After Renee Winters discovers her parents lying dead in California’s Redwood Forest in what appears to be a strange double murder, her grandfather sends her off to Gottfried Academy in Maine, a remote and mysterious high school dedicated to philosophy, “crude sciences,” and Latin: the Language of the Dead. It’s here she meets Dante, a dark and elusive student to whom she feels inexplicably drawn. As they get to know each other better, Dante can’t seem to control his attraction either, and their desires gradually deepen into a complex and dangerous romance. Dangerous because Dante is hiding a frightening secret. A secret so terrible, it has him fearing for Renee’s life.
Dante’s not the only one with secrets, though. Turns out Gottfried Academy has a few of its own… Like, how come students keep disappearing? Why are the prefect-like Monitors creeping around campus during the night? And what exactly are the Headmistress and Professors really up to? Renee is determined to find out why.
My Thoughts -
The blurb for this book had me intrigued and when I saw this up on Audible.com I decided to give it a go. The mysterious element and the unknown aspects of this book had me very curious. What are we talking about here? Vampires? Werewolves? What? It took most of the book to actually find out but it the story leading up to it was interesting enough to keep me going.
Actually the suspense was killing me. I wanted to know what it all meant. Was there even a paranormal angle to this or not? Strange and unexplained things kept happening and there seemed to be more questions than answers. It was worth the wait though and the story turned out to be quite a little gem.
A little bit Twilight like and a hint of Vampire Academy, this was a good read and well put together story. I am sure it was a one off but if there was to be a series then I would be pre-ordering the sequel now. This is an author I am going to be keeping a look out for. Beautiful Dead is one of those books that stays with you forever. Compelling, romantic and deadly. Worth checking out!
Now Jackie is well known for her Hell on Earth succubus books and also her superhero YA novels written with Caitlin Kittredge. But did you know she has a new YA series out? A cool new series about the four riders of the apocalypse?
I have had the pleasure of reading both Hunger and Rage and can only highly recommend them both. I am really looking forward to the next two books and hopefully you will all get yourselves a copy and agree with me!
Maybe you will win a copy? Check out the contest after reading the interview. You could get a copy of Hunger!
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Amber - Welcome to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you here as a guest again! Could you start things off by telling us a little about your YA series, The Riders?
Jackie - Thanks, Amber. I'm really happy to be here. :) The Riders' Quartet is a series of four books about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and, more important, about a specific issue faced by the different teen protagonists. HUNGER is Famine's book, and it focuses on eating disorders.
Amber - How did the idea for the series come about? Is it something you have been working on for a while?
Jackie - I had the idea for HUNGER for 10 years. I'd told myself that no one would want to read it. Luckily, my agent convinced me otherwise. (For the record, I don't recommend waiting 10 years to write a book!)
Amber - I already had the pleasure of reading HUNGER and was extremely impressed about the way you spotlighted such a delicate subject. You seem to know a lot about eating disorders. Is is something you researched or something you have dealt with yourself?
Jackie - I used to be bulimic. Writing HUNGER was extremely cathartic, even though I haven't been bulimic for a long time. I did do some research into specific anorexic behavior.
Amber - Will the other books also focus on other teenage 'problems'?
Jackie - Yes. RAGE, which will come out early spring 2011, is about a teen girl who self-injures, who becomes the new avatar of War. LOSS, which I'm writing now, is about a bullied teenage boy who is tricked into becoming Pestilence. The fourth book, BREATH, will be Death's book. I haven't started writing that one yet, but it's safe to say the issue will have something to do with death. :)
Amber - Is it hard switch genres? A sexy succubus one day and a Young Adult series the next? Did you always want to write a Young Adult series?
Jackie - It's actually not as hard as I would have thought. Then again, I didn't intentionally set out to write YA, so there you go!
Amber - The books have really cool covers! Did you get a say in that?
Jackie - I had absolutely no say in the cover, but I am extremely grateful to have been blessed by the cover gods.
Amber - How long on average does it take you to write a book? Do you have a process you follow? or do you just start at page one and see what happens?
Jackie - Well...HUNGER had been brewing for 10 years. So it all came pouring out in four weeks. (To be fair, it is a very short book.) RAGE took longer -- a couple months to write the first four chapters and the synopsis, and then two more months to write the rest of the book, with a lot of research in the middle. LOSS at the moment is giving me gray hair from how long it's taking. But that's OK. The words will come.
For me, I absolutely must have the right opening sentence. It's just one of those things; if I don't have the right opening sentence, I can't move forward. Frustrating, really.
Amber - A lot of authors have 'soundtracks' for their books. Is there any music that influenced the Riders series?
Jackie - For HUNGER, no, because the words came so quickly -- that being said, Nirvana songs play a role. For RAGE, I listened to a lot of Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Shine Down, Linkin Park, Nickelback, and definitely Nirvana. LOSS is mostly Linkin Park and Nirvana. As for BREATH, I currently have Nirvana, Breaking Benjamin, Shaman's Harvest and Slipknot on the soundtrack.
Amber - Are you working on any other projects you would like to tell us about?
Jackie - Other projects, yes. Other contracted projects, no. ;)
Amber - There has been quite a lot of Paranormal TV series and Films to hit the screens lately. Why do you think that is? Would you like to see any of your characters come to life in the same way?
Jackie - Just like people enjoy reading about the supernatural, they like to watch it too. Stories about monsters, after all, are really stories about our own humanity. And heck yes, I'd love to see my characters on screen. I think a lot of HUNGER would have to be reimagined because so much of the book is internal -- just like what Alan Ball did with Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series for True Blood, a visionary director would have to do something similar with HUNGER. But it could be done! As for the superhero books and Jezebel's books...man, those are tailor-made for the big screen. Or possibly, in Jezzy's case, HBO. :)
Amber - Which Rider would you like to be? Or would you choose to be Death?
Jackie - Oh heavens. I wouldn't want to be any of them. I have far too much fun playing God when I write them. But I wouldn't mind hanging out with Death. He's cool. And he plays a mean guitar.
Amber - Thanks for visiting Amberkatze's Book Blog again!
Jackie - Thanks again, Amber!
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Contest Time
Would you like to win a copy of Hunger? Well just enter the contest to win!
How to Enter
Everywhere I look I see Christmas! Are you ready? Have you got all the presents? Do you wait till the last minute? Or is it just too early?
No Christmas = No Entry
Earn more entries for each link you place about this contest on the net. You can post on Facebook, Twitter & MySpace but make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries! However please do not make individual postings for each entry. Please post all your entries in one post.
Advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog on your site and get an extra entry for this and every other contest!
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.
Make sure you post your links here so I can confirm your entries.
Keep the contests going by using the Bookdepository.com links/Banners below and around the site!
The contest will stay open until Sunday 5th of December 2010 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.
Sometimes being an outsider is the best way to fit in…
Sasha Carrington has grown up feeling like an outsider, and her parents are too concerned with scaling the Lincoln, Connecticut, social ladder to even notice her. They’d be really horrified to know about the supernatural abilities Sasha and her friends Krystal and Jake possess. But as part of the Mystyx, Sasha has found her place.
Now her parents have suddenly taken an interest in everything she does, and their timing couldn’t be worse. Sasha’s father wants her to become BFFs with snooty Alyssa Turner, who hates Krystal for stealing her boyfriend. Then there’s Antoine Watson, the boy Sasha has liked forever, the boy her parents would never approve of. But with the dark side getting more dangerous by the day, and the Mystyx’s own powers growing in unexpected ways, Sasha is facing choices that could affect her friends, her love life—and even her destiny…
My Review -
I read Artist Arthur's debut book, Manifest, back in April and I was very impressed. So when I saw the sequel, Mystify, up for review I couldn't resist grabbing it and reading it as soon as possible. I really wanted to know what happened next and of course I had to know if Manifest was just a one off or if the author really had something.
Well the author really does has something. Mystify is told from the perspective of another character this time around but the main plot is still the same. Once again there was a mix of magic and the paranormal as all the youngsters involved start to find out more about their powers and why they have them. As with Manifest I was hooked within a few pages and can only applaud the author for keeping the story original and different from all the other series for Young Adults that I seem to be drowning in lately. Sure there are little details you may think you have read in another series somewhere before but on a whole the concept is quite unusual and will leave you wanting more.
Due for release in January this is a series I am definitely going to keep following. Twists and turns in the story kept me surprised and I am interested in what will happen next. If you haven't already read Manifest then add it to your Christmas wishlist or get a copy for that Young Adult reader you need a present for (and then ask to borrow it...or read it before you wrap it...) because this is well worth reading.
To be entered to win the book all you had to do was leave a question for Elisabeth to answer. Well there were some great questions (some may appear in future interviews!) and Elisabeth even came by and answered them for you!
However the contest is now closed and it is time to announce the winner. Congratulations to -
Tore!!!
If you didn't win this time then make sure you keep a look out for the next author contest and also sometime this week the Monthly Giveaway will be starting...
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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 won a contest where you can choose your prize, then please make sure you state in your email which book you would like. This will help things go alot quicker!
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 received 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.
Never miss out on a new Author Event, Contest or Book Review! Subscribe Now!
Use the Bookdepository or Amazon links/banners to keep the prizes coming! Oh and advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog wherever you can ;)
After centuries of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens the tenuous peace.
Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness, including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes . . . and forbidden lovers.
A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.
My Review -
I wasn't sure I really wanted to read this one. For some reason the cover was putting me off while the blurb was egging me on. In the end I decided to take a chance on this book and see if it was as good as it sounded and better than it looked. To sum things up - It was worth it.
Due for release in January this is the second Dark Brethren novel and comes after Night's Cold Kiss. This is something I didn't realise when I started reading Death's Sweet Embrace. It was only when I was feeling a little confused about the technical workings of the paranormal elements involved within the story that it suddenly became clear to me that this wasn't the first in the series as I had presumed. In the end this didn't really bother me that much because I also found out that the first book was from another characters perspective. It seems the first book was all about Antoinette and this one centered on Kitt.
Which was fine with me because Kitt is, wait for it, a Snow Leopard! Or at least a were snow-leopard which made this book an instant hit for me. I love were-cats but a snow leopard is just amazing. I have no doubt that this fact alone will have me praising this book. However on the other hand there isn't much to moan about when it comes to this book because on a whole this was a good read. A little too fast and furious sometimes but I managed to keep up and I enjoyed what I read. This had a Jeannie Frost feel to it but also had a taste of J.R. Ward.
Death's Sweet Embrace is certainly how a good Urban Paranormal Fantasy should read and I am glad I took the time to check it out. Tracey O'Hara has devised an interesting new look on things and has made it extremely colourful and exciting. I will definitely be checking out the first book in the series to add the the missing pieces to the puzzle and look forward to any more parts in the series.
Keep a look out for the November Monthly Giveaway! I will be posting the poll soon but first I have to decide which 5 books from my reads this month I want to offer you guys :)
Also if you haven't already checked it out then make sure you take the time to visit the Jennifer Rardin Tribute. Click the picture below to be take straight to the event.
Let me set the record straight. My name is Charlotte Silver and I'm not one of those paranormal-obsessed freaks you see on TV…no, those would be my parents, who have their own ghost-hunting reality show. And while I'm usually roped into the behind-the-scenes work, it turns out that I haven't gone unnoticed. Something happened on my parents' research trip in Charleston—and now I'm being stalked by some truly frightening other beings.
Trying to fit into a new school and keeping my parents' creepy occupation a secret from my friends—and potential boyfriends—is hard enough without having angry spirits whispering in my ear. All I ever wanted was to be normal, but with ghosts of my past and present colliding, now I just want to make it out of high school alive….
My Thoughts -
This interesting blurb had me intrigued and couldn't resist accepting the opportunity to read and review Past Midnight. The chances of liking a new author is slim but after watching my fair share of ghost-hunting reality shows I really wanted to see how the author used the angle in this story and if it was as good as it sounded.
I was impressed within a few chapters. The suspense and spookiness of story had me unwilling to put the book down for very long. Charlotte isn't your typical needy naive main girly character and I enjoyed getting to know her. It was a relief to come across a non romantic based Young Adult story with no unrealistic dramatics. Sure this is about paranormal activity but it comes across as something that could happen.
What I liked a lot about this story was that the 'ghost' angle is still up for debate. The author doesn't say that it is not possible but she also doesn't deny it could happen. Despite everything Charlotte, her family and friends go through there is still the possibility that there was a logical explanation for everything that happened.
If Past Midnight is the beginning of a series then it is definitely going on my to be read list. I had never heard of this author before but her style and the concept for this story really was enjoyable to read and quite spooky. I loved this Young Adult and loved it even more for its lack of romance and teenie girls. Yes there are cheerleaders but no page long talk about what to wear and putting on make-up. Mara Purnhagen has kept things simple but special.
It is seven years after the collapse of modern civilization, and the world is entering a new Dark Age. Can best friends Elysia and Darien trust the animal spirits that are beckoning them to escape into the wilderness and create a new way of life? And will they give in to the mutual passion they've always denied?
My Thoughts -
The Wild's Call is a prequel story set in the same world as Jeri Smith-Ready's Aspect of Crow trilogy and is a free read only available on Kindle. So one of the first things I did when I got my Kindle was download this story. Jeri is one of my favourite authors and I have been wondering about this short story for a while and decided to give it a go this morning.
I was a little confused at first because this story isn't set in the world we know. This really is a prequel. A before it all happened. A start and a little taste of what is to come. This novella was over too quickly but I know that anyone who has read the series will appreciate this story for what it is. A good piece of writing and a quick look at how things started.
How Jeri managed to get so much information and feeling into such a small amount of words is beyond me. However it just goes to show how great a writer she really is. I will have a little moan about the ending. I was expecting just a little bit more. Maybe another paragraph or two but it was really over and it didn't matter how many times I tried to 'turn the page' there wasn't anything left to read.
I hope that one day Jeri will revisit this series and expand on it but for now I am happy to read everything and anything else she writes. If you don't have a Kindle to read this story then maybe think about downloading Kindle for the PC and read it that way. I should have done that a long time ago but I was being stubborn about reading things on the computer. This short story is worth spending a little time at the screen reading but if you have a Kindle already you really need to look this one up.
Welcome to the first Haunted Guest House mystery-the getaway every reader can afford.
Newly divorced Alison Kerby wants a second chance for herself and her nine-year-old daughter. She's returned to her hometown on the Jersey Shore to transform a Victorian fixer-upper into a charming-and profitable-guest house. One small problem: the house is haunted, and the two ghosts insist Alison must find out who killed them.
My Thoughts -
Feeling a little under the weather, I felt like something nice and easy to curl up with and I picked the perfect book. I am quite partial to a cozy mystery and if it has a paranormal element to it I have to have it. This ghostly mystery was very captivating and kept me guessing the whole way though. With nice little twists and turns and a superb group of characters there is nothing really wrong with this debut in the series.
This book about a haunted house being renovated into a guesthouse really caught my eye and I was happy to try this new series. Anyone who likes a good mystery and/or a ghostly paranormal element, will really like this one. I already have the second part (due out in Spring) added to my pre-order wishlist. I am really curious to see where the author takes this series next and how the guesthouse and its occupants get along with each other.
Author Elisabeth Naughton used to be a junior-high science teacher, now she writes sexy romantic adventure and paranormal novels full time from her home in western Oregon.
I was lucky enough to read the second book in Elisabeth's Eternal Guardians series back in Summer and I have to admit that I really enjoyed it. Of course after reading Entwined, Marked went on my wishlist. I downloaded it when I got my Kindle and hope to read it very soon.
Enjoy the interview and check out the contest! Elisabeth is giving away one of her books to one lucky person!
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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 little about your Eternal Guardians Series?
Elisabeth – Thanks so much for inviting me to be here! I love talking about my Eternal Guardians so this question isn’t a hard one ;)
The Eternal Guardians are seven warriors descended from the seven strongest heroes in Greek mythology (Hercules, Odysseus, Achilles, Jason, Theseus, Perseus & Bellerephone). They protect not only their realm (composed of the offspring of the heroes) but the human realm as well from daemons breaking free of the Underworld, hell-bent on destruction.
Amber - How did you come up with the idea for the series? Was it a long process or did the idea just come to you?
Elisabeth – The idea for MARKED, book one in the series, came to me as a “what if?” question. I knew I wanted to write something about Greek mythology. I knew I wanted to write something about a woman who was marked to save a race she didn’t know existed. And I knew I wanted the warrior who was sent to find her to fall for her, even though he knew bringing her back to his world would condemn her to death. From there, ideas blossomed, and when I sat down to write the book, threads and angles I never planned or saw coming hit me from all sides. The series erupted from that point.
Amber - The series has a lot to do with Ancient Greek. Is this a subject you already knew a lot about? or did you have to do some research for the series?
Elisabeth – I’ve always been fascinated with Ancient Greece. When I was writing STOLEN FURY, my debut release, I did so much research on Greek mythology that I knew I had to write a series somehow linked to the ancient myths. But no, I don’t know all there is to know about Ancient Greece. (I wish!) Every day I learn something new, which is a good thing. I love research!
Amber - Why the paranormal genre?
Elisabeth – Well, I will honestly say I never planned to write a paranormal series. I started off in Romantic Suspense (which I still love and write in) and I’ve dabbled in contemporary romance (which is also fun). When I had the idea for the Eternal Guardians I asked my agent if she thought I should give it a go. She said sure (I wasn’t under contract at the time), I started writing. The book flowed from there and when we finally submitted it, it sold in less than two weeks. No one was more surprised than me.
Amber - Will there be more books in the Eternal Guardians series? Are you working on anything else?
Elisabeth – Yes, definitely. I just sold three more books in the Eternal Guardians Series. Book 3, TEMPTED, is Isadora's story, and it will release in Oct 2011. I can't quite tell you who her hero is yet...it'll ruin the surprise...but those who have read books one and two will probably have a guess. I do realize the Oct 2011 release is a bit of a wait for readers, but I switched publishers so the delay couldn't be avoided. After that I'm back on a 6 mo. or less pub schedule. ENRAPTURED (book 4) will release in early 2012 followed by book 5, which at the moment is tentatively titled UNLEASHED (but we’re still tinkering there). However, to tide readers over until the next book comes out, I'll be posting info about the series and free reads on my website in the next few months, so readers should check there for more info.
As for what else I’m working on…
In June 2011 I have a novella coming out with Kensington. Acapulco Heat is a romantic suspense novella which can be found in the BODYGUARDS IN BED anthology. The book contains stories from me, Jamie Denton & Lucy Monroe. Anyone who read my Stolen books will recognize the heroine. (This story was so much fun to write!) I’m also toying with another RS series idea and a new paranormal series which is just in the “percolating/research” stage right now.
Amber - How much say do you have in the book publishing process? Eg. Do you get to pick the cover?
Elisabeth – Unfortunately, authors don’t have a lot of sway in things like covers and back jacket blurbs (unless you’re a HUGE name author!), but I’m lucky enough to have an editor who shares with me the plan for the covers and takes feedback from me and my agent. She’s also great about letting me see the back jacket blurb so I can make sure any big secrets aren’t revealed on the back of the book.
Amber - What are the good times and bad times of being an author?
Elisabeth – For the most part, being an author is the dream I always thought it would be. I love writing and drafting stories. I love taking something that doesn’t shine and polishing it until it gleams. I love playing the “what if” game and bringing characters to life on the page. And I absolutely LOVE hearing from readers who have lost themselves in my world. I have some of the best fans on the planet!
Don’t get me wrong…being an author is hard work. I’ve sacrificed a lot to fulfill my dream. And at the end of the day, there’s a lot of work that goes into being an author that isn’t writing-related, ie, promo, answering emails, blogging, book signings, judging contests, going to conferences and tons and tons of research. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. When I have to give up a day of writing to work in the office (like today), I remind myself that this is part of the job. And this is the job I always wanted.
Amber – A lot of authors have 'soundtracks' for their books. Is there any music influenced your books?
Elisabeth – Of course! Music is a big part of my writing schedule. I can’t listen to music with lyrics when I’m drafting or editing but I do get ideas from songs and always have “theme” songs for my books. When I’m plotting my Eternal Guardians books, I listen to a lot of Linkin Park, Evanescence, Rascal Flatts & Bon Jovi (yes, I have eclectic tastes).
When actually writing, I love instrumental music. Some of my favorite soundtracks to write to are Transformers, Lord of the Rings, Gladiator & The Chronicles of Narnia.
Amber - What books do you enjoy reading? Do you have any favourite authors/series?
Elisabeth – I love so many books. I grew up on CS Lewis’s Narnia series and LM Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Gone With the Wind made a major impact on me (my first romance!) and Lord of the Rings introduced me to the world of adult fantasy. In romance I enjoy many authors – Elizabeth Lowell, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Judith McNaught…and my critique partner, Joan Swan, whose first book, FEVER, releases from Kensington in 2012 (awesome, AWESOME book! Put it on your TBB list!)
Amber - If you could be any paranormal creature, what would you be and why?
Elisabeth – Gosh, that’s a hard one! I honestly don’t know that I could choose, but right now I’m fascinated with the Sirens. These females who were gorgeous but at the same time extremely deadly. You may be seeing the Sirens in my books very soon!
Amber - Thank you for being a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog! Feel free to come by again sometime!
Elisabeth - Thanks so much, Amber. I had a great time! And because it’s been so much fun, I’ve got a book to give away! I’ll let the winner choose a book from my backlist as a prize. Simply leave me a question in the comment section to be entered to win!
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Contest Time
Elisabeth will be giving this weeks winner one book from her backlist. The prize can be won by anyone in the world as the author has kindly said it is open internationally!
How to Win
Simply leave me a question for Elisabeth in the comment section to be entered to win!
No Question = No Entry
Earn more entries for each link you place about this contest on the net. You can post on Facebook, Twitter & MySpace but make sure you add links here for me to confirm your entries! However please do not make individual postings for each entry. Please post all your entries in one post.
Advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog on your site and get an extra entry for this and every other contest!
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.
Make sure you post your links here so I can confirm your entries.
Keep the contests going by using the Bookdepository.com links/Banners below and around the site!
The contest will stay open until Sunday 28th of November 2010 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.
My author guest last week was Linda Wisdom. The interview cleared up a few questions that I had about her amazing Witchy series and I from some of the comments I read it also cleared up a few questions you guys had. So a huge thank you to Linda for stopping by!
Please contact me (see info below) and make sure you tell me which book you want from the Witchy series!
If you didn't win this time then make sure you check back in on a regular basis! There is usually a contest once a week and the monthly giveaway....well once a month :)
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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 won a contest where you can choose your prize, then please make sure you state in your email which book you would like. This will help things go alot quicker!
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 received 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.
Never miss out on a new Author Event, Contest or Book Review! Subscribe Now!
Use the Bookdepository or Amazon links/banners to keep the prizes coming! Oh and advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog wherever you can ;)
Cursed with immortality, driven into a nomadic life on the fringes of society to escape those who hunt her, Amber Hale has learned the bitter lesson that she can never grow close to anyone. Never love.
Only once did she break her own rules. And her lover, Kai Warin, paid for her mistake with his life. For decades, she's been numb with grief. Now, confronted by a soul reaper--an agent of one of the most powerful of the Underworld deities--with Kai's face, she must acknowledge the likelihood that he betrayed her...to the Lord of Evil himself.
Forced into an uneasy alliance and plagued by the unwanted yearning between them, they must work together to elude the dark forces hunting them both...
My Thoughts -
This author is very new to me. I don't actually know why I haven't come across her books before because they sound very good. Now I have a Kindle I decided to try this novella to see if this series could really be as good as it sounds. What I read did impress me and now I am trying to stop myself from downloading the next book.
The novella is only a introduction to the series but the concept and the writing style both spoke to me the whole way through. I am not sure what to compare this to but it did have a little bit of a Dark-Hunter feel to it but with an Egyptian twist.
Anyone who has already read this series please let me know what you think of it! I am adding the books to my wishlist and really hope I have found another good paranormal read!
Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.
See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.
And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever— and whoever—she wants.
I DON’T THINK SO.
My Review -
The end of Rachel Vincent's Werecat series was amazing but sad at the same time. No more Faythe and the other cats. However there was a silver lining and that came in the form of the Soul Screamer series which is written by the same author. This may only be aimed at Young Adults but any lover of the author will enjoy this series. Actually how can anyone not enjoy this series?
Soul Screamers book 4 a.k.a My Soul To Steal picks up the story a few weeks after the last book, My Soul to Keep, left us. Kaylee is back in school and she has to deal with seeing Nash again but there are some weird and annoying disruptions going on around the couple which stop them from really working things out. Which is basically what this book is about. The relationship, the lack of, the will they ever work it out and of course the spanner thrown in the works which comes in the shape of Sabine.
While this book was certainly good and definitely worth reading, this one lacked a big huge dose of the paranormal. There is a plot going on to do with Hellions but to be honest it wasn't enough for me and I wanted more. Kaylee hardly screamed liked a Banshee and there were too many couple problems. Although maybe that is my age just showing :)
This is still a must read series and author for me. I am really looking forward to finding out more about the little gifts they all got at the end of this book. A great addition to the series but it didn't top the previous books. Pre-order this if you have been following the story because you don't want to miss this and if you haven't tried this yet then you really need to check it out.
This week my author guest is Linda Wisdom! Read the interview to find out more about what is happening with her books and how her characters are doing. Also make sure you enter the contest to win one of Linda's books.
Also check out the Jennifer Rardin Tribute. My interview with Jennifer is being used as part of the month long event. If you comment on the interview you can also win a signed copy of Bitten in Two! So be sure you go along and enter the contest and check out the other events.
On Halloween I had a few author guests and a couple of contests! Now all the prizes have been claimed except for one. So it is time to pick a new winner!
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 won a contest where you can choose your prize, then please make sure you state in your email which book you would like. This will help things go alot quicker!
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.
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This vampire has been alone for far too long . . .
As one of the most ancient in the Argeneau clan, Cale Valens has given up on finding a life mate. His friends and family, however, have not. In fact, they believe they've finally found his perfect match. Getting them together, however, requires one little white lie . . .
Alexandra Willan is in a panic. Her restaurant is due to open in two weeks, but her chef just walked out. Then a highly recommended replacement arrives, an impossibly handsome culinary genius who sends electric tingles racing through her body . . .
Except he can't cook. In fact, Cale hasn't eaten real food in two thousand years. Yet he's determined to prove to Alex his prowess in the kitchen . . . and elsewhere. Because never has he hungered so for any mortal woman. And not just for a taste of her, but for the whole delicious feast!
My Review -
I read this back in October but was asked to post my review at a later date. So here it is! Don't forget to order the book :)
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Most series don't last as long as the Argeneau books have. There is somethingvery special about this series and it certainly keeps me coming back for more. Maybe it is the unique paranormal angle that has me hooked? Or itcould be the fun characters that make up the Argeneau family? The romanceand heat certainly make the books attractive but I think the main reason I lovethese books is that I never know what to expect.
Anyonewho has read an Argeneau novel will know that the basic structure of each bookis the same. Guy meets gal, one of them is an immortal, they are life mates and fall in love etc. Sounds boring but Lynsay Sands always manages to make eachnew book even more exciting and interesting. There is always a new set oflead characters with a different location and realistic life story. Nothing exceptthe basics is the same and every new book in the series always impresses me.
Thistime around we finally hear the story of the third Willan sister. I havebeen looking forward to seeing what happened to Alex and it was a pleasurereading her story. As always the majority of the Argeneau clan made anappearance and it was great to catch up with everyone. I feel completelyat home with this series and always manage to read the newest release withinhours. I just can't keep myself from soaking it up in one go.
Sofans will be happy to have another book to add to the collection. Afterall this series is a keeper. Anyone who hasn't yet tried the seriesshould really give it a go if Paranormal Romance appeals to them. Oh and don't get put off by the romance part. Sure there is some lovey dovey stuff and things can get a little hot butthe story itself has much more to offer. Mystery, suspense and a littlehistory all play a part in the larger picture of things in this paranormal favourite of mine.
This week author Linda Wisdom is back on Amberkatze's Book Blog to talk about her books, the characters she has created and when we will get to read more about their adventures!
Linda's books always make me laugh and if you haven't already given them a try then maybe after reading the interview you will be adding them to your wishlist or shopping basket. Fans of the books will find out a little bit more about what the future holds for the series. Whichever group you belong to...everyone can enter the contest :)
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Amber - Welcome back to Amberkatze's Book Blog! It is great to have you here as again as a guest! How all the witchy girls are doing? Are Jazz and Nick ok? Bunny Slippers still busy eating everything? Blair and Stasi happy?
Linda – Thank you for having me back, Amber! They’re all doing well. Jazz and Nick are settling in very well as a couple. Blair and Stasi have the perfect guys in their lives and as for Fluff and Puff, trouble is still their middle names. Do you know I never find my bunny slippers in the same place? I dread to think what they’ve been up to when I’m not around.
Amber - I was expecting to see the girls again this Autumn? What happened to Best Hex Ever?
Linda – The book is coming out with a new title. After my editor read the manuscript she told me she loved the half fire demon so much she wanted to repackage the series with new titles and covers. So the book had to be rescheduled to next April.
Amber - Demons are a Girls Best Friend is due out in April. What can we expect from the new book?
Linda – Maggie is a total kick ass witch and works for an organization that protects all the Supes. In this one, she’s dealing with a sexy half fire demon who owns a club that defies the imagination, discovering that an ancient Mayan curse will be released unless she can stop it in time, and it all comes down to a mouthy teenager girl. Maggie’s no mom figure either. A lot of new characters and creatures. Maggie’s got a diamond covered black widow spider tattoo named Elle who wants to keep a mate longer than one night of sex and surfs the web for just the right spell. The Librarian is also returning.
Amber - The gals have seen a lot of action so far. How do you decide what to throw at them in each book?
Linda – I think about what their special gift is, what kind of hero will work for them, and I take it from there. Such as with Maggie I knew I needed someone strong enough to take her on and I felt a demon would be just the right thing. From the beginning I knew that Declan was a perfect fit.
Amber - How did you come up with the idea for the Hex series? Was it a long process or did it just come to you?
Linda – It started with Jazz. I had the idea of a witch who banished curses and I thought of a witch who owned a lingerie boutique that also offered romance novels. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d put them together, but then the idea of 13 witches banished from the Witches Academy popped into my head and it took off from there. The fun part is that each witch is so individual, so it’s writing a series, yet not writing one. I think they surprise me too.
Amber - I love Fluff & Puff and Horace! How did those cute characters come about?
Linda – When I first visualized Jazz I saw her dressed in pj pants, tank top, and bunny slippers complete with razor sharp teeth and wild grins. She stood in front of a smoking microwave oven because it just seemed right. Horace came about after my agent gave me a gargoyle figurine one Yule. I looked at him, said his name was Horace (I have a habit of naming everything) and I just knew he belonged to Stasi. Plus, I loved the animated series, Duckman, who was about as politically incorrect as you could get and that worked for Horace.
Amber - How do you pick the names for your characters? Do they have any special meanings?
Linda – Sometimes I think they choose their names. Fluff and Puff just worked for the fuzzy bunny slippers. Innocent name, not so innocent slippers.
Amber - If the series was going to be made into a Tv programme or Film who could you see playing your characters?
Linda – I think about that and I always see a mesh of faces, so I really can’t see one person. Right now, I’d just love to see it happen!
Amber - The cover for Demons are a Girls Best Friend is quite different from what your fans are used to. I personally think it looks good! Very sexy and steamy! What do you think of it?
Linda – I love it. The funny thing is I suggested this scene for the cover when it was The Best Hex Ever because I wanted sexy and edgy. When they asked for suggestions for Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend I asked for it again and got it! The illustrator is the same one who designs Yasmine Galenorn and Anya Bast’s covers.
Amber - Do you get much say in what happens in the publishing process? Do you choose covers? Do you have any say about release dates etc?
Linda – We are asked for cover suggestions and naturally give them the info on the characters. Not really a say on release dates. Such as the book after Demons, Undercover Demon, will be out in January, 2012.
Amber - I am sure that being an author has its ups and downs. What experiences have you had so far?
Linda – This December is the 30th anniversary for the publication of my first book, Silhouette Romance, Dancer in the Shadows. I’ve had a lot over that time. Mourning when a line I wrote for was closed down. But also having fun with books, meeting people, and making incredible friends who are still around. It’s been an amazing learning experience and I feel that I’m still discovering new things along the way.
Amber - What have you been reading, listening to and watching lately?
Linda – A friend suggested Simon Green’s Nightside series and I’ve been reading all the books so far. I got a Nook a few months ago and it’s very addictive. I’m happy that Supernatural is back, I love Haven on SyFy Channel along with some cancelled shows, American Gothic, All Souls, Special Unit 2, Haunted, and Brimstone. I’ll be working up a new playlist for the new book soon.
Amber - If you were a superhero, what powers would you want? Or would you be a villain?
Linda – You know what? I always thought villains have more fun, but I don’t want the heroine to take me down, so I’d have to find a way to balance the two, wouldn’t I? Hm, if there’s antiheroes, why not an antiheroine?
Amber - Thank you so much for being a guest on Amberkatze's Book Blog! I hope you will come back again ;)
Linda - Thanks Amber!
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Contest Time
The winner of this weeks contest can pick which Linda Wisdom book they would like to have! (If available on Bookdepository or Amazon).
How To Enter
So many book covers! So many different styles! Are there any book covers that you really like? Or really hate?
No Book Cover = No Entry
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The contest will stay open until Sunday 24th of October 2010 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.
The Blurb -
