Saturday 18 December 2010

Pure Passion 2011 : Romantic Novel of the Year Long List

The longlist for the 51st Romantic Novel of the Year Award has been announced:

  • To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick (Little, Brown - Sphere)
  • The Good, the Bad and the Dumped by Jenny Colgan (Little, Brown - Sphere)
  • The Golden Prince by Rebecca Dean (HarperCollins)
  • Sons & Daughters by Margaret Dickinson (Pan MacMillan)
  • Kissing Mr. Wrong by Sarah Duncan (Headline)
  • A Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde (Random House)
  • The Jewel of St. Petersburg by Kate Furnivall (Little, Brown - Sphere)
  • Amazir by Tom Gamble (Beautiful Books)
  • The Island by Elin Hilderbrand (Hodder & Stoughton)
  • The Queen of New Beginnings by Erica James (Orion)
  • The Way to a Woman’s Heart by Christina Jones (Little, Brown - Piatkus)
  • I Heart Paris by Lindsey Kelk (HarperCollins)
  • His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm (Little, Brown - Sphere)
  • Christmas Eve at Friday Harbour by Lisa Kleypas (Little, Brown - Piatkus)
  • The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes (Hodder & Stoughton)
  • Virgin Widow by Anne O’Brien (Mira)
  • Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn (Little, Brown - Piatkus)
  • The Search by Nora Roberts (Little, Brown - Piatkus)
  • The Legacy by Katherine Webb (Orion)
  • Hope Against Hope by Sally Zigmond (Myrmidon)

It's great to see Christina Jones on the list as she is such a sweetie.

Huge congratulations to everyone and good luck with the shortlist. Wish you could all win.

Read more here.

Friday 10 December 2010

Show a Zombie Some Love!

I'm putting my feet up and handing over my blog to Paige Tyler who has come along to tell us all about her latest book, which releases today!


Guest Post by Paige Tyler

Thanks so much for letting me guest blog today!

Readers often ask me how I come up with ideas for my books, so I thought I'd give you a little behind-the-scenes peek at how I came up with my new release, a paranormal erotic romance from Ellora's Cave called DEAD SEXY.

Before I say anything else though, isn't that cover too hot for words?! When the art department sent it to me, I probably gazed at it for a good ten minutes in mouth-drooling appreciation before I could email them back telling the artist it not only rocked, but totally fit the book. The hero is "Dead Sexy," after all!

Okay, back to the story and how I came up with it. First, to set the stage, I need to share a little something with you about myself. Well, about my hubby and me, actually. We love zombie movies, from the George Romero gems to Shaun of the Dead and everything in between, including "Walking Dead," the new series on AMC. You just can't go wrong with a movie full of walking dead people, can you? Well, if you've ever seen a zombie movie (or even you haven't), then you know the creatures aren't the heroes of the film. I mean, how can they be, right? They're all dead and decayed and downright unattractive, not to mention pretty damn scary. Which was why you can imagine my surprise when my hubby suggested I write an erotic romance about a zombie hero. I was like, you're kidding, right? What woman in her right mind would fall in love with a dead guy? No way could that possibly work, or so I thought.

Turns out, my hubby wasn't kidding. In fact, he started working up ideas for the story.

"The hero didn't have to be a zombie all the time," he told me. "Think outside the box - take a little literary license!"

Okay, I thought. I suppose I could be open minded.

My hubby told me that in his out-of-the-box world, the hunky hero got cursed by an evil Voodoo priestess and only turns into a zombie sometimes.

"I'm listening," I said.

"And when he does go zombie, he doesn't have to be like the kind in the movies," my hubby added. "Well, he has to look like one, you know all dead and stuff, but he doesn't have to be a mindless creature or attack humans or eat anything gross."

So, brains are completely out, thanks goodness!

"Think Jensen Ackles or Jared Padelecki, with a really, really, really dark tan - (yes, my hubby knows I've got a thing for the Supernatural hunks!) - well, maybe more gray and black than tan, but you get the idea."

I thought about that for a minute. "So, the hero's dead, but he's still sexy, is that what you're saying?"

"Exactly," he said, giving me a grin as my eyes lit up with understanding.

By that point, my hubby had pretty much sold me on the idea. Of course, I knew if I ran with it, I was going to have to sell it to a publisher, and I knew that could be tough since the hero is a zombie. But I ran with it anyway and ended up with a full-length novel. And it came out pretty damn good, if I do say so myself! I still had to find a publisher for it, though.

About this same time, It just so happens that several of my other books were in the process of being picked up by Ellora's Cave and I thought what the heck? Why not pitch it to my editor there and see what she thinks? So I did, and she told me to send it to her. She was interested to see how I handled the whole zombie-thing. Well, long story, short, she liked it. A lot! My zombie romance with it's dead-sexy hero had a home! I was thrilled and my hubby walked around for a week with a smug, "I-told-you-so" look on his face.

I've been getting the word out there about DEAD SEXY ever since I signed the contract for it and I'm thrilled with the interest from readers who can't wait to get their hands on it! I can't wait for them to read it, too!

Now that I've revealed the story behind the story, I thought I'd share the blurb and an excerpt just to whet your appetite for more!
Blurb:

Romance author Simone Kent thinks she might just have found the most perfect guy in all of New York City - in bed and out. But Drake Parrish is about as far from perfect as any man can get. Eight years ago, he was cursed by an evil Voodoo priestess to live part of his life as a zombie. Since then, he has lived like a recluse on New York’s Upper East Side, afraid to go out for fear he’ll suddenly turn into one of the walking dead.

The sex if the hottest either of them has ever experienced and Simone discovers just how naughty she can be with Drake, while he finds himself feeling things for her that he hasn’t felt in a very long time. When the Voodoo priestess learns of their relationship, however, she comes after him again. She is determined to make sure he won’t have a future with Simone, even if that means killing both him and the woman he loves.

You can read an excerpt from DEAD SEXY here

Hope you enjoy the excerpt and that you can't wait to read more! You can get DEAD SEXY from Ellora's Cave

You can also check out the trailer here!

If you decide to pick up DEAD SEXY, let me know how you like it!

*hugs*
Paige
http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com


Thanks so much Paige for stopping by, and wishing you all the best with your new book.

Wednesday 1 December 2010

The Hating Game - Take on Amazon Web Splash


Help Talli Roland's debut novel THE HATING GAME hit the Kindle bestseller list at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk by spreading the word today. Even a few sales in a short period of time on Amazon helps push the book up the rankings, making it more visible to other readers.

Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com

No Kindle? Download a free app at Amazon for Mac, iPhone, PC, Android and more.

Coming soon in paperback. Keep up with the latest at www.talliroland.com.

About THE HATING GAME:
When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy.

After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £2000,000 prize?

Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes.

Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?
You can read my review of The Hating Game here.

Monday 29 November 2010

Book Review: The Hating Game

I'm feeling a little bleary eyed at the moment as I stayed up way past my bedtime the last few nights reading Ms Roland's debut novel "The Hating Game".

The Hating Game
Talli Roland

Published: 15 November 2010 by Prospera Publishing
Format: Kindle ebook
ASIN: B004CLYIO2

Published: 9 March 2011 by Prospera Publishing
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 1907504036
ISBN-13: 978-1907504037
Summary:
When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy.

After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £50,000 prize?

Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes.

Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?
[Goodreads]
Review:
Think Blind Date meets Big Brother meets I'm a Celebrity and you've pretty much got the idea of the sort of game show hell Mattie Johns finds herself in.

She's asked to do some embarrassing things during the course of the game show. You expect her to refuse, but she's so determined to save her business she just takes a deep breath and gets on with it. Albeit, with some fabulous putdowns to anyone who annoys her.

I thought I knew how the story was going to unfold but I was wrong-footed by something that happens towards the middle of the book. Several twists and turns follow, which kept me guessing to the end.

Mattie isn't the usual ditzy, chick lit heroine. She is feisty with a capital F. She's also rude and abrasive. At the beginning of the story I found it hard to warm to her, but it soon becomes apparent the 'ball-breaker' image is an act to protect herself from getting hurt again and it wasn't long before I was firmly on her side. It's very hard to make a reader care about an (initially) unsympathetic heroine but Ms Roland pulls it off brilliantly, revealing layer after layer of Mattie's personality.

This is a delightful rom-com, full of wit and with some great, laugh out loud one-liners. If you like Marian Keyes then you're going to love Talli Roland. Remember the name, as I predict we'll be seeing a lot more from this talented new writer.

Rating:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and give it 5 out of 5. However, I'll never be able to look at a cocktail sausage the same way again!

Sunday 28 November 2010

NaNoWriMo Update

Unless I can write 10,000 words a day between now and Tuesday I think it's safe to say I won't be completing NaNoWriMo this year. But, rather than beat myself up about it, I shall do my own writing month in January, which is traditionally the time of year for reassessing goals and starting new projects. Plus there are 31 days in the month instead of the 30 you get during Wrimo.

A huge pat on the back to everyone who has completed or is on track to complete Wrimo. Well done!

Wednesday 24 November 2010

New Release: Carolina Pearl


Carolina Pearl
Sela Carsen
A family legend could lead to a treasure more precious than pearls…or get them killed.

Between babysitting her very pregnant sister-in-law and fending off her mother’s nagging about her marital status, Blair Moreau is going insane. Her only hold on sanity is her daily walk for a guilty peek at her crush, the sexy neighbor who’s fixing up the old Cotesworth place.

Conn Lucas, the bastard son of Culford’s leading family, got way out of town a long time ago. When the only relative who didn’t despise him leaves him her 250-year-old house, Conn plans to refurbish it, flip it, and get back to Connecticut as soon as possible. Until a local beauty with a rare talent for DIY gives him a hand with some stubborn siding.

When he makes her mad enough to swing a two-by-four at his head, he realizes Blair is better than perfect. Especially when his efforts to keep her from killing him explode into an erotic rush of adrenaline that unleashes desires they’ve both kept hidden.

Breaking through Conn’s tough shell isn’t as difficult Blair’s next hurdle—telling him she’s a werewolf. First, though, they’ve got to deal with meddling ghosts and a bad ol’ boy cousin who isn’t above taking what he wants at nail-gun point…

Product Warnings:
This book contains a smokin’ hot werewolf chick with serious DIY know-how and a man who thinks that’s sexy; illegal use of nail guns; things to do in a claw-foot tub; pirate references; piddling Dobermans and meddling ghosts. Which is better than meddling Dobermans and piddling ghosts.


Read an excerpt!

Buy now!

Tuesday 23 November 2010

New Release: Sleeping With The Wolf

Sleeping With The Wolf
Maddy Barone

ISBN 978-1-59578-777-4 Sterling Silver title
Rising country music star Carla boards a plane in the year 2014. But it crashes in the future, fifty years after Armageddon has destroyed technology and plagues have reduced the female population to a precious few. She finds herself offered as prize in a Bride Fight, where only the strongest and fiercest men are allowed to compete to win a wife. Alpha werewolf Taye knows Carla is his mate. He wins the Bride Fight and takes her to his den, ready to give her everything, even his heart. Will Carla ever be ready to give him anything?

Read An Excerpt Here

Word Count: 42500



BUY IT HERE

Thursday 18 November 2010

RNA Winter Party - Celebrating 50 glorious years and the New Writers' Scheme

After weeks of feverish anticipation the day of the Romantic Novelists' Association Winter Party finally arrived.

My friend Jules and I set off on the train excited about attending our first big RNA event. Finishing touches were put to hair and makeup enroute, so apologies to everyone for the smell of nail varnish on the 16:56 to Euston.

The beautiful IMechE Library

Number One Birdcage Walk is a very impressive building with an even more impressive library. The perfect (and extremely hot) venue for the party.

Organiser Jan Jones, Chair Katie Fforde,
President Di Pearson

I apologise for the lack of shoe photos. It was very remiss of me, especially as there was some gorgeous footwear on display.

It was lovely to meet so many Romna, blog and Twitter friends and I can't wait for the next RNA event to do it all over again.

Cara Cooper and friends

Unfortunately there were people I saw from afar who escaped my clutches left before I could get round to saying hello. 200 people attended, so even if the party had lasted another 3 hours it wouldn't have been possible to speak to everyone that I wanted to. As it was we were pretty much among the last to leave.

Even having to stand up for most of the journey home packed shoulder to shoulder with a lot of very subdued England fans (don't think the game went too well) could dampen our mood.

I feel privileged to be part of the New Writers' Scheme during the RNA's 50th anniversary year. The Winter Party was truly a fantastic evening, so thanks RNA. You are still 'Fabulous at Fifty'.

There are some lovely photos of the party on the RNA blog

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Book Review: Mistletoe and the Lost Stiletto

Mistletoe and the Lost Stiletto
Liz Fielding

Published: November 2010 by Mills & Boon
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0263888479
ISBN-13: 978-0263888478
Summary:
Lucy Bright can't believe it when she's plucked from secretarial obscurity and transformed into the pampered fiancée of a slick retail guru. But then she discovers it was all a publicity stunt! Rushing away from the media frenzy, she bumps - literally - into delicious tycoon Nathaniel Hart...

Spooked by their instantaneous chemistry, Lucy flees - but Nathaniel is determined to find his barefoot beauty. Though all he has is one very expensive red designer stiletto to help him!
[Goodreads]
Review:
Ms Fielding gives the Cinderella story a fun, modern twist with a social networking heroine.

Lucy Bright has everything. She thinks she's met her Prince Charming and after a whirlwind romance is planning a fairytale wedding. But a chance discovery exposes her Prince for the frog he really is and her new world comes crashing down.

She makes her escape into a large department store but loses one of her Christian Louboutin stilettos along the way and bumps into retail magnate Nathaniel Hart. She disappears again and hides out in his store, but neither of them can ignore the instant attraction they feel.

I love Lucy B - she's fresh, vulnerable and says what she thinks even though she knows she probably shouldn't. Nathaniel is a gorgeous tortured hero punishing himself for something that happened in his past. Together they are perfect - each one rescuing the other.

Ms Fielding yet again delivers a beautifully written story full of emotion, with characters I will remember long after finishing it. The final scene had me closing the book with that warm glow and satisfied 'aah' that all romance readers are looking for and all aspiring romance writers wish they could achieve. Frankly, I am in awe!

Thank you Ms Fielding for such an enjoyable unputdownable read and for a masterclass in how a romance novel should be written.

Rating:
I give this book 5 out of 5. It is one of my favourites this year and now firmly on my keeper shelf. I recommend it to all romance fans who want a feel-good Christmassy read.


Thanks Liz for being kind enough to send me a copy of this book.

Sunday 31 October 2010

I Should Be Writing - Wrimo Edition

A little distraction for everyone feverishly getting ready for this year's National Novel Writing Month.


If you want to waste even more time when you should be writing, check out Errol's other fun videos - NaNoWriMo in 3 Minutes and Good Ol' NaNoWrimo

Right, now I must get back to that outline...

Wednesday 20 October 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: The Hating Game

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. My "can't wait to read" pre-pub this week is:

The Hating Game
by Talli Roland
Publication Dates: 1 December 2010 (ebook)
9 March 2011 (print)
When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy.

After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £50,000 prize?

Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes.

Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?
[Goodreads]

This sounds like such a fab read I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

So tell me, what book are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday 19 October 2010

New Release: Miss Bramble and the Leviathan

Check out this steampunk romance novella from fellow Romance Diva Kristen Painter. Available today from Samhain Publishing.

Miss Bramble and the Leviathan
by Kristen Painter
ISBN: 978-1-60928-212-7
Publication Date: 19 October 2010 (Samhain Publishing)

The last thing she planned to steal was his heart.

The Company. Military institution, protector of Praeton and the nation of Grand Isle. Dirty rotten thief.

When Pandora Bramble steps aboard the Company’s premiere airship Daedalus it’s not for the exclusive VIP tour. It’s to secure proof that the Company stole the regulator valve her father designed—even if it means tearing the engine apart. Foiled by the unexpected appearance of a handsome crew member, she despairs of ever getting another chance—until he kisses her.

Captain Theolonius Hatch, sentenced to engine room duty for refusing to take part in the Company’s fleet week activities, never dreamed a woman like Pandora existed. Her brains match her beauty, a combination that adds up to more trouble than he ever expected.

As Pandora allows Theolonius to sweep her into a whirlwind courtship, her wildest dreams come true. As do her greatest fears, leaving her to decide what matters most. Loyalty…or love.

The clock is ticking.

Warning: This book contains airships, mechanical owls, women who are good with tools, men in and out of uniform, steam generated by engines and people, and some hot carriage scenes.


Wednesday 13 October 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Mistletoe and the Lost Stiletto

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. My "can't wait to read" pre-pub this week is:

Mistletoe and the Lost StilettoMistletoe and the Lost Stiletto by Liz Fielding
by Liz Fielding
Publication date: November 2010
Lucy Bright can't believe it when she's plucked from secretarial obscurity and transformed into the pampered fiancée of a slick retail guru. But then she discovers it was all a publicity stunt! Rushing away from the media frenzy, she bumps - literally - into delicious tycoon Nathaniel Hart...

Spooked by their instantaneous chemistry, Lucy flees - but Nathaniel is determined to find his barefoot beauty. Though all he has is one very expensive red designer stiletto to help him!
I love a good Cinderella story so I can't wait to read this one.

So tell me, what book are you waiting on this week?

Monday 11 October 2010

Fabulous at Fifty

Fabulous at Fifty, a memoir of the first half century of the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA), will be launched at the RAF Club in London on Thursday. Fabulous at Fifty delves into the past, with first-hand recollections of people who were there, and describes the growth of the Romantic Novelists’ Association into what was described by PD James at a recent Awards ceremony as ‘one of most professional writers’ organisations of the present day’.

The book is packed with fascinating and frank detail about past and present members, the opinion of other novelists (often less than flattering) about this massively successful commercial genre, the changing attitude to sex and a public broadside from Marje Proops in the Mirror, plus the spats, the flaps, the End of Publishing as we Know It (1968), hot books and cold champagne.

The book is published by the RNA at £9.99 and is available from their website www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org

The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Well done RNA and here's to another 50 years.

Wednesday 29 September 2010

Free Books!

Who doesn't love free stuff?

Mills and Boon are giving away 11 (soon to be 12) free ebooks over at everyonesreading.com  It's a great opportunity to read titles from series you may not have tried before, plus there's a competition to win a Sony eReader.

Monday 27 September 2010

Book Review: Whisper of Scandal

Whisper of Scandal
Nicola Cornick

Published: 28 September 2010 by HQN
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0373774400
ISBN-13: 978-0373774401

Summary:
Lady Joanna Ware has no desire to wed again but that doesn't stop the flurry of suitors knocking on her door. Desperate to thwart another proposal, Joanna brazenly kisses Arctic explorer Alex, Lord Grant. Unable to deny the blazing attraction that flares, Joanna knows she's just set the gossip mill turning.

After suffering countless infidelities during her marriage, she's accustomed to scandal. But nothing prepares her for the shocking news that her deceased husband has bequeathed his illegitimate child to her and his friend Alex. As rumors run rampant in the ton, Joanna and Alex travel to the Arctic to claim the orphan. Battling blizzards, dangerous wildlife and a treacherous plot, Alex must protect Joanna, but not before he wickedly seduces her…
[Courtesy of Goodreads]

Review:
Lady Joanna Ware is the darling of the ton. She is an intelligent and spirited widow who hides behind a facade of superficiality to protect herself.

Lord Alex Grant is an explorer and national hero. He is also the good friend of Joanna's late husband and therein lies the problem. Alex's opinion of Joanna is prejudiced by the stories told to him by the late Lord Ware and he is determined to think the worst of Joanna despite his physical attraction to her.

I loved Joanna and Alex and the chemistry between them sizzles on the page. Ms Cornick immerses you in a Regency world with the unusual setting of the Arctic. The story really comes to life when Joanna and Alex embark on their expedition to Spitsbergen, and it's in this harsh landscape that Alex finally faces his fears. Great stuff.

This is the first book in a new series about the Scandalous Women of the ton. One Wicked Sin is Lottie's story and Mistress by Midnight is Merryn's story. I really hope at some point the dashing Messrs Owen Purchase and James Devlin get their own books - those guys are seriously hot. Just wait 'til you see what Mr Devlin can do with an ice sculpture!

Rating:
I loved the characters and the unusual setting of this fast paced book and give it a very enjoyable 4 out of 5.


Saturday 25 September 2010

On My Wishlist #6


On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by the lovely Carolyn over at Book Chick City. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

The Small Hand
Susan Hill

Published: 2 September 2010 by Profile Books
Format: Hardback
ISBN-10: 1846682363
ISBN-13: 978-1846682360

Is it wrong to want a book so much you keep going into bookshops just to stroke it? Yes, I guess it is really. I love everything about this book from it's small size to the fact that it's a beautifully tactile hardcover at a paperback price. Oh, and it sounds like a great ghost story as well.
Summary:
This is the chilling tale of a man in the grip of a small, invisible hand...A ghost story by the author of "The Woman in Black" and "The Man in the Picture", to be read by the fire on a cold winter's night.

Returning home from a visit to a client late one summer's evening, antiquarian bookseller Adam Snow takes a wrong turning and stumbles across the derelict old White House. Compelled by curiosity, he approaches the door, and, standing before the entrance feels the unmistakeable sensation of a small hand creeping into his own, 'as if a child had taken hold of it'. Intrigued by the encounter, he determines to learn more, and discovers that the owner's grandson had drowned tragically many years before.

At first unperturbed by the odd experience, Snow begins to be plagued by haunting dreams, panic attacks, and more frequent visits from the small hand which become increasingly threatening and sinister...
[Book Depository]

* * * * * * * * * *

So that's what's on my wish list this week - I'd love to hear what you've got on yours.

Monday 20 September 2010

I Must Be Mad!

After two weeks of shall I or shan't I, I've finally gone and done it. *Drumroll* I've entered the Mills and Boon New Voices competition.

Now I'm sitting here feeling sick and absolutely terrified. I know just how those poor people on X Factor feel waiting for the verdict from the judges. I only hope I don't end up on the receiving end of some Simon Cowell type criticism.

If you want to take a look at my story, it's in the  paranormal category and you can find it here. The title is Be Careful What You Wish For.

All constructive criticism is very welcome (and votes even more so). But just a warning about the rose voting system. You only get the chance to click once - so make sure your mouse is in the right place. If you click in the centre of the rose it only awards half a rose. You have to click right over on the right hand side to award a full rose. I have noticed some very good stories have been rated quite low and I think it's due to people not realising that each rose counts for 20 percent.

Good luck to everyone else who has entered the competition and I raise a congratulatory glass of bubbly to you.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my panicky ramblings and now I'll go back to hitting the refresh button on the New Voices website.

(PS: thanks to Lacey Devlin for my spangly New Voices entry badge. Isn't it purdy?)

Saturday 18 September 2010

On My Wishlist #5


On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by the lovely Carolyn over at Book Chick City. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

All That Mullarkey
Sue Moorcroft

Published: 1 June 2010 by Choc Lit
All That Mullarkey by Sue Moorcroft
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 1906931240
ISBN-13: 978-1906931247

Several people have recommended this book to me, so it just has to go on my wishlist. I love Sue's writing so I can't wait to read this one.
Summary:
Revenge and love: it's a thin line... The writing's on the wall for Cleo and Gav. The bedroom wall, to be precise. And it says 'This marriage is over.' Wounded and furious, Cleo embarks on a night out with the girls, which turns into a glorious one night stand with... Justin, centrefold material and irrepressibly irresponsible. He loves a little wildness in a woman and he's in the right place at the right time to enjoy Cleo's. But it s Cleo who has to pick up the pieces of a marriage based on a lie and the lasting repercussions of that night. Torn between laid-back Justin and control freak Gav, she s a free spirit that life is trying to tie down. But the rewards are worth it!
(Goodreads)
* * * * * * * * * *

So that's my wishlist for this week. I'd love to hear what's on yours.

Monday 13 September 2010

Ironing

A photo of my 'ironing' as requested
(apologies for the poor lighting)


To see encaustic wax art done properly take a look at my friend Phil Madley's website. He is an awesome artist.

Thursday 9 September 2010

One Lovely Blog Award

I won this award from Books and Bliss, Cathy @ The Crazy Bookworm and Lilk13 @ lilk13's Reading Library. Thanks guys, it's much appreciated.

This is how the award works:

  • Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
  • Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
  • Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
I pass this award to:

For those who want to be award free or who have already received this, I apologise. The whole idea is to have fun and recognise some of the fantastic blogs out there. So if you want to pass the award along do, but don't feel you are under any obligation.

Tuesday 7 September 2010

The Versatile Blogger Award

Woo hoo I received this really cool award from Breathless Books. Thank you so much Becky. Stop by and take a look at her blog; it's stunning.

Here's how the award works:
  1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
  2. Share 7 things about yourself.
  3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
  4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.
7 Things About Me:
  1. I really, really, really hate slugs. Even more than I hate snails
  2. I have watched every episode of Supernatural (several times)
  3. My favourite colour is red
  4. I paint abstract art using hot wax and an iron. It's the only ironing I ever do!
  5. I love spinning, knitting and working with beautiful fibres
  6. I spend far too much time watching craft demos on Ideal World TV
  7. and I spend far too much money on nice pens and pretty notebooks

I pass this award to:

For those who want to be award free or who have already received this, I apologise. The whole idea is to have fun and recognise some of the fantastic blogs out there. So if you want to pass the award along do, but don't feel you are under any obligation.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Book Review: Forbidden Pleasures

Forbidden Pleasures
Jo ReesForbidden Pleasures by Jo Rees

Published: August 2010 by Corgi
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0552156248
ISBN-13: 978-0552156240
Summary:
From Las Vegas to Dubai, from Shanghai to London, the fatal pull of the gambling world stretches...Savannah, pleasure-loving It Girl, wants to prove herself to her powerful, ruthless father Michael Hudson - until a terrible tragedy forces her to re-think her life. Lois, an ex-cop from the wrong side of the tracks, is now running the gambling business of Michael's greatest rival, Roberto Enzo - and torn between the glamour and wealth of the casinos and the needs of her vulnerable young daughter. Both women have to confront their pasts, discover new loves, and find out the really important things in life before the greed and corruption of their worlds consume them forever?
[Goodreads]
Review:
I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book at first and must admit that I struggled to get into it. I found the pace a little slow at the beginning, but things really got moving after the first third of the story.

I was rooting for ex-cop Lois from the start but hated the rich spoilt Savvy. It wasn't until a pivotal incident two thirds of the way through the book that I began to warm to Savvy and by then I was hooked.

The story starts in the present and then flashes back five years to the first time Savvy and Lois met. As I got further and further into the book I couldn't work out how Ms Rees was going to get the characters from where they were to where you know they are at the start of the story.

I thought the characters were well rounded, especially Savvy. Ms Rees has a writing style that is easy to read and keeps you turning the pages. The plot is complex and interesting with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading on.

This book is a perfect holiday read. The men are gorgeous, the settings are glamorous and the women are beautiful.

Rating:
I loved this book and give it 4 out of 5.


A big thank you to Transworld for sending me this book to review as part of the Transworld Summer Reading Challenge.

Saturday 21 August 2010

On My Wishlist #4


On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by the lovely Carolyn over at Book Chick City. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.


Archangel's Kiss

Published: February 2010 by Berkley
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0425233367
ISBN-13: 978-0425233368

This is the 2nd book in the Guildhunter series. I loved Nalini's Angel's Blood and also enjoyed Angel's Judgement in the Must Love Hellhounds anthology, so I shall have to track down a copy of Archangel's Kiss to read more about Elena and the gorgeously sexy Raphael.

Summary:
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control—even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…

They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena...
(Goodreads)

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So that's my wishlist for this week. I'd love to hear what's on yours.

Saturday 14 August 2010

On My Wishlist #3


On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by the lovely Carolyn over at Book Chick City. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

Before I Fall
Lauren Oliver

Published: 2010 by Hodder Paperbacks Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0340980907
ISBN-13: 978-0340980903

I heard about this book on Twitter and I just HAVE to read it.
Summary:
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.
(Goodreads)

Fallen
Lauren Kate

Published: July 2010 by Corgi Childrens (first published November 2009) Fallen by Lauren Kate
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0552561738
ISBN-13: 978-0552561730

Am I the only person on the planet who hasn't read this yet?
Summary:
There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.
(Goodreads)

The Devil's Acre
Matthew Plampin

Published: 2010 by Harper The Devil's Acre by Matthew Plampin
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0007273975
ISBN-13: 978-0007273973

I saw this book reviewed on this week's Channel 4's TV Book Club and it sounded so good I had to add it to my wishlist straight away.
Summary:
Spring, 1853. After a triumphant display at the Great Exhibition in London, the legendary American entrepreneur and inventor Colonel Samuel Colt expands his gun-making business into England.

The young, ambitious Edward Lowry is hired by Colt to act as his London secretary. Although initially impressed by the Colonel’s dynamic approach to his trade, Edward comes to suspect that the American’s intentions in the Metropolis are not all they appear.

The secretary becomes romantically involved with Caroline Knox, a headstrong woman from the machine floor – who he discovers is caught up in a plot to steal revolvers from the factory’s stores. Among the workforce Colt has gathered from the seething mass of London’s poor are a gang of desperate Irish immigrants, embittered refugees from the potato famine, who intend to use these stolen six-shooters for a political assassination in the name of revenge. As pistols start to go missing, divided loyalties and hidden agendas make the gun-maker’s factory the setting for a tense story of intrigue, betrayal and murder.
(Amazon)
Any mention of Samuel Colt makes me think of Supernatural and those gorgeous Winchester boys. So...just because I can...

Completely gratuitous picture of Sam & Dean Winchester


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So those are just a few of the books on my wish list - I'd love to hear what you've got on yours.

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