Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Taste Me by Tamara Hogan

This story has great chemistry in the fast pace setting of a paranormal rock and roll world.

Taste Me by Tamara Hogan

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402246013
• ISBN-13: 978-1402246012

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description:
He wants her so badly he can taste it…
Ever since their tempestuous fling years ago, incubus Lukas Sebastiani has known that siren Scarlett Fontaine was meant to be his. But when you’re a sex demon with an insatiable desire, relationships are…complicated.

Her siren song brings men to their knees…
Rock star Scarlett Fontaine desperately needs a break after a grueling tour. But with murder and mayhem surrounding her band, and Lukas guarding her body, life is going to be anything but peaceful.

Every encounter between them creates more turmoil—and heat—until Scarlett pushes Lukas to the boiling point, and unleashes forces that go way beyond anything she can hope to control…

Review: If you like a fast, hot beat - this is just your drum beat! (Well I tried to tie it in to music.)

Lukas is an incubus who is big, tough and swamped with multi responsibilities.  He is head of the security firm whose duties include protecting the Counsel who governs the group of unacknowledged beings on earth: incubi, Sirens, vampires, Valkyrie, and Werewolves. Lukas has special skills with his incubus nature - he can taste the emotions of others so he helps the police by tracking scents at a crime scene.  That skill includes waking him joltingly at night when he tastes lust, fear and other emotions, and a lingering taste of ashes.  Now he just has to wait for the police to call him in for his help to find a killer.

Scarlett is a petite, red-headed Siren. Her mother is on the Counsel and dating Lukas’s father, the head of the Counsel.  Scarlett is gorgeous but it is her voice that sings men into adoration.  She is a hugely successful rock star even though she doesn’t always sing the emotional songs she wrote herself. Those songs make her hurt too much as they remind her of her first love.

Lukas and Scarlett had one explosive night of love but Lukas walked away the next morning with no explanation; no goodbye.  Scarlett has worked herself to exhaustion trying to forget him.  Lukas wants her but is scared he will hurt her again so he thinks he is protecting her from himself.

When a daughter of one of the Counsel members is brutally attacked, Lukas is called upon to be the personal bodyguard for Scarlett.  He wants to protect her but this really puts him in a tense spot. Their attraction may be too much to resist.

The police and Lukas have no clue to the identity of the killer who succeeds in completely fooling them with the second attack.  Will the killer slip back to kill the first victim in the hospital and can he be stopped before Lukas has to taste the death of another victim?

The sexual tension is high and the chemistry is hot. Needless to say the book is full of sexual relationships considering it is full of vampires, incubus, sirens, weres and Valkryies.  It is expected in this story and I did not find it offensive under the circumstances. I enjoyed the heavy romance as well as the murder mystery.  I did wonder that there was so little forensic evidence to help find the killer but it helped build the tension.

There were lots of interesting characters and I enjoyed this fast, intense and rocking read.  I wouldn't be surprised if there are sequels for other characters.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  For fun and an extra entry - tell me which being you would pick to be of those in this story:
incubus/succubus, Siren, Valkyrie, vampire, were or human?  I think I'd love to be a Siren cause I sure wish I could sing better than I can... of course attracting men wouldn't be bad either. LOL

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on March 25, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas

This book contains wonderful descriptions, characters and an interesting plot.

My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402255772
• ISBN-13: 978-1402255779

     Genre: Historical Fiction
     My Rating: 3.5 but please note my comments in the review.

Product Description

Casablanca Classics presents this runaway bestseller, a swashbuckling historical romance by a beloved author

A passion for adventure...

Beautiful, naïve, and impulsive, Page Bradley inadvertently rescues English spy Lord Hazard in Baltimore during the tumultuous War of 1812. Now she must put herself at the mercy of her country's enemy.

An aptitude for deception...

Lord Hazard is no stranger to the atrocities of war, but he never imagined the beauty that could come of it until he meets the fiery and irresistible Page. Now he finds himself questioning every loyalty he's ever felt for King and Country.

Amidst the turmoil of war and the peril of the high seas, these two sworn enemies are destined to discover that denying love may be worse than treason.

Review: As I prepare this review I must acknowledge that the elements to this story are wonderful.

In the summer of 1813, during the War of 1812, 18 year old irrepressible Page sneaks out from her family home on the Chesapeake for a stolen day in town. As she is returning to meet the Captain of the sloop she stowed on, she rescues an Englishman from an angry mob. Lord Hazard and his gentleman’s gentleman, join MacDougall and Page to head back to Bradley House where the gentlemen will pick up their horses and be on their way.
 
But fate has other plans. The sloop is cornered by British ships. Lord Hazard is able to take responsibility for Page, although he may not be able to stop the British Captain from impressing MacDougall into service. Lord Hazard assures Page that, even though she is surrounded by enemies, he will get her home safely.  Later they are overtaken by a Union ship. This is just the start of Page’s misadventures which are to include several more boat transfers, storms at sea, and  travels from Bermuda to France to London.

Lord Hazard is always quietly, but surely, in control and asserting his interest over Page although he doesn’t express his feelings for her until late in the story. Can Page set aside her loyalty to her family and country to accept that she loves an enemy spy?  The characters are developed with a nice subtlety that allows you to see depths from their reactions and words. It is interesting to think how the lines of country loyalties are challenged by personal friendships and relationships.

I believe the normal quote is “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts".  But that didn’t work for me with this book. Although I enjoyed the descriptions, the characters and the plot line, the story seemed very slow to me.  It seemed driven by descriptions rather than action and I really didn't feel pulled into the story until the last 50 pages. Where I might rate the individual parts as 4.0s, the overall effect was less to me.

I want to share just one scene as the descriptions of scenery and ship life and  swashbuckling are wonderful. The author places you in the setting and it seemed the author had first hand experience with all things related to ship travel.

The Caprice, like all Baltimore schooners, was a wet ship, her deck awash with green fingers of water that swirled about Page’s feet; but she ran before the storm like a gull, heeling gracefully to the gusty squalls that marched across the sea in the wake of white flaring lightning and rolling thunder, surging through the water with all the joyful abandon of a porpoise.  From the crew, batting to take in more sail, came a tattered shred of laughter blown on the wind, and Daniel Mason’s face as he walked toward Page was exhilarated rather than apprehensive.  p 127.

The romance is lovely and sweet. I do recommend it. Just be prepared for a lot of descriptive detail even though the story travels with storms and sea battles.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Tell me if you have had this experience with a book where you liked the elements but it was a slow or difficult read which you didn't expect it to be.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on March 18, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick

A powerful character portrayal in a wonderful historical fiction.

To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402250894
• ISBN-13: 978-1402250897

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating:  4.75 of 5.0

Synopsis

The privileged daughter of one of the most powerful men in England, Mahelt Marshal’s life changes dramatically when her father is suspected by King John. Her brothers become hostages and Mahelt is married to Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk. Adapting to her new life is hard, but Mahelt comes to love Hugh deeply; however, defying her father in law brings disgrace and heartbreak. When King John sets out to subdue the Bigods, Mahelt faces her worst fears alone, knowing neither she, nor her marriage are likely to survive the outcome. A story of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel.

Review: This is wonderfully rich.
Mahelt is eldest daughter of the powerful Marshal family who has allies in England and Ireland.  The story opens with 10 year old Mahelt trying to play soldier with her brothers. They ridicule her but then consent to let her pretend to “protect the keep.” When they attack she manages to defeat them. Immediately the reader sees the determination and stubbornness of this fiery girl. 

Mahelt is betrothed to another strong family, the earl of Norfolk,  with lands along the French borders. When her brothers are taken hostage by King John and her own father travels to Ireland to protect his interests there, the 14 year old Mahelt is wed to 25 year old Hugh with the promise that she will live with the family for a year before the marriage is consummated.

The author weaves the growth of friendship between Mahelt and Hugh and his mother. But also  Mahelt faces difficulties obeying the instructions of her strict Father-in-Law.  At every turn it seems that Mahelt is defying some rule and trying to add her input into the business of the men. She hates King John for taking her brothers and she chafes at the political balance that the two fathers try to maintain in their dealings with a cruel and faithless King who does not keep his promises.

Mahelt is a wonderful character growing from a spoiled girl to a proud (still spoiled) determined wife, mother and chatelaine.  She is not always a pleasant or easy woman or character. Hugh is a wonderful husband for her because he is more mature and he is a calming influence to her volatile and almost termagant personality.  Mahelt is prepared to defend the Bigod fortress against the King’s attack but as a woman she is too often powerless.  Her marriage is severely challenged when Hugh fails to keep his promise to always protect her and their children.  I loved the slogan that Hugh gives to Mahelt: "Ne vuz sanz mei, ne mei sanz vus" or "No you without me, nor I without you."

I expected this might be long to read but it flowed beautifully and moved at a very good pace. This was the time of the drafting of the Magna Carta and the noble rebellions against the King. I really enjoyed learning about the different approaches of the two families in their efforts to honor their commitment to the King and yet maintain their power and their relationship with other powerful noble allies.  It was refreshing to read a story where the spouses were faithful even though they were separated quite a bit.  I recommend this book to anyone who loves strong female characters and/or historical fiction. This is the first book I read by Ms. Chadwick -- I know it won't be my last.

Additional Review Note: I listened to this on Audible. Initially I did not like the narrator’s attempt to imitate a man’s low voice but after an hour or so I didn’t even notice that problem. The narrator does a good job evoking the emotions of tenderness, confusion and pain from the characters.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

Sorry but this giveaway is limited to US entries because of the weight of the book. 
BUT GOOD NEWS.

There is a special going on for Elizabeth Chadwick’s To Defy a King and Sarah Bower’s Sins of the House of Borgia. You can now pre-order/purchase the eBooks for only $2.99! This offer only goes until Monday March 7^th so hurry!

Click here for the links to purchase through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and BooksOnBoard

P.S. To Defy a King is only available in the US & Sins of the House of Borgia is available in the US and Canada.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  For two extra entries - comment on the Author guest post.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Six total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on March 18, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain

Some seemingly usual plotlines but with lots of twists.
Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402242433
• ISBN-13: 978-1402242434

      Genre: Historical Romance
      My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
"The plot has imaginative twists and turns, and the backgrounds are lush and evocative. It's good, satisfying fun."
-Publishers Weekly
She's one thing by day, something else altogether by night...
After escaping the slaughter of her clan at a young age, Scottish noblewoman Sabrina Verrick provides for her siblings by living a double life, until the night she encounters the Duke, and her secret and all she holds dear is threatened...
He's so disillusioned, he's completely vulnerable...
With his inheritance at stake, Lucien, Duke of Camareigh, sets a trap for the Scottish beauty with the piercing violet eyes, never imagining what will happen when the trap is sprung...
As their lives become irreversibly entangled, Lucien and Sabrina become each other's biggest threat, as well as their only salvation...

Review: Just as you think the story would be ending there is another twist to the plot.
Sabrina, as a child of twelve, along with her older sister, Mary, younger brother, Richard, and their Aunt, escaped from battle torn Scotland to return to the neglected family country home in England.  Sabrina begins a life as a highwayman known as Bonnie Charlie to support their family.

Now Sabrina is a feisty seventeen year old thinking that she cannot be caught.  She arrogantly walks into a trap set by the Duke of Camareigh, one of her victims. The Duke, Lucien, is rakishly handsome and is even more arrogant than Sabrina.  He wants revenge even if he is surprised to discover the bold highwayman is really just a slip of a girl. Sabrina escapes setting off a battle of revenge against each other. There is great passion between them but instead of expressing itself as love it is served up in defiance, anger and hate.

Sabrina and Mary unexpectedly meet their father who decides that he can get some handsome settlements by marrying his two beautiful daughters to wealthy husbands.  Sabrina is set to defy him but finally determines she will marry a rich nobleman to save her sister and brother.  Just as she sets up to catch a mate, Lucien steps in to foil her plans.  Her latest humiliation by Lucien sets her even more determinedly against him.

Lucien is supposed to marry a woman chosen by his Grandmother within a few weeks or his inheritance will go to his cousin, Percy.  When his fiancé disappears he sets his sights on wedding Sabrina even if she is unwilling.

There are lots of extra subplots going on while Sabrina and Lucien are wrangling.  Lucien’s cousins are plotting to kill him so they will inherit. Meanwhile, Sabrina’s sister, Mary, begins a friendship with the English soldier who is leading the search for Bonnie Charlie. It just so happens he is a soldier who Sabrina met back in Scotland and he suspects her nefarious activities.

Everything is crashing out of control for Sabrina. Sabrina and Lucien continually knock heads with their stubbornness but the top, exceedingly frustrating, stubbornness honors go to Sabrina. As Lucien says at one point... she needs to grow-up. The conflict is sort of fun but borders on becoming annoying.  It is saved by all the little twists.

The descriptions of the countryside and the homes are rich with detail which adds a fullness to the story.  I enjoyed the twisting surprises that kept popping up even to the end.  I was glad that this book did not have the same disjointedness I noted in Devil's Desire. The author did a fine job of taking some plotlines that may seem old but adding enough twists and turns to keep them interesting. I recommend this to readers who like a story with lots of emotional conflict to get through and lots of little subplots to liven up the main romance.

 xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY: 
1. Tell me a favorite (even if "old") plotline that you don't mind reading many times in historical romances. [The review mentions a couple if you need help thinking of some. :-)]
This is required for entry. Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 11, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and Givewaway: Two Copies of Everyone Loves a Hero by Marie Force

You'll want your own hero to fall in love like this hero.
Everyone Loves a Hero: ...and that's the problem by Marie Force

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402245742
• ISBN-13: 978-1402245749

      Genre: Contemporary Romance
      My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Fame has its perks…
Reluctantly famous, First Officer Cole Langston finds being in the spotlight has its advantages—until he meets Olivia. Having women throw themselves at him everywhere he goes becomes a serious problem when he's trying to convince her she's the one…
And its price…
Olivia has trouble trusting a guy like Cole, and everywhere she turns she sees reasons to run. But he's the only man who's ever seemed to understand her as an artist and as a woman…
Cole is working overtime to prove to Olivia that he's serious, but her deep seated mistrust and his entourage of unwelcomed fans may be more than they can overcome…

Review: Wonderfully natural characters make this a delightful romance.
Olivia is 27, still living at home and working part time to put herself through business school at college.  Olivia knows true love exists because she sees it in her cousin’s marriage. But Olivia has had two men walk away from her so she figures true love isn’t for her - even when she meets a hero.

Cole is ready to be finished with the publicity that has followed him since he saved a planeload of people when the chief pilot had a heart attack. When a customer is hassling a beautiful clerk at an airport store Cole steps in and gets knocked out for his troubles. He awakens to the beautiful eyes and an electric touch of the clerk, Olivia. All of a sudden his focus narrows to one woman.

Cole seeks Olivia out and she is stunned that “Captain Incredible” could be attracted to her. Cole is impressed by Olivia’s art and encourages her to change majors and pursue an art career. He knows she is special and plans special dates to show her.  But a long distance romance is difficult enough and it doesn’t help to have old girlfriends popping up everywhere they go. Olivia has a hard time believing that Cole will stay with her when all these other women clearly throw themselves at him. Cole gets angry that Olivia won’t trust him and accept his sincere feelings for her. This creates friction in their otherwise “love at first sight”, intense romance.

The author does a wonderful job of making these characters warm and their romance natural. Olivia and Cole share little catch phrases with a lot of love and it is easy to root for them. It is also a little frustrating that Olivia can’t get past her insecurities and that they both make decisions and mistakes that drive them apart. But I was confident the author would get them together and I was wrapped in the story till the very (happy) end.  The love scenes are pretty sexy but not unpleasantly graphic. If you are looking for a warm, sexy, fun romance, with the focus on romance as the plot, this is a very enjoyable read.  I look forward to ready more romance by Marie force.

 xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and for providing TWO copies for giveaway.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY: 
1. Visit the Author's website or check out the Author's Blog and tell me something you found interesting;
One of these is required for entry. Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  For another entry comment on the Author's Q&A Interview.

3.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 11, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and Review Giveaway: The Big Show Stopper by Ken Dalton

An old feel PI mystery.
The Big Show Stopper (A Pinky and the Bear mystery) by Ken Dalton

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Different Drummer Press (September 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0578054590
• ISBN-13: 978-0578054599

      Genre: Mystery
      My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0 ... please read the review.

Product Description
The Big Show Stopper opens in a packed concert arena with everyone waiting for the entrance of Brady Blackstone, the richest, and premier concert performer in America. But before Brady sets his foot on the stage, a tragic accident takes his life in front of Bear and a devastated Flo. However, it does not take Bear and Flo very long to question if the death was it an accident or murder?
Once again, in the pursuit of a pile of money and a little justice, Pinky travels to an exotic site while Bear and Flo end up in one of the least desirable locations in California.
The Big Show Stopper brings back Pinky, Bear, Flo, along with a gaggle of quirky characters. A beer swilling wacko. A naked old fart. A couple of downright dangerous folks. And concludes on a dark night with the dynamic trio spread eagle counting down the final seconds of their lives.

Review: This is an interesting mystery but the characters are not my cup of tea.
The lawyer, Pinky, is a big shot guy who has several ex-wives and is more interested in money than relationships or helping his clients.  There are parts of his character that I liked, but maybe more I didn’t like.

Pinky's  PI is a prior client who he got off from a murder charge. Bear is a big guy, to suit his name.  He tends to engage his fists before his brain.  I suppose what really turned me off was Bear’s female companion. Sometimes she is smarter than he is which is fine. But other times she is just a whiny female who seems to be looking for a sugar daddy. Okay...so Bear and Flo seem to have a thing that works for them. It didn’t work for me.

As the concert crew immediately begin to pack up and move on to the next gig, Bear recognizes that the death was not accidental.  He turns to the local cop, Ice, to arrest the prime suspect, Jack,.who happens to be a friend of Bear's.  Pinky agrees to represent Jack at least to negotiate a plea which is all the defense that Jack can afford. Then a female girlfriend shows up and offer a million dollar fee if Pinky can come up with another viable suspect and get Jack released within two weeks. Now the investigation gets really serious and Bear, with Flo in tow, is off to track down other suspects.

I liked the mystery; there was some very good action and the writing flowed well.  I didn’t like Flo's whines and the outrageous expenses that she and Bear ran up as though it was their "due."  Also I didn't like that Pinky fixated on one suspect to drag in for the money instead of thinking it through to the facts.

A lot of this story reminded me of Keystone Cops falling into the right place and the right time to find the right suspect. Since I don’t care for the Keystone Cops none of this worked well for me.  There was a certain amount of fun to the story. That didn’t prevail over the bumbling, sorry, slow, sleasy characters for me. It is a decent mystery that might work well for mystery lovers who do not mind stupid and  bordering on unscrupulous PIs and lawyers.

Please check the tour blog for other reviews.

Blog Tour web site:
http://thebigshowstopper.blogspot.com/

Ken Dalton's web site:
http://www.kendalton.com/

I received this book for review as part of a blog tour coordinated by Tribute Books. 
I am giving away my review copy.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1.   Visit the author's website and tell me something you note of interest. Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!
* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 4, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review: A New Birth of Freedom

This is a MUST READ if you like the idea of time travel and civil war meets creatures from The War of the Worlds!

A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor by Robert G. Pielke

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Altered Dimensions (August 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1936021234
• ISBN-13: 978-1936021239

Price:  Print:  $11.66
Genre:  Science Fantasy, Alternate History
My Rating: 5.0

It has taken centuries to recognize that all humans possess certain unalienable rights. There will come a time when we have to consider whether others deserve those rights as well.
That time will come on July 4, 1863.

Review: This was unexpected and a wonderful read.
This story starts in March 1849 with Edwin Blair visiting a young Abraham Lincoln on a train ride as he travels home from Congress to Illinois.  Blair is dressed in strange clothing including Levi jeans and Nike shoes. These create an ice breaker and the beginning of a memorable meeting. Blair asks Lincoln to accept a retainer to provide counsel in the future and then he sets an appointment to meet again on July 27, 1863. Right before exiting the train Blair does one more thing to make sure Lincoln will remember him.

Sure enough they meet again on July 27, 1863.  Lincoln is 14 years older but Blair is exactly the same as though their previous meeting had been the day before! That is only the first “impossible” surprise that Lincoln and his staff are presented with. Blair has to get them to accept that he has traveled through time in order to get Lincoln’s aid to allow him to go to the front lines and meet with the Union AND Confederate Generals.

Blair is a history professor from the future with expertise in details of the Civil War.  He is counting on knowing the thoughts and actions of General Meade and General Lee so he can convince them to cooperate with him.  Blair believes he will need the combined forces of the armies for a surprise attack against an alien force that will otherwise decimate the countryside if not quickly and completely destroyed. It will take just the right words and demonstrations to convince the necessary leaders to stop in the middle of a crucial battle and to work together against a different enemy that Blair calls the Pests.

To Blair’s horror and shock the Army soldiers capture some of the Pests and slowly they begin to communicate. Blair worries about loose Pests while he and some new friends try to determine what the prisoner Pests want.

I happen to really enjoy Civil War stories - a favorite is Killer Angels. I also like sci fi stories such as War of the Worlds and Independence Day. Add to these likes, I love time travel books. So this was an absolute joy for me to read.  The historical detail is accurate and presented from the interesting perspective of a historian from the future.  The characters, other than the historical ones, are rather quirky. Blair himself is sometimes frustrating and not always reasonable.

The writing is clean and easy. It moves very quickly, especially because you want to know what will happen. The only problem I had was the story is ended after another surprising revelation. It is to be continued! I have no idea how the interference of Blair and the Pests have impacted the world as we know it. I am anxious to find out and I hope the sequel will be out sooner than later.

Blog Tour web site:
http://anewbirthoffreedom-thevisitor.blogspot.com/

Robert G. Pielke's web site:
http://www.robertgpielke.com/

Robert G. Pielke's blog:
http://www.bobpielke.com/

Robert G. Pielke's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/robert.pielke

Altered Dimensions Press web site:
http://www.sciencefictionpaperbackbooks.com/a-birth-of-new-freedom

I received this book for review as part of a blog tour coordinated by Tribute Books. 
I am giving away my review copy...although part of me doesn't want to give it away!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1.   Visit the author's website and tell me something you note of interest. Please leave your email address.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!
* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 4, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Giveaway: Galley Copy of Sins of the House of Borgia by Sarah Bower

I am sorry I didn't get to review this one but glad that Beth from Sourcebooks has offered the opportunity to host a giveaway of one of the Galley Copies to a lucky reader!  Release date: Late February early March, 2011.  This Giveaway will only last a week so the winner can get the book a bit ahead of everyone else. :-)

Sins of the House of Borgia by Sarah Bower

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402259638
• ISBN-13: 978-1402259630

Price:  Print $8.73

Product Description from Sourcebooks

A Notorious Duke
An Infamous Duchess
An Innocent Girl
Violante isn’t supposed to be here, in one of the grandest courts of Renaissance Italy. She isn’t supposed to be a lady-in-waiting to the beautiful Lucrezia Borgia. But the same secretive  politics that pushed Lucrezia’s father to the Vatican have landed Violante deep in a lavish landscape of passion and ambition.
Violante discovers a Lucrezia unknown to those who see only a scheming harlot, and all the whispers about her brother, Cesare Borgia, never revealed the soul of the man who dances close with Violante.
But those who enter the House of Borgia are never quite the same when they leave—if they leave at all. Violante’s place in history will test her heart and leave her the guardian of dangerous secrets she must carry to the grave.
What Readers Are Saying
“Glittering, gorgeous, compelling, and stunning.”
“A richly satisfying historical novel. It deserves prizes.”

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE GALLEY COPY:

1. Sins of the House of Borgia is the third book by Ms. Bower. The covers of the prior books are below.   Please tell me which cover you like best.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  For an extra entry tell me of another Historical Fiction book from Sourcebooks that you would like to read. (I just had to make you go look at something)

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on February 18, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Valentine Treat Giveaways!

Hello lovely peps! Time for another monthly themed giveaway.  (Sorry I missed January.)
Now it is time for the Valentine Packages:

#1 Puppy Package:

Love Bites: Romantic Food for Two, black puppy with rose in mouth, eraser board pad, picture frame, Kiss Me hand/kitchen towel, four tea candles in pink colors, small notepad with pen, candy tarts, chocolates and the red kitchen towel the items are displayed on.
Plus pick a book from the Love Giveaway books.

#2 Bear Package:

Love's Little Instruction Book: Romance Hints for Lovers of All Ages, brown bear with rose in mouth, eraser board pad, Kisses hand/kitchen towel, four tea candles in pink colors, small heart notepad, picture frame, candy tarts, chocolates and red kitchen towel.
Plus Pick a book from the Love Giveaway books.

#3 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Gift Card: $10.00 Book Depository Books, Amazon, B&N, etc.

(This photo is from Two Friends Stamping - they have very cute cards and creations.)

TO ENTER:

You must be a follower please.

Leave a comment with five items:

1. Your favorite valentine gift.

2. Where you would like to spend this Valentine's Day.

3.& 4. Your email address and how you follow, GFC, Twitter, RSS, Goodreads.
5.  Whether you are entering #1 & #2 (or only one of those) OR International.

FOR US and CANADIAN - Unless you indicate that you only want one particular package, your entry will go in for either;. 1st number/name drawn will get first choice.

Closes at 10PM Central February 14.

Book Review and Giveaway, Three Copies, Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt

A pleasurable Historical Romance.
Notorious Pleasures (Maiden Lane) by Elizabeth Hoyt

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Vision (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446558958
• ISBN-13: 978-0446558952

Price: Paperback $7.99, Kindle $7.99
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Description:
Their lives were perfect . . .
Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn't bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . .

Until they met each other.
Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect - and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire - desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero's wedding nears, and Griffin's enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?

Review:  These delightful characters get tangled in passion.
Lady Hero is a 24 year old aristocrat who has been trained from a young age to be a Duke’s dutiful daughter.  She knows all the rules of society and decorum.  Her brother has arranged a marriage for her to the respected and handsome Marquis of Mandeville. It is a good match even if there has been no affection or passion exchanged between them.

On the night of her engagement ball Lady Hero stumbles into a room to discover a man and married woman in a compromising situation. She chooses to warn them that the woman’s husband is coming down the hall. This is her first encounter with the cheeky rogue who dubs her “Lady Perfect” and she responds to “Lord Shameless”.  A short time later she is formally introduced to the shameless man who turns out to be her intended’s infamous brother, Griffin Remmington. Mandeville and Griffin have been estranged for several years as Mandeville believes that Griffin seduced his first wife.

The opposite natures in Lady Hero and Griffin draw like magnets and the tension builds.  There are more complications as Hero recognizes that Griffin is much more - better - than society paints him.  However she also discovers that Griffin is engaged in gin distillery and Hero’s ducal brother is set on hanging all such offenders.

As they get tangled in the sparks of desire and passion you wonder how their situation will be resolved.  There are several heavy passion scenes but it all moves pretty quickly to the inevitable confrontations.  The characters and dialogue are fun and the story is engaging to the end.   I enjoyed the history of gin distilleries as part of the story. The author does a wonderful job weaving the story and characters and this is a book and author I can definitely recommend.

Thank you to Hachette for this book to read and for providing three copies for giveaway.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY: 
1. Visit the Author's website or listen to the BlogtalkRadio Interview and tell me something you found interesting;
One of these is required for entry. One entry for Author Website visit and two entries for listening to the interview.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 20, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and Three Copies Giveaway: How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

There are some unusual conflicts in this sweet story.

How Sweet It is by Sophie Gunn

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (January 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446561991
• ISBN-13: 978-0446561990

     Price:  Paperback $7.99; Kindle $7.99
     Genre: Contemporary  Romance
     My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"--high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!

Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance--no strings attached.

Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.

Review: This is a “sweet” story filled with likable characters and surprise twists to the end.

Lizzie is a likable character although stubbornly independent. Living in a small town she has had to bear the stigma as an unwed mother since being left pregnant her senior year of high school. She is fortunate to have inherited her small family home but she has been unable to afford to properly maintain the property so it has become a bit ramshackled.  But 14 year old Paige wants the house fixed up to impress her father who is coming to meet her at Christmas.

Tay happens to be in the diner and overhears Lizzie’s wish for a handyman when she announces it to her three friends in the “enemy club.” Tay came to town to deliver money to the daughter of the woman he killed in a car accident.  The daughter wants nothing to do with him and claims she will throw the money into the gorges the town is known for. Tay tries to find the money during his insomniac nights walking the streets. While the lost money creates its own set of  problems, Tay begins to work on Lizzie’s house as a way to use his time and ease his conscience.

Lizzie insists she is being independent and not relying on a man.  Yet she consistently calls on her brother-in-law, Tommy, which creates friction with her own sister, Annie. Annie is suffering from postpartum depression and there is an added conflict involving Annie's jealousy of Lizzie. 

Lizzie doesn’t want to accept charity from Tay but she is unexpectedly attracted to his muscles as he fixes her gate and fence. Lizzie and Tay are drawn to each other and I like the dialogue especially with the pensive Tay. But can Lizzie overcome her stand of accepting no help and can Tay overcome his guilt to be able to consider a future?

Tay is a difficult character because of his depression and guilt. However his underlying strength and kindness seep through.  I also liked the secondary characters in the “enemy club.”

I’m not sure the blurb really prepared me for this read.  I expected it to be light and perhaps funny. It is light and has warm humor but it is not really funny.  It raises two very serious questions:
1. What would you do if you caused a car accident that killed someone and how would you overcome the guilt from that event?
2. What would you do if you found a duffel bag full of two Hundred Thousand dollars?

The author has done a good job of creating good characters and weaving a warm and interesting story around these two issues. I enjoyed the forgiveness struggles and the second chances presented. I would enjoy reading more from Ms. Gunn and recommend this book as an entertaining and quick read.

Thank you to Hachette for this book to read and for providing three copies for giveaway.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY: 
1. Visit the Author's website or check out Five Fun Facts and tell me something you found interesting;
One of these is required for entry.  If you do both it will count as two entries.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  For another entry comment on the Author's Guest Post.

3.  For another entry answer the Question: What would you do if you found $200,000.00?

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Seven total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 18, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Giveaway Deadly Heat AND Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden

DOUBLE YOUR ROMANCE and SUSPENSE with two Cynthia Eden books!

DEADLY HEAT Pub. Feb. 1, 2011 Six months after her lover died in an arsonist's blaze, firefighter Lora Spade calls in the FBI's elite Serial Services Division to track the elusive killer. When Special Agent Kenton Lake is lured into a violent inferno, Lora pulls him to safety and is stunned - not by the fire, but by her own searing attraction to Kent. For the first time in months, she longs for something other than vengeance. Kenton's interest in Lora should be purely professional. But one fleeting kiss and he can't get her out of his mind. Her combination of strength and vulnerability makes him want to protect her, and that means solving this case - and fast. For even the passion igniting between them can't hide a terrifying truth: Lora is the next target in a murderer's sadistic, fiery game.

DEADLY LIES Pub. Mar. 1, 2011 FBI Special Agent Samantha Kennedy is haunted by memories of the serial killer who abducted her. To keep the darkness at bay, she pretends to be a different, more confident woman. This Samantha doesn't fear every unknown face. So she throws caution to the wind and shares a night of unbridled passion with a handsome stranger. One night isn't enough for successful entrepreneur Max Ridgeway. He wants more of the sexy, smart, mysterious woman who slipped away before dawn. When they meet again, their attraction is undeniable-until his stepbrother goes missing, and Max realizes that Samantha isn't who she seems. But they must trust each other to trap a ring of bloodthirsty kidnappers before the nightmares that terrorize Sam become irrevocably real.

Author Image

Author Profile

Follow @CynthiaEden on Twitter

Like Cynthia Eden on Facebook

Friend Cynthia Eden on MySpace

Visit CynthiaEden.com

THANK YOU TO HACHETTE FOR PROVIDING THREE SETS OF TWO BOOKS FOR GIVEAWAY.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Visit the Author's website  and tell me something you found interesting;OR tell me why you want to read these particular books.
One of these is required for entry.  If you do both it will count as two entries.

Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For three entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 18, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and Giveaway: Kiss at Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe

What a fun read! If you are ready for laughter and love - get this book!
Kiss at Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe 

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (January 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140224195X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402241956
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.5 inches 

Price: Paperback $6.99; Kindle $5.49
Genre: Paranormal (Black Widow)
     My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

He needed a killer woman...
Blaine Underhill is one lucky man after having recently escaped a century and a half of imprisonment at the hands of an evil witch. Now he's determined to save his still-enslaved friend, but in order to do so, he'll need the help of one of the world's most lethal women.
She was drop dead gorgeous, literally...
Trinity Harpswell is sick and tired of being a Black Widow. Having managed to go three years without accidentally killing anyone she loves, she's one short week away from freeing herself from this killer curse forever.
When Blaine tracks her down and convinces her to help him, little does Trinity know that the next seven days are going to be murder!

Review: This may not be a 5.0 literary read but it is easily a 4.5 for sheer enjoyment!  Picture Poison Ivy (from Batman) as a reluctant Black Widow, a powerful, twisted witch, and a band of mutant super hero warriors.

Trinity has been discouraging any man from getting close because if she falls in love there is this evil spider sense that pops out to kill them.  When her spider sense is engaged she sees the weaknesses and the perfect way to kill her target.

When an assassin shows up to take her father into custody for execution, the powers that be make a deal with Trinity.  If she kills a seemingly unstoppable serial killer, they will release her dad.

Blaine and two of his friends have finally escaped the nasty witch, Angelica.  Unfortunately their fourth buddy was betrayed and has been caught.  Blaine is a man of fire. He can use his body as an inferno of defense or use all sorts of fire bombs/weapons.  Each of his friends have their own unique powers too.  Blaine needs to use Trinity’s powers to find out how to kill the witch and rescue his friend.

This might work - Trinity will go with Blaine to tell him how to kill the witch if Blaine will first go with her and kill the serial killer for her.  The guys are willing to take out the serial killer if Trinity can just see how to kill him without her being the instrument of death.

It’s not bad enough that they are going to face a chamaeleon monster, they are dodging ambushes as they go.  Besides fighting off Angelica’s nasty minions, they have to fight off the assassin who has decided to kill Trinity rather than give her father back. Then more complications arise when the guys realize that Trinity is the chosen so Angelica plans to claim Trinity’s body.

Of course Blaine is busy trying to protect the beautiful Trinity even if he isn’t sure he can trust her and he is sure he will have to kill her after they kill the witch. His protecting her is so sweet that Trinity starts to fall...which will louse up her plans to go curse free and add to Blaine’s problems of watching his back.  Needless to say it is a rollicking, crazy week and there interactions are pretty hot!

This is a very unique plot with lots of dangerous and twisted crazy characters.  I will definitely be looking to read more by Ms. Rowe!

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  For an extra entry recommend another fun paranormal or fun book.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on February 11, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and Giveaway, Three Copies, My Immortal Assassin by Caroyn Jewel

This is a very fast paced and sexy story.

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (January 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446563862
• ISBN-13: 978-0446563864
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.8 inches 

      Price: Paperback $7.99; Kindle $7.99
      Genre: Paranormal (Magic, Demons)
      My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description

TEMPTED BY REVENGE...

Grayson Spencer is hellbent on killing the dark mage who destroyed her life. But when her attempt fails, she is forced to turn to Durian, a feared demon and expert assassin. Newly armed with powerful magic she's barely able to control, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her mission--even surrender to a dangerous fiend whose eyes promise unimaginable pleasure.

BOUND BY DESIRE...

Sworn to protect all mages, Durian can't let Gray threaten the uneasy peace among demons, humans, and mages. So he proposes a deal: He'll train Gray to master her gift if she'll bind herself magically to him, submitting to his control. As Gray's powers intensify, so too does Durian's hunger for this fierce, irresistible woman. When the dark mage makes a final play for Gray, will the passion she and Durian share be the key to their survival or the seed of their destruction?

Review: I liked the characters and this story. It is very entertaining and reads quickly.

Grayson has lost her sister and now her demon “lover”, Tigran, to the dark mage, Christophe.  Tigran was enslaved to Christophe and was ordered to force himself on Grayson try to impregnate her so Christophe could have the child.  Tigran wants freedom and is willing to help Grayson keep from getting pregnant.  Tigran tried to prepare Grayson in a way that would allow her to get Tigran’s magic when Christophe kills him due to his betrayal.

Grayson does get Tigran’s magic as well as some of Christophe’s but she has no idea what to do with it except she knows she wants to kill Christophe as part of the revenge she and Tigran planned. Grayson’s assassin efforts are thwarted by Durian who is sworn to protect all mages, including the disliked dark mage.  When Durian discovers Grayson’s powers he realizes he must protect her too and the best way to do that is to take her under his wing. He agrees to teach her how to use her powers only if she will bind herself to him which would keep her from turning on him and killing him.

Grayson is feisty, a bit reckless, but a quick learner and willing to do what it takes to revenge her sister. Durian is a free demon, not enslaved by a Mage but he is bound to Nikodemus who is the warlord leader of a group of free demons in the territory.  The demon have their own hierarchy and the higher up the more powerful and the more gorgeous the human appearance.  Durian and his cohorts are all handsome devils. But Grayson needs to move carefully among these powerful forces as well as dodge Christophe' magekind who are trying to capture her and bring her back to him.

There is a high level of sexuality with some menage sexual tension although no actual menage sex.  There seemed to be some scenes that were disjointed and I had to look to see if I had missed something.  I think part of that is that the book moves so fast it jumps occasionally from one action to another.  I liked the intensity of the action and the high sensual tension. The final battle against Christophe seemed a bit too easy in a way but their were lots of allies by then.  So the story didn’t seem precise but was still very enjoyable. I will look for other books in this series.

THANK YOU TO HACHETTE FOR PROVIDING THE BOOK FOR MY REVIEW AND FOR PROVIDING THREE BOOKS FOR GIVEAWAY.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Visit the Author's website or check out Five Fun Facts and tell me something you found interesting;
One of these is required for entry.  If you do both it will count as two entries.

Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For three entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 11, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.