Paranormal Fantasies

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-13T14:23:00.002-06:00

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Tantalizing Tuesday

2010-11-30T09:00:00.007-06:00

It has been WAY too long since I've posted up some hot pics!

*sighs* I could really use some of that right now...
Have a FABULOUS Day!

Thunderstorms

2010-11-29T09:00:00.006-06:00

Just a little random writing...

The sound of the rain on my window was hypnotic. I lay there in bed as the dark clouds rolled in over the tops of the trees creating shadows that danced outside my window. The wind was blowing hard enough to cause the branches to tap on the glass. Mesmerized by the oncoming storm my heart slowed and my body began to relax. There is something about a thunderstorm that has always let my mind clear and focus on the beauty of nature. The surreal feeling of being absolutely powerless to change the world around me. It calms me, knowing there are some things I can't change, things that are outside my grasp of responsibility. Sometimes it seems as if the weight of the world is crashing down on top of me, leaving me breathless, just lookinjg for a way to survive. Thunderstorms though, they remind me that even when the weather is turbulant, as life can sometimes be, that in the aftermath the sky does clear, the sun does once again shine and the world blooms brightest after the rain.

May the sun shine and the world bloom for you everyday!

New Orleans with Adrian Phoenix!

2010-11-27T09:00:00.034-06:00

I had the awesome pleasure of meeting Adrian Phoenix and some of the other Hellions from Dante's Club Hell Yahoo Group over the Halloween weekend in New Orleans! I have to say that I love Adrian. She is one of the sweetest people I have met and I cannot wait to see her career really take off! On the trip we went to Cafe Du Monde, walked all over the French Quarter, checked out the WWII History Museum, went on a couple of fabulous tours and the best part was a reading by Adrian herself of the first couple of chapters of Etched In Bone (being released Feb 22, 2011)! I am already looking forward to next year when we are hoping to go again!

Here are a few pics from the trip!

Adrian Phoenix and myself *big cheesy grin*

Yvonne and I... the wonderful lady who made my trip possible... I love ya!

just moi :-)

totally loved how the pic of this sign turned out!

Well that pretty much sums up the trip... wish you all could have been there! Have a FABULOUS Day!

So it's been a while...

2010-11-25T21:58:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!

I know its been like... well forever since my last post... a LOT of things have been going on in my life.

Over the last 6 months I have switched jobs, gotten divorced, started dating, got knocked up and left to deal with the pregnancy on my own (what a douche bag! at least the sex was good... just wish it had lasted LMAO) and now I am getting ready to move... phew *wiping brow* I think that is about it...

All that being said... I am in some major need of reading time!!! I am currently reading Eternal Kiss of Darkness and LOVING Menchere's story! Next, I am going to be catching up with the final Werecat book by Rachel Vincent... pretty sad that it's coming to an end though :-( There are a few others that I need to catch up on and I will post as I go.

Here is an ultrasound pic at 7 1/2 weeks

And here is the latest at 11 1/2 weeks...

I am now almost 13 weeks and cannot believe it is going by sooooo fast! I am hoping for a girl... I have two boys and if I have one more I will need a room with my name on it in the mental patient ward!

Tantalizing Tuesday

2010-06-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

Yay for Tuesday!!!

Here is some eye candy to help everyone through the rest of the week!

Now off to bed to dream some sweet dreams *winks*

Kittens

2010-06-05T21:47:00.000-05:00

We have new kittens in the house and I just had to show off how cute they are =)

This is Mercy... and she is named after Mercy Thompson... she looks like she has grease on her ears, nose, paws and tail :-)

And this is Fergie...

I just love little fuzz balls!

On My Wishlist...

2010-06-05T21:34:00.002-05:00

"On My Wishlist" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City to share the books that we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. Below are a couple of the books that I am looking forward to reading!

Goodreads Description

Merit, Chicago’s newest vampire, is learning how to play well with others. Other supernaturals, that is. Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene—and to spy for the vamps while she’s at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan’s offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Merit must accept the assignment, even though she knows that she’ll probably regret it. And she’s not wrong. Someone is gunning for Gabriel Keene, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She’ll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals—not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries old master vampire.

Goodreads Description

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On a side note... I think a lot of my shit is finally getting caught up with (real life *sighs*) and I should be getting back to posting up some reviews!!!

Some really great books that I have been reading are:

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Dares and Dreams by B.K. Walker

and many more... just have to have time to actually get on the computer and type up the reviews...

I am getting there though... promise =)

Tantalizing Tuesday

2010-06-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

So... I have been really busy this last week and totally neglected pretty much anything to do with being online... yes shame on me... but did you really think I would skip my Tuesday posts???
So NOT happening! Just doing it a wee bit early this week =)

A little something different this week...

Damn... Do you not just want to be one of these ladies???

*sighs* well I suppose that is what fantasies are for...

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Winner of KISS OF DEATH...

2010-05-31T21:19:00.000-05:00

The winner of the signed copy of KISS OF DEATH by Rachel Caine is...

Serena!!!

Congrats and Enjoy!!!

Tantalizing Tuesday

2010-05-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yes... it is our favorite day of the week!!!

This week it is all about the hawtness that is

Thunder From Down Under!!!

Have a WONDERFUL week!!!

Book Bloggers Anonymous!

2010-05-24T21:20:00.001-05:00

I just joined Book Bloggers Anonymous over on Goodreads hosted by Paper Cut Reviews!!!

Totally excited and can't wait to get to know everyone better!

Coming up in June Paranormal Haven with be hosting an event...
Adrian Phoenix month!!!

Check out Paper Cut Reviews to learn a little more about what's going on!!!

Hero or Hindrance???

2010-05-22T23:01:00.000-05:00

Title: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES

Anthology Edited by: Denise Little

Description:
These 22 all-new tales pay tribute to the true heroes-the people who enable and put up with heroes. From what it's like to be Hercules' wife )complete with an appearance by Hercules in drag) to the trials of H.P. Lovecraft's housekeeper, from the perils of being King Kong's girlfriend to the downside of dating a shapeshifter, this anthology turns heroism on its head, revealing the behind-the-scenes drama, as opposed to glorious rescues. From the Pied Piper's power trip to David acting like a giant you-know-what after slaying Goliath, these stories show heroes in all their ignominy and shine a light on the unsung faithful standing in their shadows.

Review:
I have to start off by saying that I love the idea behind this anthology. It's kind of like watching that reality TV show that you just can't turn off, except that it's about some of our most beloved heroes and the people who have to deal with them. Ever wonder who does the laundry and who has to deal with the day to day issues that revolve around heroes? Or have you ever thought, do they stink when they get done fighting evil or riding on their horse? In this collection of 22 short stories we learn about all sorts of things that heroes get themselves into and what those around them have to deal with on a regular basis.

This is a fun twist, with subjects ranging from internet dating in Kristine Grayson's Geeks Bearing Gifts, to make-overs in Laura Resnick's The Quin Quart, to housekeeping in Adrian Nikolas Phoenix's The Horror in the Living Room. As with all anthologies there are some that are not as memorable as others, but I felt that overall it was a fun read with a little something in it for everyone. Some of the stories were lighter and more humorous with some being more serious and of course we had some action and suspense. I felt that each of the author's personalities and writing styles stood out wonderfully and made the reading experience very enjoyable. Denise Little has done an excellent job as the editor of THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES as well as many other fantastic works. I will definitely be looking into some of the authors that I read for the first time, which is one of the things that I love most about anthologies, after getting a little taste of their writing styles.

Includes Stories by the

Following Authors:

Kristine Grayson

Adrian Nikolas Phoenix

Mike Moscoe

Jean Rabe

Nina Kiriki Hoffman

Terry Hayman

Annie Reed

David H. Hendrickson

Phaedra M. Weldon

Pauline J. Alama

Robert T. Jeschonek

Laura Resnick

John Alvin Pitts

Dayle A. Dermatis

Dory Crowe

J. Steven York

Peter Orullian

Janna Silverstein

Ken Scholes

Steven Mohan, Jr.

Allan Rousselle

Kristine Kathryn Rusch

On My Wishlist...

2010-05-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Description

WELCOME TO PRECIOUS, TEXAS...where fistfights serve as dinner theater and fire ants rain from the sky. The locals are usually very friendly, if a bit eccentric. No pictures please, or you may find yourself a guest of the county morgue.
Photojournalist Shala Winters already had her hands full bringing tourism to this backward, podunk little town, but her job just got tougher. Pictures can say a thousand words, and one of Shala’s is screaming bloody murder. Now she has to entrust a macho, infuriating lawman with her life—but she’ll never trust him with her heart.
Trusted or not, Sky Gomez isn’t about to let a killer get his hands on Shala’s Nikon—or any of her more comely assets, for that matter. Her mouth might move faster than a Piney Woods roadrunner, but all he can think about is how good it must taste…and how she’ll never escape true love.

Tantalizing Tuesday

2010-05-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

So it's Tuesday again *grins* Time for something a little sexy!

Have a wonderful week!!

The Countdown Begins...

2010-05-16T12:34:00.001-05:00

Title: Three Days to Dead
Author: Kelly Meding

Publisher: Bantam Dell

3 1/2 stars

Description:

She’s young, deadly, and hunted—with only three days to solve her own murder…

When Evangeline Stone wakes up naked and bruised on a cold slab at the morgue – in a stranger’s body, with no memory of who she is and how she got there – her troubles are only just beginning. Before that night, she and the other two members of her Triad were star bounty hunters — mercilessly cleansing the city of the murderous creatures living in the shadows, from vampires to shape-shifters to trolls. Then something terrible happened that not only cost all three of them their lives, but also convinced the city’s other Hunters that Evy was a traitor . . . and she can’t even remember what it was.

Now she’s a fugitive, piecing together her memory, trying to deal some serious justice – and discovering that she has only three days to solve her own murder before the reincarnation spell wears off. Because in three days, Evy will die again – but this time, there’s no second chance…

Review:

Evangeline Stone is a dreg hunter working for a secret government agency fighting against the things that go bump in the night. Or at least she was, until she woke up in the morgue in someone else's body. Now Evy has to find out why and how she died in order to find the real reasons behind the events, but the last thing she remembers happened well before the events that caused her to take what should have been her last breath.

Wyatt Truman is the handler, or supervisor, of the Triad that Evy is a part of. Their team has been together for years until death finds a way of bringing everything crashing down around them. As Wyatt helps Evy recover her memory to be able to hunt down her killers, she also learns that there may be more between them than she initially thought. Not to mention the deal he made to bring her back and his reasons for doing so. Unfortunately they still have to fight to keep an alliance between vampires and goblins from happening to insure the survival of the human race. One catch, can they do it all in three days?

Kelly Meding takes a new approach to Urban Fantasy in THREE DAYS TO DEAD... read the rest of my review at FreshFiction.com!

Where to find Kelly:

Website

Blog

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

On My Wishlist...

2010-05-15T10:00:00.002-05:00

Goodreads Description

For the first time, author Diane Whiteside introduces you to a world of indescribable sensuality in which vampires roam the contemporary Western landscape-building their brotherhood, protecting their territory, and feeding off the frenzy of desire…

Once a medieval Spanish knight, Don Rafael Perez has been a vampire for seven centuries, clinging to his code of honor despite years of torture. He has risen to become the leader of the largest vampire territory in North America, spanning Texas and Oklahoma. But a cruel and seductively cunning rival is challenging his rule-fanning the flames of all-out war.

Adept at sending women into raptures of ecstasy while he feeds, Rafael has many willing lovers. But into his domain comes a woman he must deny himself: Grania O’Malley, a new veterinarian at the world-renowned Texas Hill Country Raptor Center. Rafael soon realizes he shares a bond with Grania he can’t explain and doesn’t trust. But neither can he stay away from her.

Grania, convinced that she can find a suitable husband through scientific research, has no explanation for why her body turns to molten fire at the mere sight of Rafael – or why her very existence tempts him into breaking every rule of both his body and his mind just when he needs to be stronger than ever…

Goodreads Description

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?

Blog Award!!!

2010-05-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

Paranormal Fantasies got an award!

Thanks so much to Book of Secrets for passing this award to me.

Here is how it works: If you are given this award you must first accept it by leaving a comment on the post you were nominated on. Then copy and paste the post and add it to your own blog. Make a list of the last 5 books you read and pass the award on to 5 other bloggers (no backsies!). Please also identify the blog from which you got the award and don't forget to tell them they have a blog award!

These are the last 5 books I've read:

I am passing this award to these amazing bloggers:

All I Want and More

Book Addict

About Happy Books

Addicted to Romance

Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories

Review of KISS OF DEATH by Rachel Caine with 100 Follower Giveaway!!!

2010-05-11T21:30:00.007-05:00

Welcome to Morganville

Population: Dead.

Welcome to our little town of Morganville. It’s your normal, average, everyday collage town. Well that is if you see a town full of vampires as nice and normal. It’s part of everyday life for the folks here. Before I get head of myself let me introduce you to some of the more important people here.

Amelie: She the town owner and creator. She has some sweet moments but mostly she’s just really cold. I guess she kind of has to be in order to keep her “pets” safe. She’s ruthless too, she will stop at nothing to keep control of her town.

Oliver: He owns a coffee shop here. He’s a little on the hippy side but I thought he was a really cool boss, boy was I in for a shock.

Myrnin: He like a mad scientist. He is the one that keeps the town running per say. He’s very smart just very crazy as well. Secretly, I have admit, he one of the more likeable blood suckers here.

Claire: She’s just a human, a small little human. She looks small but trust me when I say she a fighter and she lets nothing stop her. Who knew such a young child would end up being such a force to be had.

Shane: He is kind of famous here. Everyone knows his story, well ok I guess you don’t but hang around and you will hear it soon enough. He hates vampires and this town we live in but honestly he has the best reason out of anyone. He looks and acts tough but watch him and you will see he’s just a big sweety.

Eve: She ends up being Claire’s best friend which I didn’t see coming. She is like this big scary goth girl. Total freak, however from watching them I got to say she kicks ass, takes no shit and is really a sweet girl who just wants to live her own life.

Michael: He owns the house that Claire, Shane, him and Eve all live in. He seems really protective of the girls. It’s really weird though because it seems he locked himself in his house for a while. No one saw him except his friends till one day he just decides to come back out. Weird.

Now Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot more people in this town and a lot more to say about the ones I mentioned but stay here long enough and you will learn it all. Here, I'll tell you a little, but remember you didn’t hear it from me. Last thing I need is a bunch of pissed of vampires coming after me.

See the town is full of vampire and these vampires pretty much rule. We humans have to get protection from a vampire in order to be safe here. If we don’t we are pretty much fair game. We also have these taxes, and no not like you're thinking. We pay in blood. Once a month we are suppose to give blood. It’s not fun but it keeps me off the radar. There wasn’t a lot to watch for till Claire came to town. She was really young like 16 coming here to go to Collage. Figures the normal new girl would be super smart. She was doing fine till the town bitch, Monica, pushed her down the stairs. I guess that freaked her out cause she went looking for a new place to stay and ended up at Michael’s house. I don’t know who she pissed off but that’s when everything started.

I’d go in to detail but there is just so much. Since it started it hasn’t stopped. It’s like every time you think things are starting to settle something else happens. Poor Claire has seen it all. From being taken, hostal take overs, working for that crazy man Myrnin, being under Ameila’s thumb, to dealing with Oliver and trying to live a normal life. Luckily, she has had her friends with her the whole way. She and Shane are really cute together. Almost makes you sad and giddy just watching the two. I can honestly say there is never a dull moment here. They have lost some loved ones in really horrable ways, but they have also gained some really great friends. Cured some vamps as well as dusting some others. If you hang around long enough you can hear about it all and see the new shit that they end up in. I’d watch out for Monica, she’s a bitch and whatever you do.. don’t piss off the vampires, at least not if you hope to live. I know you’re asking why we don’t just leave. Well we can’t. Go ahead and give it a try.

Now onto KISS OF DEATH by Rachel Caine... the newest installment in the Morganville Vampires series!!!

Description:

Vampire Michael Glass just received the call he’s been waiting for all his life. His music has attracted the attention of a heavily connected music producer who wants him to cut a demo and play some dates- which means Michael will have to enter the human world.

But he won’t be alone. He’s been assigned an undead escort, which includes immortal enforcer Oliver, as well as Michael’s human friends: rebellious Eve, oft-misunderstood Claire, and courageous Shane. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell.

But what waits for them proves more perilous than they thought. Caught between humans who hate them and a savage party of traveling vampires out to create a blood- soaked feast for themselves, Michael and his friends may not make it to the show on time…or ever.

Review:
I have to say that I think Morganville is one of the best series that I have ever read. Talk about a road trip with the living dead. It takes on a whole new meaning with this, the 8^th book in the series!

A shit storm erupts and leaves the fighting not only to the humans but also to two sets of vampires. One wants freedom the other just wants blood. I’m not going to tell you what happens but Claire really steps up even further in this book and it keeps up with the story and has the nonstop action that I have come to expect for a Morganville book.
In this book Michael is finally getting his big break and somehow gets permission to leave Morganville. He also gets permission to take his friends Claire, Shane and Eve with him. He is thrilled until he finds out Oliver is also going with him. So much for a fun road trip. They are headed to Dallas, but Oliver wants to make a pit stop. Everything goes downhill from there.

Rachel Caine does amazing as usual in KISS OF DEATH. I have come to expect nothing less from her. Even though it’s a young adult read, it is one of the best series that I have read. She keeps you hopping with the nonstop action, throws you for loops and keeps you wanting more. I am already looking forward to GHOST TOWN, to be released October 26, 2010!

~ Review by Simmy ~

I am giving away a brand new SIGNED copy of
KISS OF DEATH!!!!

Rachel Caine is Awesome and I really enjoyed getting to meet her!!!

Isn't she just the cutest!!!

To enter to win you need to be a follower and post a comment.

Easy peasy right???

To get extra entries share this review on Twitter and/or Facebook and post the link with your comment!

Open to the US and Canada only... sorry the postage is just more expensive than the book was...

*Contest ends May 30th at Midnight CST

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Where to find Rachel:
Website
Visit Morganville
Twitter
Facebook
Live Journal
MySpace

Pre-Order Ghost Town on Amazon

Tantalizing Tuesday

2010-05-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the week again *big grins* when I post up some fabulous eye candy!!!

I would let him bite me anytime...anywhere ;)

*licking lips*

Just hell yeah!!!

Have a wonderful rest of your week!!!

On My Wishlist...

2010-05-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

Goodreads Description

An immortal war has been brewing in the darkness…and now one woman has stumbled into the shadows.

Chicago private investigator Kira Graceling should have just kept on walking. But her sense of duty refused to let her ignore the moans of pain coming from inside a warehouse just before dawn. Suddenly she finds herself in a world she’s only imagined in her worst nightmares.

At the center is Mencheres, a breathtaking Master Vampire who thought he’d seen it all. Then Kira appears—this fearless, beautiful…human who braved death to rescue him. Though he burns for her, keeping Kira in his world means risking her life, yet sending her away is unthinkable.

But with danger closing in, Mencheres must choose between the woman he craves, or embracing the darkest magic to defeat an enemy bent on his eternal destruction.

Goodreads Description

Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires. Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late. Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself. Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

Blogger Meet & Greet!!!

2010-05-07T09:00:00.012-05:00

Okay... So I am about to jump out of my skin I am so excited...

I am co-hosting a Blogger Meet & Greet!!!!

You may want to know who the other party involved is (or the other party I dragged into this)...

Cecile from All I Want and More

We started off talking about a book signing that I went to for Patricia Briggs and ended up talking about how close we really were to each other...

Well... Come to find out... She lives in Louisiana... and I live in ....Texas

The drive to the middle... is only 3 hours!!!!!!!!!!

So, Cecile and I are teaming up together to do our first (hopefully we can do this every year)

Blogger Meet & Greet!!!!

June 12th 2010

Books-A-Million #577

337-436-3577
2934 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601

We are thinking of maybe meeting up around 10 or 11

So, if you live within the vicinity and are interested...

Let us know!!!!

This is the gest of what we hope to do.... Grab some coffee, chit chat, eat a bite... talk about blogs, books and what not... and of course discuss our delicious obsession with those covers *grins*

It would be really neat if there are any authors that are in this same vicinity that might want to come out too... This is going to be sooo much fun!

Q & A With Adrian Phoenix and Review of Black Dust Mambo!!!

2010-05-06T20:23:00.004-05:00

Title: Black Dust Mambo

Author: Adrian Phoenix

Publisher: Pocket

5 stars

Description:

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!

“There will be times, girl, when all your magic ain’t going to be enough, times when it will seem to dry up like mud under the noonday sun, or even make matters worse. . . .”

Kallie Rivière, a fiery Cajun hoodoo apprentice with a talent for trouble, finds herself smack-dab in the middle of one of those times her mentor warned her about when she visits New Orleans to attend the Hecatean Alliance’s annual carnival: her hard-bodied conjurer hookup ends up dead in her blood-drenched bed. And he was killed by something that Kallie would never dream of touching—the darkest of dark juju, soul-eating juju—a black dust hex that may have been meant to kill her.

Now Kallie has to use every bit of hoodoo knowledge and bayou-bred mojo she possesses to clear her own name and find the killer—even as that dark sorcerer hunts Kallie and her friends. But Kallie’s search for the truth soon leads her in a direction she never anticipated—back home to Bayou Cyprés Noir, and to Gabrielle LaRue, Kallie’s aunt, protector, and hoodoo mentor . . . who is looking more and more like she just might be the one who wants Kallie dead.

Q & A: Thank you soooo much Adrian for taking the time to answer some questions for us!!!
You are the best!

PF: Could you please tell us a little about BLACK DUST MAMBO in your own words?

AP: Hi Courtney! Thanks so much for inviting me to hang with y’all!

BLACK DUST MAMBO is the story of Kallie Rivière and her friends, who get caught up in darkest murder, mystery, and chilling revenge while attending the annual May Madness Carnival for magic-users in New Orleans. While struggling to keep herself and those closest to her alive as she races to figure out who is behind the murder and why, Kallie also finds herself tossing buckets of water on hunky conjurers in their boxers and facing-off with a good-looking nomad who is determined to keep her alive.

PF: Who was your favorite character to write?

AP: They were all a blast! I think Kallie and Layne would be tied for first, but Belladonna was constantly cracking me up. (As was Lord Augustine.) I enjoyed Dallas, Felicity, and McKenna too.

PF: What is one of your favorite quotes from the book?

AP: Let’s see . . . McKenna’s oft-repeated proclamation of, “Man-stupid.”

And this little bit between Kallie and Lord Augustine:

“Nothing, Basil. I’ll see you in a few,”

“Fine, and it’s Lord Basil.”

“Even in the bedroom?”

“Especially in the bedroom.”

Plus this exchange that Layne recalled between himself and Gage, a quiet conversation between friends over beer, as he prepares his clan brother’s body for burial.

Gage: “When my time comes, I wanna be cremated. Spread my ashes on the dawn, bro.”

Layne: “Poetic. But you’re talking like I’m gonna outlive you, man. Hello, Vessel here.”

Gage: : “Good point, bro. So how do you wanna be sent off?”

Layne: “Hmmm. How about firing me into the night sky from a catapult?”

Gage: “You wanna be wearing anything during that catapult flight?”

Layne: “Buck naked. Fireworks up my ass.”

Gage: “You got it, bro. I wanna be wearing my TOLDJA T-shirt and my greasiest jeans. Should make me burn like a fucking torch.”

Layne: “You got it, man. Wanna another beer?”

PF: I loved those!!! Especially Lord Augustine's quote... made me lough out loud!!!

~So...When are we going to get to learn more about Kallie?

AP: You’ll learn more about Kallie in the next book, BLACK HEART LOA, and the books that follow.

PF: Could you tell us a little about what you are working on now?

AP: Right now, I’m wrapping up Book 4 of The Maker’s Song, ETCHED IN BONE, then it’s onto Book 2 of the Hoodoo series, BLACK HEART LOA, which picks up right where BLACK DUST MAMBO leaves off.

Here’s a little teaser for ETCHED IN BONE:

I. Ain't. Running. And I sure as hell ain't hiding.

But that vow brings consequences that Dante Baptiste--True Blood vampire, Fallen Maker, rock musician--never imagined even as it brings him face to face with those hunting him and his lover, former FBI agent, Heather Wallace; the covert Shadow Branch, the vampire Cercle de Druide, and rogue assassins. And now that the Fallen have finally discovered their long-awaited Maker, they have no intention of letting him walk away.

As Dante Fights to claim his life as his own, while dealing with the awakened and shattered memories of his brutal past, an unexpected enemy arises from within Heather's family; an enemy who nearly destroys Dante by stealing the one person who keeps him balanced--Heather.

All worlds--mortal, nightkind, and Fallen--hang in the balance as Dante searches for Heather. And his success or failure will determine whether he becomes the Never-Ending Road or the Great Destroyer.

PF: You are such a tease!!! I can't wait!

~Who is an author that has inspired you?

AP: Stephen King and S.E. Hinton have both inspired me.

PF: Are there any new authors that have caught your attention?

AP: D.B. Reynolds is great. I love her Vampires in America series, and she has more great reads (and series!) coming out. Kelly Gay is another new author really worth checking out – she also has a YA set in a dystopian New Orleans that’ll be coming out soon. Her other books are adult UF.

These authors aren’t so new, but I love their work: Jeri Smith-Ready, Devon Monk, Jeaniene Frost, Jennifer Estep, and Jenna Black.

PF: What is one of your favorite books?

AP: One of my fav books is THE ALIENIST by Caleb Carr. It’s a murder mystery set in New York in the early 1900s, featuring a proto-serial killer and proto-profiler with intriguing and heartbreaking and very real characters. Loved it.

PF: What upcoming new release are you most looking forward to?

AP: It just came out! SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready, the first in her new YA paranormal series. Get it. Read it. Trust me, you’ll love it.

PF: Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to your current and future readers?

AP: Thank you! Without all of you, where would I be? (I mean, aside from writing stories in a damp basement room, fighting with mice over cracker crumbs. LOL.) Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! And keep reading! More cool stories and fascinating characters await – especially your favs.

Thanks for having me, Courtney!

You are welcome anytime Adrian! Thank you so much for coming by!!!

Review: Hoodoo Magic and Sexy Nomads...

So totally excited to have been given the opportunity to review BLACK DUST MAMBO, the first in Adrian Phoenix’s new Hoodoo series! I have been hooked on Adrian ’s work since the moment I picked up A RUSH OF WINGS, the first book in her Maker’s Song series, and have been waiting patiently… well maybe not patiently… but waiting all the same to be able to get my hands on this book.

Kallie Revere has a past that haunts her. After almost dying and losing both of her parents she is sent to live with her aunt, Gabrielle LaRue. Gabrielle is also Kallie’s Ti-tante, training her and her cousin, Jackson, in the art of Hoodoo as a root-worker and healer. Now Kallie and her friend Belladonna are off to attend the May Madness Carnival in New Orleans . This is a time for those who practice in Hoodoo and Voodoo to come together to learn, share and have a good time. The last thing Kallie expects it to find the sexy nomad, Gage, dead in her bed when she wakes up on the bathroom floor with a killer hangover.

Layne Valin is out for revenge due to the death of his clan brother Gage. Sticking close to Kallie as they search for the one responsible they make their way through a maze of obstacles. This becomes difficult with the presence of Lord Basil Augustine since he’s decided that he wants to use Layne’s body as a way to keep from crossing over. With both of them hellbent on finding the person responsible for death during the carnival it becomes an interesting dance that they share and one that was very interesting to see played out.

I have to say that I loved how different each character was and how much they stood out on their own yet worked together so well. I really found McKenna’s character, a member of the nomad clan, to be one of my favorites and I can’t wait to find out if we will be seeing more of Ms. Felicity Fields, Lord Augustine’s assistant. The writing is so rich and the detail is amazing without dragging on. Adrian has a way of hooking you on page one and never letting up. The plot was filled with twists and turns that kept the pages turning until the wee hours of the night. The moment the book came to an end I wanted to start reading it again and have gone back and reread several parts. Adrian ’s writing has such a depth that it’s like walking into the world that she has created and I didn’t want to leave. I am so ready to find out what happens next that I can’t imagine how I’m going to wait till next year… The only saving grace is that ETCHED IN BLOOD, the 4^th in the Maker’s Song series, will be out in December!

~ Courtney ~

Where to find Adrian:

Website

Twitter

Blog

Yahoo Group

Club Hell Forum 

Goodreads

Facebook

MySpace

And don't forget to check out her other series... a personal fav of mine...

The Maker's Song!!!

*Disclosure: I received this book courtesy of Pocket Books

Fun and Sexy

2010-05-06T03:55:00.001-05:00

Title: Back in Black - SBC Fighters Series

Author: Lori Foster

Publisher: Berkley

Description:
Drew Black, president of the SBC fighting organization, is as controversial as they come. But the hot-headed entrepreneur is a perfect match for his popular sports club venture: uncompromising and extreme. Maybe too extreme. With a reputation for saying what he thinks, Drew's been causing a lot of friction. That's why someone's been called in to clean up his image — before he does any permanent damage.

The lucky lady is Gillian Noode, a PR expert who's smoothed out the rough edges on many a man. But Drew is rougher than anyone she's ever met, and he refuses to change for any woman, for any reason. To make matters more complicated, Gillian's starting to like him raw. Now, opposites aren't only attracting - they're igniting. But in the rising heat, who will end up on top?

Review:
As the president of the SBC, a mixed martial arts organization, Drew Black is a public figure in the eyes of the fighters and the fans. He is the brilliant business mind behind the growth of the organization and knows it. He is also known to speak his mind without filters. Enter one Gillian Noode, PR extraordinaire, who has been brought in to remake Drew's image. Gillian finds it more difficult than she thought when Drew seems to always be one step ahead of her but after death threats are made she finds herself intrigued by his smooth way of dealing with everything that seems to be thrown his way.

Brett Bullman is an SBC hopeful, trying to get his contract to fight. Brett meets the beautiful Audrey Porter while she pickets against the SBC with her group WAVS, Women Against Violent Sports. He finds himself drawn to her even as she fights against his passion of MMA fighting. Audrey has to come to terms with her past in order to move forward with Brett.

I have really enjoyed this whole series, except for My Man Michael, and was glad to finally get the chance to learn more about Drew. Lori Foster has a real knack for keeping the story upbeat and fun even and very sexy. I have to say that BACK IN BLACK contains one of my favorite sex scenes of all time. I loved Gillian's no nonsense, tough as nails attitude and Drew's cocky demeanor that hides a softer side that he doesn't let most people see. I hope to see more in the SBC Fighters series from Ms. Foster!

~ Courtney ~

Where to find Lori:

Tantalizing Tuesday

2010-05-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

I really love Tuesdays *grins* just because I get to look at and share some wonderful eye candy!

Have a wonderful week!!!

Paranormal Fantasies

Happy Holidays!

Tantalizing Tuesday

Thunderstorms

New Orleans with Adrian Phoenix!

So it's been a while...

Tantalizing Tuesday

Kittens

On My Wishlist...

Tantalizing Tuesday

Winner of KISS OF DEATH...

Tantalizing Tuesday

Book Bloggers Anonymous!

Hero or Hindrance???

On My Wishlist...

Tantalizing Tuesday

The Countdown Begins...

On My Wishlist...

Blog Award!!!

Review of KISS OF DEATH by Rachel Caine with 100 Follower Giveaway!!!

Welcome to Morganville

~ Review by Simmy ~ I am giving away a brand new SIGNED copy of KISS OF DEATH!!!! Rachel Caine is Awesome and I really enjoyed getting to meet her!!!

Isn't she just the cutest!!!

To enter to win you need to be a follower and post a comment.

Easy peasy right???

To get extra entries share this review on Twitter and/or Facebook and post the link with your comment!

Open to the US and Canada only... sorry the postage is just more expensive than the book was...

*Contest ends May 30th at Midnight CST

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Where to find Rachel:WebsiteVisit Morganville TwitterFacebook Live JournalMySpace Pre-Order Ghost Town on Amazon

Tantalizing Tuesday

On My Wishlist...

Blogger Meet & Greet!!!

Q & A With Adrian Phoenix and Review of Black Dust Mambo!!!

Fun and Sexy

Tantalizing Tuesday

~ Review by Simmy ~

I am giving away a brand new SIGNED copy of
KISS OF DEATH!!!!

Rachel Caine is Awesome and I really enjoyed getting to meet her!!!

Where to find Rachel:
Website
Visit Morganville
Twitter
Facebook
Live Journal
MySpace

Pre-Order Ghost Town on Amazon