Ex Libris: July 2010

Friday, 30 July 2010

48 Hour Read-a-Thon: Challenge List

So here I am with a few choices I will bring along for my weekend of reading, we'll see what I will be able to finish:

“If she were going to die, I’d already be screaming. I’m a banshee. That’s what we do.”

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls for a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld — a consequence they can’t possibly understand. Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk....

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.

Until something does.

Demon’s breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow, the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.

And when the epidemic hits too close to home, Kaylee will have to risk everything to save those she loves.

New York Times & USA TODAY bestselling author Carly Phillips is back with a tantalizing new series featuring the most wanted men around...

Sam Cooper ("Coop") has just become the most eligible bachelor in NYC. Now that he has foiled a jewelry-store robbery and has been rewarded with the ring of his choice, single women all over the city are fawning over the crime reporter. But Coop isn't interested in the admirers sending racy underwear his way. His attention is centered solely on Lexie Davis, the only woman in the city who claims not to be interested.

Instead, free-spirited Lexie is interested in Coop's antique ring, and its-potentially scandalous-history in her family. But Coop is quickly becoming more than just her route to the ring. When his investigation starts to uncover the truth, will she trust her heart-and her family secrets-to this most eligible bachelor.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac - the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies.

After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.

With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera - ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, beg Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

Carter Maquire is definitely not her type: he's stable, and he's safe. He's even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There's something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bridezillas and screening her mother's phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends - and business partners - Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories...

When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing at an alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy.

Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he's a werewolf, she is now, too. Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there's more at stake than just her highlights. And she must put her out-of-control life in the hands of the man who makes her blood run wild in more ways than one...

Ok so these are my first choices of course I will have some (*cough* *cough*) back up plan books in case I want more ;-) hihi

Everyone have a nice weekend, see you soon, and until then:

Happy Reading!

Comments

Spotlight on Paranormal Romance: The Immortals After Dark series - guest post by Leontine

When I think of paranormal romance a series comes to my mind without any doubt or hesitation: it is Kresley Cole's amazing Immortals After Dark series (or IAD for anyone who has read any of the 9 novels and instantly became a fan). This series has every species present: werewolves, vampires, demons, valkyries, witches, ghosts and anything else you'd like. It also has everything required: fast paced action, steamy sex scenes (oh my!), swoonworthy heroes, interesting heroines, lots of humour and great writing!

So when I knew I absolutely HAD to mention the IAD series, someone popped into my mind who I knew was not only a huge fan of the series, but who I was sure could make you see the light and convert you to the IAD love. So who is our mystery IAD missionary? None other than Leontine from Leontine's Book Realm! So read carefully, believe me, you don't want to miss out on this series! Please give it all up to the amazing Leontine, champion of the IAD love!

First of all I’d like to thank Stella for inviting me to talk about what I consider to be one of the best PNR series out there; the Immortals After Dark series. I apologize in advance if I sound like an utter fangirl squeeing about the Scottish MacRieve Lykae, Rage Demons, Vampire Wroth Brothers and Nïx being my role model since she lurves licking horns. Some who don’t know this series probably will go; Huh, you lost me girl! What are you talking about?? This is where I say; Gather around my fellow book babes for I haz to give you the 411 on the IAD series *passes my bowl of M&M’s and hands out bottles of diet coke*

You’ll need to have some basics on some of the factions in this series….

The Lykae clan are Scottish werewolves who redefine sexy. They can be a bit Neanderthal at times but *shivers* their fierce attitudes are a straight shot of pure eroticism in all the major senses. There are a few chase scenes by these werewolves in IAD that elevates the hormone levels *rowr* upon reading it. Some Lykae men are: Lachlain MacRieve, Bowen MacRieve and Garreth MacRieve.

When Valkyries are in any form of emotional state lightning flashes outside. They are combat ready to kick some serious butt. They love to paint their toe nails, appreciate man-candy, have a wicked humorous streak and a weak spot for sparklies. Now for whom doesn’t this describe the best friend chica to hang out with? Some Valkyries are: soothsayer Nïx, Myst the Coveted, Daniela the Ice Maiden and Lucia the Huntress.

The Rage Demons. Brothers Woede have this tragic past going on where Cade fails his brother Rydstrom who thereby loses his kingdom. But the thing I remember most is how unique and *waggles eyebrows* sensitive their horns are :)) Some Rage Demons are: Cade and Rydstrom Woede.

There is also a Witch faction who have some serious magical skils, so be ware, they can kick-a$$ from a distance!

The Vampires. When I think of the vampires I think of the Wroth brothers. Talk about your mad, bad and immortal vampires *purrrrrr* Some of the Wroth’s are turned against their will and now have to deal with the bloodlust and, they can only get blooded again if they find their Bride. The first moment they get blooded it equals scorching arousal and Kresley Cole knows how to write lip-locking, groin-grinding, hawt sexin’ without the actual sexin’ so be warned, have a fan and ice cubes at hand while reading. Sebastian Wroth – Nikolai Wroth – Conrad Wroth – Murdoch Wroth are some of the vampires in this series.

So now you know a bit about the factions who have to vie for power during the Ascension. Now let’s go on to my views on the individual books…anyone need a [potty] break already?? On with the 411 lesson then…..

IAD book#1 in Anthology: Playing Easy to Get

We begin with a sizzling hot short story where a ruthless Wroth brother gets blooded by a Valkyrie. An unparalleled match where a vampire claims his Bride. It’s a brief taste but be prepared to want more!

IAD book#2 A Hunger Like No Other

Then Kresley Cole takes you on a road trip from Paris to the Scottish Highlands where a king breathes revenge and claims his rightful place once more. Early on you’re given a shower scene that will make your windows fog over so hawt…just sayin’.

IAD book#3 No Rest For The Wicked

Here we get invited to a legendary hunt: The Hie. Oh, and it’s also the second Wroth story *grin* Not only do you get a thrill chase discovering all kinds of artifacts, you also witness the blooding of another vampire which means the instinctual need to conquer, fornicate and claim. Unfortunately the Valkyrie assassin Kaderin the Cold Hearted isn’t ready to comply in a way. Poor Sebastian….

IAD book#4 Wicked Deeds On A Winter’s Night

If you haven’t fallen for Bowen MacRieve by the time you get to his story I think I need to call the peeps in white coats for you…The tragedy: His one, his only, the mate that was destined to be his died so many years ago. Thinking he will never hear the words; “You complete me” uttered to him he lost himself and got cold. Yeah, well…sorry to bust your bubble Bowen but Kresley Cole haz gots other plans for you!

IAD book#5 Dark Needs At Night’s Edge

This is where Kresley Cole received her “I belong in the major league of bad-ass addictive series’ badge from me. How did she accumulate this coveted award since the Pulitzer came in to existence? We take one very dead-as-a-doornail ballerina and one close-to-the-edge-crazy Wroth vampire. We place them in one house, we let them get acquainted and what follows is one of the most erotic stories without the actual sexing. If you think you were ever hot and bothered encompassed by a whole lot of being sexual frustrated, then read this story to prove it can get worse!

IAD book#6 Dark Desires After Dusk

IAD book#7 Kiss Of A Demon King

The Woede brother finally appears on the main stage in their tale to conquer back their homeland. These two stories tell a complete tale of demon loving, where Cade meets one OCD chick and make a run for it…road trip trope beware!! Then dethroned king Rydstrom thinks he can handle Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, and this is also the perception vice versa. Ahhh, such good rage demon/Sorceri clashing…

IAD book#8 in Duology: Deep Kiss Of Winter

This is almost a classic combination of a Wroth vampire with a Valkyrie, it delivers an addictive kind of bump and grind of personalities. This story hauls you over until a full length novel can give you the complete satisfaction of your addiction for the IAD. Cause by now…you are really addicted.

IAD book#9 Pleasures Of A Dark Prince

Aaaahhhhhh, an orgasmic MacRieve story, you get it all in this one! Hot man-candy Garreth MacRieve meets fierce Valkyrie moods of Lucia the Maiden. A chase that goes around the world and ends up on a boat trip on the Amazon. I inhaled this story and by the end I was already on edge for the tenth IAD novel; DEMON FROM THE DARK.

IAD book#10 Demon From the Dark

For those who’ve read this series will know what I’m talking about, if you’ve read them all you’re an expert on this series and know the effect & humor of these characters. If you haven’t read this series yet…what are you waiting for?? A MacRieve to chase you, tie you up on the bed, and start reading you the IAD bedtime stories?? That would be nice, wouldn’t it! LOL But I think you’ll do better to go buy yourself these novels and start reading.

Now hand me back the bowl of M&M’s I’m starved after all this talking. *receives bowl with 2 M&M’s left – glares around* Who hogged all the freakin’ M&M’s?? *Goes to emergency cabinet and fills bowl with secret stash*

I’ll ask you all one question: What series gives you a constant high and hasn’t let you down? For me these series are considered white whales, you never catch them when you want to!

You can find Leontine at her blog: Leontine's Book Realm
on Twitter:

Thank you so much Leontine! Noone could have spread the IAD love better than you, thank you I knew I could count on you! :-)

The IAD series is truly amazing, addictive and soo enjoyable!
You can also read my reviews of Dark Desires After Dusk and Pleasure of a Dark Prince on the blog.

Read more about the series at Kresley Cole's official website, and of course buy the books at the Book Depository!

Comments

Thursday, 29 July 2010

Winner of The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott

Thank you Jess for taking part in Spotlight on Paranormal Romance and offering a lucky commentator one copy of your book The Devilin Fey!

Unfortunately a few of you haven't read the rules required to enter: you had to be a follower of Ex Libris and leave your e-mail address or a way I could contact you. With these giveaways I would like to reward the readers of my blog and if you are a follower chances are better I won't have to hunt you down since you will see you were selected as a winner.

Sadly, I had to redraw a winner 4 times as the 3 first winners didn't meet the 2 simple requirements above. So the final, 4th winner of The Devilin Fey is

#3 MinnChica

Congratulations MinnChica! I have sent you an e-mail please get back to me within 48 hours or I'll have to re-draw a new winner. Thank you!

Everyone don't forget that one fantastic giveaway is still running, you can enter to win a personalised copy of Promise and a signed bookmark by Kristie Cook, the giveaway is open worldwide and ends on August 2!

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Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Book Review: Second Hand Heart by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Title: Second Hand Heart
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
eISBN: 0552776629
Pages: 464
Publisher: Black Swan
Release date: 16 September 2010
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
For more information visit Catherine Ryan Hyde's website

Grade: 3 stars

Novellus bonus!

Goodreads appetizer: Vida is 19 and has never had much of a life. Struggling along with a life-threatening heart condition, her whole life has been one long preparation for death. But suddenly she is presented with a donor heart, and just in time. Now she gets to do something she never imagined she'd have to do: live.

Richard is a 36-year-old man who’s just lost his beloved wife, Lorrie, in a car accident. Still in shock and not even having begun the process of grieving, he is invited to the hospital to meet the young woman who received his wife’s donor heart.

Vida takes one look at Richard and feels she’s loved him all her life. And tells him so. Richard assumes she’s just a foolish young girl. And maybe she is. Or maybe there’s truth behind the theory of cellular memory, and maybe it really is possible for a heart to remember, at least for a time, on its own.

Second Hand Heart is both a story of having to learn to live for the first time, and having to learn to live all over again

My thoughts: Return to Me with Minnie Driver and David Duchovny (which is about "a man who falls in love with the woman who received his wife's heart must decide which woman it is who holds his heart") is one of my favourite movies, so of course as soon as I saw what Second Hand Heart was about I knew I had to read it.

I was intrigued by Second Hand Heart' theme: cellular memory. That a person's life, memories are not only stored in their brain but in every organ and cell of their body, and the heart being one of the most important organs retains thus the deepest indentation or evidence of such memories.

Second Hand Heart is written through Vida's and Richard's journal entries/e-mails and while I felt such approach suited a teenager girl it was a bit harder to imagine a 36 year old man purging his innermost thoughts on paper.

Vida is a very sheltered 19 year old girl, who only starts living after her heart transplant. After the successful transplant the world opens up and she can finally step out and discover it. Yes, due to her very sheltered and inexperienced upbringing she is very naive and childish, but in an endearing way, and she is pure and honest. I loved how Catherine Ryan Hyde made her a layered character: that due to her previous sufferings and all she has gone through at such a young age she had a certain wisdom and objectivity to life, then on the other hand due to her inexperience of never having "stepped out" of her room and never having lived life, she also had a certain naivety and childishness. Vida was quite a unique and definitely interesting character.

Of course writing Richard must have been harder. He is the grieving husband who lost the love of his life. How can he grieve for his deceased wife yet be intrigued by this young girl? I felt that Catherine Ryan Hyde's portrayal of Richard and how a griving husband tries to grasp the loss of his wife and how to survive every single day and go on with his life was done quite well, tough I didn't find the novel - despite its subject - emotionally powerful or overwhelming. It was a nice, quick read, and I would even say a "light" beach read.

The journal format was one of the things that put me off most: the language and descriptions were quite simplified (I felt even too simplified, this book wasn't written for teens) and I had difficulties believing that a grieving 30something man would pour out his feelings in a journal.

Verdict: The problem is that this novel isn't really a love story. At least not the love story of Richard and Vida. Second Hand Heart is the story of learning how to live and how to survive the loss of a loved one. It was a nice read but my complaint is that the blurb led me to expect something quite different than it was.

I'll leave you with two of my favourite quotes from the novel:

'No one can tell you when you are going to die, You die when you are done, Not a moment before. Not a moment after. No matter what anyone says. No matter what anyone wishes for you.'

'Well I stand by my answer,' I said. 'But it's not cynism. Just the opposite. I have too much respect for love to believe that [=to believe in love at first sight]. I don't even believe in the concept of falling in love. The falling part, I mean. We should all be so lucky that love is something you just fall into. Like, "A funny thing happened to me today: I was walking down the street and I tripped and fell into some love." You don't fall down to love, you climb up to it. There's hard work involved. That's why I don't believe you can love someone you don't know. Loving someone is knowing them.'

Plot: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 6/10
Cover: 9/10

Comments

48 Hour Read-a-Thon, here I come!

I just stumbled upon this great Read-a-Thon organised by Unputdownables and knew I wanted to participate. In the past 4 months (ever since I started blogging) I kept seeing one great Read-a-Thon pop up after the other but could never take part because either I had to work or we had some family event and it was impossible that I would be able to read. But not now! Thankfully I'm planning on going for a short 3 day long mini vacation to the country where all I'm planning to do is: read! (and eat of course, I won't starve myself, don't worry) :-)

So I will finally experience my first Read-a-Thon!! I'm so giddy and excited, if I weren't at work, I might jump up and down a bit (or just bounce a bit in my seat).

Since I will be out in the country, almost in the middle of nowhere in the forest I won't have internet connection, so I won't be able to post my progress as I go along :-( But at least I will be able to read a lot and I will participate in my 1st Read-a-Thon!! Yay! :-D

If you are interested and can spare a few hours to read this weekend, come join the fun! Here are the rules:

So are you in? Come read with me this weekend!

If You’re In:

1. Choose a few books that you will attempt to finish this weekend (Friday evening through Sunday night).

2. Post your TBR Read-a-Thon books on your blog so your readers can see what you are attempting for the weekend.

3. Challenge your readers to read along with you! (It’s OK if they don’t, but might be fun if they want to choose at least one book to participate with).

4. Join the discussion all weekend long at #bookblogchat on Twitter.

5. Post updates on your blog about what you are reading and what you have finished (full reviews can come later, but this will let your readers know what you are reading so they can either read along or look forward to your reviews!)

6. Visit other blogs that are doing the read-a-long. Post comments and follow your fellow bloggers.

7. Make sure you sign up here with Mr. Linky with a link to your first post so we can follow your progress!

8. *If you don’t have a blog but want to participate: Sign up with Mr. Linky, just don’t add a website (or you can link to your Twitter or GoodReads page).*

If You’re Not In, but Want to Support:

1. Check out the blogs that are participating below in the Mr. Linky list.

2. Visit those blogs and leave comments and encouragement

3. Add to your own TBRs as you see what others are reading

Please spread the word on your own blog and on Twitter!

You can sign up for the Read-a-Thon here.

I will post my reading choices once I've had time to think it through and to see a bit which books stand out in my TBR shelf ;-)

Come join us, the more the merrier! (And it feel so good when you can take off some books from your TBR shelf and put them on the Read shelves (even if just on Goodreads) lol :-p)

Comments

Winner of Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant

Thank you Donna for coming to Ex Libris and your fun guest post!

I guess you are all excited to learn who won the personalised copy of Dangerous Highlander Donna offered, soool..

The winner is

#27 Dorcontest

Congratulations Dorcontest! I have sent you an e-mail please get back to me within 48 hours or I'll have to re-draw a new winner. Thank you!

Everyone don't forget that 2 giveaways are still running, you can win

The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott ends July 29

Promise by Kristie Cook ends August 2!

Comments

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

New Got Books? Winner

One of the Got Books? winner did not get back to my e-mail so I had to re-draw a winner,

Congratulations #21 Victoria Zumbrum

you have won International Kittens of Mystery by Chris Dolley!

I have sent you an e-mail please get back to me within 48 hours or I'll have to re-draw a new winner. Thank you!

Everyone don't forget that 3 giveaways are still running, you can win

Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant ends July 27 (tonight!)

The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott ends July 29

Promise by Kristie Cook ends August 2!

Comments

Monday, 26 July 2010

Promise Virtual Blog Tour: Guest Post by Kristie Cook + GIVEAWAY

Today I have the great pleasure of welcoming not just Kristie Cook kind blogger friend but also the wonderful author of the soon to be released (on July 30!) fantastic new paranormal debut novel Promise!!

Kristie's official Virtual Blog Tour kicks off today and Ex Libris is her first stop, and I'm even happier because Kristie chose to tell us about a topic I've always been fascinated with: how do authors name their characters? So please let's give Kristie a warm welcome! (and read on for details of the Great Promise Scavenger Hunt and the giveaway)

Character Names and Serendipity

by Kristie Cook

As a reader, I always wonder how authors come up with their characters' names. Do they mean anything? Or do they just like that particular name? Did they spend a lot of time researching or did they flip through a phonebook, or these days, a baby-naming site, and choose something at random? Or perhaps they made them up?

As a writer, my characters' names are meaningful. I spend loads of time researching the primary characters' names to come up with just the right one for each character…except the main characters (MCs), which I'll get to in a minute. Every name has to have the right origin, the right meaning and the right feel. Some of my smaller characters are named after people in my life, just to add some fun for them. I let my first group of readers choose what kind of creature they would like to be and I'll eventually weave them into the story in future books, although it's just their names – everything else is fiction.

You would think I would spend the most time on my MCs' names, right? After all, they're the most important of all. But I didn't have to. It was pretty freaky, actually. Their names definitely have the right origins and meaning but it's one of those strange serendipitous kind of things.

I'll start with Tristan. Ever since "Legends of the Fall," I've loved that name. My husband wouldn't let me call our last baby Tristan, though, so when it came time to name my male MC, it was one of the first ones I checked on the name-meaning sites. It means "inner tumult," which was perfect for this MC. I couldn't have come up with a better name for him. I was immediately in love.

Then there was Alexis. When I was pregnant the first time (18 years ago, now!), Alexis was the name I wanted if the baby was a girl. I had a boy. Second time around (17 years ago), the baby was another boy. Still no Alexis. Third time around (15 years ago), I was sure I would finally have my baby girl. I would finally have my Alexis. My grandmother even made her email address based on "Lexi." Alas, I had another boy. And we were done. No girls for me. I would never have my Alexis.

We had a dog named Lexi, but she became deathly ill at just over a year old and we had to put her down. I gave up after that. And then I started writing fiction again and this story came to me.

Both the MCs were "she" and "he" for a while, but at some point, when I realized this story was actually going somewhere, I decided they should have names. I knew what the MC would become and what she was already showing signs of. She is a defender or protector of souls. I fought my urge and desire to name her one of my stand-by favorites and went to the site BehindtheName.com to look up names that meant "defender" or "protector." It had to have ties to Greek or Latin.

So I typed in "defender" and clicked the button to look up names with that meaning. The search results page came up. My chin hit my chest. My eyes bugged. My heart skipped a beat and my breath hitched. I silently stared at the screen for some time. "No freakin' way," I thought. And then I said it aloud to an empty room. "No. Freakin'. Way."

The very first name and the only female one on the results list: "Alexis."

My hand shook when I finally clicked on the name for more details, trying not to flip out or get too excited yet. But there it was: Greek/Ancient Greek origin, meaning "helper or defender." I finally had my Alexis. And that was one of the early signs that I knew this was really going to happen. I was meant to write this story and Alexis was meant to be my "daughter," but just in a very different way and 13 years later than I expected.

Because she does feel like a daughter in some ways, it kills me to do the things I do to her. I love her dearly and I hope you will, too.

Wow, seems it truly was destined! Thank you Kristie ofr telling us about this "behind the scenes" naming :-)

I'm always intrigued by names, their origins and meanings, and even while reading Promise I was curious to see if the characters' names were chosen on purpose because of the hidden meaning of their names, so imagine my surprise (and satisfaction) when I researched Alexis and Tristan and learned what their names meant!

Title: Promise
Author: Kristie Cook
eISBN: 0984562109
Pages: 368
Publisher: Ang'dora Productions, LLC
Release date: 30 July 2010
For more information visit I Have Promise

Alexis Ames has a life full of promise…but not all promises can be kept.

When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can’t be real, she decides it’s time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family’s secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy…until she discovers he’s not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.

Their union brings hope and promise to her family’s secret society, the Angels’ army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy – Satan’s minions and Tristan’s creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

Promise is the first novel of the Soul Saver series, which explores how damaged a soul can be before it can no longer be saved and how far we will go to protect the souls we love and those we do not. This first book introduces Alexis and Tristan and their trials and tribulations to come together. Their union is the Angels’ first step as they prepare for the war for souls to enter the human realm.

I was one of the few lucky ones who got an early review copy of Promise and let me tell you, it surpassed any expectations I had, it was wonderful! Here is my Twitterized review for now: "Promise is a fantastic epic love story. The paranormal Romeo and Juliet. Better than Twilight!!"

Find out more about Promise and its sequel Purpose at their own site: I Have Promise and learn more about Kristie at her official website.

Watch the great book trailer of Promise and read an excerpt of Promise here.

Don't forget that Kristie will be touring the blogosphere this week, follow her along for your chance to win a signed copy of Promise and a matching bookmark and join the big Promise Scavenger Hunt for more fun and even more prizes!

GIVEAWAY details:

Kristie has offered 1 personalised copy of Promise and a signed bookmark to a lucky commenter! Yay!

All you have to do is:

1. Be a follower of Ex Libris
2. Leave a question/comment to Kristie
3. Leave you e-mail address so I can contact you if you win

Giveaway open internationally and ends on 2 August 2010.

Comments

Sunday, 25 July 2010

Winners, winners and still more winners!

The Got Books? giveaways have ended, random.org has spoken and I have a lot of winners to announce, but first let me say Thank you.

I would like to say a BIG thank you to all the wonderful and generous authors who have contributed prizes to the giveaways, thanks to you, the Got Books? event was really an extraordinary book extravaganza, and we spread the love! You can't imagine how many people were interested in your books, the huge amount of entries proves that. Got Books? wouldn't have been the success it was without YOU, so thank you!!

Thank you to:

Kristie Cook

Chris Dolley

Maria Lucia

Cynthia Roberts

Jess C. Scott

Alayna Williams

Zoe Winters

Thank you to Danielle and Gina, the brilliant masterminds behind Got Books?, Thank you for having such a fantastic idea and then organizing it so well! It was wonderful, can't wait for next time! :-D

And thank you to all of you who entered the giveaways, I hope you had fun!

And now finally, here are the winners:

Winner of French Fried by Chris Dolley is #11 Heidi V.

Winner of International Kittens of Mystery by Chris Dolley is #3 Anne Royce

Winner of The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott is #43 Reading Angel

Winner of Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams is #3 Jen7waters

Winner of Bloodlust by Zoe Winters is #49 HRJ Rita

Winner of Promise is #71 Jennifer Marshall

Winner of Liberation by Maria Lucia is #26 Erika

Winner of Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts is #1 Giada M.

Congratulations to the winners!!

I will shortly send you all e-mails, please reply back within 48 hours or I will have to draw new winners. (And the soonest you get back to me, the soonest I can contact the authors to send out your prizes! ;-)

Those of you who haven't won this time, there is still 2 giveaways going on at Ex Libris:

enter to win Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant here

enter to win The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott here.

Comments

In My Mailbox (#17)

In My Mailbox

is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren

I haven't done IMM for the last 2 weeks as I was always out of town for the weekend, and thought this would be the case today too, but at the last minute we decided to come home Saturday night, so here I am, showing off my many books I have received in the last 2 weeks, hopefully I didn't forget any.

Books I have received for review:

Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow - I've had my eyes on this book for so long, I'm just so glad I finally have the chance to read it!

Also I had the pleasure to have Karin here at Ex Libris for an interview for the Spotlight on Paranormal Romance event, so if you haven't read her interview yet, you can find it here.

Second Hand Heart by Catherine Ryan Hyde - This book's about a heart: Vida is 19 and receives a heart transplant, the heart of Lorrie, Richard's deceased wife. After the surgery when Vida glimpses Richard, she knows she loves him. Can it be the heart who recognizes Richard since it knows him and used to love him? I'm intrigued by and love this topic, Return to Me with Minnie Driver and David Duchovny was a favourite movie of mine, which is also about this controversial topic of cellular memory.

I just read it this weekend, it was a nice read, perfect for a quiet afternoon or just lazying at the beach/in the garden, etc. I'll post my review later today.

Books I have won:

Druid Bride from Happy Ever After

Photo Snap Shot from Mysteries and My Musings

My Soul To Save from YA Atheneum

Thornspell from Supernatural Underground

Tracking the Tempest from Book Lovers Inc.

Jinxed from Missy Jane, and

Tiger by the Tail from Jojo's birthday bash!

Thank you all for the great books! :-)

And now for the main attraction!! Drumroll please.....

TADA!

YES! I finally bought myself a Kindle! It arrived last week and I love it! It looks so nice! (And who knew John Steinbeck was so handsome? lol)

I bought this trendy cherry red leather case for my little Kindle, so I can read without hands too:

I'm so happy! :-D Of course ever since it arrived I've been busy charging it with many many books :-)

So that's what was in my mailbox this week, and what was in yours?

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Friday, 23 July 2010

Got Books? Giveaway - The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott

Paranormal romance author Jess C. Scott has generously offered 1 copy of her ebook The Devilin Fey for one lucky commenter.

THE DEVILIN FEY

A novella of two stories, featuring an incubus and succubus. Story #1 features a demure young woman unleashing the “devil in” her, through the intimacy with an incubus. Story #2 features a voyeuristic succubus driven by jealousy and a dangerous fixation.

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on Saturday, July 24th.

Only one entry per person please - duplicate/multiple entries will be disqualified.

All you have to do is fill out THIS form. You MUST be a follower to enter.

(Click the "Follow" button on the left sidebar if you are not a follower yet.)

You can get +2 extra entries if you spread the word about the giveaway (you can use the share on Twitter/Facebook buttons, or post it on your sidebar), but these are NOT mandatory!

ALL YOU NEED TO ENTER IS TO FILL OUT THE FORM AND BE A FOLLOWER OF EX LIBRIS:

GOOD LUCK!

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Virtual Book Tour with Maria Lucia + GIVEAWAY

Join author Maria Lucia, author of Liberation: Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles as she virtually tours the blogosphere during the month of July with her fantasy/adventure novel!

Today I have the great pleasure to welcome debut author Maria Lucia at Ex Libris! Maria Lucia's debut novel, a powerful paranormal fantasy, book#1 in the Andrusian Chronicles, Liberation was released recently and she has kindly agreed to answer some of my questions. So please welcome Maria!

Hi Maria, thank you for stopping by Ex Libris! When I heard of Liberation the first question that came to my mind was: why sci-fi? Usually it is not such a popular genre with girls/women, why did you choose to write in this genre?

My focus was the story, how to tell it, how to get it right. The scenes barreled in as I visited the different monuments and national treasures that we have here in D.C. They seemed like a fantasy with a strong sense of meaning and paranormal overtones but as the story developed the Andrusian Race wanted their story told from the beginning. Since Andrusia, the home of this race, is made up of a sector of love worlds deep within the constellation of Ophiuchus in our Milky Way , the science fiction aspect began emerging as the prologue unfolded. The story wanted to expand, it wanted to get bigger, so that the full meaning of what happens to the main characters could be understood and the reader given the true sense of how far back the plot extends. The Andrusian race came to me and demanded that their story be told and as a result the genre that described it best was fantasy with a twist of science fiction.

What do you like about sci-fi? What inspired your love for sci-fi/fantasy (the first novel/movie)?

Telling the story about a strike team from a sector of love worlds that comes to Earth to reinstate the ways of love and sustainability and confront a dark supernatural syndicate who is bent on destroying Earth and humanity, really fired me up. I could get behind that. It’s the theme of the book that fired me up, the story. It turned out to be fantasy which doesn’t surprise me since I love the genre and coupled with the expansion of consciousness that has to happen to really take in the science fiction aspect; well it’s a real high for me. I love hanging out in such spaces inside my psyche. I love the beauty that can come about from the creation of otherworldly spaces of special spirits and winged creatures of goodness as well as the contrast that can happen when you delve into the deeply evil places of our dual world.

One more thing, I love delving in and out of different realities and connecting events in our real world with the worlds that we can’t see that could be affecting us every day. Everybody is telling me that it’s a film. We’ll see!

Thanks Stella!

Maria Lucia

Liberation, Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles

www.andrusianchronicles.com

Click HERE to watch the fantastic book trailer of Liberation, I'm sure it will make you want to read it!

Amora Madre is content in the Smokey Mountains pursuing her teaching of love, things of the spirit, and metaphysics. Her childhood invisible playmates, Casey and Nia, are always by her side. But when soul mate Gabriel Ephraim enters her life, she is drawn into the heart of a horrific encounter with the spirit world in the skies over Washington D.C. Catapulted into service for the Intergalactic Supernatural Intelligence Agency, ISIA, the kindred lovers soon discover the existence of an invisible wickedness over the city, its galactic origins, and its evil designs for national and world events.

As part of an Andrusian galactic strike force, assembled to dismantle the malevolent legion’s brutal matrix, Amora and Gabriel, seasoned and accomplished, embark on a dangerous adventure filled with Onaweyans, historical figures, and a confrontation with the dark supernatural syndicate over the fate of the United States and the earth.

With journeys into dimensional worlds, interactions with fantastic characters and creatures, and revelation of the current struggle between the spiritual forces of good and evil, LIBERATION draws the reader into a world where the spiritual dimensions and reality converge.

You can learn more about the Andrusian Chronicles series and book #1 Liberation as well as the author Maria Lucia at her official website. Or you can join her at her .

You can read an excerpt of Liberation here.

Maria very generously offered one personalised copy of Liberation to one reader of Ex Libris, to enter the giveaway click here.

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Got Books? Giveaways

We have to thank Danielle from There's A Book and GMR from Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers who are the mastermind behind this bookish blogmania phenomenon! Thank you ladies for all your hard work! You can find all the Got Books? info as well as links to all the participating sites at the Got Books? official blog.

Here at Ex Libris you can enter the following giveaways (I categorized them by genre):

Paranormal Romance

Promise by Kristie Cook

Bloodlust by Zoe Winters

Urban Fantasy

Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams

Sci-Fi, Paranormal Fantasy

Liberation by Maria Lucia

Mystery

French Fried by Chris Dolley

International Kittens of Mystery by Chris Dolley

Historical Romance

Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts

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Winner of the Bloodlust novellas by Zoe Winters is...

TARA SG!

Congratulations Tara SG!

I sent you an e-mail, please reply within 48 hours or I will have to draw a new winner.

Thank you all for participating and don't forget it's Got Books? event this weekend, which means TONS of great bookish giveaways in the blogosphere! You will find links to all the Got Books? giveaways at the top panel of the main post.

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Got Books? Giveaway - Bloodlust by Zoe Winters

Last week's paranormal author guest, the very cool Zoe Winters is back to offer 1 signed, personalised print copy of Blood Lust to one entrant.

cover art by Robin Ludwig Design Inc.

It's all about the blood...

Comprised of three novellas (Available now individually at Amazon), Blood Lust gives readers a snapshot look at the world of the Preternaturals Series. (Future installments of the series will be novels.)

KEPT

As a cat therian (shifter), Greta's blood is already sought after to enhance spells and potions, but due to a quirk of her birth, her blood is potent enough to kill for. When her tribe plans to sacrifice her, Greta must ally herself with Dayne, the dangerous local sorcerer, and the only person strong enough to protect her.

CLAIMED

For a vampire, Anthony isn't a picky eater, but he's drawn to Charlee's blood more than any other. Like a fine wine saved for a special occasion, he's denied himself this pleasure. But one night, high from the potent magical blood of another, he claims his prize and loses control. Ashamed of almost killing the one woman who means anything to him, he wipes her memory of the event. When Charlee awakens with complete amnesia, Anthony is the only one who can clean up the mess he's made.

MATED

Because of the vampiric blood that has run through her veins since birth, Jane has been a target for vampires who resent a human being "kindred." She's forced to disguise herself as a vampire groupie to appease them and safeguard her life. When she's abruptly given to Cole, the leader of the werewolf pack, to satisfy a gambling debt, she discovers the blood running through her veins has a far greater impact on her destiny than she ever imagined.

Zoe's books can be found at:

Amazon

Smashwords (If you scroll down the page you can see Zoe's list of books and the links there. Kept is free for the month of July at Smashwords if you use coupon code SW100. This will allow you to get it free in any format you like.)

Barnes and Noble

You can also download Kept free in PDF from Zoe's blog

And Zoe's official website is http://www.zoewinters.org/ while there is a website for a fictional company from the series: /

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on Saturday, July 24th.

Only one entry per person please - duplicate/multiple entries will be disqualified.

All you have to do is fill out THIS form. You MUST be a follower to enter.

(Click the "Follow" button on the left sidebar if you are not a follower yet.)

You can get +2 extra entries if you spread the word about the giveaway (you can use the share on Twitter/Facebook buttons, or post it on your sidebar), but these are NOT mandatory!

ALL YOU NEED TO ENTER IS TO FILL OUT THE FORM AND BE A FOLLOWER OF EX LIBRIS:

GOOD LUCK!

Comments

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Friday, 30 July 2010

48 Hour Read-a-Thon: Challenge List

Spotlight on Paranormal Romance: The Immortals After Dark series - guest post by Leontine

Thursday, 29 July 2010

Winner of The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Book Review: Second Hand Heart by Catherine Ryan Hyde

48 Hour Read-a-Thon, here I come!

Winner of Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

New Got Books? Winner

Monday, 26 July 2010

Promise Virtual Blog Tour: Guest Post by Kristie Cook + GIVEAWAY

Sunday, 25 July 2010

Winners, winners and still more winners!

In My Mailbox (#17)

Friday, 23 July 2010

Got Books? Giveaway - The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott

Virtual Book Tour with Maria Lucia + GIVEAWAY

Got Books? Giveaways

Winner of the Bloodlust novellas by Zoe Winters is...

Got Books? Giveaway - Bloodlust by Zoe Winters

Sponsor

Labels

Buy your books from

2013 Reading Challenge

Quote of the day

Stella's favorite quotes

Blog Archive

Ex Libris

Pages

Sponsor

Search Ex Libris

About Me

Subscribe via e-mail

Subscribe To Ex Libris

Followers

FeedBurner FeedCount

Get a Kindle!

Giveaways at Ex Libris

Friday, 30 July 2010

48 Hour Read-a-Thon: Challenge List

Spotlight on Paranormal Romance: The Immortals After Dark series - guest post by Leontine

Thursday, 29 July 2010

Winner of The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Book Review: Second Hand Heart by Catherine Ryan Hyde

48 Hour Read-a-Thon, here I come!

Winner of Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

New Got Books? Winner

Monday, 26 July 2010

Promise Virtual Blog Tour: Guest Post by Kristie Cook + GIVEAWAY

Sunday, 25 July 2010

Winners, winners and still more winners!

In My Mailbox (#17)

Friday, 23 July 2010

Got Books? Giveaway - The Devilin Fey by Jess C. Scott

Virtual Book Tour with Maria Lucia + GIVEAWAY

Got Books? Giveaways

Winner of the Bloodlust novellas by Zoe Winters is...

Got Books? Giveaway - Bloodlust by Zoe Winters

Sponsor

Labels

Buy your books from

2013 Reading Challenge

Quote of the day

Stella's favorite quotes

Blog Archive