Thursday, August 30, 2012

Dirty Little Secret #47


Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!
To participate in the meme all you need to do is:
  1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
  2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
  3. Answer the question proposed! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
  4. Then add your link below.
Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!
We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

"Book abuse! Whats the worse thing you've done to a book?"

I'm probably a bit like Annie, when a book is so tightly bound that I can't actually read the book, I will break some of the binding, but not the way she does. I break it from the inside by opening it and then putting a BIGGER book (think dictionary) on top of it for a while. Otherwise I'm the type that is really bad about books with paper jackets, like my hardcover copy of Julie Kagawa's Immortal Rules I have at home. The jacket has some tears and rips around the edges and it's a little frayed. I have been better about keeping it safely tucked away lately so it won't get battered anymore.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Review: Blood Seductions: Gavin by Celeste Hall

Review

Good morning everyone. I am happy to be reviewing Celeste Hall's new novel - Blood Secudtions: Gavin.

Beware of dark desire… When a vampire falls in love with a human, there is more at risk than a broken heart. How do you protect the one you love from becoming the thing she fears most in the world? How do you share your life with someone knowing fully well that your blood carries a virus which could destroy her?

About Celeste Hall

The oldest of nine children, I was tutored at home during childhood, first by my mother and then a German woman with a passion for science and history. I could never find enough books to keep my mind busy, even with the vast library that my father kept. I wrote my first short stories around the age of nine, and was completing full length manuscripts by the age of twelve.

I left home around fourteen or fifteen, staying with family and friends among the western States. As the years passed I continued to read everything I could lay hands on. In adulthood I began building towards a career in criminal justice, particularly criminal psychology. I received various certifications, awards and schooling in the field before discovering parapsychology and finding myself drawn into the mystery of the mind.

I received a PhD in Parapsychology but continued working towards a future in criminal justice until a car accident in 2005 left me with a traumatic brain injury and learning how to walk again in a swimming pool.

After two years of physical therapy I knew that my body was no longer capable of supporting the rigors of the career I'd chosen. After my mother discovered some of my old manuscripts in her basement, I decided to try writing once more. And I couldn’t be happier!

Where to find Celeste:

Her Website | Her Blog | Facebook Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt

A warm feathery sensation against the back of her neck had Sarah turning to find that Gavin was now directly behind her.

She startled at the proximity, stumbling as she made a desperate attempt to put some distance back between them.

He caught her before she could fall, holding her securely braced against the rock solid support of his body, the unexpected and shocking heat of his hands against her skin immediately halting all thought of escape.

Sarah looked up at him with the wide eyed stare of Bambi caught in the headlights, every nerve in her body singed by his touch.

Her gaze locked with his.

A thick fringe of dark lashes framed eyes that were a brilliant green with small flecks of gold. And those impossibly green eyes were now studying her with a dangerous level of intensity.

Sarah tried to tell herself that it was fear which made her heart try to pound its way out of her chest and had her breath trapped in her lungs.

She was firmly ensnared within the arms of the most dangerous creature she knew. And that was very likely blood lust making his eyes spark like green fire. But there was an excited swirl of sensations forming low in her belly, warning that if she didn’t soon escape, she would stop wanting to.

Her gaze dropped to his mouth.

Those strong, sensual lips seemed to grow fuller even as she watched. Sarah knew at once that his canines were growing erect behind that slight curve of a very predatory smile.

She should have been terrified.

Instead, she felt a brilliant wash of heat shoot straight down to her core, lighting up that silken bundle of nerves hidden between her thighs with such immediate need she nearly moaned.

Gavin hadn’t intended to get so close to her, but now that he had her in his arms he felt everything male within him come alive.

She was slim and elegantly built, like a fine boned thoroughbred. Panting as if she’d just run a long race, the sweet scent of mint on her breath feathering against his mouth, making his gums ache as his fangs grew even more painfully erect.

Sarah had high cheekbones that only further accentuated her delicate features and those deep brown eyes. Dark pools that widened as they gazed up at him, making her appear even more innocent and beautiful.

“I didn’t mean to frighten to you,” he offered, one hand still gently grasping her arm as the other supported her back.

Big, powerful hands, which Sarah knew were capable of incredible violence. Yet he held her with the care of a lion cradling a newborn cub. Infinitely aware of just how deadly he could be.

“Boundaries…bloodsucker…”

The warning growl was barely audible to Sarah’s human ears, but she recognized the voice. She also recognized the slight vibration of wings suggesting that Mikhail was not only standing nearby, but he was posed for violence.

Instead of releasing her and stepping back, Gavin’s hand on her arm smoothly glided down to cup her fingers against his palm.

He held her there for a moment, as if preparing for a waltz.

“Beautiful,” he murmured with a slow smile that suggested he knew exactly how pissed off Mikhail was growing, and found it terribly amusing. But that smile was having an entirely different affect on Sarah’s body.

Her skin flushed as she began to tremble.

She was sure now. It wasn’t fear that made her heart pound and her breath catch. How could she possibly be attracted to this…this, creature? He was a vampire! He was a monster! He was the embodiment of everything that terrified her in this world. Yet she only watched as he studied her, his eyebrows drawing together in a look of interest and speculation.

Could he actually sense what was happening to her body at that moment?

Did he sense the unbelievable heat now pooling in her panties?

Oh dear god!

Sarah made a jerky attempt to free herself, but Gavin’s hands tightened reflexively around her.

If anything, he actually looked more intrigued by the flush that covered her cheeks and reached clear down to where her nipples were puckered into little pink diamonds, pressing eagerly up against the cotton barrier of her shirt.

Mikhail’s furious snarl was now coming in stereo as Nikolai landed opposite of him, boxing Gavin between them as they raised their wings into gargoyle like arches, the hard boney edges forming quivering blades poised to strike.

The sound was terrifying.

The twins had been working alongside Gavin almost exclusively these past weeks, without a single hitch.

Of all the vampires and incubi, they’d come the closest to becoming friends. All of that appeared to be balancing on a razor’s edge now.

Gavin must have realized this at the same time it struck Sarah. He released her even as his expression resumed the hard emotionless mask of a vampire commander. As Sarah beat a hasty retreat, she saw Gavin’s lips moving.

The words were spoken too softly for her to hear, but whatever he said seemed to soothe the incubi. Their wings faded and Mikhail began to ask questions about the new vampire recruits.

Despite her pounding heart and desperate need to escape, Sarah couldn’t help but pause halfway down the hallway and turn to look back.

Gavin’s green eyes instantly locked with hers and she shivered again.

How could she feel such naked fear and raw desire at the same time, for the same man?

No, not man…a vampire.

She turned and practically ran for the privacy of her chambers.

Review

Sarah knows that falling for Gavin is the last thing she should be doing. With a threat which can turn her into a blood thirsty, potentially crazed vampire, she needs to stay safe in the sanctuary with the incubi. However, even with the threat of Adam coming closer and more super-vampires on the loose, she can't help but eye and try nd be close to Gavin

Gavin knows that Sarah should be off limits considering she is staying with the incubi, who are fiercely loyal and protective of those they've marked as theirs. But when the new military recruits arrive, they cause trouble and Gavin ends up with more than he bargained for.

One night Adam is on the move towards another city and the people are at risk, Gavin and the recruits go out to try and stop Adam leaving Sarah unprotected from him. When Sarah decides to return to the sanctuary, she runs into a bloodbath and many of her friends in trouble. But she's attacked and harmed. Gavin to the rescue, but she is very badly harmed and unconscious. Gavin is left to keep an eye on he and treat her wounds.

When Sarah finally awakens she is feeling 150% better than before and not feeling the reprecussions of her injuries. However she's afraid with having been bitten in the attack that she's gong t becomes a super-vamp. There are a few surprises left and Gavin has a few thoughts of his own. Will Sarah stay with Gavin, even if she doesn't become a vampire, will she ever let Gavin mark her and claim her as his or will she return to sanctuary? Read to see the twists and turn this tale takes.

I really liked Celeste's writing style, she was very descriptive in describing her vampires and their features, and with the super-vamps it makes them sound like blood-thirsty goons and out of control. I was falling for their story as they got to know each other and give in to their desires. And seeing their relationship change was more natural and not forced. A very solid 4 of 5 stars to the story.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Feature & Follow #31

Welcome to the Feature & Follow

Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers — but you have to know — the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them “hi” in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

Now to make this #FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link above FEATURES > Feature & Follow Friday and get on the waiting list! How do you follow someone? Well, if you have a preference, state it in your #FF post. A lot of blogs are transitioning to WordPress in which they do not have the luxury of GFC, so an RSS subscription is appreciated or if you choose an email subscription. If you don’t have GFC please state in your post how you would like to be followed.It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

Parajunkee's Feature – Chayse @ The Book Reaper

Alison Can Read's Feature - Ed and Ems Reviews

And now the Random Question of this week:

What blogger inspires you? It can be any kind, it doesn't have to be a book blog. ?

There are SOOOOO many of you that do, but don't know it.. But I'll give a few who inspire me. Parajunkee (Rachel) does for a multitude of them (she designed original look for the blog). Alison does because of her Manga Monday (I read them too!) I get inspired by DJ Librarian. I get inspired by all of you and your dedication to blogging and sharing books with the rest of the community. I have a LOT of room to grow and I hope to continue to do so.

Dirty Little Secret #46


Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!
To participate in the meme all you need to do is:
  1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
  2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
  3. Answer the question proposed! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
  4. Then add your link below.
Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!
We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

"With so many great books out and about, are you bookcases super organized or are your books scattered all over the place? We'll show you ours, now show us yours"

Grrr... Sure now you need a post with a pic. I'm usually organized with my books, but I don't have many paperback or even hardcover books in my collection as I can't find many in B&N around here. *shrugs* What I do have are some I've won through contests others are ones that have caught my eye, so I've bought them. I'll take a picture of my bookshelf later tonight once I am home from work.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Book Review & Guest Post - Giving It Up by Amber Lin

Good Morning everyone! I am thrilled to be part of the tour for Amber Lin's new Book, Giving it Up. Today she is here with a guest post so I happily hand over my blog to her dirty little hands! Take it away Amber!

Badass Heroines in Erotic Romance

Once upon a time, romance novel heroines were either sweet or feisty, preferably both. Some of my favorite heroines of all times were docile… well, with a core of steel. I’m thinking of the heroine in Laura Kinsale’s The Shadow and the Star, who I ADORE, but there are plenty of examples of quiet strength.

Today I’m talking about a different type of girl… you might even say more modern: the badass heroine. A woman who takes no shit. She flouts the conventions. Often she doesn’t need or want a man at all… of course, this is romance so that’ll have to change, but she’ll fight it!

The bad-ass heroine is right at home in paranormal romance and urban fantasies, where heroines get to kick demon (or vampire, shifter, etc) butt and look great in leather doing it. She’s also in romantic suspense, with a female FBI agent or even in contemporaries with a career-driven high-powered professional.

The badass heroine is also a bit of an anti-heroine, in that she does certain things that are not really acceptable. She swears too loudly, fights too much or insists on getting the corner office.

These heroines can get away with an awful lot, but sometimes they still don’t get away with a whole lot in the bedroom. Often they are chaste or relatively innocent. They kick ass on the street, but are timid in the bedroom. Unfair, I say!

Women get seek their pleasure in TV shows, they do it in movies, and it’s considered swanky and liberated. But in erotic romance… that’s not for the heroine, it’s the providence of the villainous woman with fake boobs and evil claw nails. Boo.

When was the last time you read about a heroine who had sex with any sort of frequency with men who aren’t the hero(s), even in erotic romance? They’re out there, but it’s a short list. Even books with BDSM clubs, where sharing and swinging is common, often feature an “outsider” heroine… because I guess the regulars aren’t good enough for the heroes? …oops, did I just get snarky?

That’s part of the problem. I’ll admit I’ve got a small rebellious streak of my own. I can be a good girl, too (really, I can!) but I have a harder time relating to the Heroine Without a Flaw.

And (surprise, surprise) the heroine of my book Giving It Up is one seriously flawed woman. Okay, she’s got issues. The book opens with Allie at a nightclub, looking to hook up with a guy. Not just any guy, someone who’ll be rough with her and dump her when it’s over.

She has her reasons, of course. This wasn’t just a random occurrence of promiscuity in the clubbing wilds. Just like the chaste badass heroines of urban fantasy didn’t wake up with a sword in their cradle or a snarky comeback on their lips. Usually there’s some sort of hurt there, underneath all that swagger. And it takes the love of a tough (and persistent) hero to break through.

In the case of Allie, it takes Colin. He likes what he sees on the outside, but more importantly, he want to know her on the inside. And best of all, she can dish it out, but he knows exactly what to do with it. Instead of giving her rough sex, he treats her gently. Instead of using her, he pleasures her. What a bastard!

Who are your favorite tough-girl heroines, from any genre? Have you read any romance heroines who break the mold in the bedroom, who have participated in bad behavior before meeting up with the hero?

And thanks so much for having me!
Amber Lin

“Giving It Up is original, affecting, emotionally draining, but well worth reading if you are brave enough to go along for the ride.”
—Annabel Joseph, author of Comfort Object

“A ballsy departure from romantic conventions. At once gritty and tender, stark and hopeful.”
—Cara McKenna, author of Willing Victim

“Giving It Up is an erotic, compelling story that takes us to the shadowy, lonely places but doesn’t leave us there. Amber Lin shows us that romance isn’t just for the rich and shiny. Love can find its way even into the dark corners of the most damaged hearts.”
—Tiffany Reisz, author of The Siren

“This is a book you MUST read if you like gritty, edgier romance that makes you think as well as turns you on.”
—Cari Quinn, USA Today Bestselling Author of No Dress Required

“Every page is chock full of sexy, angsty must-read-moreness.”
—Karla Doyle, author of Game Plan

“Giving It Up is a gritty, real romance that deals in an honest way with what happens to sexuality in the aftermath of rape…. Read it. You won’t be sorry.”
—Ruthie Knox, author of About Last Night

“Dark and edgy…but don’t be fooled. There’s a wonderful love story running through this book. Sharp, intense writing, sexy as hell, and such a cool idea!”
—Charlotte Stein, author of Sheltered

About Amber Lin

Amber Lin writes erotic romance with a dark, gritty bent. Think urban fantasy without the paranormal element and with more sex. On a more personal note, she’s married to her high school sweetheart, mother to a kid smarter than she is, and she spends her nights writing down dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good.

Links:
Website | Book Trailer | Twitter | Facebook

Buy Links:
Amazon | All Romance | Fictionwise | GoodReads

Giving It Up
Amber Lin

Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it's not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.

He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren't enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.

But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her new found power will be enough to save them all.

Excerpt One

There’s a certain sultry walk a woman has when she’s bare that can’t be faked. No hose and no panties. The nakedness under my skirt was as much about keeping me aroused as it was about easy access.

I’d perfected the art of fuck-me clothes. A surprising number of men asked me out, even at a grungy club on a Saturday night. Cute little college girl, they thought, out for a good time. I saved us all time by dressing my part.

Tonight’s ensemble consisted of a tight halter and short skirt with cheap, high-heeled sandals, bouncing hair, and bloodred toenails. The scornful looks of the other women didn’t escape me, but I wasn’t so different from them. I wanted to be desired, held, touched. The groping fingers might be a cheap imitation of intimacy, its patina cracked with rust and likely to turn my skin green, but they were all I deserved.

My gaze panned to the man at the bar, the one I’d been watching all night. He nursed a beer, his profile harsh against the fluid backdrop of writhing bodies. His gray T-shirt hung loose on his abs but snug around thick arms.

His expression was unreadable, but I knew what he wanted. What else was there?

He glanced over but didn’t hit on me. I didn’t know why I kept tabs on him either. I wasn’t exactly discerning. I was trolling for sex, not a life partner. There were plenty of men here, men whose blackened pasts matched my own, who’d give it to me hard.

A woman approached him. Something dark and decidedly feminine roiled up inside me.

She was hot. If he wanted to score, he probably couldn’t do better, even with me. I tried not to stare. She walked away a minute later—rejected. I felt unaccountably smug. Which was stupid, since I didn’t have him either.

Maybe no one had a chance with this guy. I was pretty enough, in a girl-next-door kind of way. Common, though, underneath my slutty trappings—brown hair and brown eyes were standard issue around here.

“Hey, beautiful.”

I glanced up to see a cute guy wearing a sharp dress shirt checking me out. Probably an investment banker or something upstanding like that. Grinning and hopeful. Had I ever been that young? No, I was probably younger. At twenty-two, I felt ancient. The world had already crumbled around me and been rebuilt, brick by brick.

“Sorry, pal,” I said. “Keep moving.”

“Aww, not even one dance?”

His puppy-dog eyes cajoled a smile from me. How nice it might feel to be one of the girls with nothing to worry about except whether this guy would call tomorrow morning. But I was too broken for his easy smile. I’d only end up hurting him.

“I am sorry,” I said, wistfulness seeping into my voice. “You’ll thank me later.” Regret panged as the crowd sucked him back in, but I’d done the right thing. Even if he were only interested in a one-night hookup, my sex was too toxic for the likes of him.

I turned back to the guy at the bar. He caught my eye, looking—if possible—surlier. Cold and mean. Perfect. I wouldn’t taint him, and he could give me what I craved. Since tall-dark-and-stoic hadn’t deigned to make a move on me, I would do the pursuing. A surprising little twist for the night, but I could go with it.

I squeezed beside him at the bar. Up close, his size was impressive and a little intimidating, but that only strengthened my resolve.

“Hey, tough guy,” I shouted over the din.

He looked up at me from his beer. I faltered a bit at the total lack of emotion in his face and fought an automatic instinct to retreat. His eyes were a deep brown, almost pretty, but remote and flat. Dark hair was cut short, bristly. His nose was prominent and slightly crooked, like it had been broken. Maybe more than once.

He looked mean, which was a good thing, but I was used to a little more effort. Even assholes provided a fake smile or smarmy line for the sake of the pickup. There was a script to these things, but he wasn’t playing his part.

Excerpt Two

We stripped at the same time, both eager. I wanted to see his body, to witness what he offered me, but it was dark in the room. Then he kissed me back onto the bed, and there was no more time to wonder. The cheap bedspread was rough and cool against my skin. His hands stroked over my breasts and then played gently with my nipples.

My body responded, turning liquid, but something was wrong.

I’d had this problem before. Not everyone wanted to play rough, but I was surprised that I’d misread him. His muscles were hard, the pads of his fingers were calloused. I didn’t know how he could touch me so softly. Everything about him screamed that he could hurt me, so why didn’t he?

I wanted him to have his nasty way with me, but every sweet caress destroyed the illusion. My fantasy was to let him do whatever he wanted with me, but not this.

“Harder,” I said. “I need it harder.”

Instead his hands gentled. The one that had been holding my breast traced the curve around and under.

I groaned in frustration. “What’s wrong?”

He reached down, still breathing heavily, and pressed a finger lightly to my cunt, then stroked upward through the moisture. I gasped, rocking my hips to follow his finger.

“You like this,” he said.

Yes, I liked it. I was undeniably aroused but too aware. I needed the emptiness of being taken. “I like it better rough.”

Colin frowned. My eyes widened at the ferocity of his expression.

In one smooth motion he flipped me onto my stomach. I lost my breath from the surprise and impact. His left hand slid under my body between my legs and cupped me. His right hand fisted in my hair, pulling my head back. His erection throbbed beside my ass in promise. I wanted to beg him to fuck me, but all I could do was gasp. He didn’t need to be told, though, and ground against me, using my hair as a handle. That small pain on my scalp was perfection, sharp and sweet. Numbness spread through me, as did relief.

The pain dimmed. My arousal did too, but that was okay. I was only vaguely aware of him continuing to work my body from behind.

I went somewhere else in my mind. I’d stay that way all night.

At least that’s what usually happened.

Review

This probably has to be one of the darker romances I've read yet. The heroine, Allie is completely different from all others. She runs from her past, but in her actions in a way repeats the past with wanting her sex rough, hard and with a guy she can walk away from. She has her reasons, with the one guy in HS whom she cared for having raped her and leaving her pregnant. She has a distorted view on whats normal. So when she goes looking for sex in the local bar and she spots Colin she thinks he's just the type to give it to her how she wants it.

Colin has a hidden life he'd do anything to protect Allie from finding out about, but when a man from the bars tries to rape her just outside Colin inflicts his brand of pain, to make sure this guy knows she's off limits. Colin asks her out and she agrees, but their relationship is anything but normal. Colin is attentive and affectionate, but there's a side to him Allie hasn't seen. If it came out she'd leave.

However, when Allie's rapist shows up she's ready to flee town to keep her daughter safe from meeting her father. Colin offers to let her come stay with him, without limits. It's only after she moves in that things only get worse. The cops start to show up, suddenly her place of employment has been robbed and closed down, leaving her without work, and Colin is getting frequent calls from his brother to do "work". Allie begins to find out that some things Colin does can cause him more trouble and get him arrested. She's lead to do desperate things to protect her daughter, but when she gets caught in the cross-hairs can Colin pull her out, or will she be left to fend for herself and find out the truth and try and save whats worth fighting for?

I felt a lot of pull towards Allie and Colin as their relationship was anything but normal. With a dirty cop, a lot of secrets and a love that will be tested and stretched to its limits this was full of surprises. Allie is not afraid to protect the things she cares for. Having a rough life has made her more weary of people. Colin on the other had, has a good career in the restaurant industry, but his family has some skeletons of his own. How they finally got through everything was full of surprises and getting past pain to learn to trust. It was gritty, dark and full of mysteries that will keep you turning pages to find out how it ends. Amber Lin has written a very dark, but telling tale of love, trust and giving in to your heart to fight for what you desire most. A 5 star read for sure!

GIVEAWAY

Amber Lin is giving away a Kindle Fire along with 10 erotic books, as well as either a custom erotic story or a 30-page critique of a romance manuscript. There are many ways to enter, for both those who have and haven’t yet read Giving It Up.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hope you enjoyed the fun and having Amber in for a visit! I know I did!!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Dirty Little Secret #45


Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!
To participate in the meme all you need to do is:
  1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
  2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
  3. Answer the question proposed! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
  4. Then add your link below.
Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!
We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

"Which Disney hero would you like to take to your bed? I mean on a date."

OMG, it's funny how most posts I've seen are all about the true "good guy" heroes of Disney. My Choice however would be a trouble maker who went the the name Flynn Rider. If you don't recognize the name I'm not surprised. He's from Disney's adaptation of Rumplestiltskin, cleverly titled Tangled.

Image courtesy of DeviantArt - davidkawena

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Chasing Fate Blog Tour

Good Morning my lovelies! I am thrilled to be part of the continuation of the Unspun novels. Today I gladly hand over the Poison Pen to Elle J Rossi. Please welcome Elle!

Guest Post

The Perfect Hero

Is that redundant? When we hear the word hero, don’t we automatically envision perfection? I think it just depends on your version of a hero. I’ll bet mine completely differs from yours. Is it the hair? The eyes? His strength? His mind? There are so many ingredients required to make a batch of perfection. Then it has to marinate. Plus we have to stir and stir and stir the concoction until our arms practically fall off. If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering if the effort is worth the end product. One look at Mr. Hawt and Awesome will have us ready to whip up a double batch. For funsies I’ll give you my list and then you can share yours!

Kind but Tough (Helps an old lady cross the street, then pummels the thug who tries to steal her purse.)

Muscular but Lean (I liked toned, but muscle head bouncer who can’t put his arms all the way down can stay at the club door.)

Successful at life (Sure, I’d like him to be able to pay his bills, and hopefully he has a car and a roof over his head, but I don’t need cash coming out his arse. I’d prefer someone who makes an honest living doing something he enjoys. And he must know how to make the most of his downtime.)

Tall (-er than me. I know. It’s not nice, but there’s just something about a tall man.)

Adventurous but Safe (Call me crazy. I’m a nutso, but at least I know it. I want my hero to be willing to try new things, but he has to stay alive. What good is my hero if he’s flatter than a pancake at the bottom of a cliff?)

Eyes (I’ll take any color, but I love me some thick eyelashes.)

A Sense of Style (My hero has to know how to dress. I’m very cool with jeans, but dress it up with a long-sleeved button down and some wicked shoes, throw on a splash of spicy cologne, and we are good to go.)

Now it’s your turn. What ingredients did you throw in your pot?

Wickedly yours,
Elle

CHASING FATE


BY ELLE J ROSSI

Summary:
She is forced to kill . . .
When a much-needed vacation turns into work for the third Fate, Atropos vows to sever the mortal’s lifeline quickly and get back to the sea and sand. Having her mysterious quarry offer a deal in exchange for more time is an unexpected complication. Always surrounded by darkness and death, Attie embraces the chance to toy with life and love and to help right an unjust wrong.

He refuses to die . . .
Dru spent months praying for death. Anger over the brutal killing of his family festered until those prayers turned to plans for revenge. Making a deal with the Death Fate was the only way to extend his lease on life. He only needed a handful of days to avenge those he lost, but within minutes of meeting Atropos he knew he’d want forever.

Where to find Chasing Fate:
Amazon | Smashwords

Excerpt

It didn’t take long to find him. She didn’t need a name to know she had come to the right place. Her visions never lied and neither did the tug she felt toward the man in the center of the room. Crouched on the floor in front of a table, he appeared to be rifling through something. Methodic. Intense. She took a moment to observe.

A man who looked this healthy shouldn’t have Death at the door, but Attie knew all too well this sort of thing happened quite often. The doctors would note heart attack or natural causes on this death certificate. His death could not be denied. She had never felt a stronger pull, like a rope had been tethered to her core while a gang of gods pulled on the opposite end. Attie rubbed her stomach, cocked her head, and studied what she could only call prey.

Bare feet met black cotton pants. He wore no shirt, and recently cut dark hair that followed a straight line across the back of his neck glistened as though he had just come from the shower.

Her body reacted, but she instantly shut it down. She was not Chloe. She did not find mortals attractive, especially a mortal who was about to draw his last breath. Squinting, she saw the delicate fiber of his lifeline flicker in and out. Not much time left. In two steps, she closed the distance and stood over the man who had no idea a killer had entered his home.

Slowly reaching out, she skimmed her fingers over the fragile but taut thread. Though he never turned, his muscles bunched as if the strand was his spine and his skin sensitive to even the most gentle of touches. Curious about his reaction, Attie held the thread between her thumb and forefinger and slowly dragged her hand down. This time, the male shuddered like he knew death stood with him, ready to take his life essence.

Impossible.

“I won’t go yet.”

Attie paused, cocked her head. To whom did he speak? Surely not her, for she could not be seen. Not in the moments before she delivered her death sentence. More than once, humans had begged for their lives, prayed not to die. But they didn’t know they begged her, prayed to her. Even those who claimed to be atheist still prayed when death came knocking at their door. Just once, it would have been nice if someone knew who brought death. Atropos.

Attie shook her head to erase the petty thoughts and resumed the task at hand. Her job was her duty, a duty she took seriously even though accolades would never come. Unsheathing her blade from the holster secured to her thigh, she held it up to the beam of moonlight filtering through the lone window.

The blade, made from perfect, uncut diamonds, glittered like a promise. A promise indeed. Atropos and her weapon, for one was never without the other, promised death. Today was this human’s day to die.

“You are wrong. I will not die today.”

About Elle J. Rossi

Elle J Rossi grew up in rural Indiana surrounded by great people, a huge family and more animals than she could count. But the sites and sounds of the world beckoned, so she left her small town to escape into a creative world full of music. As a full time singer she was able to lose herself in a thousand different songs in a hundred different places.

After meeting the love of her life and settling down, she yearned to find a new and fulfilling creative outlet. Overly fond of the happily ever after, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters lead her down dark and twisted paths. The very first word on the very first page sealed her fate. She'd found a new love. She'd found her escape.

Now along with weaving haunting tales about the journey to love, she's creating cover art for authors around the world and loving every second of it. For fun, she cranks country music to take her back to her roots, and sings karaoke anytime she gets a chance. Her husband, two children, and a cat that rules the roost keep her company along the way and guarantee she doesn't get lost in the enchanted forest. She wouldn't have it any other way.

Where to find her:
website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Review

Atropos (Attie) is the Fate of Death. With one swift clip with her knife she can end your life. What does a fate do to when told she is going on vacation? Fuss, until your father, Zeus sends you elsewhere... When she arrives at her destination she's all set to relax, but alas...when the tug of death is felt nearby Attie puts her vacation on hold to do her duty. But what she finds isn't what she expected.

Dru is still devastated after his family is killed right before his eyes two years prior. His anger festers into revenge and he knows time is cut short. When he knows Death is at his side he makes a bargain with her, she can't refuse. But he didn't bargain for his heart to fall for the Fate.

When Attie takes up Dru's bargain, she didn't think she could fall for the handsome Greek. Getting stuck in a storm with him only helps her see more of him then she thought she would see... and what a sight it was. When they begin their search for the killer of Dru's family they didn't expect him to be ready and waiting for Dru to find him. He has his own plan to take down Dru. Can Attie save Dru or will Fate truly be a bitch and take the man she's fallen for from her?

I fell for the chemistry between Dru and Attie from the start. She was startled by Dru and his belief he would live for a couple more days and the fact he can see her. Dru is falling for Attie and hard, from her small breasts to her curvy hips. He find's it hard to keep his hands of her, and she's the same, so when these two let go for some romance its Death defying! They are definitely destined for each other. I love how all these Unspun novels take play at the Greek Gods and Zeus is still present in this story. I really love the take Elle had with this story. A solid 5 starts for this heart-stopping, gut wrenching story of love and fate.

Giveaway

Elle is being VERRY generous and giving away 2 (TWO) eBook copies of Chasing Fate to two lucky commentors on the blog. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form and be sure to comment with your E-mail address so the winners can be contacted.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Feature & Follow #30

Welcome to the Feature & Follow

Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers — but you have to know — the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them “hi” in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

Now to make this #FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link above FEATURES > Feature & Follow Friday and get on the waiting list! How do you follow someone? Well, if you have a preference, state it in your #FF post. A lot of blogs are transitioning to WordPress in which they do not have the luxury of GFC, so an RSS subscription is appreciated or if you choose an email subscription. If you don’t have GFC please state in your post how you would like to be followed.It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

Parajunkee's Feature – Zabet @ Reading Between Classes

Alison Can Read's Feature - Read It, Read It, Loved It

And now the Random Question of this week:

Do your reading habits change based on your mood? Do you read a certain genre if you are feeling depressed or happy?

Currently, no with my blog tours scheduled and my vacation this month. After late August, early September I plan on reading what's either in my small physical collection or what I have on my kindle (of which 90% I have not read!). I'm going to take a 4 month hiatus from book tours mostly so I can read what I own and want for a bit as I've had some books which really didn't suit my taste this last couple months. I may take on a tour, bot only for authors I have previously read, are part of a series I've started or are full length books.

Dirty Little Secret #44


Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!
To participate in the meme all you need to do is:
  1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
  2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
  3. Answer the question proposed! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
  4. Then add your link below.
Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!
We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

""All your favourite characters and celebs have been entered into the SEXY OLYMPICS! Who would win your Gold, Silver and Bronze and why" Pick only characters from books you've read THIS year."

Bronze - Goes to Jace and Aiden Fortune from Jodi Redford's Light my Fire. Dan we say Sexy HOT dragon shifters! And wow they know how to turn art into Kink! *winks*

Silver - Dmitri from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter Series. Sexy HOT as SIN Vampire who just exhumes sexy and danger in one finely honed body. *drools*

And GOLD - Goes to Teague Creek from Joan Swan's debut Fever. Can we say tortured and tormented hero with sick twisted mind? Did I mention his FINE former Fire Figher. Forget putting out the flames, he only makes them blaze hotter!

Vefer cover