The time has come to announce the winner of the Chloe Neill contest!

The winner will get a copy of either Chloe's debut Chicagoland Vampires book 'Some Girls Bite' or the upcoming sequel 'Friday Night Bites'.

So Congrats to the winner -


AmandaK!!!


See how to claim your prize below!

Also only 2 of the 3 winners picked from the Jeanne Stein contest contacted me with their details. Time is now up for claiming the prize so another winner has to be picked! So congrats to -


LuAnn!!!


How to claim your prize!

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 and choice of book!

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.

Labels: Chloe Neill, Contests, Jeanne. C. Stein, Winners

A long time ago, Evangeline Hollis, had a fling with a bad boy who she never saw again. So when a guy who looks just like him seduces her she does something she wouldn't usually do and lets him in. Literally. However the mystery guy marks her and the next thing she knows that bad boy she hasn't seen for so many years is at her door.

Eve finds herself thrown into a work where people are drafted into service to kill demons. With lots to learn about the new world she has found herself in she is lucky to have brothers Cain and Abel to help and fight over her.

Everything is new and different now but Eve doesn't have time to learn. She has to keep herself alive and kill the bad guys. If all goes well she can get her mark removed and go back to a normal life. If getting it removed is at all possible.

This series was being thrown at me from all directions. Adverts, reviews and even Amazon recommendations had me wondering if I was missing out on something good. However the look of the cover didn't really impress me to much and the blurb didn't leave me eager to take a chance on something new. So I left this on my wishlist and was worried when a friend sent me a copy. It meant I had to try it!

How wrong could I have been. I broke the age old rule. Never judge a book by its cover. This debut was addictive enough to keep me grabbing at it all day to the point that I finished it in record time. The blurb could also be to blame for my lack of eagerness to try this book but the first two chapters had me hooked. Starting the story with the end was a brilliant way to grab readers and it certainly worked on me.

Demons and angels aside this book has so much Paranormal Urban Fantasy inside that it is a wonder it doesn't explode. I like Eve alot and hope that she stays strong enough to defeat whatever comes for her next. Cain and Abel sound delicious and I had no problems reading about their sexual exploits. I can foresee alot more of action where they are concerned.

This impressed me and I can't wait to get my hands on the next two books. I love how different this was and how full of action it was. It is always great to find a new author and I just wish that I had gotten hold of this one earlier. I am recommending this to anyone who love Urban Fantasy and hot guys ;)

Labels: Book Reviews, S. J. Day

Every month, like last month, I let you all vote for which book you want to win! That means the winner will get the book with the most votes and not necessarily the book they voted for.

There are five books to choose from so vote away!

Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Witch Craft by Caitlin Kittredge

Barely Bewitched by Kimberly Frost

Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

Fade by Lisa McMann



How to enter the Monthly Giveaway

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 4th of October.

Use the form below to sign up for the newsletter!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Oh and don't forget the Maria V. Snyder contest and Chloe Neill Contest!

Labels: Caitlin Kittredge, Chloe Neill, Contests, Diana Rowland, Kimberly Frost, Lisa McMann, Maria V. Snyder, Molly Harper, Monthly Giveaway

Pia Thomason is on a singles tour of Europe. Nearly forty, she is hoping the trip will bring some romance into her life. She is enjoying Iceland but nothing remotely romantic has happened so far. So when one of the other women on the tour dares her to talk to two handsome men she decides she has nothing to loose.

That action alone starts a series of events that will leave Pia able to see ghosts, on the run from the police and married to two men. However that isn't all Pia has to put up with while in Iceland. Those two handsome men are also very undead. Pia finds herself in the world of vampires and that romance she was looking for.

I have been following the 'Dark Ones' series for what seems like years but this series somehow went off my radar for a while. I found this one today, was quite surprised I had forgotten about it and started it straight away. It was great to get back into the Dark Ones world and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Katie MacAlister has a great knack of making her stories fun, mysterious and a little spooky. She also has some great settings for her books. There is never a dull location and Iceland is just one of many interesting countries that she has used in her books. A huge thank you has to go to the author for being adventurous and not keeping to the US norm!

Chick-lit, Romance, erotic, mystery, suspense, humour and the paranormal all rolled into one. It is a long genre roll call but it is a brilliant mixture that only this author seems to be able to pull off. If you haven't tried the Dark Ones yet then pick one up. If you like Dragons then try her Aisling Grey or Silver Dragons series. They are all amazingly good.

The next book in the series, Crouching Dragon, Hidden Fang is moving its way up my to be read list. Another Dark One book which was also hiding on my shelf and should see the light of day sooner rather than later.

Labels: Books Read, Katie MacAlister

Another dead-End job, another dollar. Helen Hawthorne has found a new employer who won't ask questions and pay her cash. It is the only way she can keep herself out of the system and live her life in freedom. So hotel rooms are now her thing. Cleaning up after people who don't leave tips and don't care what kind of mess they leave behind. It could be worse.

Then one of the maids turns up dead and Helen is once again in the middle of a murder investigation. She can only hope, like her previous experiences with finding dead bodies, that she doesn't get put in the system, end up on TV or in court. Any of those three things could be the end of Helen's life on the lam.

Although a dead body is the least of Helen's worry when her ex arrives in town. He has finally got a lead on her and he is out to find her. Can she keep her job and stay in hiding while he is in Fort Lauderdale? or will he manage to get to trace her to her new job and her lovely home? Is it time for Helen to give up her dead-end jobs and run?

Six books into the series and still going strong. With little time to read this week I needed something enjoyable but light to read and this was just the ticket. I adore this series and love finding out what Dead-End job Helen is working now and how long it will take before she finds herself staring at a dead body!

This cozy mystery series is one of my favourites and Elaine Viets is one of the best cozy authors around. Her characters are fun to read about and the mystery's keep you guessing till the end. I am looking forward to catching up with Helen again soon and I am glad to see a new Mystery Shopper book is due out.

If you like Cozy mystery's or want to try one then I highly recommend this author. You will giggle and you will enjoy!

Labels: Books Read, Cozy Mystery, Elaine Viets

The contest will stay open until Wednesday 30th of September 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, Maria V. Snyder

This week author Jeanne Stein was my guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog. Today was the last day to enter the great contest and it is time to announce the THREE winners!

Each winner will get their choice of signed Anna Strong book as well as some other goodies from Jeanne! All you had to do was let us know what you would name your vampire! There were some great answers and I know Jeanne has made some notes and you may just see your vampire names in future Anna Strong books!

A huge thank you to Jeanne for the great interview and prizes! Also lots of thanks for the great entries!

So now time for the winners! My trusty randomiser has been hard at work and picked these three lucky winners -


Bridget3420!


Purango!!


RKCharron!!!


Congrats to all three winners!

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 and choice of book!

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.

Labels: Contests, Jeanne. C. Stein, Winners

I just found an email from Chloe Neill who is one of my guests on the blog this week.

She has a cool contest going on over on her blog and visiting her interview here is part of the entry rules!

Here is the blog -

Two fun interviews today -- and a CONTEST!
I've got two fun interviews today over at A Great Read (Thanks, Jessica!) and Amberkatze's Book Blog (Thanks, Amber!). Be sure to check them out!

As a little reading incentive, I'm giving away a CADOGAN HOUSE GIFT PACK to folks who complete this two-step commenting process:

1. Head over to A Great Read or Amberkatze's Book Blog, check out the interviews, and leave a comment on one of THEIR interviews!

2. When you've done that, head back over here and leave a comment on MY blog telling me what "secret" you hope is revealed in FRIDAY NIGHT BITES!

So make sure you check out the interview and contest here on Amberkatze's Book Blog and then pop over to Chloe Neill's blog!

Labels: Chloe Neill, Contests

Just to keep you all on your toes we have another guest this week! Chloe Neill is the author of the Chicagoland Vampires series. Book one, Some Girls Bite, came out earlier this year and book two, Friday Night Bites, is due out on October 6th.

Some Girls Bite really impressed me and I am looking forward to the next in the series and am really happy to have Chloe here as a guest in time to see her next release out in the stores.

So read the interview and enter the contest! Jeanne Stein is still around till Wednesday so make sure you check out both interviews and contests!

--------------







---------------

Contest Time!

I am giving away a copy of a Chicagoland Vampires book. The winner will get to choose if they want the first in the series or the new release.

So if you haven't started the series yet or are, like me, eagerly awaiting book two in the series, this is your chance to get a copy!

So to enter the contest all you have to do is say where you would set your vampire book? It doesn't have to be the town you live in but somewhere you think would been a great setting for a vampire series.

No location = 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.

I can offer more prizes if my Amazon Associates account gets more money!! So please make sure you order at Amazon.com through the links around the site and help keep the contest coming!



The contest will stay open until Sunday 27th of September 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, Chloe Neill, Contests

Detective Kara Gillian is a summoner of demons and she can't solve the mystery surrounding her last summoning. Looking to summon a lower lever demon she was surprised to find Rhyzkahl in her cellar. Not only is he very strong but he is also very gorgeous and keeps finding his way into her dreams.

So when Kara is given a serial killer case that has something to do with the occult she hopes that Rhyzkahl can give her a hand. However the powerful demon has other things in mind and it seems that someone he knows may actually be involved with the killings. So instead Kara finds herself working with Federal Agent Ryan Kristoff and trying to stop him finding out more about the demon side of her life.

The Symbol Man is back on the streets taking more victims than before. Kara can only hope that at some point the killer makes a mistake that she can pick up on and use against him. Although there are way too many questions to answer. Why did the killer take a three year break? Why is he killing more frequently? The only connection Kara can find is too scary to believe. Is there a demon loose in the city?

Patricia Cornwell and Tess Gerritsen mixed with Jenna Black and Kim Harrison. This is what you can expect from Mark of the Demon. I was totally gripped the whole way through this book and didn't work out the mystery until Kara did. I guessed who the bad guy was as the book twisted and turned but I kept being surprised and I loved it!

I love a good bloody murder mystery and the paranormal element just made this the perfect read for me. Well written, great characters and an amazing plot, this is one book I will be recommending to anyone who likes a good criminal thriller.

The second book in the series, Blood of the Demon, is due out in Spring and I already have it on my pre-order list. This is one of the best debuts I have read this year and I can't wait to see where the author takes this series next.

Labels: Books Read, Diana Rowland

There is someone or something setting fire to homes in the city and Luna Wilder knows that this just isn't your everyday arsonist. Her gut feeling is backed up with the attempts on her life by the strange otherworldly creatures that shouldn't be in Nocturne City. Unfortunately Luna and her new team are not being left alone to deal with the situation. The annoying but somewhat sexy federal agent, Will Fagin, is hanging around like a bad smell.

As Luna tries to solve the case and keep her new team in employment she also gets to know Will better. What she learns could help her on the case and they both try to do everything they can against the selkies, trolls and other nasties that come after them. Nocturne City is suddenly in chaos and luckily they have just the right team to help them. Hopefully the team will be able to help in time and save themselves and the city.

Witch Craft is the fourth book in the Nocturne City series and things just keep getting better and better. This is like reading a really good mystery thriller but with big helpings of the paranormal on the side. Adventure all the way, you hardly have time to breathe while reading this action packed book.

Luna is growing into her responsibilities and her werewolf side is being kept under control. She is one hard, strong and dangerous woman and I admire her alot. Nocturne City is the place to be and Caitlin Kittredge has made it that way. I can't wait for more from this super urban paranormal series. Bring it on!

Labels: Books Read, Caitlin Kittredge, New Releases

Tammy Jo's unpredictable magic has caught the attention of the World Association of Magic and now she has to face the consequences. It doesn't matter to them that she doesn't want to use magic or be a witch and they mean business. So Tammy has her orders and has to obey. A wizard and a warlock have been sent to train her but she isn't getting on that well with them.

So when a curse ends up getting the town of Duvall covered in pixie dust things start getting a little crazy. The doors to the faery world that are usually kept closed are suddenly open and Tammy Jo is the only one who can put things back to normal. Of course Tammy can't do magic very well so she once again looks for answers and help from the gorgeous Bryn Lyons. However she isn't supposed to have any contact with him but she is too determined to save the town. Who needs rules anyway?

Witches have been portrayed in books in so many ways but Tammy Jo is one of my favourite yet. She is feisty, sexy and fun to read about. On the other side she is normal, down to earth and totally not in control of her life, just like you or me. She is a lovable character with the coolest cat ever and a few hunky guys hanging around.

Magical and mystical this is a series I am thoroughly enjoying. A little chick-lit like but full of mystery there isn't a dull moment in this book. I really loved the first in the series, Would-Be Witch, and this sequel just has left me dying for even more. I love how adventurous this series is becoming and I know we will be seeing more of Tammy and her cat in the future.

Kimberly Frost has created something special and I can't wait to see what happens next. There are a few new developments in this second book in the series and I hope we will get more answers in the third book when it comes out. If you are looking for something fresh, new and fun then give this series a chance. You won't regret it!

Labels: Books Read, Kimberly Frost, New Releases

Have you read the new author interview or entered the contest? The Jeanne Stein Contest is open for entries until Wednesday and there are three prizes which means three winners!

All three winners will get to pick one Anna Strong book of their choice which they will received signed by Jeanne! Also Jeanne will be adding magnets and pens to the package!

What are you all waiting for? This is one of the best prizes we have had! ;)

On Sunday we will have another Author Interview & Contest posted! Stacia Kane talked to me about her Personal Demons. So Make sure you stop by to read her interview and enter the contest.

Plus over the next few weeks you can look forward to interviews, guest blogs and contests with Linda Wisdom, Jocelynn Drake, Kelley Armstrong, Chloe Neill, Maria Lima, Casey Daniels and Maria V. Snyder!

Also look out for the next monthly giveaway poll! You get to choose the book the winner will win!

Coming sometime this week details of the September monthly giveaway will go up on the site. All you have to do is join the newsletter (see sidebar for more details) to be entered in the draw. Oh and you can vote for a book too if you wish. Just remember - The book you vote for may not end up being the book given away! It all comes down to which book gets the most votes!

Labels: Author Interviews, Casey Daniels, Chloe Neill, Contests, Jeanne. C. Stein, Jocelynn Drake, Kelly Armstrong, Linda Wisdom, Maria Lima, Maria V. Snyder, Monthly Giveaway

It has been a little quite lately here on Amberkatze's Book Blog. Summer came and things slowed down but the cold weather is coming back and so are the author interviews!

To get us back in the swing of things is author Jeanne Stein! I love her Anna Strong Vampire series and highly recommend them to anyone who will listen ;) The fifth book in the series, Retribution, came out a few weeks ago and of course I got my hands on a copy as soon as I could.

Here is your chance to get to know the author (again! She was a guest here before click here to take a peek!) and also try your luck in this weeks contest. Jeanne has some great prizes up for grabs so make sure you enter!

-----------------------------

Amber - Jeanne, Welcome back to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to
have you here again!

Jeanne - Thanks for having me back.

Amber - The newest Anna Strong book is out! Can you tell us about it?

Jeanne – In Retribution, Anna faces an old foe, the black witch Belinda Burke. Belinda has cast a spell on Anna’s friend, Culebra, and when Daniel Frey tries to help, both their lives are put in danger. But Belinda is up to more than revenge. She’s discovered a way to use vampire blood in an anti-ageing cream that rejuvenates human women in a remarkable way. Unfortunately, it has side effects and the method Burke uses to extract the blood is right out of a textbook on medieval torture. This story also features a character from my story in Many Bloody Returns, the good witch Sophie.

Amber - Retribution is the fifth book in the Anna Strong series. How many more Anna books are there going to be? Can you give us any clues about what to expect in Anna's future?

Jeanne – I just finished the sixth book, Chosen, and am starting work on the seventh. In Chosen, Anna learns what it means to be the “Chosen One” and it completes the first year of Anna’s life as a vampire. It will answer old questions and introduce new ones. I hope to keep writing as many as I’m asked to.

Amber - The covers for the Anna Strong books are great! How much
influence do you have in the book printing process, like picking covers, after you hand in your story?

Jeanne – I have a great cover artist, Cliff Nielsen and a great cover designer, Judith Lagerman. Retribution was the first cover I was asked my opinion on, though, and I have to say, I think it’s my favorite. As writers, we don’t usually have much input.

Amber - Are you working on anything else? Do you have any ideas for
another series?

Jeanne – I’m working on an angel/demon story set in World War I with a co-author, Susan Smith. And a novella featuring Anna Strong that will fill in back story for some of the characters in the series.

Amber - Something I have always wondered is how authors come up with the
names for their characters. How do you pick the names you use in your
books and where did the name Anna Strong come from?

Jeanne – Names are always tricky. In fact, in writing the sixth book, Chosen, I realized a name I’d used in the fifth, Retribution, I had used again. Fortunately, I had time to change it in Retribution since it was a character with a small part in that book and a much more important character in Chosen.

As for Anna’s name—I always liked the name Hannah Storm. But since that’s the name of a well-known TV personality, I had to come up with something different. So I just played around with similar sounding names and eventually settled on Anna Strong. It fit.

Amber - There are so many online sites eg, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace
etc. to get in touch with fans. Which sites are you signed up with? Is it hard to keep up with them all? Do you think they are good?

Jeanne – I just signed up with Facebook. So befriend me, please! I have a MySpace page but I haven’t done anything with it. Facebook is easier because you can post when you want and add pictures. Social sites are time consumers, though, and it’s easy to spend too much time on then.

Amber - What is the easiest and hardest part about being an author?

Jeanne – Easiest part is the writing. Hardest part is everything else—the marketing, the travel, deadlines, all that goes into getting a book in front of an audience.

Amber - How do you relax when your not writing? Do you have any hobbies?

Jeanne – Hobbies? Who has time for hobbies?  I take kick-boxing classes and they are great stress relievers. I read and try to spend time with my husband and friends when I’m not on the road.

Amber - What was the last movie you watched? and the last Book you read?
and did you enjoy them?

Jeanne – The last movie was a 2007 movie called Surveillance…wow, wonderfully creepy. The last book is Dracula—the Undead. Dacre Stoker (yes, a member of that family) co-wrote a sequel to the original classic with Ian Holt. I got an advanced reading copy at ComicCon. Yes, I enjoyed it.

Amber - If you could be any famous person, alive or dead, who would you be? and why?

Jeanne – hmmm..interesting question, Amber. If I could go back in time, probably a World War II woman in the Army Air Corp. Not famous, but I so admire the adventurous spirit displayed by those women! Present day, maybe Mia Farrow. She’s had an interesting life.

Amber - Thank you for coming back to visit Amberkatze's Book Blog! I hope you will come back next time you have a new release!

Jeanne – Thanks again and just invite me!




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Contest Time!

Jeanne is giving away some great prizes here on Amberkatze's Book Blog so make sure you read the contest rules before entering!

There will be three winners this week. Each of the winners will get to choose an Anna Strong book (any from the series released so far) which will be signed by Jeanne and to make things even more special Jeanne is going to add some book cover magnets and pens.

So if you haven't started the series yet or are missing one of the books this is your chance to get a copy! Signed! Oh and the magnets are lovely! I have a couple myself.

So to enter the contest you have to come up with a vampire character name. The name can be for a male or female, be short or long but it has to mean something! So try and post about why you are choosing the name you are entering!

No character = 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.

I can offer more prizes if my Amazon Associates account gets more money!! So please make sure you order at Amazon.com through the links around the site and help keep the contest coming!



The contest will stay open until Wednesday 23rd of September 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, Jeanne. C. Stein

Jane Jameson was just a librarian and a regular girl. Now she works every night at an occult bookstore because she is a vampire. She has never been a bride but she has been a bridesmaid too many times. Now her best friend Zeb is getting married to a werewolf and she is once again stuck in an awful dress for a day. It wouldn't be so bad if her gorgeous sire and boyfriend actually gave her a clue about where their relationship is heading.

So as Jane tries to master the art of dating undead style she is also trying to figure out what the newest in a long line of men is up to with her grandmother. Sure she is the closest thing to a Black Widow that Half Moon Hollow will ever see but there are alot of things that don't add up about this one.

Then back to the wedding. A Titanic theme, a scary werewolf family and a just as scary mother of the groom, what could possibly go right?? Things are getting out of hand and Jane isn't sure what is up but someone is trying to ruin her best friends day and she isn't going to let them.

There is never a dull moment for Jane Jameson since she became a vampire and it is fun reading all about it. Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men is the second book about the cool new vampire on the block and I enjoyed it just as much as the first book Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs. Jane is just your everyday normal girl who has some crazy family and friends to keep her busy. It is just more entertaining when you are a vampire!

I really like this series and can't wait for book three, Nice Girls Don't Live Forever, which is due out in December. This is a refreshing series that is just like some of those other chick-lit vampire reads but with a good healthy helping of something new. This is a series that is now on my must buy list and I am off to add the third book to my pre-order list so I don't miss out on it.

Labels: Books Read, Molly Harper, New Releases

I have waited all week for the winners of the Jennifer Rardin contest to contact me but it seems they don't want the prizes!

Therefore we have two new winners!

So congrats to -

Donna (Fantasy Dreamer)!!

&

Sweeter the berry!!


Both winners will get a signed copy of Biting the Bullet!

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.

Labels: Contests, Jennifer Rardin, Winners

The ability to steal a magician's powers has made Opal Cowan too powerful. A student glass magician, Opal, is ordered to be kept under house arrest by the council. However Opal is determined to find Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. So she defies the Council's orders and travels to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick. However she isn't sure where he could be and if his soul is really his own.

Opal also can't get Kade out of her head. Kade is a handsome Stormdancer that she is wary of. She isn't sure if she should let him get too close to her. All in all she has no idea who she can really trust as everyone only wants her for special powers which they all want to use for their own deadly gain.

Another delightful story from the special and magical world Maria V. Snyder has created. Although the Study series will always hold a special place in my heart, the Glass series is keeping me intrigued and satisfied.

More fantasy than paranormal these books are more than special, they are extraordinary. If Yelena and Opal are magical due to their special abilities then Maria V. Snyder also has a magical ability of her own, as an author. I eagerly await anything else this author writes and can't believe that Opal will not be visiting us again until 2011!

If you are looking for something to read that will stay with you forever then try Maria's books. The Study series is the beginning and the most exquisite and the Glass series should not be read before you have met Yelena and heard her story.

Labels: Books Read, Maria V. Snyder, New Releases

Something horrible has been happening at Fieldridge High but nobody is talking about it. Then Janie ends up in a classmate's violent and shocking nightmare and things start to make more sense. A teacher in her school is taking advantage of girls and Janie is in a position to put an end to it.

However Janie ends up in way over her head and her boyfriend Cabel is having problems dealing with the situation they have found themselves in. Meanwhile Janie learns more about her dream catching ability and it doesn't look good. No cure and no escape. Janie is going to be pulled into peoples dreams for the rest of her life with some dire consequences.

Fade is the second book in the series about Janie and her dream catching abilities. The first book Wake really took me by surprise and I couldn't wait to get hold of this sequel. I was not disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed reading more about Janie's ability and also following her relationship with Cabel and her secret job.

The whole concept of having the ability to see into someones dreams is absolutely ingenious. The way the story is written really makes this series even more special and I am certainly going to be pre-ordering book three, Gone, as soon as I can.

Young adult or not this is an amazingly original but spooky series that is extremely enjoyable. I highly recommend this to everyone of any age and anyone who loves reading a good book.

Labels: Books Read, Lisa McMann, Young Adult

It is time to put and end to the Jennifer Rardin contest and pick two winners! Both winners will get a signed copy of Jennifer's book, Biting the Bullet, which just got re-released in mass market form in the US! The book even has a never before published short story inside called 'Golem Hunt'! Making it even more precious!

I asked you all to post a good title for a vamp book with the work 'Bite' in it. Well I was amazed at how many different titles you all came up with! They were really good! I hope some authors are taking notes and you will see your titles popping up on bookshelves soon ;)

And the two winners are -


kfreeman92!!!

&

Jasmine!!!

Congrats to both of the winners!

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.

Over the next month I have some great guests lined up for you all! Linda Wisdom and Jocelynn Drake will both be making an appearance and Kelley Armstrong, Chloe Neill and Jeanne Stein may pop by...so keep checking in!

Labels: Contests, Jennifer Rardin, Winners

Nightshade is a strange town where odd things happen. However things are a bit weirder than usual when Daisy gets back from a trip to Italy. It seems that everyone in town has a sugar problem. The problem is that they can't get enough of it! However Daisy realises that the people she keeps seeing stuffing themselves with sweets are doppelgängers of the Nightshade residents.

Then the rumours reach Daisy and her sisters Rose and Poppy. Their dad, who disappeared years ago, is back in town. Then there are some werewolf problems. It seems there are some new wolves in town and they have something against Daisy and her sisters. With all the girls busy with their summer jobs it is a miracle they have time to help the football team, solve the werewolf mystery and figure out if their dad really is back or if he is just a fake. With their special abilities and a little help from their friends the girls may just survive another Summer in Nightshade.

I really love this Young Adult series. This third book, which I hope won't be the last, wasn't my favourite but it certainly made for great reading. Daisy is such a nice character and Nightshade is a paranormal hot spot. There is never a dull moment throughout the story and I couldn't put the book down for long before being drawn back to it.

Fun, spooky and mysterious this is a series I can highly recommend. I just hope that Dead is So Last Year isn't the last we will see of the Giardano sisters. Especially with the cliffhanger this book ended with! I will be looking out for more from Marlene Perez!

Labels: Books Read, Marlene Perez, Young Adult

You have all been posting some great entries for the Jennifer Rardin contest! I am amazed at how many new and original titles I have seen! I hope Jennifer has gotten some inspiration from your suggestions and maybe we will see some of them on the bookshelves soon ;)

If you haven't already entered the contest then make sure you get your entry in soon! The contest closes on Sunday @ 4pm Central European time!

What can you win? One of two signed copy's of Biting the Bullet!

Labels: Contests, Jennifer Rardin

Abby Cooper used to have a long waiting list full of clients but now she can take clients who just walk in from the street. Business is bad for everyone so going to see a psychic, such as Abby, is just an expensive luxury. So when the FBI ask for her help Abby reluctantly says yes and hopes that she will be able to save some lives by using her skills.

However there are always skeptics. This time the skeptic is the FBI agent she is supposed to work with. Not only does he keep her waiting but then he insists on testing her ability. Finally she is able to help and her first case is to help solve the mystery behind three missing collage kids. Her intuition tells her that the kids knew each other but nobody is going to believe her until she gets some proof.

I love this series and always look forward to catching up with Abby. This new installment in the Psychic Eye mysteries has a few changes to it. Not only does Abby get a new style but at the end she also gets a new way in life. I won't tell you anymore because it would give things away but I like the way this series is travelling.

A super psychic cozy mystery series. The plots are well thought out and the characters are great. No boring bits and not over the top, this series always keeps you guessing till the end and has a few twists and turns along the way.

Labels: Books Read, Cozy Mystery, New Releases, Victoria Laurie

Rose made a promise. She promised that she would kill the man she loves if he was turned Strigoi. Now she has to keep her promise but first she has to find Dimitri before she can see it through. She has no idea where he is but she has left St. Vladimir's Academy and has travelled to Dimitri's home country, Russia. She has no idea where to start looking but it isn't long before she feels sick to the stomach and finds some Strigoi.

Finding Dimitri isn't easy but Rose knows that killing him will be even harder. Then Rose finds herself torn between finding Dimitri and looking after her friend Lissa. Checking in with Lissa isn't hard for Rose but what she keeps seeing isn't all good. Will Rose find what she is looking for and get back to the US in time to help her friends? Can she really kill the man she loves?

Blood Promise is the fourth and by far the best book so far in the Vampire Academy series. The change of scenery made for interesting reading while the challenge facing Rose kept adding suspense all the way through the book. Emotions were high but Rose kept strong and shows the reader that she can be grown up and look after herself. I really liked Rose in this book and I hope it is the start of new older and wiser future guardian.

There were a few twists in this installment and it has left me wondering what could possibly happen next. Will everything work out the way we would like it go? I can't wait for book five and even though the 'Academy' is coming to an end I hope this series can continue to grow into the college years. I hope we will be seeing a lot more of Rose and the other characters that I have come to know and love.

Labels: Books Read, New Releases, Richelle Mead