The weather maybe getting cold outside but my author guest this week is happy to heat you up! Author Teal Ceagh writes some very sexy books that are guarnteed to keep you warm this winter and I wanted to make sure that my erotic loving readers could get to know her and her Destiny Trinity books better!

So I hope you all enjoy Teal's guest blog and the excerpt from her book that she is sharing with you! Also make sure you enter the contest for your very own copy of Beth’s Acceptance, the first book in the Destiny’s Trinities series.

Read my Review!

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Twilight Confessions of an Urban Fantasy Hash-Up Mistress

I love Stephanie Myer’s Twilight series of books, although I confess I was a late convert, and I was dragged kicking and screaming into trying it. Once I was there, though, as usual, I was sucked into the story and hooked.

I usually get hooked into a series via the books first, then get to watch the movies afterwards, and wince at what has been left out. One of the rare exceptions to that rule was Lord of the Rings. While there was huge swathes of material that had to be left out of those movies, I never was disappointed by what they did decide to leave out, and what they included. What they did manage to squeeze in was fine by me. I still do a marathon sit through the extended versions of those movies every Christmas, with whoever has the strength and patience to keep me company (not Saul...he can’t stand creatures with pointy ears!)

However, for Twilight, I came at the series backwards. I got arm-twisted into watching the movie first, by being assured it just sucked and wouldn’t be worth watching (I had a hate-on for Stephanie Myers and her millions of books sold at the time) and that I’d probably be just wasting my two-plus hours. So I watched the movie and ended up buying the book because I was then told that the movie missed out so much detail. Which is such a fatal thing to tell an author!

From there I ended up reading the whole series, even though I confess I had to pull myself through New Moon a bit...would you have believed ten years ago a romance could be published where the hero spends ninety percent of the book off stage?
Of course, the Twilight series is Young Adult, so there’s not a lot of sexy stuff going on, and I write Ellora’s Cave fiction, so in terms of steam, we’re polar opposites and I couldn’t help noticing that as I read the series. There were times in Myer’s stories when I really wanted Edward to just get down to business, if you know what I mean. I think Bella did, too.

But I’ve noticed this absence of a properly developed romantic relationship in a lot of urban fantasies out there lately and for me, the stories are the poorer for it. I like my romances well done, and the “romantic interest” (as Hollywood likes to call it) that gets handed off as a subplot and token nod to the ladies and to round out the character development just doesn’t do it for me most of the time.
After all, in real life sex is all around us, permeating our lives at all levels and all through our days, whether we’re conscious of it or not. The need to procreate and maintain the species drives nearly everything we do. It doesn’t sound romantic, put that way, but the mating dance: seduction, romance, love, and babies, is all part of that drive, and it’s hard-wired into us, so no matter what we’re doing career-wise, we’re also fully involved in that mating dance at some level or another, whether we like it or not. So if we’re going to write fully-developed stories that feature complete characters, then the romantic side of their natures should be fully explored. Makes sense, no?

Well, that’s how I like to think of it, anyway. And that’s why I write erotic urban fantasies and erotic paranormal romances instead of just the straight kind. Apart from just exploring the erotic side of characters and allowing me to deliver a properly developed romance inside an urban fantasy it also frees me up to write far more daring storylines that “straight” publishers might otherwise baulk at.
The second novella in Destiny’s Trinities, an erotic urban fantasy series, Mia’s Return, stretched those sorts of boundaries...well, the whole series does, really.

Ten years ago, Alexander hungered for Mia Menendez and for a single day they had indulged that passion before tragedy struck. Now Mia is back, but she thinks Alexander died ten years ago and no man has been able to stir her heart since. The truth could kill her.

Wyatt Whitacker, demon hunter, hates Alexander and all his kind. But one look at Mia and her pulse-stopping curves and his scarred, angry heart begins to melt and his body to rouse in ways he’s long forgotten.

The bonding has begun…

___________

Excerpt

He considered running down the fire escape stairs to the foyer and avoiding the congestion in the elevators. At this time of day it would take forever. The stairs wouldn’t tax him in the slightest. But it might draw attention to him. So he patiently waited for the elevator and stepped on with a dozen others and moved to the side to give them room.

The elevator stopped on the next floor, with more people getting on but by then his animal instinct was crowding him, making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He was being watched. His heart thundered.

He made no sudden moves. Instead, as people pushed onto the elevator, he turned so his back was to the side wall of the car, giving him an excuse to look at everyone if he brought his head up.

He lifted his head and looked around.

She was standing on the other side of the car, almost completely obscured by the other riders because she was only just over five foot.
Mia. Shamira Menendez of San Diego, California.

His first aching thought was, You’re so fucking beautiful, Mia.

Then reality caught him in the chest. Mia was staring at him because she thought he was dead. She thought he died ten years ago, in San Diego.

And now she was watching him with tears in her eyes and all he could think about was his swelling cock and his exploding heart and how much he wanted to take up where he had left off…bending her over the counter, sliding his cock into her pussy and making her scream his name.

“Are you all right, sir?”
He tore his gaze away from Mia. “Excuse me?” he said hoarsely. He looked down at the gray-haired lady next to him.

“Your breathing is all funny,” she said. “Are you claustrophobic?”
Others were looking at him now. Becoming the center of attention was never a good thing for a vampire. Zack had drilled that into him. Seaveth was even more of a sergeant about it, now vampires were assimilating into human society. He swallowed. “I’m fine,” he said.

But he wasn’t. He looked at Mia. She was still watching. She knew it was him. There was no way to deny it. No escape. No bluff he could use to fool her. The knowledge gleamed in her eyes.

“Give him room, please,” she said. “Everyone, stand back a bit.” She was stepping closer, taking charge.

They all shuffled back, clearing eighteen inches. Mia squeezed between them and stepped into the space. “Take a deep breath,” she told him, her voice low.

He couldn’t tear his gaze from her face. The tears in her eyes pooled and one fell down her cheek. Just one. But she didn’t wipe it, or show any sign of emotion. Cool, calm, controlled. “We’re nearly there,” she added, speaking for the others in the car, maintaining the illusion of a claustrophobe in full panic mode. She knew as well as he did it was nothing of the sort.

As the doors opened, the others stood back, letting them exit first. She grabbed his lapels and hauled him from the car. He let her, for he stood a foot higher than her and outweighed her by nearly a hundred pounds. But her scent alone was wreathing his head and making his senses reel. Something with vanilla and…grapefruit? He could feel his incisors trying to descend and his mouth filling with vampire saliva to deaden her flesh so she wouldn’t feel the first piercing of his teeth. His cock was pounding with the agonizing need to slam her against the walls of the foyer and fuck her senseless.

He was almost hyperventilating with the dilemma.

Her hand rested on his chest. God, he could feel her heat through her hand. He swallowed.

“You’re supposed to be dead,” she whispered. No hello. No attempt to confirm who he was. She was that sure of him despite ten years.

He couldn’t afford to answer her, to even start the conversation. Instead, he stared at her, soaking up details. She had been eighteen when he left and even at that age, infinitely dangerous to his pulse. Now she was a mature woman and beyond dangerous. He could feel it in his heart, his mind, his cock. His whole body was responding to her like a nuclear magnet. She wore her dark hair down to her shoulder blades but styled in some mysterious fashion that just brushed over one eye and framed her high cheekbones and pointed chin. Her black eyes, still gleaming with tears, with their arched strong brows, were staring at him, giving him no quarter. They never had. And her lips…full, the top one like a cupid’s bow. He had dreamed about kissing those lips and woken sweating in his lonely bed all those years ago when he could sweat. Those lips still looked sweet, the teeth behind them white and beckoning.

Mia was wearing a dress. He had no way to describe it, except to say it wrapped her in roses and made the most of her figure. And she had a figure. Even at eighteen she’d had a figure. He had lusted after it. And in ten years, it had changed very little. Her breasts had not sagged. Her hips had not spread. And her waist was still as tiny as ever. It was that tiny waist he had grabbed as he bent her over the counter…

He realized his heart was thundering in his ears. With her hand on his chest, she must surely feel it too.

She was frowning, staring at him. “You haven’t changed,” she said. “Not at all.” And she stepped back, her hand falling away.

Alexander realized she had seen, then, he had not aged. This was one of the reasons that Zachariah and Diego had insisted he move to New York once Zack had made him.
Mia took another step backward and he could see her doing the mental math.

“Mia,” he began and stopped, mentally cursing. He’d just confirmed he was who she thought he was. Until that moment there had remained the possibility of pretending she’d made an embarrassing mistake. It would have killed him to do it but it would have been a way out. That chance was gone now. He closed his eyes. What a fucking disaster. He opened them again and took a last look at her. Beautiful Mia. She was starting to realize there was something dreadfully wrong. Horror was creeping into her expression. He needed to leave before she began to look at him like the monster he was.
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To buy this book from Ellora’s Cave, click here.
For more information about the book on Teal’s site, click here.
Teal Ceagh’s website.
Visit Teal on Facebook.
Follow Teal on Twitter.

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Contest Time!

Teal has been very kind and donated an e-book copy of Beth’s Acceptance, the first book in the Destiny’s Trinities series as the prize for this weeks contest!

How do you enter? Well Teal talked about Twilight! So what else is there worth talking about this week? Tell us your thoughts on the books... what do you really think of them?

No Twilight = 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 will 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 contests coming!

The contest will stay open until Sunday 6th of December 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, Guest Blog, Teal Ceagh

The Jennifer Rardin Contest has come to an end and five lucky people will be getting signed books in the post!

A huge thank you to Jennifer for being a guest again and for offering up so many great prizes! I hope the winners enjoy them!

So who won?

One autographed copy of Once Bitten, Twice Shy (book #1) goes to -

Mariska!!!

One autographed copy of Another One Bites the Dust (book #2) goes to -

Bethie!!!


One autographed copy of and Biting the Bullet (book #3) goes to -

Sweet Vernal Zephyr!!!


And finally one autographed copy of Bite Marks (the new release) goes to -

Carmen R!!!


&

van_pham!!!


Congrats to all the winners!

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. 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 a prize isn't claimed after 7 days I will, if the author agrees, pick another winner.

Please also note that I can not be held responsible for prizes that come direct from authors. I will check with them for you if you haven't recieved your prize but I can not hunt down your mail! Any prizes that come from myself could come from a 3rd party eg. Amazon or Bookdepository. If I am sending a prize myself please be aware that it could take a few weeks to reach you as it is coming from Europe.

Keep checking in each week for more interviews, guest blogs and contests! If you didn't win this time then try again!

Labels: Contests, Jennifer Rardin, Winners

It is time for the Monthly Giveaway to open! Last month there was a trick and a treat winner but this month there will just be the usual one winner.

How does the monthly giveaway work? Well in the sidebar <--- there is a poll. You vote for the book you would most like to win. I pick a name from the subscibers list and that person wins the book with the most votes. So you may not even win the book you voted for!

To subscribe to Amberkatze's Book Blog all you have to do is use the box in the sidebar <--- or at the bottom of this post. Everyone who is already subscribed will be entered in the contest as well as new subscribers. If you have not confirmed your email address then you will not be added to the draw!!! The winner will be announced on Sunday the 6th of December at 4pm. The poll will stay open for votes until 4pm on Friday 4th of December (all times are in Central European Time).  What books are up for grabs this month? Vote for one of the following new releases -

Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur - I haven't read this yet but the latest Riley Jenson is bound to be good!

Apocalypse Happens by Lori Handeland - Just read the third book in this amazing series and I can't wait for more!

Demon Ex Machina by Julie Kenner
- A great new edition to the Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series. Not to be missed!

Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding - After seeing the blurb for this one I couldn't resist ordering it. Keep a look out for my review as I haven't read this yet.

Tainted by Julie Kenner - This author makes two appearances in this months poll because she has so many new releases out! I haven't read this one yet either but the review should be coming sometime this week!

Make sure you enter the monthly giveaway to win!

Enter your email address:

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Labels: Julie Kenner, Kelly Meding, Keri Arthur, Lori Handeland, Monthly Giveaway

As one of the only few people around who can battle the demons who have escaped from the darkest level of hell, Elizabeth Phoenix, knows she isn't winning the battle any day soon. However Liz is determined to stop Doomsday even though she knows how difficult it is going to be. People she thought were dead aren't dead anymore and there are things that want to destroy Liz and the people she loves.

The upcoming Apocalypse has Liz looking for help all over the place. She and her ex-lover Jimmy Sanducci have some personal problems they have to sort out but together they are fighting against one common enemy. Then there is the Navajo shama Sawyer who Liz wants to trust but isn't sure if he should be trusted. Also on her side, or so she thinks, is a fairy and a Lion shape shifter. The Apocalypse is growing close and Liz is finally starting to find out more about herself and the people she thought were her friends. Will they survive or perish together?

The Phoenix Chronicles are a must buy for me. Lori Handeland has been a favourite of mine for a while and this series is a treat. I needed a few chapters to get back into Liz and her world but after that I was hooked as always. These books are just like the cool TV Series Supernatural but with a kick-ass heroine in the lead instead of the two brothers.

This series is a different kind of Urban Fantasy for me. Where as most series keep to one paranormal element and maybe invite others in now and again, the Phoenix Chronicles has everything and isn't shy about mixing things up a bit. All kinds of legends, fantasy and myths all come out to play in this nail-biting series that has me on the edge of my seat.

What will happen next? I wish I knew! There was a bit of a cliffhanger but the next in the series Chaos Bites is due out in April. So there isn't a long wait! If you haven't tried this yet then I really suggest you do. Hard, deep and dark this series kicks, bites and throws punches all over the place and doesn't take any prisoner's! Just the way I like it ;)

Labels: Books Read, Lori Handeland, New Releases

Mystery Shopper and mother of one, Josie Marcus, tries not to get into trouble. Keeping her daughter and herself safe is her main priority but her job sometimes gets her into trouble. Her newest assignment is to mystery shop a big pet store that has a reputation for using puppy mills. In store, Josie attracts the attention of an employee who wants to do something about the animal abusers. Unfortunately it turns out that whoever is supplying the animals isn't against murdering humans who won't keep quiet. So yet again Josie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.

I needed something light, fluffy but interesting to read this week and the newest Mystery Shopper book fit the bill perfectly. Not only did I enjoy catching up with Josie and her daughter but I also found out alot about animal rights. This story was not only interesting but it was also informative and inspiring.

The author obviously does her homework, which makes this cozy mystery series a joy to read. With so much detail and depth to guide the reader through the story there is no excuse not to get hooked into the plot. Twists and turns ensure there is never a dull moment while the characters make this a friendly and warm place to visit.

For some reason the end of this book sounded like the end of the Josie Marcus series. I hope that I am wrong and there will be more Mystery shopper books to come. Luckily this author has another Cozy mystery series, the Dead End Job Series, that I also enjoy. So I am not short of a few more Elaine Viets books to keep me busy.

Elaine's books are always a nice rest from the paranormal and are definitely worth reading. If you like any kinds of mystery or just want to try something new then I strongly suggest giving her books a go.

Labels: Books Read, Cozy Mystery, Elaine Viets, New Releases

Just as the title of this post says! The Jennifer Rardin Contest closes on Sunday and because I don't want anyone to miss out on the chance of winning one of FIVE signed books I am reminding you all ;)

Also keep a look out for the monthly giveaway poll! It should be around sometime soon...I wonder what books you will all get to choose from this month? I haven't decided yet but I am pretty sure they will all be new releases.

Oh and there will be a new author guest blog and giveaway starting on Sunday so check in to read and enter!

Labels: Contests, General, Jennifer Rardin

Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much - not because she's not pretty - she's a very cute bubbly blonde - or not interested in a social life. She really is ...but Sookie's got a bit of a disability. She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill: he's tall, he's dark and he's handsome - and Sookie can't 'hear' a word he's thinking. He's exactly the type of guy she's been waiting all her life for. But Bill has a disability of his own: he's fussy about his food, he doesn't like suntans and he's never around during the day ...Yep, Bill's a vampire. Worse than that, he hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, with a reputation for trouble - of the murderous kind. And then one of Sookie's colleagues at the bar is killed, and it's beginning to look like Sookie might be the next victim ...

The first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series is also the basis for the first season of TrueBlood. I have wanted to go back to the beginning of this series for a while and downloaded this audiobook version to listen to instead of trying to find the time to read the book again. I really like the narrator for this series and she is a great Sookie. Well read and easy to listen to this was great for the trip to and from work everyday.

Even though I have read all of the Sookie Stackhouse books I will still be looking out for the next audiobooks in this series. With Trueblood being one of my favourite shows on TV it is alot of fun going back to the beginning of Sookie's vampire days. Seeing how the show differs from the books is interesting and there are alot of little details I have forgotten about.

If you haven't already tried the Sookie Stackhouse books or seen Trueblood then I highly recommend them both. Just read the books first. Now I am off to watch season one of Trueblood again ;)

Labels: Audiobooks, Charlaine Harris

Beth Siegel has been getting all hot over the mysterious guy who is hanging out in the library. Luke is blue-eyed, tall and gorgeous enough to keep her fantasies running wild when she is working all evening in McGinty's bar so she can pay the rent. Especially since her favourite customer Zachariah stopped coming in the bar. He drove her crazy as he flirted with her for weeks and then he was gone.

Then fate hands Beth a shocking destiny. Luke and Zach are not what they seem and the whole world as Beth knows it isn't really as safe from the paranormal as she had come to believe. Will she bond with both Luke and Zach? Can she really make those fantasies really and accept the price the bond will ask of her?

Beth's acceptance is just the right read to heat you up on a cold Winters night! The heat radiates from the story from start to finish and the bits in between come close to bringing the reader to melt down in delight. I am not a huge fan of erotic stories but this one really got my pulse going and the storyline kept me intrigued enough to read till the end.

The paranormal elements were well thought out and I am interested to see what happens in the next two books in this series. Luckily I have them waiting for me and I am already feeling the pull to check out the sequel Mia’s Return.

The Destiny’s Trinities are technically only novella's with their size of 100 pages but with the vampires and other creatures filling the pages who cares? These are just the right size to curl up with when you need a little time alone and a little excitement.

Labels: Books Read, Teal Ceagh

Allie Beckstrom has just buried her father for the second time and this time she is pretty sure he is dead. That is until she starts hearing him in her head. Seeing as she didn't really get on with her father when he was alive, Allie isn't over the moon about him living inside of her. How he has managed to get into her mind is something she doesn't understand but she is keen to find out so she can get rid of her unwanted guest.

Being a Hound isn't easy but Allie has been using her gift to track down the bad guys. However the use of magic has taken its toll on her and there is also a bad side effect, memory loss. So with the help of the Authority Allie is trying to find out more about her powers and how to control them. All she needs is some time away from the job so she can concentrate. Unfortunately that isn't going to happen that easily.

Book three in the Allie Beckstrom series is just as delicious as the previous two books. The story is coming along well and the originality that I loved so much about this series isn't fading at all. If anything, this series is becoming more and more unique as it goes along.

Action packed and full of magic this series is really starting to hit the Kim Harrison and Kelley Armstrong level. Deep, dark and addictive with a great leading lady this series really does have everything. The Urban Paranormal Fantasy genre has so many newbies popping up all over the place but this is one that really does deserve the time of day and night. If you are anything like me, once you start reading, you won't be able to stop.

Give Devon Monk a chance and try the Allie Beckstrom series. You will not be disappointed but make sure you start at the beginning. Final thought about this book? I so want a gargoyle too!

Labels: Books Read, Devon Monk, New Releases

Life isn't easy for Dru. Her parents are both gone, her best friend has been bitten by a werwulf and she just found out that she isn't entirely human. Now she is being kept hidden in a secret school that trains djamphir and wulfen teenagers. It wouldn't be so bad if she wasn't the only girl in the place.

There is nothing much to do. Stuck in classes that are way below her abilities, Dru isn't even allowed to train. Then Christophe, the man who saved her and brought her to the school, turns up and she starts to learn the truth about everything. However Dru will have to wait to find out more. There is a traitor in the order who wants her dead and Dru isn't sure who it is. Who can she trust?

Strange Angels, the first book in this new series, really impressed me. However this second book lost me a little. Even though I read the first book quite recently I couldn't really remember what happened. Getting into the story was quiet hard and I fought at the beginning to keep up with what was going on. When I did start to get into this I realised the pace was alot different to that of the first book. Not only had the location changed but the people around Dru and Dru herself were alot different. Of course this is too be expected but it made keeping up just a little harder.

Dru is a teenage girl who has had to grow up way too soon. She is fighting for her life and has a lot of questions, some of which I am sure will never get answered. I like her determination and style but I find her to be a little too much of a daydreamer. I wonder how her character will develop as the series progresses. She is tough but it feels like she could break at any moment.

All in all this is another great story from one of the best Paranormal Urban Fantasy writers around. Lili St. Crow a.k.a Lilith Saintcrow has, like many other authors in the genre, moved into the Young Adult league and has come up with something new and exciting. A little bit of House of the Night and Vampire Academy mixed up with her own personal style, Lili St. Crow always gives the reader an action packed read full of paranormal goodness.

Labels: Books Read, Lili St.Crow, New Releases, Young Adult

Demon Hunting Soccer Mom, Kate Connor, is having one hell of a month. She is juggling being a mother of two, a wife and a demon hunter. Her extra curriculum activities of teaching self-defense classes and helping her daughter learn everything she needs to become a hunter is keeping her more than busy. So the last thing she needs is to her have first husband hanging around with a demon inside him.

Toddlers having tantrums are easy to deal with compared to all the demonic problems Kate faces. Somehow she has to find a way to release and kill the demon possessing her first husband without actually killing him. After all he is the father of her oldest child. However her present husband has a few things to say about the whole demon business and Kate is finding her secret demon life isn't so secret anymore.

I absolutely adore this series. The concept is utterly unique and well thought out. The characters are just like your typical dysfunctional family and easy to relate to. The mystery inside is written so well that you really have no idea what is about to happen until it happens. This new edition to the series is just as great as its predecessors.

Staying away from the usual plots and storylines this series is action packed but also alot of fun. Some twists and turns in this latest installment had me wondering if this was the end of the series but I think there could be more to come. Actually I hope there will be more to come! If you haven't already tried this series then I highly suggest trying out the first book. A definite must read!

Labels: Books Read, Julie Kenner, New Releases

Sunday again and time for some winners!

First off the winner of the Beth Fantaskey Contest! The lucky winner will get a printed copy of the 'Wedding chapters'. It isn't anything fancy, just printed off her computer and stuck in a binder which makes it very rare! She will however sign it! Which makes it very special!

Congrats to -


Kimberly!!!


Keep reading to find out how to claim your prize!

I still have a winner to find for one of the Terri Garey prizes! You all have to check back to see if you won!!! Otherwise I pick another winner.

So congrats to -


Wanda Flanagan!!!


Also I didn't hear from the winner of the Stacia Kane Contest! So who is the new winner?


Dot S.!!!!


And nobody claimed the Winners choice contest! So congrats to -


Booklover0226!!!


You get to choose a book of your choice by Julie Kenner, Stacia Kane or Terri Garey!

Please make sure you check back to see if you won in the contests! I do not go looking for the winners!

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. Please make sure you mention which prize you are claiming and if needed let me know your choice of book!

I will pick a new winner if the Beth Fantaskey isn't claimed. The other contests that have already been drawn for a second time will not get drawn again. 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.

More author interviews/guest Blogs and contests coming soon! Make sure you sign up for the newsletter (see sidebar) so you don't miss anything!

Labels: Beth Fantaskey, Contests, Julie Kenner, Stacia Kane, Terri Garey, Winners

Keira Kelly has come into her powers. Earlier than expected and stronger than they should be, it seems she is the next heir. Of course Keira isn't ready to be an heir and her great-great-grandmother Gigi is doing a great job of leading the clan. So why should she learn how to use her new skills? She would happily stay where she is in Texas and ignore it all.

Then Gigi summons Keira to visit her and when Gigi says jump everyone asks how high. Luckily Keira has some great friends to offer her support on the trip. Her shape shifter brother, his boyfriend, a Sidhe cousin and her vampire lover are all travelling with her to Canada. The trip doesn't turn out to be all that bad. After all a private family jet picks them up and they get to stay in a gorgeous penthouse condo.

But then things start happening. People go missing, people start dying and suddenly Keira isn't needed as urgently as she was summoned. Something is going on and Keira isn't about to stand back and ignore things. Keira is a force to be reckoned with. Heir or not.

This is the third book in the Blood Line series and it took me a while to get back into things. However thanks to the author adding some history from the previous two books in the first couple of chapters everything started falling back into place and I was back with Keira.

There were lots of surprises and revelations in this book and I found myself thinking 'What can possibly happen next?'. There was a certain wow factor to some of the new information that became available and I had no idea what to expect next. The story twisted, turned and weaved a spell full of magick and paranormal delights. I really can't wait to see what this series will bring with it next time around.

If you haven't already tried the Blood Lines series then give it a go. Make sure you start at the beginning though as the story isn't one you can jump into anywhere. One of my personal favourite aspects of this series is the use of the Welsh language and the ties to my home land, Wales. However the other thing I love is the variety of the paranormal elements inside this series. There is something for everyone and it set in a world worth visiting.

Labels: Books Read, Maria Lima, New Releases

Don't forget to enter the Beth Fantaskey Contest!

Beth is giving away a very special and rare prize! It is a printed copy of the 'Wedding chapters'. It isn't anything fancy, just printed off her computer and stuck in a binder which makes it very rare! She will however sign it! Which makes it very special!

The 'Wedding Chapters' are only available online so this is your chance to get a copy direct from the author!

The closing date for entries is Sunday at 4pm Central European Time. So make sure you enter!

Labels: Author Interviews, Beth Fantaskey, Contests

After a near-death experience, Nicki Styx, found that she could see and hear dead people. Together with her boyfriend Joe, she has gone against some pretty evil spirits and even beaten down the devil. However now their relationship is about to be tested by something even worse that Satan.

All Nicki knows is that she saw three strange women one night hovering over her bed. Then the next day her whole life is turned over and she is left confused. Her boyfriend Joe is not himself and doesn't even believe what Nicki tells him. He won't even listen to her when she tries to explain that the Three Fates are trying to destroy their relationship.

Christmas is coming but the man Nicki wants to spend the season with doesn't want to be with her. Can Nicki go up against fate all by herself? Can she win? It will be a Christmas to remember but will it have a happy ending?

I love this series and have been curling up with this book every evening this week. I have savored every chapter and enjoyed spending time with Nicki again. It didn't take long to get into this series again. Nicki is like an old friend and it was great to visit her and everything felt nice and familiar.

The plot this time around was very interesting and the story unfolded at a nice pace. I was hooked from the first chapter on and really wanted to finish this one in one sitting. However I made myself spread the fun out because I know I will be waiting ages for the next installment.

If you haven't already had the chance to meet Nicki Styx then I highly recommend you get to know her. She is sassy, independent and just like you and me. This paranormal romance is full of mystery and hauntingly good. If you are already a Nicki fan then you will enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit with her. Just watch out for all those other spirits she has hanging around her!

Labels: Books Read, New Releases, Terri Garey

Book Chick City asked me to do a guest review and I couldn't resist using the ARC of Bone Magic by Yasmine Galenorn as my subject ;)

You can go any have a look at the review here. It is a little different to my review already posted here but it still says the same thing - buy this book ;)

Oh and make sure you have a look at Book Chick City! I have just added a few books to my wishlist thanks to the site ;)

Labels: General, Yasmine Galenorn

Now the evil vampire Bishop is no longer ruling the town of Morganville, things are alot different. There is a suddenly a freedom that Claire Denvers and her friends are not used to. They feel comfortable but they are not quite ready to let down their defences and they are right to think that way.

Claire is busy studying, Eve and Shane are busy working and Michael is playing concerts. Then Eve has a new friend called Kim who Claire doesn't get along with. To add insult to injury Claire finds out that Kim once went out with Shane. Then Kim disappears and the gang are a little concerned. They find out what Kim has been really up to and once again they are in trouble with a capital V. V for Vampire!

Fade Out is an amazing. I adore the Morganville vampire series and can't get enough of it. Dark, dangerous and delicious this series is quite addictive. Morganville maybe full of vampires and certainly isn't the safest place to live but I would love to live there and be in the middle of it, just like Claire is.

Morganville rocks and the main characters in this series, good or bad, are just great. I can't wait to find out what happens next and wish I could have made this book drag out a little longer. Alas these books are like Pringles. Once you pop, you can't stop. This series just keeps getting better and the development in the story is constantly making it more and more interesting to read with each new installment.

I highly recommend this series to anyone. This maybe aimed at young adult but the unusual and unique storyline makes it a worthwhile read for any age. Make sure you start at the beginning if you haven't already had the pleasure. It is important that you see Morganville in all its glory from the start.

Labels: Books Read, New Releases, Rachel Caine, Young Adult

I have been drooling over Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side for a while now but still haven't got my hands on a copy. However I decided that while I am waiting I could get to know the author a little better and share the interview with you guys!

So if you haven't come across author Beth Fantaskey yet, then keep reading and find out more about her. If you have across her before then keep reading and maybe learn something new ;)

Keep reading till the end and enter this weeks contest!

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Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you here as a guest! Could you start things off by telling us a bit about Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side?

Beth - It's the story of a very rational, average, adopted American girl who discovers, on the eve of her senior year in high school, that her birth parents were actually vampire royalty. And to make matters worse, Jessica learns this fact from a hot, arrogant, Romanian foreign exchange student who has shown up on her doorstep - insisting that he's a prince from a rival vampire clan, here to claim Jess as his future bride. If Jess doesn't marry Lucius and fulfill a pact signed at their births, it will ignite a global vampire war...

Amber - How did you come up with the idea for Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side? Was it a long process or did it just come to you?

Beth - It was actually very quick. I came up with the idea while on a long car trip, and I just started jotting down ideas on all these old (clean!) napkins that my husband is always stuffing in the glove compartment of his old Subaru. Some of the inspiration comes from my children, who are adopted... but beyond that, it's hard to say!

Amber - What comes next? Is there going to be sequel? Series? Do you have any other projects you are working on?

Beth - My next novel, Jekel Loves Hyde, comes out in the spring. That's basically been my project since Jessica's Guide - and I wrote a "mini sequel" about Jess and Lucius on my website, bethfantaskey.com. Those 22 new chapters are meant as a "thank you" to everybody who's asked to read more of their story, while I consider whether there will be a full sequel. I'm getting lots of wonderful (and some desperate!) requests, so I am definitely working on that right now.

Amber - Have you always wanted to be an author? and why did you pick the paranormal genre?

Beth - I've been a writer for magazines and newspapers for over 20 years, and I think every journalist secretly - and sometimes not so secretly - thinks about writing a novel. That compulsion started getting stronger in me over the last few years, and I began moving into fiction.

The story that I wanted to tell drove the genre. The stranger who shows up on Jess's doorstep needed to really shock (and initially repulse) her - and what would shock a rational, math-oriented girl more than to learn that she's destined to be a "mythical" being?

Amber - Something I have always wondered about is how authors come up with the names for their characters. How do you pick the names you use in your books?

Beth - "Jessica" just popped into my head as perfect for the girl I was imagining - and "Packwood" comes from a mansion down the street from my (very un-mansion-y) house. I took a lot of time combing through Romanian genealogy and name sites before choosing "Lucius Vladescu." I selected "Lucius" because it's strong and masculine and means "light" - although it's also reminiscent of someone very dark and sinister... And "Vladescu" is meant to call to mind the original "Dracula," Vlad the Impaler.



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

Beth - The easiest part is doing stuff like this - basically hanging out with readers. The hard part is just getting down to work every day... being disciplined about sitting down and typing.

Amber - How do you relax? Do you have any hobbies?

Beth - I'm a runner. That's like my therapy. I like to put on music, go out and relax for a few miles. I also love to travel when I get the chance. My last big trip was to India, which was amazing. Now I'm just waiting until my kids are a little older so I can start dragging them around the planet!

Amber - Alot of authors have 'soundtracks' for their books. Is there any music influenced your books?

Beth - I either put on Pandora or my local college radio station, WQSU, which mainly plays alternative rock. My Pandora mix includes everything from AC/DC and Kenny Chesney to Saosin and Rammstein. I like to keep an open mind, music-wise, which is reflected a little in the German metal and pop references in Jessica's Guide.



Amber - What books do you enjoy reading? Do you have any favourite authors/series?

Beth - I am a big fan of classic authors like Dickens and Dumas - which is probably pretty obvious to readers of Jessica's Guide. There are lots of references to Austen, Melville, etc. And, of course, Jekel Loves Hyde is a twist on the old Robert Louis Stevenson novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. As for a favorite work... it's hard to beat The Count of Monte Cristo, in my eyes. It's a page-turner with an incredibly dangerous, charismatic hero... I love it!

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

Beth - This probably seems boring, but I'd have to say vampire. There's just something so compelling about them!

Amber - Thank you for visiting Amberkatze's Book Blog! I hope you will come back again someday!




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Contest Time!

This weeks prize is something extremely rare and special. Beth is giving away a printed copy of the 'Wedding chapters'. It isn't anything fancy, just printed off her computer and stuck in a binder which makes it very rare! She will however sign it! Which makes it very special!

All you have to do to enter this contest is post a comment on any other post on Amberkatze's Book Blog and let us know where you posted.

No Post = 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 15th of November 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, Beth Fantaskey, Contests

Lots of winners to announce this week! So make sure you read through slowly and carefully. Speed reading could cost you a prize!

The details on how to claim your prize will be right at the end of the post. Make sure you follow the instructions so that your prize claim can be processed as quick as possible.

Before I let you know who won what! A huge thank you to all the authors who were guests on the Halloween Weekend Special. They all sent me great interviews/guest blogs and offered some amazing prizes. Thank you!

Also a thank you to all of you! Your entries and comments are always a pleasure to read and it is a joy to see the regular names as well as the new ones!

So first up we have the winner of the Julie Kenner Contest!


Steve!!!


Congrats a signed copy of Tainted will be finding its way to you!!

The next contest has two winners! Terri Garey was giving away two signed copies of her new release 'Silent Night, Haunted Night' as well as a beaded bookmark.

So congrats to -


Indigo!!!

&

Ivy!!!


Keep reading to find out how to claim your prizes!

The Stacia Kane Contest prize is a signed copy of Demon Inside! Who won?
Well Done -


AmandaK!!!


The last winner gets to pick a book from one of the above authors who took part in the Halloween Weekend Special. It has to be a book that is already on sale and can be the first in the series or the newest in the series. Who gets to pick? Congratulations -


Wantsandwishes!!!


Also there is one more winner. Nobody claimed the Maria Lima Contest prize so the new lucky person who will get a copy of her new release 'Blood Kin' (with moi mentioned in the acknowledgements!) is -


SiNn!!!


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. Please make sure you mention which prize you are claiming and if needed let me know your 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.

More author interviews/guest Blogs and contests coming soon! Make sure you sign up for the newsletter so you don't miss anything!

Enter your email address:

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Labels: Contests, Halloween, Julie Kenner, Maria Lima, Stacia Kane, Terri Garey, Winners

Zoey Redbird has just banished an immortal and a fallen High Priestess, saved Stark's life and nearly died. You would think that after so much action that she would get a break. Unfortunately things are not getting any quieter in the House of the Night school. Three guys all think they are Zoey's Boyfriend, her grandmother is still in hospital, her best friend is keeping secrets from her and she still needs to take care of her friends.

If Zoey could just get a good nights sleep. Kalona keeps invading her dreams and she knows that she still has to get rid of him permantly. How will she do it though? Can they all go back to the school or will they have to live with the nuns? So many questions and decisions need to be made. Everyone is looking at Zoey, the new High Priestess, to lead them into their future. Whatever it brings.

I have been a huge fan of this series since it came out. The last book in the series, Hunted, was good but I thought it lacked something. This newest installment lacked alot and I have to say it was, for me, the worst in the series.

The first problem was that this book suddenly has multiple narrators. The books were always from Zoey's perspective. However this time other characters also told their side of the story. This wouldn't have bothered me too much if it was a constant change between maybe a couple of characters but it seems the authors just kept changing to who they felt they needed to. Also the change of character didn't feel like a change of character. They all sounded like Zoey which made the change hard to notice and keep in perspective.

The second problem I had with this new edition is the lack of a real story. Usually there is a beginning, a middle and then an end. However this book just felt like the middle all the way through. So in this case 'Hunted' was the beginning and now 'Tempted' is the middle. This makes the next book 'Burned' the end? I have to say I am a little confused. Tempted seemed a little like a story arc and not much else.

My last big problem is Zoey's love life. She suddenly has three guys who all believe they are her boyfriend and also Kalona is is after her. Now I have nothing against relationships coming into a book and romance etc is fine and normal. However for a young adult series I think 4 guys/men is just a little too over the top and unrealistic. Give Zoey one and have one more on the side to keep things interesting but four? Boring, annoying and taking up too much time in the plot.

Don't think that this isn't worth reading though. With the faults it has and despite how frustrated I was with the ending it is still readable. Actually any fan who has been following the series has to read this to keep up with the story. However I have to say that I hope the next book, Burned, does actually make more progress than Tempted does.

All in all this series is great and I highly recommend it to everyone who likes vamps and wants to try something different. It is Young Adult but it isn't too young and actually is more adult in some respects. Deep, dark and unusual I really do like this series. Tempted however has let the series down.

Labels: Books Read, Kristin Cast, New Releases, P.C. Cast, Young Adult

Another equinox is here, and life's getting more tumultuous for the D'Artigo sisters. Smoky, the dragon of Camille's dreams, must choose between his family and her. Plus, the sisters can't locate the new demon general in town. And Camille's summoned to Otherworld, thinking she'll reunite with her long-lost soul mate Trillian. But once there, she must undergo a drastic ritual that will forever change her and those she loves.

I am not allowed to give away too much about this newest Sisters of the Moon book so I have used the blurb from Amazon for this review. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to read this book seeing as it is not actually due for release until the beginning of January. This is one of my favourite must have series and I was excited to find that one of my reviews from Paranormal Romance has been quoted and used in the book. However I doubt you care about that. You all really want to know what I thought...

What can I say that hasn't already been said? This series is amazing, unique and addictive. Bone Magic continues the story of my favourite paranormal sisters and this time we return to Camille the witch. Not only is she the magical older sister but she is also very sexy.

Erotic was the theme at one point in the book and there was a 'wow' factor to the one scene I have in mind. This series is continuing to develop and evolve. Deep, dark and full of mystery, I am always surprised at what happens next. Another wait begins to find out what the author has in store for the D'Artigo girls.

Anyone new to the series should start at the beginning and play catch up! If you have been following the series make sure that you pre-order this. Then when it arrives, shut out the world and curl up with Camille and delve into her story and enjoy. A busy work week left me grabbing at this book at every opportunity and I really hated not being able to give the sisters the attention they deserved.

Galenorn does not disappoint and I doubt she ever will. One of the best out there that every reader of the Urban Paranormal Fantasy genre should be enjoying on a regular basis. No other world feels as real as the one this author has painted.

Labels: ARC, Books Read, Yasmine Galenorn

There are still four contests up and running from the Halloween Weekend Special!

Make sure you enter before 4pm (Central European Time) on Sunday for your chance to win!

Win a copy of Stacia Kane's Demon Inside!

Win Tainted by Julie Kenner!

Win one of two copies of Silent Night, Haunted Night by Terri Garey!

Win a book of your choice by one of the above mentioned authors!

Labels: Contests, Julie Kenner, Stacia Kane, Terri Garey

So I was meant to announce some winners yesterday but with all the Halloween Specials I decided to give myself a break and read a book ;)

Anyway lets get on with the winner announcements!

Maria Lima was giving away a copy of her new release 'Blood Kin'! One lucky winner will get a copy of Maria's new book which (as I found out today when my order arrived) has Amberkatze's Book Blog mentioned in it!

So who is the lucky winner?


Randominities!!!


Congrats! You won!!!

Keep reading to the end to find out how to claim your prize!

So the Monthly Giveaway has also come to an end and it is time to announce the winners. Yes this month there are two winners! One winner gets the treat (the book with the most votes) and one the trick (the book with the least votes)!

But first lets have a look at how the voting went...

In last place (the trick prize) was Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout with 11%.

Fourth Place went to Eve of Darkness by S. J. Day with 15% of the votes.

Third place went to Dead Man Talking by Casey Daniels which got 18%.

Then Second place was taken up by Immortal: Love Stories With Bite by P.C. Cast & Others 25%

That left Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill the winner with 31% of the votes!

So who won?

The Treat goes to the email beginning with -


Allthingsurbanfantasy!!!


And the Trick goes to the email beginning with -


Dragongoddess73!!!


Congrats to you both!

But wait! There is one more...

Nobody claimed the Casey Daniels prize! So we get to draw a new winner! So well done to -


Stephanie!!!


Make sure you don't miss out and claim your prize!

Didn't win this time? Keep tuned for the November Monthly Giveaway! Until then there are four contests up and running right now that you can enter!

Win a copy of Stacia Kane's Demon Inside!

Win Tainted by Julie Kenner!

Win one of two copies of Silent Night, Haunted Night by Terri Garey!

Win a book of your choice by one of the above mentioned authors!

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.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Labels: Casey Daniels, Contests, Julie Kenner, Maria Lima, Monthly Giveaway, Stacia Kane, Terri Garey, Winners

No blurb for this one because I am pretty sure you all know the story! If you don't then maybe you are visiting the wrong site? Took a wrong turn? Because here on Amberkatze's Book Blog Vampires are a must read even if it is the Twilight Saga!

There are things I love and things I hate about the Twilight Series but I already have my tickets for the New Moon film coming out later this month. Therefore I needed to catch up with the books. It was a long time ago when I read the series and the story isn't as fresh in my mind as I would like it. I need to know what the film makers have done wrong or changed when I am sitting in the cinema.

Audio books are a great way to 're-read' a book if you haven't really got the time to sit down and read. I listen to them on my iPod while travelling to and from work and even while shopping. I really enjoyed listening to New Moon and like the narrator's voice. It does take a little getting used to at first but it slowly grows on you as the story unfolds.

If you are looking for a good, well made and interesting audio book to try out then you couldn't do much worse than this series. I have already listened to Twilight and New Moon and already have my sights set on Eclipse and Breaking Dawn after watching the New Moon film.

Oh and if you don't feel like listening to books then I can highly recommend the New Moon Soundtrack! It is really quite good!

Labels: Audiobooks, Books Read, Stephenie Meyer

To close the Halloween Weekend I have an interview to share with you! Stacia Kane is a great author who has some Personal Demons and some may say a Demon Inside. If you haven't checked out her books yet then I highly recommend you do!

Enjoy the interview and make sure you enter the contest! Oh and make sure you enter the other contests (see the sidebar for more info) which don't close for entries until November 8th!

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Contest Time!

Stacia is kindly giving away a signed copy of DEMON INSIDE!! One lucky winner will get their very own demon!! Cool!!

All you have to do to enter this contest is tell us what you dressed up as this Halloween! If you didn't dress up then tell us as who you would like to dress up as.

No Costume = 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! (although right now the account is empty....)




The contest will stay open until Sunday 8th of November 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, Stacia Kane