AND WE HAVE A WINNER

After collecting all correct answers, by the way I really enjoyed the accuracy of your answers.. The winner was chosen by extreme scientific means... (all the names were dropped in a hat and the winner was chosen by my 21 year old son).

For those of you not sure of the answer... Ms Day went to

The Ohio State University where Dr Keely McDermot works as an archeologist.. Keely is the heroine of Atlantis Unleashed..

and our lucky winner IS....


Carmen Pacheco... Carmen, please send me an email with your snail mail address so I can get this to you!!

Contest Ends Today!!

Just wanted to keep this information on top.. Contest Ends Today!! Make Sure you Submit your Answer

Bodice Rippers is pleased to announce our very first give away.. That is right!! We will be having a contest and the lucky winner will receive a copy of Vampire in Atlantis! All you need to get ready for Alaric and Quinn. And thanks to the Amazing Alyssa Day it will be an autographed copy!!

The Rules of the Contest

1. You must be a member of this site!


2. Once you are a member you need to answer the following question..

Which Character Works for Alyssa's Alma Mater? Which book can he/she be found in?

3. As soon as you know the answer send it along with your name to bodiceripperstrivia@yahoo.com.

4. Remember don't post it here! The contest will run until Monday October 31, 2011 (a day I am sure Riley will be busy introducing Trick or Treating to Atlantis) On the 31st a name will be randomly selected from the correct answers.

GOOD LUCK!! Remember the Lucky Winner will take home this lovely picture and the fantastic book attached to it!!

there's no chance for a Halloween Treat if you don't play!!

Lord of the Vampires Review

Since today is Halloween, I thought this would be a good book to review...a story about magic and a vampire.

Gena Showalter’s “Lord of the Vampires”, is the first book of the Royal House of Shadows series. This series is about four siblings, Nicolai, Breena, Dayn and Micah, and their quest for vengeance for the murder of their father and mother (King & Queen). Each of the children had a spell put on them by their parents as they lay dying to protect them in the future. One by the King was to instill the need to avenge his death. The other was done by the Queen, who was a witch, was to send them away to keep them safe. Each of them was sent to different place. The interesting thing about this series, is that each book will be written by a different author (Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe, Jessica Andersen and Nalini Singh),with each being a twist from a fairytale. This one is supposed to be a takeoff on the fairytale Alice in Wonderland. Each of the books will focus on a different sibling. Ok, now to my review of “Lord of the Vampires”.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I do enjoy Showalter’s writing, and in the beginning I found it interesting, and enjoyable. However, as the book continues there were things that I wasn’t crazy about. However, let us start with the story.

This is Nicolai’s book, he is the eldest of the 4 siblings and he is a very powerful vampire, but not truly a nightwalker. He also inherited from his mother, magical ability. When Nicolai was sent someplace safe by his dying mother, he ended up at an auction being sold as a sex slave to two evil princesses, who wiped his memory of who he was, and how he got there. Overtime, after much torture at the hands of the princesses, Nicolai manages to learn to use his magic to summon a woman to free him.
The heroine, Jane, having been enchanted into reading a magical book, where she has been dreaming of a man in chains, who calls to her. Jane is attracted to the man in her dreams, and suddenly after falling asleep while reading the book, Jane wakes up in a new world, and realizes her dreams have become real. Everyone looks at her like she is one of the princesses, who just recently died, and has now come back to life. She goes to see if the man of her dreams is indeed locked up in the dungeon. Jane is instantly attracted to Nicolai, as he calls to her to free him. Of course, Nicolai sees her as the beautiful girl she is, not as the princess the others see her as (Nicolai had put a spell so others would see her differently). Jane must free Nicolai and help him escape from the bad Queen and her sister the bad princess. Nicolai is drawn to Jane, and besides needing his freedom and need for vengeance, he also feels the need to protect her.
The story continues as both Nicolai and Jane escape and make their way to Elden, where Nicolai remembers is his home, and where he needs to act his vengeance. But along the way, they are being hunted by the bad princess, Lalia and come across giant ogres who attempt to rape Jane. Nicolai comes to the rescue and kills her attackers. The story is very sexual, and Nicolai cannot control his desire for Jane, as she for him. Jane was a smart, and tough heroine, who constantly stood up to fight to save herself or Nicolai. She had a lot of spirit, considering all that she has gone through being sent to this unknown and strange world, only her love of Nicolai has kept her sane.
During their travel to Elden, Nicolai’s memories began to come back a little at a time. Jane would encourage him, though worried what they would find when he got back home. During their lovemaking, Nicolai would take a bit of her blood, and also gave her some of his to heal her, which also helped heal him. Over time, Jane realizes she is getting some different symptoms…is she becoming a vampire too?
Eventually they are again captured by Lalia. At this point, Nicolai knows he must use his magical powers to defeat Lalia, who plans to kill Jane. Jane having discovered she now has the ability to transport (from Nicolai) uses that to help save herself and transports Lalia and herself back to her time.
Both Nicolai and Jane love each other very much, and together they work their magic to find a way to bring them together again. I liked both characters, but there really wasn’t a lot of character development to get to know them better. I found at times some of the story was redundant, and though I do enjoy steamy sex in romance books, this one seemed bit over the top, losing some of the story along the way. Perhaps this was due to the lack of character development. The story was shorter then a full novel, yet longer then a novella. "Lord of the Vampires" had an open ending, as they headed to Elden together. Now the story moves along to the next book and sibling…Lord of Rage..by Jill Monroe.

Couldn't resist....

Adding some Halloween animation....after all, there are BOOKS flying around those walls.

Happy Halloween

IT'S MONDAY DID YOU THINK I WOULD FORGET THE CANDY?

Don't you just love when a man comes in costume?

AND BECAUSE WE DESERVE A TREAT

Shauni

Vampire in Atlantis Review

“Vampire in Atlantis” is the seventh book (plus two novellas) in Alyssa Day’s Warriors of the Poseidon series. The next book in this wonderful series will be released in May, 2012. “Vampire in Atlantis” is Daniel’s book, and many of us have been waiting for this.

The story picks up with Daniel now ready to give up on life, and face the dawn. Daniel's whole existence has been about atoning for his early years of being a vampire when he was all about killing and maiming. He spent 9000 years underground to stop himself from continuing the bloodlust. He returned to join hands to help the Atlanteans working undercover against the vampires. But his futility and being alone has forced him to finally give in to ending it all.

Serai is an Atlantean princess, who was one of a group of young maidens, who agreed to be placed into a magical stasis to ensure the future of the Atlantean race, and be saved for a future King of Atlantis. This was 11 thousand years ago, when Atlantis went under the sea. Serai has now awakened, as something is wrong with the Emperor jewel, which protected all the maidens in the stasis. The Emperor jewel is also one of the jewels needed for the Trident, to help Atlantis rise. Serai uses her magic to help her escape. She wants no part of Atlantis, that seemed to have forgotten her, and calls the portal to run. But she knows she must find the missing jewel to save the other maidens who are still locked away from a sure death.

When Daniel is walking into the sunlight, he is suddenly pulled away and lands at Serai’s feet. He shockingly recognizes her, and she does too, but her mind is still in a state of confusion. 11 thousand years ago, Serai was Daniel’s first and only love. But circumstances and timing tore them apart, as Atlantis was shortly ready to disappear. Serai was visiting the jewelry shop where Daniel worked, and as it was attacked, he shoved her into an underground hiding place. When Serai came back up, Daniel was near death and she made a fast decision to save his life. She allowed a nightwalker mage to change Daniel. This was how he became a vampire. Serai returned home intending to check up on Daniel soon, but her father who felt Daniel was not worthy of her, lied to her and said Daniel was dead. Atlantis shortly went under the sea and she was one the “lucky” maidens placed in stasis, for a few years (which ends up to be 11 thousand years).

Serai’s goal is to find the person who is misusing the power of the Emperor jewel, as it is killing her and her sisters. But Daniel is not going to let Serai go now that he has found her, even if that means they die on this mission together. This story is about a wonderful love story of two people who though separated for thousands of years, have never forgotten one another. This was their second chance to rekindle their romance. At the same time find the missing jewel that threatens to destroy them, as well as Atlantis. The majority of the story takes place in the red rock country of Sedona, Arizona. Their true love is more emotional then in the previous books, and it is also a chance for the redemption Daniel needs. It was great to watch them rediscover their love, her see a world that has totally changed, and for Daniel to finally have what he has always wanted…someone to share his life with and to love with passion. When they reached the soul-meld, it was very emotional, as Daniel now knew he did indeed have a soul.

The story is also filled with lots of action and danger. It was great to see Riley, Erin, and Keeley helping to try to save the maidens. Then at the end to see all of the couples together (Riley/Conlan, Ven/Erin, Justice/Keeley, Alexios/Grace, Brennan/Tiernan, Christophe/Fiona) come together to help save Daniel and Serai. Also fun to see Poseidon again. There are also some interesting revelations in this book. Some have to do with Daniel and Serai, but another was confirmation that we have suspected before….Serai tells them that priests do not have to be celibate, as they are stronger magic users when they have been through the soul-meld…Great news for Alaric and Quinn.

This has been a great read and a fun series. Loved every single one of the books, and can’t wait for Heart of Atlantis….and Quinn and Alaric….May, 2012 seems so long to wait. Thank you Alyssa Day for this wonderful series…..

TALKING ABOUT....

Thursday will now be known as Talking About…...

Every Thursday, I will post a picture and a short biography on our favorite Male Models: cover, runway and print. Let me know, who YOU would like to see on Talk About Thursday and I will look for the important information.

Now for something really important....Does anyone know the name of this 'model'? Sherrilyn Kenyon has used this male as a representation of the Peltier quads.....anyone?

FRIENDS.......meet TIM CARLTON....aka Todd Mane

CONTEST INFORMATION

Just wanted to keep this information on top.. only two more days until the deadline!!

Bodice Rippers is pleased to announce our very first give away.. That is right!! We will be having a contest and the lucky winner will receive a copy of Vampire in Atlantis! All you need to get ready for Alaric and Quinn. And thanks to the Amazing Alyssa Day it will be an autographed copy!!

The Rules of the Contest

1. You must be a member of this site!


2. Once you are a member you need to answer the following question..

Which Character Works for Alyssa's Alma Mater? Which book can he/she be found in?

3. As soon as you know the answer send it along with your name to bodiceripperstrivia@yahoo.com.

4. Remember don't post it here! The contest will run until Monday October 31, 2011 (a day I am sure Riley will be busy introducing Trick or Treating to Atlantis) On the 31st a name will be randomly selected from the correct answers.

GOOD LUCK!! Remember the Lucky Winner will take home this lovely picture and the fantastic book attached to it!!

**This contest will be limited to those in the United States and Canada

Shauni

Adam, A Review

Adam is the long awaited conclusion to the Nightwalker series! Finally, Jacquelyn Frank wraps up all the loose ends that have been dangling for several years. (I would add that this is not a book that you want to START a series with and it is in no way a stand alone..) When I first found Jacob, the original Nightwalker book, I fell madly in love. It was such a fantastic and wonderful story full of the mythos of our history turned on it's ear. Jacquelyn Frank had crafted this amazing world, drawing the reader in ever deeper then one day, she stopped. Went on to another series, The Shadowdwellers but they were connected so I just assumed that she would tie everything together eventually. Then suddenly, another left turn and she was on an entirely different series. I was left totally bereft. I wanted my HEA.. I wanted to see what happened. I wanted Good to Triumph over evil and most of all, I wanted Ruth DEAD!!

I am happy to say that Jacquelyn does not disappoint. Don't get me wrong Adam is not for the feint of heart. The prologue alone rips the foundation of the series at the very seams.. Jacob and Isabella in a fight against Ruth, determined to end her at last when things go sadly awry. Skipping 10 years into the future their beloved daughter, Leah has been left to deal with a life filled with self recrimination and isolation. Upon hearing of the legend of Adam, an uncle she had never once heard of before she wonders if as the child of prophecy, the Demon of Time could she change the past?

Adam, the enforcer of the Nightwalker clan, whose entire being was created to punish Demons who broke the rules. Those who dared to seek out humans, those who risked the species by giving in to their basic urges. Adam, who was friend and councilor to The King, during the vampire wars.. A noble warrior who enforces his cultures laws.. A chance encounter with a sensual Vampire sets him back, pulls at his sense and makes him yearn. A second encounter sets his blood boiling but he respects what is forbidden..

Along comes Leah, in a flash in time she asks.. will you sacrifice all for your beloved brother? Upon receiving is affirmation she whisks him 400 years into the future. And what a future it has become. The Vampires, Lycanthropes, Mystrals, Shadowdwellers and Demons have become allies. Jacob is the enforcer along with his HUMAN wife.. The only constant in this new life is Adam's need to protect his people and his attraction to Jasmine, who is now liason to the Demon King.

Jasmine, a Vampire in the constant state of ennui, awakes from her self imposed sleep to find Adam, a Demon who is determined to destroy her people. Yet, one meeting was enough to tempt her senses.. make her yearn for something. Adam's disappearance for 400 years leaves her in a colorless world without ever knowing why. His reappearance wreaks total havoc on both her sense and her determination to destroy the ultimate evil.

While, I enjoyed their relationship and I loved seeing old friends come together to fight and of course seeing Ruth get what was coming to her was fantastic. I felt that this story had a lot of forced moments. I enjoyed it, I would most definitely recommend that lovers of this series read it but I still want more. There are still questions that need to be answered. Hopefully, Ms Frank will return to this world with a new story arc that touches on some of these untold stories..

Shauni

Alyssa Day.. A Month in Review.. and a GIVE AWAY!!

As you know October has been dedicated to the reading of Alyssa Day's Warriors of Poseidon Series. While we spent a lot of time reading and re reading the WoP series and the discussion has been oh so fun. We know very little about the author.

Alyssa Day currently resides in Japan with her husband she lovingly refers to as Navy Guy and her two children. She is not just a fabulous author, she is a dedicated communicator. Follow her on Facebook and you might find that she is speaking directly to you. There have been times when I have actually forgotten that she isn't a long lost High School acquaintance but rather a celebrated author. That is an amazing skill which shows the generous heart of this Wife, Mother and Author. Normally this is where I would tell you about her career and education but I am going to wait just a bit.. Why you ask?

Bodice Rippers is pleased to announce our very first give away.. That is right!! We will be having a contest and the lucky winner will receive a copy of Vampire in Atlantis! All you need to get ready for Alaric and Quinn.

The Rules of the Contest

1. You must be a member of this site!
   (here are the steps needed to join...
   On the left hand column below the twitter link you will see the word Followers if you do not see a bunch of little square avatars.. then you need to refresh until you do..
   Once you see that you should also see a button that says join this site.. click on it and follow the steps.. You need to join PUBLICLY.. as privately will not let us see you and we won't know that you have joined.
   Once you have joined.. make sure you hit done.. I know such a simple step but I heard from others who skipped this part.... so I am including it in the instructions.. Once you are finished let us know.. and we will make sure. You also should receive a welcome email within 24 hours of joining.. )
   
   
2.  Once you are a member you need to answer the following question..
   Which Character Works for Alyssa's Alma Mater? Which book can he/she be found in?
   
   
3. As soon as you know the answer send it along with your name to bodiceripperstrivia@yahoo.com.
   
   
4. Remember don't post it here! The contest will run until Monday October 31, 2011 (a day I am sure Riley will be busy introducing Trick or Treating to Atlantis) On the 31st a name will be randomly selected from the correct answers.

GOOD LUCK!! Remember the Lucky Winner will take home this lovely picture and the fantastic book attached to it!!  

Shauni

Oh yes, this contest will be limited to those in the United States and Canada

Ascension A Review

Image a world, full of good verses evil, hunky defenders of the innocent, complete with wings! A place where there are those who would die just to protect humanity from evil. Now take that place and overlap it right over planet earth... and focus it on Phoenix, AZ. Add to that a woman with amazing powers and a feeling of isolation. A man who has lost it all TWICE.. and you get Ascension.

The fluent mind of Caris Roane gives us Ascension as the first book in her series of the same name. What a powerful punch this book carries. As with many books designed to carry a series there is that overload of information that can at times be unsettling. Fortunately for the reader, the main characters have charisma and pull and keep our attention over all the background chatter.

In Ascension, Earth has many dimensions but our cast of characters inhabits only Mortal Earth and Second Earth. In order to inhabit Second Earth you have to Ascend to it. There has to be something about you worthy of the ascension. For Alison Wells it is an amazing amount of power that is stronger than almost everyone in Second Earth. Of course having such powers on Mortal Earth makes her a danger to those she interacts with. She has to much.. when her emotions escape others can be hurt, which makes finding a lover and falling in love most difficult, as she put her last lover in the hospital when a burst of power escaped during lovemaking. While she is unaware of her powers, the powers that be on Second Earth are not and Evil, being evil does not follow the rules. For over a year she has been courted by the leader, the Commander, of evil.. Either accept his position or die.. Unfortunately, he doesn't quite tell her this.

Kerrick, a Warrior wounded by loss and failure to protect his family in centuries past, has been assigned to protect her. Having made a vow to never again enter a relationship where he is responsible for the safety of a wife and children, Kerrick is ready to run when once they meet the sparks fly. He doesn't want anything to do with the sensual pull that claims them both. Destined mates, they must find a way to survive Alison's ascension to Second Earth. During the three day period prior to ascension the rules allow full out battle and her very life is at constant risk. Apart, these are two of the most powerful beings in Second Earth together, they have the power to battle any foe. The only thing holding them back is themselves.

There is an amazing cast of characters set up to assist them in their battle, The Warriors of the Blood are the protectors of the void between the dimensions. They are passionate, arrogant and loyal to Endelle their leader for over 9000 years. Greaves, the commander is a sufficiently slimy villian, guaranteed to use every possible trick up his sleeve to win the battle for control of both Mortal and Second Earth. At this point in the game he is edging ever closer to his goals. He has turned a famed Warrior of the Blood, he has bribed the ruling council and he is poised to win. All that remains between him and his goals is Endelle and her Warriors..

As I said at the onset, this book has a lot of background information that you have to absorb. For that reason it can be distracting. I think it will be a fabulous read the second time I read it. As far as introducing the rest of the series? I can not WAIT to read Burning Skies and Wings of Fire both of which are out already. And coming in soon Born of Ashes! This promises to be a series to go straight to the top of my tbr list...

Shauni

Ten Quotes About Reading

“Never judge a book by its movie.” (J. W. Eagan) always remember this quote when watching a movie based on a book!!

“When I get a little money, I buy books. And if there is any left over, I buy food. “(Erasmus)

“The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented is the book. “(Northrop Frye)

“Books are for people who wish they were somewhere else.” (Mark Twain)

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” (Garrison Keillor)

“We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.” (B.F.Skinner)

“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” (Paul Sweeney)

“My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter.” (Thomas Helm)

“A well-composed book is a magic carpet on which we are wafted to a world that we cannot enter in any other way” (Caroline Gordon)

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted. You should live several lives while reading it.” (William Styron)

Sandy

Something to Look Forward to at Bodice Rippers

October is almost over, we thought you might like to know what is coming for the rest of the year. Something we can look forward to.......together.

We had so much fun discussing Alyssa Day's Warriors of the Poseidon series in October, we decided to continue Author of the Month with Melissa Mayhue. The group read for November is the "Daughters of the Glen" series. The First book is 30 Nights with a Highland Husband make sure and reserve your copy now. 

Our Turnback Tuesday November author is Nora Roberts.  We will concentrate on her trilogies, and will be reviewing three of Barb's Favorites.  Nora's first book of The BoonsBoro Trilogy, The Next Always, is scheduled to be released in November and you can look forward to our review.

In December we are excited to announce that Christine Feehan will be The Author of the Month. Christine is special to Sandy, Barb and me because we met on her amazing website. If you have not had a chance to visit, you are missing out on a funfilled experience, with unique and interesting people. 

Christine has a new release in December...."Spirit Bound"...the second book in the Sisters of the Heart series.  We plan to review Spirit Bound as well as other books throughout the month.  We will not be doing a read along of Christine's books because she currently has four fantastic series with multiple storylines and it will be too difficult to stay with just one series. Therefore, we will choose an assortment of our favorites. Comment about your favorite book: which Carpathian, Leopard, Drake or Ghost Walker do you prefer. We LOVE discussing Christine's men. Should be a lot of fun.

We have also been making plans for 2012 and will be sharing them with you in the new year.  We are excited and look forward to all of you participating in the fun & discussions. Thank you for being part of this experience with us.  

Shauni

Ten Reasons Why Women Love Romance Novels

10. We're bored and have nothing better to do. This explains why a good portion of us read in lines, just before the lights go off in a theater, between meetings, before class, and during our commute... because we have time to spare.

09. We don't have to think when we read romance! Great! Let's leave our brains at home because everybody knows romance novels are right up there with gossip, soap operas, and fashion and celebrity magazines.

08. Secretly, we love the trashy cover art. Clinches and clutches and heaving bosoms really appeal to us. Who doesn't love toting embarrassingly bulging mantitty in her purse?

07. We love romance because it's petticoat porn. (What and men don't like watching poorly filmed flicks off the internet? At least ours is intellectual- it's literature!)

06. Better yet, on top of loving it for porn we also love it because we have no sex life. This is our only way to experience sex... ie vicariously through fictional characters. Right... as if any woman couldn't go into any bar and ask any man if he wanted to go home with her and he wouldn't say yes.

Now for 5 real reasons to love romance novels: (Just in case you your blood pressure had reached epidemic heights)

05. Truly, we love romance because it's emotional porn. Two hanky reads anyone? Passes out tissues.

04. Happily Ever After. We love a great ending and knowing that no matter how many troubles and problems seem to mount up eventually they're solved and go away.

03. Variety. There's a romance out there for everyone. Many of us develop preferences and seek out stories that cater to them.

02. The heroine. She's everything we want to be or admire in others with the exception of the Too Stupid to Live Heroines.

And the number one reason women love romance novels is:

01. The hero... because we can fall a little bit in love with him every time we open a book to read.

Sandy

http://www.loveromancepassion.com/ten-reasons-why-women-love-romance-novels

Queen of the Darkness Review

Since this is Turn Back Tuesday, we continue with the Black Jewels series, written by the wonderful Anne Bishop. The third book is…”Queen of the Darkness”.

“Queen of the Darkness” is the 3^rd book in Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels trilogy. After I finished this book, I was totally hyped and couldn’t come down fast enough from an emotional read. Not since Sword of Truth, has a series affected me so much. If you have read my previous two reviews, you already know how I feel about the Black Jewels series. The first book was the darkest, but you became hooked pretty fast, and recognize that Anne Bishop has created a world like non other, and her imagination, wonderful characterizations pulls you very deep into this story. The second book though the premise of cruelty remains, as is normal in fantasy, was so much lighter and a more enjoyable read. In"Queen of the Darkness”, the lighter, but intense story continues to an exciting and emotional ending.

“Queen of the Darkness” is two parts. Part 1 brings you back into the story, meeting all the wonderful people you became so attached to in the previous two books, as well as some new characters. It also brings the major pieces together, such as Daemon and Surreal to the family, and sets things up for the exciting Part 2, where choices have to made, to face the forthcoming battle against evil.

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters, her secondary characters are just as lovable. She has a way that brings them so close to your heart, and it’s almost like you are living within each of those characters. Of course, as in any story, she has her villains, and in this case they are women (some men); her 2 vicious villainess’ are as hated, as the others are loved.

Upon finishing the Black Jewels trilogy, these wonderful characters that I have come to love, will stay with me:

Jaenelle- whom you meet at 7 years old, and know she is destined for greatness. You will love her immediately and watch her mature from a child, to a young adult, to a young woman, and to WITCH.

Saetan – He is the High Lord of Hell, as I said before, nothing like you would have imagined him to be. He is a joy to watch throughout the entire series. He is fun, humorous, and at the same time can be lethal. But his love for the daughter of his soul, Jaenelle, and later on for his sons, his family, and her friends is so wonderful to be part of.

Lucivar – So strong, funny, tough, a leader and loyal to his sister. He knew early on that this child he briefly met would be someone in the future who will change his life forever. He was her protector, and turned into such a great hero.

Daemon – He should go down as one of the best leading male characters in fiction. He is strong, beautiful, and highly sexual. He has a very cruel side (due to his horrific early days), and the wonderful emotional loving side (after he meets Jaenelle). Daemon fits the description of dark & light...love & hate. A very emotional ride throughout for him.

The four of them complete each other. But there are so many other characters you also come to care deeply about; Surreal, Andulvar, Karla, Prothvar, Ladvarian, Kaelas, Graysfang, and of course the rest of her coven and their warlords. You know you are in trouble, when you find yourself falling in love with Lord Ladvarian..one of the warlord heroes…………………………..a kindred dog…lmao…ahhhhh Ladvarian. :)

The last 1/3 of the book was very exciting and tense, as Anne Bishop pulled everything out of her imagination to play with your emotions…hatred for those evil bitches, for what they were doing; sadness and tears for the sacrifices to be made to save the them all. Surreal trying to teach Jaenelle how to kiss Daemon.…laughter; Saetan dreaming..and all those characters who came to visit him in his dream to say goodbye….tears; Surreal & her mother….crying vengeance against two of the most vile men..….cheers; Daemon at the fountain….double tears; Saetan hearing the wolves howling.…triple tears. Then later came my Ladvarian….*grins* to bring some peace.

If I had to pick one thing that I would have changed..it is part of the ending. Though it was a good ending, I would have liked to have enhanced it more with an epilogue or another chapter bringing some of them together as a group. But that is me, I like those mushy endings. Lol

I am totally in awe of Anne Bishop, who took her time in telling us her story, and bringing us these wonderful characters, whom we were able to live through them. She has created a heart rendering, beautiful story of a young child coming to greatness, and the devoted men and friends, who stood beside her against the evil. Bravo… Bravo Anne Bishop, who now rises to the top next to JD Robb/Nora Roberts, Christine Feehan and Terry Goodkind as authors I cannot miss any of. Thank you again, Shauni for introducing me to this complex and fabulous world. Lastly, I have to say one more thing…………………”Mother Night!” :)

Note: There are 5 more books that continue this saga, and in the future when we honor Anne Bishop, we will discuss the remaining books. Do not hesitate to buy the books and read on.

Barb

Turn Back Tuesday - Barbara Cartland

"Dame (Mary) Barbara Hamilton Cartland, DBE, CStJ (9 July 1901 – 21 May 2000), was an English author, one of the most prolific of the 20th century. As Barbara Cartland she is known for her numerous romantic novels, but she also wrote under her married name Barbara McCorquodale.
She also became one of London's most prominent society figures and one of Britain's most popular media personalities, appearing often at public events and on television, dressed in her trademark pink and discoursing on love, health, and social and political issues. She is widely regarded as having originated the phrase: "I'm bringing sexy back", as popularized by singer Justin Timberlake. Barbara Cartland is the sixth most translated writer Worldwide , and the third best selling, only William Shakespeare, and Agatha Christie have outsold her." (Wikipedia)

I don't think the entire Romance Genre would be anywhere near where it is today had not Barbara Cartland paved the way. By today's standards her books were simple with derived plots and contrived relationships but in her day, when these books came out they were amazing. A genre that finally spoke to the secret romance in a woman's heart. Women, then as now didn't necessarily want to go out and have some wild fling, many were happily married and just needed those few moments to themselves that gave them a hint of secret fantasies. Teen girls and single women read her books and saw a promise of what could be.

Ms Cartland left us more than a decade ago and yet her story continues in each and every "romance" book we read. Groundbreakers need to be remembered and Celebrated. So I thank you Ms Cartland for providing us with that foot in the door. For helping to create an amazing genre and for believing in romance

Shauni

Atlantis Betrayed Review

“Atlantis Betrayed” is the sixth book (plus two novellas) in Alyssa Day’s Warriors of the Poseidon series. If you have been reading my reviews, as I continue through Warriors of Poseidon, you will have noticed that I was pleasantly surprised by the last two books. In “Atlantis Betrayed” I figured that streak was over, as I totally disliked Christophe. Boy was I wrong….I loved him in this book, loved him with Fiona….and I think he is now my favorite…just goes to show that until you read their stories….you will never know.

Christophe has from the beginning a bad attitude and a chip on his shoulder. He openly hates humans, and doesn't care about saving them, but as a loyal warrior for Poseidon, he does what is expected of him. But as he is hanging around London, planning to steal the Jewel Siren for the Trident, his life is about to change…..he accidentally meets the ‘Scarlet Ninja’.

Fiona Campbell is another of Day’s great heroines. Seems they are all different and unique on their own, and Fiona turns out to be one of the best ones. Loved her.

As the ‘Scarlet Ninja’, Fiona is a thief, who is the Robin Hood of her time; she steals to use the money to give to the needy. Fiona is in actuality a famous writer of children’s books, is rich on her own, and has a mansion to boot. She uses her own money to help charities. Of course, having read the previous stories, you know Fiona has some kind of power. Seems she is distant Fae (but possibly royal Seelie Fae), and has the ability to make herself invisible.

While out scouting the vanquish sword (which includes the siren jewel), Fiona accidentally runs into Christophe, who is looking to steal it. Christoph is immediately attracted to Fiona, as she is to him. He blackmails her to keep her identity a secret, if they become partners in the quest for the jewels. Their adventure to steal the jewel, as well as to prevent the vampires from using the jewel to enthrall the shifters is very exciting and fun.

This story also brings in the Unseelie Fae, specifically Lord Fairsby, who also wants the jewel for himself. The Unseelie Fae are supposed to be bad, as opposed to the good Seelie Fae we met in the previous books. As it turns out, Fiona’s best friend, Maeve, unbeknownst to her is an Unseelie Princess, who knew that Fiona was the ‘Scarlet Ninja’, but they were great friends. It was wonderful to watch Christophe fall in love with Fiona, marvel at the new emotions he was feeling, and to see him loosen up, and actually joke around. His constant grinning, playfulness was so infectious, you find yourself falling in love with Christoph. Fiona was the perfect match for him; she was smart, a crusader, spunky, sexy, and a real lady. The romance between the two of them was not only hot and steamy, it was fun. Day wrote this so well, she equally evened the story with action and romance.

What also made this story different were two secondary characters that were a big part of the story. Fiona’s brother, Declan, a computer geek, who helps her with her other life, is cute and very likeable. It was great to watch his relationship with his sister and to Christoph. The other was her butler, Hopkins, who saved her and Declan, after her father was killed by vampires, years before. You can tell how much he loves them both, and he also helps her with her double life. He is an enjoyable character, who intermixes with Christophe and the warriors who show up, which is funny. "Atlantis Betrayed" was a great book, very entertaining, lots of fun, sexy, plenty of action and an exciting ending. Best of all, the total change of Christophe was amazing to see. On to the final book thus far, Vampire in Atlantis…until the next book (Heart in Atlantis) coming May, 2012…Quinn and Alaric’s.

***Please note that when i said final book, it is for this arc. Alyssa Day just recently said that she will do another arc that will begin when Atlantis rises. More on that when we read Heart in Atlantis.

It's Monday Must be Time for some EYE CANDY

The Amazing MacKelter Brothers according to Karen Marie Moning!! Ms Moning has had given her readers who join her on Facebook an eyeful, that's for sure.. she voted in the best pictures for her characters.

On top...  Drustan.. smooth, collected, together and oh so very smexy

Below, Dageus!! Raw, sensual and every girls Dream..

All together now.. let's say Thank You... *sigh*

The Warlord Wants Forever-Review

The Warlord Wants Forever is the first book (and part of an anthology in Playing Easy to Get) by Kresley Cole in the Immortals After Dark series.

As with any introduction, this storyline introduces the Immortals that will play a major role in future novels, including Valkyrie, vampire, lycan, fey, witches and many other beings that will fall victim to love and war. The novella concerns vampires and the Valkyrie in modern day New Orleans, Louisiana. The Valkyrie are the female-children of female warriors the gods have deemed worthy, to be saved from death in battle-“be they human, demoness, siren, changeling or any brave creature from the Lore and knew to pray for it as they died”. Most of the storylines are current day, but by way of explanation, there are flashbacks and prologues to keep the reader abreast of important information.

In The Warlord Wants Forever, Nikolai Wroth, a human warrior turned-vampire rescues Myst, one of the gods-blessed Valkyrie, only to realize, she is his bride, his mate. Not willing to be claimed, Myst escapes her rescuer, only to be the subject of an intensive search for the next 5 years. Once a vampire finds his mate, she is the only person to start his heart beating after many years of a lifeless existence. One problem: the Valkyrie and the vampires have been at war with each other for hundreds of years. Pure-blooded vampires (from birth) get addicted to killing their victims when feeding but go mad when they “drink to the marrow of their victims, sucking from the pit of the soul. They take all the bad, all the madness, all the sin… ..After years and years of different victims, the memories add up.” The Valkyrie’s role, in the world of the immortals, is to destroy every last vampire.

As with most paranormal romance novels, there is much angst between the future couple: Myst refuses to acknowledge Wroth as her mate, while Wroth seeks to claim the female and make her, his own. Myst’s Valkyrie sisters, aid in her attempts to dissuade a volatile Wroth from claiming his bride, but in the end, love or destiny will prevail.

The reader is also introduced to Wroth’s blood brother Murdoch, with a hint about a few missing siblings, as well as Wroth’s fellow warrior and turned-vampire, Kristoff. Myst’s sisters of the Valkyrie-Nix, Emmaline, Daniela, Regin, Annika, Cara and Lucia are presented as somewhat energetic creatures (when the Valkyrie are emotional, lightning arcs the skies, becoming more electric when enraged) bordering on ADHD with enough hatred for the vampires to make life miserable for the newly mated couple.

The Warlord Wants Forever is a good segue into the Immortals After Dark series. There is enough information imparted to the reader, regarding history of the Lore as well as the introduction of future storylines, by way of, different characters and possible scenarios involving other family members. I read The Warlord Wants Forever, with the understanding, that this was only the beginning, and I was not disappointed. I look forward to reading this series.

Sandy

Atlantis Redeemed Review

“Atlantis Redeemed” is the fifth book (plus two novellas) in Alyssa Day’s Warriors of the Poseidon series. As in Atlantis Unmasked, I was prepared not to like this book as much as the earlier ones, since some of the heroes had smaller roles. “Atlantis Redeemed” is Brennan’s story, and once again Day managed to surprise me…I loved Brennan and Tiernan. In the previous books, we were introduced to Tiernan, an investigative reporter, and I thought then she would be an interesting character. Knew from Brennan’s reaction then, that he was meant for Tiernan. But I never suspected that I would love them together. That being said, let’s move on to the story.

Brennan in the early days (two thousand years before), was a young warrior, who at the age of 19, loved to drink, and enjoy the women available to him. A raging Poseidon punished Brennan for his cavalier behavior, and blamed him for the death of a young girl and her unborn child. Though it was unjust, as the girl refused to accept Brennan’s offer of marriage. Poseidon cursed Brennan with feeling no emotion. To make matters worse, Poseidon told Brennan that one day he will meet his soul mate, and after all these years of no emotion, he will explode with those emotions that have been buried, and each time he and his soul mate separate, he will fail to recognize who she is. This will go on over and over, every time he loses sight of her, he will forget her and it starts again. Only until his soul mate dies, then he will remember her and all those emotions will remain with him forever.

Tiernan, as the investigative reporter, has been working with the Atlanteans, since Alexios helped save her, and brought her to Atlantis to meet with Prince Conlan. Now Tiernan is trying to get information, to help destroy the vampires who are trying to take over the world, using scientific measures to force enthrallment on shifters and eventually humans. Enthralling destroys their minds, resulting in their eventual deaths. Tiernan also has another reason to want to expose this evil group, she lost a friend to this group, and she wants revenge.

When Brennan is forced to work with Tiernan, the attraction turns deadly, as his curse is shattered when he meets her and in the space of a few moments, 2000 years of emotions bombard him in an unbelievably torturous way. He knows that Tiernan is his soul mate, and he is able to fight and control the raging emotions enough to be in control. Though Tiernan was scared at first, when Brennan came crashing into her room, she is a headstrong, courageous and tenacious young lady. She being a woman with an eye for the truth…another lost Atlantean art….a Truth Teller. Tiernan is a human lie detector, and knows when people are lying to her. Having that ability, allowed her to calm down and give Brennan the chance to explain his over zealous reaction to her. She quickly becomes attracted to the gorgeous sexy Brennan, and at the same time tries to help him realize that the curse was unjust and he needs to not blame himself. Of course, she also offers to talk to Poseidon for him, once this mission is over. Lol

Brennan and Tiernan are a terrific pairing, as Tiernan is able to deal with Brennan and his curse. She is the only one who is able to calm his emotions, but whenever she is in danger, Brennan goes into his berserker mode, that is almost impossible to control. They are both strong, and dedicated characters, and the sparks do fly explosively when they do allow their passion for one another finally connect. During the soul-meld, Tiernan sees her future with Brennan, and backs away from him, thereby hurting him. But eventually she realizes they will work on their future together, as she loves him, and he loves her.

The story is constantly filled with action and excitement. Another great ending, and Poseidon does come forth again and Tiernan does try to talk to him. lol There is lots of humor throughout, and that is fun to read. We get to see a lot of the other characters that have been part of our Warriors of Poseidon adventure…..Prince Conlan and Riley, Alexios and Grace, Alaric and Quinn (finally), Jack and Daniel with Diedre.

Excellent story, and I am ready to move on to Atlantis Betrayed….Christoph’s story. However, I cannot wait to read Daniel’s story in Vampire in Atlantis. Not to mention Quinn and Alaric’s story coming in May, 2012. I guess I am totally hooked.

Barb