dimanche 30 novembre 2014

Great International giveaway: win a box of BOOKS

 hello again,

                   New little break from crafting to share another wonderful news with you! After the free book, now it's an international giveaway open for 3 days only with as prize one of 6 boxs of books!


Katrina from Kindred Dreamheart is moving and she sadly can't take all her books with her so she is hosting a giveaways for  6 boxes of books!.... BOX of BOOKS.. do you know how so little giveaways of that quality are open to international?  really this is rare because of the shipping fee but Katrina generously is opening this contest to all so don't hesitate to enter. You only have to download a free mobile application for her eshop ( she is a talented fashion designer believe me!!) so if you have the mobile needed for that hurry it's only open for 3 days as they need to leave before the movers come!

You can see all the books here but which ones are in which books that will stay a surprise ( little Christmas gift in advance).

So a little thank you for Katrina and her generosity and ENTER, nothing to loose, all to gain!

Good Luck to all of you!

Spotlight: Tales of the Demimonde by Ask Krafton is FREE today only

Hello to all,

 I'm still completely immersed in my crafting  but so far i think i'm on track with one package already on its way to it's lucky receiver. Now that i'm taking ten minutes break i want to share with you a little about what is offered on the blogosphere at the moment.

To start with The Tales of The Demimonde by Ash Krafton which is exceptionally fre for TODAY only so hurry and grab it. If you have not read the series , like me it's on my wishlist and really want to read it one day, you can still get the ebook as it can be a good introduction to the series.
If you have read the series this is just a wonderful bonus to get more of characters you have come to love.

here is what Ash told us on her blog about Tales of  the DemiMonde:

"Tales of the Demimonde is a collection of short works based on the urban fantasy trilogy, The Books of The Demimonde. Follow the saga of Sophie Galen, who is saving the world, one damned person at a time. The advice columnist-turned-oracle must save her Demivampire lover from the fate that threatens each of his race: evolution and the destruction of his soul. Learn more about the Demimonde when you read BLEEDING HEARTS, BLOOD RUSH, and WOLF’S BANE available from the publisher Pink Narcissus Press (www.pinknarc.com) as well as many online book retailers.

Now, all the Demimonde companion pieces can be found in one collection, along with never-before-seen material.

You'll find the short stories "Scent of Hope", "The Blood Countess Chronicle", and "The Horus Bird"... along with the unreleased lyrics by Turn of the Wheel to "Ocean's Daughter". Read Sophie's musings on Sunfall and a dissertation on the preservation of Demivampirekind by Marek Thurzo. Also included are several behind-the-scenes articles on the Demimonde books as well as excerpts from BLEEDING HEARTS "


 Now don't hesitate and grab it today while it's FREE you have nothing to loose and you can discover a great series




Happy Reading!


 Tell me do you know this series? Have you read it yet?



lundi 24 novembre 2014

Mist (Midgard 1) by Susan Krinard

Hello to all!

 i'm  so immersed in my crafting in hope to finish on time to send the pakages before Christmas rush that i completely forgot to post this last week^^;; I really need to find a way to be on track and not forget  the rest around me but it won't be for long anymore^^;; after all Christmas is in one month now.

If you haven't entered the giveaway for handmade jewellery you still have time to do so but don't delay. it's Here

Back to the book topic,  i love mythology and the Norse one is among my favourite so when i discovered this book i had to read it ^^ and for the fan of Loki... this series is highly promising^^
so  here is my opinion on Mist!

Publisher: Tor Books
Publication: 2013
ISBN:  0765332086
Genre: urban fantasy, mythology, Magic
Violence: strong

Language: mild
sex: none ( allusion)
Public: 18+
Source: won
 


Short description from goodreads :

 Centuries ago, all was lost in the Last Battle when the Norse gods and goddesses went to war. The elves, the giants, and the gods and goddesses themselves were all destroyed, leaving the Valkyrie Mist one of the only survivors.

Or so she thought.

When a snowy winter descends upon modern-day San Francisco in June, Mist’s quiet existence starts to feel all too familiar. In quick succession, Mist is attacked by a frost giant in a public park and runs into an elf disguised as a homeless person on the streets…and then the man Mist believed was her mortal boyfriend reveals himself to be the trickster god, Loki, alive and well after all these years.

Loki has big plans for the modern world, and he’s been hanging around Mist for access to a staff that once belonged to the great god Odin. Mist is certain of one thing: Loki must be stopped if there is to be any hope for Earth. But the fight is even bigger than she knows….


Because Loki wasn’t the only god to survive.

My opinion:
          I’m under the charm of this series! If you love Norse mythology this is really a must because the author stays really true to it while managing to put it in a modern setting helping those of us who are new to this mythology. I’m sure it could become a excellent urban fantasy!

Now let see deeper into the story and what I think. Mist is a valkyrie, for new to Norse mythology thinks soul collector mixed with warrior. Mist and others were given the task to protect the Treasures, the weapons and magical artefacts of their gods, and send to Midgard ( our world).
She did not understand Odin’s decision and even feels betrayed in some way because in Norse Mythology you see there is the idea that the world we end, that the gods are going to die. Yes it’s quite a harsh mythology in fact ( so different from the roman or greek one) which fitted the environment in which it took place. Also in that mythology, goddesses and women are quite equal to men, all can fight for example .  …So for Mist it was normal to take place in the last battle even it was meant to fail. Finding herself on earth with the idea that all she knew is destroyed don’t leave her unchanged.

Mist is really a warrior at heart and she can’t stand to see others suffering without acting so when we discover her she is trying to save people from the Nazi in Norvegia. However, her doubt can leads to some problem and actions that could makes her “superiors” angry….When the situation becomes a disaster,  Mist takes all the responsibilities and the guilt.

Back to present time, Mist is still what she is, and not aging, but she has put her magic aside from the guilt but also to try starting a normal life ( and not feel so betrayed). Sadly for her, she was mistaken and the old world hasn’t been destroyed, Rakgnarok didn’t happen… all what simply put in stand-by….and Loki is one
of the first to reach Midgard and true to his reputation he is causing havocs with the help of the frost giants that serves him….
The treasures take a new signification and an importance not imagined but first, Mist must collect them while gathering allies and preventing Loki to win… more responsibilities for one who didn’t want to be a leader.

So Mist is really a character you can come to love as her courage and loyalty are strong… oh yes you can want to shake her for her naivety too^^ but she is really good at heart which is proved by the fact she hates the simple idea of manipulating someone. Even Dainn the elf is a interesting character ( I had forgotten about him in the mythology^^;;) , he is in a dangerous position but he making choices and he does know a lot about the different kind of Magic and teaching Mist.

Now… what would probably interest more some of you: Loki. He is completely himself, I mean he is the trickster so he cannot not to play tricks and of course some of them are cruel…. But does Loki is cruel? That remain to be seen, he isn’t good for sure. Strangely the one I despite the most in this case is Freya but I can’t tell you more about the reason f I want to avoid spoilers.

 The rhythm is really well chosen and we keep learning more about Mist, about the gods and the rest so even if a moment has less action it’s important for the rest of the story. I was completely immersed in it and I do want to check back some legend to see if I can learn more about Valik for example or Dainn  because yes Susan Krinard makes you want more.


For those who hate cliffhanger, there is not one. Of course it’s the first book in the series so nothing is finished, each is gathering their strengths and allies but it doesn’t leave you hanging on  wondering is one of the character is alive or dying or anything like that. No you will just want more but in a safe way^^ ( and thankfully for the impatient one, book 2 is already released ( I want!!))



Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review


Challenges:

vendredi 14 novembre 2014

How to Date a Dragon ( Flirting with Fangs trilogy 2) by Ashlyn Chase

Hello!

              I'm so late posting this week, i'm sorry but i'm starting to get stressed over the idea of not being ready for christmas. I love making handmade gift , really, it's a pleasure to create something with a special person in mind and put all our heart in it but it's something that takes time. Since a lot of those i want to send something are oversea i must be ready early, very early december ....so2week to finish all my ideas....

As you can imagine that affect my reading time... either i  take a break from reading or i read short novella or i read bits from time to time between hiours of crafting.... honestly i'm not sure yet what solution would be the best because i do want to read but i also want top finish what i started!

Lucky you i did manage to read a little so far and i must sayi had the perfect book for the time of the year and lack of reading time so i'm happy to introduce you to "How to Date a Dragon"

happy reading ( and remember you can enter a contest to won handmade jewellery here^^ )
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication: 2013
ISBN:  1402275722
Genre: paranormal romance
Violence: mild

Language: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+
Source: won
 


Short description from goodreads :

 Let the Sparks Fly

Bliss Russo thought nothing exciting ever happened in her life. Until her building caught on fire, and she had to be carried out of the flames in the arms of a gorgeous fireman. Sure, her apartment is now in shambles, and she'll have to start her huge work project completely from scratch. But at least her love life is finally looking up…if only she can find her red-hot rescuer again.


Dragon shapeshifter Drake Cameron is the last of his clan, and the loneliness is starting to claw at him. He's met only one woman who might be able to stand the shock of his true nature. After all, she barely batted an eyelash when her home burned down. And feeling her curves against him was just as hot as the inferno. Just when he thinks he'll never track her down, she walks into his firehouse—with no idea what she's about to get herself into…

My opinion:
          Book 1 “ Flirting under the new moon” was a pleasant read so when I learned that book 2 will focus on dragon I had to try it. I’m happy I did,  it was not an exceptional book but it was the perfect one at the time.
There are some books I get so immersed in it I can’t stop until I finish reading them to the last page… other I don’t like and thus it takes me forever to finish them because I don’t want to give up but I’m not interested. “ How to Date a Dragon” was quite in between…. It was interesting enough that you want to finish it and you do enjoy reading but the plot and writing did not pull me into the story so that I could not take breaks I needed too…. But the author managed so well that even if you stop for a few hours or several days you can start from where you stopped without feeling like you missed something. It was a little like a tv show you need to wait the next episodes but without cliffhanger, stress etc…

I did enjoy this book more than the first one as well, it was a agreeable easy reads perfect for when you are busy or unwell but still want to change your mind with a good book. I appreciated to see a new god” Vulcain” and to see him interact with the characters for once. Honestly I stuill don’t like Gaia… I don’t know I envision her as maternal, kind and protective not like this vindictive b****( Yes  nature can be hard but deep down it’s fair)…the way she acted with dragons  disappointed me to say the least.
Because yes if you imagined you were going to read about dragon, flying in all their glory^^ forget it

Drake is a character I love, responsible, loyal and honest all while being very alpha and protective. He is also quite adaptable and can keep his calm when needed (useful for a firefighter). I loved how he was thinking of Bliss and trying to make her happy while still respecting her independence.
Bliss… I did not like her so much… she is snarky, intelligent but she can think of herself too much and put other in danger while doing so….for example  her choice did not agree with me ( she forgot her decision would affect Drake as well). She is quite determined though ( a good point)


 The romance is well told and I loved to have some feedback about the character we met in book 1. The rhythm of the book is regular and the plot interesting while still predictable so you don’t get headache but can enjoy the ride at the pace you want.

It’s not my favourite series at all but I would be happy to read book 3 in the future when I need a light read again.

Score:  3/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review


Challenges:

mardi 4 novembre 2014

Deadly, Calm, and Cold: Preorder giveaway! Win some handmade jewellery ( INT)

Hello to all!

 As book lover you know that there are some authors we would move the world  for to get the next book or to meet them...

Honestly as a blogger i don't know a lot of them yet but i'm quite a loyal reader so this time i decided to give back to an author for the kindness she showed me when she accepted to send me a copy of her book to review some years ago.

 If you follow the blog you know i love Suzanne Johnson series no matter if it's the Sentinel of New Orleans series or the ones she writes as Susannah Sandling The penton legacy or the Collectors.

On the 2nd december the second book of The Collectors series  " Deadly , Calm and Cold" will be released  and if you love comptemporary Thriller romance, story with  suspense you should not miss this one.

Book 1"Lovely, Dark and Deep" was first released as a serial before being available in paperback, this time the publisher went straight for the paperback format( and as addictive her writting is that's good news). You can see my review of it Here

However the time are hard and publishers can decide to stop series if it does not reach their expectations, no matter the quality. To avoid that happening to this series, the  pre orders will be extra important, so let show the publishers we need this series to continue!!

Pre order links:


The Kindle link for Amazon.com/US: 

The Kindle link for the UK:

For France:

For Germany:


To motivate some of you to give up and pre order already i decided to offer some jewellery i've made related to this book ( thus the blue^^). So far you can win either a ring or a bracelet ( sorry for the bad pictures) but if a lot of people enter i would be happy to create some more to add as prize so don't hesitate and participate. Let show Suzanne/ Susannah  how much we love her writing!

Condition: If less than 100 participants: 1 prize, if 100  2 winners ( one for ring, one for bracelet),  if a lot more more prize will be added. First winner gets first pick.  In case a gentleman were to win and have no care for  jewellery, i could try to make him a bookmark instead
Open to all until the release day ( december 2nd)




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck to all and thank you a lot for spreading the word! If you have any question don't hesitate!



dimanche 2 novembre 2014

Fabulous giveaway extended: enter the GGMMMU ( INT)

hello to all,

            Halloween is behind us but i have a fabulous news, because of low entries ( meaning you have more chance to win) Brenda from Crazy four Books is extending her Halloween event. You can now enter until the 10 November for the main one ( so you can find the answer to the questions;))

If you love paranormal romance and urban fantasy reads this even if for you! You can win print books, ebooks, swag and even some paypal credit.
The main giveaway has some international prizes ( yes even print books) and some restricted to Us only but fear not as much as possible Brenda is doing her giveaways open to all.

So please enter the event and spread the word about it, you won't regret it.

 for the main event of the  the Ghoulishly Good Monster Mash Mix Up or GGMMMU
you can enter for it Here:  main prize: a book of choice as long as it's paranormal or urban fantasy ( thus include one of the monster from teh event;) ) and under the established limit of price. You can also win print book like Shift happens by JC Mckenzie or the Necromancer betrayal by mimi Sebastian. All those are open to international ( YES!!)
US participants can also win Print copy of Shadows by Paula Westin or by Kelly Oram
Other prizes can be added before the giveaway close.


But it's not all.. while the main giveaways can make you salvate there are several smaller ones each focusing on one kind of monsters.. those are really interesting as well ( and.. INT) depending on teh day the prize differ but once again there are prints book, ebooks , swag and even paypal credit. Until the 3rd november  a new one will be posted each day so Hurry and may you be lucky

here is the non exhaustive list of the giveaways so you can pick the monster you are teh most interesting in ( but  i would recommend you to enter all those interesting you^^) 

Day 1 is dedicated to the beings with special abilities ( not witch,wizard  but "unclassified") -hey it starts well as the hunter in the Guild hunter series from Nalini Singh are entering this category ^^;; ( i will try to post a review for each monsters too^^)-

Back to the giveaway; today prize are ebooks: Dark Nebula from  WJ May or Being Jamie Baker by Kelly Oram . Open internationally you can ente rhere before the 26 October

Day 2Werewolves with the sponsoring of the author Kim Grosso!

The prize for this werewolves day giveaway is a ebook ( under 2,99) of your choice as long as it's a "wolf" story or an ebook of " Tristan's lyceum Wolves" by Kim Grosso, or an audiobook of Logan's acadian wolves by Kim Grosso or a Dimitri coffe mug... that means 4 winners in total and yes it's open to international so don't hesitate to enter Here before the 7november. Good Luck

Day 3: Djinns, Gargoyles and Dragons

3 differents creatures sharing today events, strange not so much in my opinion as i read a book where the 3 were included very recently^^;; so i can really see them having kind of friends meeting

For the lucky winner of day 3 prize: The choice of a ebook or print copy of Burn Baby Burn by Shannon Donnelly. Open to International!. Enter Here

Day 4: Vampires
Vampires day Prize is a gothic necklace offered by the author Elle Rossi. You can enter until the 3rd November and yes it's open to international. To participate enter Here

Day 5: Magic Users ( Witch, shamans, druids etc)
Win a ebook ( under 3dollars) of your choice. 2 winners, Int Open until: 5nov     enter Here

Day 6:  Shifters
 Interested by a 5dollars gift card from amazon?  Enter today giveaway at  Brenda's blog " Crazy Four Books" before the 10th november   Here  , it's open to international
Prize sponsorised by J C Mckenzie who has also a interview  there for you to enjoy, go have a look.

Day 7: Elementals
Today you get the opportunity to enter 2 different giveaways ( aside from the main one) you can enter to win  " Liquid Lies" ebook from Hanna Martine Here before the 4th november

AND for Time travelers lovers you can win a ebook of  Enemy of mine from author Red L Jameson, it's international and you can enter until the 4th november. Don't hesitate the entries are low so hurry and participate Here

Day 8 Gods, goddesses and such

If you love mythology or any origin this is teh perfect day to visit Brenda's blog and see the suggested titles hindu, Norse, Irish/celtic, egyptian etc there is a little for everyone in the paranormal stories featuring Gods, goddesses and similars

And since Brenda and the authors are generous you have two prizes for today!
You can win either a copy of Prophecy by Julie Ann Lindsey or Enemy of Mine by Red L Jameson ( yes second opportunity to do so^^). International you can enter before 5 th november here

Day 9 Of Air and Sea

I did not think the event could get even better but it is!!! You love Mermaid? Sirens are tempting you or perhaps you prefer harpy? If your wish is a creature/ monster from the air or the sea today is one not to be missed on Brenda.

Aside from fabulous interviews ( really funny one) you have the opportunity to grab one of the several prizes available : for fan of JC McKenzie you can win a print copy  ( i WANT!!) but also a digital one from " The Shucker's Booktique" if you prefer alien you can win Cato in digital book from Celeste Prater ( steamy reads but so good written ( see my review of book 1 )
You don't have to hesitate enter Here before 6th november, international entries accepted


Day 10 Ghosts,Ghouls, golems, Zombies and necromancers

Today is special because you have two prize to get but it will require some imagination on your part for the firstone.
Chrissy Peebles, advocat of the zombies in this event, is offering you the opportunity to win 10dollars paypal  to win you have to finish the big fight scene she started in her interview. To see the rules and participate enter here ( the sooner the better^^)

Jessica Aspen has taken the side of the ghosts and she is offering an ecopy of  "Ghosts of Christmas", you can enter until the 7th November! you only have to comment and enter here


Day 11 Witches and an empath

Today you can win the full set ( in ecopies) of the Beloved Vampire series from Mary Moriarty. You can enter Here until the 8th November. International ( and for our US friends, you can also grab a copy ( print?) in the main giveaway )

Day 12: Angels & Demons

If you love angels stories  or prefers demons ones,  today is your day in the GGMMMU event.

If you enter today's giveaway you can win a ecopy of Ascension by AS Fenichel ( INT)  or some swag from Angelique Armae if you live in the USA or Canada.
You can enter Here until the 10th November

Day 13 Day of the Deads and All Souls day

For today celebration you can win a ecopy of Dream weaver by Su Williams from the same author you can also win ecopy of Rock star and one of Breaking Normal. In the pot you can also find a ecopy of Keeper's Curse by Diana Harrison for oen lucky winner. To be one of the 4 winners of this giveaway you can enter Here before the 10th november. INT

Day 14 : Trolls, gnomes, dwarves, elves and goblins and fairies

Faeries are not forgotten no matter which form they takes so in their honor today you can win a gift card of 5dollars on amazon or a faeries book of teh same or lesser value. You have until 11th November to enter Here

As you can see the smaller giveaways are supposed, for somes,  to close before the main one so hurry (because if not a lot of entry they could be cancelled so let help to make one of us very happy)
Take also a few minutes to thanks the authors for their generosity and participation


Enter as many as you can and may be fate be in your favor ^^

Pushed by Marisa Cleveland

Hello to all,

            October is behind us and it means i'm behind in my crafting schedule, i will have to do better. On teh reading side... november is the month when we remember to say what we are thankfull for, when we remember to tell people what they did for us.... i don't think it should be done only once a year so i do try to do it each time but  this month help.

This is the reason of the choice for the first book i'm giving you my opinion on this month... to say thank you also. I met the author via a blog tour stop and she very kindly reacted to what i commented.. offering me more pleasure that i could have hoped for. That gesture simply deserved a big thanks and it does not impact my review of the book at all.... but i also have to says thanks for teh book itself as it was a wonderful one.

( on the little side not it also fit the GGMMMU event by Brenad^^ so remember to check it as well)

Happy reading
Publisher:  Simeris Alliance
Publication: 2013
ISBN:  B00HX8UB9W
Genre: paranormal romance
Violence: mild

Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+
Source: gifted


Short description from goodreads :

 Time is not on everyone’s side…

Mortal mess-up Lucy Markson makes one tiny miscalculation and her soul ends up belonging to an evil demon. Forced to serve the newly Fallen angels recruited by her master, she must take one of the Fallen through the seven deadly sins.

Fallen angel Sawyer Succendo didn’t jump from heaven. He was pushed. And now he’s lost everything, including his halo – which contains his earthbound soul.

In a race with an evil demon to claim his lost halo, Sawyer must trust a woman designed for sin – literally. Learning the true power of free will, Sawyer just might save them both, if he can keep his mind on the plan and his hands to himself.


But if he can’t find his halo and save the girl, then he’ll be grounded forever.

My opinion:
          Fantastic novella , really I loved it  because while it’s short it feels complete and you grasp the universe immediately… however, aside from the writing, the story in itself is simply too good: full of faith, love and hope so that you are left smiling and ready to see what tomorrow will be.

It’s a paranormal romance of course ,not a preaching book don’t fear,  but  I liked the message I could see, was it  one of the author’s purpose or not. We see angels who think the grass is greener elsewhere and decided to give up their angelic power to a demon to experience human pleasures…. I though I was really adequate for once to see them in that position (after all we are made on the same patterns ;) )  However one, Sawyer, didn’t choose to come on earth, he was pushed. The shock for him is big as you can imagine.

Confronted like the others to the seven sins via Lucy, a mortal who got into the demon hands, he is determined to get back his halo, his soul, and he wants to stay true to his maker. Like for us, resisting isn’t that easy but what surprises him the most is his attraction for Lucy.

 I won’t say more to avoid spoilers but let say that I love the idea that nothing happen without reason and I told you this one a hopeful, loving story so really don’t fear taking this one. I must say though that while this story is complete (for Sawyer and Lucy) I really hope for me not that it would be a necessity but simply it’s a universe I really would love to immerse myself again.

And if you don’t like reading about angel and demons because you are not at ease with that topic let me tell you that this one didn’t clash with my beliefs nor did they tampered with them. You can read it without worry it’s a paranormal romance worth the discovery



Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review


Challenge: