Saturday, June 26, 2010

Lusting for Covers (26)


Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

Here's what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked!
(OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.


NOTE: PLEASE link back to my blog (http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post, letting viewers know that it is my meme, not something you are trying to call your own. Failing to do so, with the intent of actually calling this your own work, will result in trouble! I hate threatening, but really, is it so hard to post a link that says "This meme is hosted by TBQ."? Link love is great, and actually quite easy-- please use it!


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Here's my candidate for the week:

The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance




Author: Multiple Authors
Publisher/Publication Date: Running Press (January 4, 2011)
Summary (Amazon):
 This collection of 20-plus romance stories will traverse the rolling hills of Scotland, including both contemporary and historical settings, time travel, ghosts, and plenty of fantastic and paranormal elements.

Why?
Obvious answer: It's a book of nothing. but. Scottish. Romances. As if that wasn't enough of a temptation, really an obsession to get the book, add in the fact that the authors involved are all extremely talented. Oh, and almost forgot-- the cover is SPECTACULAR! Sexy, vibrant, eye  catching... I could look at those embracing lovers for hours and not get tired-- there is so much to look at, details to take in. It looks so life like, just on the computer screen--- I drool to think of it in real life!

The downside? The release date-- January of next year! NOOOOO! This is one book I'd kill to get an ARC of before then... preferably with this beautiful cover, not a plain paper one. :-D


Any other Scottish romance hussies ready to join me in a bit of a journey, Operation MBOSR Retrieval? I'd be willing to do anything for this...lie, cheat, steal... kill. Hmm...



Friday, June 25, 2010

Heads Up: Check Out This New Blog-- and Contest!


I simply had to share this with you: I've came across a new blog, by one of my favorite authors, Zoe Marriott. She's only just started it, but she plans on updating regularly, with posts about writing tips, her upcoming books, et cetera. In other words, it sounds like not only will Zoe have some great advice for us readers-turned-aspiring-authors, but a bit of fun as well!


Daughter of the FlamesRemember my rave reviews for both of Zoe's YA fantasy books last year? Daughter of the Flames (review) and The Swan Kingdom (review)? Well, Zoe has mentioned that she plans on giving away a copy of one of her books, along with other fabulous prizes, to a follower of her new blog!

The Swan KingdomThat's right-- you could have your own copy of one of these amazing books, perhaps even signed? (I don't think the books themselves will be signed, but she is giving out some bookplates and I do know you can get signed bookplates from her, visit her website HERE for more information on that!)

Now, she hasn't put up all the information about the contest details yet, but all the more reason to head on over early and check out her posts, enjoy yourself, The contest starts TOMORROW, Saturday June 25th, though I'm not sure how long it will run. However, by the end of it, who knows--- you could be the winner! :D


Oh, and I also found out that the sequel to Daughter of the Flames, titled Shadows on the Moon, is set to come out July of next year-- I can't wait! Come on, even if YA isn't your normal genre of choice, I think all of you would enjoy Zoe's books! Head on over to her blog and watch for her upcoming contest and perhaps you may be lucky enough to win a free copy from the author herself! You can thank me later when you find yourself adding these books to your 'Favorites' pile. :D



So remember, head over tomorrow for the contest details, post to comment/enter on, and other fun things to do!

HERE is the link to her blog home page.   (NOT the actual contest)


Until Next Time,



 Enjoy!
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Thursday, June 24, 2010

[NOR and ARC Review]: "Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage"

Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (Berkley Sensation)
Title: Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Publisher/Publication Date: Berkley (July 6, 2010)
Genre: Historical Romance
Summary (Amazon):
Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by leaving her husband, notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie, after only three turbulent years of marriage. But Mac has a few tricks to get the Lady back in his life, and more importantly, back into his bed.









Other places to Pre-Order Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage from:


My Review:

After more than three years apart, Lady Isabella and Lord 'Mac' are slowly gravitating back towards each other in this delicious romance novel—because, as one knows, its hard to control the flames when they burn this bright between two souls. And perhaps a fair dose of love lurks in the flames? Only time will tell...



The second in the Mackenzies' Highland Pleasure series, Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is a wonderful novel, filled with sweet, tender love that has long been denied, fiery passion, and a good dash of witty humor. And as if that were not enough, add into the mix a collection of interesting characters-- from Mac's roguish and artistic ways, to his brother Ian's unique perspective and troubles. Together, it makes for one spectacular novel, and one I am sure you will love!

I very much enjoyed watching Isabella and Mac reconcile after the years apart, to see the flames between them quickly rekindle and flare up. After being hurt by one another in the past, they each had much to change and work through, along with countless pieces of old baggage to get rid of, but that only added to the story—and character—development, making their love very believable and that much more sweet!

4.5 STARS! As much as I loved Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage, I think I will always turn back to Ian and Beth's story (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie). There is simply something deliciously tempting about Ian, what with his truly tortured hero persona and unique troubles, which dear Beth has begun to help him to over come. It's not that I didn't love Mac and Isabella's story—I did!—but Ian holds a very dear place in my heart. However, Mac has now become a close second—at least so far! After all, we've still got two more brawny Scottish lads to marry off in this family... In short, for a rollicking good time, sexy Highland heroes and touching romances, you just can't beat Jennifer Ashley's novels!

~~~
Thanks to Night Owl Reviews, where I received this ARC for free in exchange for reviewing the book. (Free book does not equal biased review, however!) This review is the property of NOR.
~~~ 




Enjoy!






Until Next Time,
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Most links used on this post go directly to that book's page on Amazon. If you use these links to buy said book, I will receive a very small percent of your order. I've yet to actually receive any money from this, but if/when I do, the money will go towards paying for shipping/books on future contests I hold on my blog. If you already planned on buying the book, would it be too much to ask to consider using my links? :) Thanks in advance!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Lusting for Covers (25)


Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

Here's what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked!
(OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.


NOTE: PLEASE link back to my blog (http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post, letting viewers know that it is my meme, not something you are trying to call your own. Failing to do so, with the intent of actually calling this your own work, will result in trouble! I hate threatening, but really, is it so hard to post a link that says "This meme is hosted by TBQ."? Link love is great, and actually quite easy-- please use it!


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Here's my candidate for the week:



Styx's Storm (Breeds)


Title: Styx's Storm
Author: Lora Leigh
Publisher/Publication Date: Berkley (October 5, 2010)
Summary (Amazon):
To save innocent, young Storme Montague from the claws of Breed slave traders, Wolf Breed Styx is forced to claim her himself-on the condition that Storme will no longer be a virgin by night's end. And though Storme's defenses are up, Styx will free her-in ways she never expects.

Why?
Yep, another Lora Leigh book this week! Instead of her Elite Ops series, however, this book is from her sexy and hot as hell Breeds series-- the first series of hers that I devoured, and have been hooked on ever since!
This cover is gorgeous-- I want a man like that! And I love the blue hues and the proud wolf in the back ground. Very nice! :D



Saturday, June 12, 2010

Lusting for Covers (24)


Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

Here's what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked!
(OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.


NOTE: PLEASE link back to my blog (http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post, letting viewers know that it is my meme, not something you are trying to call your own. Failing to do so, with the intent of actually calling this your own work, will result in trouble! I hate threatening, but really, is it so hard to post a link that says "This meme is hosted by TBQ."? Link love is great, and actually quite easy-- please use it!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Here's my candidate for the week:



Renegade

Title: Renegade
Author: Lora Leigh
Publisher/Publication Date: St. Martin's Paperbacks (August 31, 2010)
Summary (Amazon):
As a bridal shop owner, Mikayla Martin helps make women’s wedding dreams come true. Her own life, however, has become a nightmare since she witnessed a murder—and got an up-close-and-personal look at the killer. What’s worse: She knows she knows him. But the police, after doing an alibi check, don’t believe her. It’s up to Mikayla to prove them wrong…and do whatever it takes to solve the murder by herself.

 
Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code name Renegade, is asked to pay an old comrade a favor. This friend swears he’s no killer—and Nik believes him—even though he’s been mistaken as one by Mikayla. So Nik goes to set her straight…but the moment he lays eyes on the fiery and determined beauty, he knows he’s in too deep. A woman this irresistible can only mean trouble and, sure enough, after sticking her nose in one too many places, someone wants Mikayla dead. Now Nik must find a way to keep her safe, clear his friend’s name, and find the real killer, who remains on the loose…


Why?
I love Lora Leigh's sexy and thrilling novels, from her contemporary Elite Ops to her paranormal (well, sort of) Breeds Series! And to top that, her covers are always brillant, from the color designs to the male models used. I haven't caught up on the last few books in this series (they are either on my TBR pile or on my wish list), yet within the month I will have my hands on Renegade thanks to the amazing Night Owl Reviews, for whom I review ARCs such as this for. I can't wait to read it, and know that I will share my thoughts on it as soon as I can!