Book Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release date: 25th October 2011
Published by: Harlequin
Genre: YA

Blurb: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.


To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My Rating:  A MUST READ!!


My Review: I was so happy to be able to read and review The Iron Knight thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin.

Wow..just wow! What an amazing conclusion to such a spine-tingling, awe-inspiring adventure.
I was truly captivated from the first few words, it was such a thrill to read from Ash's POV (don't get me wrong I love Meghan) it just helps us understand him a little better.

The story is wonderfully written, it took me on such an emotional journey, to feel what the characters where feeling I was literally glued to each page, at one point I was so mad I wanted to jump in the book and do some serious slapping, another I was in tears (make that a few times) *winks* while laughing out loud from alot of  Puck's snarky comments (of course lol) Then I was gripping the edge of my seat in anticipation of what was going to happen next. But mostly I will admit while reading this story I had a smile plasted on my face pretty much the whole time... #TeamAsh *swoons*

We get introduced to new & old characters and some unexpected, each one brings something new and exciting to the story. Secrets get revealed, friendships get tested, can true love prevail?

Well to find the answer to that you'll need to read The Iron Knight, this has to be my favourite read of 2011.

Here's a little looksie into picking Ash and Puck for the cover...

I've already pre-ordered my copy...here's where you can too THE BOOK DEPOSITORY OR AMAZON

Here's The Iron Fey Trailer..

 Mark your calenders for 25th October 2011.

Romancing Your Dark Side Tour - Book Review: Sunrise at Sunset by Jaz Primo & Giveaway

Title: Sunrise at Sunset (Sunset Vampire #1)
Author: Jaz Primo
Released: 30th September 2010
Published by: Rutherford Literary Group
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal


Blurb: We vampires are focused and tend to shape our own realities. My name is Katrina Rawlings, and I am a vampire. I declare that with neither pride nor ego. I am simply nature's most dangerous predator. On occasion, it's a very valuable quality. It helped me protect Caleb Taylor one day when he was very young. But that single, traumatic day is behind him now; wiped from his memory, or so I hope. Caleb has finally matured into a rather striking young man, and believe me, I like what I see. I'll readily admit that there are issues for us to confront and overcome, though a sense of mutual commitment isn't one of them. I'm feeling hopeful for our future together, in fact. But an adversary from my past has returned to haunt me, and she's trying to get back at me through Caleb. That was her first...and last...mistake. I'll protect my Caleb at all costs, and I'll make her regret the day she was born. So, I suppose that I'm not just a vampire. I'm about to become someone's worst nightmare!



My Rating:  A Great Read!



My Review: For me this story is the first one I've read where the female is the vampire and the male is the human, it simply was a breath of fresh air. I became entranced with the prologue, it hooks you and reels you in.
I found myself turning each page with anticipation to find out what was going to happen next. So much danger to keep you on the edge of your seat, heart throbing love, passion that'll have you all gooey inside, we also can't forget some kick ass action.

Each character has a unique quality. We have Katrina, she's the alpha vamp, always gets what she wants, but has a hidden softer side which we get to see when shes with Caleb. But I also found her to be just a little too motherly, she becomes very protective but she means well.
Caleb's the sweet vulnerable type, would give his whole heart and soul, he's also strong and would fight (even vamps) for what he believes in. He's just too damn lovable lol.
Paige.. now she was a hoot to read, she had me in fits of giggles, I even got weird looks from my husband cause I was either reading with a huge grin or giggling over something that was said or done lol. Paige is the fun type that loves to push buttons and see how far she can get before something blows.
All the characters mixed together make the story such a compelling read. It'll have you coming back for more.

If your the vampire reading type or are looking for something new and exciting to read than give this one a try. Katrina won't bite....too hard!! *winks*

Read the thrilling prologue HERE

Book 2 is also out now it's called A Bloody London Sunset and I know that I'll devour that one too lol.

Sunrise at sunset BUY LINKS: Paperback or ebook  AMAZON OR BARNES & NOBLE

You can find more info about both book/s here at Jaz Primo's Website

Don't forget to check out these.. Facebook , Goodreads , Twitter , Blog

A little about the Author:

I've been a fan of vampires, fantasy, and sci-fi forever, or at least for the small portion of forever that has constituted my life to this point. Nevertheless, in addition to reading, I love creative writing. That was a hobby that began when I was in elementary school, and which has been refined through many years of practice, as well as continued education through my Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees. So, it's a bit of a lifelong dream to both write and publish a novel. Sunrise at Sunset is the product of character and storyline development that has bounced around my imagination over the years, and was finally refined into a cogent, linear story. Fortunately, the characters and setting are so vivid and rich in my mind that I see a number of developments taking place in the future.
My life has been a satisfying blend of personal, professional, and educational experiences. I am very blessed to have the support of family, friends, and professional associates to encourage and share in my literary journey. Finally, I'm so very happy to have a presence on the Internet because it allows me to reach out to others with similar interests. And hopefully, it will allow me to reach out to my current and future fans, as well.


One lucky commenter will win themselves an e-copy of Sunrise at Sunset. Just leave your email addy with a comment, ends 1st September 12.01am.

Good Luck to you all and happy reading!

Picture Perfect Blog Tour Excerpt/Giveaway w/ Deena Remiel

Hey Book Lovers,

We have a little treat for you today. We are the next stop on Deena Remiel's blog book tour for Picture Perfect. We are so happy to be apart of this tour. Deena has to be one of my favorite authors, she has such an amazing writing style, one that draws you in and has you hanging on every word, each story takes you on a new and exciting adventure. She's truely an inspiration.

 

Here's an excerpt from Picture Perfect...

 

“Stay right there! Don’t move! I gotta change the lighting real fast.”

No problem. I always like a woman’s firm breast smashed against my lips for extended periods of time. Jamie, the consummate professional, had felt the breasts of hundreds of women on his face, his lips, and in his hands during his successful modeling career. Today was no different. Except for one tiny difference. The model whose breast was gracing his lips wanted it there, not so much for the exquisite photo it would provide, but for herself. He sighed inwardly. How many times would he have to tell Brittany that they were just friends, that the poses were strictly business? It was a mixed blessing that they took such amazing shots together. It was like they knew exactly how to move together as one, giving the photographer what he wanted- sensuality that was over the top. But when the camera stopped clicking, it was over. For Jamie. Apparently, Brittany kept losing that memo.

“All right, got it. Now you can move. Really heighten the sensuality now.” The photographer turned up the volume on his iPod as Chris Isaak crooned Wicked Game and sent erotic vibes throughout the hotel room.

Jamie lost himself in the passionate play, raking seeking fingers through Brittany’s hair and licking her neck to earlobe. Brittany gave him a tempting stare, moaned and arched back, giving him full reign over her body. He leaned forward, resting his head on her breasts and closed his eyes. He trailed his hands down her waist to her panties and tugged.

“Hold it! Changing position!”

“I can’t hold it, Bill! My back is killing me!” She crumpled all the way to the mattress. “I need a break. Can we break for ten minutes, sugar?”

“Bill, take ten.” The photographer nodded, set down the camera, and left the hotel room. “Go ahead and relax, Brit. I have a phone call to make anyway.”

“I thought maybe we could relax together, you know?” She raised her arms and grabbed Jamie on top of her. “Release some of this extra tension and energy.”

“Brittany, I….” He raised himself off of her. “I thought we had an understanding.”

“Oh, you’re no fun at all.” She got up on her knees and played with the waistband of her panties. “I know you want me, James. You always want me. You just like to play hard to get.”

She pushed her breasts against his chest. He gently but firmly grabbed her shoulders and pushed her off. “Save it for the camera, honey, okay?”

“You’re seriously not going to take me up on my offer?”

“I didn’t the first time you offered, or the second. And I’m not going to now. We’ve got a great business relationship, Brit. For the camera only. Let’s keep it that way.” He hated to have to say this over and over again, but she played thick as a brick.

She pouted, sulked, and got off the bed. He watched as she picked up her jeans and squeezed herself into each pant leg. She snatched her shirt from the bureau.

“Uh , what are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m leaving.” She thrust her head through the neck of the t-shirt, pulled it down, and walked out of the bedroom part of the suite.

Jamie jumped off the bed and hurried after her in his boxers. “What are you talking about? We still have three more hours to shoot. That’s what I contracted the photographer for. You can’t just walk out on me like this.”

She walked to the door, turned, and glared at him. “Watch me.”

“You’re backing out on me just because I won’t screw you? Seriously?”

“When you figure out that we are meant to be together behind the camera as well as in front, you can call me. Maybe I’ll be around. But, I’m done with you and your mixed messages.” She opened the door and stormed out leaving Jamie standing in the middle of the room, scratching his head in amazement.

A little about Deena Remiel..

It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career as an author. When she’s not writing novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her heartstrings.



Follow the tour to the end for the amazing Final Stop giveaway.

BUY LINKS: FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY PICTURE PERFECT (kindle addition) IS 0.99 CENTS OVER AT AMAZON & SMASHWORDS SO GO GET YOUR COPY NOW!!!

ALSO IN PAPERBACK FOR ONLY $4.49 AT AMAZON & ON NOOK AT BARNES & NOBLE

For your chance to win a e-copy of Picture Perfect just leave a comment with your email addy and tell us... 'what your favorite Picture Perfect moment is?' (could be anything) Winner will be announced 27th August.

The next stop on the tour is over with Me And Reading

 

Oh, we can't forget Jimmy Thomas a gorgeous romance cover model, who just happens to be on Deena's Picture Perfect cover. ( also the Brethren Beginnings cover) *swoons*

Phew! Did it just get hotter in here?  Happy Reading! *winks*

WINNERS

Hey Book Lovers,

Using Random.org...

The winner of the e-book copy of Embody by Jamie Magee is.... **DRUM ROLL**



                                          NIKKI




And the winner (I'm announcing a little early) of the e-book copy of Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand is.... **DRUM ROLL**



                            TEMPERANCE           



 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!


We'll forward your email addy's to the authors and they'll get your prizes to you soon.

Thank you so much to everyone that joined us, we'll be having alot more giveaways and fun interviews etc on the blog, so keep an eye out.

Happy Reading!

Romancing Your Dark Side Book Tour Interview/Giveaway w/ BK Walker

Hey Book Lovers,

We have another treat for you today. As part of the Romancing Your Dark Side tour I've had the honor to interview author BK Walker. So sit back and enjoy!


What or who inspired you to become a writer?

I think the writer has always been inside of me. Even as a child I would write or fabricate stories and tell them to my stuffed animals. (sometimes they would answer back too lol). One day my muse had enough and forced me to write a book. She can be pretty demanding at times :).

Who is your favourite Author & what is it that really strikes you about their work?

My all time fav is Nora Roberts, especially as JD Robb. I love her humor and drive in her stories. She is always an inspiration.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

Trying to go against my muse. There are times when I think a story should go one way, but Mouthy Mary, as I like to call her, argues to the point that I eventually give in. When I give in, I do notice that the story flows more smoothly. I just like to keep her on her toes at times.

What was the most surprising things your learned in writing your book?

That I could actually write a book that people like to read! I always think in the back of my mind that I'm the only one that would like to hear my story. I'm always nervous putting my books in the hands of reviewers, but always remind myself that you just can't please everyone.

Do you ever experience writers block?

YES! Although, I'm not so sure it's actual writer's block as much as it's me trying to get my own way with the story. Like I said above, I tend to argue with my muse/characters a lot before the story will flow as it should.

What is the last book you read?

I just finished Hunting Human by Amanda E. Alvarez. Amazing!

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?

Janis Joplin hands down. She is my favorite musical artist, and even for just one day, I would love to sing her music. She was so talented. I know a lot of people don't like her, but she moves me.

What do you like to do when your not writing?

Haha...I have to laugh, because even when I'm not writing, I'm still doing something with writing. I organize virtual book tours through The Virtual Book Tour Cafe', I do book reviews, and am always answering emails. I like it though, it keeps me busy. In all seriousness though, when I'm taking a “break”, I'm usually at a baseball game with my boys. They are avid ball players and my youngest just made District All Stars this year. We were so proud of him, but thankfully, (sssshh, I didn't say that), ball is over because I'm tired of running all over the state lol.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Night Secrets is completely fictional. Keara has a small part of me, but nothing really strong. My book Death Upon Me is based on true events, but I'll never tell what is true and what is not (to protect the innocent of course, mainly me haha).

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher. I was always playing school, again with my stuffed animals (I didn't play with dolls much). As I grew older though, my love for animals grew too and I wanted to become a Vet. I settled for caring for people instead of animals though, and became a nurse. Sometimes I think animals would be easier, but I enjoy it for the most part.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Ashley Judd. She's so gorgeous and kick ass when she needs to be.

What project are you working on now?

I'm hoping to release my next book, Broken Captive next month. This title is about a girl that is broken down by abuse, and held captive by her self mutilation. When she finally finds someone to love her, he is ripped from her life tragically. I'm also working on another paranormal romance titled Serpent Seekers, and my muse struck me with another one, High Heels & Handcuffs. A Cowboy romantic drama.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Dream a Dream and Reach for the Skies! Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you can't write if you feel it passionately. Write for you and nobody else, and put it out there.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you for supporting Indie Authors. If it wasn't for you guys, we would have no reason to write.

Light or Dark chocolate?

Dark

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee

Dogs or Cats?

Both

Favourite Colour?

Purple

George Clooney or Hugh Jackman?

George Clooney (oooh la la)

Favourite Disney movie?

Pocahontas. I'm a sucker for anything Native American.


Thank you so much for answering some of my questions and joining us on the blog.
Bio:

BK Walker currently lives in Central Pennsylvania with her three children, Brittney, Hunter and Danny, her dogs Rancid, Sadie and Haven, a cat named Whiskers and a goldfish named Fat Albert. She has always had a love for reading and writing, even as a child she created stories reading them to her stuffed animals. With a love for vampires and werewolves, you will not be disappointed with her writing as she mixes up the paranormal juice. Aside from writing, BK also supports Indie Authors organizing virtual book tours, helping them to market and promote their work. Her book review site, BWB Reviews, is just another small way she contributes to the reading world. With many stories floating around in her head, she writes when she gets the time between working as a Pediatric Home Care Nurse, being a single mother, and continuing her college education in Graphic Art Design.
When she's not arguing with her muse, you will often find her at a baseball game with her boys or drinking iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts enjoying a good book.

Night Secrets Blurb:

Keara Crosby had the perfect life. Her family was not hurting for anything. When her parents are suddenly killed, Keara must learn to live without them. After mourning their death for two months, Keara starts to live again. She follows her favorite band, hangs with her best friend Jared, and falls for the new kid on the block.


When her favorite band is playing at Night Secrets, a new club downtown, she takes her first outing since her parents death and finds this mysterious boy watching her. Mesmerized by his lapus blue eyes, she can't help but feel drawn to him. Her body responds to him in ways she never thought possible, and she needs to figure out why. What is it about Channing that has her yearning for his touch?


Not only is Keara drawn to Channing, but the owner of Night Secrets seems to be drawn to her. Giving her special treatment, she can't help but wonder what he's hiding, and the sense she's seen him before. When she's attacked in the parking lot, her world turns inside out, literally. Keara will soon learn that secrets of the night, just may be the death of her.


Excerpt:

Channing had his arm around me as we walked out to
his Hummer. “I wonder where Corbin was tonight. I was
surprised we didn’t see him.”

“I was a bit surprised too. I figured ol’ fangs would
have been there to see his ‘Sweet Keara’”. He smirked.
“Very funny.” I was actually surprised that this was the
first we had spoke of Corbin or mystical creatures all
night. He opened my door again and I was halfway into
my seat and gasped. “I forgot my jacket.”

“Oh. Okay, I will run back and get it. Be right back.”
I nodded and closed my door. He was really sweet. I
loved the smell of him, how his eyes glow even brighter
when he looks at me. He was handsome too. How did I
get so lucky?

Just then my door opened. “Wow that was….” I
couldn’t even finish my sentence before being ripped out
of my seat. Dante’ gripped my wrist so tight I thought it
might break. “Let go of me!”

As he started dragging me by my wrist across the
parking lot I felt my muscles tighten. I knew soon it would
be followed by the pain.

“Your precious Corbin isn’t here tonight to save you,
Sweet Keara.” Dante’ mocked Corbin in a daunting tone.
The pain was creeping in. Don’t fight it Keara. Just
don’t fight it. My bones felt like they were going to burst
from the inside out. I could feel them literally wanting to
break. My muscles started cramping and it doubled me
over.

It was enough to have Dante’ stop and look back at
me. “You cannot fake sickness Keara. I don’t fall for
human tricks that easily.”

The pain worsened, and I could feel the muscles in my
calves and thighs tighten like a wrung towel. I fell to my
knees. I heard the first bone crack as it tried to reshape
itself. My fingers stretched outward and I cried out in
pain.

“What is happening to you Keara?” Dante’ let go of my
wrist when he felt the bones move under his grip.

The muscles tightened in my back and neck, bowing
my back and forcing my head towards my chest. “Oh my
God!” I cried out. The pain was horrible.

The skin tore as the bones reshaped themselves.
Yellow and white goo started pouring from the openings
where the skin ripped. My vision started changing, again
like I was looking through etched glass. I heard more
bones breaking. It hurt so bad, too bad to cry even. I
clenched my teeth, trying to breathe through it. Just
don’t fight it. You’re fighting it! I knew I was fighting it. It
was so sudden I couldn’t even think.

More warm liquid flowed from my body. I could feel my
hair starting to stick to my face. The next thing I knew, I
could see clearly. I was looking down at the ground, and
I saw Dante’ staring up at me. I looked around and
realized I was in the air above, gliding on feathered
wings. I looked at my body, my wings, shiny and black
as night. A raven. I was a raven.


Bio:

BK Walker currently lives in Central Pennsylvania with her three children, Brittney, Hunter and Danny, her dogs Rancid, Sadie and Haven, a cat named Whiskers and a goldfish named Fat Albert. She has always had a love for reading and writing, even as a child she created stories reading them to her stuffed animals. With a love for vampires and werewolves, you will not be disappointed with her writing as she mixes up the paranormal juice. Aside from writing, BK also supports Indie Authors organizing virtual book tours, helping them to market and promote their work. Her book review site, BWB Reviews, is just another small way she contributes to the reading world. With many stories floating around in her head, she writes when she gets the time between working as a Pediatric Home Care Nurse, being a single mother, and continuing her college education in Graphic Art Design.
When she's not arguing with her muse, you will often find her at a baseball game with her boys or drinking iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts enjoying a good book.
Websites to check out:

Author Blog - http://authorbkwalker.blogspot.com
Paranormal Blog - www.immortylcafe.com
Virtual Book Tour Cafe' Blog - www.vbtcafe.com
Magazine - http://writinginnovations.blogspot.com
Review Site – www.bkwalkerbooks.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1831525609
Twitter – www.twitter.com/bk36

Night Secrets available at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com


2 lucky commenters will win their selves an e-copy of Night Secrets, so to be in the draw leave a comment with your email. We'll announce the lucky winners 22nd August.

Good Luck to you all.

Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand NEW Cover Reveal / Giveaway

Hey book lovers,

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.



We have a very special treat for you today, author Heather Hildenbrand has given her book Dirty Blood a cover make over. So we have the special honor of helping her reveal this amazing book with it's new and (may I say) gorgeous cover. I've read and reviewed this book and it's simply amazing! Here's my Review of Dirty Blood ...


A little something about Dirty Blood: I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up.

Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And two, I was born to kill them.

Here's the old cover..

Dirty Blood has received a facelift! Check out the brand new cover for Heather Hildenbrand’s newest YA paranormal romance, now available as an ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and other major ebook retail outlets for just $0.99! Also available in paperback from Amazon or CreateSpace for $11 plus shipping, or visit her website at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com for more information or to order a signed copy.


NEW COVER FOR DIRTY BLOOD

I LOVE IT!!! Just gorgeous!! :D

Here's a note from Heather: Thanks so much for all the support from readers and fans that have already made this book a huge success for me. I hope you love the new cover just as much as I do! As a thank you, I’m offering a giveaway! A free ebook (format of your choice) to a lucky winner. Also, thanks to my bloggers for helping to reveal the new cover in style! I couldn’t do this without you!

Be sure to check in with my blog for the cover reveal of Book 2: Cold Blood, which is scheduled for unveiling in September. Cold Blood is due to release in November.

Thanks for stopping by!


Thank YOU Heather for letting us be apart of your cover reveal. And I can't WAIT to see and read the second book Cold Blood.

The giveaway will run until the 21st August, so to enter leave us a comment and tell us what you think of the new cover. :D

Good Luck to you all.