And the Winner is...

And the Winner of the Liz Fichera Giveaway is.... *drum roll*


Andrea

Congratulations, and check your e-mail!

August New Releases

Here are some of the books I can’t wait to read in August? Are your must reads on this list too??





1. Burning Up Anthology by Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra,
and Meljean Brooks
Publish Date: 8/3/10
Publisher: Berkley

Who isn’t excited for the new steampunk series Meljean Brooks is debuting in this anthology? Plus, any little thing I can get from Nalini and her Psy-Changeling series I will take!!

Bring these four authors together and it's sure to ignite a spark...

Angela Knight pairs a vampire warrior and his seductive captor in a battle against demonic predators.

Nalini Singh returns to the world of her Psy-Changeling series as a woman in lethal danger finds an unlikely protector-and lover.

Virginia Kantra continues the haunting tales of the Children of the Sea in her story of a wounded soldier rescued by an enigmatic young woman.

Meljean Brook launches a bold new steampunk series about a woman who strikes a provocative-and terrifying-bargain for freedom.*Blurb from Goodreads*

2. Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole
Publish Date: 8/31/10
Publisher: Pocket

I absolutely love the Immortals After Dark Series, and Carrow is going to for sure be one fantastic heroine. If you haven’t read the excerpt yet on Cole’s website, go do it now!!

A dangerous demon she can't resist...
Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A maddening witch he aches to claim...
Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

Trapped together in a savage prison...
For them to survive, Malkom must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When he becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?*Blurb from Goodreads*

3. Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery
Publish Date: 8/31/10
Publisher: HQN

I love all things Susan Mallery, and this is no exception. The return of Raoul from the Bakery Sisters Series was a super pleasant surprise, and this book is awesome (I got a sneak peak!)

Pia was your typical popular girl in high school – she made friends easily, cheered on the squad, and had her share of dates with the school jocks. But she’s always had a hard time committing to something, or someone.

So when her best friend Crystal succumbs to cancer, Pia is devastated, but also shocked by the inheritance her friend has left her – her frozen embryos! Pia’s in a quandary. It’s not like she can just throw them away. But is she really capable of being responsible for another human being?

For once, Pia throws caution to the wind and decides to embrace Crystal’s legacy. But as she struggles with her decision, another complication arises that Pia is totally unprepared for. She finally meets the man of her dreams…and her life becomes more confusing than she ever thought possible.*Blurb from Goodreads*

4. Corralled by Lorelei James
Publish Date: 8/3/10
Publisher: NAL

Who doesn’t love the Rough Riders Series? Well this new series by James I’m sure will not disappoint! Plus, who doesn’t love hot cowboys??

First in a new series about some hard-riding rodeo cowboys...and the women who can rein them in.

Sports therapist Lainie Capshaw has been rehabilitating injured cowboys long enough to know that a charming western drawl combined with a fine physical form doesn't mean you fall for the man.

So no one is more surprised than Lainie when she finds herself involved with not one, but two different men: Hank Lawson, a bullfighter, and Kyle Gilchrist, a bull rider. Lainie feels guilty about her two-timing, but it doesn't keep her from doubling her fun-that is until Hank catches her with Kyle.

She's shocked that Hank isn't mad. But she's more shocked to learn Hank and Kyle are hometown buddies. But when the men offer to share her-in every way-she knows that she's going to have to choose the one man who can give her the ride of her life...*Blurb from Goodreads*

5. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Publish Date: 8/31/10
Publisher: HarperTeen

While I’m not usually a huge fan on YA books, I have heard nothing but great things about this book, plus the cover is so incredible. I can’t wait to just stare at it for awhile!

Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal.

Normal is so overrated.*Blurb taken from Goodreads*

The Missing - Shiloh Walker

Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Release Date: Out now!
How I got this book: Contest Win

LOVE LOST
As a teenager, Taige Branch was able to do things with her psychic gift that others couldn’t understand—except for Cullen Morgan, the boy her stole her heart. He did his best to accept her abilities, until his mother was brutally murdered—and he couldn’t forgive Taige for not preventing her death.

PASSION FOUND
Now a widowed father, Cullen Morgan has never forgotten Taige. But what brings her back into his life is another tragic event. His beloved little girl has been kidnapped, and Taige is his only hope of finding her.

A LOVE THAT NEVER DIED
Working together against the clock, Cullen and Taige can’t help but wonder whether—if they find his daughter in time—it isn’t too late for the overpowering love that still burns between them…

*Blurb from authors website*

The Missing was release in mass market paperback in July, and let me tell you, if you have not picked up this book, you need to. The book is essentially divided into two part, the first being when Taige and Cullen first meet as kids. Taige is a local girl, living in the small town with her psycho uncle where Cullen’s parents have a summer home. The two meet on the beach, fall in love, and spend their summers together.

During that time, Taige confides in Cullen about her psychic gift, which allows her to see tragic events, and in some cases stop them. Together, the two actually save a few lives. When Taige and Cullen grow up a little and suddenly become series, Cullen’s mother is brutally killed, and he takes his anger out on Taige, claiming she should have been able to stop it.

Flash forward and part two starts, Taige is consulting for the FBI, helping to find kidnapped children, and Cullen is now a father to a little girl. When his daughter is taken, he tracks down Taige and begs her to help find his baby. The two track down a killer who appears to be focusing on those with psychic abilities.

With Taige on the case, the two realize that what they gave up at nineteen might have been something that should have lasted forever. Together they rescue Cullen’s daughter, find the killer, and rekindle the passion that never left.

After reading The Missing, Shiloh Walker has solidified herself as one of my all time favorite authors. She is incredible no matter what she writes. Suspense, paranormal, contemporary, it all rocks my world.

I loved Taige’s character. She was hurt from a childhood of pain and suffering, orphaned as a child and sent to live with an uncle who things she is a devil because of her gift. She has been beat up, put down, and walked all over her whole life. She is hard, and reclusive, and flawed, and for that I adored her character.

I was really happy that when Cullen came back into her life, she didn’t just roll over and forgive him, she made him work to gain her trust and love again. I was glad to see she didn’t just trip back into his arms after all he put her through.

I also loved that Walker didn’t give too much away while tracking the killer, she revealed just enough to keep me on my toes, and the story still moving. My jaw just about dropped to the floor when I realized who the killer was, and what it would do to Taige. Amazing!!

The suspense was killer, the passion between Cullen and Taige was smokin’, and the story was incredible! I am now anxiously awaiting the 2nd installment of this series, which Walker said is in the pipeline, currently titled The Departed.


All in all, I give The Missing 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips

Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: 7/27/10
How I got this book: NetGalley

Sam Cooper ("Coop") has just become the most eligible bachelor in New York City. After foiling a jewelry store robbery, and being rewarded with the ring of his choice, single women all over the city are fawning over the crime reporter. But Coop isn’t interested in the admirers sending racy underwear his way. His attention is centered solely on Lexie Davis, the only woman in the city who claims not to be interested in his bachelor status.

*Blurb taken from authors web site*

Phillips starts yet another series with promise called The Bachelor Blogs! The first book, Kiss Me If You Can highlights Coop, the newest Bachelor to grace the blog. Coop gains semi fame status when he catches a jewelry store robber in the act. The store owner’s daughter is so grateful, she gives him the choice of any merchandise in the store. Coop, hating the theatrics, chooses something he things is gaudy and ugly and bolts as quickly as possible. The women of New York are thrilled at the prospect of the newest bachelor, and Coop soon finds himself the center of attention everywhere he goes.

Lexie is a woman on the go, always traveling around the world. When she sees the news story about Coop and gets a closer look at the ring, she is floored to realize that it looks to be a match to a necklace her beloved grandmother wears. She sets her sights on Coop, hoping to be able to get a chance to see the ring, and potentially buy it off him if it is a match.

After a strange phone call from the jewelry store owner about wanting the ring back, Coop and Lexie begin looking into the history of the ring, and discover that it was part of a stolen set. The two team up to discover what they can about the set. Once some of the signs point to Lexie’s grandfather possibly being involved, she starts becoming more and more suspicious.

The closer Lexie and Coop come to the truth, they closer they come together as a couple. The two must find a way to overcome their differences, and the truth behind the jewelry.

I really enjoyed Kiss Me If You Can, it is probably one of my new Phillips favorites. I love the premise of the bachelor blogs series, and can only imagine that there is probably an actual blog out there like this! (If not, I’m sure there will be soon!)

I loved the differences between Lexie and Coop’s desires out of life, and their willingness to change for each other. Although Lexie always lives with that fly by the seat of her pants attitude, once she realizes that she is in love, she takes the time to notice how great life can be when you settle somewhere with someone. Likewise Coop, who is desperate to fulfill the white picket fence fantasy, comes to admit that maybe traveling around the world with someone who means the world to you, can be just as exciting.

Charlotte and Sylvia kept me cracking up throughout the entire book! They truly are just like Lucy and Ethel from I Love Lucy! The hilarious stunts and antics kept the story interesting, and left me in stitches once the real culprit was revealed. As far as side characters go, even Coop’s family was great, reminding me a lot of my own.

I’m super excited for the next installment of the Bachelor Blogs, featuring Coop’s next door neighbor, best friend, and local police office Sara, and her ex-partner Rafe. We met this pair briefly at the end of this book, and can’t wait to see how this one turns out! I absolutely loved Sara, and can’t wait to see her have to drop some of her barriers and let the super sexy Rafe in!

All in all, I give Kiss Me If You Can 3.5 out of 5 stars!

Interview & Giveaway with Liz Fichera

Today we have a special guest with us: Liz Fichera author of her debut novel, Captive Spirit. Along with her interview and giveaway here, you will be able to find my review of Captive Spirit over at The Book Pushers today!

Without further ado, Welcome Liz!


Nicole: Can you give us an overview of what Captive Spirit is about? Is it going to be part of a series?

Liz: I’d be happy to!

CAPTIVE SPIRIT is my debut historical romance novel set at the dawn of the sixteenth century in the Sonoran Desert in what is known today as Arizona in the American Southwest. The characters are Hohokam Indians who were a particularly fascinating people because they simply vanished from the desert around 1500 AD. CAPTIVE SPIRIT is told from Aiyana’s perspective, a young girl who dreams of leaving her isolated Hohokam village and exploring the World Beyond. One fateful day she gets her wish. Here’s the back cover copy written specifically for CAPTIVE SPIRIT:

Aiyana isn’t like the other girls of the White Ant Clan. Instead of keeping house, she longs to compete on the Ball Court with her best friend Honovi and the other boys. Instead of marriage, she daydreams of traveling beyond the mountains that surround her small village. Only Honovi knows and shares her forbidden wish, though Aiyana doesn’t realize her friend has a secret wish of his own…

When Aiyana’s father arranges her marriage to a man she hardly knows, she takes the advice of a tribal elder: Run! In fleeing, she falls into the hands of Spanish raiders and finds herself being taken over the mountains against her will. Now Aiyana’s on a quest to return to the very place she once dreamed of escaping. And she’ll do whatever it takes to survive and find her way back to the people she loves.

I have started a sequel and hope to finish it this Fall. The CAPTIVE SPIRIT book trailer will also give you a sense of rugged setting and the Hohokam Indians. Some of the photographs, particularly of the Hohokam petroglyphs, were taken near my Phoenix home.



N: Where did you get the inspiration to write Captive Spirit?

L: CAPTIVE SPIRIT was inspired by a little known bit of Hohokam Indian history. When I first moved to Arizona from Illinois years ago, I remember learning that the Hohokam Indians were Phoenix’s original inhabitants. The Hohokam had traveled, remarkably, from the Aztec and Mayan cultures around 300 BC to settle in the Sonoran Desert. They became farmers and master canal builders and lived in the desert until around 1500 AD when they vanished for reasons unknown. There are all sorts of theories—drought, famine, migration with other tribes, warfare—but no one knows for sure why they vanished. It was the Pima Indians who called them Hohokam which means “Those Who Have Gone.” To me, that bit of history just begged for a story.

N: How much research did you put into this book?

L: A lot! :) I spent many hours at the Phoenix Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix. The Heard has one of the most comprehensive collections of Native American history in the world. I could live at the Heard! Thankfully they have a lovely café too.

N: Did you have a favorite character in the book? If so, who was it and why?

L: It’s hard for me to choose just one, but I am partial to Aiyana. I love strong women characters who aren’t afraid to shake up the Universe, regardless of the time period. I’m also quite fond of Honovi. When I wrote his character, I had Native American actor Adam Beach in my head the whole time. I think he is all sorts of hawt, not to mention super-talented!

N: This is your first published book, what was your journey to publication like?

L: Not easy! When I wrote CAPTIVE SPIRIT, I was also in the process of trying to sell a young adult novel that I loved. Unfortunately, my other novel was getting rejected all over the place, so I decided to write in a completely different genre—historical romance. But it had to have all the things I loved in a novel: Native American characters, epic themes, passion, suspense and, of course, a love story. Last January I saw a tweet from Angela James at Carina Press asking writers to submit historical romances for their new Harlequin digital imprint. I submitted CAPTIVE SPIRIT and in March I got “The Call.” It’s been a fun roller coaster ride ever since.

N: What is your writing process like? (panster, plotter?)

L: I’m a little of both. I usually have a rough outline in my head for a story but nothing more restrictive than that. I love to sit at my keyboard and tap away. Music is essential. I can’t write without music.

N: Do you have a full time job in addition to writing? If you do, how do you manage your time between work and writing?

L: I’m a full-time writer who occasionally teaches classes at a local college near my home.

N: Who were some of your biggest inspirations when you started your writing career?

L: Like most writers, I’m an avid reader. But I’m inspired by any writer, famous or not, published or not, who sits at a keyboard each day with the goal of sharing a story with others. Some of my fav authors include Diana Gabaldon, Sherman Alexie, Jean Auel, Margaret Mitchell, and Dr. Seuss.

N: What is your all time favorite book, and why?

L: GONE WITH THE WIND was the first book that I can remember reading as a kid that I absolutely could not put down. I was probably around 10 years old. I remember stealing it from my older sister and then locking myself in my bedroom, not coming out till I finished it. I’ve probably read it 50 times since then. And I’ve been madly hopelessly in love with Rhett Butler ever since.

N: Can you tell us about any other projects you are currently working on?

L: I’m finishing up a contemporary fantasy romance and then I hope to begin writing a sequel to CAPTIVE SPIRIT along with another young adult novel that involves a Native American hero. My goal is to write two more books in the next twelve months.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog today! :)

******
About Liz:

Liz is an author from the American Southwest by way of Chicago. She likes to write stories about ordinary people who do extraordinary things, oftentimes against the backdrop of Native American legends. When she’s not writing her next novel, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog dishing about writing, books, hunks du jour, LOST reruns, or the best brands of chocolate. Don’t hesitate to visit her web site because it can get real lonely in the desert. http://www.lizfichera.com/

CAPTIVE SPIRIT is available from Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever digital books are sold.

Now for the Giveaway!! Liz is giving away one digital copy of Captive Spirit! To be entered into the drawing, just leave Liz a comment or question below.
+5 extra entries for following my blog
+3 extra entries for following me on Twitter (@MinnChica)
+3 extra entries for following Liz on Twitter (@LizFichera)
+2 spread the word online (Please provide your links below)

This contest will close on Friday the 30th, and winners will be announced on Saturday. Good Luck and Thanks again to Liz.

BlogFest 2010

I'm very excited to participate in my first ever large blog festival!! After seeing the success of the Got Books? Event this past weekend, I decided that I would sign up for the next big blog giveaway I found, and BlogFest 2010 is it! Here are the details:

On September 10th, I am going to do a giveaway! I don't know what it will be yet, but I'm sure it will be awesome! I might do some books, I might do some swag... We'll have to see what I can get my hands on. The contest will run until midnight on the 12th.

There are already over 300 blogs participating!! You can find a list of them here

I hope you'll join me in September for BlogFest!

Nerd Status: Uber

According to my husband, I have officially reached the pinnacle of nerd status. I feel like I should put some tape on my glasses and buy a pocket protector! Being a devout book reader and reviewer, most of me free time is spend with my nose either in a book, in my nook, or at the computer. With my reading habits reaching an all new high, my bank account was reaching new lows. Even after doing everything in my power to cut my costs with book buying! (see my post about Money Saving Tips) In order to help out, I decided I would enter as many contests as possible.

Although I have this blog, I don’t really have any contacts with publishers to get free books. Instead I head to my local library about three times a week, signed up with NetGalley and enter as many contests as possible. I was so OCD about entering every contest I could find, it got to the point that I had a difficult time keeping track of where all I was on the internet. So, one day I started tracking my contests in an excel document. This was apparently the moment I reached uber-nerd status.

Although the hubby continues to laugh at me when every day I come home, rush to open my spreadsheet, and compulsively check other blogs and websites, I have proven to him the return on my investment. Treating my blog and contest entering mania like a business was the best way to show that although I might be an uber-nerd, I’m a successful uber-nerd.

So, wanna know my results so far? Since July 1st when I started this obsession, I’ve won NINE books or swag items from other blogs and authors directly! Mind boggling right?? I thought so! But it‘s pretty great, it helps me to stay current on my blog, and keeps my bank account somewhat manageable.

So what about you?? Do you have something you’re so passionate about you become somewhat nerdy like me?

All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins

Publisher: HQN
How I got this copy: Net Galley
Publish Date: 7/27/10

One happily-ever-after rocking chair…

And no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol’ Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track, because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company’s new Miss Perfect. If that isn’t bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a 3-0 birthday bash in the family funeral home.

Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a relationship with the town’s most eligible — yet not so warm and fuzzy — veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark’s attention. So Ian’s more comfortable with animals… So he’s formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it’s time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But, dang — if he doesn’t shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont’s unlikeliest eligible bachelor…

*Blurb taken from Goodreads*

The first Kristan Higgins book I ever read was Too Good To Be True and the moment I read the last word, I knew that Higgins would become one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.

In All I Ever Wanted Higgins takes us for a wild ride while we follow Callie and her search for the perfect ever after. We meet Callie on her 30th birthday, find out she is desperately in love with her boss, who is obviously stringing her along. He breaks her heart by admitting to having a relationship with another woman, and Callie freaks.

Callie runs into a rude stranger, who she later finds out is the new and eligible vet, Ian. Callie does a great job of continuing to embarrass herself over and over while in Ian’s presence. After a few horrific dates with internet matches, Callie manages to become friends with Ian.

This was not my favorite work by Higgins. I felt as if it was more a story about Callie getting over her lifelong crush, finally taking a stand for herself, and finding real love along the way. While that is great and done extremely well; I felt kinda jipped that I didn’t get more time to get to know Ian. He was this incredible mysterious and angry character, and I would have loved to have been able to explore more of what made him tick. At one point, I looked down at the page, realized I was almost a third of the way through the book, and we had only meet the broody Ian twice. I felt as if the relationship between Callie and Ian had to take a supporting role, because so much of the book was spent on just Callie and her quirkiness.

That being said, I absolutely LOVED Callie. She was such a conflicted character. There were times I wanted to shake her, and other times I wanted to give her a huge hug. The inner dialogue Callie had was absolutely incredible, and frequently had me cracking up. I could vividly picture this sweet little Callie with a little angel sitting on her shoulder (played by Mrs. Michelle Obama) facing off with the devil (played by Betty Boop). The exchanges were absolutely classic!

In addition to Callie, the featured secondary character Noah, Callie’s snarky grandfather who she lives with, provided incredible comedic relief throughout. He was so funny, and his character defiantly brought out a caring and nurturing side of Callie. Noah embodied the angry and bitter old man, who still has a great heart of gold, although he tries desperately not to show it.

Higgins has proven herself yet again, and if anyone is looking for a light hearted read, with only a little bit of romance, and a lot of personal discovery, this should be added to your “to be read” pile.

All in all, I give All I Ever Wanted 3 out of 5 rocking chairs.

Blood Vice by Keith Melton

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date:
How I got this book: Purchased

Karl Vance... mafia hit man, vampire. The criminal underworld just got a whole lot darker.

Business has never been better for mafia hit man Karl Vance. After the Ricardi crime family declares war on the rival Lucattis, Boston is awash in blood. And Vance has a certain fondness for blood. He's a master vampire, one of the most powerful of his kind. Having sworn to never again feed on the blood of innocents, Karl preys instead on Boston's criminal underworld, which makes him a valuable asset to those who deal in death.

But things change when he's hired to assist Maria Ricardi, the headstrong princess of the Ricardi family. Her relentless drive to control Boston draws the attention of the Lucatti's newest and most dangerous asset — Alejandro Delgado, Vance's centuries-old nemesis. Delgado finds the perfect kink in his enemy's armor — Vance's fondness for Maria Ricardi — and sets out to enslave her with his unnatural kiss. Can Vance save Maria from Delgado's control, and from the growing hunger within herself? Or will Delgado use her as a weapon against her own family and finally settle the score against Karl Vance?

One thing is certain. The Boston night will never be the same.

*Blurb taken from authors website*


Karl Vance is a mafia hit man, recruited by the Ricardi family to assist with taking over Boston by whacking off the Lucatti family one by one. He is ordered to work under Maria, the Ricardi family princess and money launderer. Little do Maria and her father know, but Karl is also a vampire, in Boston with the hopes of finding his nemesis, Alejandro Delgado.

As Karl and Maria work together to start taking out the Lucatti family one by one, clues begin to unravel to Maria about Karl’s life, and she soon finds herself immersed in a world that thrives in the night. With Karl and Alejandro fighting on two different sides of the mafia world, Maria finds herself stuck in the middle.

Once Alejandro makes Maria his vampire slave, he forces her to do things she never thought or imagined possible. Karl will do everything in his power to help her, and together they just might prevail.

Keith Melton goes all out in this thrilling urban fantasy mafia crime drama featuring a sexy vampire, a mafia princess, a mysterious and powerful daytime guardian, and a crazy holy army.

Usually I am all for authors who take the stereotypical vampire myths and put all sorts of spins on them, making it new and fresh. But Melton really came through for me with his old school vamp ways. I love that Karl is such a badass, even while under so many constraints. Sure he only goes out after sundown, kills in order to live, and has to rely on a woman to watch over his coffin during the day, but he totally rocks it!

I had a little bit of a hard time relating to and liking Maria. Sure I can totally understand her desires to climb the family ladder, and her frustration with the gender stereotypes in the mafia way of life. However, the first part of the book she was so concerned with proving herself as being able to live in that world, that she seemed almost too hard to me. She was so wrapped up in wanting to kill someone to prove to her father she would make a good Mafioso, and that really turned me off to her. But, Melton was able to redeem her a little by having her struggle with the brutality of becoming a vampire and having to kill, even when she needed it to survive.

The conflict between Karl and Alejandro was great, and their few encounters totally rocked. I loved that the two of them represented good and evil, battling it out for supremacy. The fight scenes were hard hitting throughout, and although I’m not a huge fan of the mobster way of life, the mafia undertones totally rocked. For all those mob lifestyle fans out there, this book is a Don’t Miss!


All in all, I give Blood Vice 3.5 out of 5 broken kneecaps!

ZOMG There's More!!

In addition to his awesome author powers, Keith Melton is also an acclaimed (by myself and the fellow Scribbling Ninja followers) artist! For those that follow Samhain authors Keith Melton, Alisha Rai, and the awesome duo of Bree and Donna AKA Moira Rogers; you are well acquainted with Keith's awesome art skills. While he has yet to master watercolors and oils, he totally rocks my world in Paint. Below you can find a Keith Melton original, which I commissioned (for free, because he refused to charge me for something in Paint) last week on Twitter. Without further ado, a never before seen Keith Melton Original!

Over at The Book Pushers

I am over at The Book Pushers today with a review of Love in the Afternoon, book 5 in the Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas. Check it out here.

Romance with Sports Stars…

I have recently become addicted to contemporary romance books that center around sports athletes. Being a huge sports fan myself (I can’t wait for American Football season to start…), I find myself getting totally sucked into the faux sports teams created. Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s Chicago Stars Series, Rachel Gibson’s Chinooks Hockey Team Series, and Carly Phillips Hot Zone Series are, in my opinion, the best out there!

I love reading about these super star men who think they are untouchable, gods gift to their sport, and totally cocky cavemen. It’s even better when we get to know these guys better, and find out they are sensitive and caring and desperately wanting a family. *sigh* Plus, the women who are lucky (or not) to get the chance to tame these men, are fabulous characters. What isn’t to love about them?

Now that I’ve finished the Hot Zone Series, am one away from finishing the Chicago Stars series, and am almost completely caught up with the Chinook Series, I feel like I’m going through withdrawals. I can’t seem to find any other good athlete hero romance books.

Please: Help me out! Can you think of any other sports series romance books I should read? Have any suggestions for me? Are you a fan of the sports hero romance books, or do they just drive you crazy?

In Enemy Hands - KS Augustin

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: 5/26/10
How I got this book: NetGalley

The Republic had taken everything from Moon—her research partner, her privacy, her illusions. They thought they had her under control. They were wrong.
Srin Flerovs, Moon’s new research partner, is a chemically enhanced maths genius whose memory is erased every two days. While he and Moon work on a method of bringing dead stars back to life, attraction between them flares, together with the realisation that they are nothing more than pawns in a much larger game.
When Moon discovers the lethal applications her research can be put to, she knows she must rescue Srin and escape the clutches of the Republic. But there are too many walls around them, too many eyes watching. They want to run, but they’re trapped on a military spaceship in the depths of space, and time is running out….
*Blurb from author’s website*


Carina Press has another winner in my eyes with In Enemy Hands! Moon Thadin is a super scientist working on what she calls stellar re-ignition, hoping to be able to bring back to life dead stars. Her early years of research were done with her partner Kad, who she finds out is an acting terrorist against the Republic. He barely escapes, and leaves Moon stuck dealing with the fall out.

Fast-forward three years and Moon has just been released from Republic control and allowed to continue her research. She is given a lab and the opportunity to start trials in space. She is also given the Republic’s secret super computer, Srin Flervos aka “The Turk”. Turk is a human super computer, able to compute complex equations in his mind, faster than any super computer known in the universe, and he has assigned to be at Moon’s disposal.

As Moon and Turk continue to work on her research, she learns more and more about the Republic, and comes to find herself questioning their decisions at every turn. Her dedicated computer partner and new found romantic interest tried once to defy the Republic, and because of it he now is forced to unknowingly take a drug that wipes his memories every two days. Then, hints are dropped that the Republic doesn’t want her research to create life, instead to destroy it.

With all these discoveries, Moon knows that in order to live her life, she must take a stand against Republic, and fight for not only her man, but her research and future.

I absolutely adore Moon. She is this great nerdy, somewhat naïve researcher who can only see the positives in her work. She reminded me of a child, unable to see the potential for evil in others. But, I enjoyed watching her open her eyes to the situation around her. Her history as being named a traitor as the catalyst of it all.

Turk was incredible as well. Named after the computer playing chess genius Turk, his crazy fast brain was frequently working overtime. I thought it was great the way his subconscious found ways around the memory blocking drug he was being forced to take, and was floored at how he was able to leave himself reminders and clues to figure out his life.

Although there were parts of the story where Moon or Turk were going into basic descriptions of their work that left me somewhat glassy eyed, the science aspect of this story was amazing. The thought of being able to bring life back to a star and jump start the life of a whole solar system. WOW, the balance between the Sci-Fi action and the romance was perfect!

The only little gripe I have about this book was the ending. It came too suddenly and felt somewhat unresolved to me. It seemed like on the second to the last page Moon and Turk were still trying to escape the tight clutches of the Republic, and then suddenly they get their HEA. I would have liked to see it a little more resolved than that. However, if the abrupt ending was done intentionally because of the plans for a sequel, then I take back my gripe and say only this... “I hate cliffhangers!”

All in all I give In Enemy Hands 4 out of 5 stellar re-ignitions!

I'm a Book Pusher, it's official!!

I am absolutely honored and so totally excited to announce that I will be joining the awesome and fabulous girls over at The Book Pushers!

I have been a loyal follower of The Book Pushers for about a year or so now. Their site is beautiful, the review are witty and interesting, and the girls are incredible friends to have. If you are not already a follower, you need to check them out!

So, keep an eye out. I will post a link here on my blog whenever I am there, so you can still find me!

Thanks to Lou, Has, E, and Ying! I can't wait to start reviewing with you.

Criminal Instinct by Kelly Lynn Parra

Publisher: Carina Press
Published Date: 6/7/10
How I got this book: NetGalley


Five years in prison or five years working as an undercover agent?

Not the easiest choice for Ana Moreno, who has a history of B and E convictions and a problem with authority. But it's a decision she and four other felons are willing to make to stay out of a jail cell.

When a deadly shipment of Ecstasy heads for San Francisco, Ana's team is sent to stop it. Ana's task: get close to the handsome and dangerous Jonas Saven, right-hand man of a suspected drug dealer with a deadly agenda. As Ana uncovers a web of secrets, betrayal and revenge, her heated attraction to Saven grows.

But with time running out to stop the dangerous drug lord, Ana must complete her mission--even if it costs her everything...
*Blurb taken from Author’s Website*



Criminal Instinct is a great romantic suspense new release from Kelly Lynn Parra. Ana is a convicted felon, and is given the option of serving jail time, or spending five years as an undercover agent on the harsh streets of San Francisco. Needless to say Ana chooses her freedom, and is stuck working on a team with other convicted felons, and a boss that is a total hard ass.

When the team learns of a potentially fatal shipment of Ecstasy inbound to San Fran, they must do everything in their power to find the drugs before they hit the streets. While Ana is out hitting up every contact she can think of, she has a chance run in with the uber-mysterious Jonas Saven, a potential suspect high on the list.

In order to find out everything she can about the shipment, she cozies up to Saven to try and get as much information from him as possible. But the more she gets to know him, the more doubts Ana has about his guilt, and the more she questions whether or not he really is the all mighty drug lord he is made out to be.

I really enjoyed this book. Parra kept me guessing up until the last possible second whether or not Saven was one of the good guys or not. The twists and turns surrounding Saven’s history were totally unexpected and tore at my heart strings. I also loved the drama surrounding Saven’s sister and right hand man, hopefully there will be another book going more into their story!

Ana’s character was great as well. She was broken from a childhood spent abandoned and alone, a lifetime of thieving to get by, and a devastating job gone wrong that threw her into the undercover role she hates. Her way of dealing with her co-workers, or lack thereof, seemed so genuine and real. I love that she was able to grow and find ways to deal with change; watching her develop a rapport with her teammates and find ways to connect as individuals working within a team. Seeing a character grow like that is always something I enjoy in my stories.

All in all, I give Criminal Instinct 3 out of 5 undercover secret agents!

Science Fiction Romance Challenge 2010

This challenge is hosted by A Writer’s Dream
Timeline: January 1, 2010 through December 3, 2010
Challenge: The Venus – 25 SFR books

Details:
-You can add books you’ve already read this year to help toward the overall goal
-No need to select the books ahead of time

I am a little hesitant to start a new challenge in the middle of the year, but Science Fiction Romance books have become one of my new favorite genres. I like the freedom of being able to read any SFR book I want, when I want to, and not be required to review it. (since I’ve already read a bunch so far this year!)

While 25 books may have been a little ambitious, I have high hopes of completing this challenge. Check back to this post to see my progress and get links to any reviews I post along the way.

1. Hunters by Lindsey Bayer and Michelle Marquis – Review here
2. Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch – Review here
3. Undercover (Federation Chronicles #1) by Lauren Dane
4. Wild Within by Mima
5. In Enemy Hands by KS Augustin - Review here
6. Gabriel's Ghost (Dock Five Universe #1) by Linnea Sinclair
7. The Accidential Goddess by Linnea Sinclair
8. Gambit by Kim Knox - Review here
9. Song of Scarabaeus by Sara Creasy - Review here
10. The Starlight Rite by Cherise Sinclair
11. Beyond the Night (Envy Chronicles #1) by Joss Ware
12. Alien Tango by Gini Koch - Review here
13. Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair
14. Shades of Dark (Dock Five Universe #2) by Linnea Sinclair
15. Hope's Folly (Dock Five Universe #3) by Linnea Sinclair
16. Embrace the Night (Envy Chronicles #2) by Joss Ware
17. Abandon the Night (Envy Chronicles #3) by Joss Ware
18. Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews (re-read, totally love it!)
19. Born of Night (The League #1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
20. Born of Fire (The League #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
21. Born of Ice (The League #3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
22. Fire and Ice (The League #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
23. Warlord by Angela Knight
24. Relentless (Federation Chronicles #2) by Lauren Dane
25. Slave (Cat Star Chronicles #1) By Cheryl Brooks

Bonds of Justice - Nalini Singh

Publisher: Berkley
Published Date: 7/6/10
How I got this book: Purchased

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner…*Blurb from Author’s Website*

I absolutely positively love and adore Nalini Singh. Her Psy-Changeling series is one of those that hooked me within the first few lines, and I obsessive over every book, every word, every character…. Love them!

In Bonds of Justice, we reconnect with Max Shannon, the cop friend of Tally’s who is working on a huge series murder case that has been haunting him for years. When authorities decide to call in a Justice Psy, Sophia shows up at the jail to take the memories of where the other bodies are hidden from his mind. With her broken appearance she immediately attracts unwanted attention from the psycho, and they get nowhere.

Meanwhile counsel member and Sascha’s mother Nakita is loosing her close advisors to various deaths. She enlists Sophia and Max’s assistance to investigate who could possibly be after her, and why. Sophia and Max work closely together to try and figure out what exactly is going on with the Psy, and why Nakita has suddenly become a target.

Singh is IMO, one of the best authors out there who can weave so many different people and story lines into one coherent mystery. I love how many different plots and subplots are going on through out her stories. She does it in such a way that the reader is constantly left guessing: who is the good guy, the bad guy, who is causing all these problems, who will break Silence… the questions never end.

After the last Psy-Changeling book, Blaze of Memory, I was desperate to get back to the Changeling’s. However, Max’s character was a refreshing mix of alpha tendencies, with the sensitivities of a human. I loved that he knew he wanted to protect Sophia, and went to great lengths to do so, but that he also had the patience to deal with her difficulties with touching people. He was the perfect wounded, broody, sensitive, sexy hero. And Sophia, in all her insecurities, broken past, and stressful abilities, reminded me so much of Sascha. She was kind hearted, lovable, somewhat naive, but unlike Sascha, she had no qualms about dolling out justice of her own.

The supporting cast of characters had me constantly on my toes. I love getting a little more insight into the council level Psy’s: Nakita, Anthony, and Kaleb. It seems like a kind of alliance might form between these three, and I would even speculate about the chances of them breaking Silence are pretty high. I can’t wait for even more of Kaleb’s back story, he is such an interesting and mysterious character.

While I wished for a little more time with the Changelings, I thoroughly enjoyed getting a closer insider look into the Psy Council. However, the book does have a little sneak peak into the next series book, Play of Passion, featuring Indigo and her hero. (I just want everyone to know I called it! *happy dance*)

All in all, I give Bonds of Justice 5 out of 5 mysterious psychopaths!

Author Interview with Shiloh Walker

I want to say a HUGE HUGE HUGE Thank you to Shiloh Walker for agreeing to come today and answer some questions about her upcoming release The Missing! Let's jump right in:

Nicole: Your back list of books and current workload is HUGE! How do you work on so many projects at once?
Shiloh: *G* Keeps me focused. I get bored if I have to stay on one project, or even one genre, too long. If I’m working on a couple of different things, that doesn’t happen. Of course, sometimes, I don’t have that option, like when a deadline is looming.

N: You write everything from contemporary romance to paranormal romance to fantasy. Is there one that comes easiest to you, or that you like writing one more than the others?
S: Paranormal tends to come easiest. I think it’s because I’ve done so much of it. But I love the challenge of romantic suspense, too. Fantasy, more than any other, is harder. I have literally have to be in the right frame of mind to write fantasy or it just doesn’t happen.

N: How do you balance being a full time author, wife, and mother?
S: Eh, it’s not so much a matter of balance with me. My family comes first and foremost, always. I don’t tend to work as much on weekends, although I do some if we’re not doing anything. During the week, the kids are either in school or at a sitter—like they were when I was working my old day job. Writing is a job, just like any other. Working at home doesn’t change that. But I try not to let the writing overtake anything. I bust my butt writing and I love my job, but in the end, it’s all for them so letting writing screw up family time would be kind of counterproductive.

N: What is your writing process like? (plotter or panster, do you listen to music)
S: Mostly I’m a pantster, but I tend to have ideas bubbling in the back of my head for a while and I think a lot of my plotting probably happens subconsciously. And I’m getting to where I need music more than I used to.

N: What is the one thing that most draws you to the paranormal genre?
S: It’s wide open…you’re not locked into any one set of constraints. I love that.

N: Who were some of your biggest inspirations when you started your writing career?
S: Honestly, I can’t say I had any because I’ve been writing since I was a kid and at that time, I wasn’t thinking about inspirations.

N: What character have you had the most fun writing and why?
S: That answer would change, but I just finished up Ren’s story from my Grimm series with Samhain and I love Ren…

N: Your books can be VERY steamy! *fans self* Do you find it difficult to write such intense scenes? Where does the inspiration come from?
S: Nah. Writing hot just seems to be my normal. And I don’t know…sex is just a basic part of life, and closing the door on it just doesn’t work for me.

N: Is there a series or follow up book that will continue in the same world as The Missing?
S: There is another book in the pipeline, titled The Departed.

N: Can you tell us about any other projects you are currently working on?
S: My main project is a romantic suspense trilogy for Ballantine-due out in 2011. I can’t really share details on it yet, though…sorry! The first book is tentatively titled, If You Hear Her.

Thank you so much again to Shiloh. Take a look at the blurb for The Missing, and make sure you go and pick it up tomorrow!!


LOVE LOST
As a teenager, Taige Branch was able to do things with her psychic gift that others couldn’t understand—except for Cullen Morgan, the boy her stole her heart. He did his best to accept her abilities, until his mother was brutally murdered—and he couldn’t forgive Taige for not preventing her death.

PASSION FOUND
Now a widowed father, Cullen Morgan has never forgotten Taige. But what brings her back into his life is another tragic event. His beloved little girl has been kidnapped, and Taige is his only hope of finding her.

A LOVE THAT NEVER DIED
Working together against the clock, Cullen and Taige can’t help but wonder whether—if they find his daughter in time—it isn’t too late for the overpowering love that still burns between them…
*blurb from Shiloh's website*

Adventures at the Friends of the Pima County Library Sale

Last weekend I took my little sister to the Friends of the Pima County Library Sale. I blogged once about cheap ways to buy books, and this sale is by far one of my favorite ways to get lots of books at discounted prices, while supporting a worthy cause.

The Friends of the Library organization is a great non-profit group that’s goal is to support the local library and raise funds for library books and programs. The Tucson based organization has a store front in town where they hold their sales throughout the year. Some months they do mini sales in which they are just open during the morning hours. Other months they have huge weekend long sales where Sundays are “half priced” days, Mondays are “$5 a bag”. The deals are incredible, and while the books are used, they are usually in great shape.

A good friend of mine told me about this organization, and this was my second time shopping the sale weekend. The first time I went, I took my good friend E from over at The Bookpushers with me, and we made out like bandits! This go around, I thought it would be special to take my sister with me, seeing as how we both have a love affair with books!

So, Saturday morning we embarked on our journey around 9:30 am. While I could tell my sis was not a huge fan of waking at that hour, I promised to buy her books and lunch to make it up to her. Once we arrive at the store, I grabbed a huge recyclable bag and bee lined it to the Romance section. My sis and I were quickly filling our shopping bag with some great finds: Julie James “Sexiest Man Alive”, Julia Quinn’s 2nd Bridgerton Book “An Offer from a Gentleman”, and a few others that caught my eye. When we reached the end of the romance section we headed over to the Science Fiction area.

I was a little disappointed in the Sci-Fi area, as unfortunately both the Library and the Sale do not have a super great collection of Sci-Fi and Urban Fantasy titles. One of the volunteers heard me grumbling about the selection and told me that if I offer suggestions on what the library should buy, they will eventually get the stock to sell what I want. She also informed me that some books tend to get put in the wrong section, and that I should make it a point to check out the romance and young adult sections, as apparently a lot of UF gets stuck in other areas. We did find a bunch of Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth books, which my sister recently fell in love with.

My sister and I spent some time going through the young adult and mystery sections, although there really wasn’t anything there that caught my eye. Instead I went back to the romance section to see if any additional inventory was added and noticed one of the volunteers looking under a long table. I snuck over when she left, and knelt down and did a little happy dance when I saw the boxes of additional romance books in boxes behind the tablecloth.

Needless to say, I immediately went box diving (sorta like dumpster diving only much cleaner and more fun!) and found a few more gems. After only an hour or so, we walked out with 16 books for $8. It was a perfect morning (at least in my eyes) and while it wasn’t half priced day, I still felt like we made out with a steal.

If you’re an avid supporter of your local library like I am, I suggest you take the time to ask to see if your local area has any similar organizations and take advantage of the ability to support your library, and buy some cheap books at the same time!

Raising Kane by Lorelei James

Publisher: Samhain
Release Date: 6/29/10
How I got this book: Purchased

She surrendered the reins. Now he’s raising the stakes

When a patch of ice sends attorney Ginger Paulson head-over-high-heels down a flight of stairs, she has no one to care for her young son and her invalid father. Until lethally sexy Kane McKay shows up at the hospital, determined to prove his cowboy chivalry. Past experience has inoculated her against take-charge men, but even Ginger isn’t immune to Kane’s invasive charm and Built Ford Tough body.

For two years rancher Kane McKay has followed the Little Buddies mentoring program’s cardinal rule—hands off his Little Buddy Hayden’s mama. But one look at Ginger’s bruised body and Kane is through watching the stubborn woman take care of everyone but herself. The feisty, curvy redhead needs his help, and he’ll give her the hands-on type whether she likes it or not.

After Kane throws out doctor’s orders and issues his own demands—her full sexual submission—Ginger realizes Kane’s caring nature extends beyond just fulfilling her physical needs.

Can the former hell-raiser convince the gun-shy single mom to look beyond his past…toward a shared future?

Warning: Contains one sweet and hot hunk of cowboy manflesh who uses every sexual trick in the book to render a sassy fast-talking attorney speechless and puts a new twist on the term “binding” arbitration.

Raising Kane is the 9th book in the Rough Riders series. James has become one of my favorite smut authors with this series. While the first book, Long Hard Ride had me blushing at every turn of the page, this series has really grown and evolved into so much more than just smut.

Kane, one half of the McKay identical twins, has been acting as a Big Buddy to Hayden for almost two years. He has also had a huge crush on Hayden’s mom Ginger for just as long. When Ginger slips and falls, needed help at home, Kane jumps at the chance to be around and take care of her. Little does Kane know, Ginger has also been crushing on him as well.

For almost a week, Kane lives with Hayden, Ginger, and her disabled father. The steam between these two is sizzling within hours of Ginger arriving at home. While Kane is anxious to jump into bed with her, he is more concerned for her health. However, it doesn’t take much for Ginger to convince him otherwise.

While Ginger asks Kane to keep their relationship a secret, Kane is frustrated he can’t claim her in front of his friends and family. Especially since his playboy past is constantly being thrown in his face. Thankfully, after a few misunderstandings, the two finally find a way to move on from their pasts, and continue on their future together.

Now, I’ve been counting down the day’s for Kane’s book (and stayed up till almost 2am finishing it) since his twin brother Kade found his happily ever after in book 4. I loved the fact that Kane has really grown up from his partying ways, and truly wants to prove to Ginger that he is ready to take her as his wife, be a father to her son, help take care of her father, and start a family of their own.

Ginger is a control freak lawyer, and I enjoyed watching her struggle to accept Kan as a partner in life, and a boss in the bedroom. I know so many who could really relate to that struggle with accepting someone once you’ve done everything on your own. The dynamics between Kane and Ginger are explosive, but the build up to their relationship is based on a great and long friendship, which I think is so special.

Some of the McKay and West cousins play a more supporting role than the other McKay brothers we’ve already met and love. I am now counting down the days until November, when James releases book 10, Cowgirls Don’t Cry, the story of Jessie and Brandt.

All in all, I give Raising Kane 4.5 out of 5 helpful sexy cowboys!