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, August 30, 2015

Author Steve McHugh Release Party and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“Over a hundred years have passed since a group of violent killers went on the rampage, murdering innocent victims for fun. But even back then, sorcerer Nate Garrett, aka Hellequin, knew there was more to it than simple savage pleasure—souls were being stolen.
Nate’s discovery of the souls’ use, and of those supporting the group’s plan, made him question everything he believed.
Now the group Nate thought long dead is back. Violent, angry, and hell-bent on revenge, they have Hellequin firmly in their sights. And if he won’t come willingly, they’ll take those closest to him first.
The battle begins again.”
Buy a print copy of Lies Ripped Open from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of Lies Ripped Open from Amazon by clicking here.

Books in the Hellequin Chronicles in the order they should be read:

CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Samantha Warren Release Party and $47.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“The doors are closed. The war has begun. Edith Myers is ready for battle, but when she and Charles capture a unique child, she begins to question everything she knew about Alaesha.
Dana has lost everything: her boyfriend, her new best friend, her purpose in life. But she finds an ally in Edith’s mother. Together, they must stop the Reformers from finding their way through the Third Door into Alaesha.”


Books in the Alaesha Legacy series in the order they should be read:


CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.

Prize: $47.00 Amazon Gift Card

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Author Abigail Baker Interview and $40.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“Drop-dead gorgeous…and fatal.
Ollie Dormier’s tattoos are deadly. She is a Scrivener-an employee for Death-and her skull tattoos mark her clients for their demise. She does her job, and she stays out of trouble. But when her hands start to burn hot and fierce, and her control goes leaping out the window, all hell breaks loose. Ollie is showing the early signs of being a Master…demonstrating power that is forbidden.
That power is exactly what Reaper Brent Hume is counting on. A hot, scruffy rebel, who does marvelous and terrifying things to Ollie’s insides. Now he needs Ollie’s help-and her skills-to overthrow the evil and corrupt Head Reaper. That is, if he can figure out a way to keep this hot-handed girl cool…and keep his hands off.”
Buy a Kindle copy of The Reaper’s Kiss from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $3.99!
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $47.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: Three $5.00 Amazon Gift Cards

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Author Thomas Sniegoski and Illustrator Tom Brown Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“When the Throng came, the human race never stood a chance. The monsters were simply too strong, too numerous. It only took a few months for them to take over and leave the few poor souls who survived cowering in terror for years to come.
But even the monsters fear something: the dark goddess known as the Raven’s Child. Legend says that she alone is destined to destroy the Throng and free those under their cruel power.
And whoever wields her name and image could become the bane of the Throng and an inspiration to humankind—even if she were only a young woman, like Carissa Devin, who has vowed to reclaim the world for the human race, no matter what the cost…”
Buy a print copy of The Raven’s Child from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of The Raven’s Child from Amazon by clicking here.
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Author Chris Cannon Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest


“Sometimes, blackmail is the only weapon a girl has…
Haley Patterson has had a crush on golden boy Bryce Colton for ages. But when she hears a rumor that he hooked up with her she gives him a choice: be her boyfriend for a month to show other guys that she’s dateable-despite her overprotective and very intimidating brothers-or deal with the angry, cage-fighting boyfriend of the girl he actually did hook up with.
Bryce didn’t know the other Haley even had a boyfriend. He was just trying to get his ex off his back. And now, not only is he being blackmailed, he’s being blackmailed by an honor student. His new “girlfriend” has two three-legged dogs, her father mows grass at the country club, and she’s…well, difficult. And different.
Can something so fake turn into something real?”
Buy a print copy of Blackmail Boyfriend from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of Blackmail Boyfriend from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $2.99!
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Author Naima Simone Release Party and $55.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“She may be the highest bidder, but this bachelor’s price is blackmail and passion…
Billionaire Lucas Oliver is hell bent on revenge. And his plan begins when Sydney Blake-the stunning daughter of his enemy-is tricked into bidding on Lucas at a bachelor auction. Then he serves up a little blackmail…followed by a marriage proposal Sydney has no choice but to accept.
Sydney has been controlled by her family her whole life. When Lucas threatens to reveal her father’s shady business, she is once again forced to do her duty for her family. But worse-oh so much worse-is the rush of lust that Lucas ignites in her blood.
Lucas is determined to make Sydney suffer, but it’s tough when he can’t keep from touching her-or thinking about touching her-all the time. She’s not fairing much better since she’s engaged to a darkly handsome beast intent on destroying her entire family…along with her heart.”
Buy a print copy of Beauty and the Bachelor from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of Beauty and the Bachelor from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $2.99!
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize 1: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
Prize 2: 3 – $10 Amazon Gift Cards (3 winners)

Friday, August 14, 2015

Author Jennifer Apodaca Interview and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


Ignite's new romance is about to really turn up the heat...
This Marine will protect her at all costs...
When wealthy heiress Alyssa Brooks finds out her stepfather has been paying her fiancé to marry her, she's humiliated and betrayed. She quickly breaks the engagement, only to be blackmailed by her now ex-fiancé, who threatens both Alyssa and the son she gave up for adoption. With nowhere to go, she turns to the one man she can trust.
Former Marine sniper Hunter Reece's lethal skills could save Alyssa's life. But his little sister's best friend has turned into a woman, who is an irresistible mix of secrets and sexiness. And while Hunter can trust himself to protect her, he can't trust himself to keep his attraction hidden...or even pretend to be the man that Alyssa remembers.
Because the only way to keep the lovely heiress safe is to become the one thing he knows she could never love...a killer.

Buy a print copy of Exposing the Heiress from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of Exposing the Heiress from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $2.99!

Books in the Once A Marine series in the order they should be read:

Connect with Jennifer
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Author Angela Addams Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“Mayhem! Mayhem! Mayhem!”
The chant swelled momentarily as the door to his hidden sanctuary opened and closed, the muffled sound thumping at the walls, threatening his peace.“I’m not going out there,” Mayhem growled, the deep rumble enough to warn most people to leave him the fuck alone.“It’s your launch party, May. You’ve got to go—the record execs have thrown a lot of money into this album.” Unfortunately, the growling strategy usually didn’t work on his manager, Dave Strader. The man had balls of steel. “Seriously, Mayhem, if you fuck this up and they pull the funding, you’re done! We’re done!”Slumping back in his chair, Mayhem blew out a long breath. “It’s just a bunch of fangirls drinking free booze and wanting autographs,” he objected. And why he’d let the record execs badger him into having the party at his private residence was beyond his understanding. His skin crawled at the invasion of his turf. “Listen to them out there!”“Wanting your cock, more like it.” Raven, his bassist, snickered from the doorway.Mayhem rubbed his hand over his jaw and yawned. Yeah, fucking groupies. All they seemed to want was a quick bang and the bragging rights to go with it. He’d grown out of that shit recently, no longer taking pleasure in the multiple opportunities for one-night stands.The trouble with being a famous rock star was the rumors—his insatiable appetite in bed over the years seemed to have cultivated quite the reputation among the ladies. It meant endless numbers of loose women, but nothing that brought his life any substance. Sounded crazy, but it was true.What he really wanted, what his wolf wanted, was a mate for life.
 Yeah, not going to happen. In his line of work, all he got were fake tits and collagen lips. “I’m not interested. I’m done with fucking groupies,” Mayhem grumbled.“You just have to make an appearance. Shake a few hands. Have a drink,” Dave said.His manager’s voice was beginning to grate, and Mayhem was sorely tempted to lash into him. But he couldn’t blame the man for doing his job. And Dave was right—Mayhem’s career was beginning to tank, and the time had probably come to kiss some executive ass… that or start handing out resumes. There had been too many disruptions over the past year— cancelled concerts, a six month forced hiatus—all of which were linked to the politics of being a werewolf and not something he could explain to the industry folks.“This bullshit about waiting for your mate is fucking everything up, man!” Dave continued. “Seriously, you’ve got to tap into the old Mayhem, the one who could fuck a woman with just a look.”“It’s my wolf,” Mayhem said. “It won’t accept anything less.”Although Dave managed Mayhem’s band—which was really a small pack—and knew about their “wolf status” so to speak, he couldn’t truly understand the intrinsic nature of it all. It wasn’t his fault. He was simply incapable of grasping the significance of finding one’s mate.It didn’t help matters that the rest of his pack had found their mates. Raven, Jaylon, Dyami had stumbled into blissful unions. All but Mayhem. And what were the odds of lightning striking a fourth time?Nil as far as he was concerned.“Well, you’re not going to meet any woman, let alone your mate, locked inside this room. Raven, help me out here, would ya? What are the ladies like out there? Any fine ones?” Dave said as he turned to pour himself something from the bar.“Fine ones? Fuck yeah!” Raven smirked as he whipped out his cell phone and made his way over to Mayhem. “It just so happens that I snapped some pics of the ladies out there tonight. Thought we might be able to entice you out of hiding if you saw what was on display.”Mayhem waved his hand in dismissal. “Not interested.”“There are tons of hot babes, May, but I’ve got one just for you.” Raven swiped his finger across the screen a few times. “Ah, here she is…” Before Mayhem could say anything, Raven flashed a smile and thrust the phone into Mayhem’s face. “The tall redhead there, standing with the blonde.”Mayhem grumbled another rough round of cursing before dropping his gaze to the phone, certain all he was going to see was another fangirl with a big rack and a short skirt. But the second he looked at the screen, he was done for.Fuck me!”
Buy a Kindle copy of Mayhem from Amazon by clicking here. ONLY – $3.44!
Books in the Order of the Wolf series in the order they should be read:
Cursed
Wolf Slayer
Wolves’ Bane
Spell Weaver
Mayhem ONLY – $3.44!
Connect with Angela
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $50.00 Amazon Gift Card

Author Nina Mason Release Party and Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“Being a romantic at heart, Callum wanted to love, loved the idea of being in love, but, for whatever reason, the seeds of affection never took root. As a breeding drone, it was in his nature to seduce, to draw women to himself to satisfy his physical needs. He enjoyed those trysts, enjoyed the chase and the conquest, enjoyed the power he wielded and the erotic gratification their bodies afforded. What man wouldn’t? What he didn’t enjoy was their pursuit of him. Or the lengths he had to go to at times to discourage them.His problem with human women went beyond their inability to keep up with the demands of his libido. Most also were too emotionally needy and demanding. Calling and texting, pouncing on him at lectures and book signings, and generally acting like love-struck fools. As if he’d find such appalling behavior attractive.He relished his privacy and his solitude. Having unwelcome company foisted on him upended his sense of wellbeing. It was that simple. He wanted a woman when he wanted her. When he didn’t, she could go hang herself.The music stopped and so did he. He’d delayed long enough. Time to raise the stakes of their game.He offered her his hand. As she took it, the contact ignited the smoldering cinders of his lust. Bending over her to level their faces, he captured his mouth with his own.His ante.Her tongue glided over his lip as her body moved against his. Her ante, plus a small bump. Seeing her, raising, and adding one of his own, he pulled her to him, welding her body’s heat to his. Her lips parted, inviting his tongue. He gave it to her, sweetening the pot.The kiss deepened and grew more torrid. She tangled her fingers in his hair as he ran his hands down her back, savoring every luscious inch of her. When he worked his way to her buttocks and squeezed, she rolled her pubic bone against his erection. The pleasure of it was so celestial, his eyes rolled back in his head.
His bet, matched and raised.He swept his hands upwards to her shoulders and around to her face, trapping her jaw as they devoured each other. He’d almost meant it when he said he’d be content to simply hold and kiss her all night. Kissing her felt as sweet and natural as licking heather honey from the comb. Though there was other honey he’d rather taste right now.The kiss was escalating in step with his desire. He’d lost track of whose turn it was to bet. He only knew he was all in. Clearly, so was she, given how ardently she was stroking his cock through his trousers. Easing out of the kiss, he nipped and licked her lips as he pulled away. His fangs were descending. He ran his tongue over their sharp points, ready to partake of the next course.“Come, my lady.” He pulled her toward the door. “It’s high time I took you to bed.”
Connect with Nina
CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Author David B. Coe Release Party and $40.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest at BittenByBooks


“A hardboiled, magic-using private detective battles dark sorcerers in Phoenix, Arizona.
Justis Fearsson is a weremyste. He wields potent magic, but every month, on the full moon, he loses his mind. He’s also a private detective, who can’t afford to take time off from his latest investigation while his sanity goes AWOL.
A legion of dark sorcerers has descended on Phoenix, wreaking havoc in the blistering desert heat. With the next moon phasing approaching, Jay has to figure out what connects a billionaire financier and a vicious drug kingpin to an attempted terrorist attack, a spate of ritual killings, and the murder of a powerful runemyste. And he has to do it fast. Because these same dark sorcerers have nearly killed the woman he loves and have used their spells to torment Jay’s father. Now they have Jay in their crosshairs, and with his death they intend to extend their power over the entire magicking world. But Jay has other plans, and no intention of turning his city, or those he loves, over to the enemy.”
Buy a print copy of His Father’s Eyes from Amazon by clicking here.
Buy a Kindle copy of His Father’s Eyes from Amazon by clicking here.

Books in the Case Files of Justis Fearsson series in the order they should be read:

CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: $40.00 Amazon Gift Card

Author Robin Covington Guest Blog and Amazon Gift Card Contest


“Sign: Libra
He’s hot, irresistible…and he will always make sure you’re satisfied.
Crown Prince Nicholas Lytton was never supposed to be ruler of Callanos. He was the “spare to the heir,” pursuing a decadent life of the rich and royal – extreme sports, physical pleasures, and glorious irresponsibility. Until his brother died. Now Nick is to be coronated king, and no one believes he’s ready.
The best way to secure his crown is to do the unthinkable…find a queen.
While Isabel Reynolds works in the palace gardens, she has no desire to draw the attention of the way-too-flirty, would-be king. For she’s not the woman everyone thinks she is. Even if she wanted – or was tempted by – the promise of love, it would only end in disaster. Because while Isabel may be able to catch a king, her secrets would only destroy him…”
Buy a print copy of the Prince’s Runaway Lover from Amazon by clicking here.

Buy a Kindle copy of The Prince’s Runaway Lover from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $1.99!

CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.

Prize: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Review of Soulbound by Kristen Callihan 5 *

Title: Soulbound
Series: Darkest London #6
Author: Kristen Callihan
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Rating: * * * * *
Publishers: Forever 
(Feb 24, 2015)
Paperback: 366 pages
ISBN: 978-1455581665
FTC Disclosure: Bought from Amazon

Once two souls are joined . . . 
When Adam's soul mate rejected him, there was more at stake than his heart. After seven hundred years of searching, his true match would have ended the curse that keeps his spirit in chains. But beautiful, stubborn Eliza May fled-and now Adam is doomed to an eternity of anguish, his only hope for salvation gone . . . 

Their hearts will beat together forever
No matter how devilishly irresistible Adam was, Eliza couldn't stand the thought of relinquishing her freedom forever. So she escaped. But she soon discovers she is being hunted-by someone far more dangerous. The only man who can help is the one man she vowed never to see again. Now Adam's kindness is an unexpected refuge, and Eliza finds that some vows are made to be broken . . .

This is a series that I continue to read without being entirely sure what draws me to it. In general, I'm not overly fond of urban fantasy that has demons and angels as characters in them. But this series just has so much more, shifters, fae, magic and  twisty romance that continues to draw me back time after time. Each book has a different romance while still touching on the earlier characters that I've met and grown to love. I read several reviews where this was the first book in the series that they had read. This is a series that really, really needs to be read in order so that you have the background of each of the romances. I love the setting in historical London and the constant action that keeps you reading late into the night. Can't wait for Sin's story in the upcoming 
"Forevermore".


Darkest London
0.5. Ember (2012)
1. Firelight (2012)
2. Moonglow (2012)
3.5. Entwined (2013)
5. Evernight (2014)
6. Soulbound (2015)
7. Forevermore (2016)

Review of Spider's Trap by Jennifer Estep 5 *

Title: Spider's Trap
Series: Elemental Assassin #13
Author: Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: * * * * *
Publishers: Pocket Books
(July 28, 2015)
Paperback: 372 pages
ISBN: 978-1501105173
FTC Disclosure: Bought copy from Amazon

The next thrilling book in Jennifer Estep’s New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Elemental Assassin series—“an extraordinary series.…One of the most intriguing heroines in the genre” (Romantic Times Book Reviews).

Keep your friends close but your enemies within stabbing distance.
One important lesson I’ve learned in the assassination business is that to be the best you have to roll with the punches. Now that I’m queen of Ashland’s underworld—by default, not by choice—a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that’s the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld’s top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position. Just when I think things are finally settling down, someone tries to murder me during a hush-hush underworld meeting. But the real surprise is how strangely familiar my shadowy assailant seems to be.
My job is to maintain order among killers, crooks, and thieves, and soon I’m embroiled in a bloody game where the ability to keep secrets could be the greatest superpower of all. My enemies have all sharpened their knives and laid their traps, waiting for me to fall. But this Spider weaves her own webs of death…


As always, a delightful trip with my favorite assassin! I love that Estep is exceptionally talented at keeping this series fresh and entertaining. This series is one of only three that I attempt to read as soon as a new book comes out. I always enjoy when we get glimpses of Gin's earlier life with Fletcher. These glimpses allow us an insight into the circumstances that have made her the way she is. The humor in the storytelling along with the twisty storylines will keep me reading this series for a long time. I have "Bitter Bite" already on my wishlist-due out on Feb 23, 2016.


Elemental Assassin Series
3. Venom (2010)
8.25. Parlor Tricks (2013)
10. The Spider (2013)
12. Black Widow (2014)
14. Bitter Bite (2016)
Parlor tricks (2013) (in Carniepunk)