A Review of A Cast Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell

Five Fangs for A Cast Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell

A Cast Off Coven was even better than the first book Secondhand Spirits. Juliet Blackwell has a magical series brewing here that gets better with each new installment.

Mystery, magic, and a touch of romance joined together with some hijinks and vintage clothing- got to love the vintage clothes-make for very engaging reading.

I absorbed this book in two nights. I didn't want to put it down I just kept reading and reading telling myself "one more chapter and I'll go to be". One more chapter would quickly turn into three more and before I knew it it was 2 AM. Yeesh- but that's how engrossing this book was.

In the second book the Witchcraft Mystery series witch Lily Ivory has been asked to check out some clothes at the San Fransisco School of Fine Arts. While there one night she stumbles across a dead body and some very spooky noises. Soon she's embroiled in trying to find out who or what killed the man. She often has to consult Aidan the male witch who still remains a mystery and she even has to work with local Detective Carlos who turns out to be a pretty nice guy and open to Lily's help.

One little problem is Max- he's a Lily's sorta kinda boyfriend and a mythbuster. He doesn't believe in magic, witches, demons, ghosts or any of that which means he doesn't believe in Lily. This creates a nice conflict and opens the doors for the other hot guys in Lily's life (Like Aidan even as mysterious as he is at least he understands Lily). I do root for Max though if he can come over to the "darkside" and believe in Lily. He also needs to forgive himself for his wife's death- which Lily finally learns more about in this book.

This series is so great. It touches on some darkness but it is written lightheartedly so it won't bog you down. I can't wait to read more form Juliet Blackwell who is starting a new mystery series The Haunted Home Repair mystery series. I can't wait for that one. And I am marking my calendar for the next Witchcraft Mystery due out in June 2011.

Free Book Friday The Moses Expedition by Juan Gomez-Jurado

Free Book Friday is back and this week I have a copy of The Moses Expedition

It's not the usual Fang-tastic Books type of giveaway but it is different and looks interesting though not my style at all. I received it for review but think it better suited for someone who will actually enjoy reading it.

Description:

After fifty years in hiding, the Nazi war criminal known as the Butcher of Spiegelgrund has finally been tracked down by Father Anthony Fowler, a CIA operative and a member of the Vatican’s secret service. He wants something from the Butcher —a candle covered in filigree gold that was stolen from a Jewish family many years before.

But it isn't the gold Fowler is after. As Fowler holds a flame to the wax, the missing fragment of an ancient map that uncovers the location of the Ten Commandments given to Moses is revealed. Soon Fowler is involved in an expedition to Jordan set up by a reclusive billionaire. But there is a traitor in the group who has ties to terrorist organizations back in the United States, and who is patiently awaiting the moment to strike.

From wartime Vienna to terrorist cells in New York and a lost valley in Jordan, The Moses Expedition is a thrilling read about a quest for power and the secrets of an ancient world.

Sound like something you'd like?

Then please leave a comment on this post

One lucky winner will be announced next Wednesday

Good Luck

If you're looking for a something more girlie and a lot hotter

drop by Roxanne's Realm

for a Free Book Friday Giveaway of

NAUTI and WILD by Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton

August is Michigan Month at Fang-tastic Books

In case you don't know, I'm a Michigan girl born and raised. I live and have always lived on the outskirts of Flint.

One day a few weeks ago I decided to showcase the talent that abounds in Michigan along with showcasing some of the beautiful places we have.

So I decided to make August Michigan month.

That's right August is Michigan Month at Fang-tastic Books- I'll be featuring authors from Michigan- I will also will be discussing great places in Michigan, and products made in Michgan all month long.

If you are interested in participating we still have a few spots available please contact me for details I have been having email difficulties with both emails so I willo post them both here- I suggest copying the message to both addresses that way hopefully at least one will get through- sorry it's pain believe me it's a pain for me too.

eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com

RoxanneRhoads @ aol. com

So far here are the Michigan authors I have scheduled.

Some are from Michigan but now live elsewhere, many of the authors still live here in Michgan.

August 3 Sherry King

August 4 Bronwyn Green

August 6 Nancy Gideon

August 7 Arianna Skye

August 9 Mark Sherony

August 11 Chrissy Munder

August 12 Kimberly Frost

August 16 Cindy Spencer

August 19 Selena Kitt

August 20 Colleen Gleason

August 21 Jennifer Armintrout

August 24 Lynda Hilburn

August 25 Jane Toombs

A Review of Seduced by the Wolf

.5
4.5 Fangs for Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear

Seduced by the Wolf is probably the Terry Spear's best wolf book so far. S

he knows how to make werewolves sexy and this book is definitely sexy and filled with plenty of action and adventure, along with twists and turns- enough to leave you breathless and wanting more.

I was a little confused at first by the vast assortment of characters introduced into the story in the beginning- Cassie, Leidolf, Aimee, and all the wolves in Leidolf's pack along with Alex the wolf biologist following Cassie, the guy from the zoo and even the wolf mother and her pups.

I was like "wow that's a lot to take in" and I had no idea where everything was going and how all those characters were going to fit into the story- which is a good thing because I hate seeing the end right from the beginning. You know what I mean - when you see all the set ups and immediately know where the book is going to go- I kinda hate that. I like a book to surprise me. And this one did.

Cassie and Leidolf are the two main characters and are fun to read- they are so into each other right from the start but Leidolf has to battle his feelings because he is the alpha and thinks Cassie to be human- His main priority is to his pack which means he needs to mate with a werewolf. Cassie is battling her feelings because of her past and because her first priority is the mother wolf and pups that she wants to protect.

When Cassie and Leidolf finally join forces they still have to combat rogue werewolves, determined zoo keepers, and hunters along with the growing feelings they have for each other. We all know that's a battle they'll lose but what's going to happen with everything else that's stacked up against them?

This fast paced book will suck you in right away. Once I picked it up and started reading I was hooked. I couldn't wait to see how things would fit together and how everything was going to turn out.

Fabulous read.

A Review of Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler

Five Fangs for Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler

Nicole Peeler rocks the urban fantasy/ paranormal romance book. She really does.

Jane True is a whole new type of heroine- she's not a cookie cutter half vampire, half witch, needy witch who doesn't know her power, werewolf who doesn't fit it like other UF heroines....

Nope she's half selkie which is something completely new and unheard of (for me anyway) in UF and PNR fiction. Sure Jane has a messed up past which has left her slightly broken but she's still witty, sometimes down right goofy but she does what she has to do- she takes care of her dad, works at the local bookstore and lives a cozy life in the small town of Rockabill.

She's always known she was different but didn't have a clue how different until she finds a dead body in her swimming hole in the first book- that situation tossed her into the supernatural life full force as she got a crash course of supernatural hierarchy, bullshit and power struggles. Which of course almost got her killed. But she did meet her sexy fanged boyfriend Ryu.

Now in the second book, Tracking the Tempest, it's Valentine's Day and Jane's boyfriend Ryu has sent her a plane ticket so she can fly to Boston to stay with him for Valentine's. Which leads to her almost getting killed in the crossfire when a crazy halfling who is after Ryu shoots fireballs at them.

This is just the first of many times poor Jane gets hurt in this book.

Good thing she has healers at her beck and call. Several of the supes in her life can heal (like ANyan and Ryu a little bit). One member of Ryu's team (he's a supernatural investigator, kinda like the paranormal's version of the FBI) is a super healer (he's also a goat man, also called a satyr, which encourages some laugh out loud humor in this book- at one point I was laughing and snorting so bad I thought I was going to lose it, flat out hilarious).

Anyway after the attack on Ryu Jane is sent back to Rockabill and the crazy halfling follows her there. Good thing Anyan Barghest is there along with Nell the gnome to keep Jane safe.

I love these characters. I am so glad Anyan gets a lot more page time in this book because I knew from the beginning he's got to be "the one" even if Jane doesn't have a clue yet. Ryu is a nice and sexy distraction but he is Ryu, so self centered. Anyan is....so much more. Anyway I get ahead of myself and the books because even at the end of Tracking Jane isn't quite there yet with Anyan so I am projecting my hopeful little thoughts and prophecies into the mix.

All of the characters in the Jane True series are well developed even the ones who are just bit players. They are all described so well that they leap off the page. Caleb the goat man is fantastic- just his presence alone adds laughs when Jane's thoughts kick in or when she slips on ice and accidentally grabs something other than his arm (hint goat men wear no pants).

Then there's Julian the computer genius and half vampire, he is a fun sidekick. I love his enthusiasm.

Then there's Daoud- seriously what is up with djinn's having a never ending supply of stuff in their pants? Do they have like a magic pouch in their pants that they can pull out whatever they need? Too hilarious.

Even the bad guys get well described- sometimes too well especially when it comes to Graeme the beautiful though psychotic rapist incubus- so not a good combination. Just the description will make women shiver with fear- especially after some of his handiwork is described- not in detail though much of it is left to our imaginations.

And then there's Fugwat the evil spriggan.

Seriously Fugwat? That name cracks me up because it sounds like a bad word or insult- exactly what the moronic bad guy deserves to be called.

Such a fabulous cast came together to make this book awesome.

Tracking the Tempest is a wild adventure that leads us through the complications of the supernatural world while introducing us to new players in the series and letting us all (including Jane) learn a lot more about Anyan, much to Ryu's disdain. Obviously Ryu and Anyan have some history but by the end of the book that still has not been explained.

The body count is pretty high in this book but the gruesomeness is nothing compared to LKH and it's not too graphic. It's enough to make you feel it without getting overdone by it. Jane gets it all thrown at her and has to deal with the horrificness of it all while almost getting killed herself...a couple times and Ryu never takes that into consideration (which is so why I am not team Ryu) he just keeps wanting and taking from her. And while I wholeheartedly agree that sex can be a great healer and make things better in times of stress- there's more to a relationship than sex and that seems to be all Jane and Ryu have. Which is great for a fun romp but not good for the long haul.

Nicole Peeler has created a fun, likable, and witty heroine in Jane True. She's different, a little snarky and she's not all bad ass though her powers are growing and I think she will become a force to be reckoned with. She just has to learn the ropes and focus on her skills- in this book she gets plenty of hands on experience.

And I absolutely love the humor- I get it, I sooo get it.

Peeler's slightly chick lit tone is coupled with a touch of sensuality and a little bit of raunchiness (Jane's potty mouth shines through a few times) which creates an element you don't often see in UF books. The plots and subplots are seamlessly woven together creating an intricate and well written story that has to be read. I seriously couldn't put it down until I finished it.

Sex, suspense, humor, snark, supernatural beings...what more could you ask for?

Oh I know...fantastically creative covers. No UF carbon copy images in these beautiful works of art. No leather clad heroines with tramp stamp tattoos in sight, just colorful, beautiful fantasy art. Sharon Tancredi is the artist responsible for the beautiful images and I have got to give her and the publisher credit for creating book covers that really stand out from the crowd.

Both the inside and outside of the book are different than any of the normal UF or PNR fare on the bookshelves- which is such a good thing.

Winner Wednesday

The winner of the Uprinting Postcard Giveaway
is Heather Kuehl


The winner of the $100 Gift Certificate From CSN Stores
is CrystalGB

Linda Robertson's winners are:

K SUNSHINE: is the winner of signed copy of FATAL CIRCLE

BARBARA E: is the winner of signed copy of BOTH books, FATAL CIRCLE & HALLOWED CIRCLE!

Karenna Colcroft's winner is Stacey

And Sharon Ashwood's winner is JenM

So my email is still acting crazy- I am emailing the winners that have not already been contacted by the authors. If you don't receive an email please let me know. Thanks.

A Review of Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

4.5 Fangs for Secondhand Spirits

This is a new series for me and I am loving it.

Magic, witchcraft, some romantic possibilities and all set in a mystery novel- fabulous.

The series reminds me a little of Annette Blair's vintage magic series they are both witches, they both own vintage clothing stores, they both can read clothes and they both get themselves involved in mysteries.

But that's where the similarities end- other than the fact that both series are fang-tastically delightful reads.

In Secondhand Spirits powerful witch Lily Ivory is relatively new to San Fransisco. She has a new store selling vintage clothes, a few friends that help out with the store but she's still the new kid on the block.

Things start to get interesting though when male witch Aidan Rhodes shows up with a gift for her, a new familiar who is a shape shifting gnome/elf/gargoyle type guy she decides to call Oscar because she can't seem to get a real name from him.

Then things go from weird to worse when Lily is at a clients house gathering vintage clothes and a neighborhood child goes missing and then the old lady who was Lily's client passes away. Suddenly the cops and other people are interested in Lily's witchy skills. All Lily cares about is getting the child back but she's going to have to take on a demonic spirit to do it. She's not sure she's up for it-especially not alone but if she can give up on her loaner ways and make friends and ask for help she might have enough power to combat the evil and save the innocent.

Fabulous book- I could not put it down, a spectacular slightly spooky read with just the right amounts of mystery, magic and romance.

I already have the second book in the series- A Cast Off Coven. It's next in my to-read pile.

Review of Possess Me by R.G. Alexander

4.5 Fangs for Possess Me

What do you get when you combine voodoo, a loa, New Orleans and sizzling sexiness?

Possess Me by R.G. Alexander

This erotic novel was smoking hot- a perfect summer read set in my favorite city, New Orleans.

The book is actually 3 interwoven novellas featuring three couples that are all connected in some way. The three stories seamlessly connect and flow together making it feel like you are in fact reading one novel that features a few main story lines and a well rounded cast of characters.

I really enjoyed Possess Me. It's been awhile since I read a really good erotica novel. I love when a book is steamy as can be while still featuring an interesting storyline other than the sex. This book did that all while tossing in subtle supernatural elements that fit perfectly with the story.

A loa (voodoo spirit), a couple ghosts, a couple psychics, and a woman who can see ghosts. It's a fun blend with some ultra sexy scenes.

I honestly couldn't out this book down. It was wonderful to read something so delightfully different and deliciously magical. Sensual, seductive and filled with sexy if you like paranormal erotica this book's for you.

Here's the blurb for the book:

In the Big Easy, there's a legend women long for: a sexual voodoo spirit who can fulfill their darkest fantasies. And in these three steaming-hot novellas, he helps three New Orleans couples achieve the ultimate satisfaction...

In Release Me, Allegra heads down to New Orleans to heal her wounds, but she never expects to lose her heart to such a quiet, troubled man as Rousseau. She's even less prepared for the scorching, sexual spirit within him-and what he can do to her...

In Reclaim Me, Ben has loved Michelle as long as he can remember. But his beautiful artist has a way of running away from life-and what the pair could be. Leave it to the infamous spirit to help Ben prove to Michelle where she belongs: in his embrace...

In Redeem Me, it's All Saints' Day, the one day the voodoo spirit can walk the world in the flesh. When he bumps into Bethany, she might just be the reincarnation of a girl he once loved. Passion ignites, but can the couple overcome past mistakes and have a real chance at love?

Send Me Your Halloween Events, Contests, Book Releases, Etc

I know it's only July but I like to plan ahead.

Plus I really love Halloween.

If you are planning any Halloween events- live, public events that people can attend like Vampire Balls, Halloween Balls, or conventions- I will post them online. If I get enough I'll create a sidebar link list of events. Be sure to include all details along with the city and state the event will be held.

Also if you are planning online events, giveaways, month long parties, etc in honor of Halloween send those my way and I'll be posting info about those as well.

Books...you know the drill by now- authors if you have Halloween story or a story that would be good to read during the Halloween season send me an email and we'll set up a day to promote your work.

I am also open to reviewing Halloween costumes, fangs, vampire goodies, spooky, Goth, or steampunk jewelry and other Halloween related fun. Just send me an email and we'll work out the details.

I am gladly open to giveaways as well, if you'd like to sponsor any Halloween giveaways that would be great.

I'll be posting all the Halloween stuff here on Fang-tastic Books during September and October.

Please email me if you'd like to have books, events, products or anything else Halloween related included.

Monday Musings and Paranormal TV Shows July 26, 2010

Who watched the new season of Being Human that started Saturday on BBC?

I did- it was OK I can't say I was overwhelmed by it George sure was being an ass until he found out what was going on. And then the addition of religious fanatics....really? Like the religious fanatic storyline- you know the one where the fanatics going around killing and torturing those who are different all in the name of god hasn't been overdone a gazillion times. Seriously- something new please.

I also watched the other paranormal offerings- Haven on Friday night on SyFy which has really piqued my interest with the "troubles". It's all so vague yet just enough to hook you in.

Then The Gates is getting a little more interesting on Sunday nights on ABC.

True Blood felt a little off to me this week. It's like they concentrated on making it "the bloodiest episode ever" and while doing that they forgot to add something interesting to the story because nothing "real" happened. You know nothing that really furthered the storyline it was about all "trying to escape" and"trying to go somewhere". It set up a bunch of new story lines that will probably be followed in future episodes but this one just left me hanging in a way that didn't leave me satisfied.

True Blood usually delivers the goods in a way that's like good sex- you are like "wow, that was awesome, when can I have more"

This weekend the Got Books Event was a huge success- thank you to all that dropped by to enter.

In September I will be hosting BlogFest 2010 and Blogmania- both of which I am still accepting donations for if any authors would like to donate books, swag, etc.

This week at Fang-tastic Books I have a lot of reviews going up and some other interesting blog posts. There will be a Free Book Friday but right now the giveaway is even a mystery to me since I have not chosen a book for it yet.

Well, that's about it for now I got tons on my mind so I have to go deal with some unpleasantness and then get to work on my book.

Got Books Event Winner

And the winner of the Got Books Event prize pack is....

Da da duh daaaa...

Tetewa

Congratulations, I will be sending you an email to verify the address you left on the form

Thank you to all who entered and to all my new friends and followers, be sure to drop by often as there are giveaways here every week- sometimes more than one.

In September I'll be hosting 2 huge Blog Giveaways- BlogFest 2010 and Blogmania I have some pretty good stuff in those prize packs already so please come back in September for those

Got Books Event Closed

OK the Got Books Event is officially closed and I am now going through all the comments and entries and will be selecting a winner later today.

It was a hugely successful event- I now have over 630 followers, lots more Facebook friends, and more Twitter followers. I also think the Got Books Event had more entries than any other contest here at Fang-tastic Books has had. That's so awesome.

Now I am off to sort through the entries, add up all the extras and toss them to the randomizer and pick a winner.

Good luck to everyone, be sure to drop back by in a couple hours and the winner will be announced.

Welcome to the Got Books Book Blogger Event & Giveway

It's here!

The Got Books Event!

I have a box of books and author swag to giveaway,

Want to learn more about a few of the books up for grabs?

First we have Midnight Cravings donated and signed by Michele Hauf. Here's the book description:

Under the cover of night exists the dark and sensuous world of Midnight Cravings—a world conjured up in six seductive tales of paranormal passion. Follow some of the genre's best writers, including Michele Hauf, Karen Whiddon and Lori Devoti, on a mesmerizing journey where the extraordinary comes breathtakingly close with every turn of the page.

So, please, come on in. The first bite won't hurt, and it's likely that you will crave another…and another…and…

Then we have Burned by PC and Kristin Cast

Things have turned black at the House of Night.

Zoey Redbird’s soul has shattered. With everything she’s ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey’s fading fast. It’s seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her. But how? He will have to die to do so, the Vampire High Council stipulates. And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left…

Enter BFF Stevie Rae. She wants to help Z but she has massive problems of her own. The rogue Red Fledglings are acting up, and this time not even Stevie Rae can protect them from the consequences. Her kinda boyfriend, Dallas, is sweet but too nosy for his own good. The truth is, Stevie Rae’s hiding a secret that might be the key to getting Zoey home but also threatens to explode her whole world.

In the middle of the whole mess is Aphrodite: ex-Fledgling, trust-fund baby, total hag from Hell (and proud of it). She’s always been blessed (if you could call it that) with visions that can reveal the future, but now it seems Nyx has decided to speak through her with the goddess’s own voice, whether she wants it or not. Aphrodite’s loyalty can swing a lot of different ways, but right now Zoey’s fate hangs in the balance.

Three girls… playing with fire… if they don’t watch out, everyone will get Burned.

Here's a list of all of the books if you'd like to learn more about them at Amazon:

Midnight Cravings Donated by Michele Hauf

There's also a CD with some of my ebooks on it including Eternal Desire.



There's also lots of author swag (from me and several other authors) that includes bookmarks, postcards, magnets, pins, stickers and more

To enter this contest please fill out this form

If you wish to receive another bonus entry you can also leave a comment on this post.

If you tweet, blog, Facebook or add links to your sites about this contest please include any links in the comments as well for more bonus entries

Get another bonus entry if you are a google friend connect follower

(one for each tweet, link or blog post)

Thanks and good luck!

Want to visit other sites hosting Got Books Giveaways? Check out this list.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Sharon Ashwood

Serial writers
Writing a series is an interesting process. When I began the book that would become Ravenous, the first Dark Forgotten story, I had no thoughts of sequels. When my editor said to start planning for more, I had to start thinking in a hurry.

What kicked off the rest of the story for me was one question—if demons were escaping into our universe, where were they coming from? I had always assumed a fiery pit sort of place, but what if my assumptions—and everyone else’s—were dead wrong?

This question led to Scorched, which gives a lot of information about that demon dimension. Another question led to Unchained, and so on. In fact, every book raises a fistful of new ideas I simply have to grapple with.

Unchained tells the story of a slayer who also happens to be a mother—how does a woman deal with a conflict like that? And what happens when life returns to a world frozen in time? Is it all bluebirds and butterflies, or does life mean something else? And what happens when the hero has to choose between mere weeks of passion and a dreary, lifeless immortality dedicated to duty?

And, of course, at the end of Unchained, there were more things I needed to know. And so the Dark Forgotten books continue—and they shall do so, as long as people want to read them.

How long should a series be? I think as long as a series continues to be driven by curiosity and compelling characters, it can carry on forever. However, there are logistical problems. How do new readers catch up? How does the author keep details straight? These are all problems that are cropping up for me after only four finished manuscripts—even with copious notes, I have no idea how authors ten or twelve novels into a series manage! Fortunately, these days we have the Internet. I’ve managed to keep some things tidy with the Monsterpedia, where I’ve spelled out some information for both myself and readers.

So, to help me understand the series phenomenon from a reader’s viewpoint, here are a couple of questions:

1. What do you do when you find out about a new series?

a) Buy/borrow the books from the beginning and read them in order
b) Dive in partway through and then go back to the start if you like what you see
c) Get a friend to tell you what’s happened so far.

2. If “official” summaries of the books were on the web, would you

a) Avoid them like the plague
b) Use them to catch up before picking up a book partway through

Tell me what you think, and please share anything else you think I should know!

One commenter will win a book from my series – whichever one they’d like!

Excerpts from all three are available at www.sharonashwood.com

And, just for fun, my Unchained heroine, Ashe, stands ready to help you rid yourself of any monster infestations in your life ... check out her do-it-yourself monster removal advice.

And here you can check out the book video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbExjMvR8-0

Karenna Colcroft Guest Blog and Giveaway

ONLY HUMAN?

I was writing a paranormal romance novel. Since I hadn’t written that genre before—this was a few years ago now, and I hadn’t really written any kind of romance novel at that point, unless you count YA urban fantasy into which romance occasionally sneaked—I posted a short excerpt from the novel on a feedback site.

Two of the commenters had a problem with this sentence: “He was only human.”

The main character of that novel, which is now titled Eternal Love and is available from Pink Petal Books, is Rhys Trevellian, a 935-year-old immortal. He’s the “he” to whom that sentence referred, and the commenters took issue with my referring to him as “only human” because he’s immortal.

The fact is, though, that regardless of being nearly a millennium old, Rhys is human. In the universe I created for that novel, immortality is a cellular regenerative ability that shows up genetically. Cells restructure themselves at such a rapid rate that an immortal stops aging at about age twenty-five, and injuries and illnesses either don’t touch them at all or don’t affect them for long. However, immortals aren’t any other type of species or creature. They’re human beings who just happen to be able to recover from any illness or injury, and who can’t die.

So does that really make them human, or are they something else as my commenters implied? And if they are human, does that mean I haven’t really written a paranormal novel?

Paranormal tends to feature a wide variety of beings. Demons, angels, shifters, vampires, fae… the list is endless. What doesn’t seem to be very common is a paranormal novel featuring a human main character. Even characters who seem to be human usually have some sort of psychic ability or something about them that makes them a sort of monster magnet. (Not naming any names here…)

Readers of paranormal seem to love the variety of beings. Vampires are certainly popular, and I think shifters are as well. Sometimes they are in love with a human. More often, at least in the books I’ve read, there are no “regular” humans. Or the normal human at the start of the story is turned into a vampire, shifter, etc. by their love interest. And I’m guilty of that myself, assuming that Rhys isn’t human.

In Eternal Love, immortal Rhys’s love interest is a mortal woman named Gwen Davies, who is the reincarnation of the girl Rhys was in love with as a teen. There isn’t really anything extraordinary about Gwen; she’s a perfectly human woman, at least until she meets Rhys. I won’t give away what happens, though I think my blurb does…

So I have two human beings, at least in my opinion. However, opinions may vary, so I’m interested in that of the readers. If a person is immortal, can live forever, can only be killed by a special weapon developed to interfere with that ramped-up cellular regeneration, are they “only human”? Rhys definitely acts human. He has human faults, human emotions. So does Gwen.

I’d love to read your input on the subject. When you read paranormal, do you expect to see characters who are other than human? Do human actions and emotions make a character seem human to you even if they’re some other sort of creature?

And what about Rhys? I’m curious as to whether you’d think he’s “only human,” as I described him, or something else entirely.

Any commenters will be entered in a prize drawing, so let me know what you think!

The prize pack is filled with promo goodies from several authors.

Be sure to include your email address with post.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Linda Robertson

Please welcome the beautiful Linda Robertson as our guest author today!

She has an interesting post about the allure of self-confident alpha males.

She also has a couple giveaways .

The last time I visited the FANG-TASTIC blog site I talked about the alluring self-confidence of vampires. This time, let’s expand on that. Alpha males are attractive to many women because of the “I’m a strong manly-man who can save you, babycakes,” persona. It screams: “I’m capable, reliable, and I want you so bad I’ll risk everything.” It’s dramatized flattery at its finest.

Don’t we all want our man to be capable of becoming the warrior who protects us from the whims of our enemies, then changes light bulb? Don’t we all want the reliable guy who will doubtlessly do the right thing in any given situation and who will remember—all by himself—to take out the trash? Isn’t it even better if he can read us perfectly and knows when to chivalrously hold the door and flirt as we pass through, and when to just get the hell out of the way?

Ahhh. Fiction is a wonderful, wonderful thing, ain’t it? :-)

Relationships are never perfect. Neither are people. So flawed characters dealing with the ups and downs of interpersonal connections—all while dealing with being a vampire or a witch or a werewolf—are the characters most interesting to me. Those who, despite the odds, keep on navigating around those potholes on the highway of love can be especially fun.

Menessos, to me, is definitely an alpha male, but he’s also driving much too fast on that aforementioned highway in his overpriced sports/luxury car weaving in and around traffic hoping to impress...but the impression he’s usually making is one of arrogant charm. Sometimes it’s vexing. Sometimes it’s funny. Sometimes it’s wearying. Persephone likes it in small doses, but loathes it in any large, bossy display. Figuring out who reacts how, who has the upper hand, and who thinks they do, is great fun for me.

In FATAL CIRCLE, Persephone needs some help and Menessos is in the position to provide that assistance, but it means she must move into his Haven. She is being forced to accept some serious changes in her life and adding a new (and not entirely safe) environment to them is not the highlight of her plan. But her presence at the Haven does seem to be a bright spot for Menessos, who is determined to seduce her.

For example, here’s two excerpts:

EXCERPT ONE:

“How about we start with Johnny?” I wanted to know about the ties between Johnny and I that Menessos mentioned at the restaurant.

His voice lowered. “How about we start without Johnny?”

Though my back was turned to the fire, warmth slithered across my aura; it was an invitation duplicated in his smoldering eyes.

I drew my shields around me. “Why do you bounce back and forth between humanizing yourself to the point of making me feel sorry for you, and then play Mr. Dangerous Sex-Starved Vampire?”

Amused, he said, “I am not sex starved.”

“It’s annoying and it’ll get old, fast, if you keep it up.”

The heat abated, but was still present. “My apologies, Persephone.” Standing at the end of the granite countertop, he reached into a decorative azure blue bowl and lifted one of the crackled glass orbs. Even as he inspected it, twisting his wrist, I could feel it as if his fingers were flicking over my aura. “Do you not like having your flesh kindled?”

I recognized and resisted this, strengthening my shields even more, but my body still responded to it.

“Wasn’t that made clear with the word ‘annoying’?” The breathlessness of my voice pissed me off. So did he.

Menessos is accustomed to instant gratification. When she shuts him down, he’s annoyed with her, but he still won’t totally give up. That she reacts regardless makes Persephone even more determined to resist. It is neither his power nor his bullish manipulation that reels her a little closer, however.

EXCERPT TWO:

All of his suits were cut to complement him as only the best garments can, but tonight there was something especially masculine about him. He wore no tie and his linen shirt was neither tucked nor fully buttoned. I appraised his self-assured gait, and the competent way he scanned both sidewalks ahead of us and behind, gauging every facet of our environment.

No matter how docile he seemed, underneath he was a predator.

No matter how modern he seemed, underneath he was ancient.

He’d lived thousands of years. He’d experienced almost all recorded history from the dawn of civilization until now. Yet, he strolled along with me, hands unassumingly in his pockets. Seemingly content.

“What was the moment you realized nothing would ever be the same?” I had to ask.

It’s not the things that make him unique or powerful that appeal to her, it is the things that make him human. Her inescapable, larger-than-life destiny makes her uncertain, but she knows that he’s been through this before.

Ultimately, what he wants from her isn’t something this stubborn woman intends to give him, and what she needs from him may be the one thing he cannot or will not give her. Where they each draw their lines in the sand for relationships will determine their fate, unless someone concedes.

So…an alpha male’s stoic self-confidence is great. Sometimes even a touch of arrogance can be justifiable. But sometimes, that wall of conviction has to come down. Sometimes, an alpha male has to expose his vulnerability—not his strength—to win a place in the heart of his beloved.

What do you think? How does emotional vulnerability impact your view of the alpha male?

Leave an answer in the comments and be entered to win (see rules below)!

WHAT YOU COULD WIN:

1st Prize:

Autographed copies of both

HALLOWED CIRCLE & FATAL CIRCLE.

2nd Prize:
Authographed copy of just FATAL CIRCLE.

RULE ONE: You must have a US mailing address.

RULE TWO: Leave a comment on this blog answering the question above. **You have until Noon EST Sunday July 25, 2010 to leave your comment. I will draw a name from those who participated, and announce it in the blog comments. (If at all possible I will announce the winner that day within an hour or so of the deadline. However, things happen—I do have rambunctious kids, so barring emergency room visits or other such unforeseeable events I will be on-time, but I reserve the right to be late.) Once the winner is announced, the winner has 48 hours to email their shipping address to me @ rockinwriterlinda @ yahoo DOT com. If the winner fails to do so, another name will be drawn and that winner will have the same 48 hours to comply. ** I will be leaving the next week to attend RWA Nationals, so my internet access may be sporadic at best.

If these rules are satisfactory to you, post your comment now!

:-) Good luck!

Linda’s website: www.WOLFSBANEANDABSINTHE.com

Monday Musings July 19, 2010

I haven't had enough caffeine today and I'm having one of those days that I am really dragging through so far.

Just another Monday....

Don't have much to say about the weekend- worked, went to an open house, worked... and it was hotter than hell and way too humid. Which probably accounts for my grumpiness.

When the air pressure is thick with humidity and looming storms my head feels like it's going to crack open with the sky- but so far the sky hasn't split so my head continues to.

I watched a few shows over the weekend- had to watch True Blood. That show has got to be filled with more twists, turns, and subplots that any other show I have ever seen. It always leave you not just wanting more but needing more. Craving it like a drug fiend craves a fix. And the wolf- Alcide- yummmmm.

Also watched The Gates. Hmmm. It's getting more interesting though I am not sitting around needing a Gates fix on Sunday nights but there's nothing else on soooo....I watch it. Plus it does have a good mix of paranormals.

Anyone watch Haven on SyFy? It's on Friday nights. So far 2 shows. I kinda like it, wonder where they are going with it and all that. It's based on The Colorado Kid by Stephen King. I've never read it but now I might have to.

The $25 for 3 Months of Banner/Button Advertising Special here at Fang-tastic Books is almost over and there are just a few spaces left. You can reserve your spots for Halloween or the winter holidays now at the $25 price. I accept book, paranormal and Halloween related ads. If you have something else you are interesting in advertising email me and we'll discuss it to see if it would be a Fang-tastic fit.

OK on to this week's events at Fang-tastic Books. The beautiful Linda Robertson will be here tomorrow for a guest blog and giveaway. Karenna Coilcroft is here on Wednesday, Sharon Ashwood on Thursday and this weekend is the Got Books Book Blogger Event.

I am still scheduling Michigan authors for August and authors from everywhere for the other months.

If you have tried contacting me and my email has bounced back or I have not responded I am sorry both my email accounts have been acting up. I suggest copying the message to both addresses and hope that one gets through. I am sorry for the difficulties.

For anyone interested in my erotica ebooks from Xcite there is currently a 3 for 2 special going on at XciteBooks.com. They are offering 3 ebooks for the price of 2.

If interested you can head on over to XciteBooks.com and order my ebooks: Naughty Little Forest Nymph, Alfresco Loving, Red Hot Reads 3, Spirit Lovers 2, or Lust Bites and get the great deal of buying 2 and getting 1 free.

Well that's it for now, off to work.

Book Blogger Giveaway Preview

Next weekend is the big

Got Books? Book Blogger Event-

which means giveaways galore for you.

Here's a current list of all the blogs participating.

So far here's what I have in the box of books that one lucky winner will receive:

Midnight Cravings Donated by Michele Hauf

There's also a CD with some of my ebooks on it including Eternal Desire.



I have also added lots of author swag (from me and several other authors) that includes bookmarks, postcards, magnets, pins, postcards and more

I might add some more stuff throughout the week before posting my final giveaway proze pack post Friday morning-once that is posted you can enter- US shipping only

Win $100 Gift Certificate From CSN Stores

I had the chance to review a product for CSN Stores before so this time when they approached me I decided to offer a giveaway for my readers- I have to share the love ya know.

Today I have an amazing opportunity for you- the chance to win $100 Gift Certificate to any of the CSN Stores.

You could shop for a new bed, a bookcase, a vanity- absolutely anything from one of their 250+ stores.

One lucky winner is the US or Canada will be able to win this fabulous chance to go on a $100 shopping spree at any of the CSN Stores- just know that the gift certicate does not cover shipping ( a lot of items ship for free but if you choose an item that does not or if you are in Canada you will have to pay for your shipping).

If I had another chance to pick an item from CSN I would get the corner desk shown above- pretty.

I bet you want to know how to enter to win the $100, right?

All you have to do is be a follower of this site and leave a comment on this post listing one item, along with its link, that you might purchase from CSN if you win.

And be sure to include your email addy so I can contact you

if you're the lucky winner

Get +5 entries for following me on Twitter @RoxanneRhoads

+5 entries for Friending me on Facebook

+5 entires for becoming a Facebook Fan

+5 entries for blogging, tweeting or linking to this contest-

include links in your comments

This contest runs now through midnight EST Tuesday July 27

Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

A Review of Death By Diamonds by Annette Blair

Maddie Cutler is back in Annette Blair's third Vintage Magic Mystery- each better than the one before it.

In Death By Diamonds Maddie learns that a dear friend has died- perhaps been murdered. She discovers this when the dress Maddie once designed for her shows up at Maddie's shop containing a note that if the dress is in Maddie's possession that means that Dominique is dead.

This leads Maddie on a wild sleuthing trip to New York to help her friend's son sort through things, plan a vintage fashion show to raise money for Dominique's charities of choice, act as executor of Dominique's estate...and oh yeah figure out who killed Dominique and why.

Along for the hijinks's are Maddie's best friend Eve and her on again off again FBI boyfriend Nick. The two of them together in one place adds great friction to the story since they do not get along. I love how Eve is often overjoyed when Maddie's attention strays elsewhere.

Even Detective Werner shows up- which creates sparks on a whole new level for Maddie (much to my delight). Although poor Werner walks into one of Maddie's messes and she brings him down- yet again. This poor guy has been tormented, maced, and put into the middle of a whole lot of trouble because of Maddie yet he keeps coming back for more. And he's the one that's always there for Maddie when Nick is off being FBI superhero.

As you can tell I am rooting for Werner- have been from the beginning. Finally in this book Maddie really starts to see the possibilities with him- I hope the next book will up their flirtation to hook up levels and bring them together.

I devoured this book so fast I think I broke a record.

It was fabulous- the best Vintage Magic Mystery yet. Full of magic, mystery, and classic Blair style. Maddie's antics are always fun to read and the hint of romance is a teasing heat that leaves you wondering and wanting more.

I can't wait for the next book.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with J.E. Taylor

Roxanne was gracious enough to have me on her blog today and I figured I’d let my favorite FBI Agent take the hot seat today.

The door squeaks as he closes it behind him and with a grace I didn’t expect in the strong build, he slides into the seat on the opposite side of the table and offers me a smile that momentarily stuns me. White teeth on tan skin and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. My oh my.

I clear my throat and drag my thoughts from the gutter. “Welcome. Can you tell us your name?”
A hint of a dimple appears and he scans the room before returning his intense gaze in my direction. “Only if we’re off the record.”

His smooth deep voice lulls me into submission. At this point I’d agree to anything just to hear him speak again. “All right - we’re off the record.”

“Ok. I’m Special Agent Steve Williams.”

“FBI?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Can you tell us a little about the case you’re working on right now?”

He shifts in the chair glancing down at my steno pad and then back up at me. His eyes pierce mine.

“Off the record, of course.” To prove my point, I drop the pen next to the pad and lean back, crossing my arms.

“I’m investigating the rash of . . . disappearances in Brooksfield.”

The not so subtle pause piques my curiosity. “Disappearances?”

He tilts his head, eyes narrowing slightly as he studies me. I half expect another formal “Yes, ma’am,” but it doesn’t come, instead, his suspicious inspection ends and he nods.

“Can you elaborate?”

“Some of the victims have been found near the lake.”

The gaze he levels at me forms a lump in my throat and I swallow what feels like a melon. My throat gulping it down audibly. “Victims?” I ask, my voice cracking.

Something about his sullen nod slithers across my skin and goose bumps form. I shiver and rub my arms despite the warm August air. His eyes follow my movements and he leans toward the table.

“Please tell your readers to be careful the next time they’re near Mirror Lake and not to wander off alone.”

I watch him leave the room. Still rubbing the chills from my arm, I pick up my pen . . .

Thanks for having me Roxanne!


Dark Reckoning - available in e-book and paperback:

A sadistic killer stalks the secluded college town of Brooksfield, New Hampshire. With bodies piling up and rumors of the murders being part of sacrificial hazing rituals, the FBI plants Special Agent Steve Williams in a fraternity at Brooksfield University. His investigation takes a ninety degree turn into the bizarre when he’s introduced to Jennifer, a clairvoyant co-ed who swears the killer isn’t human.

Steve considers the plausibility of the extraordinary, the unspeakable, even the inconceivable when his notebook starts bleeding cryptic messages. Messages that indicate Jennifer is at the heart of the darkness in Brooksfield.

When she describes her latest vision, a trail of violent deaths, including his, Steve asks the million-dollar question: Is Jennifer trying to help . . . or is she actually the one responsible?

E-book:

http://fidopublishing.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=39&osCsid=6f713b72f87d1b396f529668fc9db02a

Paperback:
https://www.createspace.com/3465152

Also from J.E. Taylor:

SURVIVAL GAMES:

Until he snatches sexy stock jock Jessica Connor, Ty Aris happily followed his step-brother’s orders, producing some of the most coveted black market porn and snuff films on the street. But the day he grabs her in the parking lot, his life becomes a living nightmare.

Jessica foils his plans, fires his passion, and frustrates the hell out of him. She never gives in to his demands, his pleas or his desires, and yet a psychic bond claims his soul and melts the iron walls around his heart. His obsession sparks a fierce rift when Frank wants to start filming. Ty stalls with any and every excuse in the book, fueling Frank’s fury, but he knows it’s only a matter of time before he loses this game.

With the clock ticking, he scrambles for escape options.

Options that won’t land him in jail . . . or worse . . . a captive in Frank’s sadistic prison.

"SURVIVAL GAMES started out with a hook and made me anxious to read more. . . . This book had it all, and even though I started off not knowing if I would truly like the content, I was blown away by how honest, true, emotional, and frightening it really was. Jane E. Taylor has spun a story that is sure to catch reader’s attentions and hold it until the last page. If you are looking for a story that will keep you on the edge, make your toes curl from the eroticism, and make you feel love and sorrow, then I would highly suggest SURVIVAL GAMES. I can’t wait to read the other two books in what is to be a wonderful trilogy. Bravo Ms. Taylor!" - Manic Readers: www.manicreaders.com

"Sexy dark and intense, SURVIVAL GAMES will bind you to the page, kiss you slowly and then kick you where it hurts the most; I couldn't stop reading until I knew who won the game . . . Jessica Connor is one amazing character, and SURVIVAL GAMES is one hot read!" - John Everson, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The 13th and Siren

Pre-order your ebook now: http://excessica.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=124&products_id=410&osCsid=8231fcc410768f6edb2cfdd40c309de8

Or order the book in print on July 19th at : https://www.createspace.com/3417288

Sound interesting?

Want to win a couple pdfs?

J.E. has offered to give away an ecopy of Dark Reckoning along with an ecopy of Survival Games to one lucky winner

To enter leave a comment on this post with your email address

Good Luck

Winner To Be Announced on Wednesday July 21

Winner Wednesday

Debra never claimed her Twice Bitten swag pack and a copy of Twice Bitten so I had to pick a new winner....and that person is....Dot S.

Dot S. you are now the winner of the Twice Bitten swag pack and book, congrats

Diana (Book of Secrets) wins Deborah Blake's Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook

*yadkny* wins Madeleine Drake's Blood Hero

The 3 winner's of The Devlin Fey are booklover0226 , joder , and Carol L.

Sherry is the winner of Liz Strange's My Love Eternal

Congrats to all

Email Problems- AOL Not Working Properly

OK my AOL account has gone spastic and seems to be rejecting 90% of the emails coming my way.

I've had numerous reports of authors trying to sign up for Michigan month but my AOL email rejects their message.

Plus I've had reports that some of my outgoing messages are not going through either.

I don't know what it up with AOL but if you are trying to contact me or are waiting on a response from me that has not arrived please email me at eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com

I have responded to everyone who has emailed me about setting up a guest day- if you did not receive a response from me it is AOL gone rogue.

I am sorry.

Please contact me at eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com

Thank you.

A Review of Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook by Deborah Blake

Five Fangs for Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook by Deborah Blake

This is the best spell book I've read. From A to Z you'll find an alphabetical list of spells that the modern day witch will love. Practical and magical all at once this is a must have for your witchy bookshelf.

The spells are simple and useful and there's a spell for just about everything the average everyday witch may need a spell for like: money, prosperity, anxiety, appetite, banishing, beauty, child protection, closure, depression, detox, heartache, home blessing, job hunting, job improving, marriage healing, poverty, even one for potty training your child (which I am going to use right away because my 4 year old is being really stubborn he's almost there but not all the way).


There's even a shit happens spell which is for helping you cope with the everyday crap of life.

One spell I came across elicited a giggle from me, not because the spell itself is silly but because it is something I have never come across in another spell book and it is is something I never would have expected to find.


It is a Kinky spell. The spell will help you attract others who have the same kinks as yourself. Now this could be very useful. Most of us know that being in a relationship that leaves us sexually unsatisfied can be hell and sometimes we end with people who don't share our kinks- which can lead to trouble and infidelity down the road. It is so much better to share your life with someone into the same stuff as you. That's where this spell could come in handy. All I can say is use it wisely. ;-)

The book is filled with so many spells I want to try- almost every page has a sticky note bookmark to guide me back to a spell I found interesting.

In the beginning of the book Deborah also offers some great advice about casting and writing your own spells. And while her spells are complete and she doesn't over complicate them or fill them with so much stuff that you have to spend a fortune just to cast one spell.

Which leads me to another thing- her next book is all about casting on a shoestring budget.

That's a book I can't wait to read because one of the things that has held me back over the years was forking over all that $$$ just to have all the ingredients for one spell. I can't wait to see how Deborah tackles that problem.

Deborah's magical writings have me hooked. I'll be adding more of her books to my collection soon.

Review of Fatal Circle by Linda Robertson

Five Fangs for Fatal Circle by Linda Robertson

Fatal Circle is the third book in the Persephone Alcmedi series and by far the best one yet. Fatal Circle was packed full of action, intrigue and events that would not let me put this book down.

Persephone has to deal with the repercussions from the Halloween fairy killing that happened toward the end of the last book. The fairy's want revenge- specifically they want Menessos dead which will sever their bindings to him and this world.

Trouble is Seph can't offer him up on a platter he's too important for that but she has to make some sacrifices to be able to keep him safe and hopefully prevent a war that will involve all the supernatural creatures and spill over to the human population as well. No one ever said being the Lustrata would be easy.

The men in her life have to agree to work together which Johnny is not too happy about- Johnny also has to decide if he is going to step up and become the pack leader of his group and reveal to all that he is the Domn Lup.

Persephone, Johnny and Menessos all have to claim their rightful places as the leaders of their kinds to save the world from the fairy vengeance that threatens them all.

In the previous books I have always questioned Johnny's connection with Seph- does he love her because she is Persephone or does he love her because she is the Lustrata. His actions have always been defined by her being the Lustrata and he being the Lustrata's guide.

In this book the connection between them was more about the two of them and not just about the roles they have to play. I liked that a lot better. Their interaction was sexier, more meaningful and hotter than in the previous books and I loved it.

I wouldn't be against a little action with Menessos either. Too bad it didn't go that far- they sure got closer though, too close for Johnny's liking.

Another part of Fatal Circle that I also enjoyed was the secrets that were revealed about Menessos and about some of his fellow vampires living within the Haven. Seven is a particularly interesting vampire to read about. I love how Roberts has tossed in some real history and jumbled it into her world.

I wonder if it will ever be revealed that Menessos was "King Arthur". Seph has always seen him as such- he looks exactly as she always imagined Arthur would look. As old as Menessos is it is quite possible he could have been Arthur. I wonder if Roberts will ever reveal that since it is a reoccurring theme and connection that Seph always ties to Menessos. I think that would be a wonderful twist to toss into the mix.

I was not real happy with the ending- it left things hanging...important things particularly about Menessos but I have faith things will work out in the next book.

Fatal Circle was full of magick, secrets revealed and a few surprising twists and turns. This book was a wild pleasure to read. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, Arcane Circle, due out in December.

Review of Eclipse

I think Eclipse is the best Twilight movie so far.

Some people claim that Bella was overshadowed and we didn't get to feel her emotions but really when have we? (sorry, snark)

To me even though Bella is the main character she doesn't shine as bright as the others. Of course I am distracted by the beautiful men in the movies.

In Twilight we got to see and feel a lot from Bella I suppose. In New Moon it was all about her whining about Edward being gone but to me it was all glossed over and didn't "feel" like it should. Eclipse brought a lot of emotion back into the story while still giving us action.

Could it have been more touchy feely- probably but then people might squirm. Sure emotion in the books may be OK but put all that on the screen and...well the guys might definitely run screaming from the theater :-)

I liked Eclipse because it touched deeper on the story than New Moon did and for the most part stayed true to the books.

I really loved the interaction between Edward and Jacob- it wowed me. Edward looked properly pained all the time especially when Jacob was around but he didn't try to tear Jacob apart either. Not even after Jacob tried to stake a claim on Bella or when Bella forced her hand to keep Jacob from doing something stupid.

The tent scene and what happened after...hmmm priceless.

Put me in a tent with a hot werewolf and a sexy vampire- I won't be sleeping and I sure as hell won't be cold. (I know I know shame on me :)

Back to the movie- the tent scene was awesome. I felt Edward's pain and Jacob's triumph. Then the conversation between Edward and Jacob was a little humorous but very touching. It really grabbed me.

Anyway the movie was great, I recommend it. I plan to see it again and the DVD will be a definite add on to my collection.