The Accidental Human by Dakota Cassidy

Wanda Schwartz is raking in the dough selling Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics-and she's a pro at recruiting new saleswomen. So, she's shocked when a man comes to one of her in-home parties-a very hot man. Heath Jefferson is sure to put some extra spin into a lot of women's color wheels.

When Wanda is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it doesn't have to be a death sentence. With a werewolf and a vampire for best friends, she has options that most ordinary people wouldn't. As Wanda ponders what to do about her mortality, Heath reveals he has secrets, and one of them is that his former bloodlust has turned into an old-fashioned lust-for Wanda. And he's already given up too much to lose the love of his lifetimes.  (courtesy of Amazon)
 
 
 
The Accidental Human by Dakota Cassidy is the third book in her Accidental Friends series.
The main character in this installment is Wanda Schwartz. Her life is going great; she’s a successful Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics saleswoman with a couple of awesome (and supernatural) best friends, and a love of romance/paranormal books. Then fate drops a bomb on her - she has a terminal illness. Since her friend Marty is a werewolf and Nina is a vampire, she has options most people with her diagnosis don’t have. She doesn’t want her friends to worry about her, though, so she decides to keep her situation to herself. As if that’s not enough, she meets sexy Heath Jefferson at a Bobbie-Sue recruitment party, and he has a secret of his own. While training him in the ways of the color, she figures he could be a fun last fling for her, even though she’s not usually a fling kind of girl. That’s when everything gets complicated!


I really like Dakota Cassidy - she’s such an entertaining writer.  Honestly she's just entertaining in general, which you know if you happen to be friends with or "like" her on facebook!!  She cracks me up.  :)  Her books are infused with a lot of humor, which I love. Even this one, with a premise that seems so depressing manages to have quite a few funny elements. The interaction between the characters is great - it feels very real, especially between the three friends. They always love each other, but sometimes they really want to choke each other. Who doesn’t have friends like that?! lol I know I got a late start on this series, but I’m so glad picked it up. It’s been very fun to read, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. The Accidental Friends series should definitely be added to your TBR list!

5 slices!

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…(courtesy of Amazon)

Shannon Delany brings us Book 1 in the 13 to Life series.  I'm a fan of werewolf/shifter series, so when I heard this book recommended from a fellow book lover on another site (book reader addicts) I figured I would give it a try.  I didn't have to try hard, I was completely enthralled in this book.  The storyline is there from the moment you open the book.  Our lead character is a high school junior, she has been through amazing tragedy and is overcoming it as she moves to finish high school.  Enters her headache - steamy new Russian student - Pietr - he's her shadow as he's learning the new school.

But funny – Pietr is Russian and there is a lot of Russia controversy in the news…and guess what he’s from a town where there was some interesting happenings. Could he be what he claims to be? The interaction between the two starts out as aggravated with each other and ends up aggravated that they can’t be with each other enough.  The sweet onset of romance promises good things to come.  There definitely was a lot going on in this book, I felt that there are quite a few possibilities for this series to just continue and be over the top.  A few storylines were opened and not yet completely explained, ending with a slight wrap up, I can't wait for Book 2 in Feb 2011.

5 slices

Winner - Scott Nicholson signed book!!

The winner of a signed copy of Thank You for the Flowers (as chosen by Random.org) is...............

Charlotte!!!!!

Charlotte has until Saturday, November 11th to contact us at seducedbybooks at gmail dot com.  Otherwise we'll have to choose another winner.  

Congratulations!!    

Veil of Shadows by Shiloh Walker

A rebel army has been established to win back the land from demons-and a ne soldier named Xan has appeared out of nowhere to join them. Beautiful army captain Laisyn Caar is shocked by the powerful, all- consuming desire she feels in his presence, but when she discovers the dark secrets of Xan's agenda, she'll have to determine whether the man she's starting to love is a friend of her people-or a dreaded enemy. (courtesy of Amazon)

Shiloh Walker has done it again.  She has created a futuristic sci-fi paranormal world all in one.  She gives us great battles and steamy sex all wrapped in one book.  Her character development is right on point.  Battling demons since the age of 10 makes for a strong hard skinned woman, add being an army captain and having to secure your position almost daily and you’ve got Laisyn.  Xan, well, let’s say, his got one great set of genes…as well as battle training second to none.  They end up needing each other to complete themselves, but will it be enough?  Syn won’t back down to a good fight, Xan is not going to lose her, but he may have to when she finds out the truth.  This is a continuation of Through the Veil (also reviewed by us) and I was thrilled to see the story continue and pick up with the same intensity.  I’m hoping quickly for book 3.  Witches, demons, psychics, warlords and the sci-fi world are definitely a great combo in this book. 

4 slices 

JAZ PRIMO Interview & Guest visit - Q&A

WELCOME JAZ PRIMO!! - debut author of Sunrise at Sunset

SBB: Thanks for joining us today,we know it comes on the heels of a difficult time for your family, but we are thrilled to have you with us today. So for those of our followers that have not yet heard of you, can you tell us about yourself? 

Jaz: Thanks so much for hosting an interview with me, and thank you for your compassion and kindness regarding my recent loss of a dear family member. It’s certainly an honor and a pleasure to have the opportunity to appear on Seduced by Books! 
It’s true that few people have heard of me since Sunrise at Sunset is my first published work. I’ve been an avid fan of fantasy and science fiction since childhood, and in particular I love vampires! While writing is a hobby and personal passion, my full-time career is in Higher Education, which I’m also passionate about. I can’t think of any place that I would rather work than a college campus. As for my education, I hold a Master of Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma, and completed my undergraduate work in information technology. It’s accurate to say that I’m a person of diverse and eclectic interests, including: teaching U.S. History classes at the college where I work, bass fishing, cooking, following college football, reading, and watching films of all types. Oh, and I also love puns! (Often, much to the chagrin of those around me…) *smiling*

SBB: Couple of silly questions for you – what’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite Holiday? From Amy (being the baker that she is) what’s your favorite dessert? Boxers or Briefs? Bitten or the Biter? (No offense, but the world’s gotta know)

Jaz: *Laughing* Those are very good questions, in my opinion. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite holiday is definitely Thanksgiving. It’s the one holiday where the “food is the focus” and you don’t have to stress over extensive decorations or gift-buying. (Can you tell that I’m someone who doesn’t put out the Christmas decorations until AFTER Thanksgiving?) Oh, and I LOVE desserts, so it’s hard to pick just one. However, I have an affinity for all things chocolate: Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cream pie, German chocolate cake (my favorite cake!), chocolate fudge, etc. So now we go from dessert to underwear? Hmmm…I wonder how many people find those to be related in some way? *chuckling* I’m a briefs guy, myself. Oh, and as for THE question of the day: I’m on Team “Bitten”! *wink*

SBB: Do you have a favorite genre of music? Anything special that’s on your playlist to inspire you to write? 

Jaz: Oh, I love these two questions! I enjoy many genres of music, but my favorite is alternative rock. Music definitely inspires and fuels my writing, and I rarely write without also playing music to set the mood. For that reason, my iPod is my constant companion. *chuckling* I have completed three novels in the Sunset series, and each one has its own unique soundtrack. In fact, I’m actively gathering my music list together for when I start writing on the fourth installment this winter. This may sound predictable, but the three Twilight movie soundtracks and symphonic scores are very good for fueling my vampire “mood”. However, I have to tip my hat to the compositions of Philip Glass, who is a master of instrumental mood music that’s great for writing vampire novels. The music of Radiohead has been instrumental during all three of the Sunset series novels, and will play an important role in the fourth installment. Some the alternative rock selections that served as the soundtrack for Sunrise at Sunset include: 
Garbage: "Temptation Awaits" and "You Look So Fine"
Gram Rabbit: "Devil's Playground"
Hole: "Malibu" and "Softer, Softest"
Jem: "24" and "Come On Over"
Massive Attack: "Angel" and "Dissolved Girl"
Mogwai: "Autorock" and "Hunted by a Freak"
Poe: "Angry Johnny"
Portishead: "Glory Box" and "Sour Times"
Radiohead - "15 Step" and "Karma Police"

SBB: You’re a very genuine person, something noticed from the first contact with you on Facebook. Have you always wanted to be an author? 

Jaz: Thank you for the compliment; that’s very kind. *shy smile* I have enjoyed creative writing since childhood, and I remember being able to read some short stories to my classmates in elementary school. My teacher, Linda Lachman, was very supportive and encouraging of my creative writing, and I’ll always be grateful to her for that. However, it wasn’t until recently that I considered being an author. It was, and still is, a scary prospect to me. I mean, I’m essentially revealing very personal and creative thoughts and feelings for the world to digest…and summarily embrace or reject. The process certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, and I have a newfound respect for authors and artists.

SBB: What are some of your favorite books and/or authors? 

Jaz: It’s funny that you would ask that, because I recently completed a list on my Facebook page at the request of a good friend regarding the fifteen most influential artists in my life. So, I have some immediate responses to offer for some of my favorite authors and their works. 
+ L.E. Modesitt, Jr’s Magic of Recluse series is perhaps my favorite of all time! Every novel reflects internalized growth and a hopeful sense of development in the main characters. He has a keen and insightful understanding of both genders, and treats them with equal dignity and respect. I would love to meet Mr. Modesitt someday.
+ Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series is one of my favorites. His characters are engaging and tangible.
+ Lorna Freeman’s Borderlands novels are a heartfelt favorite of mine. The main character, Rabbit, is both endearing and magical in his attempt to fit in while also on a mission of self-discover.
+ Simon R. Green’s Nightside series is always enjoyable to read. I find that I identify with the complexities of the main character, John Taylor.
+ Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse vampire novels are both fun and sexy.
+ And, of course, I’m a big fan of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.

SBB: (Jenn - Love Sookie "Team Eric") We know from talking with you, vampires have been on your mind for years, did you always know you would go the paranormal genre route?

Jaz: No, not initially. I actually began writing a futuristic, sci-fi novel just prior to starting my masters program, but I never returned to it once I completed my degree. Until starting to write Sunrise at Sunset, I wasn’t sure that I would ever complete a novel-length work of fiction. I found it somewhat humorous and quite ironic that my first completed novel was paranormal and not from the fantasy/sci-fi genres. 

SBB: Well, we'll be waitin on the sci-fi, but let’s talk Sunrise at Sunset – your main character, Katrina, is a strong, sexy vampire, that has been on her own for a while. Are those characteristics that you find in most of your female friends?

Jaz: I’m proud to say that I have a number of female friends who are what I consider to be “strong women”, and Katrina does share some key characteristics. That being said, I don’t know, nor have never known, anyone quite like Katrina Rawlings. Katrina appeared in my mind like a stranger in the night; announcing herself to me in ominous, heart-seizing fashion. Her essence stalked the recesses of my imagination for a number of years, coalescing and refining into near existence, lacking only a corporeal body. Over time, her character was progressively revealed to me in a series of palpable dreams, visions, and epiphanies. Katrina is one of the few characters that I didn’t deliberately contrive, but rather appeared to me in my mind’s eye. That’s a very special event for an author, I think.

SBB: Agreed, finding that main character(s) is so key, and when it comes we can only imagine how great that feels.  We have to ask you (particularly Jenn), PAIGE, she is amazing. She steals the show. Is she representative of any one particular person in real life? 

Jaz: *Laughing* Many fans adore Paige, actually. She is definitely an endearing character to me now. Originally, I only intended for Paige to be a satellite character in the Sunset series. However, she quickly asserted her presence to me and matured into a foundational character in my series. Much like Katrina, Paige isn’t based on any real person that I have ever met or known. As a general rule, I don’t like to create characters that are based upon people I know, particularly people that are close to me. 

SBB: Can you give us any first revealed for our loyal followers? We’re hoping for a tidbit to hold us over to Book 2. 

Jaz: *Grinning* Book 2 is going to take the four main characters and further develop each of them. Each of the characters are on their own personal “journey” and they mature, change, and develop in various ways throughout the series. They’re like real people to me…just as each of us change with our life experiences and increased knowledge, so do the characters in the Sunset series. Caleb begins to come into his own in the second novel because his experiences and subsequent relationship with Katrina and Paige have contributed to his evolution. Paige experiences some strong feelings for the first time, and has to make sense of them. It is a new phase of life in her tenure as a vampire. You also get to learn more about the mysterious character, Alton, and discover that he’s a vampire with many layers to him...including at least one significant agenda. Katrina continues to reclaim feelings and behaviors that she thought were forever lost, and has to confront a key decision from her past that affects both her and Caleb. Katrina and Caleb also have to play hostess to unexpected house guests following a highly emotional development in their relationship. Oh, and many people will be happy to learn that book #2 is much more action-packed, though in meaningful ways that further develops the characters, as well as a storyline that holds global consequences. My valued and helpful beta readers are very happy with the second novel, I’m proud to say! I hope that you'll like it too! *Smiling*

You heard it here - Can't WAIT to see where Caleb goes, and Paige too!!!!  Thanks so much again for being here Jaz. It’s been a great pleasure to have you. 

For our followers or passerbys, Jaz will be visitng our blog today and checking for your questions in the comments below. Comment with a question and Jaz will answer shortly. 

Blood Trinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love

Supernatural warriors bound by an extraordinary code of honor face an ultimate test of loyalty in the exciting new paranormal thriller from New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love.Atlanta has become the battlefield between human and demon. All her life, Evalle Kincaid has walked the line between the two. Her origins unknown, she’s on a quest to learn more about her past . . . and her future.When a demon claims a young woman in a terrifying attack and there’s no one else to blame, Evalle comes under suspicion. Now she’s on a deadly quest for her own survival. Through the sordid underground of an alternate Atlanta where nothing is as it seems to the front lines of the city, where her former allies have joined forces to hunt her, Evalle must prove her innocence or pay the ultimate price.But saving herself is the least of her problems if she doesn’t stop the coming apocalypse. The clock is ticking and Atlanta is about to catch fire. . . .(courtesy of Amazon)

Starting a new series for the Kenyon/Love duo is Blood Trinity, book 1 in the new Belador series. 

PACKED with action – from the first page you meet 3 characters that are captive and must trust each other with more than their lives to get free.  Years later, they are still together as a close group.  Evalle is our heroine that fights every day just to stay alive and have her freedom.  She is definitely one tough woman, or whatever she is...  She fights for the elusive VIPER agency hung out by an honor code and the fear she will become their worst nightmare.  While trying to save the world, and herself, she becomes stuck between two men.  We shall call them ‘the soldier’ and ‘the jaguar’ (to avoid spoilers) and they have come to awaken reactions from E that she’s kept buried and never expected.  While romance is eluded to, it’s not the big focus of this book.  THE ACTION IS.  Kenyon and Love have kept you packed full of battles, of course, we are trying to save the world here. 

I’m wondering where the series will go, Kenyon is my favorite author, and her other works where she’s teamed with Love have been well done.  There was so much in this book to set up the series, I really need Book 2.  J Favorite line - "Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice...you die."

4 slices 

Laney by Joann I Martin Sowles

What would you give to be with the one you love?

Would you give it all, including your life?

In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life–that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he?

As Laney’s sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure–including a love she didn’t know she longed for. She soon learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing for revenge. As she fights for her life, and Oliver’s love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn’t so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver’s most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn…

Joann I Martin Sowles brings us Laney –

Must Read Young Adult - - Yep I said it!!

I love what this new author has done with this book.  Laney is the first in the Brookhaven Vampire Series.  We have been set up for this series to keep us anxiously awaiting the next!!!

Sowles has given us a story that starts right out and gets you interested.  I definitely wanted to know Oliver…young and fresh romance wrapped in with action and plot.  We’re set up that I can see many twists and turns left to come.   We still have so much to go with this story.  Sowles comments on another top YA that you’ll have to read to find out about…

Laney and Oliver share a hot connection.  As a young college student, Laney is new to relationships, Oliver is an ‘old pro’.  The references and comments in this book were straight from my time.  I felt like this book is meant for the 25-35+ crowd.  I related to Oliver although at some points he went a little old fashioned for my *coughs* crazy tastes.  We end with a great cliffhanger.  I can’t wait for the opportunity to read the next one!!!  Could not put this one down!

5 Slices

Deadly Promises Anthology - Kenyon,Love,Griffin,Gerard

THESE HEROES ARE 100 PERCENT RAW, DANGEROUS, AND . . . UNDENIABLY SEXY.

New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, and Cindy Gerard and rising romance star Laura Griffin mix seduction and suspense in three irresistible romantic adventures. From sultry international jungles to the rugged terrain of the American Southwest, join the larger-than-life, scorching-hot alpha heroes of the Bureau of American Defense, Black Ops, Inc., and the U.S. Navy SEALs for all the pulse-pounding, heart-racing, toe-curling excitement. They’re cool under pressure, steamy under the sheets, and when the enemy strikes, there’s not a lethal mission these gorgeous men can’t handle. . . . 

Just Bad Enough Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Leave No Trace Cindy Gerard
Unstoppable Laura Griffin (courtesy of Amazon)

I read this book to keep up with the B.A.D series from Kenyon/Love – I have plans to circle back for Gerard and Griffin, but my TBR pile has been growing.  I have read the entire BAD Series and for a FBI Thriller Romance it’s top notch. 

I was beyond pleased with this short from the series.  It could definitely stand alone and get you sucked into read the rest of the series. 

As usual the heat is up at the right level and the action and story line keep you going.  I can’t complain.  Our main couple are beyond lovable.  You instantly connect with CeCe and can’t wait to see where the story is leading…

 4 Slices

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

Life in Marblehead has had a pleasant predictability, until Diesel arrives. Rumor has it that a collection of priceless ancient relics representing the Seven Deadly Sins have made their way to Boston’s North Shore. Partnered with pastry chef Lizzie Tucker, Diesel bullies and charms his way through historic Salem to track them down—and his criminal mastermind cousin Gerewulf Grimorie. The black-haired, black-hearted Wulf is on the hunt for the relic representing gluttony. Caught in a race against time, Diesel and Lizzie soon find out that more isn’t always better, as they battle Wulf and the first of the deadly sins. (courtesy of Amazon)

I expected a little more from this book.  I LOVE the Stephanie Plum series.  Diesel had been introduced in our Plum in between books.  I did end up liking where the book went, but wanted a little more with the humor and plot.  I will patiently await the 2^nd Unmentionable book in this new series.  Evanovich has kept me involved in her series as well, I just felt a few things were a little off base.

I love the way Evanovich ends this one.  She is known to leave you guessing, and in the first pages of the next book you learn what really happened!  Diesel is his tough, sexy self.  Lizzy has a bit to learn in the new world of unmentionables.  Good humor and an interesting mystery!

Scott Nicholson Blog Tour and Kindle Giveaway!!

We're so excited that Scott Nicholson is here with us today.  Read his post below to learn a bit about him and his books, as well as how to enter the awesome Kindle giveaway that he's doing with his blog tour!   As if that giveaway isn't enough, he's also doing a bonus giveaway with us.  You can win a signed copy of Thank You for the Flowers, a collection of his short stories.  To enter, leave a comment below. For an extra entry, follow us on Google friend connect. The book contest will end Monday, 11/15/10 at midnight (EST). Winners will be chosen on Tuesday.  Full details on Scott's Kindle giveaway in his blog post below!

Being “Big”
By Scott Nicholson
http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/


Success for writers gets really squirrelly.

Rankings, ratings, reviews, book advances, agent names, industry mentions, peer perspectives, and so much noise noise noise that sometimes you can’t tell your place in the universe anymore. And, to judge by all the noise, your needle on the hype-meter is the sole measurement of where you are. And what you are. And who you are.

I’ve definitely had my ups and downs, both externally and internally. I went from a guy whose first book was an alternate selection of the Mystery Guild (the mail-order book club, for those who remember the pre-Kindle days), to a guy whose books went out of print almost as fast as they rolled off the press. I went from a guy with an agent at one of the Top Three agencies in the world to a guy who couldn’t even get agents to bother responding to a query.

I went from a Nobody to a Top 30 Amazon Kindle bestseller. And I’m almost certain to be a Nobody again at some point.

And I am almost certain to be exactly the same person, doing the same things, writing the same stories. That’s really the only connecting link and common denominator, besides the loyal core of readers who travel with me.

“Success” as measured by outside observers is a loaded term and attracts weird energy. When I first started self-publishing on Amazon, I’d write “reviews” of my own books, telling funny stories about the book. Someone ratted me out to Amazon—I didn’t know it was against the rules and it wasn’t like I was trying to trick anybody by pretending I was a real critic with a false name.

But even weirder was a few days ago when my wife got a notice saying HER funny reviews were being pulled. Now, no computer on earth would know she was my wife, because we have different last names, if she hadn’t said she was my wife in the review. That means there is someone, or more than one person, going around playing “Amazon cop” on me. Amazon’s message was “It has been brought to our attention…”

After my initial hilarity that someone was so lacking in usefulness as to spend time that way, I felt a little invaded. I don’t care about me, but don’t mess with my sweet little Lefthanded Puppeteer. But she said, “That’s a sign you’re succeeding. People are noticing you. They want to tear you down. That means you’re up.”

Others have told me a lot of people are watching my indie efforts and blog tour, because I am charting a crazy new course. Some will be jealous because they think I am having the success they deserve. Others will support me because they see, like I do, that more people reading good books means more people wanting more good books.

I haven’t been successful at all. What has been successful is the accumulation of book bloggers, partners like Amazon, Kindle Nation Daily, Dellaster Design, Stephen and Neil at Ghostwriter Publications, my supporters that I consider “friends” instead of “fans” or “followers,” and a handful of books into which I poured my heart and talent.

All I can do is write the next sentence as best as I can, as truthfully as I can, and hope that it reflects onto you and gives you a little joy or meaning or escape or insight. That’s what I call being “big.”

-------------

Current 99-cent specials are As I Die Lying and Disintegration. For every book of mine that hits the Top 100 during the tour, I will throw in an extra Kindle 3 giveaway. Tell your friends. Amaze your neighbors. Shock your therapist.

Scott Nicholson is author of 12 novels, including the thrillers Speed Dating with the Dead, Drummer-Boy, Forever Never Ends, The Skull Ring, Burial to Follow ,and They Hunger. His revised novels for the U.K. Kindle are Creative Spirit, Troubled, and Solom. He’s also written four comic series, six screenplays, and more than 60 short stories. His story collections include Ashes, The First, Murdermouth: Zombie Bits, and Flowers.

To be eligible for the Kindle DX or Kindle 3, simply post a comment below with contact info. Feel free to debate and discuss the topic, but you will only be entered once per blog. I’m also giving away a Kindle 3 through the tour newsletter and a Pandora's Box of free e-books to a follower of “hauntedcomputer” on Twitter. Thanks for playing. Complete details at http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/blogtour.htm



Don't forget to visit the other blogs on his tour for more chances to enter his giveaway!

October Girls: Crystal and Bone by L.C. Glazebrook (Scott Nicholson)

Five days until Halloween and all hell is about to break loose.And it’s all Crystal’s fault.

Momma warned her not to consort with the dead and tried to teach her the magic spells that would close the portal to the afterlife. But Crystal doesn’t want to be a trailer-trash witch like Momma. She has dreams of going to community college and escaping the Appalachian town of Parson’s Ford.

Her best friend Bone is only too happy to escape the afterlife and help Crystal break the rules. Bone died too young, and she’ll do whatever it takes to remain among the living.
 Then a teen movie maker comes to Parson’s Ford, and he has a very special project in mind: a horror movie starring a real ghost. The kids who watch his movies turn into brainwashed zombies. And to totally complicate matters, Crystal thinks he’s kind of a hunk, and she’s afraid her boyfriend Pettigrew only loves her because of Momma’s magic spells.

Now it’s Halloween, the night when the portal to the afterlife is widest, and somebody’s been messing with Momma’s potions. The fate of the world is in Crystal’s hands, but she hasn’t been paying attention to her lessons. And a mysterious figure in the afterlife is urging Bone to stay loyal to her own kind instead of to Crystal.
The movie is rolling, the creatures are stirring, and the brainwashed teenagers are ready to welcome a new star from the other side of the grave.

Crystal and Bone must overcome drama queens, coffin cuties, and mangled magic if they want to remain best friends forever—but at this rate, forever may not last much longer.  
-------------------------------
 L.C. Glazebrook is the family pen name of author Scott Nicholson. With contributions from Girl and The Left-Handed Puppeteer, together they are creating LC's secret identity. She was raised in Batesville, Indiana, the casket capital of the country, and was kicked out of Catholic School in the seventh grade. She's an art teacher and community artist. She's a beekeeper, gardener, and paraglider.  
 (all above courtesy of Amazon)



 
Since we have Scott Nicholson joining us tomorrow, I wanted to be sure to get my review of his book up. This is the first of his books that I’ve read, and I really enjoyed it. October Girls: Crystal and Bone is a young adult paranormal romance with a quite a bit of action.

Crystal is a small town high school drop out who lives in a trailer park with her mother. She wants nothing more than to get her GED, go to community college and move on to bigger and better places. Unfortunately, since she is from a long line of women that have lived in that town for centuries as guardians of the portal to the afterlife and it’s almost her turn, it doesn’t seem like it will work out that way.

Bone is Crystal’s best friend. She recently died, and still hangs out with Crystal thanks to the portal. Plus, she doesn’t like being dead all that much anyway!

As Halloween draws closer, things start to get crazy. There’s another ghost sneaking out of the afterlife, a new guy in town that is trying to make a horror movie, and the portals are getting bigger. Crystal, with Bone’s assistance, has to figure out how to make sure none of the creepy things from the other side come through and try to take over the world! Definitely not your typical teenage responsibilities.

I really like the characters of Crystal and Bone. Despite the fact that one girl is a witch and one is a ghost, it feels like a very real relationship. They’re best friends, yet they still tend to be a catty with each other, which is so true of young women sometimes! LOL
Also they way they both like the attention of the cute guys, so funny.

Overall this was a cute book and a quick, fun read. I definitely recommend it!

 Don't forget - Scott Nicholson will be with us tomorrow so come back and check it out. There will be fun things to read and contests to enter for great prizes!!

Taken by Midnight (review & bookmark giveaway) by Lara Adrian

AT THE CROSSROADS OF DEATH AND DESIRE, A WOMAN TASTES A PLEASURE NO MORTAL IS MEANT TO SURVIVE.
 
In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her, as she struggles to understand—and control—a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal . . . and arouse. 

As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself—until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenges their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire. (courtesy of Amazon)

Lara Adrian has created a world of vampires where the Breed Order is protecting humans and the Breed from rogues and the ultimate threat of Dragos. 8th book in the series and I’m definitely enjoying the story line for our two main characters.  Anxious to see where the next few books go given some of the great accomplishments in this book and in the overall plot. 

I felt the book wrapped up a little too quickly, where there may have been some items in between that could have been shortened.  However, it was hard for me to find any places to take out, since to enjoy the characters, you needed the storylines.  Most of the focus and back story has been established and I do enjoy that there is not too much retelling.  By now in this series you are reading it because you want to and you know the past. 

We went a little sci fi in this book, and quite honestly I’m not upset about it.  I’ve already come to terms with Adrian’s origin of this Breed and I don’t mind the sci fi fix at all.  If you are looking to keep to some ‘tradition’ of vampires this may not be the series for you, but if you enjoy a good read – grab it, there is no sparkling day walkers (I’m not hating on twilight), but rather just an interesting twist.  I finished this book in less than a day because it kept me turning the page. 

4 slices

In honor of this new release we were able to get some Lara Adrian Midnight Breed book marks, we have various styles.  If you would like one, please email us for our address where you can send a self addressed stamped return envelope.  We’ve got a limited supply so get the emails in quickly – seducedbybooks@gmail.com

Crave by J R Ward

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds- barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose. 

Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble-and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil. (courtesy of Amazon)

I thoroughly enjoy J R Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, so you can imagine my excitement when she created a new series – The Fallen Angels.  This is the 2^nd book in the series (Covet being the first). 

I felt this book started out a little slower than I anticipated, but it definitely picked up and took me on a twisting coaster ride.  Just when you are following along, you’re thrown a hard left that gives you that drop your stomach feeling and gets you in to find out where you’re going.  The battle for souls rolls on, this is the 2^nd out of 7 and good can’t lose, can they?? 

Our lead character Grier is a hard core buttoned up female lawyer, who still wants to save any defendant she can.  On her latest pro bono case she gets match to a bad ass assassin, Isaac with a past to scare most woman off.  But that isn’t all our storyline – angels and demons must battle over who can be saved or pulled to the ‘dark side’.  A few things are a little over the top and partly wished it was a little shorter.  The story buttons up a little quicker than it took to get there. 

3 slices