For The Love of Reading

GUEST BLOG: THE TABOO OF MENAGE

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Thu, 31 May 2012 08:30:00 +0000

The Taboo of Menage

by Cassandra Carr

One of the most common reactions I get when I mention I write menage books is eyebrows jumping into hairlines, followed by nervous laughter. I shrug it off because I know most people either don't understand menage relationships or they've been taught to believe it's wrong to be with more than person. That's fine--it's why my stories are fiction.

Polygamy is neither legal nor accepted in "polite society". Does it happen? Of course. If you were a part of a permanent, committed menage relationship, would you be upfront about it or would you try to hide it? I think that's hard for a lot of us to say, even if you're pretty open-minded about sex. One of the biggest needs humans have is for acceptance, and we naturally shy away from anything that will get us shunned by society. There are exceptions, but there always is, right?

So why do I write menage if it's a taboo subject and not one that's accepted by society? Because it's fantasy. What woman hasn't thought about two (or more!) hunky guys focused exclusively on her pleasure. You haven't? Liar. ;-)

My job as an erotic romance writer is to bring the fantasies women have about sex alive in a safe way. That's why I write menage.

What do you think about menage in real life? Do you know anyone living this lifestyle?

Cassandra Carr lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words.

When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her December 2011 release, Caught, was named Best BDSM Book 2011 by LoveRomancesCafe.

For more information about Cassandra, check out her website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com, "like" her Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr or follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT - PASGANKEE

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:29:00 +0000

"An isolated village, remote and vulnerable.

A series of brutal murders.

And a vengeful spirit born of tragedy, reawakened after a centuries-old massacre.

Three distinctly different people must come together, racing against time and their own personal demons in a desperate attempt to stop an unstoppable killer and save their town.

Welcome to Paskagankee, Maine. You may not survive the visit."

"...absolutely fantastic...The story moves along at a good pace, dripping with atmosphere. The frights come at you hard and fast...A great story, believable characters, tension, atmosphere, frights galore, blood, and a nice twist at the end..."
—Literary Mayhem

"A scorching supernatural thriller—Allan Leverone does it again...he is a writer on the rise. Check out Paskagankee. You'll be glad you did."
—Mark Edward Hall, author of APOCALYPSE ISLAND and SERVANTS OF DARKNESS

I've been fascinated by the power of the written word my whole life, penning my first thriller somewhere around the age of ten. In this short story, a young man gets lost in the woods during a fierce winter snowstorm and his body is found months later huddled against a tree, a single teardrop frozen onto his dead cheek. I suppose this gives you a fairly accurate insight into my genre sensibilities.

I attended the University of Notre Dame with the intention of majoring in newspaper journalism before changing direction after my freshman year and majoring in Business Administration, a degree I received in 1981 and have to this day never put to use.

After graduation, and despite having never set foot inside an airplane, I was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration and began training as an air traffic controller, a job I have held ever since, working in Providence, Rhode Island, Bangor, Maine, and, for the last twenty years controlling traffic at Boston's Logan International Airport.

I am a proud member of the International Thriller Writers, New England Horror Writers and Short Mystery Fiction Society, I live in Londonderry, New Hampshire with my beautiful wife of nearly thirty years, Sue, our three children, one granddaughter, and Midnight the Miracle Cat, who has survived more adventures than the rest of us combined.

Connect with Allan:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Free today May 30th on Amazon.com!

Go get your copy!

SECOND CHANCE - REVIEW & INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:36:00 +0000

"Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin's teammates and Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again."

Author: Debbie Gould
Pages: 36 pages
Publisher: Decadent Publishing on January 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance (+18 Only)
Series: 1NightStand
Amazon: Buy / $3.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $3.99 (Nook)
Smashwordss: Buy / $3.99 (E-book)

"Lieutenant Colin Beckett, US Air Force special ops, lost his wife in childbirth while off on a mission. Two years later, he’s still trying to come to grips with the guilt that tortures him. And to complicate matters, he finds himself undeniably attracted to his wife's sister, Emily. Struggling with his desire, he tells himself he doesn't deserve a second chance with such an amazing woman.

Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin's teammates and Madame Eve's 1 Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again.

Will their one night lead to the happy ending she longs for or the loneliness he thinks he deserves?" ~Goodreads

Colin's story is quite dark, his wife dies giving birth to their daughter while he's away in the special ops. He breaks down, gives the girl to his wife's sister to raise. He truly doesn't believe he deserve his daughters love and the fact that he's beginning to have feeling to Emily scares him to the core.

Colin and Emily's story is short but I actually liked Emily's determination to help Colin until it truly is over. Colin's team mate Bobby making Colin jealous over Emily was fun to read as well!

Short, redeeming and somewhat sexy Second Chances was good but was missing either that extra sexiness or bit more sexual tension to be addictive.

Rating :

Niina : Welcome to For The Love of Reading, Debbie Gould, I’m glad you could stop by!

Debbie Gould : Thank you so much for having me today.

Niina : Let’s get started! Can you tell my readers here 4 fun unknown facts about you so we can break the ice?

Debbie : Lets see, I'm Scottish, my left thumb is double jointed, I'm recently single and I love skinny dipping. Oh, wait, this isn't a dating site is it?

Niina : Tell us little about your novella Second Chance, what’s it about?

Debbie : Ahhhh, Second Chance. It's really about just what the title says, but also about forgiving yourself and letting yourself move on. My hero lost his wife in childbirth while he was away on a mission and had never forgiven himself for not being there when she needed him. I've actually caught a little flak from a few readers. Because of the guilt he felt, he distanced himself from the infant daughter that was born that night. But the way I see it is we all grieve in our own ways and men react to situations totally different than women do. He felt, if he was in her life, he'd end up letting her down too or losing her someway. To some readers, they felt this was the wrong way for him to handle things. They are totally right, but like I said, men in particular are not known for using their emotions wisely, lol. BUT, he does come around and make it right in a big way.

Niina : What made you want to write for the 1NightStand series? (I’m a fan myself, I love the series)

Debbie : I'd read a few of them and just LOVED the idea. So I started plucking away at my own.

Niina : What scene did you most enjoyed writing and why?

Debbie :They scene where Colin's best friend, Bobby, basically tells him what an idiot he's been and to smarten up or he'll go after the girl himself. Bobby really tells him straight up how it is and is willing to literally pound it into him if he has too, lol.

Niina : What do you think makes your hero sexy?

Debbie : Beyond his gorgeous body, the man really does have a heart of gold, misguided though it may be. When he loves, he loves deeply.

Niina : What are you working on right now? Can you give us a sneak peak?

Debbie : My writing partner and I are actually working on Bobby's story right now. Lemme see if I can find a little tid-bit to share of Bobby.

A fierce craving shot through Bobby, arrowing straight to the growing bulge that strained against his pants zipper. Damn, she was hot and gorgeous and, hell yeah, he wanted her. All that blonde hair, those wet lips, and luscious curves—a guy would have to be dead not to. Instinct screamed that he throw her to the floor and bury himself deep inside her, but thank God his brain had the good sense to demand otherwise. He needed to watch for her cues, or the whole thing could go south.

Niina : Now to more personal questions! What’s the sexiest article of clothing on a guy?

Debbie : Carhartt pants. They snuggle right up to a guys butt perfectly. Love em.

Niina : Would you rather meet real vampires or werewolves?

Debbie : Vampire, I guess. They seem sexier than werewolves somehow.

Niina : Your favorite dangerous fictional bad boy, and why him?

Debbie : Mark Wahlberg in FEAR. Oh my gosh he was a THE dangerous bad boy in that movie. He started off as THAT bad boy all the girls would go for, edgy, dark, sexy. Then he turn psychotic, lol. Great movie and he played the heck out of that part.

Niina : What is your favorite guilty treat/pleasure?

Debbie : Red Velvett cake. Love the stuff!!!!!

Niina : Before we finish, here are some Quick Fire Questions:

Night or day? Night
Pick-up or Mini-van? Pick-up
Boots or Heels? Boots
Beer or Wine? Beer
Cocktails or Shots? Shots
M&Ms: With or Without Peanuts? Without
Treats: Sweet or Salty? Salty
Date: Going to Park or Going to Movies? Park
Winter or Summer? Summer
Jewels or Chocolates? Chocolates (White, and don't tell me that's not a chocolate.)
Men: Alpha-male or Submissive? Alpha
Men: Clean Shaven or Stubble? Clean shaven
Men: Bad boys or Good guys? Bad boys
Tattoos or Piercings on a guy? Tattoo's here and there VERY sex, but not TOO many.
Brunettes or Blonds? Brunettes
Romance: Vampires or werewolves? Vampire
Romance: Fallen Angels or Sexy Demons? Fallen Angels
Romance: Cops or Cowboys? Come on, I've been good about the whole pick one thing but do I REALLY have to choose here??? Fine, I guess the cowboy wins. Now if you'd asked Military, it'd been all over with. :-)

Niina : Thanks for visiting the For The Love of Reading, Debbie! Any news would you like to share with your readers, or websites they can check out?

Debbie : Check me out at www.authordebbiegould.com and the blog my writing partner and I have, http://www.garland-and-gould.blogspot.com/

BARCODE: LEGEND OF APOLLO / AUTHOR INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Mon, 28 May 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Niina : Welcome to For The Love of Reading, Kashif Ross, I’m glad you could make it!

Kashif Ross : The pleasure is mine.

Niina : Let’s get started! Can you tell my readers here 4 fun unknown facts about you so we can break the ice?

Kashif : 1) When I was in undergrad, I used to carry a red bear on my backpack from Victoria Secret. Written across its belly were the words, "Sexy little bear." I thought it was fitting because I was short and I think I'm pretty damn attractive.

2) Just last year, I was training to be an animator with professionals from Dreamworks. I couldn't afford to continue doing it, but it was fun and taught me a lot about bringing characters to life.

3) I'm a damn fast writer. I've written a 75k novel in a week. I've also written three 100k+ books. Each took me three weeks to complete.

4) I often refer to myself as a ninja in my day-to-day conversations. For example, "How'd you get here so fast." My response, "I'm a ninja." It adds some spice to my life.

Niina : A VS teddy, huh? ;) Tell us a little about your book “Barcode: Legend of Apollo”, in five sentence or less?

Kashif : The story was written to appeal to people sick and tired of the standard hero's journey where good triumphs over evil and a vampire/wizard boy saves the day. Do not read this if you're looking for a happy ending because it's for readers that want something different. Barcode is based on humans that can harness the powers of gods. It's about a boy that wants nothing to do with his destiny, but he can't run from it, no matter how much he tries.

Niina : What chapter did you most enjoyed writing and why?

Kashif : There's a chapter where one of the villains gets his butt handed to him by a guardian of the arena. However, I'm not happy he gets smacked around, I enjoyed writing the tension and the shock on the audience's faces when they watch him stand up to their hero.

Niina : Which way are you going with series?

Kashif : Down a dark and twisted path. The more you read the story, the more deaths will appear. Though it's a fantasy, I'm trying to keep things "realistic" in a sense. I don't want all the heroes to make it out safely just because they can. I want to create a level a tension where readers can't predict what will happen next. Some characters may even come back to life.

Niina : Dark and twisted is good! What character did you most enjoyed writing and why?

Kashif : It's a close call between Kode and Michelle. Though I loved creating a strong female character, I really had a thrill making Kode full of mystery and murderous intent. I purposely made it difficult for readers to get a grip on him. I even made things more twisted in the end, but that's where I had the most fun.

Niina : I absolutely loved Michelle myself. :) What sparks your inspiration?

Kashif : Music! I play certain songs in order to draw out specific emotions in the readers. For this story, I played a lot of Paramore: "Ignorance" and "Monster." For the intimate and emotional scenes, I used Trey Songz, "Me 4 U." For the second book, I used "Monster," but it was by Jay-Z and Kanye West. I also used Paramore's "Misery Business."

Niina : Kanye West has some awesome music, very author friendly. ;) How did you find your cover and if you didn't take part in the search, what is your opinion of it?

Kashif : I asked a college friend to design the cover for me, Stephanie Yang aka Sheep. She partnered up with Glynnis Koike. I sent them ideas of what I wanted from other anime shows or album covers and they did the rest. It requires a lot of teamwork to get the cover done. They ask a lot of questions and turn my words into ideas. It's fun and challenging, but in the end they created some delicious nom-nom!

Niina : The cover really got me, I was wondering who's the alien, until I started reading and went, 'wait not an alien!' Err... so, what’s the best and worst advice for writers you have received?

Kashif : I can't really narrow anything down. Everyone has advice, but I take it with a grain of salt. Really it's all about what you do with the information you receive that's important.

Niina : Can you tell us five fun/quirky things about the hero that we didn't learn from the book?

Kashif : These contain minor spoilers - 1) Spencer is intentionally a jerk. I made him that way because I wanted his character growth to be awesome. That leads me to,

2) Spencer's character was built around Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter. I wondered how much more interesting HP would've been if the story began with the prick that no one liked.

3) Spencer is actually slowly becoming evil like Anikin Skywalker did in Star Wars. He's not meant to be a good guy. Some readers wonder why they still don't like him in the end, though he did so many great things. It's because there's evil in his heart.

4) Spencer was one of the last characters added to the story. It was originally written without him in mind.

5) He's a breast man.

Niina : I liked Spencer being such a jerk, it added depth to the story and it was bit odd. ;) Now to more personal questions! Would you rather meet real vampires or werewolves? (not the Disney versions)

Kashif : Grr...neither. After Twilight, I'd like to stab one in the heart with a stake and shoot the other with a silver bullet. That's a friendly warning to any sparkly eyed fantasy pretty boys that try stepping in my neighborhood.

Niina : LOL! What is your signature dish?

Kashif : I make a mean plate of Italian sausage spaghetti, but that's not for everyone, so I have to give it to my fajita grilled chicken burrito.

Niina : What is your favorite guilty treat/pleasure?

Kashif : Women with nice butts...that's probably not what you meant, huh?

Niina : LOL! I'll accept it. Not even the raciest answer I've gotten! (the raciest rhymes it bildos) What’s on your night stand?

Kashif : A teddy, ink cartridges, and change.

Niina : Before we finish, here are some Quick Fire Questions:

Night or day? Day
Pick-up or Mini-van? Pick-up...rawr
Boots or Heels? Heels if she has sexy feet.
Beer or Wine? Meh...non drinker here.
Cocktails or Shots? You alcoholics always want to know about drinks.
M&Ms: With or Without Peanuts? With! Are you crazy? Who buys the one without? You have no soul.
Treats: Sweet or Salty? Sweet. Salty makes me feel...dirty.
Date: Going to Park or Going to Movies? *Gasp* Can't choose. *Hides in corner and hugs knees* Can't choose!
Winter or Summer? Summer.
Women: Talkative or wallflowers? Wallflowers...dammit I hate when people don't know when to hush. Plus, mysterious floats my damn boat!
Women: Curvy or Slim? Curvy. Sorry for those of you without a figure. Somebody loves you.
Tattoos or Piercings on a woman? I love art so I'll go with tats. Plus, Barcode is all about intricate tattoos.
Brunettes or Blonds? Is this really a questions? Brunettes. Dark and mysterious always wins with me.
Cops or Cowboys? Native Americans.
Time-Travel or Sci-fi? Aren't they the same?
Romance or Erotic Romance? Erotic. How can life really happen without something kinky going on in your pants?
Male POV or Female POV (Point Of View)? Male. I love strong female POV, but most stories are written with weak women that I'd be tempted to slap in real life. Just saying.
Times New Roman or Courier? TNR

Niina : Thanks for visiting the For The Love of Reading, Kashif! Any news would you like to share with your readers, or websites they can check out?

Kashif : Of course. What author wouldn't tell more of what's to come? I'm currently finishing Barcode: Cavern of Youth. I expect it to release on June 2nd. If you want to read updates, head over to kashifross.com. Thank you very much for this opportunity. I love this website.

Niina : Thanks! Glad you came by!

Review of Barcode coming up soon!

Unfortunately this blogger is feeling quite under the weather and hadn't pre-written this review so hang in there it's coming up as soon as I feel good enough to write.

SHAPE - APRIL 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Mon, 28 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

If you are like me and sometimes don't get to mags right away then you might have this April Edition still unread. Though this time in my case the Finnish store I went to didn't yet have the "current" edition - which is why I decided to order Shape again!

The first thing in the cover that got me was Alison Sweeney, I love her in The Biggest Loser ( yes I do watch that show! I'm a huge Jillian Michaels fan ).

The second was The Hunger Games Workout - I was expecting some running, climbing or something to go with the mood of the book! But no, what I got was just the actresses who played Glimmer doing moves, bummer. :( Get in to fighting shape, okay I did get that and the moves were really strength building.

The Sexier By Summer workout I loved! I love doing the 2. Booty Booster move, it's easy but efficient and who doesn't want a perkier butt! A hint, the lower angle your knees butt and feet make the more bunch the lift and point has to your abs as well. ( click for a bigger pic )
Also 5. The High-Kick Dips were a workout for the arms and butt!

Of course my favorites are the Success Stories and the Weight-Loss Diary girl Yasmin. It's the best source of inspiration! I especially loved Kathy's 80 pound loss with Wii Fit and kick boxing.

I think the most emotional article in this issue was My Boyfriend Almost Killed Me - I've always had trouble believing that a strong woman could get bullied and abused but this story really told how it happened to her, bit by bit, and now I have to say it really can happen to anyone who meets a manipulative man, if they don't know these warning signs : Gets serious too quickly, easily jealous, blames his exes, pressures to spend less time with family and friends, wants to move far from said family and friends, criticizes and puts you down subtly ( you're not as smart, or as pretty or as slim as... ).

Another great 164 pages! Shapes always has the best test on apparel and footwear, but also the beauty tips, and health tip - like did you know to buy asparagus with the tips close together instead of open for more flavor... well I know now! And did you know that with more iron in your system your exercises will be more efficient and your moves faster? Now you do!

Let's get fit!

P.S: Want a Weight-Loss Success Story to read to inspire you today, here we go! Beyonce lost 60 pounds after baby!

A SKINWALKERS LEGACY - REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:26:00 +0000

"With a murderous Lycan tribe on their tail and only a few hours to spare once Lexia learns her birthright, Galen will only have a day to teach her what those before her learned in a lifetime. Before their time is over, passion will erupt between the guard and his ruler, a fateful battle will dawn between two tribes and a new Chieftess will arise within the nocturnal hours…"

Author: Shae Wynters
Publisher: Liquid Silver Publishing on May 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Amazon: Buy / $9.19 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $5.09 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Lexia Torrance is a young woman with the gift of second sight. Her ability allows the Phoenix Police Department to solve crimes based on the gift of touch. Her latest case leads her to the body of a local man left with the killers' calling card—an emblem burned on the victim's chest in the shape of a sun. She soon finds herself facing five men looking for the necklace with the same emblem…and they are determined to find her as well...

Galen Cortes knows the immense ability deep inside Lexia as well as her destiny to take the throne as Skinwalker Chieftess to the southwest tribe. As a guard of the tribe, Galen has sworn to protect Lexia and teach her the truth about her powers. Despite what his heart feels, he knows a guard isn’t supposed to get too close to a betrothed Chieftess. But his fiery passion may soon override his rational thought.

With a murderous Lycan tribe on their tail and only a few hours to spare once Lexia learns her birthright, Galen will only have a day to teach her what those before her learned in a lifetime. Before their time is over, passion will erupt between the guard and his ruler, a fateful battle will dawn between two tribes and a new Chieftess will arise within the nocturnal hours…" ~Goodreads

The premise for this book is very interesting, the plot sound like a very good addition to the paranormal genre.

The heroine with paranormal gifts unaware of her destiny among the Lycan, skinwalkers, werewolves. An evil prince hunting her for power and a guardian trying to keep her safe while revealing what and who she really is. Sounds interesting doesn’t it? I sure though so!

But it fell flat with me, Lexia was tough, too tough. She came out cautious at first then suddenly she’s on the crime scene like she’s a seasoned detective when in reality she’s a medium consultant. And then there is the guns fights and the bad girl posturing that just clashes with her inner world that the reader first gets. I get that it’s supposed to be fast pace and an adventure but it’s not believable.

I did a lot of skipping in this book, waiting to get to a more solid point, but unfortunately I had to give up, this book wasn’t for me.

Rating :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY MAY FAVORITES

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Sun, 27 May 2012 05:11:00 +0000

What items I loved this month! This is a new thing I'm trying out - I'm excited to tell you a little more about me ( showing, not telling, a rule writers and reviewers swear by! ), and this should be a perfect way to get to know me a little better! I actually came up with the idea when watching Make Up By TiffanyD's videos, she's awesome btw, I watched tons of her videos this Saturday. Let's start with make-up!

Maybelline's Dream Terra Sun Bronzer in "Tiger", it's sunny again so it's bronzer time! I've missed bronzer, I love the shimmer and the healthy look you can get with it. Sunkissed. ;) And girls, this smells like a very sexy perfume, I love love love putting it on.

Wet'n'Wild Coloricon Trio "I'm Getting Sunburned" I love love love this! I have only once used the brow bone pearl-essence pink on the eyebrow, I usually just use either the pink with dab of brown on the outside corners, up and down - or the same but with a gold base and the dab of brown. It's my absolute favorite right now, because I don't have to use eyeliner with it. Whoo! ( though I do love the Wing, it's my basic look ) Another one I have used a lot this month, which was my last month's favorite is "Knock on Wood", which is much more neutral on the shimmer but has awesome color combination, the wine red is awesome! Also, Wet'n Wild is completely Animal Cruelty Free, a HUGE plus!

L'Oréal Extra-Volume Collagen in Black is my fave mascara right now! It works wonders for a cheaper price. All I need is to curl my lashes on two spots, apply and it looks so much fuller right away with great separation.

My make-up powder hasn't changed sense I first got Lumene's Natural Code Skin Perfector Mineral Powder in Toffee. It's skin-matifying and doesn't clog poars - and it's 94% organic, can't find fault in that! Plus the coverage for a light mineral powder is great!

Malava's 179 "Lemon Cream" is what my nails are wearing this month, it's just a yummy, light yellow, candy color with a light shimmer. And it last long, even on me (I notoriously destroy a coat pretty darn quick) - other than Lemon cream I use Lumene's Natural Code Nail Stylers 2 Have Fun (mat white) and 3 Be Happy (sheer beach) for a french polish - I love the natural code they are all hypo-sensitive with no formaldehyde.

That was make up now to

miscellaneous item!

I've been loving this Teekanne "Happy Moods" tea with Lemongrass, stimulating Green Tea, known for its antioxidant properties. Coriander, Cardamom, Cinnamon and Ginger paired with the fruity flavours of Apple, Orange Peels and Marigold Flowers create such a yummy combination that it just livens up the day! Also green tea is so good for girls on the a diet!

Which brings me to my next item which has been this protein rahka ( it's like a mix between yogurt and Crème fraîche ) PROFeel Mansikka / Strawberry. This is excellent for dieters because of the protein, after all when one is dieting (like myself at the moment) getting smaller portions is mandatory so you still want to get the energy. As a vegetarian, I found this awesome as vegetarians need their protein from something as well. The taste is good too, it does have that slight powdery taste of protein products but it's the mildest I've come across. Valio is a Finnish brand, but I bet there are US equivalents around.

One more, what is a diet

without some inspiration!?

I've taken up reading Shape and Self again! Two of my faves. With my plan to lose 30 pounds, I'm sure to need help in staying on track and last time I went on a diet both these mags were a huge help! Self has the best motivation in my book, and Shape has the best tips and exercises, but I love them both equally as much! My diet started out great, btw, I weight 2kg/5lbs less than I did a week ago! Go girl!

So this is me!

Now you know me a little bit better!

Why don't you share too, tell me what's your fave make-up this month

or what you've loved this month?

REVIEW - COLLISION

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:59:00 +0000

"But Leah's not quite as unaffected as she's trying to portrait to Brady, and he sees it too. Deciding to seduce Leah might have started out as a way to spend the few weeks together in a fun and tumble way but what happens when feelings run deeper than sex and entertainment, how many hearts will get broken when Leah's own tour begins?"

Author: Cassandra Carr
Pages: 143 pages
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing on April 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Erotic Cowboy Romance (+18 Only)
Series: Buckin' Bull Rider #1
Amazon: Buy / $6.19 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $6.37 (Nook)

Leah is the Ice Queen of Figure skating, recovering from an ankle injury she thinks some good PR will help her, so she join a top scoring pro bull rider on tour for few weeks as they both happen to be sponsored by the same automobile company.

Brady is all about fun, flirting and action, a complete opposite to Leah's cool, prim and proper facade - which is why he's drawn to her, where all the girls willing flirt with him and chase him Leah's the opposite, she gives him the cold shoulder and frosty snapback when he tries to smooth talk her to a roll in the sheets.

But Leah's not quite as unaffected as she's trying to portrait to Brady, and he sees it too. Deciding to seduce Leah might have started out as a way to spend the few weeks together in a fun and tumble way but what happens when feelings run deeper than sex and entertainment, how many hearts will get broken when Leah's own tour begins?

Oh I loved this book! I was excited to read this after Cassandra Carr’s last pro bull rider erotic romance novel Impact, and Collision didn’t disappoint! The writing was as great as in Impact, and it was great to meet Connor and Jess in this book as well! The characters were real, fun, witty and had great depth, which is why it was so easy to read, Collision is definitely character driven, and I loved it! Another pro bull rider gem from Cassandra Carr!

I loved Brady, ummm… who wouldn't? Tall, dark, handsome, arrogant, mischievous and bossy in the bedroom, who is signing up for that?! Me. too. I loved his character from the beginning, he was an open book and fun - a total opposite to Leah who was reserved and cool on the outside. I loved the juxtaposition of a rough and tumble pro bull rider and the ice queen of Olympic Figure Skating. They were a mismatch that worked so well! Did I say hot as well, no, well here goes! These two burned some sheet for sure…a bossy guy in bed is always a yummy read, but there was also a little bit spanking, ropes and... well you'll just need to get it to know more. ;) It'll be worth it!

The plot was good too, it was mainly based on the characters - but it really didn’t need more, the tension and the two different worlds was enough, the rest was up to Leah and Brady.

If you love cowboys and pro bull riders, well girls then this is for you! One hot story of two worlds colliding with bang, and yes, with loads of sexual tension! ;)

I want more! Hopefully Ms. Carr will be writing another Buckin' Bull rider Book.

Rating :

MY WICKED GLADIATORS: GUEST BLOG & REVIEW(+18 ONLY)

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Fri, 25 May 2012 03:24:00 +0000

"Forced to lay with masked gladiators chosen by Lucius, Alba is surprised to discover pleasure in being powerless. Only in the forbidden arms of Caius and Marcus does she find comfort, however temporary it may be."

Author: Lauren Hawkeye
Pages: 352 pages
Publisher: Red Avon Publishing on May 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Historical Erotic Romance (+18 Only)
Amazon: Buy / $6.98 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $3.99 (Nook)

"Alba has spent her entire life pleasing others. As an upper-class plebeian woman in Ancient Rome, that is her place in life. But when her husband Lucius, the owner of a prestigious gladiatorial school, uses her body as a bargaining tool to increase his fortunes, she is faced with doing as he demands, or finding herself on the street.

Forced to lay with masked gladiators chosen by Lucius, Alba is surprised to discover pleasure in being powerless. Only in the forbidden arms of Caius and Marcus does she find comfort, however temporary it may be. But with Lucius’ demands looming and the threat of death for her gladiators ever-present, will Alba’s fleeting pleasures be enough? Or will Alba finally grab hold of her happily ever after, no matter the consequences?" ~From Goodreads

Welcome to ancient Rome where wealthy have slaves and the height of entertainment is gladiators battling to a bloody death on the arena. Lauren Hawkeye brings a young wife of a Ludus keeper to the page, with her attraction to one her husband’s gladiators triggers a sequence of events that transform her from a shy and obedient wife to something completely different. And it’s story worth reader.

As erotic romance this comes close to the real Roman times with the casual attitude to sexy, orgies and slaves, and less strict rules about homosexuality. With all the hot sex sprinkled all over the book one still cannot ignore the romance, which is rule breaking and bordering illegal in the Roman era. The fact that this is a threeway romance is less shocking than the fact that a free woman is falling for two slaves. I loved My Wicked Gladiators, as a fan of history I was all for this and as erotic romance it made it plenty hot glimpse into Roman times.

I enjoyed both Marcus and Caius’s characters, very stern and strict and obedient (well at least on the surface) but I loved how they transformed when they were alone with Alba. They suddenly became passionate, caring and cherished her very different from her husband. Who started out okay and kept getting worse and worse as the story unfolded and his true colors showed. Ended up dispicing him, probably not alone in that.

If you love history with an erotic romance story, then look this up! Fans of Rome will love this!

Rating :

What is it about the word “gladiator” that grabs a woman’s attention? Somebody asked me this question a couple of weeks ago after seeing the cover of my book. I didn’t have a ready answer, but, really, there is something about the whole concept that is deliciously sexy. So I headed on over to dictionary.com for a definition. This is what I found.

glad•i•a•tor

ˈglædiˌeɪtərShow Spelled[glad-ee-ey-ter] Show IPA

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a person, often a slave or captive, who was armed with a sword or other weapon and compelled to fight to the death in a public arena against another person or a wild animal, for the entertainment of the spectators.

2. a person who supports and fights publicly for a cause.

This helped narrow down the feeling a bit for me. A gladiator is someone thrown into a horrific situation and responds with courage and guts ( I’m sure they weren’t all like that, but I’m allowed a bit of artistic license, right? ) And in modern terms, it’s someone who goes to the mat for something that they believe in… which is, for me at least, pretty darned sexy.

What about everyone else? What do you find sexy about a gladiator?

CHICKS IN CHARGE / WHY SCI-FI EROTICA? (+18 ONLY)

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:44:00 +0000

Why Science Fiction Erotica?

Science fiction and fantasy are the great "what if." What if a man could fly? What if we could take a star ship to another planet? What if an alien race chose to conquer us through interbreeding instead of war? What if a scientist could create an instant orgasm phone app? You know, the really big questions.

That’s what has always drawn me to science fiction. It’s a world of endless possibilities in every aspect of life, and writers of the genre have known this since it was invented. They’ve also explored the great forbidden “what if” of non-humans interacting with humans in intimate ways.

“What do they want, Captain?”

“It’s horrible! They’re stealing our women!”

Ah yes, the old cliché. But what do they want “our women” for, exactly? Why does that strike such terror into the male human heart? Because “our women” are for “our men,” and if one of “them” were to mate with “our women,” well, perish the thought.

Today, however, things are a bit different. Captain Kirk got to at least second base with a number of non-human females, and that seemed to be perfectly fine with Starfleet. Spock, in fact, is half Vulcan, the result of one of these previously too-horrible-to-contemplate alien/human hookups.

To be blunt about it, the thought of making it with a non-human is kind of hot. It’s not a new concept, either. Look at the legends of ancient Greece, such as where centaurs and the infamous Minotaur came from. Leda and the Swan. A certain NSFW image from Japan, an 1814 print titled “Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife.” The list goes on and on.

But why? Because some people want more than just vanilla heterosexual relationships. If you look at the sales figures of something like Twilight, it’s clear that a lot of people want more than that. It’s always been there, but rarely talked about in polite company.

Frankly, I think it’s a lot healthier to talk about and engage in non-vanilla sex than to watch people chopping up zombies on television and getting tortured in movies. As the older, puritanical ways of thought continue to fall away over time, we’re beginning to see changes in our culture, both in entertainment and in our laws. Mainstream shows feature same-sex couples, and mixed-race couples ( gasp! ) are so commonplace that we barely bat an eye any more.

The thought of the white Captain Kirk kissing the black Lieutenant Uhuru on the original Star Trek series was so controversial that Gene Roddenberry had to fight long and hard to get even the obscured liplock we did get to see. Now, four decades later, it’s practically expected.

The future looks bright for increased sexual freedom of all flavors, not just vanilla.

~ WJ Craft is the author of “Chicks in Charge,” a fantasy science fiction erotic short story collection, now available on Amazon.com. Contact WJ on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WJCraft & blog http://deepestregions.blogspot.com/

Author: W.J. Craft
Pages: 60 pages
Publisher: Self Published on December 2011
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Science Fiction Erotic Romance (+18 Only)
Amazon: Buy / $5.47 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )

"Over 20,000 words of intriguing and playful delights where women come out on top in a variety of ways!

Chainsaw Chicks of Chinese Camp: Are the legends true? Are four amazons lying in wait in this tiny rural town for their perfect boy toys to come along and play with them?

Zap: While researching a possible preventative for epileptic seizures, a scientist stumbles onto a very interesting use for her new app.

Take Me To Your Leader: In this 1940s retro tale, a military translator gets up close and personal with some newly-landed alien emissaries.

The Gnome World Order: Find out what really goes on underneath those seemingly innocent pointed red hats.

Little Shoppe of Enchantments: Augustus Pound takes a wrong turn with some rather questionable results. This version includes the longer alternate ending, not available anywhere else!

Cowboy: They seemed like ordinary women in the greasy spoon in town, but they had plans for Jack Barnes and his equipment.

Rosa Erotica: Lyrical and touching. A 500-word ode to the spirit of the rose goddess and a warrior's epiphany."

Wow, oddest erotic stories I've ever read. Ever. Seriously. Nicely done, Ms. Craft!

The cover really doesn't ummm... do justice to the stories. The cover is all innocent contemporary when on the inside you get alien invasions and chainsaw ummm... toys. LOL! I can't help but giggle how odd these were, little scary and little bit of a turn on. I can't say too much without giving away some shockers but envision man with four members and a gnome with an interesting head... LOL! I can't believe I'm writing this.

I have never read anything like this and if you are looking for a dark-ish, sci-fi erotic short stories where women are on top of the situation - no matter how weird - then you might wanna give this a go as it is something I bet you've never read either.

I think I liked Take Me To Your Leader, The Gnome World Order and Cowboy most, I think they were also the oddest of the bunch.

Rating :

GUEST BLOG: V IS FOR VIRGIN (GIVEAWAY)

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:37:00 +0000

The V Word—Virgin

Virgin—the word alone holds incredible power. It is no more than a term for sexual innocence, yet throughout history virginity has brought powerful men to their knees, controlled countries, and offered females a sense of personal freedom when nothing else could. It has long symbolized a woman’s gift of fidelity and a man’s assurance of paternity. One would think this state of innocence would have lost potency in today’s world, but that is not true. Virgins remain both the symbol of purity and the ultimate sexual temptation.

Losing one’s virginity can be scary, exciting, wonderful or horrid depending on the moment and the person it is shared with. In traditional romance the heroine’s virgin status was expected and, for many publishers, required. Then came the sexual revolution and that idea faded as virginity became almost embarrassing—something to be dealt with and shed. Now, the pendulum has begun to swing back across society. More and more, I meet people, male and female, who are sexually savvy and educated yet technically innocent. They enjoy hot books and movies but have chosen to preserve their virginity until they have met someone they feel worthy of the gift. No one checks these days for a hymen that could have been lost to a tampon, a pap smear, or never have existed. In the age of born again virgins, virginity depends more on a state of mind than a flap of skin, but that makes innocence no less influential. Acknowledgement of the power of virginity has crept back into romance and has perhaps strengthened in erotica.

In Runaway Virgin readers meet a girl whose status is not wholly her own doing. Her overprotective father and brothers have sheltered her to the point of smothering. Losing her virginity becomes a goal to prove she’s her own person. When she runs away to work at the Sturgis Motorcycle Classic, Neva picks the perfect spot to cross into womanhood. At the rally she can be anyone she chooses, and she chooses to be sexy and flirty and unhindered by familial expectations. It becomes her right of passage on her terms—her body, her choice, her freedom.

V is for valor, victory, validation, and virginity—yet only the virgin can control all these things by simply not acting upon his/her natural instincts. Such power in the hands of the innocent—what else could be as seductive?

One lucky commenter will win the Runaway Virgin e-book!

All you need to do it comment about the Guest blog with your e-mail addy!

For L.C. Dean, who lives and works in St. Paul, MN, writing erotic romance provides an escape from cold winters and hot summers. The majority of L.C.’s work is intentionally brief: snippets to be enjoyed over a short break or at the end of a long day. In today’s busy society, many people rarely take time to read. Super shorts like the Sturgis Rally Riders series ( Decedent Publishing’s EDGE ) provide passionate respites in a world that often spins too fast.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: RUNAWAY VIRGIN

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:23:00 +0000

"Neva Falk has spent her life beneath the loving thumb of a police chief father and four overprotective brothers. Seizing a chance to escape, she runs across the country to the motorcycle rally in Sturgis SD, where bikes roll and freedom rocks.

Neva’s mission? Lose her virginity to someone who could stand up to the men in her family even if she has no intention of ever introducing him to Daddy and the boys.

Grant Larson wants the innocent hottie behind the bar. How could he resist when she asks him to give her a ride?"

Excerpt

The earthy scent of leather and man filled the space between them, and her pussy clenched and released in anticipation. “So are we going for that ride, Grant?”

“In a minute.”

He stood and looked over her shoulder into the darkness. She turned to see what he was searching for. A few security lights shone near the main building, but mostly the place was deserted. In fact, she wasn’t sure they’d be able to get out. Was the entrance gate locked at night? She couldn’t remember.

“Neva?”

“Hmm?”

“Looks like we’re all alone, and I’ve been waiting a very long time to taste you. Up for allowing me a pre-ride snack to tide me over?”

A laugh burst from her throat before she could swallow it down, but he sounded so earnest she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Depends.”

A thick eyebrow arched. “On what?”

“On whether you’re a vampire or something.”

Grant chuckled and stole a kiss that curled her toes and left her clinging to him. “How about if I’m just a horny bastard?”

“That’s all right then.”

Website / Facebook / Twitter

MECHMAN - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:03:00 +0000

"She saves him, names him Jex and barely gets their asses out of the ship alive. But when the explosion doesn't have the desired effect she finds herself hunted across space. It doesn't help that she begins to develop feelings for the man who is no more than a machine, but when he begins to show interest in her everything she knew about biomechs flies out of the window."

Author: L.J Garland
Pages: 110 pages
Publisher: L&L Dreamspell on February 2011
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Amazon: Buy / $5.47 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $2.99 (Nook)

A bio-mechanical soldier JXS241 is injected with a formula to take to another planet, within him is the solution to winning against the angelic but demonic Darch who plan on feeding on humans until there is nothing left.

Raven is determined to take down a Darch mothership no matter if it kills her, planting the explosives she comes across JXS241 being tortured. She saves him, names him Jex and barely gets their asses out of the ship alive. But when the explosion doesn't have the desired effect she finds herself hunted across space.

It doesn't help that she begins to develop feelings for the man who is no more than a machine, but when he begins to show interest in her everything she knew about biomechs flies out of the window.

I couldn't stop reading, I went through the novel in a jiffy, I simply didn't want to put the book down! Entertaining from the first page on, MechMan was an adventure, chase and run, both plot wise and romantically.

I loved the plot, it wasn't too obvious, and there was enough static to keep you guessing what was the cause of the hunt. I also really liked how MechMan ended, I loved Jex's role in it. I really enjoyed Raven's spunky attitude of "do it yourself to get it right", she had the captain and boss in charge down to a tee, with the emotional vulnerability with Jex and her feeling for him as a cherry on top. I also liked Raven's crew of supporting characters. I first thought they intruding on the story, but ended up liking them a lot.

The romance I loved loved loved! Okay maybe I'm a bit of a sucker for the machine discovering emotions, desire and jealousy. So delicious! I don't know what it is but something about it is so sexy to me. It's like attraction at first sight on crack. :D I could go on and on about this, but you'd get bored... lets move on.

You'll like this if... you love sci-fi romance, half machine/half men and spunky heroines who know their spaceships and aren't afraid to boss men around! Go get yours!

Rating :

Niina : Welcome to For The Love of Reading, L.J. Garland, I’m glad you could make it!

L.J. : Thank you so much for having us!

Niina : Let’s get started! Can you tell my readers here 4 fun unknown facts about you so we can break the ice?

L.J. :
1. L.J. Garland isn't one person but two! We're a husband-wife writing team. Been married over twenty years.
2. We have three kids - 8, 6, & 3. What's the unknown fact here? They're all boys and they've driven us insane. Well, okay, some people out there probably already know we're insane...
3. We're both helicopter pilots.
4. On our tenth anniversary, we flew our helicopter from Georgia to California. Stopped in Palm Springs for the big night...but were too exhausted to even enjoy that huge hot tub in the room.

Niina : Tell us little about your book MechMan, what’s it about?

L.J. : Raven is on a suicide mission. Jex is a biomech on a mission to save humanity. They discover their mutual passion to destroy the enemy isn't their only desire.

A war against the Darch has raged for years, and humanity is on the verge of extinction. Scientists have created biomechs to supplement as warriors, but it's just a temporary fix on what appears an insurmountable problem. One desperate scientist injects JXS241, a biomech warrior, with what he hopes is the solution for mankind's survival. But the biomech is captured by the enemy.

Raven Nirvanni survives on the fringes of a shattered culture. While on a self-imposed suicide mission to annihilate an enemy destroyer, she encounters the imprisoned biomech. Deciding the fate of humanity far outweighs the destruction of a single ship, she rescues him and decides to ensure he reaches his destination. With the enemy anticipating their every move, Raven is completely taken aback when she realizes she's falling for JXS241. But can she really love a machine? And if so, can he reciprocate?

Niina : What made you want to write sci-fi romance?

L.J. : The worlds can be as amazing as you want. You can three-armed pirates who are deathly afraid of Jell-o or you can have humans who have moved out into the stars and have sex with weird creatures. The planets can be hostile or welcoming. Characters can travel on luxury liners, warships, or in the brig. The possibilities are endless. And then there's all the hot sex SFR allows.

Niina : What makes a man, half machine, a great hero for a romance novel?

L.J. : In regards to MechMan, the hero has a sense of duty, to fight for humanity, to protect the humans who remain. It's in his programming. As far as in relation to the heroine...well, for her, he's forbidden fruit. Right? Sure, people use vibrators all the time...but a full-blown, anatomically correct robot? For this story, MechMen are warriors...they aren't on the, um, menu.

Niina : LOL! Got it. ;) What chapter did you most enjoyed writing and why?

L.J. : The scene in the ship's mess hall. Lots of sexual tension!

Niina : Can you tell us five fun/quirky things about Jex that we didn't learn from the book?

L.J. :
1. He likes women's underwear
2. Hyperspace is boring (tho now that he has Raven, that's been taken care of)
3. He still pauses before getting into the shower...worried some important part might rust or he might blow his fuse
4. Secretly watches digicasts of As the Galaxy Spins
5. Thought Raven was nutso when he first met her.

Niina : LOL! Interesting! How did you find your cover and if you didn't take part in the search, what is your opinion of it?

L.J. : The book was pubbed at L&L Dreamspell. Linda Houle is the cover artist. I was able to give some input into what I was looking for and Linda did an awesome job of coming up with gorgeous cover. She hit the target on the first try...guess we were mind-melded or something. LOL But yeah, we love the cover. Very sci-fi-ish.

Niina : What do you think makes a story sexy?

L.J. : Mostly it's the sexual tension. The forbidden fruit, the angst of wanting something that you think you shouldn't want...and then learning that you can actually have it!

Niina : Now to more personal questions! What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

L.J. : Coffee. Yeah...it's great with chocolate, cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, carrot cake, anything...even a spoonful of peanut butter! Yum! But for the two of us together? That would be bubble baths. Yep, that's where we come up with most of our plot ideas and characters. We work out story issues while we massage each other's feet...and, um, other parts. <g> It's very productive all the way around...

Niina : What’s the sexiest article of clothing on a guy?

L.J. : A tight t-shirt. Something about seeing fabric pulled taut over muscles...mmm...then it goes right into the "Wonder what it would be like to pull that shirt off?" *sigh* okay, why did you have to ask me that question? I'm getting all worked up now. Gonna have to put a t-shirt on Jeff and attack him.

Niina : LOL! Lucky for Jeff though. ;) What’s on your night stand?

L.J. : Seriously? Okay...you asked. An Droid pad for reading books, a monkey lamp, a costume jewelry box. Sorry...nothing that exciting. We've got three boys running about. Now, if you'd said "in" my night stand...well, that's a whole other question. ;o)

Niina : Heh, I worded my question carefully. ;) Before we finish, here are some Quick Fire Questions:

Night or day? Night
Pick-Up or MiniVan Pick-up
Boots or Heels? Heels
Beer or Wine? Wine
Cocktails or Shots? Shots
M&Ms: With or Without Peanuts? With
Treats: Sweet or Salty? Sweet
Date: Going to Park or Going to Movies? Movies
Winter or Summer? Summer
Jewels or Chocolates? Chocolates
Men: Alpha-male or Submissive? Alpha!
Men: Clean Shaven or Stubble? Clean
Men: Bad boys or Good guys? Good guy in the kitchen, a total slut in the bedroom
Tattoos or Piercings on a guy? Piercings
Brunettes or Blonds? Brunettes
Romance: Vampires or werewolves? Vamps
Romance: Fallen Angels or Sexy Demons? Fallen Angel
Romance: Cops or Cowboys? Cops
Time-Travel or Sci-fi? Sci-fi
Romance or Erotica/Erotic Romance? Romance
Male POV or Female POV (Point Of View)? Female
Times New Roman or Courier? Times New Roman

Niina : Thanks for visiting the For The Love of Reading, bot L and J of LJ Garland! ;) Any news would you like to share with your readers, or websites they can check out?

L.J. : We can be tracked down at www.lj-garland.com. Or we can be caught at http://www.garland-and-gould.blogspot.com/ where we blog, chat about stuff, and interview other authors. Or, we can be emailed at mail@lj-garland.com - We love hearing from people who have enjoyed our stories.

We also just released another short SFR with Decadent Publishing, Dead or Alive. Accused of murder, he turns to the only one who can save him...too bad she's a bounty hunter who holds a grudge.

Comment here ( with your email addy ) about the Author Interview

to take part in the MechMan Giveaway!

One comment and the book could be yours!

REVIEW - AWAITED

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:02:00 +0000

"Russ is charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it’s the red-headed beauty who’s been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian’s Mark."

Author: Lynn Rush
Pages: 272 pages
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press on May 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Wasteland #2
Amazon: Buy / $9.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $8.49 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1 - 3

"Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who’s lost faith in his purpose. So when he’s charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it’s the red-headed beauty who’s been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian’s Mark.

He soon realizes she’s been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate soul to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon - her voice."

This book really started with a bang! Well, with a plane crash... but that's bang enough for me! Rush kicks the novel off and doesn't slow down. Awaited is an entertaining mix of demons, warriors, paranormal beings, curses and blossoming attraction. I truly enjoyed this novel, it has a great action feel to it, but plenty of darkness and a hint of fun and witty to keep things exciting.

The romance played a fairly big part in the novel, Russ and Belle knew they were meant to be together, but they still had the delicate dance of getting to know each other. I loved Russ's protectiveness of Belle, and how foreign a woman who needed his help was to him - which he did seem to enjoy though. ;)

I can't remember the last time I read a book with a mute heroine, but I loved it! I loved the struggle to communicate, the foreign aspect it brought to the story line and the mystery about who Belle was, and what she was.

This was an excellent read, and if there had been bit more something something this would have gotten 5 stars! Paranormal romance fans will love this!

Rating :

Read Lynn Rush's Guest Blog "What's Is New Adult?" HERE!

GUEST BLOG: WHAT IS NEW ADULT?

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Sun, 20 May 2012 08:12:00 +0000

I have the pleasure to welcome to For The Love of Reading, Lynn Rush, an amazing author who has come by to talk a little about her new book Awaited ( which rocked, btw ) and about the in-between of Young Adult and Adult... here we go!

What is New Adult?

by Lynn Rush

One question I often get asked is, “What is New Adult?”

Crescent Moon Press has really taken the leap into this exciting new space, and I’m honored to be one of their first authors.

If you think about it, Young Adult ( YA ) is a branch of children’s stories—just the older end of it. If you’re someone who likes to see numbers, the age ranges for YA are anywhere from 12-16 or so.
Then, you have the adult books. Romantically, they can be pretty intense. Some are very descriptive and deal with some heavy adult life issues.

But what about the middle ground? Readers who want a little more than the sweet romance of the young teen years yet those who aren’t ready for the heavy, intense romance of the adult novels…

***CUE Lynn Rush***

That’s where I come in. :) Here’s a little definition that works pretty well to describe New Adult:

Young adult stories are just as complex as any mainstream novel, however you'll find the romantic element is handled more gently in comparison. Also, the characters are generally in Middle School or High School. New Adult novels take the story to the next level romantically. The characters are usually out of school and confronted with life challenges.

Sure, some of the characters in my Wasteland Trilogy ( http://lynnrush.com/the-wasteland-trilogy/ ) might be four-hundred to eleven-hundred years old, but they look twenty-something. And the level of romance throughout the stories is on the sweeter side of hot. So it’s a nice fit.

Now, my Violet Night Trilogy ( http://lynnrush.com/the-violet-night-trilogy/emma/ ), which starts releasing October 2012, the main characters really ARE in their twenties and actually live on a college campus, so that’s even closer to the New Adult definition.

What do you think? Have you heard of this New Adult category? If not, you should leave a comment here today, I’ll give away a free e-book of Wasteland and an e-ARC of Awaited, because you just HAVE to give it a try. Be sure to leave your email on your comment so I know how to reach you, okay?

Check out my 4.5 Star Review of Awaited HERE!

IT'S MY 30TH BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:11:00 +0000

Guess what day it is?

It's my Birthday!

To be exact it's my 30th birthday! I have survived to thirty even with some pumps and bruises both physical and emotional along the way.

I'm excited and a little daunted by it! Excited because it is a mile stone, and daunted because the time I most vividly remember is my 20's, and now I'm not in my twenties anymore! :O Shocking! ;)

I have a nice full day ahead of me, I've got to get ready for the day ( aka dash to the closest store to buy hairspray! ) then I'm going to a suite downtown to watch the Finland-Russia Icehockey World Championship game at two - then get ready and head to Virgin Oil to have dinner with my 10 closest people ( mostly family, I'm such a family type of girl --- oh my god, I can't call myself a girl anymore as I'm in my 30's! ) and then after party.

I've gotten some pretty sweet gifts! I got these black and pink Reebok Easy Tone sneakers, exercise machine, got carded in the liqueur store ( whoo ;) ) and the best are last, one week vacation to Ireland in July and a tattoo!

Firstly I'd like to celebrate this day with my fellow bloggers and my readers!

Meaning that I'm giving away one Paperback Book of choice for 10€/12$ or less from The Book Depository! ( as long as it ships free to you )

Want some ideas of what to get, here are some of my faves!

To participate simply comment and follow my blog,

then tell all about to my Rafflecopter here. ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now as it's my Birthday, in case anyone of you would want to send me a gift I'm attaching my Book Depository Wish List here - all of the books are less than 10$ so no one has to break bank. ;) ( if you want to send me a gift just e-mail me at "elvenspirit at gmail dot com" for a shipping address )

Have an awesome day, I know I will!

HUNTER MOON - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:55:00 +0000

"Shelby Flint's life pretty much includes her ranch, her best friend Jesse, her cows and their calves... so when a giant wolf spooks her cattle in the middle of the night she takes out her shotgun and let's the wolf have it. This of course brings in Cash Newcomb, the hunky 6'4 game warden, full of himself, flirty and one sexy arrogant smile that to Shelby's displeasure seems to make her legs buckle."

Author: Cait Lavender
Pages: 189 pages
Publisher: Self Published on February 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (sweet)
Series: Lupine Moon #2
Amazon: Buy / $4.59 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $2.99 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1 - 4

Shelby Flint's life pretty much includes her ranch, inherited from her grandfather who raised her ( a ranch, which is now tried to be taken away from her by her relatives ), her best friend Jesse ( a tiny bff firecracker, meddler and all-a-round great married girl ), her cows and their calves... so when a giant ( most likely a timber ) wolf spooks her cattle in the middle of the night she takes out her shotgun and let's the wolf have it.

This of course brings in Cash Newcomb ( the hunky 6'4 ) game warden who is full of himself, flirty and has one sexy arrogant smile that to Shelby's displeasure seems to make her legs buckle. Cash keeps popping up everywhere and at most inconvenient times, and one kiss leads to a whole world of trouble, but Cash's hot and cold routine drives a girl ( would even one with even less temper than her ) to grab her gun and make sure Cash knows not to play around her ranch anymore.

With her family lawsuit trying to make her dirt poor, dead man on her land, a stalker and Cash what more can she take, apparently wolves and another persistent Newcomb brother. Cowgirl are built tough, but this is just getting ridiculous...

This novel was a hoot, a sexy one too, you got one cowgirl with one bad temper, one sexy as hell game warden/werewolf ( oh come on that's not a spoiler, you'd be dumb not to know immediately ) and a myriad of things to throw the story forward. I loved it!

I have to get this out immediately because I think it matters. I expected sex, there wasn't any - now one might jump to the conclusion that that's a bad thing ( and trust me I've read romances where it is ) but Hunter Moon is not one of them. There is so much close-to or almost, and Cash is just boiling over with his only nearly controlled lust for Shelby, so the sexual tension is there, ten fold - I absolutely loved reading it!

Shelby's worse than bad temper and snarky comments are so entertaining to read! Cait Lavender writes funny well and without effort, but she also has a talent for the eerie and dark, and for the hot brooding sexual tension. Yum! I have trouble believing some publishing company hasn't snagged her up yet!

I loved the plot, so much going on there to keep the reader on their toes. I loved the characters, Shelby was superb, Cash was so so yummy ( did I say he was edible? Well if the shoe fits... ;) ), Jesse was funny even though slightly over the top, James was entertaining and I wanna know what's gonna happen with him and *** **** ( yeah, you just think on that ;) ). The cover needs a re-do, it just doesn't show how great the novel is on the inside ( if I could ban cartoon covers I would ). I loved the romance, even though it didn't really end up anywhere ( curses! ) but the journey was great... and they have to hook up in the next book!

Which brings me to the end of the book... how rude of a cliffhanger!!! ( see the three exclamation marks? I never ever do that ) I was clicking next next next on my Kindle and nothing happened, I looked at the percentage and saw 100% and I was like Noo-oo-o! Evil, very very evil of you Ms. Lavender ( pouts ) I should not reward such meanness with 5 stars, but I will. ;)

Rating :

Wanna see what the characters look like ( hotness alert! ) check them out HERE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW - MASTER'S MISTRESS

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:04:00 +0000

"His brother’s wedding brings norse prince Mykyl back to Bratthl’id Norway, and face to face with the proud Amoda Ni Cormac, a woman destined to be his oldest brother’s concubine. Driven by revenge, Mykyl steals the emerald eyed beauty."

Author: Patricia Bates
Pages: 284 pages
Publisher: Champagne Books Publishing on March 2009
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Historical Romance
Amazon: Buy / $8.03 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $5.10 (Nook)
Excerpt: Small but Good Excerpt

"Sibling rivalry, deceit, and seduction flourish in ancient Ireland as Amoda Ni Cormac struggles to free herself from the shadows of her enslavement.

His brother’s wedding brings norse prince Mykyl back to Bratthl’id Norway, and face to face with the proud Amoda Ni Cormac, a woman destined to be his oldest brother’s concubine. Driven by revenge, Mykyl steals the emerald eyed beauty.

Bound by duty, secrets, and lies, Mykyl and Amoda are caught in a battle for survival that will ultimately set them free." ~From Goodreads

I love historical romance. I loved it when it's accurate and detailed, and I love it when it's more loose and mainly emotional - I go both ways, so I did love the story of a slave getting stolen to be another's mistress. I liked Amoda a lot, she was a spitfire, proud and capable and knew how to survive, plus the things coming out of her mouth often had me giggling or cringing. I hated Olaf and Tyr, they seriously creeped me out. I love Mykyl, his pride, his holier than tho attitude but also his good heart and his desire for Amoda. What I hated about him was his name. Sorry, I know it's supposed to just sound like Michael but my language is phonetic. No one else probably won't give this even one though, but I'm Finnish and that "name" just comes way too close to a really yukky thing in Finnish. This almost made me stop reading first couple of chapter in.

Luckily I didn't stop because this book was so good! I became numb to the name and just enjoyed the story. I enjoyed all of the trouble and bullying Amoda went through, the threat Olaf proposed and the battle M went through inside noticing he was falling in love with Amoda. I liked the time period, I liked the supporting cast and I loved the prickly chemistry between Amoda and M.

Patricia Bates writes great, her writing is very easy to read, easy flowing, entertaining, sexy and has plenty of action to keep the story going forward. Even the lulls in the story built the characters and didn't become boring skippable pages, which happens more than enough in romance.

Recommended for Historical Romance lovers who like their men norse vikings and their women tough little spitfires with a bite. Just think of Alexander Skårgard and Emma Stone.

Rating :

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET THRUSDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!

This weeks question :

"If you could read one book again for the first time,
which one would you pick and why?"

Answer : J.R. Ward's Dark Lover. It completely changed my reading habits! Plus it's the reason why I started my blog nearly a year ago. Dark Lover was a whole new dimension to Romance I had never read before, but I am ecstatic I did.

Last June I went to the library and just happened to stumble on Dark Lover in Finnish, I saw the first four books there but didn't take them all thinking what if this isn't good. So next day Dark Lover read I'm there as soon as the place opens to snag the rest of the books and the rest is history. Blogging history as Dark Lover became my first review here. :)

REVIEW - HIGHLAND SHIFTER

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:57:00 +0000

"Helen Adams has a knack for finding lost objects, but the Simon McAllister she finds isn’t what she expected. The missing California teen is now a grown man—a kilted, sword wielding, Highland warrior."

Author: Catherine Bybee
Pages: 300 pages
Publisher: Self Published on February 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Time Travel Romance
Series: MacCoinnich Time Travel Series #4
Amazon: Buy / $2.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $2.99 (Nook)
Smashwords: Buy / $2.99 (E-book)

Helen can find what she sets her heart to finding, in this case it's the teenage boy Simon McAllister, traveling all the way to Scotland is nothing compared to traveling back in time and finding Simon, in a kilt, sporting a giant sword, and yes in his thirties.

Traveling back to her time Simon tags along determined to find out why their paths crossed, being a druid he knows nothing happens by chance, and the attraction he feels for her doesn't quite allow him to leave her, especially when her shady boss breaks into her apartment. There is something going on and he won't let Helen get hurt, even if it means sticking around in the time of noise, cars and electricity just a little while longer.

I so enjoyed this! As the forth book in the series, this one is a stand alone, but still gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the couples that came before. Now I haven't read the previous three books, but now I want to! Bybee writes so well, Highland Shifter is full of action, romance and time-travel! Not just one way ticket to the past but a real entertaining back and forth. Bybee creates worlds in an effortless way and there's so much going on you don't get bored reading it, there will be no skipping pages here!

The romance was starting with a flirty slow burn and developed into deeper emotions, sexual tension and lust before we get to the fire works! Simon I loved, a man of two worlds born in the present and living in sixteenth century, he had best of both worlds, the modern view but with the dominant sixteenth century vibe. Simply delicious. I liked Helen too, she had a lot of package to bring to a relationship, being an orphan and stepping into Simon's 20+ family. With her rejection issues she put the brakes on with Simon more than once, but that was so enjoyable to read!

I will definitely be looking into the earlier books in the series, I'm quite hooked now... especially after reading the last chapter, now I have to read Amber's story! What a cliffhanger!

I was trying to think of something to point out that I didn't like and well-- came up empty... this is a 5 Star read!

Rating :

GO PUBLISH YOURSELF: WHY BOOK COVERS ARE SO IMPORTANT?

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:27:00 +0000

Hi everyone! Welcome to Monday! It's going to start a great week! Katie Salidas is here today to talk about book covers - a subject close to my heart as I design covers myself! She's going to lay down why book covers are so important, so without further ado... Katie Salidas!

Why book covers are so important!

by Katie Salidas

Let’s face it: People do judge a book by its cover. Book browsers will only give a book a few seconds’ glance. A good cover can draw potential readers in, whereas a poorly designed cover can send them running for the hills.

This is what drives many people to pay an artist hundreds of dollars to do a cover for them. I’m not saying that’s wrong. Just please remember to keep your budget in mind when hiring an artist or purchasing your artwork.

The cover is the first thing people are going to see when they look at your book. So it goes without saying that your cover needs to be an attention-grabber. It needs to stand out among thousands of other books within its genre.

Your cover should do three things:
Advertise the book
Showcase the author
Set the “feel” of the book

If your book catches a reader’s eye, it might get them to read the back cover ( in a store ) or product description ( for online shopping ). Beyond that, they may take a chance on a sample ( online ) or decide to buy the book right there. And that’s exactly what you want.

When picking cover art, you need to use something that fits within the "norm" for your genre. Look at other books and see what overall theme or style they use. For example: Urban fantasy. Lately, the trend in urban fantasy is a kick-ass female on the cover. She’s generally in front of part of a city view. How about Romance? Generally romance covers have a man and woman in an intimate setting with a scenic background. Simple enough, right?

These are the standards, and they give you a jumping-off point for searching out your artwork. You want your readers, who expect a certain look or feel, to know that your book fits with their standards. That does not mean you should copy someone else’s cover; it means, rather, that you should use it as a springboard.

*Remember this when thinking of cover design: It’s the most important visual sales tool you have, and it’s worth spending a little extra time and a few extra dollars here. Cover art and editing are the two places where most of your budget will be spent (marketing being the remainder).

Want to learn more about self-publishing? Check out my latest release Go Publish Yourself!

REVIEW - RUTHLESS

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:52:00 +0000

"Luc's never been happier than with Marisa, with her gone he's irritated, jealous and pissed off. Just the thought of her new man Tim drives him nuts, let alone seeing him. Battling with wanting Marisa back and wanting her happiness Luc can't give up but, he also can't bring himself to get married, let alone have a child. So who is going to give in?"

Author: Cheryl Douglas
Pages: 199 pages
Publisher: Self Published on May 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Nashville Nights #3
Amazon: Buy / $5.74 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )

Marisa Turner has loved Luc since she set her eyes on him when her brother brought Luc to visit. Marisa wants it all, marriage, babies, the whole nine yards and Luc doesn't, so breaking her heart she breaks up with him.

It's been months and she tries to tell herself she's moving on with Tim, but she's lying to herself, she's just in love with Luc as she was before, but she can't let her heart be trampled again, that relationship will give her only half of her dreams and that's not enough.

Luc's never been happier than with Marisa, with her gone he's irritated, jealous and pissed off. Just the thought of her new man Tim drives him nuts, let alone seeing him. Battling with wanting Marisa back and wanting her happiness Luc can't give up but, he also can't bring himself to get married, let alone have a child. So who is going to give in?

The ruthless Nashville country music manager gets his ass handed to him in love by the sister of one of his stars and his best friend, and it's so entertaining to read! What I loved about Ruthless was Luc's desperation to have Marisa back, trying seduce her, intimidate her and plain out manipulating the situation to get her back. All is fair in love and war, right?

It's absolutely sexy when a guy can't get his mind off a girl, knowing she's the one and seeing her with another man while she's trying to get over him. Hot! Ruthless really is seriously hot, with all the yumminess of a couple who can't keep away from each other, even though know they should. I love it how Cheryl Douglas can make me so invested in the couple, but still wondering if they should be together as they genuinely want different things, even with all the love and lust between them.

I have to say I have bit of a book crush on Luc - the man is seriously sexy, possessive, passionate and bit ruthless. A mix that makes him so yummy to read! He's completely invested in seducing Marisa and not taking no for an answer - of course he's burning himself in the process. With his past he's dead serious about not getting married and having kids, but seeing Marisa gone and having his past revisit him something finally begins to give a little. And that is truly entertaining to read!

I highly recommend this series! But Ruthless can be definitely read as a single as well. You do meet Luc and Marisa in Nashville Nights books one and two as well... but reading their story was what I had been waiting for since I met them in Shameless.

Cannot wait to read Heartless!

Rating :

GUEST BLOG: A SEXY SIDE OF GAMBLE

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Thank you so much for having me as your guest on For The Love of Reading! I’m going to talk about an intriguing subject:

A Sexy game of gamble

Dares, Games, Bets, and Their Sexual Temptation Side

Who likes to walk on the wild side?

I DO! Especially in my romance fiction. There is something so naughty and exciting about a game of truth and dare...or a riveting round of strip poker.

But nothing beats a gambler’s bet at the card table. Especially when the stakes are high. How high you ask?
Ah, how about anything goes for the night?

Welcome to my erotic story, Play Me, for the 1Night Stand series at Decadent.

Sloane Keller is the “Queen of Cards” and a poker champion. Roman Steele is a dealer in Vegas with one goal: get the lovely card queen into bed. On his terms.

When they play a game at the blackjack table, both the characters and the reader are holding their breath for the outcome. Imagine Sloane’s surprise when her expertise fails, and she must surrender her control for twenty-four hours.

Now, that’s what I call a gamble well lost.

Games are a great way to introduce fun and daring into a story. A casino setting called to my own gambler’s blood and love for the unknown. I hope you enjoy the dynamics between Rome and Sloane and their antics in Vegas. Some very private antics!

Now, here’ s a quick blurb and excerpt to whet your appetite :

"Professional gambler Sloane Keller is tired of dating weak willed men and longs to meet a man who challenges her dominant personality and forces her to submit. As the Queen of Cards, she’s used to making her own rules and craves the excitement of Vegas. But her inner heart cries out for someone who can be her match, both inside the casino and in the bedroom.

As the new dealer in town, Roman Steele is burnt out on women looking for a quick penny and a man to follow. He craves a woman with fire in her soul and a keen intellect who can challenge him. When his brother recruits Madame Eve to help, Rome is amazed at the complicated woman he gets to spend the night with. But when the evening is over, will she be gutsy enough to offer him forever?"

~*~

She raised her hand to her dealer, Wayne, for a short pause then swiveled in her stool to face the man beside her.
“Were you ever going to introduce yourself?”
His bold appraisal stripped her naked and pumped her with pleasure. An amused smile touched his carved lips. “Didn’t want to break your concentration. Besides, it seems we have all night, Sloane Keller.”
She raised her brow. “Perhaps. And you are?”
He seemed even more pleased at her obstinacy. “Roman Steele. You can call me Rome.”
He looks like a Rome. She imagined him dressed in armor and chains, leading an army of men with no thought to being disobeyed. Imagined him standing over the bed of a naked woman, ready to enjoy his spoils.
As the only player at the table, Wayne waited patiently for her to decide whether or not she wanted to continue. She upped the stakes. “Do you play?”
“Of course.”
“What’s your pleasure?” She dropped her voice to a husky drawl.
He bumped a hip against her chair. “Poker, of course.”
She wondered how he’d handle her. Most men she met either fawned like a groupie or treated her like shit. Since he was bought and paid for, she figured she’d test him before she made her final decision. If she didn’t like him, she’d demand her money back before they even hit the elevators. “Funny, me too. But I like a good game of blackjack to relax.”
“Are you good?” She smiled slowly. “I’m the best.”
“Cocky, huh?”
“Confident.” She leaned forward. Her lips stopped inches from his. The sizzling tension between them stretched in exquisite agony. “Not that I mind a little−cockiness.” Her gaze lingered on his lips then dropped slowly to the evident bulge in his pants. “As long as someone can back it up.”
Smoke gray eyes heated and sharpened like lightning. “Oh, I can back it up.”
“Care to play a hand with me?”
“Thought you’d never ask.”

Don’t forget - stalking is always encouraged. For real.

Website and Blog: http://www.jenniferprobst.com / Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2965489.Jennifer_Probst / Author Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/jenniferprobst.authorpage / Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/jenniferprobst

GUEST BLOG: HOW TO SAY "I WON'T" NICELY?

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:37:00 +0000

How to say "I won't" nicely

by Jo Sparkes

How do you say, "I won't" nicely?

First, be sure of your answer. Then step into your heart, and say it.

When you come from your heart, the answer is honest. They may not like the answer, but they have to respect it.

We can all recall a time when we asked someone for something, maybe help with a project or a ride when our car is in the shop. And we got a 'yes' answer, but knew the other person really did not want to do it. You may have even added, “only if you have the time,” or “I can find someone else.” And you were brushed off with a “oh, it's okay” sort of statement even though it obviously really wasn't. The other person begrudged it, and you felt that 'put upon' feeling the whole time.

Wouldn't you have rather had honesty? Honesty really is a gift.

So when you're asked, take a moment to ponder. Do you really want to do this? Is this a close friend who's helped you many times, and here's a chance to return the favor? Is this someone who is constantly needing a ride, or always wants a shoulder to cry on?

Do you feel good about it or not?

And if not, why not? Are you running ragged at the moment between kids, husband, and work? Maybe this is someone who wants more than he/she is saying. Someone who wants to go to lunch so she can complain about her boyfriend? Is this a male friend who constantly pushes to change the relationship? Or perhaps your mother wants to needle you into another blind date?

Guilt is very common when we don't want to do something. We tell ourselves that poor Mary is having a rough time with her boyfriend, the least we can do is listen. But if Mary has been having the same problem for six months, with a cheating boyfriend that she won't leave, you're not helping her by allowing yourself to be dragged through it over and over. She may choose to cling to the situation – but you don't have to.

What answer do you truly wish to give? Find that 'mindset', that place in your heart. Not anger at the other person, but that good feeling for allowing yourself to do as YOU choose.

And feeling good, smile and simply be honest. “No, thanks, Mary. I'm just not in the mood for a lunch today.”

“Thanks for the thought, Bob, but you know, we always seem stuck on the one topic. Let's give it a rest.”

“Mom, I love you. But I have nothing in common with your friends' offspring.”

I have found over the years that what is the best thing for one is actually the best thing for all. Honesty is a gift of respect, and it serves both the giver and the receiver.

Answer from you heart. Smile at them, let them know you still care. But let them also know your answer, and you both can move on.

Jo Sparks will be giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Comment here to take part? Can you say I won't nicely?

All the Tour Dates can be found HERE! The more you comment, the better your chances in winning!

Find Jo Sparks at her Website and Booksite

"Feedback … a kinder word for criticism, is an organic component to life.

When a toddler learns to walk, he falls. He screams, cries – and persists. What would happen to the human race if he gave up after a few bumps?

Before we could read self-help books, before we could understand a language and sit in a classroom, we learned by trial and error. “Feedback” is the natural teaching process. It’s how the creator set it up. It’s how the world actually works.

Here, at last, is a simple process for getting the most from all the feedback the world offers us."

HOT SUMMER - INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Niina C) — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:55:00 +0000

"A hot-tempered spitfire and a sexy, arrogant man - put them together and sparks fly!

After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave record producer, Lance Munroe. But then she ends up working for the man. Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can't deny her growing attraction for him. Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica - and her world is turned upside down.

Lance is intrigued by the feisty woman who practically tells him off the first time they meet. When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress. But, before he knows it, he's the one caught in the snare of passion. The tables are turned - the tigress has tamed the lion.

If you love the sizzle of a romance between two strong-willed individuals, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer."

Niina : Welcome to For The Love of Reading, Ms. Powell, I’m glad you could make it!

Judy Powell : Thanks for having me, Niina. And please call me Judy. On a blog as sassy and daring as this one, who can bother with formality? :)

Niina : LOL! Deal. :) Let’s get started! Can you tell my readers here 4 fun unknown facts about you so we can break the ice?

Judy : Okay, here we go (and be forewarned - it's all boring stuff). Anyway, the first is that my very first love in life is reading, my second great love in life is writing, and my third great love in life is studying, as in going to classes and reading text books. The final thing about me? I'm always listening to audio books on CD - in the car while driving, in the house while doing the housework, in the office while tapping away on the computer. I listen to a lot of motivational/ self help books. (I did warn you this would be boring, right?)

Niina : Tell us something about your book, Hot Summer, that we wouldn’t know by reading the blurb?

Judy : Hot Summer includes a lot of the local Chicago and Jamaican cultures. I like to steep my readers in the setting so you will find my characters going to various (real-life) locales. some readers have told me they love this great escape into a totally different world. Others say it brings back memories (those who have actually visited the locations).

Niina : Why did you pick Chicago and Jamaica for locations?

Judy : I lived and worked in both locations, working with the same company - a multinational corporation based in Chicago that had a subsidiary in Jamaica. I love to use settings with which I am personally familiar so that I can paint the truest picture possible. It helps a lot when you know the places intimately - you can include in your novel things that the average tourist would never know. This adds an air of authenticity to the work.

Niina : What do you think makes a couple with a fiery chemistry so sexy?

Judy : Peace and harmony are boring, at least in the world of books. Who's going to invest hours of their time reading about things that go smoothly for the characters? Very few people, if any. What readers love is a story where the characters are thrown into situations where they're in rocky waters and have to find a way out. In a romance novel in particular it is the conflict and the sexual tension between the characters that keep us reading. For me, the key to a good romance novel is not how many love scenes are included but how much the writer makes me love and care for the characters and how much that author tries and challenges them. By throwing obstacles in the way of the romance (through conflicting personalities, desires or situations) the writer makes me eager to know how in the world it will all work out.

Niina : What character did you most enjoy writing and why?

Judy : I loved writing about Summer Jones. To me, she was the perfect balance between youthful innocence and spirited defiance. She also had a relationship with her mother which mirrors the one I had with my late mother. Summer is so very different from me (hot-tempered and adventurous where I am laid-back and cautious) and that's why I enjoyed creating her. She allowed me to vicariously share in her fiery spirit.

Niina : What chapter did you most enjoy writing and why?

Judy : I loved writing the chapter in which Lance and Summer first visit Jamaica, particularly the scene where they're dancing in a nightclub. This is where the sexual chemistry between them really blossoms. It was great, being a voyeur to their love affair.

Niina : What are you working on right now? Can you give us a sneak peak?

Judy : The new novel I’m working on is set in Miami and involves the romance between a sexy Canadian photographer and an independent woman running a resort in Florida. And, of course, there’s going to be lots of conflict. After all, what’s a romance without conflict?

Niina : So, why did you pick contemporary as your genre?

Judy : Although I love reading historical novels I decided to right contemporary romances because this allows me to use existing knowledge rather than having to do a lot of research. However, it is my dream to one day write a historical novel. I even have the outline already. I love being transported to not only another place but also another time period.

Niina : What’s the best compliment you’ve received on your writing? And who complimented you?

Judy : I was at an event promoting my books which were displayed on a table. I was standing off to the side at one point and a lady who was passing the table stopped and said, "Oh, my God. That's my favorite book ever!" Then she went over, picked up a copy of Hot Summer and turned to me. "Have you read this book? Trust me, you have to read it. It's so good!" That made me feel great and I told her I was the writer thanked her for her kind comment. For a while she refused to believe me, though. I had to give her one of my business cards. Luckily, it had my picture on it. That was a very gratifying experience.

Niina : Now to more personal questions! What’s the sexiest article of clothing on a guy?

Judy : Ooh, that's got to be those close fitting swim trunks, like Speedos. I love how it hugs their butts (I can say butt on this blog, right? Oh, yeah, we're bold and sassy here, so no worries)

Niina : Would you rather meet real vampires or werewolves?

Judy : Eew, I don't like either one (sorry, I'm not a paranormal fan). But if I had to choose one it would have to be the werewolf. At least they're warm and fuzzy...sort of.

Niina : What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Judy : Snickers! I love eating peanuts coated with caramel and chocolate. Yummy!

Niina : Before we finish, here are some Quick Fire Questions:

Night or day? Day
Pick-up or Mini-van? Mini-van
Boots or Heels? Heels
Beer or Wine? Wine
Cocktails or Shots? Cocktails
M&Ms: With or Without Peanuts? With peanuts, of course!
Treats: Sweet or Salty? Salty
Date: Going to Park or Going to Movies? Park
Winter or Summer? Summer
Jewels or Chocolates? Chocolates
Men: Alpha-male or Submissive? Alpha-male all the way
Men: Clean Shaven or Stubble? Clean shaven
Men: Bad boys or Good guys? Bad boys
Tattoos or Piercings on a guy? Tattoos
Brunettes or Blonds? Brunettes
Romance: Vampires or werewolves? Werewolves
Romance: Fallen Angels or Sexy Demons? Sexy Demons
Romance: Cops or Cowboys? Cowboys
Time-Travel or Sci-fi? Time-Travel
Romance or Erotic Romance? Romance
Male POV or Female POV (Point Of View)? Female POV
Times New Roman or Courier? Times New Roman

Okay, so what do my answers say about me, Niina? Is there a special code to figure out my personality? If so, I hope it says I'm one hot babe! : )

Niina : LOL! I think it said just that. ;) Thanks for visiting the For The Love of Reading, Judy! Any news would you like to share with your readers, or websites they can check out?

Judy : Thanks again for having me, Niina. I enjoyed the visit. Readers can visit me at www.judypowell.com. Come on over, check out my other books, or just stop by for a chat! I'm looking forward to hearing from you. All the best!

Here is your chance to win Judy Powell's "Hot Summer" for yourself!

a Rafflecopter giveaway