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My Top 10 Books for 2011

Posted on Dec 31, 2011 with No comments

Dec 31, 2011

The Best 
of

~ My Top 10 Reads 2011 ~

  1. Shadow Fever by Karen Marie Moning
  2. Double Cross by Carolyn Crane
  3. River Marked by Patricia Briggs
  4. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
  5. First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
  6. Second Grave On the Left by Darynda Jones
  7. Darkness Unbound by Keri Arthur
  8. Black Dust Mamboo by Adrian Phoinex
  9. Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance
  10. Bound by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon 







~ My Best Series of 2011 ~

The Magic Series by Ilona Andrews
  1. Magic Bites
  2. Magic Burns
  3. Magic Strikes
  4. Magic Bleeds
  5. Magic Slays

My Funniest  Book of 2011
Touched by an Alien 

~ My Sexiest Read of 2011~ 

First Grave on the Right 
by Darynda Jones


Click Here For My Review

Here's why.....


If you think my reads were interesting go check out Rosey's Reviews
She has all sorts of interesting Top 10's.
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Review: Hellsbane by Paige Cuccaro

Posted on Dec 30, 2011 with 1 comment

Dec 30, 2011

Emma Jane Hellsbane always knew she was different, but she had no idea she wasn't even human. Well, at least she's half-human. She's half-fallen angel, too, and now dear ol' dad wants her dead. All the Fallen angels want all their troublesome offspring removed from the mortal coil so she's trying not to take it personally. Besides, she wants him dead just as much. Her father's death is the only way she'll be forgiven for his sin, stop those pesky demons from trying to hack off her head, and have any hope at all of getting back to a normal life as a wicked slick Intuitive Consciousness Explorer.

Of course, first she'll have to figure out which fallen angel is her father, avoid accidentally seducing her angelic mentor, help an old friend conquer his own fallen sperm donor, and basically save the world from a cataclysmic divine smack down.

No problem. With a last name like Hellsbane, Emma Jane was definitely born for the job.

I gave this book a 3
sss
Get Ready For A Ride! Hellsbane by Paige Cuccaro delivers a paranormal with vivid characters and an interesting view on all things heavenly. Emma’s character turns into a one heck of a fighter, too. There’s a smathering of romance, yet the relationships are a bit complicated.  Search and destroy "Daddy" are at the top of Emma's "To Do List".  I wish there had been parts of the story that melded better, for example Tommy’s exit left me perplexed and with loose ends.  At times I felt too much information was given with the back stories of the characters. Over all, I believe that Hellsbane by Paige Cuccaro was a good book and the series has potential to grow.


Buy Now!

Publisher:  Entangled Publishing
Pub. Date:  December 1, 2011
ISBN9781937044640


This  Title was Accepted via
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~ Trailer Thursday ~ #44

Posted on Dec 28, 2011 with 1 comment

Dec 28, 2011

Book, Movie, Comic and Series Trailers and much more!
This Week's Book Trailers....

~ Heart of Darkness ~
by Felicity Heaton
Heart of Darkness - Paranormal Vampire Romance Book
The book trailer...

Buy Now!





~ Up A Dry Creek ~
by Avery Flynn
The book trailer...
Buy Now!

Look for Avery Flynn's new book in the Dry Creek Series 
Coming Soon!

Find out more visit Avery Flynn
www.averyflynn.com



~ Winterling ~
by Sarah Prineas

The book trailer...
Buy Now!





~ A Shot In The Dark ~
by Jayleigh Cape

The book trailer...
Buy Now!





~ Drake Of Tanith ~
by Heather Killough-Walden

The book trailer...
Buy Now!


~ Wanderer ~
By Angela V.G.
Coming soon to WATTPAD!

~ Casa de Naomi ~
by Paula Rose Michelson
Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book 1
The book trailer...
Buy Now!





This Week's Movie Trailers...


~ Clash of the Titans 2: Wrath of the Titans ~


~ Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie ~

~ Prometheus~


This Week's Comic Trailer...

~ Static Shock #5 ~


This Week's E.T.C..


~ Entertainment, Technology & Culture ~
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Review: Forever and A Day by Delilah Marvelle

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Book One
The Rumor Series
     Roderick Gideon Tremayne, the recently appointed Duke of Wentworth, never expected to find himself in New York City, tracking down a mysterious map important to his late mother. And he certainly never expected to be injured, only to wake up with no memory of who he is. But when he sees the fiery-haired beauty who's taken it upon herself to rescue him, suddenly his memory is the last thing on his mind.

    Georgia Milton, the young head of New York's notorious Forty Thieves, feels responsible for the man who was trying to save her bag from a thief. But she's not prepared for the fierce passion he ignites within her. When his memory begins to return, her whole world is threatened, and Roderick must choose between the life he forgot and the life he never knew existed.…

I gave this book 4 stars
ssss
Scrumptious!  Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle is an romance full of mystery and delight.  I loved the fact that this book was set in New York in 1800's, this time period is one of my favorites. Talk about memorable characters, Roderick a.k.a. "Robinson" has "Hunk du Jour" stamped all over him.  If the cover of this book wasn't enough, Ms. Marvelle's descriptions of Robinson and his actions will leave readers with a yearning to find their own "Robinson".   Georgia's fiery ways bring this story to life and then some.  The hardships she and Robinson have to endure and overcome make this a memorable love story.  Robinson's determination and desire to have Georgia will change once he learns who he really is.  Will Robinson choose with his heart?   I can't wait for the second book in the series FOREVER A LADY!


Forever and a Day  is in Book 1 The Rumor Series


Visit Delilah Marvelle on her site and blog!
http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/


Make sure to find her booktrailers, too!


Buy Now!

Harlequin

Publisher:  Harlequin
Imprint: HQNBooks
Publication Date: December 27, 2011
ISBN: 9780373776368
Category: Fiction: Romance Historical 

This  Title was Accepted via 
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Review: Alien Tango by Gini Koch

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Book 2
It's been five months since marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt started working with the aliens from Alpha Centauri, and she and Jeff Martini are getting closer. But when an experimental spacecraft is mysteriously returned to the Kennedy Space Center, Kitty and the rest of her team are called in to investigate. Now the team must survive murderous attacks, remove a space entity from a group of astronauts, and avoid an unhinged woman with a serious crush on Kitty's high school boyfriend. And that's all before evil masterminds decide Kitty's extermination is vital.

I gave this book 4
ssss
Alien Tango by Gini Koch offers a very close embrace, with no small steps, and syncopated rhythmic footwork of alien proportions.  That's right, this Tango has it all going on!  Ms. Koch doesn't just make a sequel to Touched By An Alien, she has indeed invented her own tango. "Exciting, incisive, provocative" with all kinds of yummy aliens are just a few words describing this book.  We get to meet Jeff's family and more of "Mommy"'s other life keeps emerging.  New aliens are making there debut in this one, some of which we've only heard their voices in book one. We finally get to meet the notorious "Chuckie" and Kitty will have to deal with the in-laws  If you thought Kitty had an uncanny way of finding trouble in book 1, wait until you get your hands on this puppy.  Kitty and Jeff along with their crew at the TBAA will have to tango with all sorts of nasty!  This is a must read action packed tango!

Buy Now!

Publisher: DAW
ISBN: 0756406323 
Paperback: 448

Source Code: R
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Review: Comic Con 2011 Romance Sampler

Posted on Dec 27, 2011 with No comments

Dec 27, 2011


What a tasty sampler of sixteen super titles by various talented authors.  I devoured the pages in this sampler, catching glimpses of titles I will definitely buy after sampling them.  Each author gives us three to four chapters of wonderful books. I enjoyed reading titles from "new to me" authors. In my opinion more publishers should have samplers of upcoming titles by authors we know and debut authors. If I’m ever given the chance to read another sampler, I’ll snatch it up. Below is the list of authors included.


Includes excerpts of:
Amanda Arista-DIARIES OF AN URBAN PANTHER
Karina Cooper - BLOOD OF THE WICKED
Jeaniene Frost-HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE
Terri Garey- DEVIL WITHOUT A CAUSE
Sable Grace-ASCENSION
Marjorie Liu-TIGER EYE
Kristin Miller-INTERVAMPTION
Janet Mullany-JANE AND THE DAMNED
Pamela Palmer- DESIRE UNTAMED
Gabriella Pierce-666 PARK AVENUE
Jaime Rush - A PERFECT DARKNESS
Lynsay Sands-A QUICK BITE
Kerrelyn Sparks-HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONARE VAMPIRE
Juliana Stone - HIS DARKEST HUNGER
Joss Ware - BEYOND THE NIGHT
CL Wilson - LORD OF THE FADING LANDS

Title:Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifComic Con 2011 Romance Sampler
Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifPublisher:Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifHarperCollins
Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifImprint:Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifAvonDescription: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gif
Pub Date:Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifOctober 13, 2011
Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifISBN:Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gif9780062188205Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gif
Author:Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifVarious
Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifCategory:Description: http://www.netgalley.com/images/1x1trans.gifFICTION: Adult: Romance: Fantasy

This title was accepted via




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Where Bookish Things Stood in the Larger Scope of Things in 2011

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December was huge for book searches in 2011 there were more searches for books in December than in any other month according to Google data.  In fact, when searching for books "amazon" was at the top of the search terms (keywords). The fastest growing search terms were "amazon kindle" and "nook", closely followed by "iPad".  The searches for book review sites were up 170 % in 2011, it doubled from last year's searches.  I thought it would be interesting to see how book genres fared in the term searches during 2011 compared to 2010.

Here's the breakdown of term searches in the "Book and Literature" catergories for 2011:

  • "best paranormal romance" was up 140 %
  • "historical romance 2011" had Breakout searches largely in Australia and the United States.
  • "urban fantasy book" was up 80%  
  • *(Note: in Italy the term "libri urban fantasy" had Breakout searches)
  • "urban fantasy series" was up 250%
  • "contemporary romance" was up 40%
  • "romantic suspense" was up 40%
  • "fantasy" was up 50%
  • "book reviews 2011" was up 4,550% (Wow!)
  • "self publish ebook" was up 250% 
  • "good mystery books" was up 50% 

Here's my take on the info and I'm not an analyst in any way.  It seems like more people were reading or interested in reading, all the numbers were up across the board.   With the rise of the Ereaders and mobile devices, it allows us to read books anywhere at anytime, they're just a click away from readers. By the looks of the Book Reviews in 2011, it could be people like to read what book bloggers have to say about books, or there are just thousands of us out there supporting each other and/or wanting to know what the other is reading.  There were many who were interested in writing their own books and saw the self publishing route as the way to take. In the above data I didn't mention Ereader accessories, but they had huge numbers, everyone wanted to protect their Ereaders. Terms like "nook cover" was number one, blowing out the others with Breakout numbers followed by "kindle book covers". Any way you look at it people where searching for all things bookish and the data points in that direction. 

*Always support your favorite authors by pre-ordering their books and by visiting them regularly on both their sites and sites where their books are sold.


Breakout = a change in growth greater than 5000%


*In all the above term searches the United States was always at the top of the regions most interested.

*Note: I am not an analyst, just an avid reader who loves to take notes and research anything that catches my fancy. ;-)




Data is based on Web searches done using the English language
Data compared from Jan. 2010 until the present
Data compared was worldwide from Jan. 2010 until the present.
All data in this post can be found using Google Insights for Search

Disclaimer: Content The author reserves the right not to be responsible for the topicality, correctness, completeness or quality of the information provided. Liability claims regarding damage caused by the use of any information provided, including any kind of information which is incomplete or incorrect,will therefore be rejected. All offers are not-binding and without obligation. Parts of the pages or the complete publication including all offers and information might be extended, changed or partly or completely deleted by the author without separate announcement.
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Review: Author Moments II

Posted on Dec 26, 2011 with No comments

Dec 26, 2011



"Author Moments II" is a collection of essays written by these talented writers. From the New York Times bestselling lists to the writer who is just beginning their quest, you will find this anthology filled with generous writing advice and anecdotes. It won’t matter where you are on your road to publication or even in your life journey, Author Moments II will fill you with love, laughter and a renewed hope that all things are possible when you care enough to come together and make a difference.

Like real life hero, Harry Moseley.

The Authors Helping Harry invite you to pitch in with them to help find a cure simply by purchasing a copy of this wonderful anthology.

*As a bonus, each author has included an excerpt from one of their current, or upcoming, releases.

I gave this book 5 stars!
sssss
Author Moments II will move you! It is heart warming to see how the dream of one little boy has the power to bring so many together.  Author  Moments II  will remind us just how many blessings we have in our lives.  Our love of reading brings us so much joy and knowing that we can help others by purchasing this book takes the delight of reading to an all new level.  Author Moments II shares with us essays by our favorite authors, they have the ability to connect with each of us in a different way.  In life we are not alone, pain, suffering, joy and love touch us all.  Our love of the written word has allowed us to transcend many barriers we may have confronted in life.  The stories you will find in Author Moments are amazing.  The advice you will find in this book is funny, deep, and endearing.   You will especially enjoy the excerpts for upcoming releases.

Learn more about Harry Mosley at 
and 

Buy Now and Help Harry Help Others!



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Review: Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

Posted on Dec 25, 2011 with No comments

Dec 25, 2011

Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels, #5.4)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great Christmas surprise!   Talk about fantastic, I had a blast reading this story!  Curran and Kate's relationship is growing and it's wonderful how they exchange banter.  My favorite part was Kate's grand entrance into the Guild meeting, dressed to the nines in all her alpha glory.  The looks on the faces of those attending, "priceless".  Andrea goes ape shit and Ascanio loved every minute of it.  There's so much more packed into this story, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.  Magic Gifts has all the things that you love, action, magic and witty exchanges.  I was left wanting more as always.  Thanks for the gift, Ilona Andrews!

Loved Kate's look on the cover!


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Merry Christmas!

Posted on with No comments

Merry Christmas to all my fellow book bloggers!

Thanks for making this past year superb!

See you on the other side!

XOXO
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Why should you read the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews?

Posted on Dec 23, 2011 with No comments

Dec 23, 2011


Why should you read the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews?

The Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews is the best series I’ve read this year!

Now, you have to take into account that Ilona Andrew’s has been on my radar for a couple of years, but I never purchased one of her books. The covers were interesting, the titles of the books were catchy, but for some reason I never picked up a single title in the series. I was clueless to even the characters in the books. That being said, everything changed last month when on a fellow blogger’s book discussion, Ilona’s Kate, was mentioned. The Kate Daniels series was not the subject of the discussion that night. In fact it was a very subtle reference to “Kate”, said in exited and breathless tones, between the two bloggers that had me asking “Kate, who?” I think my question shocked them to no end, how could I not know who “Kate” was. Let’s just say that after that book chat, I decided to learn more about this mysterious Kate.

The Kate Daniels series is an urban fantasy series, written by Ilona Andrews, a pseudonym for a super husband-and-wife writing team.

The series takes place in Atlanta, but this is not your Mama’s Atlanta, let me tell you. It’s an Atlanta that many would not recognize in a hundred years. You don't get to choose when to turn on the lights or not, that decision is made for you. Existence teeters on the whims of magic. You’ll find your garden variety of creatures, some of which have been redefined, making them better. The Kate Daniels series in not a masquerade, magic is in your face and in a big way, hence the titles that begin with the word magic. The tone Andrews sets to the series run the gamut, and it works beautifully. The super natural elements keep you on your toes and in awe. The balance of Urban and Fantasy is splendidly done, creating a world that is both believable and enchanting. For those romance seekers out there, you are in for a ride. A love story unfolds as we turn every page, tastefully executed with all the necessary components needed in a romance. Andrews is crafty in her storytelling, bespelling us with characters and cultures oozing with lore from distant lands, rich in history and magic. The characters are multi-layered and fantastic; the conversations in the series are smart, witty, creative, and very just WOW.

If those aren’t reasons enough to read the series, see why Kate and Curran take the cake.
Kate Daniels is not your run of the mill supernatural character. From the first book she will be pulling on your heart strings and not in the simpering damsel in distress capacity. No, our Kate takes on a whole new approach,. (Yes, I’ve decided Kate belongs to us all, her cheerleading squad, if you like.) In fact it’s not just one thing that will endear Kate to you, more than likely everyone will have a different reason, if you were to ask them. She has mad skills when it comes to kicking ass, a must in any UF series. She is fearless, but in no way is she conceited. Her capacity to care about others is staggering, and her inability to see just how special she is, is bewildering. She is the friend everyone wishes they had, loyal and trustworthy beyond a shadow of doubt.

In every book it becomes more and more obvious that Kate will be in the history books as one of the best in UF realms. This series has a little of everything and it works. In fact this book is magic to its readers.
Kate has this amazing ability to wield magical words. Anytime during the series that Kate says these words, you will find yourself reacting exactly like the characters in the book, frazzled and dazzled. I found myself rereading the pages over and over, just to have the same feeling every time I read them. (I’m certifiable, I know). If you are a fan or plan to read the series you will understand exactly what I mean.

Now, on to Curran Lennart, the Beast Lord! Curran is your typical no nonsense Alpha male. He rules his kingdom with an iron will, no holds barred. He is one of the most powerful forces in Atlanta, and will stop at nothing to protect his pack. His decisions are always for the better of the pack and his word is law. Cross him and you will be faced with his army, his pack. Yet, as the series grows by leaps and bounds we learn far more about what makes this Lord of Beast tick. His feelings for our "in your face" Kate take us on a journey all through Atlanta. Curran will surprise you every time with his answers to a variety of questions asked by both readers and Kate. To get Curran to talk is the equivalent of pulling teeth. Ultimately, he chooses to speak and then you're floored by the few words he chooses to speak in your presence. "Oh, my gawd!"the depth of character! Many of you will be left breathless trying to describe him. Curran was a keeper even from the first book, but he just won "Man of the Year" after I read Magic Slays. Thank goodness we get to read his POV's every now and then.

Ilona Andrews has created a world rich in UF nutrients for lovers of the genre. I have been caught in Kate's world and I don't want to leave. Who needs electricity anyway?

I've decided not to include my reviews for each book, I think I've given you an earful already as to why you HAVE to read this series. 




The following is a list of the books in the series:


 A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels, #0.5) 
 Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1) 
 Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2) 
 Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3) 
 Magic Mourns (Kate Daniels, #3.5) 
 Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4) 
 Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels, #4.5) 
 Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5) 
 Magic Tests (Kate Daniels, #5.3) 
 Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels, #5.4) 
 Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5) 

           Retribution Clause (Kate Daniels, #5.6) 
           An Ill-Advised Rescue (Kate Daniels, #5.8) 

 Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6) 
 Magic Steals (Kate Daniels, #6.5) 
 Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, #7) 
 Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8) 
 Magic Stars (Kate Daniels, #8.5, Grey Wolf, #1) 
 Magic Binds (Kate Daniels, #9) 
 Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels #9.5)
 Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10)  Coming August 28, 2018






Visit the Ilona Andrews site for more amazing in depth details 
to all your favorite characters
 and titles in other series!
www.ilona-andrews.com

To Visit Kate's site
www.katedaniels.ilona-andrews.com




*Note this post will be updated with each new book in the series. 
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