Book Lovers Inc.

Around the Bookish World : News Week-in-Review

Has — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:00:11 +0000

Welcome to this week’s news post and it is much quieter compared to the last few weeks. We have news of another digital imprint launching but this time in the UK, and GRR Martin answers some questions and an author asking bloggers to sign a contract for copyright of their reviews. And for anyone asking yes there was an author meltdown but it wasn’t a YA author this time but a romance author over a negative review at Dear Author!

But first up, blogger Insane Hussein posted about a blogger friend who received a pretty wtfery email about a publisher/author asking reviewers to sign a contract which they will own their reviews. Yes, their reviews and also the form of distribution, the contract also stipulates the length and the grading system and the fact that if the reviewer doesn’t review the book, they will have to email them back. If I got this email I would say A BIG FAT NO. No author or publisher should dictate terms on reviews let alone owning them. I really hope no one signs up to this which I doubt but no arc or review copy is worth signing your rights away and I got a feeling this publisher or author wont be getting a lot of acceptances from bloggers. To see the wtfery contract and more check it out here.

For those in the UK who have been frustrated with geo restictions, it looks like that Piatkus is going to launch a UK ebook imprint for some of those restricted titles. They include books from Sarah Maclean, Thea Harrison and Lisa Kleypas (YAY!). The imprint will be called Piatkus Entice And they will also be releasing new titles as well as other existing one. It looks like more publishers are going to be providing a digital imprint arm but it is good to see that there is now a choice to get ebooks which have been previously restricted in the UK although I am not sure if any of these titles will be available outside the UK or even Commonwealth countries.

Dear Author was the site which featured author meltdown Part one hundred million times infinity in the next spate of author meltdowns due to a negative review. I wont comment on this topic because I have said my piece so many times. But the thread is epic! It haz trolls, minions and you bitter jellus mean girls and y’all out to get me blog linkage. But if you want to see a train-wreck check out the review.

News in Brief:

GRR Martin had an interesting and informative interview via Reddit, but you can check out his answers on his books and the HBO series here.

Fans of Anne Bishop, better watch out for a novella which is a special release on February the 7th, just before the 3rd Ephemera book, Bridge of Dreams, which comes out in March. The novella is called The Voice and it will only be available in ebook format. You can check out the excerpt for Bridge of Dreams, here.

And Sandy Williams has announced that her book, The Shadow Reader will be picked up as an audiobook by Tantor Audio ( I really enjoyed this book so I am very excited!) Sandy Wiliams.

And now upcoming books to watch out for!

First up we have Maya Banks 5th KGI book, Echoes at Dawn.

Grace Peterson is desperate, in hiding, and on the run after escaping a shadowy group determined to exploit her extraordinary ability to heal others. Her only lifeline – an unerring telepathic ability she shares with her sister – has been severed, leaving her alone and vulnerable. And time is fast running out…

Enlisted to bring Grace home is Rio, relentless member of the KGI. He’s unprepared for his reaction to this wounded, damaged woman, and he’s fiercely determined to protect her from those who nearly destroyed her. In Rio, she finds a safe haven, and for the first time…hope. But the mission is far from over. The danger Grace has eluded is fast closing in. And now it’s pitching two lovers toward an unfamiliar horizon, with no place left to hide.

Spencer Hill Press also has two interesting YA’s coming out next year and we have cover reveals and blurbs!

Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of highschool, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

And I really like the look of this one -

PODs by Michelle Pickett

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it’s in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it’s a balm for the broken soul.After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That’s the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating… monsters.Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life–a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

And finally!

Jaci Burton’s latest Play by Play book. EACH BOOK GETS MORE LICKALICIOUS!

Playing to Win

Cole Riley’s a hot headed football player who has put his career on the line with his off field behavior. Consultant Savannah Brooks comes on board to save his image—and to get his game on the right track. When two opposing forces collide, there’s bound to be sparks.

So what do you think about the author who wanted to own the copyright and control of reviews in exchange of arc requests? Is it fair? And for fun what book covers do you find lickable?

Review: Accused by Kate Kaynak

Stella — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:30:21 +0000

Format read: paperback copy provided by author
Release Date: 15 August 2011
Series: Book #4 in the Ganzfield series
Number of pages: 272 pages
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Formats available: ebook, paperback
Purchasing Info: Goodreads, Author’s Website, Amazon, Book Depository

Blurb:

“We have ways of making you talk.”

Who now has Isaiah’s files?

Someone in the government knows about Ganzfield… and he has special reasons to target Maddie…

My Thoughts: I am a fan of Kate Kaynak’s Ganzfield series, I loved Minder and Adversary, but the 3rd book Legacy left me disappointed. I expected more, I expected that thrill and elation the first 2 books made me feel and Legacy left me lukewarm. So I started Accused, the 4th book in the series with a bit of trepidation: I wanted it to be just as awesome as the first two books were but feared to be left down. Thankfully my fears were for naught, because Kate Kaynak is back and Accused was just as mindblowingly fantastic as Minder!

Accused picks up where Legacy left off: before dying Isaiah sent in an e-mail a link to some video footage incriminating the Ganzfield folks and displaying their unique abilities to the media and other high placed military contacts. Maddie and co. were able to intercept almost all of the e-mails except two which went out to some unidentifiable top dog military leaders.

Kate Kaynak floored me with the pace she kept all through the novel: Accused starts pretty much with a bang and from then on she never lets up the pressure, the tension is always there, drumming in the background.

I loved that despite the almost constant fast paced and nail-biting action, equal stress was put on the emotional development of Maddie and Trevor, both as individual characters and as a couple. I loved this side of Minder and was sad to miss it in later books, but in Accused Kate Kaynak brings us so many life changing moments and events that one can only blink and curiously await how it will change the characters and their relationships. Accused was an emotionally incredibly intense story: from Maddie’s fear in imprisonment, her efforts to surmount the torture she had to suffer, to Trevor’s way of dealing with what happened to Maddie, they were all written so realisticly, that reading about their struggles and suffering was a very intense and raw experience. (I’m saying this in the best possible way! Kate Kaynak made me sweat, swear, tear up and feel for her characters.) Of course don’t fear there are just as many wonderfully sweet and tender, touching scenes!

But I absolutely must state that besides the very emotional and at times dark scenes the novel is full of humour. The characters’ thoughts and dialogues will make you chuckle and lighten up the story:

“Hey, it’s Treddie!” Drew jumped up from a table of sparks.

Ugh. I smiled at him, glad to be able to focus on his exuberant thoughts. Treddie? That sounds like a repulsively cute kid’s toy. If you must, go with “Madvor”. At least that sounds like something that would’ve fought Godzilla.

Another aspect for which I have to applaud Kate Kaynak is the way she approached and wrote about sex, intimacy, teen pregnancy, STDs, etc. in a YA novel. She didn’t shy away from talking/writing about sex but did it in a responsible and realistic way.

And to conclude here is a line from one of the characters, which I think perfectly sums up everything that happens in Accused:

(Seth:) It’s like a damn soap opera around here these days. Everyone’s falling in love or dropping into comas or getting arrested for murder. Blech! All we need is an evil twin or something.

Verdict: Accused was perfection regarding its composition: it had action, the mystery plot was exciting, enough time and space was spent on the characters and their emotional struggles and growth, it had humour, it had romance and once again Kate Kaynak left me wanting more! I can’t wait to read Operative, and after what a terrific read Accused was I’m looking forward to Book #5 in the Ganzfield series with much impatience and excitement!

I give Accused 4.5 stars!

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

On the Book Lover’s Shelves: The Winged Lover

Amanda — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:00:07 +0000

Good afternoon fellow Book Lovers…

Today I am here to share with you the current state of my bookshelves.

To start with I will give you an overview of the entire thing:

As you can see, I only have one bookshelf But I have managed to triple stack in most places. The top shelf has reference books, review books and huge series that would make my TBR wall far to big. Above that (couldn’t fit it into the photo) are my accounting books and the only book in the world that I want to burn….the Australian Tax Guide.

Next is the favourites shelf, all of my favourite books and favourite covers go here.

Third shelf from the top houses Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket and Robin Hobb, three masters of writing that I couldn’t fit on the favourites shelf…but they were my childhood favourites.

Fourth down is the Horrible Histories magazine collection plus various two and three star books…if I were actually willing to part with books (even those I hate) they would be in great danger (not the Horrible Histories of course…they’re hilarious).

Bottom shelf are books that I have considered getting rid of..but still haven’t. My scrapbook that I no longer fill in and some tarot stuff that I don’t use regularly…seeing as this shelf is behind my book wall..it doesn’t get much use.

Then we have the book wall at the bottom…that is my TBR pile.

So, first the top shelf. Review books on the right, reference books on the left and complete series in the middle. I really need to tackle that review pile…

Next, an in depth look at the favourites shelf. Here you will find authors like Jeaniene Frost off to the right, Jennifer Echols on the left, my Sookie Stackhouse and Vampire Academy books are up the back. At the front there is Karen Marie Moning and Laurell K Hamilton, as well as Molly Harper and Nicole Peeler.

This is a deeper look at the left side of the favourites shelf, behind the Molly Harper books is the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Hush Hush and Graceling are also there as is Forbidden. I don’t think I’d class Forbidden as a favourite, but it is a five star book and was very well written, so I feel it deserves its place there.

On this side of the favourites shelf we find a stack of Jeaniene Frost and also a book called Next of Kin by John Boyne (just behind the Laurell K Hamilton stack) this is probably one of my favourite books of all time

On the third shelf we have Harry Potter (yeay!) up in the back right corner and Robin Hobb just in front of that. The rest of this shelf isn’t too noteworthy though, I have just realised how many werewolf books are on this shelf actually…compared to the favourites shelf which houses vampires and magic. Coincidence?

This is a shelf for all the books that I need to keep out of the way…the only reason I really wanted to show you was the awesomeness that is the Horrible Histories! I love those magazines

And here is my pride and joy, the book wall. All of my TBR books aranged into a sturdy wall. I can literally pull any book out of there and the wall will still stand. There are currently about 70 books that make up that wall.

So there you have it, my shelf as it currently stands in all its glory. If any one is wondering, yes that shelf is inside my wardrobe, because my mum “doesn’t want any books on show”. That book wall is the bane of her existence

Hope you like.

Review: Don’t Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers

Alisha — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:00:48 +0000

Format read: ebook provided by publisher
Series: Book #1 (as-yet untitled series)
Genre: urban fantasy
Release Date: 16 January 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Length: novella (32,000 words)
Formats available: ebook
Purchasing Info: Goodreads, Author’s Website, Amazon, Publisher’s Website, Barnes & Noble

Book Blurb:

The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare.

Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six by being careful. She’s careful when navigating her tempestuous clients, outrunning hijackers and avoiding anyone who might distract her from her plan of retiring young to a tropical, vampire-free island.

Her attitude—and immunity to vampires’ allure—have made her the target of a faction of vampires trying to reclaim their territory. Her only ally is Malcolm Kelly, a secretive charmer with the uncanny habit of showing up whenever she’s in trouble. Caught in the middle of a vampire turf war, Sydney has to count on Malcolm to help her survive, or the only place she’ll retire is her grave…

My Thoughts:

I must say, this story has a fantastic premise. In Don’t Bite the Messenger, Vampires are physically averse to most modern technological conveniences, and must thus rely on human “runners” to transport messages, money, and whatever else. It makes room for much more nuance in the power structure amongst vampires and toward humans—the dynamic is not just that of hunter and prey. There are also a number of smaller details about the vamps in this tale that, while only hinted at thus far, will manifest into very unique and fascinating wrinkles in subsequent adventures.

I very much dig the fact that the story is set in Alaska. So many vamp tales take place in traditionally “sexy” locations—New York, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas. But when one really thinks about it…it makes great sense that night-dwelling creatures would gravitate to locations where night was perpetual (which means the southernmost habitable parts of the planet for the other part of the year). A single detail like that creates so much more flexibility for the preternatural cast of this tale. And indeed, the setting was very integral to the happenings of the story, engagingly so.

Protagonist Syndey Kildare (alias Mary Pike) is a fiesty one! Being that I like strong heroines, I immediately gravitated to her quick-witted, independent, survivalist nature. It was fun to watch her “in the field,” a chameleon that does what she must to survive any given situation.

The manner in which information is revealed in this tale is a bit of a double-edged sword for me. There’s an sense of intrigue and mystery in not being given all the expository details about Sydney from the get-go. The reader gets to gradually peel back layers of her persona this way. And yet, when it comes to the world-building and main plot, the first portion (20 percent or so) feels a bit disorienting in parts; while reading I felt like I was missing some important, clarifying pieces of information.

The story was on the brief side, which is not in itself a complaint…but it helped me to think of this story as a primer or serialized segment of many to come. Because of the relative brevity of the story, some of the emotional journey of the protagonist is necessarily abbreviated. From the romance to the more general relationship development, there were either jumps in dynamic or open ends, both of which I’m guessing will be filled in throughout subsequent installments.

Going over what I’ve covered above, I see that I make a lot of “looking forward” observations. This book is fun, fast, and furious (forgive the nerdy alliteration, but it’s most accurate, trust me! ^_^)…but ultimately, what’s so exciting about Don’t Bite the Messenger is the great setup to what will most certainly be a series to look out for. I have the feeling that followup tales will continue to use fresh angles for covering the complexity of vampires. I certainly plan to be in line to check them out. ^_^ Definitely a recommended read.

I give Don’t Bite the Messenger 3.5 stars

Interview: Regan Summers + Giveaway

Alisha — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:38 +0000

Today, BLI’s very pleased to welcome author Regan Summers for a chat about her new book, Don’t Bite the Messenger. Regan talks for a bit about the adventures of her feisty protagonist, Sydney Kildare, and describes the dangerous environment found in her version of Anchorage, Alaska. Please give her a very warm welcome, and stay tuned at the end of this post for a special treat from Regan. ^_^

Alisha: Greetings Regan! Thank you so much for taking time out to visit BLI!

Regan: Thank you so much for having me! I’m so happy to be here.

Alisha: Can you please tell us a bit about Don’t Bite the Messenger–twitterstyle (140 characters or fewer)?

Regan: Messenger is the simple story of a hard-working girl and the handsome distraction and feuding vampires that stand between her and her dream.

Alisha: Rock on. Here’s a full description of the book for those whose interest has been piqued ^__^:

Publisher: Carina Press
Formats Available: e-Book, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Carina Press, Powell’s Books

The vampire population may have created an economic boom in Alaska, but their altered energy field fries most technology. They rely on hard-living—and short-lived—couriers to get business done…couriers like Sydney Kildare. Sydney has survived to the ripe old age of twenty-six by being careful. She’s careful when navigating her tempestuous clients, outrunning hijackers and avoiding anyone who might distract her from her plan of retiring young to a tropical, vampire-free island.

Her attitude—and immunity to vampires’ allure—have made her the target of a faction of vampires trying to reclaim their territory. Her only ally is Malcolm Kelly, a secretive charmer with the uncanny habit of showing up whenever she’s in trouble. Caught in the middle of a vampire turf war, Sydney has to count on Malcolm to help her survive, or the only place she’ll retire is her grave…

Read an excerpt of Don’t Bite the Messenger

Alisha: Messenger has a very unique take on the setup of vampire society; for one thing, they must necessarily rely on human services to not only survive (e.g., be a blood source), but to thrive socially and financially. Which makes runners–human couriers for the vamps–both lucky and unlucky to be in a position to provide such important services. What types of people do you imagine end up as runners (or what kinds of circumstances lead them) in your world?

Regan: Runners value freedom above all else. They’re physical – you can hardly stop some of them from moving – and they can glide through their city like they’re operating on sonar. Beyond the standard dangers of the road, there are added risks to being a vampire courier, such as hijacking or falling victim to manipulate suckers.

It’s not a glamorous job, and you’ve got to win every night for years to make money at it. No parent dreams of their child growing up to be a runner, but ambitious, skilled kids at the loose ends of society can make a place for themselves in the ranks of a shop.

Alisha: Your protagonist, Sydney Kildare, is intense, independent, deadly, meticulous–and also witty and wry. Does any of her nature reflect your own? Are there major differences?

Regan: Oh, Syd’s far from an autobiographical character. We’re both focused, and I’d say we rely on our senses of humor to get through life, but she’s high energy and physically confident, where I’m more likely to step back and think through situations. Neither of us like to be backed into a corner, though.

Alisha: What kinds of protagonists draw you as a reader and as a writer?

Regan: I like confident, competent characters. People who’ve made something of themselves, even if it’s only a little due to their circumstances. I want to read about these determined people being taken out of their comfort zones or having what they love or have built threatened. I guess I like a fighter who has something they feel is worth fighting for.

Alisha: For a story featuring vampires, the far northern conditions of a place like Alaska make perfect sense. But it’s still so rare to see such! What interested you in setting your story in Anchorage?

Regan: Part of it is the old adage of writing what you know. I’m from Alaska, and it’s a colorful place even before you add vampires. The other part is that it just makes sense to me. I don’t like being housebound for a day due to bad weather. I can’t imagine being a powerful creature stuck behind drawn shades for half of every day for all eternity no matter how nice the house is.

Alisha: So very true. How do *you* spend those long, dark (vampire friendly!) Alaskan winters?

Regan: Daydreaming, mostly. A strong imagination can get you through an awful lot of gloom. And nothing beats a good game of Parcheesi. Strip Parcheesi, that is. Just kidding! (maybe)

Alisha: So, Don’t Bite the Messenger is the first in a brand new series of books. Do you have story arcs already in mind, or is the series direction pretty free-flowing?

Regan: I have the next few installments outlined, though I outline pretty loosely. I just finished the second story, and it unfurled more or less according to plan. A few more things got broken than I’d intended, and a certain charming somebody’s past turned out more complicated than I’d expected.

Alisha: Are there any other types of genres and tropes that you might like to work with in the future?

Regan: I have outlines for both a supernatural (not quite the same as paranormal) that spans several centuries, and a romantic epic fantasy. Oh, and there’s a demon-infested Western that’s been nagging at the back of my brain for awhile.

Alisha: Ooooh! Sounds like fun! ^_^ Regan, thank you for answering my questions! We very much appreciate your visit.

Regan: Happy to be here. Thank you for your time and for the great questions!

Where to find Regan:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Regan has generously offered a digital copy of Don’t Bite the Messenger to one lucky commenter!

All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment about Regan’s interview or tell us what you think are necessary qualities in a vampire courier (runner).
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please be sure to include a valid email address in the comment form (need not be in the actual body of the comment).

This giveaway is open to all!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, February 4th, 2012; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!!!!

Romance and Me: Do you like the Historical Romance Sub-genre?

Stella — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:10 +0000

Hey Everyone!

When creating this bi-weekly feature we brainstormed that it would be a good opportunity to highlight and discuss the various romance subgenres as there are so many. Well the time has finally come to start our venture into Romance Sub-genres 101.

As Jackie needs her blackboard for her Elements of Lit 201 class, why not make this a more relaxed event and take a comfortable seat around the coffee table, you can choose from the sofa, armchairs, the plush carpet or even bean bags and let us begin!

Our first sub-genre to explore will be historical romance. As it is such a vast genre and we can discuss so many related topics it will be the subject of our discussions for a few weeks.

So to warm up the session, as I knew that our little Book Lovers team was quite heterogeneous on the subject I asked them about their feelings towards historical romance novels and the genre in particular. Here is what they said:

Caro: (whom we affectionately also call the HR Lover ;-p – Stella) I LOVE Historical Romance novels. I thought it would just be a phase and I’d outgrow it but it seems I can’t live without HR. They make me feel all gooey inside. It was love at first read for me! I had all these prejudices against HR (I said to myself more than once ‘I’ll NEVER read those kinds of books’) and one day after reading the 1000th review saying how amazing The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie was, I caved in and ordered it. I fell in love with the book instantly and I wondered if it was just the book or if in the end I could actually be enjoying the genre. So I ordered another HR and I never stopped. And what’s their appeal? I love being transported back to a time where balls and gowns ruled the world No seriously, It’s just too hard to explain. I have a soft spot for those books. BUT I’m picky when it comes to HR, any story won’t do.

Susi: I don’t like HR most of the time. Caro is actually highly frustrated about that. Every time she shows me a new HR cover I go all meh. I do enjoy them but only when the heroine is independent aka behaves totally unlike it is expected from her in the time she lives in. I rather not read about women who don’t know what sex is and believe that some rich rake guy will save them. Meh. Give me a HR with emancipated woman and I’m game.

Anna: I absolutely love HR and so far I haven’t encountered a title in that genre that really disappointed me. Well, since I have only read Kleypas and Quinn that’s only logical. I love the setting, I love the feel of them and I love to read about the past.

It was definitely love at first read! For months before I finally decided to give the genre a chance, two of my friends were non-stop talking about dukes and how in love they were with them. So I thought I should at least give this genre a go before dismissing it without knowing what I’m missing. And choosing The Duke and I by Julia Quinn was just the right choice to make me fall in love with the genre.

Amanda: Ymmv, I haven’t read a historical romance novel in a long while. But the reason I get caught up in anything historical is the potential for sword fights, corsets, and full shirts, ooh and the pretty dresses *sigh*.

I agree with Susi in that I prefer an emancipated woman over a pretty little wallflower. The men who expect them to be like that also get on my goat. I like a man who is possessive to a degree and stubborn. But not ones who expect women to sit in their place and be seen and not heard.

It’s why I stray more into fantasy I guess…you get the women of today in the clothes of yesteryear….and swords!

Lea: Regarding Historical Romance I’ve been in a bit of a quandary because I haven’t been reading a lot of historical romance in recent years, not because I don’t like it, but because I read so much historical novels in the 90′s burnout on the genre ensued. I’ve occasionally picked up a highly recommended historical in recent times and enjoyed.

Alisha: It was because of a reading challenge that I’d actually read my first historical romance. I love Jane Austen (and one of my favoritest books of all time is Pride and Prejudice), and I think I’d long been afraid that a modern take on the wonderful dynamics of that era would not be enjoyable. Boy, I was wrong! Sure, historical romance as we know it today is not staid and proper on all sides–the passion and daring is much more upfront–but it’s exciting and satisfying in its own way. The first historical romance I’d read? Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean. Full of fiesty fun, and even though the situations therein were a bit unlikely, I had fun imagining them.

Stella: I LOVE historical romance. I’ve loved this genre long before I came to like and appreciate the other romance sub-genres (even long before I discovered what other sub-genres existed), HR is and always has been my favourite, my guilty pleasure, that kind of books which make me feel warm and sigh with a smile when the story ends. They make me feel good and I love the romance of old days when honour, duty, restraint had meanings and were more than just pretty words. I loved Jane Austen and the British classics since the moment I discovered them, but somehow didn’t consider Pride and Prejudice a historical romance, more a classical literature piece. Then I stumbled upon Jude Devereaux’s Velvet series and with wide eyes discovered that the kind of books where history, action, romance were all mixed together existed and how good they were! Since then I’ve discovered many fantastic authors and HR series and HR still remains one of my true loves

So now that we shared with you our position on HR please do tell us,

Do you read historical romance novels?

Do you like/love them? Was it love at first read or did it take time for you to warm up to the genre?

Which novel/author made you discover the genre?

If you don’t read/enjoy historical romances, can you tell us why you prefer to avoid this genre?

Do come back in 2 weeks when we’ll continue to discuss what historical romance is exactly.

Review: Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Has — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:42 +0000

Format read : Ebook arc provided by the author
Length: 354 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Release date: November 29th 2011
Formats available: Kindle ebook, Print book.
Purchase info : Goodreads, Author’s Website, Amazon, Book Depository US, Book Depository UK

Book Blurb:

Logan Quinn was trying to kill me. My Spartan classmate relentlessly pursued me, swinging his sword at me over and over again, the shining silver blade inching closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes practically glowed with the thrill of battle…Im Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword…

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the first book, A Touch of Frost, because I really liked Estep’s take on the setting of a boarding school for supernatural being. But the characterisation and plot was fun and I found myself hooked into the story, so I was definitely looking forward to this followup.Gwen Frost is settling down with her routine at her new boarding school for the preternaturally gifted students. which prepares to defend against the threat of Loki the evil god and his minions, the reapers who threaten the whole world. The students who range from Spartan warriors to Valkyries, have very cool powers or born natural warriors, Gwen is the odd one out as her gift is that of the Touch which allows her a glimpse of an object or even a person’s past and emotions. Because of the events in the previous book, A Touch of Frost Gwen is now a target by Loki and his Reapers and she has to deal with numerous attempts at her life from a Reaper whose focused on revenge. As well as dealing with a crush on Logan the sexy Spartan warrior who seems not to share the same feelings. But with an upcoming school trip which involves skiing, things come to a head and she has to learn to ski!

Kiss of Frost was definitely fun, the cast of characters really share a great chemistry and I love their interactions especially with the growing friendships that Gwen shares with her frenemy turned best friend Daphne. However I did find the mystery plot-line was pretty predictable and not as strong as the previous book. I guessed who was the villain of the book straight off although this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book nor the plot. Nonetheless, the personal growth that Gwen goes through is developed wonderfully, I especially liked the discovery of her new powers and how that was linked to the new knowledge about her mother’s past. it really added layers of intrigue and builds up tension for future books in the series.

The other aspect I loved is the relationship that Gwen shares with Logan, who she has deep feelings for. Their relationship is pretty bumpy but although I was afraid that there was a potential of a love triangle forming in this book with a new character being introduced but I was glad to see that Gwen is still leaning towards Logan and that he may reciprocate. I really can’t wait to see what happen next!

Kiss of Frost is an exciting and enjoyable read, and Jennifer Estep has neatly laid out a backstory full of mystery and mythology and with an engaging heroine like Gwen who may not be as powerful or strong as a Valkyrie or a Spartan. But I prefer my heroes underpowered in some ways because it keeps things lively and unexpected!

I give Kiss of Frost a 3 and half stars!

New Releases: January 23-29, 2012

Alisha — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:00:58 +0000

Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order—a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike—to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order’s quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase’s path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach—until he finds himself drawn to a beautiful young woman who may be something much more than she seems . . .

The Priestess of the Nile by Veronica Scott (1/23)
The Professor by Cathy Perkins (1/23)
The Stubborn Dead by Natasha Hoar (1/23)

Anne of Hollywood by Carol Wolper (1/24)
Banshee Charmer by Tiffany Allee (1/24)
Boneyards by Kristine Kathryn Rusch (1/24)

Claimed by a Vampire by Rachel Lee (1/24)
Clash by Yolanda Sfetsos (1/24)
Everneath by Brodi Ashton (1/24)

Expedition to the Mountains of the Moon by Mark Hodder (1/24)
Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate (1/24, YA)
Forbidden by Syrie James, Ryan M. James (1/24, YA)

Horizon by Sophie Littlefield (1/24)
A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries (1/24)
Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon (1/24, YA)

Sex with a Hex by Beverly Rae (1/24)
The Twisted Kiss by Anya Bast (1/24)
A Warrior’s Desire by Pamela Palmer (1/24)

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe (1/24, YA)
A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson (1/25)
Passing Love by Jacqueline E. Luckett (1/25)

For my part, there’s only one book that has me absolutely salivating this week. Nope, it isn’t Lara Adrian’s latest (although the tale of Sterling Chase’s redemption is certainly going to be epic!)–it’s all about Sophie Littlefield’s trilogy ender, Horizon. But overall, there are quite a few interesting-looking titles on this week’s release roster. And that Mark Hodder cover (for his trilogy closer) looks positively badass.

So, what’ll it be…think you can make it through this week without pining after one of these newest releases? ^_^ Anything not on the list that you’re psyched about?

Review: His Secret Past by Katie Reus

Lea — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:02 +0000

His Secret Past by Katie Reus

Format Read: e-Book Galley provided by NetGalley courtesy of Carina Press
Length: 80,000 words
Release Date: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Formats Available: e-Book, Kindle
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Publisher, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook, All Romance eBooks, Audible.

Book Blurb:

Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste’s world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She’s finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger: danger of falling for Hunter all over again.

Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He’s not proud of the things he’s done, and knows he doesn’t deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he’s determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he’s ever faced.

My Thoughts

Alexis Baptiste, a devoted single mom to her 5-year-old son Jonathan lives quietly in a small town in North Carolina. Alexis will soon marry Michael, a wealthy area businessman who loves her and treats Jonathan like his own son. While passion is lacking in their relationship Alexis is settled with her decision, Michael offers security, he is dependable and caring and will make a good life for her and Jonathan. It’s evident however, that Alexis Baptiste’s heart belongs to another man, Jonathan’s father, Hunter Cassidy, even though she believes he abandoned her and broke her heart 6 years earlier. Alexis has no idea where Hunter is or if he is alive.

An ex-DEA agent Hunter has been working undercover for 6 long years in the in the jungles of South America. He didn’t choose this undercover mission, it wasn’t sanctioned by the DEA. Hunter was blackmailed by Tom Davis, a traitorous rogue CIA spook. Reus, can really write a nasty antoginist and Tom Davis as well as his associates are major nasties! Hunter cultivated a role as an international arms dealer, and used his contacts to infiltrate a drug kingpins inner circle and steal secrets regarding Davis’ dealings that will expose him. That’s if Hunter can get the information into credible hands before Davis stops him, permanently. However, that’s not all, Davis knows what Alexis means to Hunter and if Davis can get to her before Hunter he will hold the trump card. Hunter Cassidy has no idea he is the father of a 5-year-old son. With the bad guys in hot pursuit, Hunter leaves Central America and heads to North Carolina, and the woman he left holding his heart 6 years ago.

In Hunter Katie Reus crafts a seasoned, highly trained agent who is extremely conflicted about what he has had to do to survive and protect Alexis from Tom Davis’ evil. This hero’s shame and self loathing is quite palpable, even though he wants Alexis desperately but he feels he isn’t worthy and given what has happened between them is fully aware he will never be welcome in her life again. One of the many things I loved about this story is that Hunter realizes immediately after seeing his son for the first time that Jonathan is his. He does the math and the boy looks like him. So, it’s a double whammy, not only is his lost love engaged to another man who is obviously good to her, Hunter feels he has no place in his son’s life. Even worse, deadly danger is coming to Alexis and Jonathan’s door, and it’s his fault.

Alexis’ world tips on it’s axis when she sees Hunter sitting in a car on the street outside the studio where she has attended a final bridal gown fitting. (I know, ironic.) She refuses to acknowledge Hunter, harboring a seething anger and distrust of the man who hurt her so badly. However, when her an her son’s lives are threatened and it is apparent Hunter is the only man capable of protecting her and Jonathan, she is forced to let him back in her life.

Brace yourself! His Secret Past, is action packed and very fast paced with a number of surprises in store. Reus has crafted a plot full of treachery and corruption that connects to the highest levels of government.

What impressed me most about this story is the characterization and primary role given to Jonathan. His initial shyness and wonder at meeting his real father for the first time, as well as how he adapts to the change in his life and danger unfolding around him was so realistic. It is especially poignant to see Jonathan’s relationship with Hunter grow and blossom into a special connection. Reus doesn’t hold back in integrating Jonathan into a life and death kidnap scene and harrowing escape. There are a number of nail-biting sequences in this story that showed the hero’s bravery and lethal defense skills. There are kill scenes incorporated into the storyline but the child is spared that visual.

Alexis stands out as a remarkable, brave woman who does what she must to protect her son. Further, I liked how once she understood what Hunter had endured she accepted his past and realized that he did what he had to do to protect her when he left.

I also liked Michael, who proves to be one of the good guys by helping Alexis and Hunter as best he can. While I felt sorry that he didn’t get the woman he loved, the author does give closure to his story.

His Secret Past offers a multi-layered romantic suspense with a double barreled lovers reacquainted and secret baby themes. The sensuality is light but the author treats readers to a powerful, dominating hero who is matched with an equally strong woman who demonstrates surprising resourcefulness under the worst of circumstances. I’ve read a number of Katie Reus books now, and I have to say this one is my favorite.

I give His Secret Past 5 Stars

Interview: Katie Reus + Giveaway!

Lea — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:49 +0000

Katie Reus

We are delighted to welcome back Katie Reus to BLI today! Katie is a multi-published author of romantic suspense, paranormal romance and erotic romance. She writes awesome appealing Alpha heroes for her well crafted, thrilling and action packed plots. Katie is here for a dual celebration as her fast paced, spine tingling romantic suspense thriller His Secret Past was released from Carina Press on January 2nd. As well Alpha Instinct the kick-off novel in her Moon Shifter series is being released from NAL Signet Eclipse on February 7th! Katie and I are chatting today about her upcoming releases!

Lea: Katie! Welcome back to BLI! Congratulations on your exciting new publications!

Katie: Thank you so much for having me here with you today! It’s always a pleasure to hang out at BLI and with you!

Lea: His Secret Past is a thrilling, action packed romantic suspense about a former DEA agent who, not by choice, left the woman he loved and worked undercover in Central America for 6 years.

Here is the Blurb:

His Secret Past by Katie Reus

Publisher: Carina Press
Formats Available: e-Book, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Publisher, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook, All Romance eBooks, Audible.

Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste’s world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She’s finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger: danger of falling for Hunter all over again.

Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He’s not proud of the things he’s done, and knows he doesn’t deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he’s determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he’s ever faced.

Excerpt

Lea: Please tell us about stellar hero Hunter Cassidy.

Katie: Hunter is a bit of a tortured, complex character. He grew up in foster care and if it hadn’t been for some kind individuals he would have likely ended up in prison or as a career criminal. Instead, he joined the navy, then after that he went to work for the DEA. He was a man who loved his country and lived by a certain set of ideals. But then due to circumstances in his life (blackmail), he was forced to take on a role that changed the way he viewed himself. To protect the woman he loved, he became someone he hated so when he’s thrust back into her life, he doesn’t think he’s remotely good enough for her. When he discovers he has a son, he plans to financially take care of him but Hunter is so conflicted about his place in his son’s life.

Lea: You created a strong heroine in Alexis Baptiste, a devoted single mom who has a successful career. Alexis harbors significant anger and resentment toward Hunter. She doesn’t know why he left her and feels he abandoned and betrayed her. Please talk a little about their previous relationship and the circumstances that brings Hunter, and a truckload of trouble, back into Alexis and her young son’s life.

Katie: Thank you! Being a single parent is tough (not that I know from actual experience but I have friends who are and they absolutely amaze me) and it has shaped who Alexis has become at the start of His Secret Past. Alexis and Hunter met six years before the story starts and they both fell hard for each other. Despite having a fairly rough childhood herself and living with a mother who endured one abusive relationship after another, Alexis jumped into a relationship with Hunter with open arms because she knew he was a good man and she couldn’t help but love him. Then one day he was just gone. After he left, she discovered she was pregnant but had no way to contact him. Now, it’s years later and a month before her wedding to someone else and the same day Hunter appears back in her life, someone tries to kill her. Hunter saves her, but then restrains her (man is she pissed about that!) and takes her with him to dispose of the man who tried to kill her so she won’t involve the police. They get off to a very rocky start in His Secret Past to say the least.

Lea: This story has a secret baby as well as a lovers reacquainted theme. I loved your realistic portrayal of 5 year old Jonathan, who holds a pivotal important role in the story. Is this the first book you’ve written with a child as one of the primary characters?

Katie: I love secret baby stories (though this wasn’t a secret by choice, she had no way to contact him!) and lovers reunited is probably one of my all time favorite themes so it was fun to combine the two. Yes, this is the first book I’ve written with a child in a primary role and it was so much fun giving him page time 

Lea: Have you spent a lot of time around young boys? I’ve raised 2 of them and have to say I felt you really nailed Jonathan’s persona and his reactions to what happens in the story.

Katie: As of very recently I spend most of my days with a little boy (well, he’s only six months old), but he wasn’t the inspiration for Jonathan. I have a lot of cousins Jonathan’s age (they were when I wrote this story) and I based much of Jonathan’s personality on two of my younger twin boy cousins.

Lea: Were you concerned about how giving Jonathan a major role would be received by readers given Hunter’s background and what happens when he re-enters their lives?

Katie: Actually, no. Even though this isn’t the first book I’ve had published, it is the first book I wrote (though it’s been heavily editing and rewritten since that first draft years ago) and the characters just jumped to life for me and I wrote exactly what I wanted. It never even crossed my mind that I couldn’t give a child a pretty big role in the book.

Lea: You not only gave this couple a child, you gave Alexis a wealthy, influential fiance which really muddies the waters. lol Alexis isn’t exactly head-over-heels in love with the man she has planned to marry though is she? I liked Michael BTW, I’m glad you didn’t place him in an antagonistic role.

Katie: I’m so glad you said that! Alexis never would have been with a jerk and especially never planned to marry one because it would have meant he’d be a terrible influence on her young son so it wouldn’t have made sense for Michael to be a bad person. If anything, he definitely gets a raw deal. Sometimes in relationships there aren’t any ‘bad guys’, stuff just doesn’t work out and I wanted to keep that realism with his role.

Lea: Speaking of antagonists, you sure can write them! lol Tom Davis is a rogue CIA spook who is up to his neck in nefarious stuff. How is the bad guy connected to Hunter?

Katie: He’s been blackmailing Hunter for years and he’s the reason Hunter had to leave Alexis. I really hated this guy and it was so much fun writing such a bad character.

Lea: You have some surprises in store for readers in His Secret Past don’t you Katie? *g*

Katie: Yes! And I don’t want to give away spoilers so that’s all I’ll say!

Lea: Good move!
Okay, we have to talk about Alpha Instinct!
Here’s the Blurb:

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus

Publisher: NAL Signet Eclipse
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Formats Available: Mass Market Paperback, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Publisher, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Goodreads, Powells, Book Depository, IndieBound, Chapters, Kindle, Nook, iBooks

Fear has a scent. So does desire…

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…

Lea: So in Alpha Instinct readers can look forward to a lovers reacquainted theme. Please tell us more about heroine Ana.

Katie: Ha, yes, I love second chances. Ana became the temporary leader of her pack by default when all the males and the pregnant females in her pack were killed by silver poisoning. She loves her sisters and cousins more than anything and would do anything to protect them. She’s not a warrior but she does have an alpha personality (there are distinctions among shifters) and butts heads a lot with Connor when he takes over as Alpha of their pack because she’s not used to answering to anyone.

Lea: If I know you, we can look forward to a strong alpha male lupine shifter in Connor! lol Without giving away any reveals can you talk a little about the hero and heroine’s previous relationship?

Katie: This is all introduced fairly early in the book so no spoilers here: They were really good friends roughly fifty years ago. Connor had been living on her father’s land—who was her pack Alpha at the time—after roaming around for so long with his brother. Ana thought Connor wanted more than friendship from her and was ready to settle down with him. Then one day when she went to meet him in their secret meeting spot, he wasn’t there. And she hasn’t heard from him once until the day Alpha Instinct begins.

Lea: I’ve found with other shifter stories that mating involves a physiological and emotional bond. Is this true for your shifters?

Katie: Yes. My shifters have unbreakable bonds when they finally settle down with their bondmates. While Connor feels a mating pull for Ana, it’s definitely a male thing in this series to feel the ‘mating’ tug long before the female does. Once shifters are bonded (which is different than being simple lovers or even dedicated mates) there’s no walking away for either party except through death so it’s a serious commitment they make to each other. And Connor wants it all from Ana. While there’s usually a ‘knowing’ for the males early on, these shifters always have a choice in who they eventually mate and/or bond with.

Lea: Can readers expect another evil, maniacal antagonist in Taggart?

Katie: Yes! He’s a real bastard and he was fun writing. However, there is another villain in the story but his identity is unknown until the very end. He was very interesting to write and he didn’t think the atrocities he committed were evil because he didn’t view shifters as having worth since they’re not fully human. I enjoyed writing him because he was a complex character.

Lea: Please tell us more about the future books planned for your Moon Shifter Series.

Katie: The next book, Primal Possession, is coming out in September 2012 and the third book (still untitled) is set to release around March 2013. Primal Possession features Liam and December, both introduced in Alpha Instinct. Liam is Connor’s brother and December is a human who knocks him off his feet the first time they meet. There’s a sneak peek at the end of Alpha Instinct into this book. The third book will feature a woman who plays a small role in Alpha Instinct and a male who is only mentioned but not introduced until Primal Possession.

Lea: What do you think sets Alpha Instinct apart from other shifter novels?

Katie: Okay, this is a hard one! Since I originally wrote Alpha Instinct (a couple years ago…it’s taken a while from submission to production!) I haven’t read that many shifter stories because I don’t want to muddy my world building. But, I think what might set Alpha Instinct apart is that my shifters ‘outed’ themselves to the world decades ago. They, along with vampires and other paranormal creatures made a decision to reveal their existence to the world for a multitude of reasons. Technology was one reason, but there are others. In some paranormal worlds I’ve noticed that the paranormal beings are forced to keep their existence from humans secret (which makes for some great conflict and tension), but I thought having their existence revealed to humans would make things even more interesting.

Lea: That is unique in a sifter novel Katie! I’m so looking forward to reading Alpha Instinct!

You are busy Katie! What can readers look forward to from the desk of Katie Reus after the publication of Alpha Instinct?

Katie: In April I have a paranormal novella releasing from the Harlequin Nocturne Cravings line. If you read Destined Mate, this is the story of the second-in-command to the hero in that book. They’re not series books though and can be read completely stand alone. Then in August I have a novella in the Moon Shifter series releasing (tentative title is Lover’s Instinct) and in September, Primal Possession, the 2nd full length book in the Moon Shifter series will be out. I’m also currently working on a category length romantic suspense I hope to have out in the spring (self-published).

Lea: I loved Destined Mate and really like the Nocturne Cravings line from Harlequin! Looking forward to Destined Mate’s sequel!

Please summarize Alpha Instinct for us twitterstyle (in 140 characters or less)?

Katie: This is hard! Okay…

Alpha Instinct features sexy shifters, dangerous villains & an Alpha who will do anything to protect his intended mate & newly founded pack

Lea: Awesome Tweet!
Now the hard question! lol Please tell us 3 reasons why readers will enjoy His Secret Past and Alpha Instinct?

1. Sexy alpha males
2. Lots of emotion
3. Super devious villains

Lea: Katie, thank you so much for joining us here today! It’s always a pleasure.

Katie: Thank you for having me!!

Where To Find Katie:

Website
Twitter
Facebook

Heads Up:

Katie is running a contest from January 1, 2012 – February 18, 2012. Each week participants will be eligible to win the weekly prizes, which include: Amazon gift cards, Ghirardelli chocolates, books by other awesome authors, and copies of Alpha Instinct and His Secret Past. The grand prize will be Amazon’s newest Kindle. Each weekly contest will be open until midnight Saturday at the end of that respective week. The more things you do the more times you’re entered.

Click on the Image to get all the details!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Katie has generously offered a Digital copy of His Secret Past to one lucky commenter! And, she is offering an ARC print copy of Alpha Instinct to one lucky commenter from the USA!

All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment about Katie’s interview or a question for her!
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This Giveaway is open Internationally for His Secret Past & US commenters have a chance to win an ARC copy of Alpha Instinct in print!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, February 4th, 2012; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!