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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Guest Post - Kate Perry, Author of Tempted by Fate

Give a big Thank you today to Kate Perry who shares a little bit about her writing with us today.

HOBBIES IN WRITING
I’m snarky by nature, and some days I feel snarkier than others. Today is one of those days. So I’m tempted to say, hell no—I never incorporate my hobbies in my books.

Click here for more info
It’d be a lie. Any of you who hang out on www.kateperry.com know that I mix in all my interests into my books. In fact, the Guardians of Destiny series happened because I wanted to write fight scenes.

And it gets more specific than that. While I was working on MARKED BY PASSION, I was toying with knives. (It makes my friends nervous when I say things like that.) I remembered how much I love knife fights, so it was obvious I’d work in some scenes that involved knives in the book.

More info on Chose by Desire
I also love swords but, obviously, swords are harder to work into contemporary set books. However, in CHOSEN BY DESIRE, my hero has an affinity for metal. I jumped on the chance to give him a sword and write sword-fighting scenes.

TEMPTED BY FATE was more about setting. I love walking around San Francisco, and I was away and feeling nostalgic while I wrote it so I wove some of my favorite areas of the city into the story.

Other interests that may figure prominently in my stories: food, ice cream, wine, scotch, travel, and tango. Oh—and stay tuned for a romance that happens entirely on the golf course. Grin.
xxx
Tempted by Fate (The Guardians of Destiny)Believe me readers- some of that snarkiness sneaks into Tempted by Fate! Check out my review and enter the Giveaway for a chance to win this wonderful read.

Blog Tour: Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry; 11/29 to 12/10

Follow this blog tour to learn about an action packed, paranormal series!

Author Info

More Author Info w/ Photo

Visit www.KatePerry.com and her Blog

MySpace

Follow @KatePerry on Twitter

Interview with a Guardian

Participants:
11/29/2010 http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/ Giveaway
11/29/2010 http://maryinhb.blogpsot.com Review, Giveaway
11/29/2010 http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
11/29/2010 http://nhertel85.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
11/30/2010 http://thebooktree.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway
11/30/2010 http://simplystacie.net Giveaway
12/1/2010 http://theromancereviews.blogspot.com/ Feature, Giveaway
12/1/2010 http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com Feature, Giveaway
12/1/2010 http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway
12/2/2010 http://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com Giveaway
12/2/2010 http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
12/3/2010 www.rexrobotreviews.com Feature, Review, Giveaway
12/3/2010 http://dkay401-challenges.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
12/4/2010 www.kmomjdk.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/4/2010 http://frugalplus.com/ Review, Giveaway
12/5/2010 http://mindingspot.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/6/2010 http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/6/2010 http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
12/6/2010 kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/6/2010 http://www.paranormalhaven.com Q&A
12/7/2010 http://SimplyAli.blogspot.com Giveaway, Q&A
12/7/2010 http://onebookshy.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway, Guest Post
12/7/2010 justjenniferreading.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/7/2010 http://j-rabbits-corner.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/9/2010 http://bridget3420.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/10/2010 http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/10/2010 http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway
12/10/2010 http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com Review
12/10/2010 http://chrissysworldofbooks.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway
12/10/2010 http://candidclevercosteffective.net/ Review, Giveaway
12/10/2010 www.tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com Review, Q&A

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Audio Book Review and Giveaway: Room by Emma Donoghue

This remarkably powerful story has some definite "WOW” moments.

Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue

Room: A Novel
  • Audio CD
  • Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (September 13, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1607886278
  • ISBN-13: 978-1607886273
Genre: Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
    Description from Author's website:
    Jack and Ma live in a locked room that measures eleven foot by eleven.  When he turns five, he starts to ask questions, and his mother reveals to him that there is a world outside. Told entirely in Jack’s voice, ROOM is no horror story or tearjerker, but a celebration of resilience and the love between parent and child.

    Review: This is a very unique story and a must read or listen.

    Room is where five year old Jack was born and where he lives with his mother. They are locked in and completely dependent on their “jailer”, Old Nick, for the food and supplies that he might deign to bring them.  Each week they get to ask for one Sunday treat.  Sometimes it is fresh fruit, sometimes a light bulb or batteries, or a book or a rare toy.

    The whole story is told from the view point of the precocious five year old child.  As the story unfolds he describes his world.  Although they get some spotty TV, Jack believes that is all pretend, like Dora. He has no idea that there is more beyond Room until one day his Ma starts to tell him the truth about the outside world she knew before she was imprisoned seven years before.

    As “Ma” trains Jack on their escape plan you have to wonder if they really have a chance to succeed. Then there is the wonderful tension of the actual escape attempt. Escaping is only half the battle as once out they have to learn to survive in the real world and cope with the media attention.

    The audio is with a child’s voice which took a bit to get used to but is the appropriate vehicle to match the story as written.  The story is very powerful with great emotion. I couldn't understand the mother's actions after protecting Jack so fiercely. I don't want to give a spoiler so I am being vague but this was one of a couple of spots I didn’t find realistic or consistent with the characters - therefore not quite a 5.0 rating.

    This is a book that I recommend everyone read.  Don’t miss it!


    THANKS TO HACHETTE FOR PROVIDING THREE AUDIO CD BOOKS FOR GIVEAWAY.
    TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
    1. Comment on either a) OR b) to enter; good for TWO entries each. Please leave your email!

    a) Visit ROOM or Listen to an Excerpt and leave a comment about either; OR
    b) Visit the author's website and tell me something you found there of interest.

    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.
    (Eight 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 December 17, 2010.
    The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

    CymLowell

    We Have Winners of Gratitude Giveaway!

    WE HAVE WINNERS!  THANK YOU to everyone who entered. I gained over 100 new followers and I was surprised as I entered contests along the hop at how many of those blogs were new to me too.
    I sorted and numbered the entries, deleting a couple of duplicates - guess the form glitches sometimes and does double entries. The final number for the GRAND PRIZE was 461 entries.

    HERE ARE THE  
    US/CANADIAN WINNERS:

    GRAND WINNER #63 reaganstar who chose The Sookie Stackhouse Collection books 1-7 by Charlaine Harris!
    Guess that means that the Harry Potter Set will be up for future giveaways. :)

    SECOND PLACE #376 donnas who picked the Three Christine Feehan books
    Dark Celebration: A Carpathian Reunion (The Carpathians (Dark) Series, Book 14)Dark Curse (Carpathian)
    Dark Possession (Carpathian)

    THIRD PLACE #211 This is LONI F not Lori F - Loni will get to pick two books as she did not yet make her selection.

    INTERNATIONAL WINNERS
    195 Total Entries - it was wonderful to see all the different countries represented by these visitors!

    FIRST: $20.00 Gift Certificate of choice to Entry #172 PinkStuff28

    SECOND: $10.00 Gift Certificate of choice to Entry #66 Shelleyrae

    Tomorrow (well - today Wednesday) I will email each of these winners for confirmation.
    Feel free to email me first if you see your name here.

    Set your calendar for more Giveaway hops - one each month!
    December 21 and 22 already has 90 blogs signed up.


    I am thrilled to be co-hosting the January Giveaway Hop on 
    January 14 through 17. 
    Spread the word!
    You can get all the information on the hops 
    and the buttons to post by visiting
    the fabulous giveaway hop founder, Kathy,

    Tuesday, November 30, 2010

    Book Review and ARC Giveway: The Taming of a Wolf by Lydia Dare

    This is a warm, fast read with really likable characters.
    The Taming of a Wolf by Lydia Dare.
      The Taming of the Wolf
    • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
    • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (November 1, 2010)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1402244371
    • ISBN-13: 978-1402244377
        Genre: Paranormal Romance
        My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

    Product Description from Sourcebooks:
    He could never lose control…
    Dashiel Thorpe, Earl of Brimsworth, has spent his life fighting the wolf within him. But when the full moon rises, Dash is helpless. A chance encounter with Caitrin Macleod on a moonlit night inadvertently binds the two together irrevocably, and Dash’s impulsiveness plunges them both into a nightmare…

    She never saw him coming…
    Caitrin Macleod is no quiet country lass, but a witch with remarkable abilities. But when it comes to Dashiel, she’s as helpless to fight his true nature as he is. Her senses overwhelmed, she runs back to the safety and security of her native Scotland…

    But Dashiel is determined to follow her—she’s the only woman who can free him from a fate worse than death. And Caitrin will ultimately have to decide whether she’s running from danger, or true love…

    Review:
    I liked the characters right away in this easy read.  The story is completely character centered and since I had not read the previous books in the series I had no prior impressions. The action is basically in the "chase".  The story is focused on the dilemma Dashiel creates when he bites Caitrin, inadvertently claiming her as his mate.

    Dashiel apparently (prior book?) has only recently learned that he is a Lycan and he wants to learn how to control his beastly nature. He is determined to seek out the mentor who has been recommended to him. But on the trip from England to Scotland he is glad to follow and accompany the beauty who now compels his attention. He is extremely charming and the interaction between the two is fun to follow.

    Caitrin has the ability to see the futures of those around her. This can be used to help but is also quite distressing in public places.  Caitrin is surprised when she is unable to sense any future whenever she is with Dashiel.  However, Caitrin is adverse to those of wolf nature having apparently had a bad experience (prior book?) with at least one. This dislike remains even though her best friend and former coven member has married a Lycan.  Caitrin  doesn’t realize the import of the bite from Dashiel and attempts to ditch him even as she is drawn in by his charm and warmth.

    A very pleasant and sensual courtship dance ensues as Dash directs his efforts to wooing Caitrin. When she finally surrenders, her love is strong and all accepting, which is quite nicely portrayed. There are other characters to flesh out the story including Caitrin’s light-hearted father and her very quirky coven “sisters.”  The most difficult character is Dashiel’s very critical, negative and bitter father who has contributed to Dashiel's self loathing. The father’s rather easy turn around with Caitrin’s help seemed a bit too simplistic but since it was only a side note to Dashiel’s own changes I didn’t let it bother me.

    I liked the historical setting as well as the paranormal, wolf and witch, elements. This was just a fun and pleasant read and was fine as a stand alone although I think the whole series would be enjoyable to read. I would certainly like to read more by Lydia Dare.  I recommend this book if you are looking for a quick, warm romance.

    Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review. I'm sorry I have only one of these to give away.

    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 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 December 14, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

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