Mmm...Monday (02/28)

Hello lovelies! I hope everyone is having a fantastic Monday and a great start to their week. It feels like forever since I'v done an Mmm...Monday so what do you say we get to the man candy?!?!

Some Marcus Schenkenberg anyone? 

^ Oo...Dante, is that you? ^ 

***IMAGES REMOVED***

Oh yes please! No wonder the Swedish are such happy, easy going people, if this is what comes from there! Crap, I think I broke my keyboard from all this drooling.

Quote of the Week:

"Anyone who has a library and a garden wants for nothing." Cicero

Tuesday's New Releases (03/01/11)

Y.A.

• Demonglass (Hex Hall #2) by Rachel Hawkins
• Clarity by Kim Harrington
• Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
• Blood and Flowers by Penny Blubaugh
• Sean Griswold’s Head by Lindsey Leavitt
• May (Daughters of the Sea #2) by Kathryn Lasky
• Strings Attached by Judy Blumdell
• The Chaos (Numbers #2) by Rachel Ward
• The Liar Society by Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker
• Dark Mirror by M. J. Putney
• Betrayal by Lee Nichols

U.F./Fantasy

• Demon Song by Cat Adams
• Twilight’s Dawn by Anne Bishop
• River Marked by Patricia Briggs
• King’s Justice by Maurice Broaddus
• The Vampire Files, Vol. 3 by P.N. Elrod
• The Crippled God by Steven Erikson
• Moon Cursed by Lori Handeland
• Under Wraps by Hannah Jayne
• Late Eclipses by Seanan McGuire
• The Wise Men’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
• Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon
• Dead Streets by Tim Waggoner
• Under Wraps by Hannah Jayne

PNR

• Primal Bonds by Jennifer Ashley
• Never Again by Michele Bardsley
• Accidentally Catty by Dakota Cassidy
• It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare
• Taste Me by Tamara Hogan
• Dead on Delivery by Eileen Rendahl

Contemporary Romance

• A Lot Like Love by Julie James 
• Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James
• Live Wire by Lora Leigh
• Sweet as the Devil by Susan Johnson 
• Surrender to Me by Shayla Black

Historical Romance

• An Unlikely Countess by Jo Beverly 
• Pleasure Me by Monica Burns
• Scandal of the Year by Olivia Drake 
• Highland Promise by Hannah Howell
• Captured by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean
• Her Scottish Groom by Ann Stephens
• Devil's Own by Veroncia Wolff

Romantic Suspense

• Hidden Away by Maya Banks
• Living on the Edge by Shannon K. Butcher

Horror

• An Embarrassment of Riches by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Have a wonderful week peeps!

XOXOXO

2011 Western Romance Challenge - February Reviews

Challenge Page

Sign-Up Post


If you don't have a blog to post your reviews you can email them to me at readingbetweenthewines10@gmail.com 
Remember, if we get at least ten participants for this challenge I will add a monthly giveaway. 


Please add your February reviews in the Linky below.

Instructions:
1. In the top box add the novel name and your blog's name 

(Angel @ ReadingBetweentheWinesBookClub)
2. Place that ULR of your review post in the bottom box.

Arc Review: Against the Law by Kat Martin

Against the Law

by Kate Martin

The Raines Boys #3

Received from NetGalley for review

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

March 22nd 2011 by Mira 

ISBN 0778329402 

At thirty-two Dev is "mostly retired" from Raines Investigations, content to run operations from his sprawling Arizona home. But Dev has never been able to say no to a beautiful woman, so when Lark Delaney comes to him for help, the former U.S. Army Ranger from Wind Canyon gets back in the game.Lark is sexy, successful and dedicated to tracking down the baby girl her sister gave up for adoption. It should be a straightforward case, but it's not long before Dev uncovers a shady adoption ring and worse—the child's parents have been murdered and the little girl has been taken.
As the case grows dangerous and Lark needs him more than ever, Dev can't ignore his growing attraction for her. He also can't trust his judgment with women or the emotions he's long-since buried. But there's a chance, if he gets this right and saves Lark's niece, that he'll end up saving himself, too.

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My Thoughts:

I am a big fan of Kat Martin and have read every single book she has put out but this one didn’t really do it for me. It was a good read and completed the trilogy of the Raines brothers nicely but it didn’t hold my attention like the first two, Against the Wind and Against the Fire.

Lark is a well-known bag designer with her life all planned out, but when her sister passes away asking just one thing from her Lark’s world gets turned upside down. She must fulfill her promise and find her niece that was given up for adoption at birth. She hires Dev, an ex-Ranger and owner of an investigation firm, to help track the little girl down. Dev has commitment issues with women after being left by his fiancé just days before their wedding he has been bed hopping ever since. He’s the typical rich playboy. When Lark shows up he reigns in his instant attraction though because he has one rule; you don’t mess around with clients. But Lark wouldn’t mind a no-strings-attached romp in the sheets and makes her feelings known. A back and forth battle between them insues; about sex, feelings and the danger surrounding them. A simple job to track down adoptions records turns into a take down of a hokey adoption agency and a battle with drug lords that lead them across the Mexican border.

Against the Law starts out slow and we don’t see any action, romantically or otherwise, until around the middle of the book. But once the action hits it continues until the end and there were quite a few twists. The chemistry between Lark & Dev was intense, though Dev resisted it at first. Neither of them is looking for a long-term relationship which adds another rut in the road for these two. Again though, you have to make it to around the halfway point of this book before it get's interesting and you can connect with them. Individually though, I didn't feel there was enough depth to the their characters, especially Dev, who I was looking forward to. 
Also, the brand name dropping was overused. Every time someone pulled a phone out it was a iPhone or a Blackberry; “Scroll through the contacts on my iPhone,” “Take a picture with my Blackberry,” ect. Over and over again. 
The romance and outcome was predictable and some aspects lacked realism because whatever Dev needed was conveniently dropped in his lap; back-up, weapons, information. Great world-building though and some of the side characters were pretty interesting. We might even see some stories from them later on. We also see small bits from the other two Raines brothers, more towards the end. 

I would recommend Against the Law though if you have read the previous two books in the series, just to wrap it up, it was enjoyable but I have read a lot better from Mrs. Martin. 

3 Wine Glasses

Review: Healing the Highlander By Melissa Mayhue

Healing the Highlander

By Melissa Mayhue

Daughters of the Glen #7

Provided by publisher for review

Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages

Pocket Star

ISBN 1439190208 

ANDREW MACALISTER longs for a cure to free him from the excruciating pain caused by an old wound, but when he rescues a drowning woman, he has no idea how much his life is about to change. All Drew knows is that this mysterious woman is hiding secrets—and that he’s never felt such a consuming desire before. Yet he cannot deny her request for help, even if it means bringing the detested English army to his Highland clan’s home.LEAH NOBLE MCQUARRIE still harbors a deep hatred of the Fae who tortured her eleven years ago, forcing her to escape back in time to the thirteenth century. A descendant of the Fae, Leah denies her heritage and her magical healing abilities. But the English army is holding her beloved adoptive grandfather captive, so Leah must seek help from the Fae—and the captivating man whose touch she craves.Then Drew discovers Leah’s secrets, and he’s torn between old loyalties and trusting a woman who has the power to give him the future he’s sought—but could destroy his clan forever. . . . 

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My Thoughts:

Healing the Highland is a wonderfully romantic tale.

Leah Noble has fled the future where she was tortured by Nuadian Fae and held captive for her healing abilities.  When their own son threatens Leah’s ‘grandparents’ she seeks the help of clan MacKiernan. Though she fears the clan and the Fae blood that runs in their veins she knows that they are her only hope.

Andrew MacAlister is a man scarred inside and out, on a constant search for a cure to heal his painful injuries that resulted from a fight rescuing his sister and cousin from the Fae. When he comes across a woman floundering in the water he leaps to her rescue.

Even though this is the seventh book in the series I had no trouble jumping right into it without reading any of the prior books, it’s a wonderful stand-alone. Though I have had this series on my TBR list for a while, after reading this book I am looking forward to delving into the rest.

Fae magic, time travel, sexy Scottish highlanders and heart-warming romance can all be found in Healing the Highlander.

Leah and Drew had an instant spark between them but their relationship developed first out of necessity then any real feelings though those eventually developed. The story line and romance was somewhat predicable but it is still an enjoyable read with some tasteful love scenes. 

Light and easy with a story that flowed at a steady pace it was also a quick read. There were little glimpses of characters and relationships from other books but it didn’t distract from Leah & Andrew’s story. Both Leah and Drew have personal demons to overcome; Can Drew help Leah move forward from her past and can she heal Drew body & heart? There was some deception, truths withheld and obstacles put in their path but the development of their relationship was believable. All the characters are fleshed out well and we even get a tease at future stories. Over all it was an entertaining read that left me with warm and happy fuzzies.

3 1/2 - A good read and a series that I will continue

Arc Review: Wilder's Mate by Moira Rogers

Wilder’s Mate

Bloodhounds #1

Moira Rogers

Received from author for review

March 08, 2011 (eBook)

Novella – about 90pgs

Wilder Harding is a bloodhound, created by the Guild to hunt down and kill vampires on America's frontier. His enhanced abilities come with a high price: on the full moon, he becomes capable of savagery beyond telling, while the new moon brings a sexual hunger that borders on madness. Rescuing a weapons inventor from undead kidnappers is just another assignment, though one with an added complication--keeping his hands off the man's pretty young apprentice, who insists on tagging along.At odds with polite society, Satira's only constant has been the aging weapons inventor who treats her like a daughter. She isn't going to trust Wilder with Nathaniel's life, not when the Guild might decide the old man isn't worth saving. Besides, if there's one thing she's learned, it's that brains are more important than brawn.As the search stretches far longer than Wilder planned, he finds himself fighting against time. If Satira is still at his side when the new moon comes, nothing will stop him from claiming her. Worse, she seems all too willing. If their passion unlocks the beast inside, no one will be safe. Not even the man they're fighting to save.

Warning: This book contains a crude, gun-slinging, vampire-hunting hero who howls at the full moon and a smart, stubborn heroine who invents mad-scientist weapons. Also included: wild frontier adventures, brothels, danger, betrayal and a good dose of wicked loving in an alternate Wild West.

____________________________________________________

Crystal's thoughts:

Wilder’s Mate is wild west meets vampires meets steampunk. Sound amazing? Well, that’s because it is!

Satira is not your typical girl in a world where women don’t have many options. She’s unmarried, wears trousers, swears like a man and is an apprentice for a Guild weapons inventor. When Nate, her mentor, goes missing the Guild sends in a Bloodhound to retrieve him, and the secret project he was working, on back. But Satira’s not going to trust just anyone to get him back and insists on accompanying the Bloodhound in his search, and she has a bag load of special weapons incase they run into any vampires along the way. 
Wilder is a sexy male alpha that was transformed by the Guild into a Bloodhound, part man and part beast, to hunt vampires. Full moons see the beast set free but new moons bring a powerful hunger that cannot be denied.

He’s brought in on the big assessments, and this is one of them, he’s  a professional but lets Satira tag along because if he went missing he’d want someone who knew and cared about him being the one searching for him.

They’re about to enter the Deadlands and the new moon is almost upon them, can Wilder protect Satira, even if it’s from himself?

This is the first Moira Rogers book I have read and wow, I’m gonna have to find me some more!

Satira has some self-confidence issues but she knows what she wants and is not afraid to reach out for it, and Wilder is something she definitely wants! She is blunt, spunky and I liked her right away. Wilder is oh so yummy, protective, and doesn’t believe that just because Satira is a woman that she is limited in the things she can do. This couple has intense chemistry that eventually leads to some burn-the-house-down love scenes.

Great world-building, incredible action, awesome characters and yeah, did I mention the love scenes? Whew, I need a cold shower!

Now the only thing I have to know is this; when can I get my hands on Bloodhounds #2?

*You can also find another version of my review on Wilder's Mate at PRA

4 Wine Glasses - Loved It!

Book Review: Metrophilias by Brendan Connell

Synopsis:


Thirty-six cities. Thirty-six stories of obsession. From ancient Thebes to present day Berlin, these little portraits of humans superimposed on their suburban environment are corroding treats thrown together in a past-modern beaker, landmark tales of love in the metropolis. A round-the-world tour of craving and decadence.

Review:

Love, addiction, infatuation, desire and obsession are indiscriminate.  

Metrophilias is a candid, sometimes disturbing, often intriguing glimpse into the human psyche.  

I didn't know what to expect going into this book.  And when I started reading the first "chapter" I was more confused than ever, wondering if all of these stories would tie in together, if there was a common theme amongst the cities and people, if there was even a plot at all.  But once I read the second chapter I realized that the best way to read this book was to assume that all of the chapters were a very short story, completely independent of all the others.  It is not a novel, at least not in the sense most people are accustomed to.

I am still deciding on whether or not "enjoyed" is a proper term for how I felt about this book.  To say that I enjoyed it assumes that I got some pleasure out of reading it.  I feel like that would be a misleading description of how I felt while reading it.  I think
a more accurate description would be that I found it fascinating, honest and brazen.  The author tackles a subject that can range from the mild and somewhat socially acceptable (a fetish for bald heads) to the extreme and taboo (necrophilia).  And he bravely and eloquently broaches that most people would hesitate to discuss, let alone write an entire collection of stories about.

Overall, I would have to say that this book has the potential to be regarded a literary masterpiece and, in my opinion, could be included in the curriculum of a college level literature course.  Despite being only 102 pages, there is so much compelling content that the stories could be discussed, and even analyzed, in depth for decades, if not centuries.

Favorite quote:

"But it's easy to call a man in love a mad man."

Rating:

I gave this book 5 wine glasses based on my personal preference for the book.  That being said, it might not be for everyone.  It's gritty and disturbing yet compelling and fascinating.  While it's only 102 pages, please don't mistake this for a light read.  If you decide to pick this up, take your time.  It will be worth it.

Please Welcome RBtWBC's New Reviewer!

Happy Friday Everyone!!!
Is anyone else ecstatic that it's Friday? I will be even happier when it's Saturday. *yawn* After a very late night out with my girl, Brandi, I am up way too early and currently at the Lowry Park Zoo chaperoning a bunch of kindergarteners. Yeah, go ahead and call me crazy cause I'm right there with you. Thank God they have a Starbucks right here in the zoo! Yes, I am bowing at the feet of their little kiosk! 


So, some great news to share with you all. I have a new reviewer to help out here! Yay! 
So please give a very warm welcome to Kelly. She will be sharing her first review with us later on today. She reads a few different genres then I do and has her own review style that I thought would be great to spice things up a bit here. She has also known little ole' me since I was like four! Though she lives way too far away from me, Florida is calling girl!

Kelly has her own person blog called Muffin Top Monologues where she shares her candid thoughts on motherhood, marriage, sex, food, drinks,  books, health, fitness and anything that she loves, hates, finds amusing or infuriating or otherwise entertaining. She also has a ridiculous mass of groupies on Twitter!

I'm excited to have Kelly join us, a huge thank you to her for that! And I hope you all enjoy her reviews. Have a great weekend and happy reading! 

Review: Etched in Bone By Adrian Phoenix

Etched in Bone

By Adrian Phoenix

Book #4 The Maker’s Song

Received from publisher for review

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Published February 22nd 2011 by Pocket

ISBN1439137307 (ISBN13: 9781439137307)

SON OF A FALLEN ANGEL. FORGED IN VAMPIRE’S BLOOD. SWORN TO A MORTAL WOMAN. IF DANTE FALLS, THE WORLD FALLS WITH HIM. . . .

THREE LEGACIES ETCHED IN BONE

More beautiful and powerful than any creature the world has ever seen, Dante Baptiste has become the supreme target of the three worlds that spawned him. The mortal agents of the Shadow Branch have tried to control his mind through psychological torture. The vampire elders who guide nightkind society have plotted to use him in their bloodthirsty bid for power. And the Fallen have waited for millennia for Dante to claim his birthright as their Maker. But Dante belongs to no one—except the woman he loves. . . .

ONE PASSION SWORN IN BLOOD

Determined to face the Fallen and the world on his own terms, Dante hopes to piece together his shattered past and claim his future, with FBI agent Heather Wallace at his side. But in Heather’s human family awaits an unexpected enemy. One who could rip Heather from Dante’s heart and fill the holes with bullets. One who could force Dante to choose his darkest destiny—as the Great Destroyer. . . .

My thoughts:

Etched in Bone is a dark and gritty urban fantasy, full of action, suspense, danger, sarcastic humor and steamy sex. 

This is a series where you have to read the entire series in order to understand the story-arc and not be confused. Every book starts off where the previous ended, so it is one continuous story. Etched in Bone picks right up where Beneath the Skin ended…

Heather has gone AWOL from the FBI and is a wanted woman. The government has spread a lie to the media that she is mentally unstable and she is being hunted so that the government can examine her to see what changes Dante made when saving her life. The whole government side of the plot really makes you think, could this be happening in real life? It's very realistic and sucks you right in.

Dante, half True Blood vampire and half Fallen Angel, I love and you immediately become emotionally attached to him. Being a rare true blood and the only Maker, he is being pulled from all directions, everyone wanting a piece of him. He also has a tortured past, part of a joint FBI and SB project, that he can’t remember to contend with that causes immense pain, seizures and puts everyone around him in danger. He struggles with the then and now, the past and present and sometimes get's lost.

Heather and Dante together is amazing; their characters are dynamic, relationship believable and their bond beautiful. Heather is very patient and understanding with Dante, she looks at everything from his perspective and is his anchor. She is what brings him back to the present when he experiences his episodes and you can tell that the deeply love and care for one another. 

I enjoyed all the side characters as well; Lucien, Von and more. Each are all detailed and well developed.

There was a lot of recounting, however. Most of it was internal dialogue but I felt there was more then necessary and I skimmed over these parts while reading. There were a lot of POV changes as well and I loved the core circle of characters but when it came to outside characters I found myself skimming again.

Phoenix has a great writing style, there was just too much going on for one book that only spans a handful of days, for me at least. Though my skimming didn't take away from the plots entertainment. This is one of those series that will keep you up all night reading. Good dialogue and relationships between characters though and it was fast paced with very complex world building. There is also a handy glossary at the front.

Etched in Bone starts out with Heather’s father paying her a surprise visit with nefarious plans and the rest of the book back tracks to the few days leading up to that and then the book ends in the present. The cliffhangers at the end of each book in this series kill me (evil, evil author), but this was a great read from an awesome series and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Will Dante and Heather make it out alive? Will Dante be able to keep his sanity? Will he end up the great Destroyer? I must know! The 5^th book, On Midnight Wings, will be released in December 2011. 

4: Loved it! 

Want to win a copy of Dianne Duvall's Darkness Dawns?

Want to win a signed copy of Dianne Duvall's debut paranormal romance, Darkness Dawns?

Then head on over to Paranormal Romance Addict!

http://paranormalromanceaddict.blogspot.com/2011/02/guest-post-with-author-dianne-duvall.html?spref=tw

Book News - Sweetblood series by Laurie London

Author Laurie London officially announced yesterday that her Sweetblood series will continue with two more books and an e-novella! 
She was previously contracted for just two books in the series; London's debut novel Bonded by Blood and the sequel, Embraced by Blood. 





Tuesday (2/22) she was able to officially share the news that her publisher, HQN, have purchased books 3 & 4 in the series and an e-novella, Hidden by Blood. The novella will feature a separate Sweetblood character and will be released before Embraced by Blood!
Book 3, untitled, will feature Jackson. No release dates available as of yet. As mentioned in her interview here, she originally planned for five books in the series, with the possibility of more. So a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the fabulous Laurie who is both a talented writer and a sweetie! Can't wait to read more from the Sweetblood world! 


To keep up-to-date with the Sweetblood series visit Laurie's Blog!

Countdown to This Side of the Grave - Wrap Up!

Wow, I can't believe these two weeks flew by so fast! This Side of the Grave is in-stores now, so if you haven't picked up your copy yet make sure to get it soon! 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and commented on the posts, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed putting this together. I'm still blown away by all the responses we got for the event! LoL And a big thank you to the wonderful ladies (Amanda, Kristin, crazy4vampires, Amber, Carmel, Kristen, Larissa & Belinda) and of course Adam for guest posting!

I'm sure you guys are anxious to see if you won one of the giveaways, yes? Two hours and well over 500 entries later I have winners!!!

• 'Team Bones' slap bracelets - BLHmistriss (vampiremistress2010...), Awesomesauce Book Club (AwesomeSaucebooks@...), crazy4vampires587 (childoftheking32@...), Jolene Allcock and Family (june111@...) &  Alison (85hardy@...)

• One (1) $5 off any $25 purchase coupon at FrostFans T-Shirt Shop - Amanda, aka Morning Glow (ohmorningglow@...) & Cathy (cdgalloway@...)

• One (1) Night Huntress inspired item from my Etsy store DallaLuna - DarkBloodyVamp (redfirewood888@...) & Megan (megankyser@...)

• 2^nd Grand Prize – A copy of This Side of the Grave from The Book Depository and a coupon for $5 off any $25 purchase at FrostFans T-Shirt Shop. -Winnie (chibipooh@...) 

• 1st Grand Prize Gift Pack that includes a signed copy of This Side of the Grave, a 'Team Bones' slap bracelet, a plastic skull & crossbones flask, a gin & tonic shot glass scented soap and a Cat & Bones inspired book thong. -Stephanie (smccar1@....)

• For Kristin's ultimate fan trivia contest and the $25 Amazon gift card, the winner is Heather Gilmore. Congratulations! Kristin will be contacting you. =) Kristin has also posted the answer key for the questions on her blog HERE

Congratulations everyone! I am in the process of sending out notification emails now, please make sure to respond with in 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. All entries were numbered and then random.org was used to select the winners. 

If you didn't win the signed copy of This Side of the Grave, not to worry. Kristin at Nocturnal Bites is giving away FIVE signed copies and 'Team Bones' slap bracelets to go with them! Just go here to comment and enter! 

I also have to give a great big squishy thank you to Jeaniene and her assistant Donna for providing a signed copy of TSotG to giveaway, Jessie Edwards and Erika Tsang from Avon/HarperCollins for providing us with the slap bracelets and Rachel at  Printfection, The Jeaniene Frost T-Shirt Shop for the coupons! 

Thank you again everyone! Until next time, happy reading! 

XOXOXO 

TSotG Release Day & Teaser Tuesday!!!

Happy Release Day!!!

*squee* The day has finally arrived! *jumps up & down* The long awaited Cat & Bones book 5 is here and I'm sure lots of you are already holed up reading it as I write this and I don't blame you! So excited, so excited, so excited! To celebrate the release today we have a final Teaser Tuesday for it, Countdown to TSotG style.

"Please, sit." Mencheres gestured to the couch we'd recently vacated, playing the part of gracious host. His dog scooted closer as soon as I sat back down, putting his head in my lap for easier scratching access. Mencheres took a seat next to Kira, trailing his hand over her arm before returning his attention to us."I assume you're here because you have new information regarding Appollyon?"Some part of me was amused at how staid and proper all of us must look right now, perched upon our opposing couches with our very somber expressions. Just a group of vampires discussing a supernaturally dangerous situation with all the solemnity of gothic dignity it deserved, recent sexual indulges not withstanding. 

 "Only thing new is there is nothing new," Bones growled, taking a long swallow of his whiskey before continuing. "We're on our way to New Orleans to speak with Marie. With luck, we'll be able to convince her that Appollyon is as much of a threat to rational members of the ghoul nation as he is to us."Mencheres nodded thoughtfully. "Marie Laveau would indeed be a powerful ally for whoever can sway her loyalties." -pg. 100

Oh, oh, I wonder what's going on! All these teasers are killing me!
So, has anybody gotten their hands on TSotG yet? Started it? What do you think so far? I have to finish up some prior commitments before delving in but I hope to start reading it Thursday! I hate having to wait, *whimpers* I'm so anxious to start it! It is sitting on my shelf making puppy-dog eyes at me right now, saying 'Why Crystal? Why didn't you schedule better!' LoL I heard this book is big on Cat & Bones' relationship?
Well, if you have TSotG or if you're waiting for it to get to you or to go pick it up put up the 'Do Not Disturb, Bones in the House' sign and I wish you happy reading! 


*~*Today is the last day to comment on posts and enter the giveaways, including Kristin's trivia giveaway. All giveaways will close at 11:59pm EST tonight. Come back tomorrow when I will announce all the winners! *~*

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Remember, each post that you comment on is an additional giveaway entry! Make sure to include an email address and whether you are US/CA or INT

This Side of the Grave D 'n' S & A Naughty Teaser ;)

Woohoo, This Side of the Grave is officially released tomorrow! How excited are we? 

I know some of you have it in hand now and actually I do too, yay! But, I haven’t had the chance to start on it yet. Well, I did take a little peak at CH21 and from what I glanced out whoa mama, this is going to be good! I’ve heard that Amazon shipped their print copies out early, some Walmarts have TsotG and I got mine at Books-a-Million this afternoon. So if you have any of those stores close to you and you can’t wait ‘till tomorrow you might want to see if they have copies in stock early.

So, I'm running a little late today so let’s talk a bit about This Side of the Grave.

• We know that Apollyon is reeking havoc over Cat and her still beating heart. We also know that everyone is weary of her because of her pyrokinesis and telekinesis abilities they witnessed in DfaEG & FDoC. Though they don’t yet know how she came to have these abilities; by drinking from Vlad & Mencheres. Do you think this secret will be revealed to others outside of Cat & Bones circle? And if so, what do you think the repercussions will be?

• On the back cover it says this about Majestic, “…But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war…” Hmm….that doesn’t sound good or as Mencheres would say; “That bodes ill…” Majestic wasn’t really a ‘bad’ or ‘good’ character in DfaEG but she sure was interesting. I especially loved her and Cat’s Matrix dialogue. But she can be pretty scary if you get on her bad side I imagine, just ask her ex-husband! LoL

• There’s been teases of another half-vampire half-human and Jeaniene has said that this person is ‘kinda’ in This Side of the Grave. From HttG we know there was one publicly outed in history, later Jeaniene mentioned that most vampires knew this half-breed’s identity. Any guesses as to who this might be?

• Jeaniene has also said that Cat & Bones wedding is addressed in TsotG. Will we see some plans finally being made? Or maybe just a quick trip to Vegas? I would laugh my ass off to picture Bones getting married by Elvis. But vampires have a thing with big get-togethers so I doubt we’ll see a little white chapel with Elvis, though how funny would that be, really? LoL

• From the ‘sparkle’ teaser we see Cat & Bones talking to Timmie. Is this the same Timmie from Cat’s college days? Do you think he believed the news about Cat? Because remember, he was a big conspiracy theorist. I don’t think he’d take her supposed murdering rampage and then her own death at face value. It’d be interesting to see what he theorized.

• At the end of DfaEG and in Mencheres’ book EKoD we see that his and Bones relationship is still strained, understandably. Do you think in TsotG Bones will be able to move past that? How do you think Mencheres could redeem himself in Bones eyes, or do you think Bones is taking it far enough?Do you all think that there will be any more hurtles throw at Cat & Bones relationship wise? 

• I know it keeps things interesting but I think this pair deserve a break! 

• They say CH21 from TsotG is comparable to CH32, what do you think would be able to surpass CH32? I mean, Jeaniene covered a lot right there. I’ve read some erotica that wasn’t as good as that!

So there are some things to think about. And I will close off with a little teaser from TsotG that goes with my last point and Belinda’s post earlier. Enjoy!

CH21…

I took one of the candles off the nightstand, considering Bones in the light of the flickering flame. His body was stretched out, arms once again behind his head, limbs completely relaxed even though he was still hard as a baseball bat in one very notable place. All this bounty, mine to enjoy. I licked my lips. Damned if I knew how I’d gotten so lucky, but that was a question for another time. Now was the time for action, not contemplation.

I moved closer until my legs pressed against the side of the bed. “Do you remember the first time you bit me here?” I asked, tracing my finger over the tight bud of his nipple. “Yes.” One word, hissed with all the weight of desire that I could feel through his emotions.

“It felt like your fangs were burning me.” My voice was no more then a whisper from the shiver of remembrance, and I blew out the candle with an unsteady puff. “I can’t duplicate that with you because you’re not human,” I went on. “The juice in my fangs won’t feel the same, but maybe this will be close.”

Then I poured some of the hot wax that pooled on the candle directly onto Bones’s nipple.


Oh, *whispers* btw, if you want more chances to win a signed copy of TSotG and some swag go visit Kristin at Nocturnal Bites. ;)

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