<data:blog.pageTitle/>

This Page

has moved to a new address:

http://myoverstuffedbookshelf.com

Sorry for the inconvenience…

Redirection provided by Blogger to WordPress Migration Service
----------------------------------------------- Blogger Template Style Name: Minima Designer: Douglas Bowman URL: www.stopdesign.com Date: 26 Feb 2004 ----------------------------------------------- */ body { background:#fff; margin:0; padding:40px 20px; font:x-small Georgia,Serif; text-align:center; color:#333; font-size/* */:/**/small; font-size: /**/small; } a:link { color:#58a; text-decoration:none; } a:visited { color:#969; text-decoration:none; } a:hover { color:#c60; text-decoration:underline; } a img { border-width:0; } /* Header ----------------------------------------------- */ @media all { #header { width:660px; margin:0 auto 10px; border:1px solid #ccc; } } @media handheld { #header { width:90%; } } #blog-title { margin:5px 5px 0; padding:20px 20px .25em; border:1px solid #eee; border-width:1px 1px 0; font-size:200%; line-height:1.2em; font-weight:normal; color:#666; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.2em; } #blog-title a { color:#666; text-decoration:none; } #blog-title a:hover { color:#c60; } #description { margin:0 5px 5px; padding:0 20px 20px; border:1px solid #eee; border-width:0 1px 1px; max-width:700px; font:78%/1.4em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Arial,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.2em; color:#999; } /* Content ----------------------------------------------- */ @media all { #content { width:660px; margin:0 auto; padding:0; text-align:left; } #main { width:410px; float:left; } #sidebar { width:220px; float:right; } } @media handheld { #content { width:90%; } #main { width:100%; float:none; } #sidebar { width:100%; float:none; } } /* Headings ----------------------------------------------- */ h2 { margin:1.5em 0 .75em; font:78%/1.4em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Arial,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.2em; color:#999; } /* Posts ----------------------------------------------- */ @media all { .date-header { margin:1.5em 0 .5em; } .post { margin:.5em 0 1.5em; border-bottom:1px dotted #ccc; padding-bottom:1.5em; } } @media handheld { .date-header { padding:0 1.5em 0 1.5em; } .post { padding:0 1.5em 0 1.5em; } } .post-title { margin:.25em 0 0; padding:0 0 4px; font-size:140%; font-weight:normal; line-height:1.4em; color:#c60; } .post-title a, .post-title a:visited, .post-title strong { display:block; text-decoration:none; color:#c60; font-weight:normal; } .post-title strong, .post-title a:hover { color:#333; } .post div { margin:0 0 .75em; line-height:1.6em; } p.post-footer { margin:-.25em 0 0; color:#ccc; } .post-footer em, .comment-link { font:78%/1.4em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Arial,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.1em; } .post-footer em { font-style:normal; color:#999; margin-right:.6em; } .comment-link { margin-left:.6em; } .post img { padding:4px; border:1px solid #ddd; } .post blockquote { margin:1em 20px; } .post blockquote p { margin:.75em 0; } /* Comments ----------------------------------------------- */ #comments h4 { margin:1em 0; font:bold 78%/1.6em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Arial,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.2em; color:#999; } #comments h4 strong { font-size:130%; } #comments-block { margin:1em 0 1.5em; line-height:1.6em; } #comments-block dt { margin:.5em 0; } #comments-block dd { margin:.25em 0 0; } #comments-block dd.comment-timestamp { margin:-.25em 0 2em; font:78%/1.4em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Arial,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.1em; } #comments-block dd p { margin:0 0 .75em; } .deleted-comment { font-style:italic; color:gray; } .paging-control-container { float: right; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; font-size: 80%; } .unneeded-paging-control { visibility: hidden; } /* Sidebar Content ----------------------------------------------- */ #sidebar ul { margin:0 0 1.5em; padding:0 0 1.5em; border-bottom:1px dotted #ccc; list-style:none; } #sidebar li { margin:0; padding:0 0 .25em 15px; text-indent:-15px; line-height:1.5em; } #sidebar p { color:#666; line-height:1.5em; } /* Profile ----------------------------------------------- */ #profile-container { margin:0 0 1.5em; border-bottom:1px dotted #ccc; padding-bottom:1.5em; } .profile-datablock { margin:.5em 0 .5em; } .profile-img { display:inline; } .profile-img img { float:left; padding:4px; border:1px solid #ddd; margin:0 8px 3px 0; } .profile-data { margin:0; font:bold 78%/1.6em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Arial,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.1em; } .profile-data strong { display:none; } .profile-textblock { margin:0 0 .5em; } .profile-link { margin:0; font:78%/1.4em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Arial,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.1em; } /* Footer ----------------------------------------------- */ #footer { width:660px; clear:both; margin:0 auto; } #footer hr { display:none; } #footer p { margin:0; padding-top:15px; font:78%/1.6em "Trebuchet MS",Trebuchet,Verdana,Sans-serif; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.1em; } /* Feeds ----------------------------------------------- */ #blogfeeds { } #postfeeds { }

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

COVER ALERT!!!!




Title: Stealing Kathryn
Author: Jacquelyn Frank
Publisher: Zebra
Pub. Date: April 27 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Paperback(354 pages)
ISBN-10: 1420109847
ISBN-13: 978-1420109849







Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank invites you to explore a strange and sensuous world of darkest desire ruled by an extraordinary being who is about to meet his earthly match. . .

Sandman. Angus. Morpheus. He is known by many names, except his true one, Adrian. When he departs his world, it is to enter the sacred space of sleep, and he is not there to sow sweet dreams. Adrian's mission is to reap the dark energy of nightmares, work that has twisted his soul as well as his once-handsome face. Now, he lives only to await the day darkness finally overcomes him. . .and to collect exquisite reminders of what he's lost. . .

But there is one treasure that stands apart. Having risked everything to obtain her, Adrian soon realizes his mistake. For Kathryn has a wholly unexpected power over him, not only for what she represents, but for what for she is: a soul with desires as strong as his own, tempered by compassion that could save Adrian from his self-made hell--or condemn them both. . .

A Serious Post.....

I am calling all my followers out now.  A great blogger friend lost her mother this week.  I know she is heartbroken and devastated. I hope everyone will go let Blanche know that we are all thinking about her right now.  I think we all need to go and show her some support and love at her blog There's No Such Thing As Too Many Books.

Keeping you in my thoughts Blanche and in my prayers as well.


SHADOWS OF MYTH & LEGEND by E. J. Stevens (review & Giveaway)

SHADOWS OF MYTH & LEGEND
Author: E. J. Stevens
Source: Author Submission
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Paperback: 70 pages
  • Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press (March 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0984247513
  • ISBN-13: 978-0984247516
SYNOPSIS:
A collection of dark faerie tales, inspired by folklore, myth and legend, told in the haunting lyrical style of dark poet E.J. Stevens.

MY THOUGHTS:
I will be honest with you. I haven't read poetry in a long time. Honestly, I probably haven't read a book on poetry since high school, and we won't even mention how long ago that was.  When I asked the author if I could review her book, it was the cover that had me intrigued. It had the goth like look to it with a paranormal feel in the writing.  Since I am a fan of paranormal books, I thought I would try to read some poetry in the genre.

Now, I want you to think about all the creatures you read about in paranormal books. Now take all those creatures and put it in poetry. That is the basis of this book.  The author has beautiful poetry featuring wolves, vampires, fae, gnomes, zombie's, unicorns, sirens, reapers and more. Each poem is wonderfully written and has a dark feel to each one. I really enjoyed each one, and the feel of each one. 

The author has a great writing skill with poetry and it makes me want to see what could be done with a novel as well.  

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!


GIVEAWAY
E.J. Stevens was generous enough to provide a SIGNED copy of Shadows of Myth and Legend for a giveaway.  She took it a step further and included some wonderful swag as well!  One winner will receive the following:
1 signed copy of Shadows of Myth and Legend
1 Postcard of From the Shadows
1 From the Shadows bookmark
1 Shadows of Myth and Legend bookmark
1 Shadows of Myth and Legend Magnet
RULES:
1. You must be a follower to enter.
2. Contest is only available to the USA.  
Sorry, but limited funds at this moment in time. 
This could change later.
3.  Leave a comment on this post.
OPTIONAL: 
4. Mention the contest on your blog for +1 extra entry.
(Please post the link in a separate comment to qualify.)
5.  Tweet about this contest for +1 extra entry. 
(Please post the link in a separate comment to qualify.)
6. Follow me on Twitter for +1 extra entry.
(Please post the link in a separate comment to qualify.)
Contest will be open until 4/3/2010 with the winner being announced on 4/4/2010

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

IRRESISTIBLE by Susan Mallery

IRRESISTIBLE (The Buchanans: Book 2)
Author: Susan Mallery
Source: Contest Win
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books; Reissue edition (February 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373775105
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373775101
SYNOPSIS:
When ex-Marine Walker Buchanan stops to help Elissa Towers change a tire, he tells himself it's just the neighborly thing to do. And when Elissa finds herself baking him a thank-you pie, she's just returning the favor…right?

Both of them have sworn off dating—Elissa's determined to protect her little girl, and that means ditching her taste for dangerous men…especially former Marines with dark secrets. Walker knows that he's not cut out for hearth and home…his own crazy family made sure of that. But the sparks won't stop flying between them.
Now the two are struggling to keep their relationship "just friends," but with every kiss, their rules fly out the window… 

MY THOUGHTS:
I loved this book even more than the first book in the series.  I was so glad that Walker's book was the next in the series.  This had more of the relationship progression that I like instead of the on again/off again that most romance books have. The relationship between Walker and Elissa slowly builds until the end.  I will say that near the end I found myself with a little bit of tears in my eyes, and that was mainly because of what Elissa's daughter Zoe says to Walker.  It is such a sweet and tender scene in the book.  Another great book by a talented author that never disappoints. I am so happy I found this authors books.  The author knows how to capture your interest in the book and will keep you hanging on until the last chapter.  This could easily be read as a stand alone book, but I do recommend reading the first book, Delicious, first so you can understand the other characters involved better.

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading!

Labels: ,

WEEKLY GIVEAWAY/CONTEST

Here is this weeks giveaway contest.
  At times, there will be more than one book, but most of the time I will be featuring a weekly giveaway of one book. For these giveaways, I will NOT contact you if you win.  I will announce the winner and you will have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear from you.  the book will be passed to the next winner in line. 
Now here is the book(s) for this week and the rules will follow after the description:
( Slightly Used Copies) 
Click on the image to go to the authors website for descriptions of each book.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1. You must be a follower to enter.
2. Contest is only available to the USA.  
Sorry, but limited funds at this moment in time. 
This could change later.
3.  Leave a comment on this post.


OPTIONAL: 
4. Mention the contest on your blog for +1 extra entry.
(Please post the link in a separate comment to qualify.)
5.  Tweet about this contest for +1 extra entry. 
(Please post the link in a separate comment to qualify.)
6. Follow me on Twitter for +1 extra entry.
(Please post the link in a separate comment to qualify.)

This contest is open until 4/5/2010 with the winner being announced on 4/6/2010.

Good luck!

WINNER!

I used Random.org to pick the winner for the weekly giveaway.  The winner for the 2 books by Joey W. Hill is:

 
Please email me within 48 hours with your mailing address at:
djsfoxylady@gmail.com

Please include in the subject line WEEKLY WINNER

Thanks to all who entered and I have another great weekly giveaway to post in just a bit so be sure to check back shortly.

Monday, March 29, 2010

A Few Reminders for Tomorrow

I just wanted to take a minute to remind everyone of some things that are happening tomorrow.

First of all, here are a few releases that will be coming out tomorrow:
3/30 Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
3/30 Succubus Shadows by Rachel Mead
3/30 Never Cry werewolf (Crimson Moon Novels) by L.A. Banks
3/30 Forbidden Passion by Rita Herron
3/30 Beyond the Darkness by Alexandra Ivy 

Also, tonight is the last chance to enter my weekly contest for the set of 2 Joey W. Hill books. You can still enter on my contest page at the top.  Tomorrow marks a new weekly giveaway so be sure to check back for this weeks great books!
I also have an interview with author Susan Mallery coming up as well. I will be adding it to my sidebar later, so be on the lookout to mark your calendars!

DELICIOUS by Susan Mallery

DELICIOUS (The Buchanan's: Book 1)
Author: Susan Mallery
Source: Contest Win
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books (February 1, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373770561
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373770564
SYNOPSIS:

Cal Buchanan needs a top-flight chef to take over his failing Seattle restaurant, The Waterfront. He can afford to hire the best in town-the only problem is that the best happens to be his ex-wife, Penny Jackson.Penny really needs this opportunity, but she doesn't need the distraction of working with her ex. She's sworn off romance-she's even having a baby on her own. But before she knows it, the heat is on and the attraction between her and Cal moves from a low simmer to a full boil!The rest should be easy as pie, but a secret from Cal's past could spoil everything. Maybe it's true that too many cooks spoil the broth-or maybe two is enough to make it irresistible.

MY THOUGHTS:
I can't help it. I am so in love with this authors writing style and her true romantic plots. To me, this author has perfected the art of writing romance novels. The characters are smart, wonderful and interesting. The plot always flows nicely and at the right pace.  

In this book, the main characters get a second chance at making love work. Even with Penny being pregnant, Cal still loves her.  They start out working together and it blossoms into love all over again.  Each one has some things to work through individually, but they find working together makes it easier.  I also love how the author introduced the rest of the family that will be in future books of this series.  After reading this one, you will be anxious to read what will happen with each Buchanan involved. Even though you will hate their Grandmother Gloria, you will still want to see what the old bat will do in the following books. Maybe she will get what is coming to her in those as well. 

Overall a wonderful and romantic book with witty humor and brilliant characters that will keep you warm at night and hungry for even more of this food family business!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading!

Labels: ,

100+ Reading challenge completed!!!

 And another reading challenge is complete! I will continue to add to the list though so I can have a list of all books read for 2010. This is my wrap up post for the challenge!

2010 -- 100+ Reading Challenge


19. Feast of Fools (Morganville Vampires, Book 4)
20. Lord of Misrule (Morganville Vampires, Book 5)
21. 101 Flam Firl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo
24. EVERLASTING KISS by Amanda Ashley
25.  LESSONS IN FRENCH by Laura Kinsale
26.  BITTEN BY CUPID by L. Sands, P. Palmer, J. Rush
27.  THE COWBOY WAY by Tory Richards
28.  BOYS,GIRLS & OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
29.  HOODOO MONEY
30.  ETERNAL ON THE WATER
31.  THE LIGHTKEEPER's DAUGHTER
32.  SILENT DESPERATION
33.  DEMONFIRE by Kate Douglas
34.  WE THE CHILDREN
35.  ALPHATUDES
36. ECSTASY UNVEILED 
37.  DARE TO SURRENDER by Lilli Feisty
38.  SHADES IF MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian
39.  FADE OUT by Rachel Caine
40.  POWDER AND PATCH by Georgette Heyer
41.  HEAVENLY by Jennifer Laurens
42.  YOU SLAY ME by Katie MacAlister
43.  FRAGILE by Chris Katsaropoulos
44. THE GIRL MADE OF COOL by Alan Fox
45.  THE LAST GOODNIGHTS by John West 
46.  ORIGINAL SIN by Allison Brennan 
47.  NEVER SAY NEVER by Lisa Wingate 
48.  STRESSED IN SCOTTSDALE by Marcia Fine 
49.  MANGROVES AND MONSTERS
50.  SIZE EIGHT IN A SIZE ZERO WORLD
51.  FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON by Jeaniene Frost
52.  DELICIOUS by Shayla Black 
53.  NAUTI INTENTIONS by Lora Leigh 
54.  THE HIGHLANDER'S SWORD by Amanda Forester
55.  COWBOY TROUBLE  by Joanne Kennedy
56.  LOVE YOUR HEART 
57.  DOUBLE TROUBLE by Susan May Warren
58.  CRAVE: THE SEDUCTION OF SNOW WHITE
59.  THE AWAKENING OF SLEEPING BEAUTY
60.  WILLOW by Julia Hoban
61.  THE NEXT BEST THING by Kristan Higgins
62.  SEALED WITH A RING 
63.  HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins 
64.  THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW 
65. A HOUSE AFIRE 
66.  THE DARKLING by Keoni Anderson 
67.  THE CINDERELLA DEAL by Jennifer Crusie
68.  WICKED KNIGHT by Tierney O'Malley
69.  SWEET TALK by Susan Mallery
70.  SWEET SPOT by Susan Mallery 
71.  SWEET TROUBLE by Susan Mallery 
72.  COOKING UP A STORM by Emma Holly 
73.  SAWYER by Lori Foster 
74.  MORGAN by Lori Foster 
75.  GABE by Lori Foster 
76.  KINK by Saskia Walker and Sasha White 
77.  UNMASQUED by Colette Gale 
78.  THE ANGEL EXPERIMENT by James Patterson 
79.  STILL SUCKS TO BE ME by Kimberly Pauley 
80.  THE OVERNIGHT SOCIALITE by Bridie Clark 
81.  ALICE IN WONDERLAND & PHILOSOPHY 
82.  DAWN OF THE DREADFULS 
83.  SCHOOL'S OUT FOREVER by James Patterson 
84.  KISSING FROGS IN CYBERSPACE
85.  SAVING THE WORLD & OTHER EXTREME SPORTS 
86.  MAXIMUM RIDE: THE FINAL WARNING 
87.  MAX: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson 
88.  FANG: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson 
89.  WILD HEAT by Bella Andre 
90.  THE CRAZY SCHOOL by Cornelia Read 
91.  MURDER ON EVEREST 
92.  PERFECT STRANGERS by Jahnna Malcom 
93. COLLISION COURSE by K.A. Mitchell 
94. GONE by Lisa McMann 
95.  BREAKFAST IN BED by Robin Kaye 
96.  THE SENATOR'S DAUGHTER by Debbie Wallace 
97.  NIGHTLIGHT: A PARODY 
98.  FLIRTING WITH FOREVER by Gwyn Cready 
99.  NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE 
100. TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL

CHALLENGE COMPLETED 3/29/2010

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL by Cara Elliott

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL
Author: Cara Elliott
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Forever; Original edition (March 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 044654129X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446541299
SYNOPSIS:
A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham--the Earl of Hadley--is not accused of murdering anything--save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.

Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they don't watch their step.

 MY THOUGHTS:

Like I said before, I am picky about my historical romance books. This was a new to me author and I thought I would give it a chance and see if I would be able to add the author to my list of favorites for this genre.

I enjoyed the book, but I didn't love the book. I loved the balance between seriousness and witty humor that the author created. The romance was nice but not an instant spark for me.  I just couldn't fall for the couple like the author was wanting you to do. I can't really point my finger at just one thing.  I am not sure why I couldn't seem to get into this couple. The writing was great, the characters had flaws that should have kept me interested, but I just can't get excited about this book. 

Overall it was a great read, but not a favorite read.  I would read the next in the series though to see if it would spark my imagination. 

MY RATING:


 
Perfect For Rainy Days From the Library!


Labels:

HAPPY BDAY MANDI

Happy Birthday to Mandi (Smexybooks)!
And for your enjoyment, here is my gift to you:

I will admit, I have no idea who Brandon Flowers is, but Mandi talks about him all the time. So enjoy the drool picture. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE by Sarah MacLean

NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING  A RAKE
Author: Sarah MacLean
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Avon; Original edition (March 30, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061852058
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061852053
SYNOPSIS:

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried - and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss - to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston - charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all - the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

First of all, I am very picky about my historical romance.  I am not a big fan of that genre of romance because I don't usually like the writing of that time.  So I was hesitant on reading this book.  I am so glad I did!

The author weaves a wonderful tale in this book that features great characters and passionate scenes that can leave you breathless! At the beginning of the book, Callie comes up with a list of things to do if she finds her inner courage.  The first item on the list is KISS SOMEONE--PASSIONATELY. Well, when she meets Gabriel he makes a deal with her. Even though Callie is satisfied with a peck on the cheek, Gabriel has other plans:

“His lips curved at her ear as he spoke, his harsh breathing making the words more a caress than a sound, “Kisses should not leave you satisfied.”

He returned his lips to her, claiming her mouth again, robbing her of all thought with a rich, heady caress. All she wanted was to be closer to him, to be held more firmly. And, as though he could read her thoughts, he gathered her closer, deepening the kiss. His heat consumed her; his soft, teasing lips seemed to know all of her secrets.

When he lifted his mouth from hers, she had lost all strength. His next words pierced through her sensual haze.

“They should leave you wanting.”

YUM! Now I know why the women always carried those fans with them back then! 

Overall, this was a magical romance that I loved from the historical romance genre. A book that will not disappoint.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading!

Labels:

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Out of Town Today

Just a quick post to let everyone know that we went out of town this weekend. We are enjoying some vacation time with my hubby's family in the middle of the mountains. It is so beautiful here. Trying to convince my hubby to stay another day! LOL. Will be back to regular posting tomorrow. (unless my baby face works on hubby!) I have a bunch of reviews to share with all of you.  I am on the hunt today for some used book stores here along the coast while I am here! I already found one with a bunch of Lora Leigh books that I bought to share in the giveaways!  I hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Amy

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Author Interview: Judith Graves (UNDER MY SKIN)

Today on My Overstuffed Bookshelf, I would like to introduce you to author Judith Graves!! She is the author of the new and upcoming book Under My Skin. Judith was kind enough to stop by here for her blog tour and answer some questions for us! Here we go!



To start off can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

You betcha! I’m a Canadian author, co-president of the Class of 2k10 (www.classof2k10.com – a group of debut YA and MG authors) and lately my life has been all about promoting my soon-to-be-released YA paranormal, Under My Skin.

Can you tell us a little about your new or current releases?

Eryn McCain, the main character in Under My Skin, isn’t your typical emo kid. She’s troubled, sure, with a messed up home life. And, yeah, she used to cut herself. But not because she was depressed or wanted attention. Eryn discovered blood. Warm. Alive. For a while she gave into its pull. Cutting was a release for the beast waiting under her skin. But she has that under control. She’s reined in her wolven side. Or so she thinks. When her parents disappear and are likely dead, Eryn has to find new ways to cope with the increasing strength of her wolven half. She doesn’t have access to the drug her father had been feeding her since birth—the only thing that stifled her abilities. To top it off, all this has made her dangerously unpredictable—even to herself. Eryn is beginning the change—but thanks to her father’s chemical manipulations—she doesn’t know what she’s changing into. Not exactly the best time to strike up a friendship with a crew of teen hunters tracking her kind…no matter how hot their tall, dark, and dead-wrong-for-her leader, Alec Delacroix, might be.

For more about the book, see the Under My Skin book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s3kQ4nnSEk


When you’re not writing, what kind of books do you like to read? Do you have any favorite authors that are must reads?
I read a lot. I work as a library technician in an elementary school, so I’m always surrounded by books – picture books, middle grade fiction, non-fiction, and then I read YA and adult fiction as well. One of the coolest things about being in the Class of 2k10 is getting a sneak peek at the amazing debut novels our class has produced. We have this nifty program called “Readers of the Last ARC” where we pass an ARC copy of our book to the class (signing them along the way). I loved Kitty Keswick’s Freaksville. A snarky, fun werewolf tale. Kitty is the other co-president of the class and another Leap Books author – she’s also a writing buddy and great friend – I’m so glad we’re on this crazy ride together.

What are 3 things that are "must haves" for you when you sit down to write a new book?

1. A coil notebook – but it has to have the right attitude/artwork for the story or I won’t write in it. 
2. A finepoint black pen. 
3. Tunes. The louder, the better.

List your favorites:
Snack-
Chocolate chip cookies
Drink-
Chocolate milk
Perfume-
Something chocolately
Candy-
Chocolate
Color-
Chocolate Brown
Favourite dog breed – Chocolate lab

Are you seeing a pattern here, or is it just me?

I am a fly on your wall today. What would I see in the day of Judith?

Today is a writing day. The wall would be shaking quite a bit as I would be banging my head into it. Not to worry, that’s how I come up with unusual plot twists.
Where can we purchase your books?

Under My Skin is currently available for pre-order on the Leap Books website (www.leapbks.com)
 Do you have a blog or website that your readers can keep up with you and your books?

My website: www.judithgraves.com  

My blog with Kitty Keswick: http://wolfychicks.blogspot.com

Class of 2k10 website: http://www.classof2k10.com/

Thanks for letting me hang with you Amy!

Labels:

Friday, March 26, 2010

FLIRTING WITH FOREVER by Gwyn Cready

FLIRTING WITH FOREVER
Author: Gwyn Cready
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

  • Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Pocket; Original edition (March 30, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1439107246
  • ISBN-13: 978-1439107249
SYNOPSIS:
Art historian Campbell Stratford is about to make a name for herself with her scandalously sexy tell-all "fictographies" of famous seventeenth-century artists, but she's more intimately familiar with her subjects than her eager readers can imagine. Thanks to a time portal she accidentally discovered, she has caused quiet a stir in the Great Beyond.

To save their reputations, the Guild protecting the dead artists convinces playboy Peter Lely, portraitist to the king, to sabotage Cam's latest project. A few hours posing on Sir Peter's modeling chaise leads to a night of seductive passion--then Cam returns home and discovers his betrayal. But before she can turn her angry pen on her lover, Sir Peter makes a surprise visit to the future and transforms Cam's twenty-first-century life into chaos of classic proportions...

MY THOUGHTS:
This was a new author to me and I must say, the plot was a little different for me as well.  It has a bit of historical romance, contemporary romance and science fiction time travel all in one book.  The humor was nice mixed with the romance and the book flowed okay for me. 

I am still not sold on the whole time travel plot, but it was an okay read for me.  It sparked my interest enough to see what the next book the author brings to the table. 

MY RATING:


 
Perfect For Rainy Days From the Library!


Labels:

Don't Forget!

Don't forget to use Swagbucks for all of your internet searching- ESPECIALLY TODAY! Every Friday is MegaSwagbucks Day and they toss $10,000 in large denominations into the mix!


NIGHTLIGHT : A PARODY by The Harvard Lampoon

NIGHTLIGHT : A PARODY
Author: The Harvard Lampoon
Source: PBS
  • Paperback: 160 pages
  • Publisher: Vintage (November 3, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0307476103
  • ISBN-13: 978-0307476104
SYNOPSIS:
About three things I was absolutely certain. First, Edwart was most likely my soul mate, maybe. Second, there was a vampire part of him–which I assumed was wildly out of his control–that wanted me dead. And third, I unconditionally, irrevocably, impenetrably, heterogeneously, gynecologically, and disreputably wished he had kissed me.

And thus Belle Goose falls in love with the mysterious and sparkly Edwart Mullen in the Harvard Lampoon’s hilarious send-up of Twilight.

Pale and klutzy, Belle arrives in Switchblade, Oregon looking for adventure, or at least an undead classmate. She soon discovers Edwart, a super-hot computer nerd with zero interest in girls. After witnessing a number of strange events–Edwart leaves his tater tots untouched at lunch! Edwart saves her from a flying snowball!–Belle has a dramatic revelation: Edwart is a vampire. But how can she convince Edwart to bite her and transform her into his eternal bride, especially when he seems to find girls so repulsive?

Complete with romance, danger, insufficient parental guardianship, creepy stalker-like behavior, and a vampire prom, Nightlight is the uproarious tale of a vampire-obsessed girl, looking for love in all the wrong places. 

MY THOUGHTS:
Okay, I admit that I want to read anything Twilight related. I AM one of those people. I was so excited to finally get this book through PaperBackSwap. 

At first, I was enjoying the humor. As I continued to read it though, it just got stupid.  Yes, there were some funny parts, but not enough of them to really keep me interested or to make this book entertaining.  I found most of it just stupid and nonsense.  I understand that it was suppose to be a parody, but with the lame writing and the use of big words that didn't fit with this type of book, it got old by the second chapter. 

If you are a Twilight follower like me, then I recommend saving your money.  Check it out from the library if you can't find anything else to read.  The only thing that I did like was the cover. 

MY RATING:


 
I did not enjoy this book.


Labels:

Thursday, March 25, 2010

THE SENATOR'S DAUGHTER by Debbie Wallace

THE SENATOR'S DAUGHTER
Author: Debbie Wallace
Source: Contest win
  • Paperback: 188 pages
  • Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press (2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593747136
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593747138
SYNOPSIS:
Most women kidnapped on the eve of their wedding would be devastated, but not Sophie. She's thankful for being rescued from marrying a millionaire she doesn't love. Besides, her abductor is a gorgeous hunk who makes her feel anything but frightened. His masterful touch sends a river of fire through her blood that releases the vixen in her. She surrenders to an afternoon of passion, only to wonder when it's over, how will she ever be able to leave Brent for the arms of another man? 

Brent can't believe he let Senator Adams talk him into kidnapping his daughter. Now he has a hellion on his hands, who's as clever as she is beautiful. He tries to convince himself she's not his type, but every time he touches her he can't deny the rush of sensation that leads straight to his loins, then to his heart. Soon he begins to question; can he let her go when it's over? 

MY THOUGHTS:
The author has come up with a great plot and story with characters that are great! The spark is there between them and the romance between the two is touching and hot.  I loved both of the characters and the author did a wonderful job with the details.  The story flowed very nicely, and the plot was suspenseful and romantic. Even though Brent is the kidnapper, he is still sweet and caring of Sophie. He doesn't push her around and I was happy with the ending.

A great quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading!

Labels:

BREAKFAST IN BED by Robin Kaye

BREAKFAST IN BED
Author: Robin Kaye
Source: Library Sale purchase
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; 1 edition (December 1, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402218958
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402218958
SYNOPSIS:
He'd be Mr. Perfect if he wasn't a perfect mess…

Rich Ronaldi is almost the complete package-smart, sexy, great job-but when his girlfriend dumps him, Rich swears he'll learn to cook and clean just to win her back…

She'll be happy to make him over, but not for another woman…

Rich is the only guy Becca Larsen's ever met who hasn't tried to change her. She's glad to help him master the domestic arts, but she'll be damned if he'll start cooking in another woman's kitchen-or bedroom…

MY THOUGHTS:
I am so happy to find another author that writes great romance. This is third book in the series and I loved it enough to go and purchase the rest of the series.

Rich was so funny and a typical man.  He's messy, has an ego the size of the sun, and has humor and sex appeal all in a lovely package! Becca was annoying at times, but she was his perfect match in humor and strength. I loved the dialogue between the two and I had a few laughs throughout their romance. My favorite part is when Rich tries to explain that he knows all about a woman's language. He knows what whatever, nothing and fine mean when they come out of a woman's mouth. He read it in an email so of course he knows a woman's language! 

I loved how their romance blossomed, wilted and came back to life! It captured my interest from page one and left me sighing with joy at the end.  A new author for me that has opened up a great world of romance and knows how to make a woman sigh with love at the end of the story!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf

For Rereading!

Labels:

WINNERS! For the Harlequin giveaway

I used Random.org to pick the 3 winners for the Harlequin Giveaway of Marrying For King's Millions. The winners are:



 
Congrats! You have 48 hours to send me your mailing address! Just send it to djsfoxylady@gmail.com
 
Please include in the subject line: HARLEQUIN WINNER
 
Thanks to all who entered and be sure to enter my other contest that is going on right now if you haven't already! 

GONE by Lisa McMann

GONE
Author: Lisa McMann
Source: Library
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Simon Pulse; 1 edition (February 9, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1416979182
  • ISBN-13: 978-1416979180
SYNOPSIS:
Dream-catcher Janie must decide her fate: continue living in society and helping the police but eventually become blind and crippled, or isolate herself completely. The choice becomes even more difficult when her father, in a coma and on the brink of death, comes into her life for the first time and reveals important information to Janie through his dreams. Cabel remains a steadfast and loving companion, and Janie’s mother, a barely functioning alcoholic, plays a greater role in this volume.

MY THOUGHTS:
It has been so long since I read this series that I almost forgot what was going on.  I remembered how I loved the story of Janie and Cabel so I was still excited to finally get to read it. I had forgotten how the author has a unique writing style that can seem confusing at first if you haven't read her first two books.  I think it is a really great concept in writing.  In this book, we got to see a lot of Janie's family and her agonizing decision about taking the lonely road in life or the difficult road with family and friends.  You could actually feel her pain as she struggled with what to do.  I still can't stand her mother, but at least we get some insight on why she is an alcoholic and we get to see Ms. Stubin again. 

Overall an okay book to finish the trilogy with.  I like how the story ends, but I would have loved it even more if Janie actually got to understand more in her father's dreams.  I felt she could have done so much more with that part of the story.  Instead of it being a climatic end to a series, it felt more like a filler book that should have gone between the other stories.

MY RATING:




 
Perfect For Rainy Days From the Library!


Labels: