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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Mini Review: Wonderland: Asylum


Title: Wonderland: Asylum
Author: Raven Gregory, Patrick Shand
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: July 1st 2014
Source: Netgalley & Diamond Book Distributors

★★★★

Three and a half stars.

---

When I came across this title, I was instantly intrigued. I love all things Wonderland, and I love all things asylum. What could be better than both of these things together? I was previously unfamiliar with this series, but I am glad I'm familiar with it now.

The biggest thing that made me enjoy this graphic novel collection was the artwork. I loved it. The creatures were bad ass looking, the characters were well done, the scenery and backgrounds of panels had detail. It was very "classic comic book" looking to me, and that was probably reiterated by the fact that the lead character is wearing red and black, looking rather Harley-esque.

The stories themselves were a bit confusing at times, but I wasn't all too bothered by that. I mean, it's a story about Wonderland (a place that by definition makes no sense) and insane asylums/madness. The seemingly random twists or tangents made me read twice, but altogether went with the theme of the book. The text itself left a bit to be desired, but I feel that way about a lot of graphic novels. It seemed a bit awkward at parts. Again though, I wasn't too bothered by this.

Overall, I recommend this for fans of Alice in Wonderland themed stories or dealings in madness. Be prepared to cock your head and say "huh" a few times, but as a whole I think it's worth a go. Thanks to Netgalley and DBD for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Dark Paradise: Blitz, Giveaway, & Review!



Title: Dark Paradise
Author: Angie Sandro
Release date: July 1st 2014
Add it to Goodreads.


About Dark Paradise:

DARK LEGACY
Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of "witch women," she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She's haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.

DEADLY SECRETS
Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he wonders if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister's killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything-their families, their love, and even their lives.

Excerpt:



Landry’s truck sits in the driveway when I stroll out of the house at a quarter to eight in the morning. I’m in such a glorious mood that I don’t bother trying to sneak off without him catching sight of me. It would've been easy, I learn upon climbing on the bumper and sticking my head through the truck’s open window. He has the seat pushed back and his legs stretched out kitty corner across the passenger seat. Snores, loud enough to scare a bear, echo through the cab.

I reach in and poke his shoulder a few times. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

Landry’s thick lashes flutter then open to meet mine. “I’m supposed to be woken with a kiss, not a jab.”

I snort. “I don’t kiss slimy critters. You’re playing double duty as a frog, and I throw them in a frying pan with a little butter and garlic.”

“Oh, so now you’re trying to butter me up?”

The heat of a blush rises. “Saints, boy. You’re fraying my last nerve.” I plant my hands on my hips, toe tapping. “What are you doing here? In case you forgot, I’m mad at you.”

“No you’re not.” He grins and runs his fingers through his thick hair. My breath catches as my brain stutters. I shake my head to dispel the wave of pheromone-induced stupidity that washes over me. My noses twitches. Why does he have to smell so good? Like cinnamon and brown sugar. “Did you forget yester—”

An oily paper bag flies in my direction. I grab it out of the air before it drops to the ground. It’s warm in my hands, and the smell makes my mouth water. “Ooh, cinnamon rolls,” I mumble around the melting mouthful of cinnamon-y goodness. “I love these.”

“I know,” Landry says, throwing open the truck door.

I hop off the bumper with a scowl. The arrogant jerk thinks he has me eating out of his hands; all he has to do is flutter those insanely long eyelashes, smile to show off his pearly whites, and tempt me with fresh, warm buns.

“These are mine?” I clutch the bag to my chest as I eye him in suspicion.

“Yeah, they’re your favorite, right?”

“Mmm hmm.”

Landry props his elbow on the open window and ducks his head. Black hair tangles across his face, hiding his eyes. “I hoped you’d be more accepting of my apology if I bribed you with sweets. Forgive me for being an ass yesterday?”

Lucky guy. He figured out the fastest way to soften my heartstrings—sugar. Wait how does he know they’re my favorite? Stupid question. It’s like him knowing my nickname and my job. He pays way too much attention to me, and I’m kinda scared to ask why. I stare at my sticky fingers, then lick the icing off one by one. Landry’s gaze draws my attention. He’s staring at my mouth. My gut tightens in response, and I slowly lick my lips. Get a grip. Don’t trust him just because he says he’s sorry.

I concentrate on the mouthful of cinnamon roll. Each chew echoes the rapid patter of my heart. God, why does my body react like this when I’m around him? Why? He’s still staring at me. Can’t he tell I’m uncomfortable? Oh, I get it. He’s irritating me on purpose so I can’t totally ignore him.

I pass the empty bag to him. “You’re not going away, are you?”

“Nope.” He smiles.


About the Author
Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen. Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.
Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram

Buy Dark Paradise: Amazon | BN | iTunes | Kobo

Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Title: Dark Paradise
Author: Angie Sandro
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: July 1st 2014
Source: Netgalley

★★★★

This is a book that had me suckered in from the get-go. First of all, look at the cover. It's just gorgeous. It's so simple and yet is so striking, and it would definitely grab my attention if I saw it on display in a book store. And then of course, we move to the story itself. Dead bodies, magic, and budding romance? Yes to all of that, please.

What really stood out to me the most in this book was the setting. I used to frequently visit my dad down in Louisiana, and I've grown to be a sucker for southern settings. Dark Paradise didn't disappoint. The language and descriptions of the areas around Mala are brilliant. From the Spanish moss hanging down in the trees to the stagnant, oddly colored waters of the bayou and the wet heat that seems to drape over the entire landscape, the language of this book draws you ever closer into the plot. Of course, the characters and powers are well described too. All together, I was just really impressed with the flow of the vision and story that Angie Sandro wanted to tell and how well it came out on paper.

I was also really impressed how this book managed to blend quite a few different genres together into one really good story. While I am a big fan of southern fiction, fantasy, New Adult, and paranormal books, I have a history of being not all too crazy about books involving murders and crime. This book made it work. From the moment when Mala stumbles onto the body in the bayou, I was curious and eager to find out what sort of foul play was afoot. I really can't put it into words, but somehow the superstition of the south, romance, fantasy and a good ole fashioned corpse join together to make an intriguing story that is hard to put down. The suspense killed me and made me excited to find out there will be another book to continue the plot.

I really liked Mala. She was set in her goals and her views, and when presented with new information they changed accordingly. Though I didn't always agree with her decisions, and sometimes I thought she came off as a bit young for her age, I was cheering for her. I also really liked the way her relationship with Landry pans out. He was a believable mix of sweet and infuriatingly irritating that made him endearing. Even the more secondary characters like local police and family members were memorable and well written.

Although my pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to Dark Paradise, one thing I did notice was that at some parts the dialogue felt a bit forced or a bit unrealistic. However, it wasn't often enough to really hinder my reading experience too much. I think this is part of what made Mala come off as a bit naive or young. While I did notice this more than once, it didn't put me off from finishing the book, nor will it stop me from picking up the second book in the series.

If you're a fan of darker themed YA/NA books, enjoy magic and hoodoo, a steamy romance, or a suspenseful mystery with forces that may reach beyond our mortal world, than this is definitely a book worth checking out.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Yours for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Cursed by Fire by Danielle Annett



Title: Cursed by Fire

Series: Blood and Magic #1

Author: Danielle Annett

Designer: Mae I Design

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Release Date: January 2015

Book Description:



It has been six years since the Awakening and peace in Spokane, Washington is still tenuous at best. The vampires and shifters are all vying for control of the city and the humans seem to be the ones suffering the consequences, or so it seems.

Aria Naveed has spent the last two years of her life fighting to make the many wrongs of the world right, but soon finds out that the humans aren’t as weak as they appear and may be a more terrifying foe than any of the other races combined.

When a stranger rolls into town with trouble on his heels, Aria finds herself trapped in the middle of a battle that could cost her more than she has bargained for as a fight for justice turns into an unexpected fight for her life.






Danielle Annett is a reader, writer, photographer, and the blogger behind Coffee and Characters. Born in the SF Bay area, she now resides in Spokane, WA, the primary location for her Blood & Magic series.

Addicted to coffee at an early age, she spends her restless nights putting pen to paper as she tries to get all of the stories out of her head before the dogs wake up the rest of the house and vye for her attention.

You can learn more about Danielle on her website found at her website at http://www.danielleannett.blogspot.com or follow on on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleAnnett and on twitter @Danielle_Annett












 


“Mike you and I both know that that isn’t going to happen so why don’t you just tell me what fur ball they’re going to saddle me with.” I said as I collected my stack of papers and organized them into a semi-neat pile.

Mike noisily cleared his voice, “Uh hey Ari…”

“God I hope that whoever it is that he isn’t a complete moron. If I’m going to be stuck with a pack partner, the least they can do is send me someone competent.” Mike noisily cleared his throat again.

“What?” I asked, looking up from my desk.

I was greeted by a tall man standing just inside the office, casually leaning against the doorframe. He had tousled brown hair and steely grey colored eyes. High cheekbones and a strong jaw formed his masculine face and a hint of stubble dusted his jaw line, not enough to appear unkempt but just enough to give a roguish impression. Dressed in black jeans, a black T, and a black leather jacket, he oozed tall, dark and handsome with deadly intent.

“That would be this fur ball right here.” He said, an arrogant grin lifting the corner of his mouth. I let my head fall to the surface of my desk, then for good measure I gently knocked my forehead on its smooth surface, one, two, three times. Dammit I couldn’t believe I had just called him a freaking fur ball! I could feel my cheeks warm in embarrassment and did my best to hide it.

“You all done with the show?” He asked as I lifted my head from the desk. I glared at him for good measure and then allowed my head to connect with the desk’s surface once more before sitting up. rubbing the slight sting away “Yea, I’m done.” I told him. Well, at least this wouldn’t be as bad as I had thought. James was the only shifter that I actually personally knew and was one of the few individuals I considered a friend. I met James about six months ago at a shifter bar downtown, though at the time I didn’t actually know that it was a shifter bar.

A group of coyotes had decided I was easy prey and were giving me a pretty hard time. James had intervened before things got out of hand which basically meant that he stopped me from wiping the floor with their coyote asses and burning the entire building to ash. It was probably a good thing that he had stepped in but I remember being furious with him at the time, I had really wanted to give those bastards a piece of my mind and show them that I wasn’t just some naive little girl. That was back when I was still cocky over my abilities. Things had changed since then and the thought was sobering. Now being a pyrokinetic was something I had to hide and honestly, that just plain sucked.

“So, you’re my partner?”

James nodded, his face going serious, “Yea I’m you’re partner, ready to do something reckless?”

I smiled at that, James knew me all to well.

“Absolutely.”

Grabbing my messenger bag I followed James out of the office, aware of Mike’s unapproving gaze on my every step.





Sunday, June 29, 2014

Stacking the Shelves [54]



Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to show off the books we've won, bought, or otherwise received in the past week. If a book catches your eye, *click* to go to the Goodreads page of that book.

Hello again loves. Sorry for the slow week. I actually moved up to live with my girlfriend for the summer, so life has been fairly chaotic. But now I'm all cozy and settled, and I can get back on schedule.

Netgalley:
Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper


In the Mail:
Rookies by Shane Allison
Can't Get Enough by Tenille Brown
The Big Book of Submission by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Bald New World by Peter Tieryas Signed
Bound for Trouble by Alison Tyler
Thanks Cleis Press



Gifts:
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt


This is one of my favorite books. I already own it but in ARC format, and so my girlfriend bought me one with the pretty cover. Thanks Emily!

Don't forget to check out my current giveaways! Enter here to win an ebook of More Than Music or a gift card. And enter here to enter to win a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy. 18+

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Blog Tour: The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy- Giveaway, Excerpt, & Review!



Hello darlings.How is your week going? Today I'm happy to announce that I'm a stop on the Blog Tour for Violet Blue's new guide book The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy: How to Have Incredible Sex with Role Play, Sex Games, Erotic Massage, BDSM and More. Stay tuned on this post to read a juicy excerpt, my review, and enter for a chance to win a copy for yourself. Don't you want to spice up your boudoir? Now's your chance ;)

Excerpt:



ROLE PLAY
Erotic Acting


Motivation is why you’re there—as yourself and as the character you’re playing. Your goal is always to turn on your lover and yourself, and for both of you to have a great time getting off in a new, exciting, and sexually significant way. But the role or character you are personifying also has his or her own motivation. Your character’s goal may be to humiliate, punish, or control your partner’s character. Your interaction with your partner will be primarily sexual, but different from the role or persona you’re used to playing with this person (though not too different than you’d like it to be).

Say, for instance, you’ve been asked to play a sexy teacher who spanks the mischievous schoolboy, and you don’t normally spank your boyfriend in your sexual routines. You’ll probably find that once you put on your teacher’s outfit part of you gets an erotic charge out of erotically dominating your boyfriend—or you wouldn’t have agreed to try the scenario. If you’re still feeling uncertain but are willing to play along with the sexual fun and games, you can tap into your eagerness to serve up your lover’s number one sexual fantasy on a silver platter—and give him what he deserves, because you know how much it means to him, and how much it turns him on.

There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself to really get into “punishing” your partner, especially if you find it makes your shared sex life exciting. Don’t worry about feeling silly—if you do, laugh it up and then get down to business. you can have fun, feel goofy, and get off all at once. If you’re worried about your performance, or anything else, remember that the role-play scenario is just a momentary, fun thing that you’re trying: A little experimentation is just that; it’s not a commitment. Before you begin, do whatever you need to get into role—read erotica, watch porn, play music, dress in costume. It’s extremely helpful to be aroused when you “make your entrance” into the scene.

From the Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy, 2nd Ed., by Violet Blue



My Review



Title: The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy: How to Have Incredible Sex with Role Play, Sex Games, Erotic Massage, BDSM and More
Editor: Violet Blue
Format: Paperback, 288 pages
Pub. Date: June 17th 2014
Source: Cleis Press
Purchase: Amazon

★★★★★

The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy is the kind of book that I think should be required reading for adults. Whether the reader is male, female, straight, gay, single taken, or any label in between, this book has something to learn and adapt to fit any lifestyle and any kink. Speaking of kink- whether you'd call your sex life vanilla or if you already have some kinky tricks up your sleeve, Violet Blue has tips and advice on how to make your fantastical sex the absolute best that it can be.

Personally, I am a huge fan of role play. Character possibilities are endless and your imagination can go wild. Violet Blue dedicates a whole chapter (and then some) to this topic. She goes above and beyond just naming classic roles/characters- although this book includes that too- by offering acting advice, steps on how to properly plan out these roles and the night of sex that follows it, and even includes resources in the back on where to shop to buy the costumes and items necessary to lose yourself into the role. I was beyond impressed with the amount of advice packed into that chapter.

And honestly, I was beyond impressed overall at how much knowledge, advice, and spicy tricks of the trade Violet Blue manages to fit into this book, period. She writes each chapter with clear expertise on the subject, as well as with a hint of snark and humor. I really like this style of writing, because instead of feeling like I needed to read a book to improve my sex life, I feel like I'm turning to an old girl friend and getting some saucy advice over mimosas. It's a friendly, unassuming, and easy-to-read prose that all ages and walks of life can appreciate and understand.

I was very pleasantly surprised to see that there is space in this book dedicated to solo play. I think it's a great inclusion, because you should know your body better than anyone else. And I know that there are some people out there who simply want to be alone in their fantasies. I think it is great that this book doesn't shun or exclude them, but rather loops them into the conversation by offering advice and techniques for men and women alike.

No matter what your fantasy is, there's a topic in here for you. Threesomes (or more)? Check. Stripping? Check. Games, public sex, fetishes? Check check check. New to all of it? No sweat. She starts you with the basics so that you always feel safe and comfortable. Ashamed or embarrassed about the fantasy you have? Again, Violet Blue has you covered. From safe sex practices to swinging and guidance on how to lap dance, this girl knows what you want in your bedroom and makes it damn near impossible for you not to integrate it.

With a book full of advice like this, how can your partner (or your own body) resist?

This is a book that I feel all sexually active and adventurous books should keep on a shelf close to the naughty drawer for inspiration. Thank you so much to Cleis Press for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway!


And now the moment you have been waiting for. Enter to win yourself a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy.
The Rules:
-This giveaway will run from June 25th to July 3rd, 2014.
-This giveaway is open to those 18+ and is USA ONLY.
-It is open to anyone over that age who can legally enter, receive, and use their prize.
-One (1) winner will win a copy.
-This giveaway is sponsored wholly by the publisher.
-This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity.
-Winner will have 48 hours to reply, or a new winner will be chosen. Winner will be chosen using Rafflecopter.
-Invalid entries will be removed, so please don't cheat.
-Void where prohibited. Odds will vary. No purchase necessary.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Violet Blue
Facebook | Website | Twitter

Follow Cleis Press
Facebook | Website | Twitter | Buy Now

EDIT: THE FIRST WINNER DID NOT RESPOND. ANOTHER HAS BEEN CHOSEN, PENDING HER REPLY.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

More Than Music Blitz & Giveaway!



Series: Chasing the Dream #1
Release date: June 17th 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis via Goodreads:
Music major Maddie Taylor seems to have her life all figured out. She’s just finished her junior year of college, has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, and plans to go to grad school to write movie scores. Only her roommates know she practices guitar every night and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don't get to be rock stars.

Tattooed singer Jared Cross has a new girl every week, but when he catches Maddie playing one of his songs, she attracts his attention in an unexpected way. His band needs a fourth member for The Sound, a reality TV show competition—and he wants her. Though Maddie refuses to be another notch on Jared’s bedpost, she agrees to risk everything for the chance to be a rock star.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared behind his flirty smile, and with each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. When the show pressures Jared to flaunt his player image, they’re forced to keep their relationship secret, but Maddie can’t help but want something real.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

Excerpt:
“I need your help,” Jared said, fixing an intense gaze on me. “We have a live audition tomorrow for The Sound. Problem is, our bassist quit last night, and we need a fourth member of the band.”

“What?” Was he saying what I thought he was saying? No. Impossible.

“I know—worst timing ever. Can you play bass by any chance?”

“No…”

His face fell for an instant, and some reckless part of me wanted to lie and say yes or promise him I’d learn. How hard could it be to learn the bass if I knew how to play guitar, right? Though I immediately realized how dumb that idea was because a) I could never learn bass in time for an audition tomorrow; b) I shouldn’t care about making Jared happy, even if his disappointed face broke my heart; and c) none of that mattered because he couldn’t possibly be asking me to join his band anyway.

“That’s okay,” he said. “I can play bass, and you can play guitar. It’ll work.” His smile lit up his face again, with a look that could charm any girl lucky enough to bask in it. Right now, that girl was me. “So what do you think?”

Jared was asking me—me—to play guitar in his band. In an audition on live TV. In front of four of the greatest musicians ever, plus millions of people at home. Mind. Blown. Somehow I’d been handed my secret dream on a silver platter. Next up, Jared would ask me out, too. Yeah, and then we’d ride off into the sunset on a rainbow unicorn with our million-dollar record deal.

“You want me to join your band?” I asked slowly, studying him for any sign that this was all a joke.

“Just for the audition. That should give us enough time to find another bass player to take Becca’s place.”

Ah, there was the catch. I would only play with them for one day, giving me a tiny taste of their lifestyle, and then they’d drop me as soon as the audition was over. No, better to never know what it would be like to play guitar on stage, to be part of a band, to make music with Jared and Kyle. Besides, I couldn’t play guitar in front of the world. Guitar was my secret, my fun escape, and nothing more. My internship started on Monday, and I needed to focus on that—not on silly dreams of being a rock star.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t.” I spun around and rushed toward the exit before he could respond. I didn’t want him to see my face and how much I desperately wanted to do it.

“Wait!” He ran after me, but I kept going, past other students who watched us with curiosity. “Maddie, wait!”

Damn his long legs. He caught up to me, practically jumping in front of me to stop me in my tracks. I kept my face glued to the floor, to the contrast of his black combat boots and my green Converse. I couldn’t look up at him or I’d be tempted to say yes to anything.

He lowered his voice. “Please, you’re the only person who can help us. You’re an amazing guitarist, and you already know our songs. We need you.”

I shook my head, looking anywhere but at him. Hearing him say he needed me with his whiskey-chocolate-sex voice made my legs a bit shaky, but what he was asking for? It was too much.

Jared got down on his knees, right in the middle of the hallway, and everyone stopped to watch us. He raised his hands like he was begging. “Please, this is our one chance, but without a fourth member, we can’t do it. You’re perfect and it’ll only be for a day, and then I’ll owe you. I’ll do anything you want.” He topped it off with a grin. “Help me, Maddie Taylor, you’re my only hope.”

Damn. How could I say no to a Star Wars reference from a hot guy on his knees? The word slipped out before I could stop it. “Okay.”


Inspired Playlist:

About the Author
Elizabeth Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and adults. She plays the guitar, mentors at-risk teens, and volunteers with a dog rescue group. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a pack of small, fluffy dogs.
Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram

Buy MORE THAN MUSIC by clicking here! And, follow the tour here!

Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Stacking the Shelves [53]



Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to show off the books we've won, bought, or otherwise received in the past week. If a book catches your eye, *click* to go to the Goodreads page of that book.

Netgalley:
Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis
Dark Paradise by Angie Sandro



For Tours:

The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy: How to Have Incredible Sex with Role Play, Sex Games, Erotic Massage, BDSM and More by Violet Blue


In the Mail:


I also got to go to Rainbow Cone in Chicago this week, and it was delicious.


What about you?