New Blogging Location

Good morning!  I just wanted to drop by and let you all know that I am still book blogging but I am doing it at a different location.  If you want to come and visit the "new" blog you can find me at Jamie's Bookshelf. I currently have a discussion post up about how you conquer your TBR pile/mountain. Thanks and have a great rest of your holiday weekend! :) 

Better Late Than Never ~ $65 CSN Certificate winner

I apologize for not getting the winner of the $65 CSN gift certificate chosen sooner.  I've had some things come up in real life and I honestly forgot as a result of those things. So here is our winner (chosen by random.org): VAL!
Congrats Val!  I'll be emailing you in a minute to let you know that you are the winner! 

Blog Tour ~ Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing

 

 

Title:  Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing

Author: Kathy Cano-Murillo

Series:

Publication Date: March 8, 2011

Synopsis:

Scarlet doesn't do things like other people. Unfortunately, this leads to some misunderstandings, like when her manager at the fabric store mistakes her measuring methods for assault. But while she may not be as wealthy as her siblings, or as respected as her grandmothers-strict seamstresses whose criticism left Scarlet permanently pattern-phobic-she will be soon. She's been offered a position with Johnny "Scissors" Tijeras, the hottest young designer in New York. To raise money for her move, Scarlet opens an after-hours sewing school in a local record shop, attracting a surprising mix of students. Future freeform garment makers include a high-strung office manager whose marriage counselor thinks she needs to learn to break some rules, and an elderly seamstress with a secret past. But as friendships grow, the lines between teacher and student blur, proving there is no single pattern for happiness-it is always a custom fit.


Review:

I don't read a lot of "chick lit."  It's usually not my thing.  What made me reconsider is that this book is about a "crafty" person.  I LOVE being crafty.  I may not be great at it but I still LOVE it!

Scarlet Santana is one heck of a spitfire!  She holds two degrees in engineering and her family is pressuring her to settle down and get a "real" job.  But Scarlet being Scarlet has her own idea for how she wants to live her life.

By day Scarlet works for a local designer by the name of Carly Fontaine.  On her own time, Scarlet designs her own wardrobe, sells her "line" on her Etsy store and spends time blogging about her favorite heroine, Daisy de la Flora.  The now deceased Daisy was a designer and person who Scarlet looks up to and admires.  Now through her blog Scarlet shares with her "fans" her dream of living a Daisy-inspired life.

When given the chance to attend a designer's program offered by the late Daisy's nephew, Scarlet creates her own class to teach others the way of patternless sewing that her Nana had taught her.  All of this in an effort to raise funds to attend this program.  Through this class, we the readers are introduced to a vast variety of characters that all need a little help getting there lives back on track.  There fearless leader, Scarlet included.

I thought that this was a very cute read.  I did have a hard time putting it down once I got into it too!  Honestly, up until this tour came along I had not heard of this author or the web page that she writes.  I think the best thing about this author, for me anyway, is that she writes very strong female characters.  They have a goal that they set for themselves and you just can't help but cheer them on as they work towards reaching that goal.

Blog Tour ~ Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing Giveaway, Guest Feature and Book Trailer

 

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Kathy Cano-Murillo's new book Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing.  I want to thank Kathy for dropping by The Book Junkie's Bookshelf today.  I asked Kathy the following question:

This book is about a person who has a "crafty" hobby....Do you have any "crafty" hobbies you like to partake in when you’re not writing?

Here is what Kathy had to say....

I sure do! So much that I converted my living room into my art studio! I love to make assemblage pieces, like dimensional scrapbooks, I also love to made jewelry and collages and I love to sew. When I’m working on my arts and crafts, I daydream about new characters and situations I want to put them in.

Kathy can be found in the following places:

Author Bio and Photo (photo on the left is from this site.)
Twitter - @CraftyChica
Facebook - CraftyChica
Webpage - CraftyChica


Here is the loverly trailer for this wonderful book...I hope you enjoy it!



Now for the fun part!  I have been given the go ahead to give away 2 prize packs.  Each prize pack will include a copy of Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing AND Kathy's first book Waking Up In The Land of Glitter.  Now for the rules:

1. Leave a comment with an email address so that I can contact you if you should be one of the winners.

2. Open to US and Canada

3. Contest closes March 20th at 11:59 pm CST.

    

Blog Tours and Giveaways

Coming up on March 4th there will be a blog tour rolling through Nitty Gritty.  There will be chances to win a copy of 2 different books...If you have a thing for historical Scotland these are right up your alley!  There will also be a guest post by one of the authors.  I hope you'll drop by and check it.  

March Urban Fantasy Linky

 

Click HERE to go to the ACTUAL linky. Since this blog won't support my new linky for some reason....I will be posting the linky's on my other book blog Jamie's Bookshelf from now on.  

March Strong Heroine Linky

 

Click HERE to go to the ACTUAL linky.

 

I have decided since this particular blog won't for some reason support my new linky that I am going to be posting the linky's on my other blog Jamie's Bookshelf.

March Christian Fiction Linky

 

Click HERE to go to ACTUAL linky.

 

I have decided since this particular blog won't for some reason support my new linky that I am going to be posting the linky's on my other blog Jamie's Bookshelf.

 

March Support Your Library Linky

 

Click here to go to the actual linky post.

 I have decided...since this particular blog won't link up to my new linky system....that I am going to be posting the link ups on my other blog Jamie's Bookshelf. 



Modified $65 CSN Gift Certificate giveaway

As a result of a miscommunication on my part I am opening up the giveaway for the $65 CSN gift certificate here on The Book Junkie's Bookshelf.  If you registered to win during the Follower Love Hop your entry still counts....You DO NOT need to re-enter. 

It doesn't know it yet but this is my new bookcase!

Everyone, especially us book bloggers can use some home office furniture every now and then right?! I mean what book blogger wouldn't love the chance to win a $65 CSN gift certificate so that they can buy themself a new bookcase or two?! Now here is all you have to do:

1. Fill out the form below...REQUIRED.
2. Open to US and Canada...Canadian's please be sure to check the shipping information.
3. Open from February 14 until February 20 @ 11:59 pm

Discussion Post ~ Bloggers Beware of Unprofessional Authors (AKA Authors handing out Book Blogger Smackdown!?)

NOTE: I will be adding my extremely personal thoughts on this at the end of this post. It does seem that all hell has broken loose in the book blogging community again.  Not good peeps! I've been going through my google reader and I've been reading all these horror stories about all the hell that's being unleashed on us "unprofessional reviewers*" (AKA Book Bloggers).  The post that I just linked to is written by an author who had a couple of bad reviews of posted about her book and had the nerve to "call out" two book blogs (Book Binge and Chick Lit Plus).  On top of that the author (Sylvia Massara) had this to say about book bloggers: "Oftentimes, the people who set up these kinds of blogs have never written a thing in their lives, except maybe a grocery list. Most are avid readers who think they are qualified to review someone else’s work. So it’s very sad when they go about damaging the image of upcoming small press and indie authors with the rubbish they write." I think that this post was EXTREMELY unprofessional and I think that the two blogs that were called out in this post responded in a professional manner and put the facts out there for their readers to see and read.  If you want to check out their responses Book Binge had this to say and Chick Lit Plus had this to say. Ah, and then we get to the good stuff....How In My Mailbox** is to quote the unnamed author “those "in my mailbox" posts represent everything that's wrong with the whole scene. It's all about status and swag.”  Then there's the whole book bloggers don't sell books/shouldn't be given ARC's/and how we're only in it for the free books.  Seriously, I have some pretty serious thoughts on all of this.....which your about to read. 

MY THOUGHTS:

 I saw all these posts and I was deeply troubled by all of this.  For a while now I've been struggling with my book blogging (if you hadn't noticed from my lack of posting).  I feel that it has turned into a job and I already have one of those.  I know that this is mostly my fault and I asked for it when I decided to start 2 additional book blogs.  But getting back on point...All of this negativity has really troubled me. I just don't understand how an author could go so far as to attack a blogger on a VERY public form of media known as the INTERNET!  That is completely classless and trashy on their part.  Sure we as book bloggers don't always write glowing reviews of everything that we read.  It happens.  Life isn't all sunshine and happiness.  Put on your big girl/boy under ware and get over it. JMHO. I don't know about anyone else out there but I think that In My Mailbox is a pretty AWESOME meme.  I don't always get to participate but even if I don't I always find more books to add to my wish list when I go through my google reader.  Honestly, I look forward to In My Mailbox...even if I don't get to participate.  It makes me happy to see all those bloggers out there gushing with happiness over the books they got in the mail, from the library or just went out and bought.  FOR KRISTI~ Party on Kristi!  I think it is very unfair to say that book bloggers don't sell books.  I think that there are enough of us out there that anyone who comes across some one's review either intentionally or accidentally that we might influence a book buyers decision.  I know that before I started book blogging I came across some review blogs for a couple of books that I was considering buying and reading the reviews helped me to make my decision.  For another blogger's opinion on book bloggers and their impact click here OR to read an author's take on book blogger's check out this post.  I was extremely offended when I found that many people believe that we book bloggers are only in it for the free books and ARC's.  I don't know about anyone else but I spend more money and time buying books or checking them out of the library or swapping them on Paperbackswap.com than I spend trying to coherse a book out of an author.  Actually, I've NEVER approached an author about getting a copy of their book and I am only occasionally contacted with review requests.  Maybe there are bloggers out there who are fishing for "free books."  I am NOT one of them. So I am going to conclude this post before I turn it into a full length novel.  Though I do have 1 message for all the haters out there.....Hell Hath No Fury Like Book Blogger's Scorned.  *Found in a post posted by Jeremy West of Novel Thoughts**Found in a post posted by Kristi of The Story Siren



Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr (Virgin River #2)

 

John "Preacher" Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of the wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.

But when Paige's ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there's one thing the marines' motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it's that some things are worth fighting for.

Why I decided to read this book: I signed up to try to win a copy of Promise Canyon on Goodreads and I decided to start at the beginning of the series so that book 11 would makes sense to me.  I was also able to download the first 4 books of the series on to my Nook as a book bundle! :)

Likes?.....: I really liked Preacher.  He's a big ole burly badass former Marine who doesn't think that he's capable of loving or being loved.  I also enjoyed Paige and Chris who bring out the best and at some points in the book, the worst in Preacher.  I also really enjoyed how the town rallied around Paige and Chris to make sure that they were safe from Paige's abusive ex-husband.  Oh and let's not forget about "unlovable" Preacher turned lover extraordinaire Preacher.  Everyone calls Preacher by his nickname rather than his given name in town, then Paige comes along and starts calling him John and to me that was pretty sexy in it's VERY simple way.

Dislikes?.....: Paige's brother and ex husband....They BOTH deserve to be beaten to within an inch of their lives in my honest opinion.  There were a couple of odd breaks in the story that seemed a little off to me but not enough to be distracting.

Overall: I think that this book was even better than the first book in the series.  Another one that once I started reading I had a VERY difficult time putting down.  I think that the series builds really nicely from one book to the next with the inclusion of new characters as well as reoccurring roles of the "regulars."  I can hardly wait to keep reading!  I'm just soooo mad at myself for not reading this series before now!

Virgin River By Robyn Carr

 

 Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against the backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.

But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans…and a former marine cements them into place.

Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.

Why I decided to read this book: I signed up to try and win a copy of Promise Canyon on Goodreads and thought that I should probably start at the beginning so book 11 might actually make sense to me...provided I was able to win a copy. :)  Lucky me...I was able to find the first four books bunched together in a bundle available on my Barnes and Noble Nook.

Likes?.....: I really liked the premise of the story....Jack and Melinda (Mel) are both damaged souls looking for a change....and Boy Howdy do they get it in spades!  I also enjoyed the mostly good hearted turmoil between Doc and Mel....everyone thinks he needs some help and he doesn't.  I also enjoyed picturing Jack helping out the town as well as helping with a an abandoned newborn baby....Here's this big burly badass former Marine who is actually a gentle giant underneath all that big burly badassness.  I also enjoyed the reunion with Jack and his fellow Marine buddies and Jack's "fall from Grace" as a result of the reunion.

Dislikes?.....:  I think that the reason for Mel to stick around at times was a little thin.  Sure Mel's a midwife and babies are her thing but once she made sure that the baby was safely placed she could have easily taken off.  I also thought that in some places (not very many, just a few) that the story was a little bit rushed.  Another small thing that kind of rubbed me the wrong way a little bit at the beginning of the story was how Jack became almost instantaneously possessive of Mel.

Overall:  I think that this was a pretty good start to the Virgin River series.  Minus my few quirks with the book I think that it was a VERY good. Once I started reading it I was pretty much sucked in and could NOT put it down.  But my quirks prevented this story from getting a 5/5.  Jack and Mel's story is very sweet and it makes me wish I had a big burly badass Marine who's just a big ole gentle giant underneath all that badassness!

Falke's Peak by Anna Leigh Keaton & Madison Layle ~ Contains Adult Content

 

She couldn't believe her eyes.


Stressed out ad-exec Dakota wandered into Catamount Outfitters in search of a guide for a wilderness excursion. She didn't expect to be greeted by not one, but five of the most ruggedly delicious-looking men she'd ever seen. Not to mention a live cougar guarding the shop.

The Falke brothers have more than just good looks in their genes.

Eldest brother Axel agrees to guide Dakota on her mountain trek. In cougar form, Axel's twin, Gunnar, was there as a protection from predators—but he had his eye on the sexy client instead.

Into the wild...

While the rule with clients was "paws-off," both Axel and Gunnar couldn't resist Dakota's seductive Native American beauty and determination. As cold days led to hot nights in the cabin, Axel and Gunnar wondered if they'd finally found a woman strong enough to tame them...



Why I decided to read this book: I was looking through all the new releases on Netgalley and saw this one and as you can see from the reading the synopsis, it really tripped my trigger.  That and the cover I think is pretty neat too.

Likes?......: What really drew me into the story was Dakota.  The way she's described you think "fluffy city girl," but the farther you read into the book you definitely start to change your tune about her.  I also liked the premise of "modern day" shapeshifters....Especially extremely HOT "modern day" shapeshifters who give one hell of a back rub!  Is it wrong that I really liked the internal struggle of Axel and Gunnar?  Cause I REALLY did.

The sexual stuff?!?!?!?...Just as HOT as the "modern day" shapeshifters!

Dislikes?......: I don't have very many....I didn't particularly care for the "deception" scene.  I did feel that at certain points the story was a little bit rushed.  Overall, not too many dislikes.

Overall: I really enjoyed this story.  Even with the couple of dislikes that I found in the story I think that this is a VERY good beginning to the author's series.  I can hardly wait to check out the rest of the series!  Hopefully each of the remaining brothers and Heidi will get their own stories!

Review Link Ups for February

Good morning everyone!  Since it seems like Mclinky has done away with my lists and my new service is giving me fits about copying the code into the posts until I get my "issues" figured out could challenge participants please leave a comment with the link(s) to there reviews on the respective posts please.  I'm not quite sure what's going on...It let me put the new linky into my YA challenge posts but not this blog!  Yeah technology! 

In My Mailbox

 

 In My Mail Box is hosted by The Story Siren.

*BOUGHT*

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.



This time, there will be no turning back.


 

Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against the backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.


But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans…and a former marine cements them into place.


Melinda Monroe may have come to Virgin River looking for escape, but instead she finds her home.

John "Preacher" Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of the wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.




But when Paige's ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there's one thing the marines' motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it's that some things are worth fighting for.

The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years -- and there's always room for more . . .


A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town's first cop, he does so knowing it's time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found -- a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she's got some fears she can't escape -- but now she has someone who will show her just what it means to trust again.

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him -- her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

Last Christmas Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband, Bobby. This Christmas she's come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him.


Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby's shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago, then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived stateside. Since then, Marcie's letters to Ian have gone unanswered.

Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off. As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior.

Ian doesn't know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what's worse, the uncertain future. But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it's time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

*PAPERBACKSWAP.COM**

He's the Super Bowl hero men idolize and women lust after...the bad-boy quarterback with a dangerous edge. But behind his devil-may-care grin, Ty Calhoun hides a desire that only one woman can ever fulfill — and a memory he can't shake: high school graduation night...and mind-blowing sex with the untouchable girl of his dreams. He would trade every trophy to feel the heat of her sensual, uninhibited lust once more. And he may get that chance...because she's just been hired by the San Francisco Outlaws' new owner to make over Ty's less-than-angelic reputation.  The country's top image consultant, Julie Spencer is a total pro at cleaning up the messes of the rich and famous. Even working with the man who took her virginity and broke her heart ten years ago can't rattle her. Until he touches her again. One caress — and one very hot kiss — is all it takes to spark the same knee-quaking electricity, and soon they're mixing business and extreme pleasure. But knowing the danger this bad boy poses to her heart, Julie is determined to keep her distance. But Ty has a game plan of his own. The more he misbehaves, the more Julie will have to keep tabs on him — and the more he can give his dream girl some very real thrills, by showing her just how fun it is to be bad. This time around, he's game for anything...especially winning her heart. 
It doesn't get hotter than this!  Zack fights fires and saves lives, yet his own thirst for life has run dry-until he comes to the rescue of a sharp-tongued exotic dancer named Corrine Shannon who soon has the normally shy hero burning out of control. But just as they are consumed by flames of passion, they find themselves under fire from two relentless enemies with fifty million reasons to succeed. Can they withstand the heat while trying to save their own lives-or will their newfound romance be extinguished as fast as it began?*FOR REVIEW* A new twist on the coming-of-age memoir in this eccentric and captivating story of the summer the author ran away from college to join the Sandinista revolutionaries in Nicaragua  "1987 is the year I did nothing. The year I fought in no war, contributed to no cause, didn't get shot, jailed, or injured . . . The only thing that changed as a result of our presence was us."  Some people go to the Tibetan Himalayas to find themselves; some to Italy's great temples of art. Not Deb Olin Unferth. A freshman at a large state university, raised a secular Jew, Unferth fell in love with a Christian idealist and followed him to Central America in search of a revolution.  Despite their earnest commitment to revolutionary causes— all revolutionary causes—and to each other, the couple find themselves unwanted, unhelpful, and unprepared as they bop around looking for "revolution jobs." As the months wear on, cracks begin to form in the foundation of their relationship. They get fired, they get sick, they run out of money and grow disillusioned with the revolution and each other. With an unflinching and unique comic sensibility, Unferth reflects on the youthful search for meaning and on what happens to a country and its people after the revolution is over.
 They formed a bond so strong even death couldn’t keep them apart.  CEO Eric Randall’s plan is simple—fix the mess his researchers have created in Malaysia, experience the pleasures the country has to offer, and hightail it back to the comforts of America. Then again, simple plans always seem to have a way of going awry. All it takes is one beautiful aborigine to completely flip his world upside down, and Eric finds himself stranded in a world of Malaysian myths and legends. A novice shaman amongst her people, Berani is free and independent; the rainforest is her playground. Yet all is not well in her homeland. Evil forces are slowly causing her people to dwindle to extinction. When a strange speaking man invades her forest, she has one more item to add to her already troubled life. One thing for sure, she’s not about to let some overbearing human control her on her own turf. Attraction or no, she will fight Eric tooth and claw to maintain her freedom. But will she end up destroying herself in the process?The Grammulu Emperor of the Mulu Empire has ordered that newly wed Surmmulu must not have children, and therefore have to choose between living together in sexual slavery, living apart, or breaking their religious laws. Herra and Stuww choose to live together in sexual slavery to the Aqquo horse shape shifters who are the Emperor's personal horses.   Can Herra and Stuww's relationship survive? 

 The John Doe bleeding out on the ER gurney had to be the sexiest man Adele had ever seen. Too beautiful to die. As an ER nurse, she works to save him, but her bond--her connection--to him lingers long after he's out of danger. What she didn't expect was that before the night was over her life would end up in his strong, surprisingly capable hands. Wyatt Young's exile had few perks-condemned to Greensboro, he had a steady stream of loud, cranky people, and lousy food. Constantly hunted by his uncle, he's startled when he wakes up shirtless in a hospital, with his sword missing and his torso ripped apart. A beautiful healer helps him recover-a healer he can't stop thinking about even when he passes out. A bond is formed between Adele and Wyatt-one they can't fight. Wyatt's uncle seeks to make Adele his personal healer-at any cost. Adele is the key to Wyatt's salvation and his redemption. He won't let her go without a fight. Ever. 

Two years after leaving home to make his own fortune, Joshua Bradley has finally returned to the Bradley Equine Ranch-and to Tessa McCade, the sexy ranch manager with whom he shared a single steamy tryst.

Tessa now owns the ranch like she's always dreamed-but it's in trouble. Dozens of horses have been lost and she's on the brink of bankruptcy. To save his family's business, Josh offers to buy it from her...and share the ranch house with her once again.

Tessa chafes at needing Josh's help, but she's never forgotten the taste of pleasure Josh gave her so long ago. Soon, neither of them can resist the desire mounting between them, and unleash a passion that is even more powerful than Tessa's pride... *FREE E-BOOKS* 

What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?

Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.

In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…

Ever wonder how Italian sounds with a Southern drawl?


Bella Rossi's life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding-planning business, Bella quickly books a Boot-Scootin' wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she doesn't know a thing about country music. Where will she find a deejay on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his George Strait? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?

Fun, fresh, and full of surprises, this flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex highlights the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

"I fell in love with the Rossi clan, who feel as passionately about their pizza as Texans do about chili. Add a hunky cowboy with a slow Southern drawl, and you've got a recipe for one terrific story."--Virginia Smith, author, Stuck in the Middle

"A charming tale about stumbling upon love and finding a bit of your true self along life's journey. This fun read makes you grateful for the truly important things in life."--Megan DiMaria, author, Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and native Texan. An experienced wedding coordinator herself, Thompson brings alive in her books the everyday drama and humor of getting married. She lives in Texas.

Two Hearts. One Hope.


Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.

When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

What's in your mailbox this week?

Scene's from our Blizzard

So I live in the Great White Midwest...More specifically...Wisconsin.  Since Monday it has been pretty much snowing non-stop here with the exception of about 10 hours...But that was before the REAL blizzard showed up and raised all sorts of hell.  Below are some scenes from the blizzard.  

 The little bit of green you can see is a flower window basket attached to the side of our deck and the post is the corner post of our deck...We have a covered deck so that my mom could have a porch swing.  As you can see at about 3:15 this morning the snow was as high as our deck and it's not supposed to end until later this morning.

 This is the same corner post just a different angle.  The red thing is a shovel...we have to dig out a path/area for our dogs to do their business.  Again it's deck high on this side too.

The snow depth according to our patio window.

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Passion and a few of her friends

 

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

 

 

Before Luce and Daniel met at Sword & Cross and fought immortals at Shoreline, they lived many lives. . . .


Available June 14, 2011

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.


When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Available February 8, 2011

Luis Fuentes is a good boy who doesn't live with the angst that his big brothers, Alex and Carlos, have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he's never known, and just when he thinks he's got life all figured out, learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?



Continuing all the steamy romance of the first two books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Simone Elkeles gives fans one more satisfying taste of the irresistible Fuentes boys.

Available May 24, 2011

#1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward's thrilling new novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.


Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself--only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can--but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?

Available March 29, 2011