BOOKS AND BLOGGING PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is defined as a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought. Well, my theory is if I can add at least 10 new books to my Wishlist and move at least 5 older Wishlist selections to my TBR list every month, then life is a ice cream sundae. And if I can find those 10 books from at least 5 new blogs each month then that's the cherry on top.

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!
Well, I've made it almost 5 years now, so for better or worse, I continue on. I tend to blog in spurts as the urge to be creative erupts. As I don't have an artistic bone in my body, you will see very few changes in the layouts. Hey, I'm a reader not an artist like so many of the awesome bloggers I follow. I know you don't always have the time but if you stopped and looked, take a half a minute and say your piece. Recommend a book that you have enjoyed or hated for that matter. Thank you to all who visit.
Oh, and I moved my Google Friend Connect info and share this buttons to the top, as without our friends, who are we?


Sunday, March 30, 2014

Vampires Suck Prize Pack Contest: Win Books, Jewelry, Draculara Doll, and More at BITTENBYBOOKS!



BittenByBooks is excited to to offer you all a chance to win a HUGE Vampires Suck Prize this week! In it you will find a hardback copy of Undead and Unsure by MaryJanice Davidson, an ARC of The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper, an ARC of Blood Gospel by James Rollins and 
Bite Me HatRebecca Cantrell, The complete Underworld Trilogy, Vampires Only Parking Sign, A Vampire Girl necklace from A Charming Time, a Bite Me Hat from Nitty Gritty Threads AND a NEW Draculara Monster High Doll!



Saturday, March 29, 2014

Author Mahalia Levey Release Party and $40.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest

“Born of a Navajo healer and a high-level prince of Hell, Fatal is forced to return to her mother’s tribe to study their healing arts, away from demon hands. But, with her tutelage comes cruel segregation and disrespect. When her life suddenly comes under demon attack, she’s cast away from the only home she knows. Exiled, Fatal sets out armed with her knowledge and fighting skills to annihilate any threat against her.
Oracle by birth, Prince Orobus rules as his Leige commands, until intel comes his way providing him with images of his mate’s participation at a seedy club, well known for it’s sexual domination fight pit. Incensed, he’s thrust in the fight of his life—to claim his woman. Come Hell or high water, he will take care of what is rightfully his, even if it means making her face both sides of her heritage and teaching her there is no shame.”
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize 1: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 3: 2 each $5.00 Amazon Gift Cards
Prize 4: Envelope of Swag

Author Marie Treanor Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest

“Darkness and light in one dangerous, irresistible stranger…
Down to earth psychologist Jenna Hunt arrives in obscure Zavrekestan to find her missing friend, Nell, last seen with notorious gangster Rodion Kosar. But nothing goes the way Jen intended. Complete strangers want to harm her. She shoots one man and travels with another who may or may not be the elusive Kosar, but who’s constantly pursued by armed secret police. Dangerous attraction flares, adding excitement as well as unexpected fun to her search.
But Jen’s dark, mysterious travelling companion is both gifted and cursed. A powerful healer with blood on his conscience and a terrible tragedy in his past, he’s now suffering agonies whenever he exercises his gift, and in this he’s not alone. As Jen is drawn deeper into his world of radical dissidents and the paranormally gifted, she discovers the terrors of a ruthless government which will stop at nothing to hold onto power. She finds herself risking all to help the very people she came to rescue Nell from, and neither common sense nor principles can keep her from the arms of the sexy, tormented Nikolai.”
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize: $50.00 Amazon Gift Card

Excerpts:
    
Nikolai’s world was blood. It ran in crimson rivers before his eyes. He could feel its thick, sticky wetness on his skin and clothes as he ran, roaring, into the prison guards beyond his cell door. His gory handcuffs hung from one wrist, and he swung them like a mace, tearing more flesh, creating more blood. He didn’t care how many there were. He wanted more to fight, more to kill.

“Bring him down, now!”

Although the order penetrated his ears and his understanding, it didn’t slow him up. One of the guards, too close to shoot him, tried to hit him with the butt of his gun instead. Nikolai snatched it from him, felled him with a much more brutal blow of his own, and kicked him into his fellows. He increased his speed. He didn’t really know why—he was in hell, and wherever he ran to would still be hell. All he could do was kill and fight and yell his way along passages of prison guards and police, forcing his way through with as much violence as he could wreak.

Gunfire exploded in his head as he wielded the cuffs and his feet, using his whole body as a battering ram when necessary. But then there was no one to fight now, only guns firing where he couldn’t reach them, so all he could do was run. His body jerked sometimes, as if he’d been shot, but he didn’t feel the bullets, didn’t care. They didn’t slow him up.

Blood ran into his eyes, dripped from his body. He only wanted more.

“Draw him toward the door!” yelled the commander, his voice penetrating the chaos, as daylight began to pierce the dark, red mists through which Nikolai ran. “Units both sides! We’ve got him!”

Have you fuck.

It was his first conscious thought for a long time. They’d actually opened the heavy prison door to be sure he went in that direction. They thought it was a trap. He charged right through, jerking, swinging his cuffs and his fists, kicking, spinning, beating, breaking his way through bodies to fresh air.

Although the noise deafened him, none of it—not his own roars or the gunshots or yells of agony filling his ears from every direction—could drown out the screaming in his head. Even then, in the midst of the blood-madness, he knew it was the kind of screaming that went on forever.
 

*


She breathed a sigh of relief, dumped the food on the side table, and took off her leather jacket, throwing it on the bed. She turned to wish him a cordial good-night and discovered he was inside, closing the door and locking it.

Never, ever make assumptions.

“Shit, I thought we’d have one each,” she blurted.

He glanced at her. “Sorry. I didn’t have enough money.”

She had enough money. But that wasn’t the point. For the first time since she’d met him, he sounded almost…humble. About money, for God’s sake.

“It doesn’t matter,” she muttered. It spilled out more ungraciously than she intended, but God, she’d really been looking forward to that shower and bed and properly relaxing for the first time since she’d parted from her guide at the border and turned the hired car toward that dreadful pub…

“You’re quite safe,” he drawled. “I believe I can control myself to the extent of not raping you.”

Memory flooded back. Her knees gave way, and she sank onto the bed, and suddenly he was there beside her, his arm around her shoulders.

“Fuck, I’m sorry. Ignore my stupid mouth. I’m sorry I didn’t get there quicker.”

“He didn’t hurt me. He didn’t.” She pinched the skin of her throat where her would-be rapist’s hand had gripped her.

“There are many kinds of hurt,” he said, taking her pinching fingers in his. “And Yegor’s a total fucker who should have been shot years ago.”

A sob that was half laughter rose up her throat and came out as a watery smile. She found herself holding hard on to his fingers. “How do you manage to make me feel better by saying stuff like that?”

It was true. The sudden panic attack, the remembered fear and horror had faded again into manageable memory.

“Magic,” he said, and without thought, she lifted the fingers she held to her cheek, a gesture of warmth and gratitude. Only she glanced at his face as she did so, and felt the shock of attraction hit her in the stomach like a blow. His face was much too close, his dark, velvet eyes intent on hers. For an instant, they looked bewildered, almost desperate, mirroring her own vulnerability. His other arm was warm and suddenly heavy around her shoulders. She could feel the hardness she’d always known lurked beneath his shabby hoodie, and instead of frightening her, she wanted more, to be closer.

She was afraid to breathe. The only sound seemed to be the beating of her heart. His gaze dipped to the region of her mouth, and everything inside her seemed to turn over. It would take so very little just to close the distance between, touch his lips with hers, taste him…

What would it be like to kiss him, this stranger? In every sense of the word.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he whispered. “I’m only human.”

God, yes, let me tempt you. Lose your strong, superior self in me…

His arm tightened. The fingers she still held moved, brushing her cheek, making her gasp. His breath kissed her lips, and he hauled her against his chest, hard and arousing. But his lips pressed only to her forehead, and then he released her.

“You’re shattered. Eat, shower, bed.”

Author Terry Spear Interview and Contest

Life For the Silver Pack Just Got Wilder...
Elizabeth Wildwood has been a loner all her life, ostracized because of her "mixed" half-wolf, half-coyote blood. When she ventures into gray wolf territory on a dangerous quest of her own and his thrown together with the sexiest shifter she's ever met she begins to wish for the first time that she could be part of a family.
When this unusual shifter female comes into his pack's territory, it's Tom Silver's job to protect her—if only she would let him.
Turn up the heat with Terry Spear's paranormal romance:
"Dark, sultry, and primal...The chemistry is blazing hot and will leave readers breathless."—Fresh Fiction on Savage Hunger
"A sizzling page turner. Terry Spear is wickedly talented."—Night Owl Reviews Top Pick, 5 Stars on 
Savage Hunger
"Intense and swoon-inducing...The chemistry is steamy and hot."—USA Today Happy Ever After on Dreaming of the Wolf
CONTEST INFO: 
Prize 1: A print book from Terry’s backlist
Prize 2: An Electronic book from Terry’s backlist

Author Virna Depaul Guest Blog and Amazon Gift Card Contest

“Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.
Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.
But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.
Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.
When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.
Can Ana help Ty find his humanity in a love that could heal them both, or will their passion lead them into a darkness impossible to escape?”
Read a 4 star review of  Turned by clicking here.
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide!

Prize 1: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Prize 2: Signed ARC of Turn
Prize 3: A set of Black Onyx Belladonna Earrings

The Ring and the Crown Contest

Magic is power, and power is magic... 

Once they were inseparable, just two little girls playing games in a formidable castle. Now Princess Marie-Victoria, heir to the mightiest empire in the world, and Aelwyn Myrddyn, a bastard mage, face vastly different futures. 

Quiet and gentle, Marie has never lived up to the ambitions of her mother, Queen Eleanor the Second. With the help of her Merlin, Eleanor has maintained a stranglehold on the world's only source of magic. While the enchanters faithfully serve the crown, the sun will never set on the Franco-British Empire.

As the annual London Season begins, the great and noble families across the globe flaunt their wealth and magic at parties, teas, and, of course, the lavish Bal du Drap d'Or, the Ball of the Gold Cloth.

But the talk of the season is Ronan Astor, a social-climbing American with only her dazzling beauty to recommend her. Ronan is determined to make a good match to save her family's position. But when she falls for a handsome rogue on the voyage over, her lofty plans are imperiled by her desires. 

Meanwhile, Isabelle of Orleans, daughter of the displaced French royal family, finds herself cast aside by Leopold, heir to the Prussian crown, in favor of a political marriage to Marie-Victoria. Isabelle arrives in the city bent on reclaiming what is hers. But Marie doesn't even want Leopold-she has lost her heart to a boy the future queen would never be allowed to marry. 

When Marie comes to Aelwyn, desperate to escape a life without love, the girls form a perilous plan that endangers not only the entire kingdom but the fate of the monarchy.

Prize: “Heir to the Lily Throne” Prize Pack
One winner receives the Royal Reading Room collection: The Ring and the CrownBlue Bloods,and Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Tall, Dark and Alpha Release Party and Contest at BITTENBYBOOKS

These HOT alphas are ready to take charge.
Are you ready for the decadence and allure of an alpha’s dark charm? The bad boys in these 10 sizzling stories will make your heart pound. Against these dominant seducers, the heroines don’t stand a chance. Prepare to fall in lust–and love.
Delve into the sensual worlds of award-winning authors: Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Sam Cheever, Delaney Diamond, Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Dawn Montgomery, Farrah Rochon, Paige Tyler, and Eve Vaughn. Immerse yourself in the alpha male experience.”
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers in the USA

Prize: A HUGE Ready for Warm Weather Basket full of swag, signed print books and much more!

Author Alicia Sparks Interview and $75.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest at BITTENBYBOOKS

“Meet two brothers, tiger shifters, and the women who bring out the beast in them.
Part 1 – Kenyon
Sage Villalobos has been destined to marry Kenyon Maddux since the day she was born. As the second-born in her wolf clan, she came into this world owing a debt to the family of shape-shifting tigers who rule the Louisiana swamps in the Atchafalaya Basin. Kenyon is the only man she’s ever wanted, the man who sets her blood on fire, but she’s tired of being indebted to his family for something she didn’t do. She wants him to choose her because he loves her, not because he owns her. When Kenyon’s brother, Nik, is taken prisoner, Kenyon turns to Sage for help. Using her unique skills, she knows she can help him free his brother, but there will be a price. If she agrees to do this, she wants Kenyon to release her from her debt. However, the only thing Kenyon wants to do is hold on to her and never let her go.
Part 2 – Nik
After months of captivity as part of a roadside attraction, Nik Maddux is finally able to escape. Injured and at death’s door, he makes his way through the swamp only to collapse near Juliette’s home. Juliette pulls the naked man into her cabin and begins nursing him back to health, marveling at the black stripes which cover his body and the feline features of his face. She knows he’s not quite human and realizes she may have found a kindred spirit, someone whose secrets are as deadly as her own. When Nik awakes, his attraction to Juliette is instant. While she heals his body, he wants to heal her soul. But danger is lurking in the swamp, and the longer they stay together, the more likely they are to lose everything.”
Read a 4 star review of Primitive Fix by clicking here.
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize 1: $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Killer Zombie Pack Contest: Win a Book, Sign and More at BITTENBYBOOKS!

“In a post-zombie world, life is what you make it . . .
Since a devastating, morphing plague swept through human and zombie populations, almost everyone who survived is an “ex” these days. Ex-human. Ex-zombie. Both creatures crave flesh, have the strength and speed of predators—and are seemingly immortal. Pierced skin and broken bones mend, but their all-consuming hunger never dies . . .
Amy is the only purely human survivor from her town: a frail. For a girl used to going it alone, trusting anyone isn’t easy, but Amy will have to. She has secrets from her past she can’t afford to face by herself, and secrets in her future that will cost her just about everything—including her humanity . .”
Read the first chapter of Frail by clicking here (pdf format)
Books in the Resurgam Trilogy in the order they should be read:

Friday, March 21, 2014

Author Lisa Kessler Character Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BITTENBYBOOKS

“Sometimes the only way to heal is to love…
When Colin Flynn returns home to Ireland, the immortal Night Walker is not the protector he had once been. Although his flesh has healed, the scars hide a broken spirit.
Juliana Duffy is a survivor. She owns a florist shop and continues to play piano in spite of her deafness. Her prophetic dreams warn her of coming death and show her the faces of two men: one a customer and one a handsome stranger.
After hearing her music, Colin finds himself drawn to this woman who refuses to be defined by her injury. As an ancient enemy emerges and threatens her safety, Colin will need to learn Juliana’s secret to overcome his wounds, and regain his strength.
But falling for a mortal could be the greatest risk of all…”
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE
Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Author Scott Sandridge Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BITTENBYBOOKS

“The Fey have been with us since the beginning, sometimes to our great joy but often to our detriment. Usually divided (at least by us silly humans) into two courts, the first volume of A Chimerical World focuses on the Seelie Court: the court we humans seem to view as the “good” faeries. But “good” and “evil” are human concepts and as alien to the Fey as their mindsets are to us. Inside you will find 19 stories that delve into the world of the faeries of the Seelie Court, from authors both established and new, including George S. Walker, Eric Garrison, and Alexandra Christian. But be warned: these faeries are nothing like Tinker Bell. Stories Included in Tales of the Seelie Court: “Extra-Ordinary” by BC Brown “Dead Fairy Doormat” by George S. Walker “Taggers” by Christine Morgan “Wormwood” by Alexandra Christian “The Harpist’s Hand” by Steven S. Long “Sanae’s Garden” by Chantal Boudreau “Mark of Ruins” by SD Grimm. “Birdie’s Life at the School for Distressed Young Ladies” by JH Fleming “Cultivated Hope” by Jordan Phelps “Seelie Goose” by Eric Garrison “I Knocked Up My Fairy Girlfriend” by Brandon Black “The Body Electric” by Sarah Madsen. “The Last Mission” by Cindy Koepp. “The Beggar-Knight & the Lady Perilous” by Matthew A. Timmins. “The Filigreed Lamp” by Edward Ahern. “Keys” by Michael M. Jones “Like a Sister in the Proper Court” by Lisa Hawkridge “Gnome Games” by Saera Corvin “The Goat Man’s Garden” by Marten Hoyle.”
 CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize: $30.00 Amazon Gift Card


Thursday, March 20, 2014

Author Alexander S. Brown Release Party and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BITTENBYBOOKS

From the fiery abyss of the underworld comes 20 hellish tales from the south and southwest. Within these charred pages are stories that will introduce you to the many demons that stay hidden but are always nearby…
20 authors provide stories of possessed people, objects, houses, highways, and the devil’s favorite playground – the forest.
Dare to meet Deidless, a demon who is a buyer of souls. Discover what kind of demons men can summon. Read of battles between good and evil. Learn of ancient artifacts and stones that crave sacrifice. Finally, become acquainted with legions of evil.
Again, we invite you, sit back, dim the lights, and prepare yourself to meet the devils in the darkness.”
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Author Kerry Nietz Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BITTENBYBOOKS

“Jebediah has a secret that will change his world forever and send his people into space.
The Amish world of Alabaster calls upon an ancient promise to escape destruction. Then end up on a cargo ship bound for the stars.
But they are not the only cargo on board. Some of it is alive…or used to be.
Now, with vampires taking over and closing in on the Amish refugees, these simple believers must decide whether their faith depends upon their honored traditions or something even older.”
Read a 5 star review of Amish Vampires in Space by clicking here.
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Author Justin Gustainis Interview and $150.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest at BITTENBYBOOKS

“My name’s Markowski. I carry a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

“A new supernatural gang is intent on invading Scranton and it looks like I’m going to have to work with the current mob to prevent a demonic gang war.

“If there’s one thing I hate more than living with supernatural scumbags, it’s working with them! But you know that they say, better the devil you know…”


Read a 4.5 star review of Known Devil by clicking here.

Books in the Occult Crimes Unit Investigation series 
in the order they should be read:

CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize 1: $100.00 Amazon Gift Card

Prize 2:  $50.00 Amazon Gift Card

Monday, March 17, 2014

Book Contest – Win a Copy of The Flight of the Silvers by Daniel Price at BITTENBYBOOKS

“Without warning, the world comes to an end for Hannah and Amanda Given. The sky looms frigid white. The electricity falters. Airplanes everywhere crash to the ground. But the Givens are saved by mysterious strangers, three fearsome and beautiful beings who force a plain silver bracelet onto each sister’s wrist. Within moments, the sky comes down in a crushing sheet of light and everything around them is gone.
Shielded from the devastation by their silver adornments, the Givens suddenly find themselves elsewhere, a strange new Earth where restaurants move through the air like flying saucers and the fabric of time is manipulated by common household appliances.
Soon Hannah and Amanda are joined by four other survivors from their world—a mordant cartoonist, a shy teenage girl, a brilliant young Australian, and a troubled ex-prodigy. Hunted by enemies they never knew they had and afflicted with temporal abilities they never wanted, the sisters and their companions begin a cross-country journey to find the one man who can save them—before time runs out.”
Read a prologue excerpt of The Flight of the Silvers by clicking here. (pdf)

Friday, March 14, 2014

Author Lisa Carlisle Guest Blog and Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE at BITTENBYBOOKS

Grad student Savannah Evans is thrilled to be accepted as a resident to a prestigious art colony. Where else would she be able to focus on her craft of writing poetry in a setting like that of the medieval-styled castle? The remote New England island is a respite from her hectic city life. When she meets her benefactor, a mysterious French sculptor, her expectations for carefree days writing near the ocean are distracted by unprofessional fantasies about her sponsor. 

Antoine Chevalier built Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island to bring purpose back to an existence that has lost meaning. He’s wandered the earth for decades and finds solace in returning to art. When Savannah applies for a residency, something about her words touches him. After her arrival, a physical attraction grows between them, which he struggles against. She deserves more than someone of his kind. 

Antoine proposes they become lovers during her stay. But the situation turns complicated when Savannah discovers his secret. She had suspicions about his identity, but finds the truth overwhelming. Consumed by her desire for Antoine and faced with a tough decision, she is blind to the danger that has arrived at DeRoche Island. 




New adult erotic romance (18+) 
Paranormal / vampire / gargoyle / shapeshifter 

CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE
Prize 1: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card

Author Christine Amsden Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE at BITTENBYBOOKS

“Cassie Scot, still stinging from her parents’ betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn’t letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.
To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness.”

CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize 1: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Author Steve McHugh Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE at BITTENBYBOOKS

His name is Nathan Garrett, but he’s also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer’s full attention…
An old friend’s dead body, a cryptic note, and an explosion that almost costs him his own life propel Nate headfirst into a mystery involving a new threat from an old foe. Now he must piece together the connections between a grisly series of tattooed murder victims, an imprisoned madman, a mysterious alchemist, and a deranged plot to usurp the throne of the hidden realm of Shadow Falls, rival to the power of Avalon.
Can Nate avert the coming slaughter, or will he become the latest to fall in this clandestine war?
With the story careening between modern-day New York and Ontario and 1977 Maine, With Silent Screams continues the gritty and action-packed mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology that mark Steve McHugh’s popular Hellequin Chronicles.”
Books in the Hellequin Chronicles in the order they should be read:
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers WORLDWIDE

Prize 1: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Prize 2: 2 Ebook/Kindle copies of Crimes Against Magic book one in the Hellequin Chronicles