Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Kindle Freebie

Author: Mary Twomey
Title: The Silence Of Lir
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Behind the scenes of our spinning earth are keepers of the elements who make sure that tornados don’t destroy cities, fires don’t ravage forests, earthquakes don’t decimate towns, and floods don’t take out humanity. They wrestle with the natural elements to ensure that the world keeps spinning smoothly on its axis.

Since the beginning of time, the Sun has been fading, and the light that shines on the earth is dimming, causing the elements to be more volatile and impossible for the keepers to control.

Now they must enlist the help of one man, Finn, to help them bring the light back to the Sun. The keepers war, the North Star steals light from the Sun, and the Moon is in disrepute. The end of existence is coming, and all the while the king, the Moon, Lir, remains silent.

Grab it while you can! It is a freebie for today only!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Book Review: H.P. Mallory - Witchful Thinking

Author: H.P. Mallory
Title: Witchful Thinking
Publisher: Bantam
Publish Date: February 28,2012
Buy: Witchful Thinking: A Jolie Wilkins Novel
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: From H. P. Mallory—the exciting author of Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble—comes her new paranormal romance featuring the sassy, self-deprecating witch Jolie Wilkins.

Jolie thinks she’s seen it all, but life continues to spring surprises. The latest shocker? She’s just been crowned Queen of the Underworld. Jolie may possess a rare gift for reanimating the dead, but she doesn’t know the first thing about governing disparate factions of supernatural creatures. She can barely maintain order in her own chaotic personal life, which is heading into a romantic tailspin.

First there’s sexy warlock Rand, the love of her life, from whom Jolie is hiding a devastating secret. Then there’s Sinjin, a darkly seductive vampire and Jolie’s sworn protector—though others suspect he harbors ulterior motives. As the two polar opposite yet magnetic men vie for Jolie’s affection, she must keep her wits about her to balance affairs of state and affairs of her heart. Overwhelmed, under pressure, and longing for love, Jolie decides it’s time to take charge—and show everyone that this queen won’t take jack.
Witchful Thinking (Jolie Wilkins, #3)


Review: I was part of a book tour for the first two books of H.P. Mallory's Dulcie O'Neill series, which I absolutely loved, so when I saw this book on Net Galley, I had to grab it. I haven't read the first two books, but because this book is published by a major publisher, there's a lot of back story so that new readers can pick things up.

I did just fine there, but I do want to read the first two books.

I'm not sure I'm completely sold on Jolie being the Queen of the Underworld, but I do like that Jolie is smart and insecure at the same time. It makes her more "real," because she's flawed. She loves two men who are very difficult, Rand, a warlock that doesn't really want to admit to his feelings and Sinjin, who she trusts more than she should.

These two guys are really sexy in their own way. I have to say I'm more Team Sinjin, even though he doesn't really have feelings for Jolie, outside of wanting to bed her and well drink her. It really helps give a little oomph to a story that is a little slow. But even though the plot is a lot of getting to know the characters, it still is enough to keep you interested and the ending definitely wants to make you go OMGWTFBBQ!

I can't wait to read book four The Witch Is Back to see what is going to happen next.

Rating: 4 flowers

Sunday, June 3, 2012

May 2012 Reading Recap

Here are the books I've read and reviewed in May 2012.

Carol Culver - Never Say Pie (May 31, 2012) Crusin' Through The Cozies Reading Challenge
N. Gemini Sasson - The King Must Die (May 30,2012)
Bernadette Walsh - Gold Coast Wives (May 28, 2012)
Kajsa Ingemarsson - Yesterday's News (May 25, 2012)
Renee Hauck - The Wedding Dress (May 24, 2012)
Lois Leveen - The Secrets Of Mary Bowser (May 23, 2012)
J.C. Isabella - Chasing McCree (May 21, 2012)
Sarah Addison Allen - The Peach Keeper (May 20, 2012)
Tori Carrington - Sofie Metropolis (May 18, 2012) Crusin' Through The Cozies Reading Challenge
Imani True - A Little Sumthin' Sumthin' (May 16, 2012)
Kate Hoffman - Not Just Friends (May, 15, 2012) Reading Romances Reading Challenge
Emma Miller - Leah's Choice (May 14, 2012) Reading Romances Reading Challenge, Amish Reading Challenge
Laura Childs - Death By Darjeeling (May 13, 2012) Crusin' Through The Cozies Reading Challenge
Haywood Smith - Queen Bee Of Mimosa Branch (May 12, 2012)
Kelly Long - Arms Of Love (May 10, 2012) Historical Romances Reading Challenge, Reading Romances Reading Challenge, Amish Fiction Reading Challenge
Lauren Hawkeye - My Wicked Gladiator (May 8, 2012) Historical Romance Reading Challenge
Sadie Jones - The Uninvited Guests (May 7, 2012)
Joanne Fluke - Sugar Cookie Murder (May 5, 2012) Crusin' Through The Cozies Reading Challenge
Tiffany Reisz - Immersed In Pleasure (May 3. 2012) Short Story
Bernadette Walsh - The House On Prospect (May 2, 2012)
Hope Ramsey - Last Chance Beauty Queen (May 1, 2012) Reading Romance Reading Challenge

If I counted right, that's 20 full books and 1 short story! Woo hoo! That's pretty good.

Book Review: The Yada Yada Prayer Group

Author: Neta Jackson
Title: The Yada Yada Prayer Group
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publish Date: May 29, 2007
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: What do an ex-con, a former drug addict, a real estate broker, a college student, and a married mother of two have in common?

Nothing, or so I thought. Who would have imagined that God would make a prayer group as mismatched as ours the closest of friends? I almost didn't even go to the Chicago Women's Conference--after all, being thrown together with five hundred strangers wasn't exactly my "comfort zone." But something happened that weekend to make us realize we had to hang together, and the "Yada Yada Prayer Group" was born! When I faced the biggest crisis of my life, God used my newfound Sisters to show me what it means to be just a sinner saved by grace.
The Yada Yada Prayer Group


Review: There aren't many books I don't finish, that said, this is one of the books that almost made it to that pile. I enjoy Christian fiction from time to time, when written by a good author. There is nothing wrong with faith in my reading. However this book took faith to the point of being obnoxious.

The group of women meet at a Women's Conference in Chicago. The premise is awesome except these women come across as sanctimonious, holier than thou, grinning Jesus freaks.

Jodi Baxter is one of the most unlikable heroines I've ever encountered. My hatred for Bella Swan is now at an end. This book made me want to read TWILIGHT! Yeah, that's how bad this character is. She won't let her husband have beer, because her father was an alcoholic. (And OMG what would their teenage children think!!!) But having wine is acceptable? WTF!

The thing that really got me was how stereotypical Neta made the characters. The former drug addict who lost custody of her children? You guessed it! African American. That really pissed me off. The ex-con? You see where I'm coming from?

I kept reading in hopes that it would get better. That Jodi would become less obnoxious.

I also have to admit all the "Praise Jesus," stuff bugged me.

Then there is the car accident at the end of the book. Tossed in so Jodi can have some more drama! Puhleese! The last 40 pages just didn't feel right and giving it a happy ending was a cop out! This book is part of a series that I definitely won't be reading anymore of.

Rating: 1 flower


Saturday, June 2, 2012

Bewitching Book Tours Guest Post: Denise Verrico w/Giveaway

 Today we're welcoming Denise Verrico to A Chick Who Reads! Denise is the author of Servant Of The Goddess


I’m pleased to be here today!  I brought my Scottish bad boy, Cedric MacKinnon,  with me.  I’m sure you’re much more interested in what a beautiful, auburn-haired, green-eyed, 20 yr. old, 6’ 3” vampire has to say, so I’ll let him speak. 
DV: So Cedric, tell your readers a little about yourself--and do try to behave.
CM: My dear, I'm your slave, you know that.  I only do what your wicked brain contrives. You dreamed me up. 
DV: You hatched out of my head like Athena.  I have little control over your escapades.  Go on, be a good boy and I'll write some erotic adventures for you.   
CM:  Promise?  I'd like that.  So, here goes, I was born in Scotland. My parents died when I was little.  I grew up in a children’s home and ran away to London when I was fifteen with dreams of becoming a rock star--needless to say, not a great idea. I went on the streets and made my living selling the only thing I could. 
To make a long story short, rent boys in London have a 33% HIV infection rate, and I became a statistic.  I turned to playing my guitar in the underground to supplement what I got from the government, and one night I encountered this lovely Indian man--or so I thought.  Raj made me the man I am today.  That is to say, a vampire courtesan turned assassin.  Complete sociopath, Raj.
On the bright side, I’m a musician and play the guitar as well as Indian instruments.  My prized possession is a vintage Stratocaster.  I love all kinds of rock music.  My favorite artist of all time is David Bowie.  Flashy clothes, fast cars and the latest electronic gadgets are my weakness—and beautiful lovers.  I believe in spreading the wealth, so to speak. 
 DV: Talk about your former line of work.   
 CM: Must I?  You just love dredging all that up.  I’m an adept of the ancient arts, which is an Immortyl temple artist in service to the Goddess Kali, but adepts are used as courtesans in political intrigues by the Chief Elder, Kalidasa.  Usually a total drag, except for the singing and dancing.  No one does a blues riff on a sitar like me.  Music is my true passion. 
 Too many uncongenial lovers, too many beds, too little rest.  Lord Liu was the exception.  Liu Li Cheng is a gentleman and knows how to treat a boy right.
My official duty was to serve the Goddess and bestow Shakti’s blessings through an elaborate tantric sex ritual.  During my training in the ashram, I told my guru, Sandhya, “I’ve been called many things in my time, but never a conduit of divinity”.  She wasn’t amused and hit me on the back of the head with all her rings on.  Ouch.  Vampires aren’t known for being gentle.  Well, maybe those sparkly ones.
I once had an encounter with a bloke who was with the Spanish Inquisition.  No Monty Python fun here.  Torture isn’t officially allowed on an adept, but with our new Rani, Giulietta, anything goes.  The change I’d like to see is Giulietta’s head at the business end of my knife.   
DV: And what is it you do now?
CM: Mia tells all about my exploits in servant of the Goddess.  Let’s just say that I take heads now instead of give…well you get the drift.  
  DV:  Who trained you in your new occupation?
CM: I’ve had excellent teachers in New York.  Mia is quite the swordswoman.  Philip and Shieh have taught me martial arts.   My dance training comes in handy here.  They call me a living weapon.  I rather like that.    
 DV: I'm not surprised.  Do you have a significant other in your life?
CM: With my omnivorous sexual nature it’s rather difficult to settle.  I get around-- a lot.  But there are two lovers who mean something more to me than a congenial shag.
 My darling, Mia is the earthly manifestation of Shakti in the form of Durga, and I’m her “tiger” servant.   Grrr…we do get a bit rough sometimes.  I do love a strong woman.
 However, I must say that Lord Liu remains a powerful presence in my life.  You’ve got to love a Chinese warrior from the former Han Dynasty turned scholar turned Immortyl elder.  He’s deep.  And dare I say sexy?
DV: So, where do you go from here?  Any last secrets to reveal?
CM: I won't tell all.  I did that in My Fearful Symmetry.  They will just have to read my saucy tale.  With my new line of work, it’s hard to say where I go from here.  I’m on a secret mission at the moment.  So, I can’t say exactly what I’m about—or as you Yanks say—what I’m up to.  If I survive this mad quest, I hope to continue to aid Mia and Kurt in their mission to find a cure for this condition that makes us perish in the ultraviolet and addicted to blood. 
 You have promised some steamy tales.  Of course, I will still be blogging and interviewing.  I can’t disappoint my darlings.
DV: You can chat with Cedric @cedricMackinnon on Twitter or at his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cedricvampire





Servant of the Goddess
Book Four of the Immortyl Revolution

From the ashes of the first battle of the Immortyl Revolution, vampires Mia Disantini and Kurt Eisen set out to build a new Immortyl society.

Trouble arrives in the person of Cedric MacKinnon, a runaway adept of the ancient arts, who brings tidings of upheaval at the chief elder’s court that threatens everything Mia and Kurt have accomplished.

Mia finds it hard to resist when Cedric pledges his service and tempts her with the legendary skills he learned as an Immortyl courtesan. Facing opposition from both within and out, Mia begins to doubt Kurt is up to the task of leading their followers to his vision of an Immortyl Utopia.

Torn between her loyalty to Kurt and Cedric’s insistence that she is the earthly manifestation of the Goddess Durga and destined to lead, Mia confronts the greatest challenge of her life.

For excerpts of the Immortyl Revolution Series, character profiles and the Immortyl Lexicon visit www.deniseverricowriter.webs.com

For insider information on the series visit www.ImmortylRevolution.blogspot.com

Buy: Amazon

Author Info:  Denise Verrico is a New Jersey native who grew up in Pennsylvania. She is the author of the Immortyl Revolution urban fantasy series published by L&L Dreamspell. Denise was chosen as a presenter at Ohioana Book Fair in 2011 and 2012, and her books are part of the collection at the State Library of Ohio.

Currently, she’s a member of Broad Universe and two writing groups. She attended Point Park College in Pittsburgh, where she majored in theatre arts, and was a member of The Oberon Theatre Ensemble in NYC with whom she acted, directed and wrote plays. Denise is a roller coaster fanatic and lives in Ohio with her husband, son and flock of six spoiled parrots.

Giveaway:
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Friday, June 1, 2012

Bewitching Book Tours Book Blitz: Blood and Whiskey w/Giveaway

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Blood and Whiskey
A Cowboy and Vampire Thriller
by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
Publication date: May 1, 2012
Fiction, Trade Paperback (362 pages) $14.95; e-book $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-9838200-1-7; Library of Congress Control Number: 2012902814

SUMMARY

Wanted: Lizzie Vaughan, Dead or Alive

Relationships are always hard, but for a broke cowboy and a newly turned Vampire, true love may be lethal.

After barely surviving an undead apocalypse in The Cowboy and the Vampire, Tucker and Lizzie hightail it back to quirky LonePine, Wyoming (population 438), to start a family. But she’s got a growing thirst for blood and he’s realizing that mortality ain’t all it’s cracked up to be when your girlfriend may live forever. With a scheming Vampire nation hot on their boot heels and a price on her head, how far will Lizzie and Tucker go to protect their unlikely love?

Blending evolution, religion and an overly sensitive cow dog named Rex, Blood and Whiskey drags the Vampire myth into the modern west, delivering double-barreled action, heart-pounding passion and wicked humor.



ADVANCE PRAISE FOR BLOOD AND WHISKEY

“Riveting, existentialist underpinnings give it depth, the book is a thriller, upping the ante in every chapter, as bullets fly and relationships strain under the weight of old loyalties and new revelations …”

“It’s more than just the details that set this series apart. Rather, it’s the way the authors utilize those details to create meaningful conflicts and world-altering choices for the characters.”

“Those who missed out on the first book will really have to hang on if they want to follow what’s happening, but it’s worth it for this tale of love and blood in the modern West.”




“Girl on Vampire-Girl Naughtiness”
Here’s one of our favorite reviews from Amazon. AJBpdx shares the top 10 things they like about Blood and Whiskey:
10. Vampires
9. Cowboys
8. Awesome love story
7. Hot vampires
6. A consciousness realm called the Meta where Vampires hang
5. Nice nod to Oregon
4. There's a blood farm in it!
3. MacGyver-style weapons
2. Kick-ass female lead with an even more bad-ass side-kick
1. Girl on Vampire-Girl naughtiness


Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE COWBOY AND THE VAMPIRE

“Deliciously dark, witty.” Booklist

“A must read for fans of vampire fiction. It’s one of the best in the genre that I have read this year.” A Chick Who Reads Book Blog

“Rawhide romance with bloody fangs. The Cowboy and the Vampire delivers unremitting fun, and a damn good read.” Diana Troldahl, Freshfiction.com

“Writing duo Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall has succeeded in writing a unique story among all the vampire books that are out there today.” Bertena Varney, examiner.com

“Back from the dead!” Jeff Baker, The Oregonian

“Sexy, dark, witty, and nothing less.” Erin Cole, author of Grave Echoes


SERIES PUBLISHING HISTORY

Long before Twilight and Vampire Diaries, Llewellyn published the first book of a thriller series, The Cowboy and the Vampire, in 1999, in trade paperback, with a print run of 10,000 (which sold out). It then went out of print. In response to the Twilight and Vampire Diaries mania, Midnight Ink, an imprint of Llewellyn, released a second edition in 2010 with a print run of 6,000, and, for the first time, with an e-book edition. Blood and Whiskey, the second book in the thriller series, is now being published by Pumpjack Press. Both books are by husband and wife writing team Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Clark Hays grew up in Montana in the shadow of the Tobacco Root Mountains. In addition to his fiction work, he is a cowboy, a published poet and occasional food critic. Recently, he was nominated for Pushcart Prize for short fiction and not so recently for a Rhysling award for poetry. Clark brings a deep knowledge about the modern west, weaponry, country music and existentialism to his writing.

Kathleen McFall grew up in the heart of Washington, D.C. She worked as a petroleum geologist and, later, as a journalist, and has published hundreds of articles about scientific research, energy and natural resources. An interest in the overlap of science and mysticism are an essential aspect of her fiction writing. She received an Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship for fiction writing.


Learn more at http://cowboyandvampire.com/ and www.facebook.com/cowboyandvampire



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Thursday, May 31, 2012

A Chick Who Reads: Now On Twitter

Ok, I caved! I've got a twitter account for the blog. Now I'd like some followers that aren't trying to sell porn!

What is up with all the follows by people that are promoting the sex industry, btw? That was one of the reasons, I didn't bother keeping up my personal twitter account.

Dang!

But anyway give me a follow @AChickWhoReads!

The more the merrier, I always say! Oh and if you are on Networked Blogs...feel free to follow me there as well!

Today is all about shameless self promotion!
 
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