Contest/ Interview

Great interview I always enjoy CJ


http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/interview-with-sarah-rees-brennan.htmlhttp://cjredwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/interview-with-sarah-rees-brennan.html

Welcome to Mysteria

I just finished Mysteria Lane. It is the sequel to Mysteria, for those of you who haven't indulged in this series let me just say this world is a ton of fun. Mysteria is a small town that was "accidentally" founded by an act of demonic kindness. Many magical creatures live in Mysteria; werewolves,vampires, witches, demons, fairies, you name it. At the town's center is a magical wishing fountain. It is written as an anthology, but unlike the ones you are used to with a vague theme pulling random stories together, these stories are all about the same town and the characters flow back and forth smoothly between the stories. Think Ray Bradbury's Illustrated Man or John Saul's Blackstone Chronicles. The same four amazingly talented authors write both books; Mary Janice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast. With a group like this you can't help but fall in love with this town and its people and beg the authors for a part three to this series. The stories are passionate and quirky, full of life and love. This is a delightful series that I highly recommend.

FYI

Ok so I am in the process of reading another collection of new authors as well as Mysteria Lane and Dark Lover so it may be a day or so before I can put out another review. Just so you know the 4 short stories I recently reviewed can be found at http://www.midnightshowcase.com/ in the volume called Dark Tales. Thanks to Amanda for sending them my way for review. The next set I am reviewing is Like That Spark which is not available yet (I was sent a review only copy) but will be published in print by Circlet Press. That collection is all highly graphic erotica pieces which I don't normally review so I will do one review as a lump post. Erotica is difficult to review for the same reason porn is, they are meant for a target audience and anyone else usually doesn't enjoy them. I promise to focus on the writing and not the storyline and be as objective as possible.

Love this

The next short story is Silent Treatment by Shawn McPike. This was terrific. Very imaginitive, the language was picturesque, and I absolutely never saw the end coming. This was as well written as a veteran author.  Mighty impressive, absolutely a hit.

Next in line

The third short story is super short, less than 20 pages. It's Cemetery Seduction by Roxanne Rhoads. This piece is definitely R rated folks. It is simply a short erotica piece that is decriptive and fast paced. I would like to see something from her in more of a novella length so we could fall in love with the characters a bit more. Overall it was a good piece.

Next short story

The next short story to review in the collection is Strained Chords by Rebecca Varnum. This one threw me a bit. There were holes in the plot that made it a little harder to swallow then I normally like. One thing I did like was the descriptive language and character decriptions. I had no trouble imagining faces, places or events. At times the descriptions may have even been a little too flourishing but this author has potential. With a little experience and a writing workshop Ms. Varnum could do well.

New author

I was recently given several short stories by new authors and I will give them each a hit or miss on here as I read them, keeping in mind of course that they are new to the trade and lack the experience of the authors I usually review. Today's short story was Blood Bonds by Lisa Basso. At first, I didn't think I was going to like this because the beginning went by a little too fast for true character development, but after a few pages she redeemed herself and now I find myself wanting her to write a sequel to this. Warning: not for the squeamish, most vampire stories steer away from the child turning angle but at least the way she did it was not only believable but atrocious in the character's eyes so it was in no way glorified. Character development came along nicely and the plot was sound. All in all a good start to her career and I have a feeling we will see more of her.We will call this one a hit.

More MJ

I finished 2 books Undead and Unworthy was another Betsy book. This is almost the last one to catch me up before the new release. This one has the rest of fiends turning back to vampires like Garrett, but they have nothing but murder on their minds. I warn you not everyone is going to make it to the next book. There have been times MJ came close to offing big characters but this time she did it. I liked this one as much as the others although Undead and Uneasy is still my favorite. Her comedic writing style helps the reader through any sadness that might happen in the stories so no worries.
The other book I read was an anthology Dead and Loving It which is more of the Wyndham Werewolf stories. The 4 stories are:
Santa Claws which is terribly romantic a true sweep you off your feet story.
 Monster Love which is not for the squeamish reader who just wants the mushy type love story, fair warning that it's graphic and involves rape, but I actually like this story. It was very realistic and well thought out.
There's No Such Thing as a Werewolf which is my favorite of the four. We encounter something we haven't seen before, a blind werewolf. He is sexy and romantic. MJ also brings the characters from Monster Love into it as well as a Fae so this one is interesting.
A Fiend in Need is a cross-story for the Wyndham Werewolves and  Undead series and explains exactly why Antonia came to live with the King and Queen and how she fell in love with Garrett.
Ok MJ one more and I am ready for the new Undead release and I hope there are more full length Wyndham stories in the works I like those more than the short ones.

Interview with Dakota Banks Giveawayya

Freebies for Kindle

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Undead meets Wyndham

Ok I have read  Undead and Unpopular, Undead and Uneasy and Undead and Wed: The Honeymoon Story. I realize it's been 2 days since last post and I am usually pretty good about this, but it has been a little crazy writing reviews for both sites. In Undead and Unpopular Betsy is still up to her neck in wedding plans, her birthday's looming on the horizon and Jessica is deathly ill. Not to mention all her "diplomacy" issues. It was probably a) the quickest Betsy novel to read and b) the novel where the least loose ends are tied up. I love the lighthearted plots and the crazy humor. Undead and Uneasy is probably my favorite installment so far. Note to MJ:  I almost gave up on your books out of deep despair around chapter 20 *sniff* but I am happy to say you redeemed yourself. I won't tell why because as you know I hate big spoilers, but my Queen knows of what I speak.This is also the first book where her two series "Undead" and "Wyndham Werewolves" cross. We discover that it happens to be Antonia's pack. I am in love with Derik by the way. That said, in the words of my Majesty "This book goes where the other five really haven't"  and she means it. I read it straight through because I was in shock more than anything and desperate to make sure Betsy "fixed" everything. This is becoming a soap opera to me. For those of you who read the series and are confused as to why we go from wedding to several months later between books it is because you have missed the crucial short story Undead and Wed: The Honeymoon Story which can be found in the anthology Dead Over Heels. The honeymoon, like anything else is Betsy's life, is full of insane obstacles that she clumsily overcomes. I truly love this series. I mean you all know I love the Argeneau series too, but that is very different than this. The Argeneau books, although they should be read in order, are vastly stand alones for the most part with the exception of the background info. The Betsy books are an ongoing drama in the life of the Queen so they become much more personal. I intend to keep reading them as long as MJ keeps writing more.

Queen MJ

I am 2 more books into the Undead series, Undead and Unappreciated is book three. Betsy not only discovers she is about to be a big sister (yes evil Ant is preggers)but that she has a long lost sister as well, and that said sister is the devil's daughter. The sharp tongued queen and her saintly sister make a hilarious dynamic duo. Also she finally convinces the always dreamy Sinclair they need a real wedding.  In Undead and Unreturnable Betsy is up to her neck in wedding plans, a serial killer, a new baby brother, her new job as a columnist and her life is getting more complicated by the minute. As usual she handles it with, shall we say "tactless grace". Betsy is one of my favorite funny girls of all time. She is so "normal" (yes I said normal) that she is easy to relate to.

What Next??

Ok loyal followers I got another shipment today so that dent in my to be read pile is gone. I have already started the next in the Undead series Undead and Unreturnable so while I am reading that maybe some of you could let me know what needs to come next. A few authors in my towering pile are: Jaye Wells, Amanda Ashley, Jennifer Ashley (The Immortals series), Nina Bangs (The Mackenzie Vampire Series), Laurell K Hamilton (non Anita Blake novels) Tracy Madison, Gena Showalter, Mary Janice Davidson ( Undead Series and Wyndham Werewolves series) Lynsay Sands (Argeneau series) and some anthologies Wish List, Shifter, Mysteria Lane and Unbound. So let me know what you think.

News on the homefront

I was asked to submit an original book review to another blog site, sort of an audition if you will to publish on their site. Wish me luck loyal followers. Sadly I wrote an amazing review that I can't publish here ,but I will say I reviewed Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley for him. She sent me a copy of the book last week so I moved it up to the top of the famous "to be read" pile for two reasons. First, it was the most recently published one in the pile and second, because although it is a more serious book than I usually review (you know I love my funny girls lol) I figured using an author I loved would make it easier to write a great review. Ok y'all think "A Time To Kill" meets "Romeo and Juliet" and you have the setting for this book. It's full of turmoil and humanity and romance all rolled up in a neat little ball. I hope she writes more for this particular shifter world she has created. Way to go Jenn!

Christina Dodd

I finally am starting to break down the "to be read" pile thank goodness! I read Storm of Shadows last night. This is book two of the Chosen Ones series I have book three Chains of Ice on order already because it releases in a couple of weeks. Once again my beloved drama queen you have left me hanging by a thread waiting desperately for the next installment. For those of you who haven't read both this series and the prequel series Darkness Chosen this particular installment tied up some loose ends for me. For instance I finally get the significance of the "live tattoo" in the first of the Darkness Chosen books. Storm of Shadows was a terrific read but I highly recommend you begin at, well the beginning,  and start with the Darkness Chosen series. Christina writes with a passion for her characters that comes alive on the pages and as always keeps me turning pages so fast I lose track of the time. I am rarely capable of tearing myself away till the last word.

J.R.Ward

I just finished Covet by J. R. Ward. I came upon this book in a roundabout way. I had heard about the Black Dagger Brotherhood books and wanted to read them but had a little trouble finding the first in the series. So when I came across this book I figured since she is famous for vamp novels and this one was about a fallen angel that it would be a safe bet that it would be deep enough into the paranormal range to satisfy me. Oddly the paranormal, although it is the main premise of the backstory, did not really come to the front lines very often until the end. The storyline on the forefront was more of a "universal struggle between good and evil" and is actually in my opinion a great gateway novel for those who love crime and/or dramatic novels to ease their way into the paranormal genre. Since the story is left unresolved I have to assume she has more in the works. I can't wait. J.R. Ward has a cutthroat edgy way with words and consistantly leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. It has been a long time since this reviewer has been lured away from her comfort zone. Thank you J.R. for your brilliance. I look forward to finding out what craziness Jim will fall into next. Two thumbs WAY up for Covet.

Next Four Argeneau Books

Read books 6-9 in the Argeneau series. Bite Me If You Can was Lucian's novel and up till this novel I never liked him much he seemed to be too much of a hard ass for me, but Lynsay has redeemed him in this one. I found the story heart warming. Book 7 The Accidental Vampire is Victor's tale and can I say that out of all the ones I have read in this series this is the most original. Elvi is a strange , but welcome addition to Lynsay's line of vampires. Book 8 Vampires Are Forever was truly the book I was looking most forward to because I am a huge Thomas fan. I was not disappointed it was filled with the same humor, romance and adventure I have come to expect from Lynsay, but the story revolves around Marguerite's mysterious disappearance and Thomas , Inez and the rest of the Argeneau brood trying to find her. That being said it made this book sort of a 2 parter since at the end of it we still do not know what happened to her. So being as impatient as I am, good thing I had book 9 Vampire Interrupted on hand. I immediately started reading it. I love how she brought the Notte's into yet another novel. The mystery behind Marguerite vanishing is solved here and although it still has the romance and adventure it also has a sadness about it not present in the other stories. That's not a bad thing, I mean who doesn't occasionally need to watch a tear jerker, but it did take me a little off guard. This is probably the sweetest love story of them all. Am I the only one who thinks this would make a great T.V. series? Have any of you followers read this series? Curious to know if you have a favorite vampire and who you would want to play them if it ever made to the screen.

http://www.supernaturalunderground.blogspot.com/

Upcoming Releases

The summer releases I am most looking forward to are.....drumroll please.......Cupid Cats an anthology with Katie MacAlister's Dark Ones short story called "Unleashed" releasing on July 6, 2010.....Kiss of Eternal Darkness by my all-time favorite author in existence Jeaniene Frost (the crowd goes wild) which is the second in her spin off series of the Night Huntress world releasing on July 27, 2010.....and ladies and gentlemen the Gods must be shining down on me because these two amazing ladies have gotten together on an anthology called Death's Excellent Vacation releasing August 3,2010 in which not only will Jeaniene have a Cat and Bones mini in it ( my heart is racing in anticipation), but Katie will have an Aisling Grey story expanding on the character of Jim who I find to be hilarious.....Undead and Unfinished by the queen of sarcasm herself Mary Janice Davidson will be coming out on July 6, 2010 as well. Bow to my Majesty. Hopefully by the time it comes out I will be caught up in the series, really? Who are we kidding? I read 40 books a month I SHALL be caught up lol......Christina Dodd will have the next two in her Chosen Ones series out this summer as well, Chains of Ice on July 6, 2010 and Chains of Fire on September 7, 2010 already ordered Chains of Ice and cannot wait to continue this series ( are you noticing a pattern on July 6th? going to be a busy week for this reviewer, but who's complaining?).....and last but not least ( never least Lynsay) dun dun dun dah the long awaited (at least by me anyway) next book in the Argeneau Series Born to Bite coming to a store near you on August 31st YAY!!!!! Ok people now you have your shopping list get to it! Blog you later fans!

Mish Mosh

Alrighty then, first of all, I am home!  Second, I read 3 books while on my beach vacation so we are going to make this review a long mish mosh of all of them. Here goes, first book was yet another Argeneau novel y'all know how I love Lynsay. Bite To Remember was Vincent's novel and although in Bastien's novel he seemed a little odd to me in this one I think I am in love. His reclusive nature is explained quite believably and this installment is a credit to the series. As usual, it was full of Lynsay's incessant humor and steamy romance.
Second book was the 2nd installment of MJ Davidson's undead series. I loved it as much as the first. Betsy the vampire queen is no less sarcastic and certainly no less in love with Eric, although she vehemently denies the fact. Now that she's the queen (be it a reluctant one) she has become a target for assassination. I love Eric more and more in this one, so gallant, so sexy. I once again bow to Queen MJ. Third book is the start of a new series for me by one of my favorite authors, Katie MacAlister. As you all know, I am in love with the Dark Ones novels (BTW she has 3 new ones coming out for that this year! Soooooo excited!!!) but this review is about her Aisling Grey series. Most of you know my fondest desire is to be whisked away by a gorgeous vampire :) but I am beginning to wonder if being a wyvern's mate wouldn't be almost as cool.This book is about a Guardian who doesn't know she is one, who is also a wyvern's mate and doesn't want to be.
She also accidentally becomes a demon lord of sorts. All in all not a good turn of events for someone who just wants to be "normal" Katie always delivers humor and romance rolled up with adventure and I cannot wait till I get ahold of the next book. Well done ladies.

FYI

I am leaving on vacation in the morning I will be home Wednesday so next review will be then. I am taking a couple of books with me so maybe more than one. Thank you loyal followers. Blog you when I get home from the beach yay!

Undead

I have officially started the Undead series by Mary Janice Davidson. Can I just say, MJ, you are a woman after my own heart? I once was the self proclaimed Queen of Sarcasm, but I now humbly bow to my leader. The edgy humor in this series had me in hysterics. That said, the storyline was just as edgy as the humor. Fast paced and unique plot full of endearing (and annoying) characters which I cannot wait to follow through the series. You have my loyalty, my Queen.

More Love to Lynsay

Still reading the Argeneau Vampire series. I have read books 3 and 4 now. She is still just as laugh out loud funny as before, but for those of you who don't read her, let me explain why. She has her characters say the most insane things for instance in Single White Vampire (book 3) when Luc's girlfriend is fretting over the legends of vampirism he tells her "I am not dead. You are not a necrophiliac. Rigor mortis does not cause my erections. You do." It is that odd sense of humor that has me giggling like a school girl everytime I pick up one of her books. Always love you Lynsay thank you for the joy you bring into my world.

Chosen Ones

I reviewed Christina Dodd's seriously hot series Darkness Chosen on here, but what I didn't realize is that this 2 book series is actually an extension of the same world. Firebird's son is all grown up and has become a Chosen One.  Aleksander is the son of both an Abandoned One and a powerful shapeshifter and is trying to come into his own powers during an epic battle of good and evil. It can be read independantly as well so no worries. I have only read the first one and I am hunting down the second but believe me when I tell you she has done it  again! Christina is amazing she pumps so much life into her characters you can't help but become addicted to them. 2 thumbs up for this great series.

Wages of Sin

So the Cin Craven series by Jenna Maclaine has been sitting in my "to be read" pile since I came across her short story in Strange Brew. I sat down and read the first one, Wages of Sin, last night and it is brilliant. For those of you who haven't read the series, Cin is an amazing, powerful witch turned vampire. She is strong, smart and brave and by far one of my favorite heroines to date. To pair her with the dreamy, romantic and chivalrous Michael the Archangel was sheer genius. Great job Jenna I will be reading more of you for sure.

Stephanie Rowe

Just read Date Me Baby One More Time and am on the hunt for the 2nd book in this series. It was fast paced and hilarious. I read it on a suggestion because usually the fact that there were no vamps, weres/shapeshifters or fairies in it would have kept me from picking it up. Justine Bennett is an ass-kicking, sex- starved guardian of the goblet of eternal youth and her sidekick Theresa Nichols is a smart ass, nymphomaniac dragon. The jokes and crazy one liners are on every page. Defintely worth the read.

New review

Just finished Karen Chance's Touch the Dark. Although it was a good story it ran a little slow for my tastes and of course those of you who have read my reviews know I tend to favor books that make vampires the sexy, sultry hero type.It is fine to have a rogue vamp or two in the storyline but it is hard for me to swallow when vamps as a race are made out to bloodthirsty killers. The rogue should be the exception not the rule. That said, plot wise this book had action, suspense and an interesting ending.