Welcome to our blog!
Amy and Jennifer ARE Seduced by Books. We’re both in our 30’s, moms, close friends, work together, and share many of the same interests including our love of reading. Amy grew up in Maryland and has been obsessed with Vampires for as long as she can remember. Jenn grew up in Florida and loves the furry, the fey, and the fangs, in that order. Currently we are both in Orlando, FL. When we can be pulled away from books, Amy loves to bake and Jenn loves to take pictures and scrap.
We decided to create a place where we could direct friends, and acquaintances for, book suggestions/recommendations (Jenn’s been known to talk to strangers on the train while traveling in NYC). Once we started out with a simple page, we evolved from there. Now we are sharing our book reviews, fun comments, recipes, and giveaways. We try to give reviews on new releases, pre-releases, and oldies but goodies that we read, or are reading. We’re going to be adding author interviews for established and up and coming authors soon.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones - out today!

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, Book 2)When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?(courtesy of Amazon)
 
 
Darynda Jones puts it all together in one amazing read! Jones first book grabbed me with the cover, and once I cracked it open she had me locked. Second Grave keeps it going, and has another awesome cover too.


Charley is such an amazing character, she’s got so many different facets to her and yet she just seems so totally cool! Jones does an amazing job. I love the humor, the hunks and the hotness, all wrapped up with murder and mystery. There’s not just one story line, each book has individual ones, tied into the bigger picture. And with all the fun mixed in, you really can’t go wrong. I just lent these out to my sister and bought my friend the first so she could get started.  Book 2 is just released today, so hurry up! 

Jones keeps so many of the different directions going so smoothly in her writing.  Between Charley, Cookie and Reyes, you just can't go wrong with this series.  I will say, Jones tossed a little emotion at me towards the end, I just love Charley!  Check out our review on Book 1
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, August 15, 2011

Need a Favor - Check your settings!!!

We've had a few people say they are not seeing our posts in their Google dashboard.  We've checked our settings, can you check yours :) ?

We have about 12 reviews to post and we've been holding off until we work this kink out.

Remember you can follow us on facebook - Seduced by Books Facebook Page where we are actively keeping our currently reading, recently finished and upcoming albums up to date.
Check your facebook settings also in case we are hidden, we post from our blog through networkblogs to our facebook page.  Also on twitter if that's what you fancy - seducedbybooks

We had a wonderful author on last week and we have many upcoming events/giveaways we don't want you to miss over this September.

This is one reason why we put this page together, to get reviews and authors out there :) Not to mention meet great people and share our addiction.
If at anytime you're having trouble just drop us a note.
Hugs

WINNERS and NEWS!

We didn't have the turn out we hoped last week for our giveaway but the

WINNERS ARE -

Katrina W and Brandy E

We will be getting your contact info to the author to send you your set of the first 3 in his Guardian of the Seventh Realm pdf's :)

Enjoy!

We hope that everyone is seeing our posts - We have some exciting things happening in the next few weeks.
We have

Liz Strange - coming by with a giveaway,

Jamie Magee - guest blog and giveaway,

Jaz Primo - guest blog and giveaway,

A Jacob Sweeney - guest blog and giveaway

We're also lining up some other fun authors and events!  Keep visiting to stay aware.  Give us some feedback!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

INTERVIEW - J W Baccaro - Author of Guardian of the Seventh Realm

SBB: Welcome Author J W Baccaro – author of the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series. We are so excited to have you on the heels of your Book 3 release for the series – The Coming of the Light

JWB: Thank you very much for this opportunity, Jennifer.

SBB: So for those of our followers that have not yet heard of you, can you tell us about yourself?

JWB: Well, to be blunt, I’ve never been much of a handy man. I mean, for goodness sakes, my dear wife blows me out of the water when it comes to repairing a broken household item, changing the oil in our car, or understanding all of these modern day electronics. Ever since I was a little boy, my field has always been creativity. Nothing else really interested me like creating a story, or building a tree fort, or writing a piece of music. Ha! I can remember playing with my He-Man, Transformer, and Thundercat toys--role playing for hours by myself as if I were filming a movie. The older I got, the more serious I became in creativity and soon enough began my first real novel which has turned into an epic fantasy series of five installments. I’m also a guitarist and songwriter and I play in a heavy metal band called Rigor Hill. We hold that old-school Metallica/Megadeth/Iron Maiden sound that nobody does anymore, and hopefully we will go somewhere with it.
I’m also an animal lover and I am a very social person.

SBB: Ok, those were some of my favorite cartoons growing up, and I always played G I Joe with my brother. We have some of those silly interview questions we have to ask - 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)

JWB: My Favorite color is blue; my favorite holiday is Easter--in addition to Halloween, and my favorite desert by far is apple crisp with cinnamon whip cream. MMmmmmmmm!!!!!!
Boxers or Briefs? Unless it’s going to be 95 degrees out, I always go commando.
I like to bite, but…I LOVE being bitten!!!

SBB: *smiles* Love it! Cinnamon whip cream, hmm, I gotta get Amy to try to make that I host a huge Easter Egg Hunt every year with a bunch of my kids friends.

What are some of your favorite books and/or authors

JWB Like many, I love ”The Hobbit” and “The Return of the King” by J.R.R Tolkien. I’m also a big fan of C.S. Lewis and Susan Cooper; at least these are the authors I grew up on. Now-a-days I’m much more into Dark Erotica and Urban Fantasy novels like “Vampire Mistress” from Joey W. Hill and “Nightwalker” by Jocelynn Drake. But I have to say, Tolkien started it all for me.

SBB: Classic must read authors, Tolkien and Lewis. Joey W Hill is on my list now because of you.

NOW, Mr J.W.Baccaro, knowing your character Talvenya, do you have a Dominatrix fetish?

JWB: *Whispers* …yes! :D
I’ll admit it, I have a Dominatrix fetish, and although in everyday life I'm usually a middle ground kind of guy, and make more than half of the decisions in my marriage (by my wife’s choice, ironically), I really love it whenever my wife takes charge--in more ways than just the “bedroom.” It’s like a release, to just let everything go, every worry and concern, and to just focus on that beautiful feminine entity standing before, taking control, but... back onto Talvenya. *laugh*

Like all of us, I have a dark side, and chose to reveal Talvenya as that dark side--of course I would never commit the horrors she does, but that's the beauty of writing fantasy, it's yours to play around with, yours to create, speculate, and a pathway to let out certain feelings that haunt your spirit without ever acting upon them.

Originally, I never intended on Talvenya becoming such a rich character. As you read on to books three, four and five I think you’ll agree that she is probably the most well-developed character (besides Darshun) I’ve created. She was, and still is, that evil feminine demon in my head, and she was supposed to die in book three "The Coming of the Light.” But like the typical male that I am, I fell in love with my Dark Goddess and lacked the heart to kill her off, not yet, at least.

One final mention on Talvenya: To me, the interesting thing about her is that she is not a Dominatrix or an Alpha Female because it sexually arouses her (well, not as much as you'd think), she instead, likes to control and manipulate others because of the tragedy that had befallen her when she was a little girl. What happened to poor little Tal changed her heart forever, and deep down, she hates what she has become. You witness these feelings in her in book three. I really want to say one more thing, but I don't think I can without giving away any spoilers. Perhaps once the fifth book comes out I could do that, I could announce what
Talvenya actually represents to myself (besides a sexy high-heeled boot wearing powerhouse wielding a sword), and what she represents to the human race.

SBB: Awesome, I’ve only just started Book 3, Talvenya is such a complex character. What is your reason for putting so much of you in Dar (Darshun)?

JWB: Jennifer, out of everyone who knows me and has read my books, you are the first person to come out and say that, or perhaps see it! Yes, I modeled myself after Darshun for many reasons. For starters, putting yourself in your own fantasy novel is one heck of a wild ride, a “writer’s high,” you might say. A few other reasons:

Putting aside Darshun’s cocky attitude (hey, he’s too much of a bad arse warrior not to be), like me, he is a kindred spirit. You will notice whenever an animal dies, or a loved one, or whenever he’s faced with a heavy burden, he silently weeps. The first time you see this is in chapter two of “Prophecy of the Guardian.” Killing the elk tore his heart out, but he knew it had to have been done. His adoptive father Mirabel witnesses this side of him and if caught off guard, for Nasharin Warriors are the deadliest warriors on the planet, feared by the Dark and hated by the Light. They’re unafraid of death, and will do whatever it takes to accomplish their
objective, even if it means collateral damage. And yet, here you have little Darshun, weeping over an elk? That was the first sign that something was different about him compared to any other Nasharin.

And also like me, Darshun often feels heavy burdened because of his deep attachment to creation. To him, loving so richly is both a blessing and a curse, because it hurts all the more when you lose that special someone in your life in any way, shape or form; not only in death, but also in betrayal, mockery, or anything of the like.

And lastly, like me, he is a happy-go-lucky kind of a guy and even a bit of an airhead at times. He adores challenges, pushes himself to new limits, and never accepts defeat. No matter how terrible the dark seems to overshadow him, he still finds a way to push forward, and as if “the Fates” are lending some aid, there always seems to be someone there to give him a helping hand.

SBB: Leave it to me to call you out, haha. How many of your characters are based on real people in your life?

JWB: To a certain extent, 4. Darshun=myself, Kelarin=my wife, and Nayland and Caelestias are quite similar to a couple of dear friends of mine.

SBB: Which is the one you would want most – song writing or being an author?

JWB: No contest, an author! Of course writing is not as thrilling as playing live and having people cheering for you, along with all of the other attention that comes with being in a band, still, writing is much more relaxed, and there’s just something about putting a large portion of your heart into a book and allowing others to read it, almost like they’re looking into your soul, so to speak.

SBB: Tell us about your writing plans – What’s next?

JWB: I have four other books in mind that have to do with the world I’ve created, along with some of the characters, but I’m taking a break from fantasy, and especially violence; as you know, there is so much of it in my series. It’s a war, after all. So this September I’m going to begin my first Dark Erotica/Urban Fantasy novel. I hope to have it completed by late spring 2012.

SBB: We’re so glad you came over, we want everyone to check out the books. This series is intense and full of so much of you. I have enjoyed books 1 and 2 already. – now you mentioned you wanted to do a giveaway – you still up for it?

JWB: Of course! I will give 10 people pdf versions of my first three books. In other words, each person shall receive a pdf version of “Prophecy of the Guardian,” “Siege of Darkness,” and my brand new book “The Coming of the Light.” Just let me know who these 10 people are and I will be more than happy to send the books their way.

Thank you so much for the interview, Jennifer, it was a pleasure.

SBB: YOU’RE THE BEST! Ok followers, we hope you enjoyed our time with “Mr Baccaro” – we sure did. He’s been kind enough to give us the books, now here’s what you have to do to earn them. It’s not too hard, but since we have a quite a few to give away we want to make sure we do it right

1. You have to leave your email address in a comment below (if you are nervous about it, email us direct at seducedbybooks@gmail.com)
2. You should be a follower of our blog
3. Please ‘like’ J W Baccaro author page on facebook
4. For additional points/chances, like our page on facebook (Seduced by Books) and share this post on your social networks (leave the links in your comment)

See not too hard - We’ll give you until Friday (Aug 12th) and we’ll announce the winners by Sunday Aug 14th)



















Our reviews of Book 1 and Book 2

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Embrace of Life and Death by Liz Strange

The Embrace of Life and DeathKieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another. The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.(courtesy of Amazon)


Dark Kiss Trilogy spin off book.


To me, Liz Strange really knows how to grip you and pull you into the book as if it's reality.  I have enjoyed her Dark Kiss trilogy and was excited about this book because it was Kieran's story.  We met Kieran and while his part in the book was only a supporting role (if you will), from the first moment, his presence intrigued me.  He needed more of a story.  So when I heard he had his own, I had to read it. 


Strange opens up her writing on M/M erotica in this book.  She shows you true love and how when it's right, it doesn't matter who it is.  Strange knows how to write with such passion that I'm lost in it from almost the beginning.  The intensity is just amazing.  I enjoyed how an angel (Azrael) comes to love a vampire (our Kieran) and how they give everything to be together.  Even the Supreme One can not change how one loves.  For true vampire stories, Strange doesn't sugar coat the blood sucking.  There are 'vegetarians', not that I don't love and enjoy other series, but she definitely keeps them in the darker side.  


Strange definitely steams it up in this book.  I am interested to see if she continues the spin off to give us more of Daniel and Charles.  I'm thrilled that Kieran was her first spin off, because his story needed to be told.  Start from the beginning in this series, because you definitely need the full emotions of this series.    
We hope to have a guest visit from Liz Strange in the coming month or so, check back for the details 










Monday, August 1, 2011

In the Company of Vampires by Katie MacAlister

In the Company of Vampires: A Dark Ones Novel
When Francesca arrives at GothFaire to save her mother from the trickster god, Loki, things go from bad to worse. Her immortal ex, Benedikt, is there, full of secrets-and with a new girlfriend. Now Fran must battle a power-hungry group who wishes to dominate both the immortal and mortal worlds-and the woman who claimed Ben's heart. It's a good thing Fran's no ordinary mortal... (courtesy of Amazon)

Definitely read 2 short stories by Katie Maxwell (Macalister’s pen name in YA) before reading this addition to the Dark Ones series. The two short stories can be found in Confessions of a Vampire’s Girlfriend or in standalone YA books – Got Fangs? and Circus of the Darned). I didn’t realize that before I dove into the new Dark One book, and had to back track just a bit.


Even though I was off kilter a little, MacAlister sets up Ben and Fran well in this book. Ben and Fran have a great banter between them. Fran is quite the pistol. With the shorts, I was able to wrap myself in to the heat and tension in the adult book even more, as it brings together their history. There is a little blankness in the 5 years that have passed, but the love of the chemistry between them truly drives the book. MacAlister has given another Moravian the chance at finding their Beloved, only this chance couldn’t be harder.

After 5 years, Ben is still hoping Fran will still come around, of course he didn’t expect to have her see him with another chic! Thankfully, the ever jealous pistol Fran, won’t back down. Battling would be girlfriends, and still someone on a murderous rampage, Fran has her work cut out for her.  Finally, they can come together, but will it be enough for Fran to truly become Ben’s Beloved? I found this book to be refreshing, lots of good humor as well as hot sex. I think the shower scenes, one in the YA book and one in this adult book, make for an interesting read in its self.  MacAlister definitely has a knack for bringing the fun, romance and mystery together.





Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston

Big Bad BeastWhen it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe...Ric can't believe his luck. He's wanted this fiercely independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn't some in-your-face Alpha male - but a wily, resourceful wolf who'll always have her back in a fight...and between the sheets.(courtesy of Amazon)


Book 6 in the Pride Series

Bad Ass chics rock! Laurenston gives us one chic that is her own army – Dee-Ann has been trained by the best – her daddy. Love her! Laurenston is not pulling any stops as she keeps her Pride series going with a new plot and fun humor, oh and don’t forget the steamy sex! The chemistry between Ric and Dee-Ann starts out in the last few books. Ric is one smart wolf, he’s got Dee-Ann right where he wants her, but he’s got to make her think she’s in the lead. What a smart man!

Ric has quickly learned that he can’t control or protect Dee-Ann, she doesn’t need it and he’s happy to let her do her thing. Which of course, her thing happily involves kicking some ass for him to keep him safe. I can’t enjoy it more! Shocking twist at the end shows us who has been behind the illegal fights. We also carry over more of Bo and Blayne in this book (they were the leads in Book 5) as well as meet a ‘friend’ from Dee-Ann’s past (who is the lead in the next, book 7).

Again, Laurenston keeps it fun and sexy with two mysteries mixed in!