Hot and Irresistible, Dianne Castell – Review
In a city of history, mystery, and more than a few ghosts, four best friends who have never fit in anywhere except with each other are about to get close - and closer still - to four sexy bachelors with some very alluring secrets...
SOUTHERN COMFORT, SAVANNAH STYLE...
Bebe Fitzgerald's hard upbringing taught her how to take care of herself, how to tell true friends from false, and how to be a good cop. She can also sweet-talk a man like she means it...until she stumbles into the arms of a damn sexy Yankee who's gunning for Savannah's favorite shady entrepreneur...
As far as Donovan McCabe is concerned, the main obstacle to his investigation is the one thing he can't help wanting in his way. Bebe's smart, sassy, and utterly oblivious to her own appeal. Add the fact that a Boston cop trying to arrest one of Savannah's best-loved citizens is about as popular as the reincarnation of General Grant. What Donovan needs is a better game plan. What he's about to get is southern "hospitality" that'll make his toes curl... - FROM THE BOOK BACK
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Boy was this book one Hot and Irresistible book that I did not want to put down!! This is one of those books you need a fan nearby because it is fabulously HOT, HOT, HOT and have you guessing "whodunnit". Ever have one of those hot dreams when you're somewhere and this random HAWT HAWT man bumps into you, electricity is flying and you start passionately locking lips?! Oh yeah...that dream...Relive it AND help solve a mystery with Castell's book Hot and Irresistible. I am DEFINITELY going to seek out Hot and Bothered by her now.
You can read her author guest post here at The Book Faery Reviews.
Hot and Irresistible, Dianne Castell – Author Guest Post
In a city of history, mystery, and more than a few ghosts, four best friends who have never fit in anywhere except with each other are about to get close - and closer still - to four sexy bachelors with some very alluring secrets...
SOUTHERN COMFORT, SAVANNAH STYLE...
Bebe Fitzgerald's hard upbringing taught her how to take care of herself, how to tell true friends from false, and how to be a good cop. She can also sweet-talk a man like she means it...until she stumbles into the arms of a damn sexy Yankee who's gunning for Savannah's favorite shady entrepreneur...
As far as Donovan McCabe is concerned, the main obstacle to his investigation is the one thing he can't help wanting in his way. Bebe's smart, sassy, and utterly oblivious to her own appeal. Add the fact that a Boston cop trying to arrest one of Savannah's best-loved citizens is about as popular as the reincarnation of General Grant. What Donovan needs is a better game plan. What he's about to get is southern "hospitality" that'll make his toes curl... - FROM THE BOOK BACK
AUTHOR GUEST POST...How I got there and so much fun along the way
An old friend will help you move.
A good friend will help you move a dead body.
Okay, Lori Foster and I haven’t moved any dead bodies around but I think we’ve done just about everything else. We met at a Romance Writers of America meeting here in Cincinnati almost twenty years ago--Lordy, has it really been that long! And that was before either of us were published and we’ve been best friends ever since.
Lori and I both started out writing a Harlequin, Lori with the Temptation line and me for Harlequin American. Lori then moved to Kensington and wrote for Brava. She introduced me to her editor, Kate Duffy, and suddenly I started writing for Kate too. And the best part was Kate put us in anthologies together.
The first one was Star Quality. That was a blast to write because the stories all happened in the same small Ohio town and had the same theme of magic under a blue moon. Lucy Monroe was the third author in the book and we had so fun plotting out the town, where everyone lived and where the stores and houses and landmarks were located. This is how I met Lucy and we have been life-long friends too. (I’ve always said the best part of writing is the people I’ve met along the way.)
Luck struck again—actually Kate Duffy did—and put Lori and me together in I’m Your Santa along with Karen Kelly. This IYS was first released in trade-size then reissued in mass-market. It was this mass-market reissue that made USA Today and got me on “the list.”
Being a USA Today Bestseller is terrific, no doubt about it but my friendship with Lori goes way beyond making lists. When my husband died she was there for me every step of the way. When her mother died I was there for her. We’ve been through kids getting married and divorced and moving away from home then back again. Where would I be without Lori Foster, probably in a padded room somewhere. She’s my rock.
I think this is because we share so many ideals. This all came together six years ago when Lori suggested we do a Reader/Writer Get-together here in Cincy where we get authors and readers together for a fun weekend of talking books. Lori said to me, “So, how many people do you think will come?” And I said, “I think about thirty-five.” And Lori said, “That’s what I think too.”
So we did it and that first year we had over a hundred-and-fifty readers and authors and a NY editor and two agents and a huge bookfair and raffle baskets and we gave the proceeds of three-thousand dollars to very thankful Cincinnati YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter.
The next year we had over two-hundred attendees and this last year we had over three-hundred and donated over seven-thousand dollars to One-Way Farm, a home for abandoned and abused kids here in Cincinnati.
My friendship with Lori Foster is beyond words and beyond worlds. It truly is everlasting. When you find a friend like Lori she’s in your life forever. I am so lucky to have Lori Foster as my friend.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...USA Today best selling author Dianne Castell writes for Kensington Books. She also writes a monthly editor interview column for Romance Writers Report. Her books have won Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, been on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine and included in Rhapsody Book Club, Doubleday Book Club and have made the Waldenbooks Bestseller list.
The second book in her Savannah Sizzles series for the BRAVA line, Hot and Irresistible, hits the shelves Nov‘09.
Dianne lives in Cincinnati with her two cats and will do just about anything to get out of housework. You can visit her website at www.diannecastell.com or email her at dianecastell@hotmail.com.
Sins of the Flesh, Caridad Pineiro – Review & Author Guest Post
Caterina Shaw’s days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.
Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn. - FROM AUTHOR SITE
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Sins of the Flesh was not what I first expected and that's not a bad thing. It was a nice change to my typical paranormal reads. It was a read that had me turning the pages and crying in frustration when I temporarily misplaced it over the weekend right at the climaxing part. Talk about book withdrawals!
I enjoyed reading the bits of gene therapy science she based the new series on. The manner in which she portrayed the heroine, Caterina, playing the Cello both in her head and in hand had me swaying with eyes closed to the music in my head as she played for comfort. Watching her get stronger as a person after her ordeal and standing by her man is always a plus. Whiny wimpy women (say that 3 times) always annoy me and wanting me to slap them if I could. Pineiro did a grand job balancing the hero, Mick, as a hard man when it came to his work yet a soft man at heart when it came to his family. Mick's younger sister, Liliana was a minor heroine I think in Sins of the Flesh. She's the doctor who helps to heal Caterina and in turn I believe soften the heart of her older brother to finally find love.
After reading the preview to her next in the Sins series, I look forward to getting a copy to continue the story of finding the others like Caterina and seeing what happens next to Mick's sister Liliana when's she's kidnapped. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in science, suspense, and love. Caridad will have you turning the pages to see what will happen next and if you're like me, Googling more on gene therapy.
Check out the great book trailer that I'm sure will have you wanting more...
I'm often intrigued with what inspires an author to write a specific genre and Pump Up Your Book Promotion gave me that opportunity to ask Caridad Pineiro. Keep reading for her author guest post where she talks about what inspired her to write paranormals.
AUTHOR GUEST POST...People often ask me what inspired me to write paranormals and there is truly only one answer to that – Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
I found Buffy by accident one day while flipping through the television channels. There was a scene where Buffy and Angel were doing a martial arts routine and the sexual tension between them just burned up the screen. I was transfixed and unable to change the channel. By the time the show had ended, I was hooked.
Buffy had a combination of everything – romance, suspense, horror, comedy. To make it even better, Buffy was a totally empowered heroine who still managed to be feminine. Add the irony that it was a cheerleader that was the Chosen One and it was impossible not to love what I was seeing.
“Okay, so you love Buffy but how did that lead to you writing paranormals?” you’re probably asking.
Well, I had been writing contemporary romances and found myself battling to not stick in suspense and something dark. Plus I insisted on writing stories with strong, take-charge heroines and I wanted them to be doing something more – something Save-The-Worldly.
I realized that the way that I could beef up the suspense elements, have a kick-ass heroine who could do the saving and explore the dark side I had been repressing was to write a paranormal novel. When I started writing, I realized I had finally found a genre that complemented my natural voice and storytelling abilities.
But there was something else I learned from Buffy – to be willing to take a chance on something different. After all, if a story about a cheerleader battling demons could make it, why not something else? Maybe something like a paranormal where the “paranormal” elements are based on real life science, as in SINS OF THE FLESH.
I’d like to finish with that thought – don’t be afraid to try something new and different. You never know if by doing so you will discover what you were meant to do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...New York Times and USA Today bestseller Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word through high school, college and law school. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Caridad’s passion for writing led to a determination to become published and share the stories she loved with others. In 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released and a decade later, Caridad is the author of over twenty novels and novellas. Caridad hopes to continue to share her stories with readers all over the world for years to come.
When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information on Caridad, please visit www.caridad.com or www.thecallingvampirenovels.com.
Drake Sisters Series, Christine Feehan: Review
7 sisters with a secret magical legacy protected by their Sea Haven village and their ancestors home. Feehan knits together a series filled with suspense, family love, romance and lots of passion, and acceptance as each bear their strengths and weaknesses to overcome the battle they face.
Since I have a tendency to fall for the bad boys and strong women who fight against loving them, I thought for sure that Hannah and Jonas' story or Joley and Ilya's would be my favorite but later discovered that Elle's story with Jackson was my favorite.
Hidden Currents was intense and kept me on my toes from the first page all the way to the end with all the drama, action, and suspense the author weaved into the last story in her series. As usual, Feehan's erotic scenes will leave you breathless and your heart pumping with desire while the love you see between the characters will have you longing for your loved one or wanting one.
Although the books can be read as stand alones, it is still recommended that you read the seven books about the Drake Sisters from oldest to youngest. The books are in the following order:
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Magic in the Wind is about Sarah Drake (Security) and Damon Wilder (Retired Scientist) [This story can also be found in Lover Beware.]
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The Twilight Before Christmas is about Kate Drake (Author) and Matt Granite (US Ranger)
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Oceans of Fire is about Abigal Drake (Marine Biologist) and Aleksandr Volstov (Russian Agent)
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Dangerous Tides is about Libby Drake (Doctor) and Ty Derrick (Firemen/Genius)
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Safe Harbor is Hannah Drake (Model) and Jonas Harrington (Sheriff)
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Turbulent Sea is about Joley Drake (Singer) and Ilya Prakenskii (Russian Bodyguard)
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Hidden Currents is about Elle Drake (Undercover Agent) and Jackson Deveau (Sheriff).
Which Drake sister are you?! Take the quiz here to find out: http://www.christinefeehan.com/cgi-bin/fog/questionsds/fog.cgi.
My results showed me as Sarah & Hannah at 82% for each one...
You are like Sarah Drake, a born leader and the eldest of your family. If there is a crisis people come to you. You have a quick mind and are able to solve extremely difficult problems. You are known for your hacking talents and no computer is safe from you. You are very reliable and considered “the rock” of your family. You are athletic and love to be outdoors. You have a penchant for breaking and entering; locked doors pique your curiosity. Your favorite pastime is curling up with a book by the fire and having a cup of tea. Brainiacs are for you, especially ones who can keep a secret.
Your colors: the colors of air — yellows and greens
You are like Hannah Drake, a true homebody. Your family is your whole world and their happiness is extremely important to you. You are the darling of the family and everyone’s favorite to be around. You believe in an “eye-for-an-eye” revenge when it comes to defending the ones you love. You are extremely beautiful inside and out, but you don’t always recognize your own beauty. You are shy in public, but are the life of the party at home. Your sense of humor often gets you into trouble and you can never resist goodhearted mischief. You are at home in the kitchen and can always be counted on for remembering your loved ones' favorite dishes. Quick-tempered, bossy men are for you, especially ones who will make you the center of their universe.
Your colors: a spectrum of blue colors
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.
She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.
She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.
Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences. - FROM AUTHOR SITE
Tuesday Book Tease…Candles Burning
• Grab your current read.
• Let the book fall open to a random page.
• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
I understood then that neither Miz Verlow no Mama saw Mamadee in the mirror.
I don't know. I don't know where I am. But I know I see who killed me -
~ Candles Burning by Tabitha King and Michael McDowell ~
I know, I know...I cheated and added two extras...HAD to for it to make some sense!!
Blood Harvest Giveaway
Blood Harvest by Brant Randall (aka Bruce Cook)
About the Book…"What drives a small town in New England in the late 1920’s to lynch a man? Immigrant Nic DeCosta’s skill as a wine grower makes him a fortune as a moonshiner and puts him at odds with the ’shine sales of the MacKay clan, even though he’s wed to their wild youngest daughter. An uneasy truce holds until the day Nick’s teenage son is caught with one of the MacKay girls.
The MacKays beat the boy senseless and throw him off a bridge to drown. Nick comes to his boy’s rescue, firing his shotgun into the persecutors, setting in motion a terrible train of events.
Three days later Nick’s body hangs over a smoldering fire, the noose still around his neck. The state militia arrive to bring peace to the town and to arrest the guilty parties. But then another body is found in the woods."
Giveaway ends on: Monday, February 9th ("Read in the Bathtub" Day)
Copies available: 1
Countries available: USA only
4 Ways to gain an entry…(please leave a comment for each item completed)
- Leave a comment here
- Add The Book Faery Reviews to your RSS feed or subscribe via e-mail (look to the left sidebar)
- Post about this giveaway and provide a link
- Tweet about this giveaway and provide me your Twitter username
PLEASE NOTE: This giveaway post is combined with my other post from my Wife and Mom of 3 post. Entries will be pulled from both posts for 1 winner.
Brant Randall, Blood Harvest
FROM THE AUTHOR'S PRESS RELEASE...What drives a small town in New England in the late 1920's to lynch a man? Immigrant Nic DeCosta's skill as a wine grower makes him a fortune as a moonshiner and puts him at odds with the 'shine sales of the MacKay clan, even though he's wed to their wild youngest daughter. An uneasy truce holds until the day Nick's teenage son is caught with one of the MacKay girls. The MacKays beat the boy senseless and throw him off a bridge to drown. Nick comes to his boy's rescue, firing his shotgun into the persecutors, setting in motion a terrible train of events. Three days later Nick's body hangs over a smoldering fire, the noose still around his neck. The state militia arrive to bring peace to the town and to arrest the guilty parties. But then another body is found in the woods.
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Wow. What a book! Brant Randall aka Bruce Cook created a powerful book about a 1929 lynching and how it affected the people in the town. From the very beginning until the end I felt like I was walking among the town as if I was one of them sitting in the diner, camping out in the woods, in the house, or in the courtroom. The characters he gave birth to felt real and the emotions they felt you couldn't help but feel. I have to admit that I was surprised yet I was not surprised with the outcome of events with some of the characters in the book. This is a book I highly recommend!
Check out the book trailer on YouTube by clicking on this link...
Oblivious
FROM THE BOOK BACK..."Eccentric Olivia Chatham has found her life's calling, Crime Buster. Tucker Monroe, the small Wisconsin town's mystrious new resident. Discovers he, too, has a mission. Keeping up with her." If you are interested in reading an excerpt from Chapter 1 then click here.
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Definitely a cute light read around a small town murder mystery and unexpected love (but this is FAR from being a "romance" novel so don't let that fool you). You can't help but fall in love with the "oblivious" girl because she's so thoughtful of everyone around her regardless of what they may have done or gone through. Yes there were parts I wanted to shake her a bit because of her "innocence" and lack of "street smarts" but then I also wanted to high-five her at other parts when she could think clearly outside the box when nobody else could to help solve the murder case in her town.
Thanks for sending me an autographed copy Cyndia, I enjoyed the book! My husband thought I was wierd when I was excited to get your short note of "Thanks" for reading and reviewing your book. LOL














