KB Pimpin' Releases

Let's take a look at some lovely future releases, shall we?

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel (October 18th, Del Ray). Steampunk with zombies? I'm intrigued!

Synopsis: The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune, and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

The Bite Before Christmas by Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost (October 25th, Avon). A little birdie told me some major OMG, I can't believe she did that major shocks that occur in Frost's story here. I'm dying to know what it could be!

Synopsis: In Lynsay Sands' "The Gift," Katricia Argeneau knows grey-eyed cop Teddy Brunswick is her life mate. She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget.

It's "Home for the Holidays" in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones may long to wrap presents and set up a tree, but this Christmas, an evil vampire and long-buried family secrets will threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer

Beauty Dates the Beast (Midnight Liaisons #1) by Jessica Sims (October 25th, Pocket). Sims also writes under Jill Myles. Not digging this cover all that much.

Synopsis: WANTED

Single human female to join charming, wealthy, single male were-cougar for a night of romantic fun—and maybe more.

Me: The tall, sensuous, open-minded leader of my clan.

You: A deliciously curvy virgin who’s intimately familiar with what goes bump in the night. Must not be afraid of a little tail. Prefer a woman who’s open to exploring her animal nature. Interest in nighttime walks through the woods a plus.

My turn-ons include protecting you from the worst the supernatural world has to offer. Ready for an adventure? Give me a call.

Vampires and doppelgangers need not apply.

All Caught Up by Sophia Shaw (November 1st, Kensington). Hm, nice man chesty.

Synopsis: Thanks to her elite Miami matchmaking service, Jasmine Croft is financially secure-and much too busy finding love for others to settle into a relationship of her own. But when a successful-and skeptical-crime author becomes her client, Jasmine finds herself up against the greatest challenge of her career-and maybe her life. . .

Handsome widower Robert Rankin would rather be working-but he needs a woman to accompany him to his brother's four day wedding celebration. His expectations are low-until his date arrives: Jasmine. A twist of fate brought her there, into the arms of a man far more intriguing and irresistible than she ever imagined. But as the days extend into a relationship, will meddling friends, scheming relatives, and Robert's own ghosts ultimately tear them apart?...

If You Give A Girl A Viscount (Impossible Bachelors #4) by Kieran Kramer (November 1st, St. Martin's)

Synopsis: If life were a fairy tale, Daisy Montgomery's mother and sister would surely be cast in the wicked step-roles. For years, they have made life miserable for Daisy's beautiful stepsister Ella. But when Daisy discovers that Ella has a godmother, she's determined to ask her for help. Little did Daisy expect Ella's godmother to play matchmaker with her very own grandson - who happens to be a viscount.

The Duke Is Mine (Happily Ever Afters #3) by Eloisa James (December 27th, Avon).

Synopsis: Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul…

Unless it’s already too late.

A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant (December 27th, Bantam). Tres sexy cover, but not sure I'm all into the heroine's need for a baby story.

Synopsis: Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes . . . for a fee.

Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow’s weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she’ll get her money’s worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh—only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can’t resist him forever. But could a lady’s sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?

Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith (December 27th, Greenwillow Books).

Synopsis: Leah has the life most high school girls would kill for—popularity, glowing grades, a rich, athletic boyfriend. So why does she feel like she can’t breathe? And why can’t she stop thinking about the boy from the country club? The one who isn’t her boyfriend, the one that her mother would never, ever approve of, the one that her perfect older sisters would never, ever look at twice. The one who is always looking back at her. Irresistible attraction, smoldering glances, the bad boy and the good girl—Kiss Crush Collide has everything that a steamy forbidden romance should, and then some.

The Mortal Bone (Hunter Kiss #4) by Marjorie M. Liu (December 27th, Ace). Hurrah for tattoos that come alive and kick some booty.

Synopsis: When the bond Maxine Kiss shares with Zee and the boys-the demons tattooed on her skin-is deliberately severed, the hunter is left vulnerable and unprotected. For the first time in ten thousand years, the boys have a taste of freedom-without Maxine’s guiding influence.

As they grow more violent and unpredictable, Maxine starts to fear the little demons will lose their minds without their attachment to her. But reuniting won’t be easy, as a great temptation waits for her little demons : a chance to return to their lives….and unleash hell on earth.

To Walk the Night by E.S. Moore (January 3rd, Kensington).

Synopsis: Even a vampire has to face her inner demons…

Kat Redding is the very thing she hunts: a vampire, thirsting for blood, capable of killing any creature unlucky enough to get in her path. The difference is, Kat kills her own kind in order to protect human Purebloods. She’s good at what she does. Good enough to earn the nickname Lady Death—and the enmity of every bloodthirsty being around. But now a vampire Count is intent on merging his House with a werewolf cult to create a force of terrifying power.

Kat can’t allow that to happen. Even if it means taking on a den of weres and a vampire more ruthless than any she’s encountered before. She has the weapons, the skill, and a few allies. But that may not be enough to eliminate the Count before her own dark nature rises to the surface—and costs her whatever is left of her humanity

One Grave at a Time Book Review *Jeaniene Frost*

One Grave at a Time, the sixth book in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, has a different spin to it than her past books. There’s a sense of being settled, not that there isn’t wam, bam action, but many loose ends are being tied up. (Knowing Jeaniene, she’ll surely throw out a zinger or two when all is said and done). The main focus is still on Cat and Bones, but this time around it’s more of a group effort as their friends and associates try to take down, Heinrich Kramer, a deranged ghost, who, when alive was a witch hunter intent on torturing and burning women he accused of witchcraft. Every Halloween since his death, he becomes solid and goes on a rape and murder rampage against the women he has targeted. One ghost, Elizabeth, was a victim of his and has asked Cat and Bones for help in defeating Kramer before he can strike again. Cat is more than willing to help, and with her vampire husband, Bones on her side, she thinks exorcising Kramer will be piece of cake. Unfortunately nothing is easy for Cat.

Not only is Cat still suffering from the residual effects of drinking the voodoo queen of New Orleans’ blood, where she sees spirits all over the place, but her dearly departed Uncle Don (who she used to work for as part of an underground government operative) can’t cross to the other side for some reason. His replacement and new operations consultant, Jason Madigan hates vampires and wants Cat and Bones to stay far away. He’ll be keeping watch over her, anxious for her to slip up and place her under arrest (or I think that’s what he has planned. This wasn’t really explained). Cat is more than peeved with Jason and has a big headache now with Kramer who has targeted her and anyone who helps her. Everywhere Cat turns, Kramer is there attacking her, which leads to her having more than her share of a few bumps and bruises. Kramer soon becomes obsessed with Cat, where he plans to make her another one of his victims, unless she can find a way to get rid of him for good.

One Grave at a Time is heavy on the action and non-stop thrills. Cat is thrown around, beaten up and harassed more so here than in the past. Cat never loses her fighting mojo and still has her snarky, tells it like it is attitude. Cat's one-liners are as always the best. and she has become strong, wiser and deadlier. Can we say she’s a vampire bitch Wonder Woman? All she needs is an invisible jet and she’s set. Bones is more in the background this time around, where he allows his kitten to shine. He’s still very protective and watchful over Cat, but never smothers her or tries to take over the situation because he thinks she can’t handle it. These two are the ultimate team and have one of the best married relationships I’ve ever read in a series. Jeaniene proves with Cat and Bones that the passion and romance is definitely alive and well after the 'I do's' are said. Even though these two aren’t over the top lovey dovey, falling all over each other, they’re still very in love that you can’t help but sigh. One Grave at a Time isn’t heavy on the sex, although Jeaniene doesn’t disappoint with one eye popping love scene that will have you wanting more. It’s a bit out there and shouldn’t be possible with the linguistics, but I don’t think any of Jeaniene’s fans will complain.

Cat and Bones give me the warm fuzzies. I absolutely love these two and always look for more from them. One Grave at a Time is rip-roaring, let’s take down the bad guys and eat their hearts for lunch fun tale. (Avon)

Final Grade: B

A few other One Grave at a Time reviews:
Rex Robot Reviews
Smexybooks
Smitten With Reading

Shadow Kin Advanced Book Review *M.J. Scott*

M.J. Scott is a debut author with Shadow Kin (a novel of the Half-Light City) from ROC. This is a dark Urban Fantasy that reminds me of Erica Hayes’ Shadowfae Chronicles. Shadow Kin isn’t as sexual with its material as Hayes’ books are, but if you like a different spin on an urban fantasy that has paranormal elements such as vampires and shadowy creatures, you’ll most likely enjoy Shadow Kin. This is a pretty solid read, although the switching back and forth of first person POV between the assassin heroine Lily and her love interest, healer Simon at sudden points did annoy. It’s commendable for M.J. to want and shake up the normal every day way of storytelling, but this POV jumping around takes away from the overall success of the book. If M.J. had kept the POV with Lily the entire time, Shadow Kin would have rated higher for me.

Lily lives on the edges of society in the Night World. Better known as a shadow, Lily is an assassin for her master, Lucius, a powerful ruler in the Night World. Lily has belonged to him since she was little. Lily was born a wraith, one who can become one with the shadows. Lucius can be merciful to his shadow, but if she fails him, he punished her with ruthless intent. Lily is also bonded to Lucius because she craves his blood, which he gives her in order to control her. If she doesn’t drink his blood after a few days, she begins to ache and thirst for it much like a drug addict would.

Lily’s must assassinate Simon DeCaine, a summage who can heal and lives above, gaining his power in the daylight while basking in the sun. As Lily breaks into Simon’s home while he’s asleep, he’s able to get the drop on her and hold her captive, wanting to know who she is and why she’s trying to kill him. He uses light to weaken her, where she can’t dissolve into the shadows to escape. Lily is vague about why she must end his life, but Simon feels Lily is a victim in all of this and wants to help her.

Even though Simon releases Lily, she still has to kill him. But then when Simon kidnaps her to keep her safe, he introduces her to another world, one where a freak like her can be accepted. All she had to do is go against Lucius who wants even more power. Simon plans on stopping him, but Lily is the key in stopping the
madman, including owning his heart as he slowly falls in love with her.

If you’re an Urban Fantasy fan, you’ll want to read Shadow Kin. M.J. Scott has created a dark, mysterious world full of mistrust and danger. Lily comes across as a warrior who has been through more than a few horrible situations, mainly from Lucius, who wants more from Lily than just being his servant. Simon is the complete opposite of Lucius. Simon is more a beta hero who uses reasoning to get people to do what he wants. He handles Lily with care because he sees her as a damaged soul.

Some issues for me as I read were the constant switching views between Simon and Lily. I really didn’t like it. Also, I found the romance between these two to be weak. Simon comes across more as Lily’s protector than her lover. Their romance seems forced and really doesn’t add anything to the story as a whole. Also, and this is a spoiler, Lily is a virgin. When I found out that, I shook my head. Really? Lucius lusts for Lily and has done everything to her from beatings to other dastardly things to keep her in his power. Why wouldn’t he use her body sexually? It didn’t make sense to me that Lily would be pure in this aspect. If you’re going to have the ultimate, evil baddie with Lucius, I feel you need to go all the way with him, regardless of how degrading and disturbing it may be. Lily comes across as too untouchable even with her emotional and physical scars.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and explosive romance, I would look elsewhere. If you want a gritty Urban Fantasy, then Shadow Kin is right up your alley. M.J. Scott is one author I’ll keep my eye on. (Available September 6th, ROC)

Final Grade: B-

A few other Shadow Kin reviews:
A Book Obsession
Blog Critics Books
What the Cat Read

WTFckery or Not? You Decide

Some wacky WTFckery coming your way...

1. Ah, lovely WTFckery covers and their titles.

I swear ARe and Literotica are in cahoots together. The possible reason why:

Barely legal girl lusts after daddy's dear old (old being the key word here) friend.

Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Jessica Rove isn’t a little girl anymore, regardless of what her daddy’s best friend, Mr. Parker, seems to think. Jess has had the hots for him for a long time and can't decide if it's his toned body or big dick that makes her wet and wanting. Either way, she’s going to screw him six ways to Sunday. All she needs to do is lure him to her room and show the delectable Mr. Parker just how bad a good girl can be.

Then there's Sex on a Hoof. The tender lover story between a vampire and a shift changing deer detective.

Synopsis: Deer shifter Jason Fleetfoot has turned his life around. After years of taking chances, he's got a job as a crime lab technician, and he's determined to forgo the risky behavior of his past.

Then he meets Drew Danvers, the only undead detective in the city. Jason hates vampires, or does he? Drew defies all the stereotypes of his kind and something about him has taken hold of Jason and won't let go.

Will Jason take a chance on a man others would label a risk to his health if not his very life?

Looks either high or constipated to me:

2. This is full of crazy sauce and I really don't think a playboy prince would give up being king for a woman who perhaps was not entirely female. Could Wallis Simpson have been a man? 

"Was Wallis Simpson all woman? There's been always been speculation about her sexual make-up. Now in a major reassessment her biographer uncovers new evidence. Recent research suggests that she might well have been born with what’s currently called a Disorder of Sexual Development (DSD) or intersexuality, which affects about 4,000 babies annually in the UK.

Some of its effects are so subtle that, even today, doctors delivering babies with ambiguous genitals cannot be immediately certain if they are holding a boy or a girl.

This does not mean that Wallis was a man, and she was certainly not a freak. In fact, it’s unlikely that she’d have known that anything was wrong, at least for many years. Yet the diagnosis is more than wild conjecture because there’s strong circumstantial and psychosexual evidence that Wallis was not wholly female."

3. For those who don't like to engage in public displays of affection or don't want to see it. From Geekologie:

The Privacy Shell

4. So glad to know that Botox can help with bladder control. From The Chicago Tribune: 

FDA approves Botox for loss of bladder control

"Overactive bladder, caused by uncontrollable contractions of the bladder, causes frequent urination, urgent need to urinate and inability to control urination. A single injection of Botox into the bladder can relax it and increase its storage capacity, with the effect lasting for about nine months. Botox' active ingredient is a toxin that blocks nerve signals. It gets about half its annual sales of $1.5 billion from reducing wrinkles. It is also approved to prevent migraine headaches and to treat upper limb spasticity, neck pain from cervical dystonia and certain types of eye muscle problems and spasms of the eyelids."

5. SPAM Lip Glaze will totally be the biggest thing this year! Move aside Burt's Bees, there's a new lip balm in town. From Gizmodo: 

Only $2.99: "Rubbing meat on your face is a good way to get noticed, but probably for all the wrong reasons. But what if you do it because you really want to taste meat, but not eat it? Well, grab yourself some SPAM Lip Glaze and you can rub the flavor of meat on your lips without getting weird stares from bacon hanging from your cheeks."

6. Beef jerky chips anyone? Cherkees nom. From Gizmodo: 

"You can currently get Cherkees in Cracked Pepper and Hot Pepper flavors, but Teriyaki and Smokehouse (I assume that's BBQ) are on their way soon. Available online, a 2.8oz bag will run you $5 and a 5.8oz bag will run you $10 (plus shipping and handling)."

7. Who knew how much fun an orange peel can be? From Food Beast:

8. Can you only imagine the amount of ear wax in this ear? From Ubergizmo:

"Out in the market later this September, this unique accessory for your precious iPhone 4 will definitely be worth getting if you love being in the center of attention always – after all, holding up your phone to you ear and carrying out a long conversation is guaranteed to draw plenty of stares your way, especially when you have a Dumbo-like ear on one side, and most folks would think that you’re stark mad for talking to thin air until they realize that this is one truly unique iPhone case.

As the Thumbs Up Ear Phone Case is made from the finest quality silicone rubber, you can carry out hour long conversations without worrying about your real ear burning up. Is £12.99 too much to ask for a fun case such as this?"

9. I had no clue what a sea lamprey was, but after watching this video, I hope never to meet one. Blerg. You will squirm while watching.



10. And your Regretsy WTFckery shows off one fugly looking couch... with decorative pillows.

Hope you have enjoyed this week's wacky WTFckery!

Pocket Book Winners, KB Has Found Tumblr and the Woes of Hurricane Irene!

The winners of the six Pocket Books up for grabs are...

Night Falls on the Wicked:

Tore
Jen M
Mickie T

The Hour of Dust and Ashes:

Sara M
RebeLovesBooks
Erin

Blood Sacrifice:

Alicia0605

Dark Taste of Rapture:

MarnieColette
JoAnna
Sotheara

Snapped:

Karen C
Patsy
LSUReader

Enemy Mine:

Lil
Emily
Liza


Please email me your mailing addresses at KatiebabsgATgmail.DOTcom.


And in other news, I've start a Tumblr site.

Say hello to An Eccentric Redhead's Noms and WTFckery!

"From the fun and wacky mind of a redhead, also known as blogger, Katiebabs and author, KT Grant. There's no rhyme or reason why I'm posting links and pictures here. Simply because it amuses me."

My Tumblr site allows me to post as many adorable cat videos, strange WTFckeries and hot men pictures,a s well as some insightful gems I find along the way. I think the quirky wee little panda Tumbrl wallpaper sets the mood perfectly. It's pretty much the same wackiness you would find here at Babblings. I hope you'll take time during your day to check my Tumblr, because you never known what you could find there, such as this...

Sexy Nom:

Anderson Cooper aka the Silver Fox, take me I’m yours! (if only I had the right equipment)

“I mean, I’ve always giggled like a 13 year-old girl at a Justin Bieber meet and greet. There’s nothing I can do about it but I’ve never not been able to stop.”

Hurricane Irene projection

And for some reason you don't see me around online too much, it's because nasty Hurricane Irene has cut off my power. I hope it doesn't come to that, because god forbid I don't have internet access. To those on the East Coast in the path of Hurricane Irene, I wish you safe and sound and let's hope this doesn't end up as bad as we're hearing.

Be safe and please take care!

Guess Who's Doing A Reading? KT Grant Reads at Ravenous Nights in NYC

Next Friday, on September 2nd from 8-10pm (that is if Hurricane Irene hasn't washed away the island), I'll be reading at Ravenous Nights at the Happy Ending Lounge in NYC. This will be my second reading at Ravenous Nights.

Ravenous Night is an erotic reading started by my publisher, Ravenous Romance and Lori Perkins, and is free and open to the public (over 18 years of age). The theme this time around is Lesbian romance. Not only will I be reading from my Lesbian Romantic Thriller, Sleeping with the Frenemy:

but my soon-to-be released Lesbian Historical Romance (coming in September), Scandal in the Wind also from Ravenous Romance.

Interested in knowing what Scandal in the Wind is about?

Synopsis: Lily Odell was the belle of Charleston, South Carolina high society until her husband, Beau, walked out on her after believing she’d been unfaithful to him. Lily has always been devoted to Beau, although she has kept a dark secret concerning her relationship with her childhood girlfriend. Now Lily has been ostracized because of the gossip and lies and has no one to turn to for help.

Charleston’s most popular brothel madam, Mrs. Rose Ware, lives her life on her own terms and answers to no one. When she discovers Beau abandoned Lily and has thrown her out on the street, Rose takes Lily in until she can get back on her feet. Rose has always been attracted to the spirited and beautiful Lily, but kept her feelings to herself because of her wanton reputation and her past with Beau. Now that Beau’s out of the picture, she might have a chance to seduce the heartbroken Lily.

Lily wants revenge against Beau, and Rose is more than willing to help her. Soon both women come up with a plan, one that will scandalize Charleston, and expose a forbidden passion between a brothel madam and a genteel Southern lady.

Also, I'm over the moon to see The Princess's Bride and Sleeping with the Frenemy are in the #1 and #2 spots for top 10 best selling Lesbian Romance at Ravenous Romance. I'm simply amazed by how well The Princess's Bride continues to sell even after a year since it's publication.

If you can, I'd love to see you at Ravenous Nights as I read some steamy romance.

If The Hunger Games Had Been Written For Boys, Would More Boys Be Reading Then?

This past Sunday’s Book Review section in the New York Times has an article discussing how boys aren’t reading as much as girls. Presently, there’s a “golden age” of Young Adult, where a wide array of excellently written young adult fiction is being published. If this is the case, then why aren’t boys reading these books or reading more in general?

One such theory: On his Web site, guysread.com, the teacher and author Jon Scieszka writes that boys “don’t feel comfortable exploring the emotions and feelings found in fiction... Boys don’t have enough positive male role models for literacy. Because the majority of adults involved in kids’ reading are women, boys might not see reading as a masculine activity.”

Also: “But the next spate of Y.A. fiction tended to be simplistic problem novels that read like after-school specials, and soon split along gender lines. Books with story lines about disease, divorce, death and dysfunction sold better for girls than did similar books for boys. The shift seemed to fundamentally alter the Y.A. landscape."

From my point of view, I see Young Adult books  being marketed solely for girls. Almost every Young Adult book I’ve read or seen has a female protagonist and/or has some sort of love triangle where the girl must choose between two boys. Right off the bat Twilight comes to mind. And because of the massive popularity and explosive sales of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, many books with this same appeal or with comparable story lines have followed.  Now, of course there are Young Adult books published with the young male reader in mind, but can anyone tell me if any of these books or series of books that have been as popular as Twilight? Even though I haven’t read them, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books come to mind, as well as Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. But weren’t these books originally written for more middle grade than young adult?

What if Suzanne Collins didn’t have the female protagonist of Katniss in The Hunger Games? What if there was a male protagonist instead like Peeta or Gale who were the central characters? What if both boys teamed up in the games just like Katniss did with Peeta? If Collins had written The Hunger Games trilogy with a male audience in mind, would it have been as popular? And if so, would there be a rise in young adult fiction for boys in the same vein as The Hunger Games?

And then another thing that had me thinking about the young adult male audience is because of this picture created where people on Twitter played a game asking if Katniss had died, how would The Hunger Games Trilogy have ended? The hastag for this was #tokillamockingjay. (I found this hastag disturbing, but that's for another post.)

What if The Collins wrote The Hunger Games as a GLBT Young Adult where Peeta and Gale were the romantic leads? Would it still have sold well and would it have been made into a movie? And would boys have read it as well as girls?

Just some musings from the mind of KB...

Prisoner of Love Book Review *Samantha Kane*

Hands down, Samantha Kane writes the best and most realistic ménage romances I have ever read. The only other author who has come close to doing this is Lauren Dane with her sci-fi romance ménages. The first book I ever read by Samantha was back in 2007 with The Courage to Love, her first book in her Brothers in Arms series about a group of men who fought in the Napoleonic wars. The men have all developed a close bond so much so, that most of them fall in love and become lovers. What ends up happening is the male couple will find a woman they both want and they will all become involved in relationship where the woman will end up marrying one of the men, while the other man is married to both his lovers in his heart, if not on paper.

One of my biggest issues when reading ménages in romance is the belief that these three people can all love one another equally where there’s no jealousy. I’m still very much a traditional type of reader where I want my heroine to be dedicated to one man and visa verse. But when it comes to Samantha, she’s so skilled in creating fabulous and passionate love stories where all three of her main characters belong together. She makes it work, period.

Samantha has written another amazing historical ménage romance with Prisoner of Love, the 8th book in her series. The threesome where first introduced in The Courage to Love. Veronica “Very” Thomas is the niece of Kate, the heroine from the first book. Very was very young seventeen back then, but already full of passion for two men- Lord Michael Kensington and Wolf Tarrant. She fell in love with Michael first and then with Wolf. Michael also fell in love with Very and soon after Wolf did also. Wolf was very open for Very to join them, but Michael felt it wasn’t right. As Michael almost takes Very’s virginity in a fit of passion, Wolf comes upon them and joins in on the fun. Very is more than happy to have both men at the same time. But then Michael gets scared and runs away to America. Both Very and Wolf are heartbroken.

Now two years later, Wolf and Very are waiting for Michael to return to them. They feel they aren’t complete unless they have Michael. Wolf and Very can barely control themselves, so they get married. Their marriage is a match made in heaven, that is until Very is caught in a violent scrape, and from that, she becomes a recluse in her home. Very and Wolf are very happy none the less, although Very has become agoraphobic. Finally Michael returns and he, Very and Wolf all give into their passion and connect in the way they have all wanted. But Michael is hiding a dark secret and when Very and Wolf find out, they feel betrayed. But things are not what they seem, and when Michael explains why he has brought home a pregnant wife, both Wolf and Very will help Michael so they can all have the happily ever after they’ve been longing for.

Prisoner of Love has explosive love scenes you’ll lose your breath over. Yes they are that good. Michael, Very and Wolf have such a deep bond and love for one another. Their devotion and passion is intense and the love scenes smolder. These three pleasure one another in so many ways, with every position possible, where you’ll want more. The key to making this threesome so believable are the personalities of these main characters. Samantha makes a great case for Very to be in love with both Michael and Wolf because they are so different in their personalities. Michael is a bit on the proper and polite side. Wolf is more of a caged animal who likes it dirty and raw. Very is very open to doing anything and everything with these two men. She is taken every which way and returns the favor by doing the same to her two men.

The mystery surrounding Michael and his wife is a bit on the weak side and feels more like filler to keep the story moving along. The strongest parts are when Michael, Very and Wolf are exploring their passion together.

If you enjoy ménage romance you must, MUST read Prisoner of Love. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and a well anticipated release that hasn’t disappointed. It doesn’t get better than this and Samantha Kane sure knows how to push the envelope where all your senses are engaged.

Prisoner of Love is an overall emotional and sexy romance that automatically goes on my keeper shelf. (Available at Ellora’s Cave)

Finale Grade: B+

A few other Prisoner of Love reviews:
Night Owl Reviews
Tracy's Place
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Archangel's Blade Advanced Book Review *Nalini Singh*

Let me start by saying that Archangel’s Blade may be Nalini Singh’s best work to date and quite possibly her best hero she's created with the vampire Dmitri. Yes, ladies and gentleman, while I read Archangel’s Blade I forgot about my favorite Singh character, Kaleb, from Nalini’s Psy/Changeling series. Now that’s something astonishing because out of all Nalini's male characters, Kaleb is the end all and be all for me (Lucas Hunter from Slave to Sensation comes in a close second). Dmitri is unlike any hero I’ve read this year. He’s been an important character in the Guild Hunter series since the beginning as the archangel, Raphael’s second in command. Dmitri is a dark, almost villainous creature who uses sex and violence to get what he wants. Some may say he doesn’t have a soul from what we’ve seen of him so far. When I heard Nalini was going to give Dmitri his own book, I really thought it wouldn’t work. How could she make Dmitri stand on equal footing all her other wonderful heroes? Dmitri is one slick, and at times, slimy mo fo. Well, Dmitri is a cut above all her heroes and more so. Dmitri will slip deep into your heart and not leave. What you think you know about him is so very wrong, and when you figure out who he really is and why he acts the way he does, you may end up in tears because it’s so heartbreaking.

Archangel’s Blade is not an easy book to read. Nalini throws everything and the kitchen sink in here in regards to Dmitri and the heroine, Honor. These two have gone through hell and back and have barely survived. Their pasts are full of torture, violence, death and disturbing acts placed on their person and their psyche. Only when they both come together and find love and understanding with one another is where they’re able to fully heal. This is a powerful story that shows how love can heal all wounds.

Honor is a member of the Guild Hunter just like Elena, the vampire hunter turned angel who is mated to Raphael, the powerful archangel of Manhattan. Honor is recovering from a horrific vampire attack, where she was held captive for months and was drained of her blood, raped and tortured for no reason. She lives in fear and can barely function, going as far as blaming herself for her attack because she was forced to feel pleasure from some of the tortures she went through. Her boss, as way to push Honor to stop hiding, orders her to investigate a possible serial killer targeting vampires. Honor will have to work alongside Dmitri, who frightens her to her very core not only because he’s a vampire, but one who’s seductive and close to amoral as you can get.

Dmitri is not impressed with Honor at first because he can sense her fear and loathing. He really doesn’t have a high opinion of woman because they fawn all over him and allow him to use their bodies for sex and other degrading acts, or so we’re led to believe. His heart belonged to only one woman back when he was mortal and he will never love another with such devotion again. But as he gets to know Honor, the walls around his heart break down. He wants to avenge Honor for what she went through while he comes to terms with his own guilt over the senseless murders of people he loved before he was changed into a vampire. Honor begins to see the true Dmitri and how he’s scarred like she is. Honor wants to take what Dmitri is offering. She begins to heal also and comes to the conclusion that Dmitri is her salvation, and so much more.

Archangel’s Blade is a book where revenge and forgiveness go hand in hand. This is also a very dark and angst ridden read. What Dmitri and Honor have gone through will numb your heart because it’s so disturbing. I raged alongside both of them when they tell one another about their suffering. Dmitri makes no excuses for what he does. But the one thing that makes him redeemable is his undying devotion not only to Raphael, but the memory of a woman who was once his entire life. To explain why this is so important would be a big spoiler and is better left unsaid. I will tell you this, when Dmitri loves, it’s unlike anything you will have read before. Watching him and Honor first as adversaries who eventually become each other’s yin to their yang is a thing of beauty. Their love and passion is an accumulation of two souls who have been searching for one another for far too long.

There’s a big twist regarding Honor that may seem ridiculous  and too convenient, but it works when all is said and done. When it’s revealed, you may break down in happy tears because it’s the ultimate happily ever after.

Awe. I am simply in awe of this book, with Nalini’s imagination, characterizations and over storyline and plot. Kudos, big big Kudos to Nalini for Archangel’s Blade. I announce my favorite phrase with this one- I want to have babies with this book it’s so damn good.

I bow down to Nalini for writing Archangel’s Blade. I had tears in my eyes, which doesn’t happen very often. Archangel’s Blade will be in my top 5 for 2011 and a book that will stick with me for years to come. (Available September 6th, Berkley)

Final Grade: A

Guest Author Post: H.M. Ward on Self Publishing and10,000 Books Sold... *Book Giveaway*

Thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your awesome blog! You’ve done a marvelous job – it’s gorgeous with tons of information! As a thank you, I have a special give-a-way item for you readers. If they comment on this posting, they can enter to win a free signed copy of my debut novel DEMON KISSED.

Some of you know that I’m an Indie author, and published DEMON KISSED and CURSED (the sequel) myself. For those of you who don’t know what happened, here it is. Hold onto your hats! About a year ago I started writing DEMON KISSED. I had no intention of publishing it, I just wrote it for me. The overarching theme of this series is fate. With my theological training, the idea of predestination was always intriguing. And that’s pretty much what’s happening in the book. The main character, Ivy Taylor, is on a crash course to receive a life that she doesn’t want.

Last fall I completed the book and sent it to literary agents to see what would happen. Almost immediately I had multiple offers of representation. I chose an agent and we pressed forward, submitting DEMON KISSED to all the big boys in publishing. After a few months, I realized that traditional publishing wasn’t for me. I’m kind of a control freak and handing over complete control to someone else didn’t sound appealing. So, I decided to self-publish.

Now I realize people may say that, and it could be a cover for the publishing world thinking the book sucks – but in this case, I didn’t see what traditional publishing had to offer me. By the time I decided to go on my own, DEMON KISSED already had 30,000 facebook fans (www.facebook.com/demonkissed). And I’m a professional photographer for the affluent, so I could and did shoot my own covers. Those are the main two things that self-published authors fear – having an ugly/ ineffective cover which taints sales, and no one buying their book. It’s not unusual for self-published authors to sell around 100 books and that’s it. With the DEMON KISSED fan base, I didn’t have that issue. To date, DEMON KISSED has sold over 10,000 copies. And the fans are dying to get their hands on CURSED on August 31, 2011.

I’ve had a lot of fun self-publishing. The literary market is in a state of flux, and this allows me to try new things that aren’t really conducive to publishing traditionally. It also gave me freedom from a system that’s in the “adapt or die” phase of life. With ebooks on the rise and brick and mortar stores like Borders closing, self-pubbing is a good place for me to be.

Thanks to all the fans who hung with me! Your support is amazing and I couldn’t have done it without you!

DEMON KISSED book description:

The Valefar boy tricked Ivy Taylor into kissing him, but he took much more than a kiss – he stole her soul and left her within inches of death.

By surviving, Ivy is drawn into the conflict between the Martis and the Valefar. The war between these two immortal forces has raged for millennia without distraction. Until now. Ivy is an anomaly—she is the only person who has ever walked away from a demon kiss alive. Her survival gives her unique and deadly abilities. Too powerful to ignore, Ivy is a threat to both armies. These two ancient enemies will stop at nothing to kill the seventeen-year-old.

Surviving is nothing new for headstrong Ivy, but her survival has never depended on another person before. This time it does. And if she misplaces her trust, she's dead. To her horror, she starts falling in love at the worst possible time—with the enemy. He appears to be protecting her. But she can't be certain if he is trying to help her, or help himself to her power. For Ivy, trusting the right person is the difference between love and survival, or a deadly demon kiss.

Locations selling the DEMON KISSED series. (www.demonkissed.com/order.htm) Find us on facebook. (www.facebook.com/demonkissed) and twitter (www.twitter.com/hmward)

CONTEST TIME!

You can win a free signed copy of DEMON KISSED by leaving a comment here for H.M before September 1, 2011 (Open to US residents only). To read a free sneak peek of the first chapter of DEMON KISSED, click here. (www.demonkissed.com/downloads.htm)

The sequel to Demon Kissed, Cursed will be released on August 31st:

Ivy's on her way to kick ass and save Collin from the horrors of the Underworld. Along the way she discovers that the truth won't set her free. Deep seeded deception leads Ivy closer to her destiny. But, being queen of the demons is not the destiny she wants. Ivy will have to overcome lust, power, and love if she wants to survive.

Movie Review: Conan the Barbarian and My Lusting Respect for Jason Momoa

My movie viewing this summer has been full of fail. I knew this summer was going to be filled with ho-hum the movies, especially with the final chapter of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 being released. That was a major viewing event, and no movie this summer could compete.

My summer movie experience started with The Green Lantern, mainly because of my ultimate lust for Ryan Reynolds, who starred in the lead role. That movie was beyond bad. Then I went to see Cowboys and Aliens, which was also horrible, although Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford have great chemistry and I’d like to see them in another movie together, perhaps a modern day thriller of sorts.

I decided to go see another movie this past weekend because of a specific actor starring in the movie (you’d think I would learn from The Green Lantern, but no, it seems I’m a glutton for punishment).

I went to see the reboot of Conan the Barbarian because of this man:

Jason Momoa has made quite a name for himself this year. One of the big reasons is because of his part as Khal Drago in HBO's immensely popular series Game of Thrones.

I never heard of Jason until I started watching Game of Thrones. Jason isn’t new on the Hollywood scene. He’s been acting since the late 1990’s and I was surprised to see he was in the original Baywatch for two years and had five years on Stargate: Atlantis. But it was his role on as Drago that has catapulted him into the spotlight where he’s no longer best known as the father of Lisa Bonet’s two children.

Jason Momoa has taken on a very beloved cult classic role, which was owned by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Everyone bows down to Arnold because of him being the original Conan. But I can assure you after watching the new Conan, Jason gives Arnold a run for his money.

The new Conan the Barbarian would have been DOA if not for Jason Momoa. Jason is the reason to see this movie. People automatically assume many women would go see Conan because of Jason’s handsome looks and amazing physique. That’s part of it, but even with his pretty package, Jason is a good actor who I can see becoming a major player in Hollywood over the next few years.

Jason’s screen time was very limited in Game of Thrones. I think he only had a total of 30 minutes of screen time over the course of eleven, one hour episodes. He didn’t have many lines, but he made up for it by his large than life nature. That really says something about an actor when they make such an impression, especially if they don’t have many lines or are barely on screen for an extended period of time. Jason was intense as Khal Drago. His stare (which I like to call the laser sex stare of lust) and facial expressions held viewers entranced. He curls his lips oh so sexily and the ways his eyes blazed in lust and in anger really had me watching his every move.

Jason took the Drago role and ran with it. He has done the same with Conan.

Conan the Barbarian is a mindless, fluffy movie. It’s extremely violent (the blood spilled looked like runny cherry jello or paintball paint) and has so many cheesy lines that I couldn’t help role my eyes over. It’s a revenge movie, where Conan’s goal is to take down the evil villain who killed his beloved barbarian father. It takes him twenty years to find the man responsible and get payback against him and his psychotic and deranged daughter (played by Rose McGowen who was also pretty good. You can tell she had great fun and it really worked for her). Other actors didn’t fare so well such as Rachel Nichols, an actress I’ve never heard of, who played Conan’s love interest. She mainly stood around pouting most of the time. But the lucky woman got some naked action with Jason at one point. (There’s a quick shot of Jason’s naked butt that had the women in the theater sighing. His ass is a piece of art.)

Jason is a master of using facial expressions to get his point across. He is so skilled at brooding, showing anger and even humor. The camera had many close ups of his face, which I think was a smart move by the director. And when Jason spoke his lines, he delivered them so well. And ladies, Jason’s chest, or rather his moobs, as myself and a few others fondly call them (hot man boobs = moobs), was on full display for the entire movie. Also the man has nice arms, lcikable scruff and wears guyliner oh so well. (Richard Armitage is the only other man who can wear guyliner and not look ridiculous).

Behold the master of guyliner!

Conan the Barbarian is a total popcorn movie and one I enjoyed all because of Jason. After seeing Jason in both Game of Thrones and Conan the Barbarian, he’s not some pretty boy who will make it in Hollywood based on his looks alone. This man can really act. I think Jason could be suited for any role that comes his way. I can see him as a romantic lead in a comedy or perhaps a villain in a thriller, or as another action hero. The only problem he may have is being type casted. I hope that doesn’t happen.

If not for Jason in Conan the Barbarian, this movie would be a worse flop than it already is (it hasn’t any waves in its opening weekend at the box office). But regardless, I can see more buzz surrounding Jason where he’ll surely be offered more movie roles in the future.

Side Note: It was recently announced that Karen Marie Moning’s Darkfever series was bought by DreamWorks and might be made into a movie. We all know how much I despise the character of Jericho Barrons (I fondly have nicknamed him, Le Douche), but I think Jason would be perfect in the role. Unfortunately he would have to cut off his long, locks that suit his face so well.

Conan the Barbarian gets a C grade, but Jason Momoa deserves a B+ for making my viewing experience enjoyable and having a new found respect for him.

 The man look hot even in glasses

In closing, I must give two ladies a big shot out for introducing Jason as my new lust (pushes aside Ryan Reynolds). Thanks to my moob obsessed Mandi at Smexybooks and Sophie at Fiction Vixen.