When Blood Calls by J. K. Beck (Terra's Review) & Giveaway

Product Description


Attorney Sara Constantine is thrilled with her promotion—until she finds out that she must now prosecute vampires and werewolves. The first defendant she’ll be trying to put away? Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.


When Lucius kisses a beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s hoping only to avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss ignites into an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows that Sara is determined to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not a monster. And that might mean making the ultimate sacrifice.


(Terra's Thoughts)  This was one delicious book and a wonderful start to the J. K. Beck name.  Oh my, talk about wanting to have a romp in the dark with a blood sucking stud muffin.  Yowzer!  Hawt is too mild for this book and it has a wild pace that will keep you moving and guessing.

Sara Constantine is plagued by nightmares of vicious, dangerous, murdering beasts due to see her father killed right before her eyes when she was just a child.  Now as an adult she is an attorney for the percussion of those that would harm anyone.  Little does she know though that those things that we are told about as children that go bump in the night are actually as real as you and I.  A promotion in her job takes her into a world that a very select few know about and more dangerous that even the worst serial killer.

Lucius Dragos is about as hot as they come.  Tall, dark, handsome and with an air about him that commands attention and that's before you take into account that he is a vampire.  Sex with this delicious package is tender but wild and hotter than a skillet over the fire.  His one fault is that he doesn't always let the law divvy out the justice because Lucius is not patient when it comes to pay back.

J.K. Beck has given us a beginning to a series that promises top dollar in both romance and action.  A creative imagination as to the creatures of the unknown leaves you scratching your head wondering what else she will throw into upcoming books.  Oh the possibles are wondrous.  For those of you who are literal creatures instead of visual, this book will give you all you lust for and more.  I so cannot wait for the next one coming in late September early October to see who is next in the chain of trouble that is finger licking good.


Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Bantam; Original edition (August 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044024577X
ISBN-13: 978-0440245773

When Blood Calls <- Linky to Amazon

Okay now for the Giveaway!

I have a signed ARC (gently read) along with matching bookmark that I will give to one winner.


August 31st is the book's release day and to enter the giveaway leave a release day comment and your email addy to have a chance to win. This is a 24 hour event folks so you snooze you lose. Cut off time for entries is 11:59 P.M. August 31st and is open to everyone in the US and Canada.

No Mercy by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Trailer)

Synopsis


Live fast, fight hard and if you have to die then take as many of your enemies with you as you can. That is the Amazon credo and it was one Samia lived and died by. Now in contemporary New Orleans, the immortal Amazon warrior is about to learn that there’s a worse evil coming to slaughter mankind than she’s ever faced before.


Shapeshifter Dev Peltier has stood guard at the front of Sanctuary for almost two hundred years and in that time, he’s seen it all. Or so he thought. Now their enemies have discovered a new source of power- one that makes a mockery of anything faced to date.


The war is on and Dev and Sam are guarding ground zero. But in order to win, they will have to break the most cardinal of all rules and pray it doesn’t unravel the universe as we know it.


Product Details
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312546564
ISBN-13: 978-0312546564

Seduced by a Highlander by Paula Quinn Blog Tour (5 Copy Giveaway and Review)

I've got 5 books to give away, many thanks to Anna at Forever Romance (Hachette Books) for this fantastic giveaway!!

So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry!
1. Leave a Comment +1
2. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2
3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +3

PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and Canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!Winners will be announced on September 11th 2010!


SINS THAT CAN'T BE FORGIVEN

Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he's dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at king's court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan's greatest enemies.

PASSION THAT CAN'T BE DENIED

Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. She's horrified to learn that the handsome stranger she kissed is of this clan. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel's body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she's sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?

(Terra's Thoughts) First off, how many times can you say YUMM? That's what you will be saying all through this book that's for certain. Yummy Highlander (yes kilt and all) and a wee spirited Scottish lass make for an intriguing test of patience as all she knows how to do is say NO! Talk about a run for the money here folks, for that's what Isobel gives Tristan. Well that and more. LOL!

Isobel Fergusson is a fiery little lass with a tongue that could take varnish off the wall in seconds. She is second in line of 8 siblings and after their mother died and father was killed by a rival clan, it's up to Isobel and her eldest brother Patrick to raise the rest of the brood. Hatred for their enemy is one of the things that keeps them going when things get tough and their strong love for each other keeps them safe and close.

Tristan MacGregor is sooooo handsome that women can't help but go week in the knee's in his presence. Even espying him from some distance can make any of the female persuasion stop dead in their tracks. Tristan is a rogue in the most mundane sense of the word until fair Isobel of the hated Fergussons crosses his path at the Kings Coronation. For both of them it's love at first sight but what happens when names are finally spoken and true identities unfold.

This story is strong but tender, emotional in many different ways and a comic in so many others. You won't know whether you should feel pity or hilarious gratitude at some of the antics that arise from a touching clash of personalities. The passion will leave your toes tingling and rapturous in appetite. From beginning to end it is non stop and leaves you panting and drooling for more upon it's ending. Ahhh....there is nothing like a good book for a wonderful escape from our own harsh realities.

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446552372
ISBN-13: 978-0446552370

Winner of Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt!

*Melissa (jedisakora @ The Little Corner of the World)

*mindy (minsthins at optonline dot net)  

*Meredith (meredithfl at gmail dot com)

*susan (suelee1998 @gmail.com)

*scottsgal (msboatgal at aol.com)

Please send your snail mail info to terraontop57 at yahoo dot com. You have seven (7) days to claim your prize or it will go to someone else.  Congrats to our winners and I hope you enjoy your prize!

Looky, looky what I just got to review. Wohoo!

Synopsis


Fantasy romance by an author acclaimed for her remarkable world-building and compelling love stories


Kathryne Kennedy's award-winning first book, now available for the first time to the trade market, features a magical, watery world in which mammoth trees grow up from the ocean floor, supporting all life within their canopy. In spite of the beauty and abundance, the world is harshly divided into two classes: pampered royalty and struggling have-nots. In search of a Healer for her swampland village, smuggler Mahri Zin inadvertently kidnaps the heir to the throne, Korl Com'nder. As the two become lovers, they discover that not only are their fates intertwined, but the very survival of their peoples depends on them...

Synopsis


Award-winning debut author Grace Burrowes introduces a deeply engaging series of Regency romances


A debut novel by a rising star with remarkable characters, intriguing plots, and settings of fascinating historical accuracy. In this Regency era battle of wits, wills, and the sexes, a wily old duke is determined to see the succession of his line secured, and his three headstrong sons are equally determined to resist the bonds of matrimony. In The Heir, the first in the series, the Earl of Wyndham, weighed down by responsibilities and determined to avoid the rounds of country houses of and matchmaking mamas, decides to summer in London. There he discovers a potentially perfect duchess in his lovely, mysterious housekeeper...

Synopsis


Lord Dashiel Thorpe has fought his true nature his entire life, but whenever the moonlight proves too powerful, Dashiel is unable to control the werewolf within him. It is on one such moonlit night that Dashiel accidentally bites the beautiful Scottish witch, Caitrin McLeod. Though now bound to him irrevocably, Cait decides that she wants nothing to do with him. When she flees to her native Scotland, Dashiel has no choice but to follow her and convince her that it was nothing short of destiny that has bound them together body and soul.

Warrior by Zoe Archer Coming Soon

If you want to read awesome books then make sure and pick up Zoe's Blades of the Rose Series. I just love Zoe's writing and I'm sure you will too. She will be here to visit with us on September 14th so make sure and come back to see what she's about.

For The King's Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick (Terra's Review)

A Bittersweet Tale of Love, Loss, and the Power of Royalty

When Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry II's court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute, he becomes enchanted with Ida de Tosney, young mistress to the powerful king. A victim of Henry's seduction and the mother of his son, Ida sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life. But Ida pays an agonizing price when she leaves the king, and as Roger's importance grows and he gains an earldom, their marriage comes under increasing strain. Based on the true story of a royal mistress and the young lord she chose to marry, For the King's Favor is Elizabeth Chadwick at her best.

(Terra's Thoughts) I can't tell you how much I really loved this book with gushing over our author and her writing style til she blushes. Another fantastic story told during the same period as that of William Marshall and his books, The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion but this time dealing with Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk.

This time our hero and heroine are on pretty even footing with their stories inter tangling close to the beginning of the book. The fact that our characters are put together at a younger age and you get to see more of their personal life and strife's makes one thankful for the progress in culture down through the centuries. I also love the in depth little touches the author gave each character to make them seem more venerable and real in a highly personal way.

Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk is not the bright and shinning star his bastard of a father wants him to be. Considered nothing better than the scrapings on the bottom of ones boot and the abuse that he takes not only from his father but also from his half brothers and step mother leave Roger no choice but to join ranks with King Henry II and try to prove to the King his worth. The sins of the father don't always pass down to become the sins of the son and one should be given a chance to prove oneself before being judged. So Roger's journey is about to begin and the choices he makes will prove him either a sinner or a saint so to speak.

Ida de Tosney is a ward of the King and a very beautiful one at that. We all know how King Henry II was and for a young girl of fifteen years to escape the notice of the King when she is so innocent and beautiful is very highly unlikely. Ida does not accept her lot in life as easily as some of the King's other concubines but she comes to terms as with her situation in due time. Giving the King another bastard child and then having the child ripped from her life is enough to test even the most patient and agreeable of us.

With the marriage of Roger and Ida brings about a fresh start for both of them but with baggage from their past rearing it's ugly head around far to many corners. Can they overcome the obstacles placed before them without letting the pain of the past swallow them up? Their story will show a resilience and courage that will prevail through history.

Paperback: 544 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402244495
ISBN-13: 978-1402244490

Hawk of May by Gillian Bradshaw (Terra's Review)

On The Path Toward Greatness, Every Hero Makes a Choice

Legends sing of Sir Gawain, one of the most respected warriors of King Arthur's reign and one of the greatest champions of all time. But this is not that story. This is the story of Gwalchmai, middle son of the beautiful, infinitely evil sorceress Morgawse, and gifted student of her dark magical arts. A story of an uncertain man, doubting his ability to follow his elder brother's warrior prowess and seeking to find his own identity by bonding with his frightening and powerful mother. Disappointed in himself and despised by his father, Gwalchmai sets out on a journey that will lead him to the brink of darkness...

A tale of loss, redemption, and adventure, Hawk of May brings new depth and understanding to Sir Gawain, the legend of King Arthur, and the impact of choices made-and the consequences that follow.

(Terra's Thoughts) If you like tales of King Arthur then you will most likely enjoy this one. It smatters of courage, darkness, magic, cruelty and kindness, justice and liberation and all the things that you have come to relish in the tales of King Arthur and his brave knights.

From a very young age Gwalchmai is frowned upon by his father and elder brother as everything he seems to try and do falls short of the elders expectations. He is coddled by his mother the Queen Morgawse, who in her own right is the flesh and blood of evil incarnate.

The Queen takes Gwalchmai and embroiders him in her evil magic showing him the ways of the dark and of discord and hatred. When time to take his final testing to become more than just a dabbler in the dark ways, our young man realizes without a doubt that he is not meant for this and he must find and prove his way through and to the light of goodness and purity. Only the light can redeem a man and make him whole in mind and body to serve and protect that which is just and good.

It is through Gwalchmai's trials and hardships that strengthen him and his path to the light is guided by his magic sword. His unquestioning belief makes him who he is to be and finally he sheds the darkness that surrounds him trying with all it's might to engulf him.

Gwalchmai fights for his King and Country even though he is not wanted. Arthur in all his goodness can only see the darkness which surrounds this young man and it blinds him to the truth which is just out of the corner of sight. This is a great test for our beloved King to continue to bask in the bright light of all that is Holy.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402240708
ISBN-13: 978-1402240706

Captured by Desire by Kira Morgan (Guest Post, Review and 5 copy giveaway)

"What is it about Historical Romance that seems to capture the appeal not only of women but some men today?"

Thank you so much for inviting me to guest post today! It’s great to be able to “meet” my readers, and I hope you’ll keep in touch.

I’m delighted to discover that so many readers--women AND men--share my love of historical romance. But what is it that makes those sweeping, swashbuckling stories so appealing?

Romance in general is emotionally satisfying--for both sexes. The one-woman-one-man-happy-ending journey resonates within most of us. Even as children, we learn that for every princess, someday her prince will come. We’re told bedtime stories that end with the hero and heroine happily ever after. Movies, TV shows, even commercials capitalize on the comfort and security of the man-woman relationship.

When a reader picks up a romance novel, it’s with the assurance that no matter how much trouble the hero and heroine get into, no matter how many misunderstandings occur between them, no matter how fate intervenes to keep them apart, they will ultimately be united in a definitive and fulfilling way. When that happens, we all breathe a sigh of contentment. Boy gets girl, and all’s right with the world.

This is important, because in our real lives, that may not always be the case. Romance novels provide an idealized vision of what love should be and, for many readers, offer an escape to a more optimistic, exciting, and gratifying world.

The beauty of adding history to romance is that it gives that escape a certain depth and drama not possible in contemporary novels. The past is cloaked in mystery, bound by strange codes of conduct, and full of larger-than-life characters. When we delve into a historical romance, we’re suddenly immersed in a reality where forced marriages, kidnapping, and hand-to-hand combat are the norm.

Here we can live vicariously in the armor of a noble knight or cross the prairie as a mail-order bride. We can fight in the Civil War or dance at a Regency ball, sail a pirate ship on the high seas or pan for gold in California, save the princess in the tower or rescue the prince from the dungeon.

Though romance novels have traditionally been the domain of women, enlightened men are beginning to appreciate a new kind of historical--one that’s action-packed and full of adventure, with empowered heroines who can stand on their own two feet and self-assured heroes who can sweep them off of them!

I love writing stories that entertain both sexes, and I’m hoping CAPTURED BY DESIRE is the kind of book that will appeal to men and women alike.

Contest

We have 5 books to give away, many thanks to Anna at Forever Romance (Hachette Books) for this fantastic giveaway!!
So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry!
1. Leave a Comment +12. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2
3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +34. Follow my daughters blog: http://frugalaxy.blogspot.com/ +4
PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and Canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!
Winners will be announced on September 1st 2010!


(Terra's Thoughts) This book caught me off guard with it's romantic intensity. Ever so sensual and emotional this is sure to catch you in the huntsman's bulls eye having cupids arrow slice deliciously into your soul. A grappling story of life's injustices, curses and down right evil greed that add the perfect touches to a story of true love at first sight.

Florie Gilder is truly beautiful, delicate, petite, stubborn as the day is long and a much admired goldsmith in her own right. Even making pieces that have Princess Mary of Scotland commissioning Florie for her own use.

What Florie really needs though is to find her real father for she is a bastard child raised by her mother and a Goldsmith of high standing in his guild. With her mother now gone and her step father in his cups more than out, Florie decides that it's time for her to see for herself if she can make it as a goldsmith and find the man who sired her. Being naive and far too trusting sets off a chain of events that will show Florie just what the real world is really like outside of Stirlin.

Rane McAlister is a Viking God in every physical way possible. Tall, light haired with golden skin from being outside working, a mannerism that speaks of a kind gentle giant. He has a skill as a huntsman of the highest standing but one skip of the arrow from a moments distractions puts him in a place that causes him emotional pain so searing that it will surely take this kind and generous hunk of man and change him forever.

The story is solid and very romantic. Light but with a dark reality strewn from greed and just plain evil. It shows a compassion and forgiveness that all of us should take a lesson from. The author has most certainly captured the true essence of the times and dear God am I glad to live in this day and age. A nice piece of fluff to let you escape your own harsh reality even for just a little bit.

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (July 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446548189
ISBN-13: 978-0446548182

F.Y.I.

Just a little F.Y.I. folks. If you are looking for flowers or gift baskets or even something from Amazon, how about clicking on my link in the sidebar on this page. When you do go though my link I earn a tiny amount so that I can also earn my pennies to put towards items that I need. Being on a fixed income is the pits for sure and I'm possitive lots of you hear me on that tune. So please think of me when you might be needing something from one of these great companies. I have tried all of them and you know I love them to have them here with us. Thanks so much.
huggs,
Terra

The Exile of Sara Stevenson (Terra's Review)

In 1814, Sara Stevenson, the well-bred but high-spirited daughter of celebrated Scottish lighthouse designer Robert Stevenson, falls in love with a common sailor, Thomas Crichton. On the day of their clandestine elopement, Thomas mysteriously disappears, leaving Sara heartbroken, secretly pregnant, and at the mercy of her overbearing family. Refusing to relinquish her hopes that Thomas will someday return to her, Sara is banished to an eerie lighthouse on lonely and remote Cape Wrath. There she meets William Campbell, the reclusive yet dashing light-keeper who incites her ire—and interest. Soon Sara begins to accept her life on the cape and her growing attraction to William—until a mystifying package from an Oxford antiquarian arrives, giving intriguing clues to Thomas’s whereabouts. Through her correspondence with the antiquarian, Sara slowly uncovers the story of her beloved’s fate. But what she doesn’t immediately grasp is that these letters travel an even greater distance than she could have imagined—as the boundaries between time and space unravel to forge an incredible connection between a woman and a man many years apart.

(Terra's Thoughts) This book you're either going to like or don't like. I found the beginning a bit slow but it does pick up if you stick with it and the ending is so emotionally tolling that you can't help the tears cascading down your cheeks for our Hero and Heroine.

The story is a pure love story with a touch of the otherworld. Set in the northern most hostile parts of Scotland it is a very hard life for those who choose to live here and even harder for those who are banished to this remote island. Never the less the realities of life are in all parts of the world so why should a place like this escape notice by the Devine!

I'm sure you can guess that our heroine Sara has been banished here by her family for shaming them with her indiscretion with a young sailor well below her station in life. She never gives up hope that he will someday find her and make her his wife. I guess this is a lesson that we should all have hope until proven otherwise.

Our hero #1 is a young sailor that is lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to fall madly in love with this beautiful creature by the name of Sara Stevenson. He promises her that he will do nothing short of "Moving Heaven and Earth" to make her his and by God own hands, this is a promise to be kept to some point.

Our hero #2 is a lighthouse keeper and a man with a very troubled past. He is so troubled that darkness and ghosts follow him to the point of near insanity. A miserable temperament and nature keeps anyone and everyone away from him due to the rawness that emancipates from his very pores. Will the kindness of one pregnant girl bring about some light for this troubled soul or will he plunge back into his darkness upon the birth of her child?

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (July 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345520548
ISBN-13: 978-0345520548

Christmas in July Winner!!

And the Winner for our Christmas in July Contest is............. coliebear! I've not received any info from our first choice winner so the new winner picked today 8/2 is.............Martha Lawson! Okay so no one has contacted me yet so lets try this again, our new winner picked today 8/9 is..............moriah!

Congrats and you have seven (7) days in which to get me your shipping info or your prize will be forfeit and awarded to someone else. Please send your shipping info to terraontop57 @ yahoo . com .

(Winner was chosen at random from www.random.org)

Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt (5 Copy Giveaway and Review)

I've got 5 books to give away, many thanks to Anna at Forever Romance (Hachette Books) for this fantastic giveaway!!

So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry! 1. Leave a Comment +1
2. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2 3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +3 4. Follow my daughters blog: http://frugalaxy.blogspot.com/ +4 PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and Canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!
Winners will be announced on August 24th 2010!







REVIEW

(Terra's Thoughts) Oh my, first off let me say that if you love Elizabeth's other books this one is going to grab you by the collar and not let go. I think this is the best yet and it's another series. Wohoo! More, I want more!!!!

Temperance Dews is the most compassionate, saintly, and wonderfully attractive woman that has come along in some time for our hero. Although she is not exceptionally beautiful she has a quality about her that shines brighter than the stars and a secret hidden so deep that even Satan himself would have a hard time finding it buried in the dark charcoal depths of Hell.

Temperance and her brother Winter run a home for orphans from the St. Giles part of London which is the most dangerous place in all of England itself. They risk limb and life to rescue children who are just thrown away like yesterday's rotten trash. But how can they keep the home running now that their patron has died?

Lazarus Huntington, aka Lord Caire is a bastard in the most professional meaning of the word and an uncaring one at that. He feels intense physical and emotional pain should someone physically touch his skin almost akin to the most scorching burn. So how is it he frequents a whore a few times a week? And as uncaring as he is how is it that he should find it a mission to find the whore's murderer hidden somewhere in St. Giles?

The story is full of action and stark sizzling romance, just a bit of purity, extreme danger, heartache, anger and a few deliciously described men that are sure to make you feel like a young girl in the throws of her first orgasm. Really, what more could you ask for. The author has outdone herself here and I personally can't wait to read the story of Lady Hero. Yowzer!
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (July 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044655894X
ISBN-13: 978-0446558945