-law and trying to have a life while looking after two young boys is not what she expected to be doing for six months but she keeps herself sane with the hope of getting back on to TV by the end of the year. Although things are never that easy in real life and Kate finds everything out the hard way. Especially when her ex-boyfriend comes back into her chaotic life and wants to give things another go.

I used to read alot of chick-lit and now I just keep up with a couple of authors that I really enjoyed. Sinead Moriarty is one of those authors and it was a refreshing change to read about Kate and her life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story even if it was a little sad at times. The fun and real life way the tale was told kept this interesting and delightful. This author stays on my must read list.

Labels: Books Read

Forensic psychologist Megan is investigating the unusually high suicide rate among prisoners at the grim Victorian Balsall Gate jail in Birmingham. While she is there yet another death occurs. The police are uninterested. To them this is just another drug overdose. But Megan is not convinced. Carl Kelly died in agony from something even more lethal than heroin, telling his cell mate he was being haunted by the ghost of a man he'd stabbed to death. Megan believes that Kelly himself has now been murdered.

Megan soon finds herself wrapped up in her own investigation. If her instinct is right she has to find out who did it. Could it have been another inmate, a prison officer or is someone from the outside killing off the prisoners? Then Megan literally unearths some shattering new evidence and the police finally have to take notice.

This fourth book in the crime series featuring forensic psychologist Megan Rhys was just as thrilling as the previous three books. With such great plots and an amazing lead character this series is just as good as Ian Rankin's Rebus. Hard, dark and realistic this series just gets better and better.

One thing that didn't keep me guessing this time was the ending. I knew exactly what Megan was going to announce on the last page. I just hope that it doesn't mean the end to a good series...I hope for and need more!

Labels: Books Read

I maybe on holiday but you guys aren't! I just checked in and saw there has been a huge amount of entries for the Kat Richardson Contest!

However if you are one of the people who hasn't entered yet then you only have till Sunday to get your name in the hat.

Oh and I will be answering my emails on Saturday! So all those winners hang in there just a few more days!

Love from Stockholm!

Labels: Contests, General, Kat Richardson

Abby Knight is attending the Midwestern Funeral Directors Associations regional convention in the hope that she will get some business for her flower shop, Bloomers. The people at the convention turn out to be very nice and friendly bar a couple of youngsters. So when the chairperson is found dead it isn't really too much of a surprise for alot of the attendees. She wasn't well liked and even Abby, who had only just met her, didn't really think much of the woman.

All that said it doesn't mean that Abby won't get involved. She has a keen eye for details and when her friend is thought to be the main suspect she can't help but have a look around. Many try and tell her to stay out of it but trouble always seems to find Abby and this time it has followed her to a place where the dead should feel right at home.

Five books into the series and I was looking forward to teaming up with Abby again in this sixth book. However I have to say that even though I love this cozy mystery series alot, this was not the best of the bunch so far. It could have been the setting or the plot but this one didn't really have me on the edge of my seat. I did enjoy catching up with Abby but otherwise I wouldn't have missed this part in the series.

I am however looking forward to book six. Every series has to have one book that doesn't match up to expectations and therefore things can only get better next time!

Labels: Books Read, Cozy Mystery

Helen Hawthorne is still on the run and still working in low paying jobs. This time Helen is working in Pampered Pets, one of the better jobs she has had so far. However one thing that always happens when Helen starts working somewhere is that someone gets murdered and this job is no exception.

One of the customers is killed and all the main suspect is, in Helen's eyes, the husband. However the police have other ideas and even Helen gets a visit or two from the the local detectives which makes her very nervous. Although the things she should be worried about, such as the hurricane threat and her boyfriend, seem to be forgotten while she gets mixed up with the murder investigation.

The fifth Dead-End Job mystery was another enjoyable read. This cozy mystery series is really one of my favourites and I love Helen. She is fun, nosey and may even be a little stupid sometimes but she has her heart in the right place and is just trying to survive like everyone else.

I am looking forward to reading book six sometime soon and hope there are more books in the series after that.

Labels: Books Read, Cozy Mystery

My guest this week on Amberkatze's Book Blog is author Kat Richardson. Her Greywalker series is about a paranormal detective featuring Seattle PI Harper Blaine and the fourth book 'Vanished' is due out in August. I for one can't wait to see what happens next but if you haven't already had the pleasure of reading any of the series make sure you check out the contest below!

Enjoy the interview and make sure you check out the Greywalker series. It is one of my favourites and I am looking forward to 'Vanished'!

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Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you as a guest here! The Greywalker series is very different to your normal paranormal genre series. How was the idea for the series born? Was it a long process or something that just came to you?

Kat - It was a long process. I had the basic idea in college, but I didn't really get it in shape until I'd been out of school for almost ten years and had moved to Seattle. I was a little influenced by the British TV show, Randal and Hopkirk: Deceased, which was about two London P.I.s one of whom is a ghost, but my version went off in a more Chandleresque direction. That idea, about a tough-guy Private Eye from Los Angeles whose clients are all ghosts, got a shot in the arm, some remodeling, a sex-change, and a new setting... and voila! I didn't even know there was such a thing as the paranormal genre or Urban Fantasy or anything like that. I just wrote what sounded nifty to me.

Amber - Are you anything like Harper Blaine? Are any of the other characters in the books based on people you know?

Kat - Me, like Harper? I kind of hope not, but sometimes I'm afraid we're too much alike: she's got a crazy family she doesn't stay in touch with; doesn't always communicate very well; and has a lot of supid moments in her past, just like me. On the other hand, she's a lot more competent at everything physical than I am and isn't afraid of much. She's also younger, and a lot more athletic. As to other characters, there is always a bit of people I know mixed in. For instance, Quinton has a lot of my husband's technical and scientific interests. I sometimes "borrow" friends and family and sneak them in as minor characters (with their permission of course). You can usually figure them out by reading the acknowledgments up front in the books. Mostly I try to make up characters who are realistic, but aren't exactly modeled on any one person. Even where I slip in my friends and family, they get modified; my mother-in-law is not, in fact, a crazy homeless woman who thinks she's a police detective, nor is my friend John Purcell a vampire (he appears in VANISHED.)

Amber - What kind of research have you had to do for the books so far?

Kat - I'm a history buff and kind of a research fiend, so a lot of reading and poking around, or walking around go into every book. I use a lot of websites as starting places, then follow up with books or materials from the library or bookstore, or I go out and look at areas in person. About two-thirds of VANISHED takes place in London, so my husband and I took a trip to London and spent about a week walking around and looking at things and taking pictures. My husband was kind of bored by hanging around in obscure museums and wandering with apparent aimlessness around funky neighborhoods with my camera, but I thought it was fun!

Amber - Vanished the fourth Greywalker series is due out soon. What can we expect from the new book?

Kat - VANISHED is the book where Harper starts to look at her own life and try to figure out why she's a Greywalker. In the process, she discovers a lot of things she didn't know and that leads to a lot of other revelations and dark hints about things that are in store for her in Book 5. There's also a lot of information about Greywalkers in general and Harper specifically in VANISHED. And as I said, about two-thirds of it takes place in London. It also sets up the end of the vampire arc that began in the first book.

Amber - How many Greywalker books will there be? Do you see an end in sight?

Kat - Well, I'm under contract for a total of six at this point, but at this point I don't have a particular end in mind, so... it's kind of up to the publisher and the fans as to how many more there are after Book 6. I originally only imagined five, so right now Book 6 will either stand alone or start a new arc, depending on how well the next two are recieved.

Amber - Is Greywalker series keeping you busy enough or are you working on any other projects?

Kat - Oh, it's keeping me a lot busier than I'd expected. I'm kind of a slow writer. I try to do more, but I dont' seem to get more than one book and a bit done each year. I was hoping to do three this year, since I have several ideas I'd like to get into, but the schedule for re-releasing the first three books in mass market required more of my time than I'd anticipated, so the other projects got back burnered... again. But I have hopes that I'll have enough time once Book 5 is written to get a bit more done on the other projects.

Amber - How did you end up being a writer? Was it something you always wanted to do?

Kat - It was something I always did. I didn't really think about it as a career until I was in high school and even then I figured it would be something less interesting than writing novels. My dad was an English teacher, so writing was kind of natural and I've always been good at presenting information in text--I always preferred essay exams over multiple-choice since I could bullshit my way through those. I wrote to amuse myself, but I didn't think I'd be published as a fiction writer until I was in college. Even then, I was kind of unsure and I got my degree in Journalism, not in Creative Writing (and I was a vocal music major before that). Sometime between high school and college I guess I started to think I might be able to write something other than research papers. But submissions scared me and I only sent out a couple of short stories which were rejected quite soundly. I gave it up for a while and just wrote fiction for myself. Then one day I told myself I needed to either get something published or give up imagining I was a writer and buckle down to doing something practical. So I polished up the manuscript that became Greywalker and sent queries to agents until someone said "send us the rest. And that was the start.

Amber - How did you end up writing Paranormal? Was it planned?

Kat - Not planned at all. I thought I was writing a detective novel that happened to have some ghosts and vampires and so on in it. Who knew there was a whole genre out there? Not me.

Amber - What books do you like to read when you have time? Do you have any must read authors/series?

Kat - I like Mysteries, especially the hard boiled, or realistic kind. I love Sean Chercover's Ray Dudgeon and Laura Lippman's books about Baltimore. I am a massive fan of Hammett and Chandler, but also of Dorothy L. Sayers. I love Science Fiction and Fantasy a lot too: I grew up with Asimov and Clarke and Fantasy classics like The Wind in the Willows and the Chronicals of Narnia. I just love books! I don't have a lot of reading time, so I tend to grab what looks good and if it doesn't live up to expectations by page 50-100 I drop it and go on to something else. I read a bit of everything.

Amber - How do you relax?

Kat - I walk a lot, or take my motorcycle out. I used to go dancing, but I haven't been in a while. Or I play World of Warcraft with my husband, hang out with friends, or just wander around and look at new things. We live on a sailboat, so sometimes we take it out for a short sail.

Amber - Lots of authors have playlists for their books. What music or bands would find their way onto a playlist for the Greywalker series?

Kat - Curiously, I rarely do that. I don't listen to music much while I'm working, because I get distracted by the lyrics. Though I did use a lot of Latin music as inspiration while writing the novella "The Third Death of the Little Clay Dog" which is set in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Amber - If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be and why?

Kat - A dragon! I love dragons! I was even born in the Year of the Dragon. Dragons are keen!

Amber - You are stranded on a desert island. What 5 things do you hope to have with you?

Kat - A boat, a compass, a supply of clean water, a notebook, and a big, sturdy knife, because no matter how lovely the island, I want OFF it. I have things to do! Otherwise, I want satellite radio and a lot of sunscreen. And cabana boys. With foofy drinks. And notebooks. Lots of notebooks and pencils.

Amber - Thank you so much for being a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog. I hope you will pop by again sometime!

Kat - Thanks for having me, Amber! It's been great!



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Contest Time!

There will be two winners this week and both will win a copy of Greywalker signed by Kat Richardson! Thank you to Kat for donating such great prizes!

To enter the contest tell us what you like to do to relax (except read)!!

No Relaxation = No entry!

The usual rules apply!

Earn another entry for each place you link this contest on the net. Make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries!

You can also earn extra entries by emailing your friends about the contest. Just make sure you send a copy of your email or receipt to me at Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot net.

The contest will stay open until Sunday 12th of July 2009 4pm CET and the winner will be picked by a randomizer. Entrants should check back to see if they have won. I do not hunt down winners and will pick new winners for any prizes not claimed within 7 days.

If you are claiming a prize, have emailed me and have not heard back before the 7 day limit is up then post a comment here on the blog. Your email may get sucked into my spam filter.

Sunday is the day of winners here on Amberkatze's Book Blog and even though some of the contests ended yesterday and the day before I decided to post all the winners in one post today. So keep reading and see if you are a winner!

First the winner of the Monthly Giveaway for June! The winner will get a copy of Street Magic by Caitlin Kittredge. All you had to do to enter is sign up for the Amberkatze Book Blog Newsletter and activate it. Not too hard! So who won?

Congrats to the person with the email address beginning with -


Bookluvercarol


Details on how to claim your prize are below!!! If you didn't win in June keep an eye out each month to see if you have won! Once you are signed up to the newsletter you are automatically entered into the monthly giveaway each month!

Next up! We need a winner for the Jeri Smith-Ready contest!

The winner of this contest gets to pick on of Jeri's books as a prize from myself and then Jeri will send the winner some goodies to go with it eg. a signed bookplate, bookmarks etc.

So who won this? Congrats to -


Pattepoilue


Keep reading to find out how to claim your prize! A huge thank you to everyone who entered and shared their animal stories. Also a huge thank you to Ciara, Shane and Jeri for stopping by!

Another contest, another winner! This winner who entered the Rachel Vincent Contest will get to choose a Rachel Vincent book as their prize. This includes a pre-order of My Soul to Take.

So congrats to -


Shaliesha !!!


Keep reading to find out how to claim your prize. Thanks to everyone who entered! It was great to read what kind of cats you would all like to be. Also a big thank you to Rachel for being my guest this week.

So the randomiser is getting tired but there is still one more winner to be picked. Only one person claimed their prize in the Sunny Contest so I need to draw another winner.

Congrats to -


Sveltedreams!!!


How can you all claim your prizes?

All the winners should contact me via email - Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot eu within the next 7 days to claim their prizes. Please make sure you tell me what contest you are claiming a prize for and which book you want (if there is a choice). Your claim will go quicker if you send me your address straight away.

I will pick a new winner if a prize isn't claimed. If you email me and don't get a reply within 48 hours please post on the blog letting me know. Some email gets eaten by my spam filter. PLEASE NOTE - I am away on holiday this week and won't have a constant internet connection. That could mean that it takes longer for me to get back to you. If you still haven't heard from by Sunday next week then post again on the blog letting me know.

Oh and next up! Kat Richardson is paying Amberkatze's Book Blog a visit! So make sure you don't miss out on that.

Also as I mentioned above...I am in Sweden from Monday till Friday this week on holiday! So I am not sure how much internet time I will have or if I will have a connection. Also the paranormal reading is going on holiday...I will be taking only non paranormal genre books with me! Yes I have some...and they are gathering dust ;) Maybe you will find something new to read anyway ;)

Labels: Books Read, Caitlin Kittredge, Contests, General, Jeri Smith-Ready, Monthly Giveaway, Rachel Vincent, Sunny, Winners

It is the vernal equinox, when night is as long as day and the barriers between the worlds is thin enough to pass through. Mona Lisa has gathered her people to bask in the full moon as they always do but this time she doesn't draw the white light of the moon but a horrible darkness. She finds herself in the NetherHell, the realm of the cursed damned.

While Mona Lisa is in this world she is in danger and not just from the creatures who call the place home. The evil Queen who essence shares Mona Lisa's body is strong enough in this realm to take control. Captured by a gargoyle warlord who wants her for himself, Mona Lisa is torn by desire and the need to leave the NetherHell. Will Mona Lisa find a way out of the NetherHell? Is she dead or still alive?

Book four in the Monère series was, like its predecessors, a great read. However I wouldn't say it was the best so far but it certainly had its ups and downs. Very dark but powerful this installment wasn't as erotic as the previous books. There was some heat, as expected, but it certainly wasn't anything like the heat shown in the first three books.

Mona Lisa goes through alot in this book and most of it without the help of her family and friends. She showed how strong she really is and that she can survive alone if she needs too. The gargoyles were a nice addition to the series and I hope that they will make an appearance again. On otherhand though I missed catching up with the other main characters, who were present but only had small parts.

This series is certainly unique and as a reader you need alot of imagination to follow Mona Lisa. These books have taken me by surprise and Sunny is now on my must buy list. I can't wait to see what happens next to Mona Lisa and I am looking forward to reading all about Lucinda. Sunny is an author not to be missed.

Labels: Books Read, Sunny, www.paranormalromance.org

Sassy witch Blair Fitzpatrick has had a crush on the delicious town carpenter Jake Harrison for quite a while. Finding out he is a shape-shifter didn't put her off and while Jake has spent a few nights in Blair's bed as a dog she hasn't had him sleep over in human form yet. So just as things start to heat up, Jake starts to push Blair away and she wants to know why.

There are alot of things Blair doesn't know about Jake but the secrets he has been trying hard to keep are suddenly in town. Jake's nasty mother and brother want him to return to the pack and have plans to take over the town. This doesn't go down well with Blair and she tries really hard to stop herself from casting the best revenge spell she has in her. After all nobody messes with her town and boyfriend and gets away with it.

Hex in High Heels is another wonderful witchy tale from Linda Wisdom. Full of entertainment it is hard to tell if this is a romance, a mystery or an adventure story because the author manages to blend all of the genres up nicely. One thing is sure and that is that the book is full of humour and is extremely enjoyable.

This time the story centers around Blair and her were Jake. I hoped that after Stasi's and Jazz's stories that Blair would be next and I wasn't disappointed. Of course all the usual characters that I have come to know and love all made an appearance and even a few that I didn't know so well. Now I wonder which witch will be next? Although I doubt it will make much difference because every story so far has been amazing and I am sure the future ones will be too.

I think that the small unique areas like Puff and Fluff are just little things that make this set of stories unforgettable. This series keeps impressing me more and more each time and I can't wait for more. Full of magic, love and some other paranormal elements this series is hard to put down once you get started.

And this book has my review quoted on the front cover! Only a few words that came from my review for Hex Appeal via Paranormal Romance Reviews, but still mine ;)

Not due out until October I suggest anyone who hasn't tried Linda's books give them a go. They are truely different with sugar on top!

Labels: ARC, Books Read, Linda Wisdom, www.paranormalromance.org